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Unstoppable! 'At War with Evil' — Acts 8:9-13 Thursday, April 25, 2024 A man named Simon had been a sorcerer [in the city] for many years, amazing the people of Samaria and claiming to be someone great. Everyone, from the least to the greatest, often spoke of him as "the Great One — the Power of God." They listened closely to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his magic. But now the people believed Philip's message of Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. As a result, many men and women were baptized. Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed. — Acts 8:9-13 NLT Key Thought Jesus and the early church leaders knew not to dabble or play with anything from the occult. Fascination with the demonic world connected people to the power of real evil. Jesus and his disciples opposed wickedness, cast out demons, and worked to free people held in bondage by the power of the devil and his minions. We must avoid the demonic and the very appearance of things associated with demons and evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). Jesus delivered us from the power of this darkness by his sacrifice. We must not dabble in darkness or invite darkness home to ourselves and those we love! Instead, we must follow Paul's admonition to the Philippians: Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me... (Philippians 4:8-9) TODAY'S PRAYER O God, forgive us for dabbling in things that pull our hearts toward evil. Cleanse us from sin and purify us with your Spirit so that our hearts desire what is pure, holy, just, righteous, and lovely. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. RELATED SCRIPTURE READINGS Ephesians 6:10-12; Colossians 1:9-14 1 Thessalonians 5:19-24