Acts of the Apostles 19:14-16 NLT Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest, were doing this. But one time when they tried it, the evil spirit replied, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” Then the man with the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them, and attacked them with such violence that they fled from the house, naked and battered.

Good morning and praise God. I hope you're still born again and blessed. Hallelujah. Let's pray: LORD Jesus, we thank you for your grace and mercies this morning. Thank you for gifting us an opportunity to know you and making us children of Most High God. Speak to us we pray. Amen. Long ago in a mission we entered a house that had a lady whose age I can't recall as it ended in a fight and a flight. We were young missionaries from campus. Before we shared the word, she offered us food. One us waited when she was picking something and suggested we only eat after she had given us opportunity to share God's Word and prayed. I don't remember well if I had already taken a spoonful of food already as I was hungry after walking distances on the slopes of aberdares. One of us shared short scriptures and we then began to pray. My friend, the room became frankly a real chaotic battle field as all of us sudden the woman began chanting and walking towards the door to close us in. We were praying harder but that seemed to have shaken the ground and woken up some strong demons in the woman. I held the door strong and three of us escaped unscathed. I hope she later got delivered. Our verse today is about seven sons of a fake priest who found it fun to drive out demons in the name of Jesus Christ and of Paul but they their father didn't have relationship with Jesus nor God. They were doing this for personal fame. This was until this day when they met this demon that decided to verify their integrity and authority as God's children. The demon was clear that it knew who Jesus was and who Paul was but their identity that would give them authority to drive demons was unknown. The demon battered them smoothly and squarely and they left that house naked! What is your identity? One time Jesus' disciples were happy that they would do miracles and drive demons but Jesus' answer was simple -- be more happy that your names are written in the book of life. Is your name written in the book of life? Today's lesson is a reminder that our identity in Christ is our power and it is the most important thing to get than that miracle you are waiting for or that great thing you did yesterday in Church. It is also a reminder that you need to have a clear identity with Jesus Christ himself to win spiritual battles. My dear, the Bible is clear in Ephesians 6:10-13 "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. " Be fully armoured with God's armor as a faithful soldier of Christ. Your power is in no other name but the name of Jesus Christ who saved you. God loves you, have a blessed day and week ahead. Shalom. Shalom.