“After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come” (Luke 10:1).
Some would say that casting out devils, and laying hands on the sick was just for the 12 disciples. However, this Scripture said that he sent seventy more disciples.
And He told them in verse five, “Whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.” In other words, “Shalom in this house,” which means there should be nothing missing and nothing broken.
When I do a home visit, the first thing I do is declare peace in that house. You see, I’m not there because I am the pastor, or because I am Keith Butler, and it’s not because I have the title “Bishop” in front of my name. No. I declare peace in that home because I am a believer who has been given the authority to do so in the name of Jesus.
God’s Word tells us to come and announce peace in whatsoever house we enter. And when we do so, in the name of Jesus, demons start lacing up their shoes to leave.
The same is true when we pray for one another. When we lay hands on someone, the demon, who had him or her bound knows he has to go because here comes the power. They are not afraid of me, nor are they afraid of you. They are afraid of the anointing of the Holy Ghost that’s on every believer.
Don’t you know the devil remembers when the Holy Ghost came into the very pit of hell and energized Jesus? It was the greatest beating Satan has ever had and He doesn’t want anything to do with that Holy Ghost that is on you.
The Scripture plainly says, “Whatsoever house you go into….” Well, you can start first by walking in authority in your own house. That’s right, declare peace over your house, but don’t stop there. Go to somebody else’s house. You have authority to run the devil off your block, and out of your city.
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (see 1 John 3:8). The word “destroy” means to break the power of or paralyze. Well, that’s why Jesus came and that’s also why He gave us spiritual authority so that we can render the devil useless.
So declare God’s Word over every situation, and know that God has given you spiritual authority to send demons packing.
Scripture References: Luke 10:1-10; Titus 2:15
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Keith Butler has been an ordained minister since 1974. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and holds diplomas from Canada Christian College and Rhema Bible Training Center.
He serves in ministry with the support of his lovely wife, Pastor Deborah L. Butler, and their children: Pastor Andre Butler (granddaughters Alexis, Angela, and April), Pastor MiChelle Ferguson and husband Pastor Lee (grandson Lucas), and Minister Kristina Jenkins and husband Pastor Joel (grandsons Andrew and Austin, and granddaughter Alyssa).