Do you know that it is not all conversations that you should involve yourself: while some are good and beneficial some others are destructive or evil, and must be avoided.
I remember how a simple conversation ended up to be a deliverance session. As I conversed with the person teaching her how to pray using the Word of God, she began to feel hot and complained to me saying: ‘father this place is hot’. I made several attempts as we conversed asking her if she needed a hand fan, but at last she bursted: Stop father! Stop talking! The more you talk, the more fire surrounds your body and the more I feel hot. And then the demon in her manifested…
Do you know some conversation invites God’s presence, while some others don’t or can even bewitch you? If you are in doubt read slowly…
Luke 24:35-48
The disciples told their story of what had happened on the road and how they had recognised Jesus at the breaking of bread. They were still talking about all this when Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you!’ In a state of alarm and fright, they thought they were seeing a ghost. But he said, ‘Why are you so agitated, and why are these doubts rising in your hearts? Look at my hands and feet; yes, it is I indeed. Touch me and see for yourselves; a ghost has no flesh and bones as you can see I have.’ And as he said this he showed them his hands and feet. Their joy was so great that they still could not believe it, and they stood there dumbfounded…
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
1. The two disciples who experienced the resurrected Christ on their way to Emmaus had a conversation with other disciples that invited the presence of Jesus again. The bible says: They were still talking about all this when Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you!’ Remember in their first experience, the same thing happened: as they conversed about the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus, Christ appeared and journeyed with them, even though they didn’t recognise him at first but eventually did at the breaking of bread (Lk 24:30-32)
2. The Power and Effect of every conversation lies in the subject of that gathering or discussion. If the subject of your conversation is good, the fruits shall be good not only to you but others around you as well. But if it is evil it will surely yield nothing but evil with its devastating consequences. Like the experience of the disciples, we remember the conversation between Mary and Elizabeth. Since the subject of that visitation and conversation was good (Jesus). The Bible says immediately Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, She was filled with Holy Spirit and the child in her womb (John the Baptist) leapt for Joy (Lk 1:41-44). Jesus himself says: where two or three are gathered together in my name I will be there with them (Matt 18:19-20)
3. Just as good conversations invites God’s presence, evil conversations not only invites the devil, but can bewitch someone or be used to manipulate someone. Evil persons can even hijack a good conversations or gatherings, and manipulate the congregants for their evil ends. Does this sound weird? Now listen. Peter while addressing the People on Pentecost day said:
‘Now I know, brothers, that neither you nor your leaders had any idea what you were really doing; this was the way God carried out what he had foretold, when he said through all his prophets that his Christ would suffer. Now you must repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.’ (Acts 3:17-19)
Here Peter made it clear that those who killed Jesus (together with their supporters) were under delusion! Yes, they did not know what they were doing. Even Christ, while on the cross said the same when he prayed: Father forgive them, they do not know what they are doing (Lk 23:34). Their delusion is a result of evil conversations held in secret gatherings!
4. And so be careful of every conversation you engage in. Be careful and stay alert in prayer. For not all who gather have congregated with good intentions. While some are there for good, some others are there to deceive, manipulate or use even your own contributions against you! Yes you heard me well. Stay alert in prayer and good works that you presence in every conversation will bring the light of Jesus Christ that dispels every darkness and expose every evil.
TASK: Enter every conversation this week with good intentions, love and peace and see good things and favours coming your way.
Pray now: Oh Lord as I engage in conversations daily with others help me to make useful and meaningful contributions: the ones that edify my hearers and not insult them. I unite my voice with your voice which is full of power and splendour (Ps 29:4) that my hearers be empowered by my contributions. I unite my thoughts with your thoughts which is for good and not for destruction (Jer 29:11). Finally I take control of every conversation I enter with anyone, the environment, means of communication and every person involved: I stand against every plot to be manipulated, bewitched or induced with evil ideas or thoughts because you created me and placed me over all the works of your hands; and you put all things under my foot (Ps 8:6). I close the eyes of my mind to every evil post, comments, word, picture or video that will destroy my purpose, but I open up to the power of your grace from every element of creation around me, in Jesus name. Amen.
Amen!!!
I say Amen to your prayers. God bless you
Awesome and wonderful
God Bless you Michael for your reviews.
Amen
Lord take control of every words that comes out of my mouth. AMEN.