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Wednesday, July 9, 1997

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Genesis 41:55-57; 42:5-7, 17-24
Psalm 33
Matthew 10:1-7

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hell on earth

Jesus "summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority to expel unclean spirits and to cure sickness and disease of every kind." —Matthew 10:1

In our secularized times, many Christians are so confused they deny or question the existence or activity of the devil. Their confusion permits the devil to get away with murder, lust, greed, perversion, etc. He has also been able to mass-produce his perversities through mass media, especially TV. The combination of these factors results in a dramatic increase in demonic activity not only in pagan lands but even in Christian areas. We have let the devil become very active in almost every aspect of life. We've given him opportunities he may not have had for centuries.

Before the devil even further develops his hell on earth, we must reclaim our society for Jesus by attacking the gates of hell (Mt 16:18), commanding Satan to leave (Mk 16:17), disarming and despoiling him (Lk 11:22), and bringing down all his strongholds (2 Cor 10:4). We should make a public spectacle of Satan (Col 2:15) and quickly crush him under our feet (Rm 16:20). If we are under Jesus' authority, we are in authority over the evil one. Use your God-given authority. In Jesus' name, say: "Away with you, Satan!" (Mt 4:10)

Prayer:  Father, in Your name I "destroy the devil's works" (1 Jn 3:8) and will change the "culture of death" into a "civilization of love."

Promise:  "The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him, upon those who hope for His kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine." —Ps 33:18-19

Praise:  Neighborhood churches gathered together to hold prayer meetings in the streets of their neighborhood.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, November 12, 1996


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 10, 1996