WHO LIVES IN YOUR “HOUSE”?

“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

But when the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it roams through dry [arid] places in search of rest, but it does not find any. 44 Then it says, I will go back to my house from which I came out. And when it arrives, it finds the place unoccupied, swept, put in order, and decorated. 45 Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and make their home there. And the last condition of that man becomes worse than the first. So also shall it be with this wicked generation. Matthew 12:43-45 AMP

A person is like a house. If God does not live in your “house” and if you give place to the devil in your life, it is possible that a demon could take up residence in your “house.” If a person has a demon living in their “house” and he is cast out, in the Name of Jesus, he must leave and wander through dry places. Destruction and devastation follow demons everywhere they go. If they get into your “house” they will inevitably make a huge mess of it. After the devil is cast out, in the Name of Jesus, the Lord cleans your “house” up – it is swept, put in order, and decorated – but it is very important for you to immediately invite Jesus to live in your heart. You cannot leave your “house” empty because eventually the demon will decide to try to come back to his “house.” When he sees that it is cleaned up, but empty, not only will he move back in, but he will bring in seven spirits, more wicked than himself, and you will be in a much worse condition than you were before you were delivered.

If you want to remain free there are a few things you can do. Receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, renew your mind to the word of God, and allow the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Allow God to occupy your house so that the devil can’t move in. You need to submit yourself to the Lord so that you will be able to resist the devil (James 4:7).

I appeal to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. Romans 12:1-2 AMP

You need to offer yourself as a living sacrifice to the Lord so that He can do a cleansing work in your heart and mind. Don’t be conformed to this world’s system. Allow God, by His word and His Spirit, to transform you as your mind is renewed to His principles that bring life and liberty. This is God’s will for you.

For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will imprint My laws upon their minds, even upon their innermost thoughts and understanding, and engrave them upon their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Hebrews 8:10 AMP

God wants to imprint His laws on your mind and engrave them upon your heart.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 26 So that He might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the Word, 27 That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless]. Ephesians 5:25-27 AMP

The water of God’s word washes you clean of every trace of the world’s junk and the devil’s junk. If you want to be free – fill yourself up with God’s word. God’s word is your protection and your victory!

So this I say and solemnly testify in [the name of] the Lord [as in His presence], that you must no longer live as the heathen (the Gentiles) do in their perverseness [in the folly, vanity, and emptiness of their souls and the futility] of their minds. Ephesians 4:17 AMP

Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; 23 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], 24 And put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness. Ephesians 4:22-24 AMP

The souls of the heathen are empty and their minds are lifeless. If you will strip yourself of your old nature and walk fully in your new nature, when the demon comes back he will find your “house” full of Jesus and full of life and activity. There will be no place for Him or his filthy buddies. He will have to leave and go look somewhere else for some other “house” to move into!