“But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand.” ~ Act 28:3
REFERENCE:
Paul had a strange encounter with a viper (a highly venomous snake) on the Island of Malta. Upon exposing a bundle of sticks to a fire, a viper fastened itself on Paul’s hand, injecting venom into him. Venom is a poisonous substance secreted by animals such as snakes, spiders, and scorpions, injected into prey or aggressors by biting or stinging. Figuratively, ‘venom’ is extreme malice and bitterness shown in someone’s attitudes, speech, or actions.”
‘Venom’ is satan-inspired words spoken by people who influence you, and the target is your heart. David saw the power of such tongues and negative words when he said, “They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; the poison of asps is under their lips.” Venomous words hurt and strip one of dignity. They aim to discredit your person and take away your testimony.
Vipers are venomous; they have long, hinged fangs that penetrate deeply to inject their venom. Doesn’t that describe some people? While Nehemiah rebuilt Jerusalem’s walls, the viper came as Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. They injected their venom into Nehemiah through malicious rumors and lies, but he shook them off like Paul did the viper through prayers and focus.
Shake off that Viper! The only sure way of getting rid of the viper is to stir up your spiritual life, be strong in the Lord, and pursue the vision and purpose of God for your life. Shake off every weight that keeps you down so you can run the race set before you with endurance. When there’s a viper around you, shake it off; do not let it wind around you and stay with you. Don’t let the lies, rumors, and slanders of detractors stop you; shake it off!
As a believer in Jesus, you have the authority to pick up vipers, and they shall not hurt you. You can trample on serpents and scorpions and over all the enemy’s power, and nothing shall injure you by any means. It doesn’t matter what anyone has said about or against you; God is the one who exalts and lifts, and HE is the one who kills and makes you alive. It is what God says about you that matters. Don’t let the venom in; shake off that viper!
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
Job 5:21, Romans 3:13-14 & Psalms 140:1-3
PRAYER POINTS + Father, protect me from the scourge of men's tongues. They shall not prosper against me. + I condemn every venomous tongue speaking against my destiny, family,, and all that concerns me. + Generate fire by praying in the spirit.
