Dad's Ramblings -- "Second-Hand"

"Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, 'We exorcize you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.'  Also there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish priest who did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, 'Jesus I know and Paul I know, but who are you?' Then the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of the house naked and wounded."
 
                                                                      Acts 17:13-16
 
These exorcists failed in their undertaking because they were copying Paul, but had no spiritual authority themselves. In spiritual things, it takes a personal connection with God – not a second-hand experience. I have observed churches tying to copy the ministries of other successful churches, only to fail because they did not have a personal mandate from God. Worse yet, I have known people who rely on a godly spouse, parent or grandparent for their spiritual standing – "My grandpa was a preacher." To live a powerful, victorious Christian life requires a first-hand experience with the living God.
 
Today's Thought: Spiritual authority is derived from personal relationship with God – not a second-hand experience.
 
Have a "first-hand" day. Love you.