July 1, 2026
- djohnstoncc
- Jul 1
- 3 min read
TRUE SPIRITUAL AUTHORITY
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” “Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning! Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you.”
Luke 10:17-19 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
It is fascinating to note that Jesus gave His followers authority over demonic spirits and “over all the power of the enemy,” yet there is no record of the disciples ever asking for this power. It was simply given.
In our own spiritual warfare, we must realize that true spiritual authority is not something we can manufacture or summon on our own. Instead, it is the direct result of three things working together in our lives:
1. Spending Time with Jesus
Our spiritual authority doesn't come from reading a book or listening to a podcast; it comes solely from a deep, personal connection with Jesus.
Jesus reminded us of this using the imagery of agriculture: He is the vine, and we are the branches. He made it clear that apart from Him, we can do absolutely nothing (John 15:5), but when we abide in Him, our prayers carry immense weight (John 15:7). It is our daily connection to Christ that allows His supernatural authority to flow through our lives.
2. Living in Deep Humility
The Apostle James outlines a strict spiritual law: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:6-7).
Notice the order: humility before resistance. This is the unchanging pattern of the Holy Spirit. He requires a humble human vessel. Tragically, I have witnessed people who were greatly used by God become proud of the work being done through them, only for the spiritual anointing to stop flowing. God will not share His glory with our pride.
3. Walking in Holy Confidence
At first glance, this might seem to contradict the call to humility, but true humility and bold confidence are partners. There is a world of difference between being confident and being cocky.
Our confidence is not rooted in our own wisdom, talent, or personality. We are confident because “greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). We can stand boldly because we know that “every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith” (1 John 5:4). We are humble about who we are, but entirely confident in who He is.
Personal Application Questions:
Am I consistently lingering in the presence of Jesus? Am I disciplined enough to shut out the noise of the world and focus intentionally on His Word, worship, and prayer? Authority flows from intimacy.
Is my heart truly humble before God and others? Do I find myself slipping into self-promotion or constantly steering conversations toward my own achievements?
Am I operating in holy confidence, or am I letting fear shrink me? Am I fully trusting in God’s ability to work through me, despite my human limitations?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, I desire for You to move powerfully in and through my life. Help me to be disciplined in guarding my quiet time with You. Search my heart and expose any hidden areas of pride that need to be laid at Your altar. At the same time, I ask You to break any spirit of inferiority or insecurity that tries to silence Your work through me. Fill me with Your humble boldness today. Amen
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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