Acts 24:24‑27 (27)
Peer pressure is defined by Dictionary.com as social pressure by members of one’s peer group to take a certain action, adopt certain values, or otherwise conform in order to be accepted. It exists for all ages. By itself it is neither negative or positive. In study after study of adolescents, however, peer pressure is connected to at-risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking, truancy, drug use, sexual activity, fighting, shoplifting, and daredevil stunts. Peer pressure may cause one person to strive to achieve excellence in the work place while it will bring another to embezzle funds from their company or become involved in an illicit affair with a co-worker. White collar, blue collar, clergy collar, or dirty collar, it makes no difference. People are influenced by others. We all have choices to make. Whether you are Pontius Pilate, Felix, or Miss. California Carrie PreJean you will face pressure from friend and foe to make decisions for which you alone will be responsible. Knowing that we are vulnerable because of the opinions of significant people it underscores the importance of the careful choice of influencers in our lives. Proverbs 12:26 says that, “A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.â€
by Dr. Gayle Woods
Mark 5:8-14
Her possession probably resulted from attendance at seances, drug usage and an insatiable interest in rock music. She carved tattoos into her flesh with a knife. She drew pictures depicting suicide, death and horror. Her favorite topics of conversation were those dealing with the macabre. At times she was charming, docile and sweet. At other times her possession was evident to all who knew her well. Counseling sessions and the prayers of many friends seemed ineffective. Her parents were at the point of despair.
For quite some time a small group had been praying and fasting for her. They read much about possession and exorcism. Finally, they decided it was time to do spiritual battle. They gathered at her home to pray. Her closest friend persuaded her to come out of her room. Those on their knees pled the blood for their own protection. They commanded the demons in Jesus name to state their identity. One by one the demons gave their names. As long as each demon was present and resisting, the girl could not bear to have the Bible touch her. Each time a demon departed she was temporarily at peace and the Bible rested on her with no resistance.
This warfare continued throughout the night until finally no more demons declared their presence. There was now no more resistance to the touch of the Bible. Immediately the prayer group led the girl to pray for her salvation. It was important that she be forgiven of her sinfulness.
Only through the power of God can people be delivered from sin. Whether it be the smallest sin or the greatest possession, deliverance only comes through Jesus.
Dr. Gayle Woods
