But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Gal 5:22-25 As we continue in our journey in this life as a believer; there is nothing as important as learning to walk in the abiding presence of the Lord, and to know His presence in our life. Anything that is done in this life is pointless and futile; unless God is in it. Moses made this clear when he said to the Lord in prayer "unless your presence goes before us; we will not go." Ex. 33:12-16
As a new believer; when I looked back at the path I'd left behind me, I was ashamed of the life I'd lived so far. I'd become a hard, cynical, manipulating person who would stoop to almost anything to get my own way. I had reaped many of the seeds I'd sown already in sorrow, and a failed marriage; and the one I was in on shaky ground too. I had many memories of things I'd done and said that brought pain and heartache to the people in my family, and relationships with other's. As a new Christian, the Holy Spirit clearly revealed myself to me; and the consequences of my choices. He made it clear to me it was up to me if I really wanted to change; and as I studied the Word of God; it peeled off the layers of sin and deception that had developed in my life. I needed and wanted His conviction, and correction. Simple honesty is necessary in a meaningful relationship with God; he already knows us; He sets about to reveal ourselves to us, and many times it is painful to see how deceitful we really are. It is His cleansing blood, his forgiveness and mercy, and His power to change our hearts that brings lasting change; and redemption. However, the more you desire to walk with Jesus, you will find the more the world will not agree with you, or accept you, as Jesus teaches us. But, that's another teaching. Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus is our example of what it looks like to follow the Holy Spirit as He leads. The disciples, watched Jesus and learned, as they were moved by the Spirit thru the scriptures. As Jesus walked among the people the most important characteristic in the healings and workings of miracles he performed was how the scriptures speak of him being "moved with compassion", as he touched and healed those who came to him. Matt. 11:28-30, Mark 9:22, Luke 7:13,14, Matt. 15:32 The fruit of the Spirit develops: ⦁ Love and compassion is the predominate power behind the manifestations of the Spirit ⦁ The evidence of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit is- peace, power, holiness, supernatural faith; regardless of the circumstances. Sympathy is an emotion of pity and is passive, but compassion causes action to change the situation. ⦁ Someone walking in the abiding presence of God will manifest an unshakable presence of peace and love; even for; and in the midst of their enemies. Ex. Paul and Silas had compassion on the jailor who held them; who became afraid when the earthquake freed them. Acts 16:25-28 ⦁ Life or death will not affect them; as Paul said "whether we live or die, we are the Lord's". The enemy has no power over anyone walking in such faith. ⦁ Our Actions and Behaviour Will Always Lead To Love and Restoration- Scripture tells us "Love works no ill toward it neighbor", and is the fullfillment of the law. Someone walking in the Spirit exhibits the fruits of the Spirit, and never desires evil toward another. Rom. 13:10, Rom. 14:19 Characteristics of Being Led By the Spirit ⦁ Being Led By the Spirit in One Day Increments- There is great relief to the soul when we finally realize the truth of Jesus teaching to not worry about tomorrow. Only be concerned about being obedient to Him in the things he's called us to do today. Obedience to the known will of God is necessary to have an open door relationship with the Lord. ⦁ It is Crucial to live in peace with people; as much as possible- Strife kills anointing; and it brings a breach in our walk with the Lord. I guard my soul in this area the most; because the devil knows that if I'm in strife with someone it will hinder my walk with the Lord. If I allow it to continue; the presence of the Lord will lift off of me. We don't have to agree with everyone to live in peace with them; learn when to keep quiet, and when to walk away from a bad relationship if necessary. ⦁ Prayer; Worship; and Quiet time is crucial- The more you spend time with someone; the more you know them. When we come away with the Lord alone; it is there we will find Him coming to us; and revealing Himself to us in very special ways. Satan will do everything He can to distract us, draw us into everything that seems more important. I find it difficult to communicate how important it is to come away and be alone with Jesus; if you make up your mind to commit time to Him; you will not be disappointed. He WILL MAKE HIMSELF KNOWN TO YOU; IF YOU ARE PERSISTANT; AND DON'T GIVE UP. When you feel dry and dead in your spirit (we all do at times) be honest with him about this; This is the very time when your honesty will pay off. Tell him you need the Holy Spirit to pour His love and presence into you; that you have nothing of yourself to offer; because THIS IS REALLY THE TRUTH. God loves this kind of honesty; and you will find that His presence will rest upon you; and you will know it. ⦁ Desire is the fuel that brings us into His Presence- The more we experience His presence; the more we are drawn to Him. It does come to the place that we would rather be with Him, than anyone else. He is like a magnet of Love. Once you've experienced what it's like to have a dialogue with the King of the Universe, nothing else will be able to compare to it. If the world wants nothing to do with you, it doesn't mean your nothing to the Lord-His company, is more precious than diamonds, or any other person in this world. ⦁ The Gifts and Manifestations of the Glory of God Come From The Abiding Presence- In the book of Acts we see the disciples as they are moved by the Holy Ghost; they called on him in every situation; every moment, and depended on Him in their service to the Lord. Miracles, and healings took place as they walked in obediance. They took Jesus with them everywhere they went. ⦁ The Presence of God is Evident When There is No Fear- Someone walking in the presence of the Lord will have a fearlessness, and conviction in their life. Their stand for God will be solid, no matter what the cost. People filled with the Holy Spirit know the truth of Paul's words: 2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. ⦁ We Will Only Know God To The Degree That We Know His Word- Someone who has an abiding presence of God will be a student of the bible; there is no other way to know the character and person of God. ⦁ Humility- a spirit of meekness, willing to be corrected or disagreed with. Even when we are right on an issue; it is better to let a thing go than to let strife and irritation build in our souls. I've had to learn this is important; peace is what I seek after at all cost. If I see someone doing or saying something I know is wrong; prayer is the key. God can change the situation without me saying a word. If it does become necessary to say something; I've learned to have it be as simple and short as possible; then leave it to God. If it's clear the person isn't willing to hear anything from you, heed your discernment-and leave them to themselves. Don't let them destroy the peace in your life. Once we've experienced the manifest presence of God, and known what it is like to be led by His Spirit; we will never be satisfied with less in our lives. But, it is a process; and there are pitfalls and trials we will encounter along the way. ⦁ Don't Try To Fake the Abiding Presence of God, It Never Works- When we are feeling very "human", dry and like the Holy Spirit is miles away....don't try to muster up a fake anointing; if you do the Lord's presence will go even farther away. The Lord hates phoniness. Be honest about our weaknesses. Any anointing we walk in comes from Him and Him alone. ⦁ Pride kills Anointing- I've learned to go to the Lord on a regular basis, and ask Him to reveal to me where I've allowed pride or wrong motives to creep in, this is another very dangerous thing that Satan uses all the time. We become puffed up, and thinking we are "somebody", when as Paul says "we are nothing." And, as Jesus says; "Apart from Me, you can do nothing." Note: We can learn the bible front and back; and become a leader in the church, a pastor, minister; but it means nothing to God unless it is the position we were called into by Him; and if we are doing the work out of love for Him, not out of obligation or recognition. Our status is not important to Him; he isn't moved by our accomplishments; He is interested in one thing; our hearts, and walking in obedience to His will. Matt. 5:9, Heb. 12:14 Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Heb 12:14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: ⦁ Bad relationships with ungodly people- If we continue to allow shallow people who live in sin to be in our company for long periods; they will affect our lives. Our decisions are affected, and the depth of our obediance to the Lord. Sometimes we have to make up our minds to keep some people at arms length in order to maintain our closeness to the Lord. We can have as close a relationship with Him as we really want; it is a choice. 11thess. 3:7-14, 1Cor. 5:9-11-13, ⦁ Unrepentant Sin Kills Anointing- When someone is in a sin, there may be an outward show of holiness, but there will be a shallowness, and a lack of conviction for the Word of God in their life. One of the signs of this is someone who does not emphasise the importance of salvation in Christ; and His shed blood as our covering from sin. Someone who is in sin will avoid these topics. Compromize will also be evident. Saul is a good example of this. Jealousy, envy, pride drives the Holy Spirit away. ⦁ Lack of integrity; dishonesty-God watches our daily walk, how we treat people, if we are honest in our dealings and business, in our work. It affects our walk with Him. ⦁ Holiness- Holiness is an acquired desire. Our flesh naturally resists it. We have many a battle with the flesh for the things it desires. But, over time; walking in prayer, and seeking God's face; and experiencing His presence at deeper levels causes you to desire Him more than anything else. His presence is worth anything we may struggle with to let go of. I can testify to this. There is nothing more important in life than to be at peace with God, and man. Walking in the peace and love of Christ brings us in proper balance and our life becomes worth living. As we pursue His presence, and seek His will for our lives; He gives us purpose, establishes our souls, and stabilizes our hearts. When Jesus was sent by the Father to the earth; it was to accomplish the eternal purpose of our redemption. They were in perfect agreement together in this plan. When Jesus came, he submitted himself to all the Father allowed in his life; including the sufferings and trials; to accomplish the goal set before him. Jesus made the statement that he did nothing unless He knew it was of the Father's will. Remember; it was the Spirit of God that led Jesus into the wilderness, to be tempted 40 days and nights, by the devil." Sometimes being led by the Spirit means great trials; but for great eternal purposes. In the same way; when we become born again, our life changes to the same degree. Now we are on the road to eternity, and the Father is the one who we submit to in order to accomplish the eternal purpose we were sent here for. We are here for specific reason's, and God has important goals for each of us; including the people set before us to witness to, and affect. As we continue to walk in obedience; doing the best we can day by day; our vision for God's will in our lives becomes clearer, and many demonic strongholds are broken. It is the combination of the Word of God, walking in obedience, and committing our lives to Christ that brings stability, and His eternal perspective to us. As we continue to walk with Him; our lives become centered on His will, and His desires for us. Then, as our souls continue to grow; service to other's becomes more important than grabbing and getting for ourselves. His Spirit causes us to reach out to other's in need; it is His Spirit growing in us that plants the desire to lift someone else up; just as we have been. The more we yield to His Spirit the more concerned we become about other's souls; and where they are going to spend eternity. Our focus gradually changes from one of self-centeredness, to other's. The most important driving force of the Holy Spirit is bringing a person to Jesus for salvation; the more we walk in the Spirit; the more we become aware that this is really the most important issue of all. For example; Paul, who was a murderer, and persecutor of Christians became the great apostle to the Gentiles. The Spirit of God led him thru many trials, and hardships, until he finally was sent to Rome, to stand before Caesar and witness for Christ. No matter what we have done, or how we have sinned; God is able to turn our destiny around and bring glory to Himself thru our lives if we submit ourselves to the Lord in the same way. I pray we will wholly submit ourselves to God as Jesus did; and be able to stand before the Father in heaven some day and have Him say to us "well done good and faithful servant." Lorna Couillard 2007 Teaching for Teen Challenge Jesus did much of his teaching by telling stories. He knew how to reach people where they lived, and what moved their hearts. This is one of His best. The Parable of the Prodigal Son And he said, A certain man had two sons: And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found. Luke 15:11-32 There have been many teachings on this familiar story. Most of them centered on the two son's. The foolishness of the younger, and the sullen angry older son. However, I've observed several things about the Father in this story that I believe are quite interesting, and we can glean much wisdom from them.
⦁ 1. The Father did not dispute with the son when he demanded his share of the inheritance. There is no mention of him trying to talk the son out of what he wanted. It merely says " and he divided unto them his living." ⦁ 2. He did not follow the son; he freely let him go. Sometimes we have to let go of people. If they are bent on going down the wrong road, we cannot force them to change. Sometimes they have to learn the hard way. God will not conform to us in our sin-we must conform to Him through repentance and a contrite heart in order to have a deep relationship with Him; and restoration of our souls. ⦁ 3. When the son came to his senses and decided to go back home-even when he was still a "great way off" his father saw him and had compassion, running to meet him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. His father never gave up on hoping his son would come home. Though he did not follow him-he did keep watch from his own boundary, looking to see if he would come back. We should never give up on those who are astray. Prayer can change things, and circumstances. Corrie Ten Boom has said "No matter how deep we go in sin-God's love goes deeper still." Interjection: For some of us who have totally ruined our lives; either by drugs, alcohol, sexual abuse, or all of the above; I believe we have had the experience of knowing the flow of forgiveness and love of God and it is at times overwhelming, and words are unable to express the power of it. In my own life-during the first months after my salvation there were many moments alone when the presence and love of God was so real and powerful, that all I could do was weep, and allow Him to hold me. Words could not come while my soul was being held by Him-I believe this son experienced this also as he wept in his father's arms, held firmly in his warm embrace. Here we can see love "spirit to spirit." As we continue to walk out this life with it's sorrows and hardships, even after we have known the Lord for many years; I've found there are times when all I can do is let Him hold me, words won't come, He understands-and doesn't expect me to say anything. The work He is doing in my soul and spirit need no words. This is what He desires to do for all of us, He can and will carry us thru if we will let Him. ⦁ 4. The son is so convicted of his behavior and conduct he is willing to become one of his father's hired servants-he doesn't consider himself worthy of being his son. But the father would not consider this-he is his son forever-and now is restored. ⦁ 5. The father never brings up to the son all that was squandered by him. Everything the son misused and threw away was restored. The father showed no anger, resentment, or unforgiveness. His response was a celebration. This is the same response we see in the parable of the lost sheep. The shepherd comes home rejoicing; for he had found his sheep-which had been lost ⦁ 6. The father did not go to the older son to ask for his approval, or opinion on the issue. Many times when a wayward soul comes back to God; the "pious, righteous" ones seem to think they should be consulted on how to "restore the wayward back into the flock". Any person turning back to the Lord needs no one else's approval or consultation. The whole issue is between him/her and God alone. Ps. 51:4 ⦁ 7. The father did take time and had compassion on the older son-he went out to him and tried to reason with him, to try to restore the family relationship. There are similarities to this story and the story of Jonah. The heavenly Father takes special time to go out to the sullen prophet-and reminds him of the importance of forgiveness and mercy to the repentant people of Nineveh. In the story of Jonah, the Lord intreats the prophet as he sat under the hot sun, angry because God spared the people. Here also we see the example of the "pious righteous" spirit of one who feels the wicked people of the city should pay for their sins. Restoration and forgiveness was not on Johah's mind-but vengeance and judgment. The word of God teaches there is a time, and place for God's judgments, and he has had prophets warn of judgments to come-but, the prophet is not to be that instrument, he is only a watchman, and a messenger. But, this is another teaching for another time. As we see the conduct of the father in the story of the prodigal son, we get a clear picture what our attitude should be. We see in the actions of the Father, all the attributes and fruit of the Spirit exhibited; (Gal. 5:22,23) which are: love, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance, joy. Here we are shown by example how the fruits of the Spirit are played out in a very difficult family relationship problem. Jesus is giving a wide scope of problem solving solutions in this story; as well as giving a teaching that could go down many roads. But, the main point I want to bring out tonight is The Father's exemplifying the fruits of the Spirit here, gives us a glimpse of what Paul is speaking about in Galatian's ch. 5:22,23. If we cultivate and develop these attributes in our lives; as Paul says "against such there is no law." A review of the important lessons here are: Some people are bent on sin-and we must let them go if they won't listen. But, we can continue to pray, and watch for them; hoping they will return. When we see true repentance-be quick to forgive and don't harbor resentment. Mercy is God's way. As for the righteous pious ones-remind them gently of God's mercy and grace on THEIR lives, that their sins and faults lay bare before God also; who freely forgave THEM. We need to remind ourselves regularly that our souls only have redemption and the promise of one of those mansions Jesus talks about in heaven because of the great sacrifice Jesus paid on the cross for us "when we were yet sinners". And, the Father's great love for us-his patience in waiting for us to come home from the pig sty we've been in. When we returned, didn't we find His love and forgiveness almost unbelievable? His presence and peace more than we ever deserved? Indeed, any lost wretched soul who comes to Him, is cradled in His arms. The tears, the heartache, sorrow, regrets, are healed as He continues to hold us and restore us. He not only restores, he plants us in His fields, so we can have the honor of working with Him, rescuing other's who were like us. He trusts us to work along side Him in His kingdom to bring in a harvest of souls with the same broken lives and hearts that we had before we knew Him. He grants us honors and privileges-as though we had never sinned. Only God can do this, and it is marvelous in our eyes. Lorna Couillard 2007 teaching for Teen Challenge And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. Luke 22:39-42
OVERCOMING POWER OF OBEDIENCE Jesus gained victory in many aspects in this battle prayer: 1. A temptation to leave the work unfinished. 2. Scripture implies that the Lord feared that His strength would not be sufficient. 3. There is no doubt Satan assailed him with taunts and mocking's that he would not be able to achieve the redemption of His people. Some say this is why there were great drops of blood on his brow; he was beginning to feel the crush of the weight of sin of the world upon him, which he had never known before. 4. Deep, intense mental suffering. The tremendous inner struggle: a. On the one hand He was seized by fear and horror of His passion and death. b. On the other hand He was burning with zeal for the honor of God and redemption of men. c. How great will be the anguish of the sinner at the sight of everlasting death and the endless pains of hell. When he reached the place in his soul of resignation-the results were evident: a. His mind was suddenly rendered calm. b. God strengthened Him through an angel. c. God heard Him in granting Him now, not simply strength, but a real victory over Satan. When Jesus rose from the ground from this prayer in this state, he had secured his inner man, strengthened his soul to endure the reviling's of men. He was now equipped with the inner strength to gain the atonement on the cross. Personally, I believe in heaven his saints will be given a movie to watch of this great conflict throughout eternity-that we will view the mighty battle waged in that garden, and what it cost Jesus, to gain our redemption. Now, let's take a deeper look at how this reflects us and our walk as believer's here in this world. The Battle of Man's Will Man's will is the essence of what he is. Choices are made that determine his daily life and eternal destiny. The Creator gave man a free volition and never moves to force, coerce or control. The will is that which stands between good and evil, that part of man when joined to God's will brings a union that brings a harmony between creature and Creator and released the power of God in full salvation. A man can say no to God and God will respect his choice. "...Not my will, but thine be done. (Luke 22:42) Major Points of The Conflict 1. The Potential of the Will. Our emotions express how we feel, our mind tells us what we think, our will communicates what we want. Man's will is his real self-the choices he makes reveal the character of the man. 2. Spiritual Life. One must choose the will of God or his own pleasure. The spiritual life is more than emotions and intellect-God aims at the salvation of our souls and our wills. a. The natural man emanates a natural, animal, fleshy will; who must have their own way, and will manipulate, and scheme to get what he desires. b. God gave man the freedom of choice, and the capacity to make his own decisions. Good and evil are a constant battleground for man-throughout our life. c. We ultimately live out the consequences of our choices. 3. Spiritual Union with God. results when man's will is joined with God's. a. Out of this union comes obedience. The principle lived by will be "Make no provision for the flesh." (Matt. 10:38) b. Disobedience means to follow one's own will. Obedience that oringinates from love-comes when we cease from our own works. What God calls-He enables. 4. Union of the heart of Man-with God's heart. This brings harmony between God and man. a. When there is harmony between God and the man-it will be evident in the man's inter-actions with people. There may be differences, and areas of disagreement-this is to be expected in life. But, even if they disagree-there will be a desire to "live in peace", as much as possible. b. There will be an abiding peace evident-and solid stability in the man's daily walk, and living. 5. Rebellion. "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He has also rejected you from being King." 1Sam :15:23 a. Pride and deception are roots of rebellion. "Lucifer was lifted up and consequently rebelled against God." Isa. 14:13-14 b. Resentment, bitterness, hatred, unforgiveness, develop in unrepentant pride. c. Humanism has caused much of the rebellion is the last several generations-the result is a society unwilling to submit to authority in schools, governments, and the church. ++ Note: Paul and the disciples dealt with much persecution and contending with those who opposed their preaching in their day, and they also had much contention and disputes with ubelieving Jews, that caused splits and persecution-just as it happens today. It takes a lot of discernment, prayer, and guidence from God-to know the difference between contending for the faith-and contentions that come from inward rebellion. THE WARFARE OF THE WILL Whatever a man sets itself on is what the man walks after. Man's head is able to walk after the flesh as well as the Spirit. 1. The Spirit produces life and peace. The flesh produces death. 2. All the leadings of God are transmitted through the Spirit. 3. The leadings afford us an opportunity to make a choice-either to go after what the flesh wants, or what the Holy Spirit is guiding and leading us into. 4. A disturbed mind is harmful to spiritual life. Isa. 26:3, Phil. 4:6-8 5. The mind is not to be ruled by emotions. IITim. 1:7 6. The head needs to be kept in a humble state. Acts 20:19 7. The Word of God is to be put into the mind-bringing light and renewal. Heb. 8:10 Spiritual life and the renewing of the mind are connected. You are responsible to renew your mind. Scripture tells us...."you be renewed in the spirit of your mind. (Eph. 4:23). This is a command. The renewing comes as you let God's truth permeate every part of your thinking. We are to "Break up our fallow ground" (Hos. 10:12) DESTRUCTIVE BONDAGES God told the Israelites to destroy every living thing in the land of Canaan including children. This severe judgement indicates the severity of the curse brought on the land through the Occult. The people were worshippers of idols and full of their magical arts. Death was the only way to remove the influence and pressure of the Occult the people had put themselves in bondage to. The Occultist roots had extended to the third and fourth generations. God did not want his people contaminated. Death was the only answer. Under the New Covenant, the death of Christ is able to break the curse of the Occult, so that the captive can live and be free. The alliance must be broken, the root must be cut. God wants people free. The curse is removed by the victory of the Cross. However, this nation-America, is now in the exact same condition and the evidence is blatantly obvious. There has been over a hundred years, going into the fourth generation-of atheistic, communistic, Occult and Satanic activity in this country, and now Satan is publicly worshipped on all forms of media, and in the public schools, universities, and there's statues of the Baphomet-in the public squares of many cities here in this country. We are facing the same judgment that came to Canaan, and are seeing the beginnings of it now. This country is no longer a Christian nation-it is pagan, and satanic. The bible relays many other bondages that destroys people's lives, that the devil uses to drag people to hell with him-the list is long; drunkenness, lust, sexual perversions, adultery, fornication. lying, stealing, pride, violence and brutality. If people read the bible, and heeded it, think of what this world could be like. The conditions of our governments, and the wars that are waged are evidence of godless societies, which are prevalent now. Conclusion: An alliance with another god is not easily broken. Active faith in Christ, and direct renunciation of the Occult, and all it's activities-objects, books, etc. is necessary for complete severance. Many need to be cut loose from ancestors who made unholy alliances with witchcraft, the Occult, and idolatry. The blood of Jesus breaks the curse of the Occult. By faith, repentance, and renunciation-the believer confesses with his mouth his faith in Christ, breaks every demonic alliance of the past, and goes on to destroy any objects connected with the Occult, and any books on that teach these demonic practices. Then ask the Holy Spirit for help and assistance to let the word of God heal your mind, body and soul, and pray for the infilling of the Holy Spirit, to receive the power to live the Christian life, and abide in Christ. MAINTAINING DELIVERANCE 1. Repentance. This is an ongoing pattern for the believer. Repentance is not a one-time thing that we do when we are first saved. Man is responsible for his choices, when we sin (and we will, even after our salvation) we are to immediately confess it, and again ask for forgiveness, and the cleansing of Jesus blood over our lives. The Christian life is maintained by an attitude of repentance.
2. Give no place to the flesh. Satan enters a person, whether they are saved or not-when we give him a place to enter again. "Neither give place to the devil". Eph. 4:27 The devil does not respect a Christian who opens the door to him. The demon may be cast out, but the ground that gave place to it cannot be cast out. Unless the ground is dealt with, no permanent relief can be obtained. Prov. 21:22 3. Accept responsibility for receiving truth. Man is responsible for what he is. Only as he accepts responsibility, is there deliverance. What is ours in doctrine, is NOT ours automatically in experience. 4. Stand daily in the Word of God. Take your place in Christ, resist the enemy, and learn how to use the word of God as your weapon against the onslaught of attacks from Satan. No one can do this for you, you must pick up your bible-and learn how to wield it with authority agains the principalities and powers of darkness. 5. Learn how to resist the devil. "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Resist him on the ground of the blood of Jesus. (Rev. 12:11) Confess your victory and deliverance through Jesus' blood. 6. Walk in fellowship with the Lord. Submit yourself to God. Fellowship develops and grows between you and God as you continue to walk in obedience. His presence becomes stronger, his guidance becomes clearer, and the bond between you becomes unable to be broken by the devil, or the wicked. If we look at the obedience of Jesus throughout his ministry and the victories he won beginning at Gethsemane, and his finished work on the cross, and rising the third day. We are given a complete pattern we can gain a lifetime of wisdom and guidance to follow. As he says-if we abide in Him, the doors of heaven are open to us. This is victory the angels wonder at, and saints in heaven proclaim His glory-forever. Lorna Couillard Jesus showed by example, that whatever we face in this life, if we abide in Him, we can face it, and overcome it. We serve a risen Lord, the tomb is empty. Down through the generations, there's been many teachings on John the Baptist. This is a compilation of what I've gleaned in my years of studying about him. It only scratches the surface of this man's dynamic character, and strength of spirit. In what I've learned of him so far, I can see why Jesus spoke of him in such high regard. John was a Nazarite from his birth (Luke 1:15, Numbers 6:1-12). He spent his early years in the mountainous tract of Judah lying between Jerusalem and the Dead Sea Mat 3:1-12). He was the "forerunner of our Lord." He was of priestly descent. His father, Zacharias, was a priest of the course of Abia (1Chron 24:10), and his mother, Elisabeth, was of the daughters of Aaron (Luke 1:5). The mission of John was the subject of prophecy (Mat. 3:3; Is 40:3; Malachi 3:1). His birth, which took place six months before that of Jesus, was foretold by an angel. Zacharias, deprived of the power of speech as a token of God's truth and a reproof of his own incredulity with reference to the birth of his son, had the power of speech restored to him on the occasion of his circumcision (Luke 1:64). After this no more is recorded of him for thirty years than what is mentioned in Luke 1:80. He came to be a witness: Joh 1:6-8 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. No one of the old prophets is so frequently referred to in the New Testament. The priests and Levites said to the Baptist (John 1:25), "Why baptizest thou, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias?" Paul (Romans 11:2) refers to an incident in his history to illustrate his argument that God had not cast away his people. (James 5:17) finds in him an illustration of the power of prayer. (See also Luke 4:25; 9:54) He was a type of John the Baptist in the sternness and power of his reproofs (Luke 9:8). He was the Elijah that "must first come" (Matt 11:11,14). Even outwardly the Baptist corresponded so closely to the earlier prophet that he might be styled a second Elijah. In him we see "the same connection with a wild and wilderness country; the same long retirement in the desert; the same sudden, startling entrance on his work (1Kings 17:1; Luke 3:2); even the same dress, a hairy garment, and a leathern girdle about the loins (2Kings 1:8; Matt 3:4)." His entire being was a witness against the hypocrisy and corruption of the Pharisees and Sadducees of his day. John's baptism was the voice of God to Israel, and the believing remnant responded (Matt 3:5). It was an act of righteousness on the part of Him who had become, as to the flesh, an Israelite, to take His place with this believing remnant. His greatest mission was to usher in the One, whom he said he was not worthy to loose his shoe latchets. John is a problematic figure in the Bible for many modern preachers today. He has been described as unloving, uncompromising, and rigid. These verses give an example: John the Baptist Prepares the Way Mat 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, Mat 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Mat 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Mat 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey. Mat 3:5 Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan, Mat 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. Mat 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Mat 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: Mat 3:9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Mat 3:10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Mat 3:11 I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire: Mat 3:12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. You can imagine the hackles going up the back of the necks of the Pharisees and rulers of the Jews when they heard messages like this that could singe their hair. If John were here today, I doubt he'd find a church that would allow him in, he'd have to do what John Wesley and George Whitfield did; preach in the open air, in the fields and street corners. John the Baptizer Joh 1:26-27 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose. Jesus was now to receive His anointing with the Holy Spirit (Matt 3:16) to enter His threefold office of Prophet, Priest, and King. In the Levitical order Ex 29:4-7, the high priest was first washed, then anointed. While Christ's priestly work did not begin till He "offered Himself without spot to God" Heb 9:14 and His full manifestation as the King- Priest after the order of Melchizedek awaits the kingdom (See Scofield "Genesis 14:18") yet He was then anointed, once and for all. It's to be pointed out that John did no miracle or any sign during his ministry: Joh 10:41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. Joh 10:42 And many believed on him there. And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was baptizing at first, and there He stayed. Then many came to Him and said, “John performed no sign, but all the things that John spoke about this Man were true.” And many believed in Him there. John also gave no foretelling prophecies of any future event or person. His calling as a prophet was one of proclamation, rebuke and exhortation. He was called and privileged to baptize Jesus, and usher in his ministry. Mar 1:6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey; Mar 1:7 And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose. Mar 1:8 I indeed have baptized you with water: but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost. Mar 1:9 And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. Mar 1:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: Mar 1:11 And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. After baptizing Jesus, he proclaimed him as the One to come, Jesus-the Son of God: Joh 3:26 And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. Joh 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Joh 3:28 Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. Joh 3:29 He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. Joh 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease. Joh 3:31 He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. Joh 3:32 And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. Joh 3:33 He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. Joh 3:34 For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. Joh 3:35 The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. Joh 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. And many believed in Him there: Despite the influence of the Pharisees who were blind (as shown in John 9) and were bad shepherds (as shown in John 10), many people still came to Jesus. God’s work goes on, despite the opposition of man. David Guzik comm. John the Troubler However, John made enemies because of his burning exhortations: Lu 3:18-20 And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done, Added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison. Herod had John beheaded in prison; as he promised Herodias' daughter before she danced for him. He greatly regretted it, but gave her what she wanted, because he feared the people. Mr 6:21-29 And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her. And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb. Their plots and schemes succeeded in getting rid of this wearisome troublemaker; with his rantings and reproof's. John rebuking Herod Dancing for the Devil It is interesting to note that when John sent messengers to question Jesus if he indeed was the "One who was to come"; Jesus answered him this way: Lu 7:19-23 And John calling unto him two of his disciples sent them to Jesus, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? When the men were come unto him, they said, John Baptist hath sent us unto thee, saying, Art thou he that should come? or look we for another? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. Some interesting things to point out concerning John's imprisonment are: 1. John did not ask Jesus to help get him out of prison, and Jesus did not attempt to get him released. There are appointed times that God allows events to take place, for His eternal purposes, that can seem hard to understand, and may look like God can't or won't intervene. There were times in Jesus' ministry when people tried, but failed to kill him. The time for him to die had not yet arrived, and God restrained them, and kept his life. This proves that God has power over wicked men to control them, and to make them accomplish his own purposes. Joh 8:20 These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come. 2. Jesus never attempted to go and see him, he continued on in his own ministry. John was now beginning to live out his own words: He must increase, but I must decrease. Joh 3:30 3. Jesus did not upbraid or rebuke John for his question. Jesus had this to say of John: Mat 11:7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? Mat 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. Mat 11:9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. Mat 11:10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Mat 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Mat 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. Mat 11:13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. Mat 11:14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. In the book of Luke, it tells of the people and those who John baptized believing Jesus' report of John, but the Pharisees and lawyers rejected him, and God's counsel against themselves: Luk 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. Luk 7:29 And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. Luk 7:30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. Luk 7:31 And the Lord said, Whereunto then shall I liken the men of this generation? and to what are they like? Luk 7:32 They are like unto children sitting in the marketplace, and calling one to another, and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned to you, and ye have not wept. Luk 7:33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine; and ye say, He hath a devil. Luk 7:34 The Son of man is come eating and drinking; and ye say, Behold a gluttonous man, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners! Luk 7:35 But wisdom is justified of all her children. "And when all the people heard Him, even the tax collectors justified God, having been baptized with the baptism of John: Those who had repented in preparation for the Messiah by receiving John’s baptism found it easy to receive what Jesus said. But those who would not repent rejected the counsel of God for themselves. We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we mourned to you, and you did not weep: Jesus points out the hypocrisy of these hardened hearts who criticized both John the Baptist and Jesus Himself. “If the message is unwelcome, nothing that the messenger can say or do will be right.” (Maclaren) These truths are just as relevant, and proven today, as in John's day-perhaps even more so. Lorna Couillard Some closing questions and thoughts to ponder:
1. What was John's main focus, and why? 2. What do you think the church culture would think of him today? 3. What does his life tell us of our own witness for Christ.? Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. Jas 3:13-18 The devil has a collection of well-used tools in his toolbox. He knows what works to accomplish his goals to bring every kind of wickedness into action. In this teaching the use of the tongue, and it's destructive force will be described, and the ways Satan uses our emotions to entice us to use our tongues as a weapon to destroy other's. Look around, you can see the results of it everywhere, in the lives our tongues can be used to demean, insult, and coerce other's to do evil. This teaching isn't just for you the reader, it is an in-depth teaching and refresher to me, I'm preaching to myself, and letting the Word of God correct me. I want the correction. Years ago, one of the things I longed for most in my heart was to be conformed into the image of His Son, to allow the Holy Spirit to change me as much as possible into a person who glorified Jesus, in my life, and conduct. Through the years, and the trials, and attacks that have come my way, I've been shown how far from that goal I am. How much, and how many times I've failed Him. But, the desire hasn't dimmed, it has burned hotter, and grown. I want the Lord to burn away everything that displeases Him, and doesn't give Him glory. So in going forward, this teaching will begin with the devils strategies. The verses below describe them: The Character of Earthly Wisdom But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. James 3:14-16 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. a. Bitter envy and self-seeking: These are the opposite of the meekness of wisdom mentioned in Jas_3:13. b. Do not boast and lie against the truth: Anyone who shows bitter envy and self-seeking should not deceive anyone - especially themselves - about how “wise” they are. They show a wisdom that is earthly, sensual, and demonic. Their “wisdom” is more characteristic of the world, the flesh, and the devil than of God. c. The fruit of this “wisdom” is plain: confusion and every evil thing. The wisdom of the world, the flesh, and the devil may be able to accomplish things, but always with the ultimate fruit of confusion and every evil thing. Where envy and strife is brewing, there is disturbances, uneasiness, disquiet, slander, gossip and contention. Mobs form from these fires being stoked, such as Moses, and David had to contend with at various times. Rebellion is an underlying factor in this taking place, along with lying. Those who keep these contentions going-will keep the strife and stories going in a town/village, and won't stop. They will do this without the person they are attacking being present-the agenda isn't to resolve a problem, but to keep it going, and making sure only their side of it is told to the mob. When troublemakers are gathered together, and outnumber the one being attacked-there's no end of tactics that will be used to get their own way. Jealousy and envy are many times intertwined-and the bible tells us it is more dangerous than anything else. Pro 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy? The definition of envy is: a feeling of unhappiness over another's good fortune together with a desire to have the same good fortune He was filled with envy on seeing her success. 2 : a person or a thing that is envied. envy. verb. envied; envying. What are the characteristics of envy? You aren't happy for others when they achieve success. Another person's success makes you feel unhappy. You feel the need to diminish someone else's success. You judge others negatively. You're happy when others face setbacks. Jealousy means-a feeling of unhappiness caused by wanting what someone else has. Jealousy is also exhibited by anger, resentment, comparing people against each other, competitive in all aspects of a relationship, control. Being overly suspicious, false accusations that paint the person in a bad light to other's-for their own benefit. Probing into other's private life-without their consent, or knowledge-stalking, and targeting. The reason this sin is so evil-is it is linked to the tenth commandment-thou shalt not covet: Exo 20:17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's. This sums up mans turmoil of spirit-we are not secretly to desire what is someone else's, and wish they were in our possession; since it discovers uneasiness and dissatisfaction with our own lot and portion, and is coveting another man's property. When covetousness consumes a person-it can cause obsessions to develop to the point of consistently slandering the one who is envied-destroying them in society, and murdering them with the tongue. This is one of the devils most well used tools. Definition of strife: 1: bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension political strife. b : an act of contention : fight, struggle. 2 : exertion or contention for superiority. 3 archaic : earnest endeavor. What is an example of a strife? Strife is defined as the act of conflict or something that is difficult to do. An example of strife is the bad relationship between a brother and sister. An example of strife is a homeless person trying to find work. The act of striving or vying with another; contention or competition. Who is a wise man? Discreet and well informed? It must be shown in conversation, that is, in life, both words and deeds, meekness of wisdom. True wisdom will not speak boastfully. Glory not. If there is bitterness in the heart, let there be no boasting of your goodness. That would be to lie against the truth. This wisdom is not real, but false, which gives rise to envy and strife is not from heaven. It is earthly, of the passions of the flesh, of the devil, not of God. Where these exist in the heart every evil work will follow. Slander-Bearing False Witness Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Exo 20:16 The ninth commandment is an avoided topic in church for good reason. The preacher/teacher who brings this up very often, will find the pews and offering plates begin to empty quickly. This world, and the churches-are rife with it. But, the devil uses gossip and slander in every area of our lives to tear apart individuals, families, relationships, businesses, and the destruction of your eternal soul-if he can do it. Witches and Warlocks use slander and gossip within churches and communities that they infiltrate for good reason, it works, and they don't have to work very hard, to achieve their goals to destroy peoples lives. I've come to look at this commandment as Satan's "directed energy weapons". He is ruthless in how and who he uses to slander and gossip to achieve his goals. He'll use family members, friends, co-workers, people in your life that you may have thought were trusted friends, people you love and may have told them things about yourself that you thought would never be shared with anyone else-to found out you have been betrayed. Whole communities can destroy somebody, and you'll find you've become "what's for dinner" on their menu at the local gas station, village store, and the street corner in town. People's poison can create enemies for you, that you don't even know personally-you may not even know their names, nor done anything to them personally; but the conduct, behavior and reactions make it very clear-you've been the topic of gossip sessions. When you don't want to hang out with the town troublemakers and gossips-this will add to the problem. You may have long ago been redeemed by the love and mercy of Christ, to find those who you thought had forgiven you as well-still spreading stories and lies, that you've never done, but the poison has worked. The pain this sin inflicts to the heart and soul of a person, is just as destructive as being shot with a gun, because the one slandered lives with the ongoing consequences of the mouths who've done this. The damage done to the soul is invisible to the world, but not to God, nor the devil. "Jesus dealt with this his entire life. His mother, Mary was slandered, accused of being pregnant out of wedlock-a serious accusation in that day. Jesus was accused of being a bastard child, and Joseph-his stepfather lived with this stinging accusation during the years he raised Jesus as a young boy. When his ministry began-the Pharisee's and Saducees accused him numerous time by insinuation that he was a bastard, possessed by demons, and did all they could to trap him in His words and actions. His responses were powerful, direct, and brought them to silence. Joh 8:19 Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. Where is Your father? The Pharisees intended this as a deeply cutting insult to Jesus. They refer to His virgin birth, and to the rumors that it was not a miraculous conception, but an illicit one." [excerpt from David Guzik] This is just one example of what the Lord dealt with, I encourage you to study the Gospels, and follow Jesus as he is followed, harassed, and falsely accused throughout his ministry. Many times they plotted to kill him, but weren't successful, because it wasn't his time to die yet-but eventually, they caught him. But, it was in God's timing, and after they thought they had gotten rid of this troublemaker-Lo and behold, He rose from the dead! The way Jesus confronted his accuser's is a teaching for us-when we are treated the same way. There is a time to speak and rebuke, and there's a time to be silent, and let God take care of our enemies-with prayer, and asking for the Lord's wisdom, we are helped by the Holy Spirit to respond in the way that will help us stand in victory, no matter what the devil throws at us, or what people say about us. Many times in the Gospels Jesus tells us that whatever they have done to Him will be done to us; we must stay close to the Lord, read and take in His word as meat for our souls, because it is the only thing that is going to keep up going, when the world turns against us. Mat 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Joh 16:1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. Joh 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. Joh 16:3 And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. Several excerpts from good commentaries will be put below-that do a good job of defining and exposing how Satan uses this sin to destroy many-and some posts will be added to give some insight on how to deal with it, and not allow it to destroy you-if you are someone who's going through being slandered. There is victory, in every circumstance, when we let Jesus into our lives, and seek Him for wisdom, His help, and direction on how to deal with it. I've found through the years, the older I get, the less it matters what people think. If you know the love and companionship of the Lord, you'll become comfortable with yourself, your faults, and imperfections. God will deal with you as a Father, and correct you when you need to be-but what He desires the most, is your love and friendship. If you have that, it doesn't matter what the world or the devil thinks. Points About Those Who Gossip and Slander ⦁ Notice this is done without the person being present who is being talked about-they can't defend themselves. ⦁ When the person being slandered isn't present-there's no interest in whether the story is completely true-this is the realm of fabrication, and inserting lies when it's convenient-to slant the story in the accuser's favor. ⦁ Take into consideration that if the person being talked about is being treated this way-most likely you will be also. In fact, many times before your completely out the door as your leaving. Tactics of the Slanderer: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor: We can break the ninth commandment "through slander, talebearing, creating false impressions, by silence, by questioning the motives behind someone’s actions, or even by flattery. "Slander . . . is a lie invented and spread with intent to do harm. That is the worst form of injury a person can do to another. Compared to one who does this, a gangster is a gentleman, and a murderer is kind, because he ends life in a moment with a stroke and with little pain. But the man guilty of slander ruins a reputation which may never be regained, and causes lifelong suffering.” (Redpath) “Talebearing . . . is repeating a report about a person without careful investigation. Many, many times I have known what it is to suffer with that. To repeat a story which brings discredit and dishonor to another person without making sure of the facts, is breaking this commandment . . . How many people, especially Christian people, revel in this, and delight in working havoc by telling tales about others. To excuse the action by saying they believed the report to be true, or that there was no intention to malign, is no justification.” (Redpath) "What about inappropriate silence? “When someone utters a falsity about another and a third person is present who knows that statement to be untrue but, for reasons of fear or being disliked, remains quiet, that third person is as guilty of breaking this law as if he had told a lie.” (Redpath) "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor: The New Testament puts it simply. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds (Col_3:9) “How very strange that we have ever come to think that Christian maturity is shown by the ability to speak our minds, whereas it is really expressed in controlling our tongues.” (Redpath) "What a startling revelation it would be if a tape recording could be played of all that every church member has said about his fellow members in one week!” (Redpath) "Satan is always there to encourage a lie (Joh_8:44; Act_5:3); and Jesus Himself was the victim of false witness (Mar_14:57); in some ways, we might say this was the sin that sent Jesus to the cross." [David Guzik] Thou shalt not bear false witness. - Not only false oaths, to deprive a man of his life or of his right, are here prohibited, but all whispering, tale-bearing, slander, and calumny; in a word, whatever is deposed as a truth, which is false in fact, and tends to injure another in his goods, person, or character, is against the spirit and letter of this law. Suppressing the truth when known, by which a person may be defrauded of his property or his good name, or lie under injuries or disabilities which a discovery of the truth would have prevented, is also a crime against this law. He who bears a false testimony against or belies even the devil himself, comes under the curse of this law, because his testimony is false. By the term neighbor any human being is intended, whether he rank among our enemies or friends. [Adam Clarke] Keep in Step With the Spirit "Jesus Christ regarded verbal professions as a very poor thing, and asked, "Why call ye Me Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I command you?" He aimed a parable at the hollowness of merely saying, "I go, sir." But, worthless though such phrases be, the act which substitutes professions for actual service is no trifle; and our Lord felt the importance of words, empty or sincere, so profoundly as to stake upon this one test the eternal destinies of His people: "By thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Now, the tongue is thus important because it is so prompt and willing a servant of the mind within. We scarcely think of it as a servant at all: our words do not seem to be more than "expressions," manifestations of what is within us. But a thought, once expressed, is transformed and energetic as a bullet when the charge is fired; it modifies other minds, and the word which we took to be far less potent than a deed becomes the mover of the fateful deeds of many men. And thus, being at once powerful and unsuspected, it is the most treacherous and subtle of all the forces which we wield. And the ninth commandment does not undertake to bridle it by merely forbidding us in a court of justice to wrong our fellow-man by perjury. We transgress it whenever we conceive a strong suspicion and repeat it as a thing we know; when we allow the temptation of a biting epigram to betray us into an unkind expression not quite warranted by the facts; when we vindicate ourselves against a charge by throwing blame where it probably but not certainly ought to lie; or when we are not content to vindicate ourselves without bringing a countercharge which it would perplex us to be asked to prove; when we give way to that most shallow and meanest of all attempts at cleverness which claims credit for penetration because it can discover base motives for innocent actions, so that high-mindedness becomes pride, and charity withers up into love of patronizing, and forbearance shrivels into lack of spirit. The pattern and ideal of such cleverness is the east wind, which makes all that is fair and sensitive to shut itself up, forbids the bud to expand into a blossom, and puts back the coming of the springtime and of the singing bird. There are very gifted persons who have never found out that a kindly and winning phrase may have as much literary merit as a stinging one, and it is quite as fine a thing to be like the dew on Hermon on as to shoot out arrows, even bitter words. It is a pity that our harsh judgments always speak more loudly and confidently than our kindly ones, but the reason is plain: angry passion prompts the former, and its voice is loud; while the calm reflection which tones down and sweetens the judgment softens also the expression of it. It has to be remembered, also, that false witness can reach to nations, organizations, political movements as well as individuals. The habit of putting the worst construction upon the intentions of foreign powers is what feeds the mutual jealousies that ultimately blaze out in war. The habit of thinking of rival politicians as deliberately false and treasonable is what lowers the standard of the noblest of secular pursuits, until each party, not to be undone, protests too much, raises its voice to a falsetto to scream its rival down, and relaxes its standard of righteousness lest it should be outdone by the unscrupulousness of its rival. And there is yet another neighbor, against whom false witness is woefully rife, both in the Church and in society. That neighbor is mankind at large. There is a prevalent theory of human sinfulness which unconsciously scoffs at the appeals of the gospel, striving indeed to influence me by love, gratitude, admiration for the Perfect One, and desire to be like Him, by the hope of holiness and the shame of vileness, but telling me at the same time that I have no sympathies whatever except with evil. The observation of every day shows that man’s nature is corrupt, but it also shows that he is not a fiend--that he has fallen indeed, but remembers yet in what image he was made. But the world cannot upbraid the Church for these exaggerations, since they are but the echo of its own." [Excerpt from Expositor's Bible] See also: Exo_23:6-7; Lev_19:11, Lev_19:16; Deu_19:15-21; 1Sa_22:8-19; 1Ki_21:10-13; Psa_15:3, Psa_101:5-7; Pro_10:18, Pro_11:13; Mat_26:59-60; Act_6:13; Eph_4:31; 1Ti_1:10; 2Ti_3:3; Jas_4:11 We cannot control what other's do, but we can choose to control ourselves, and our own actions. I can decide to read and appropriate what God is teaching me, no matter what other's may do. It's worth the cost, to walk with God, His way. I'd rather know His abiding presence, than go back to what the world has to offer-the path of world leads to destruction. James gives clear instruction for us to follow, to gain victory over this warfare: Jas 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Jas 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Jas 4:9 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Jas 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. It is the Holy Spirit within, that gives the power to overcome the trials we face every day, and the battle within our own souls, in overcoming these temptations and attacks. Without His presence and power, we have nothing within our selves to overcome these temptations and win the battle. Jesus' trials in the wilderness, is a good reference and teaching for us in this realm. It was in the wilderness, at his weakest point, at the end of a 40 day fast-when he took on the temptations of the devil, and won. He only did this, by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is why Paul gives the instruction below from Galatians- he knew the truth of how much the Holy Spirit in us, is the only way we can face this world, and the attacks of the devil, and win. Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. Gal 5:25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Gal 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. PRODUCE THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT That Christ has freed us from the Law as a means of salvation does not free us from moral restraint, but brings us under the constraint of a higher law, the law of love. We do not keep this law to be saved; but, being saved, we keep it out of love toward Christ. The power of the new life is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Unite yourself with His life that you find rising up within you. Live in the Spirit. As we live and walk in the Spirit, we are safe. The Holy Spirit brings influences to bear which act upon the germs of sin, as a disinfectant upon the germs of disease. If we yield ourselves to these influences, and are filled with the Spirit of Jesus, we shall be delivered from the self-life, which the Apostle describes as the flesh. As Jesus is more and more formed in us, the new flower and fruitage of the risen life will appear, while the corrupt works of the flesh will shrink and drop away [F.B. Meyer] Jesus Teaches How to Avoid Strife Luk 14:7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms; saying unto them, Luk 14:8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; Luk 14:9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. Luk 14:10 But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. Luk 14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. "The world’s rule is the exact opposite of this. The world says, “Every man for himself.” The way of the world is to struggle and strive for the highest place; to be a pushing man, and a rising man, and a man who will stand stiffly by his rights, and give his enemy as good as be brings, and beat his neighbor out of the market, and show off himself to the best advantage, and try to make the most of whatever wit or money he has to look well in world, that people may look up to him and flatter him and obey him: and so the world has no objection to people’s pretending to be better than they are." [C. Kingsley] See also-Luk_1:51, Luk_18:14; 1Sa_15:17; Job_22:29, Job_40:10-12; Psa_18:27, Psa_138:6; Pro_15:33, Pro_18:12, Pro_29:23; Isa_2:11, Isa_2:17, Isa_57:15; Mat_23:12; Jas_4:6; 1Pe_5:5 Pro 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honor is humility. Overcoming Satan's Directed Energy Weapons Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. We are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 1Jn 4:2-6 1Jn_4:3. Spirit of Antichrist.—Man after man, rich in gifts, endowed often with far larger and nobler faculties than the people that oppose him, with indomitable perseverance, a martyr to his error, sets himself up against the truth that is sphered in Jesus Christ; and the great Divine message simply goes on its way, and all the battlement and noise is like so many bats flying against a light, or the wild sea-birds that come sweeping up in the tempest and the night, against the hospitable Pharos that is upon the rock, and smite themselves dead against it.—A. Maclaren, D.D. 1Jn_4:4. The True Secret of the Mastery of Error.—“Because greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” Canon Liddon says: “St. John constantly teaches that the Christian’s work in this state of probation is to ‘conquer the world.’ It is, in other words, to fight successfully against that view of life which ignores God, against that complex system of attractive moral evil and specious intellectual falsehood which is organised and marshalled by the great enemy of God, and which permeates and inspires non-Christianised society.” To be “of God” implies that God is in us; dwelling in us as the spiritual presence and power of the Holy Ghost. So our Lord promised and assured His disciples (Joh_14:16-17; Joh_14:23). If we may suggest a distinction between our apprehensions of the presences with us of the Son and of the Spirit, we may say—the living Christ is God with us in order that He may be for us; the Holy Ghost is God with us in order that He may be in us, ever at the springs of thought, and feeling, and motive, and action. Then we can fill St. John’s assertion in this text with a double meaning, and so assure our hearts that we have all-sufficing strength unto ever-renewed victory over all forms of moral evil. Dividing the Spirit of Truth From Error Believe not every spirit. The last chapter has closed concerning the Spirit, but some are moved by other spirits than that of Christ.
Try the spirits. Test the spirit that moves teachers and see whether it be of God. 1Jn_4:2 tells how to test. Because many false prophets. There were many false teachers in that age as well as in ours, and some claimed to be inspired. Every spirit. He who confesses from the heart that Christ has come in the flesh shows that he has the Spirit of God. In the flesh. One of the heresies was that Christ had come but that there had been no incarnation. Every spirit that confesseth not. If Christ is denied, it is not God's Spirit, which always speaks truth, but that of antichrist. See notes on 1Jn_2:18-19. Ye . . . have overcome them. The saints had overcome these false prophets, because they were of God, and the Spirit in them was mightier than the evil spirit, that of the prince of the world, which was in the false prophets. They are of the world. The false teachers. They are not of God. The world hears them because they are of its spirit and speak of it. We are of God. Hence speaks God's message, and those that know God accept the message. Hereby know we. By the principles given in 1Jn_4:2-5 we distinguish between the spirit of truth (the Holy Spirit) and that of error. [B.W. Johnson] God with us as the living Christ is greater than all the evil forces that may seek to injure us.—In some such sense as the human Christ was with His apostles, defending, preserving, guiding them—with them in the sphere of their circumstances, shaping, controlling, overruling them, so as to secure for His disciples triumph over all evil—the living Christ is with His people now, with His Church now, “walking amid the candlesticks,” working the safety of His people and His Church, by His control of all their circumstances. He is for them as a living Helper and Friend; for them in the exertion of Divine power. God with us as the Holy Ghost is greater than all the subtle influences that can act upon us.—What the Holy Ghost was in the early Church as defense against error, taking the most subtle forms against the malign influence of subtle men, spirits, antichrist, that the Holy Spirit is in every age to the believer—the absolutely secure defense against intellectual and moral evil, as Divine wisdom and strength abiding in us. 1Jn_4:6. All inspired by God will be in Essential Harmony.—“He that knoweth God heareth us.” The more careful and strict, the more critical, examination of Holy Scripture has brought to view, in a very impressive way, the fact that wherever there is a Divine inspiration there is essential harmony with all other Divine inspiration. Of this we are now so well assured, that we are even prepared to say this—if there is any inspiration of God outside the Scriptures, then that inspiration will certainly be found in essential harmony with all that is in them. But the statements properly occasion surprise and stimulate thought. The Scriptures represent different ages, different types of mind, different social and intellectual conditions; and in the Scriptures is found an ever-refreshing variety in the settings and shapings of truth; and yet take any vital, primary, fundamental verity concerning God, or man, or the relations between God and man, and it is not possible to find anything out of the general harmony. The inspired word of God never contradicts itself. St. John says that what is true of the inspired word is also true of the inspired man. Assume that God is in the teacher, inspiring his words; then it is certain that whenever God is in the hearer, inspiring him for hearing, he will receive the message which the inspired teacher delivers. Safety against the false teacher, the uninspired teacher, is found in the hearer being inspired for hearing. Such an one is in no moral danger. He cannot live and thrive on the uninspired teaching. He finds himself out of harmony with it. But his inspiration brings him into full harmony with everything that is also inspired. It is of course to be understood that the term “inspiration” is here used, not of a precise and limited definition of inspiration, such as may be characteristic of a particular school of thought, but of that general experience of Divine inspiration, which the believer knows as the moving, impelling, directing, restraining influence of the Holy Ghost that dwelleth in him. Inspiration is the proper word for the inward work of God the Holy Ghost. [Preacher's Homiletical] Within these scriptures, comments and excerpts, a glimpse of the truths in the verses in this teaching open up to us, and from there, we still only touch on some of what God holds for us in them. But they give a good start in gaining ground over the devils toolbox of directed energy weapons, that is waged against us in this life. Jesus has given us power and authority over the devil and his attacks in our lives, if we choose to avail ourselves of the Word of God, and allow the Holy Spirit to take up residence within us, and apply the power He can give us to gain this victory. I pray any who may read this teaching, will find something God can use to help you on your path, and your journey in this life. Shalom Lorna Couillard When we are first saved, every Christian enters a battle ground, and until we reach heaven, it is warfare against the powers of darkness. Before we got saved we belonged to Satan but were ignorant of it, our eyes are blinded. When we are saved-we are now on victory ground; but we have to learn to apply the word of God, and allow the Holy Spirit to mold us and change us, in order to walk in that victory, and be an overcomer. As we grow, and study the scriptures we can get out of balance, coming against demons, rebuking them in everything, and come away discouraged, and even lose faith because we don't see a change in the situation. There are times when demons need to be addressed. But, many times it is the transforming power of the scriptures applied to our everyday life, and our conduct that gains the victory over Satan in our lives. The enemies we combat are; The world: James 4:1-4- "(read text) Our hearts are exposed by the things we chase after, and think are so important. The desire to consume, to be important, to be rich, is the fuel the devil uses to drive us to envy, jealousy, and an evil heart. If we refuse to repent, and allow God to help us change, it leads to greater sin such as murder, and war. 1John 2:15-17 clearly tells us "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passes away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abides forever." Flesh: 1Peter 4:1-4, Col. 3:5-11" -(Read text) Those of us who have been saved from addictions, such as drugs and alcohol see the truth of these scriptures. It is in these addictions, that all other evil is fed and grows to the point that we do not have control of ourselves. It takes the transforming power of the Lord to get us back on the right track. If we are serious about wanting to change, he will reach out to us, and has the power to set us free. I can testify to that. The Devil: 1Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who has called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you." Principalities and Powers of darkness: Eph. 6:12 "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." The demonic forces that come against us in this life are very serious, and have one main objective; to destroy you, and ultimately have you join them in hell when your life here is over. They will do whatever it takes to try to steer you away from Christ, and back into darkness. It takes discernment to see the difference between sins of the flesh, and when someone is also bound by demonic activity, both originate from the devil. However, there is a difference between someone who is being sorely tempted, and one who has allowed demons to oppress them consistently and allowed them to attach themselves to the persons soul. This is an area where a lot of Christians get out of balance. But, if you sincerely go to the Lord in prayer, and study His Word, the Holy Spirit will give clear direction. The Conduct of the Soldier of Christ We are given clear guidance on how to wage this war; our victory hinges on our obedience to the Word of God. Walking out our faith in obedience to the scriptures is the greatest weapon against anything we face. Our warfare is directly the opposite of the devil's, we are now promoting peace, light, and righteousness in a dark world, where once we were partaker's of that darkness. It is absolutely necessary to line up our conduct with what we are saying with our mouths. Confessing the word of God is useless if we aren't walking the talk. Prov. 20:11 tells us "Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right". These instructions are: Avoid worldly entanglements, and endure suffering, avoid arguments: 2Tim. 2:3-14 In this text we are given clear instruction on what to avoid to live at peace with other's as much as possible. No one likes to be misunderstood, but there are times when it is best to just stay silent rather than try to force someone to agree with us, or prove we are right. There are some people we should avoid, the ones who we ran with when we lived in sin, sometimes even our relatives. Be sober, watchful. 1Cor. 16:13 "Watch ye, and stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. "1Thess. 5:5-8 "Ye are all the children of the light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, or of the darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation." Put on our armor, and pray. Eph. ch.6:10-18 (read text) This is a study in itself, but we only have time to touch on it now. I highly recommend you take the time to study this chapter, and do some cross referencing. If you do, the Lord will open to you the power of these scriptures, and strengthen your spirit. How Do We Gain the Victory God doesn't expect us to do this warfare alone, and in our own power. We are given an arsenal to equip us and win the battles in life. We need to know what our weapons are, and how to use them: 11 Cor. 10:3-5 tells us, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; God's Word- Heb. 4:12 "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." If we allow it, the word of God will expose what is in our hearts to us, and will work with us to purify, and bring us out of darkness. Faith- 1John 5:4-5 "For whatsoever is born of God overcomes the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcomes the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? " Heb. 11:6 "But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." Christ's promise-John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." This passage tells us much more than it seems at first glance. Let's break this down; Jesus was fully man, he experienced and suffered all the tribulation and temptations we do, and overcame them. He did this by the help and power of the Holy Spirit. He showed by example that we can be victorious if we keep our eyes on Him. When he was driven into the wilderness by the Spirit, and tempted by Satan, here we are shown how to win our battles also. Jesus answer to the devil was "It is written." The word of God, rightly used will put the devil to silence. As James 4:7 tells us "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Every time we win a battle of temptation, our spirits become stronger, and more able to stand against the next one that comes at us. Jesus Christ- Our Spiritual Authority Authority is delegated power; In Luke 10:19 Jesus tells us "Behold, I give unto you Power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." The value of the authority rests on the power behind our authority. The devil and his forces are obliged to recognize our authority. The believer who thoroughly understands that the power of God is backing him can exercise his authority and face the enemy fearlessly. Example: A policeman who directs traffic during the rush hour just raises his hand and the car stops. The man doesn't have the physical power to stop the vehicle if the driver chooses not to stop. But, they don't use their own strength to stop traffic; they use the authority invested in them by the government they serve. The devil's recognize the power and authority behind the name of Jesus Christ, it is His authority that they submit to, that has been delegated to us as believer's. In Matt. 28:18 Jesus said to the disciples "All power is given unto me in heaven and earth. This is the same as authority. When Christ ascended, he transferred His authority to the Church. Christ's authority has to be perpetuated through His Body, which is on earth. Christ is seated on the right hand of the Father, the place of authority, and we are seated with him. To sit on the right hand of a king means authority. When we received Christ as Savior, we died with Him, and are raised with Him. The source of our authority is found in the resurrection and exalting of the Lord Jesus Christ by God. Eph. 1:18-23 "The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church." Eph. 2:5 "Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace you are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus." We need to realize that the authority that belongs to Christ belongs to individual members of the Body of Christ and is available to us. The elevation of Christ's people with Him into the heavenlies clearly points to the fact we are to sit with him; sharing his throne, and also his authority. Romans 5:17 tells us " For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." We are not just to reign with Christ in heaven, we are to reign in life by Jesus Christ now. Throughout history, whatever the king said was law; he was the last authority. In the same way, we partake of the authority that Christ's throne represents. Why do we not see this authority used as it should be in the Church? ack of knowledge: Hosea 4:6 says "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." This verse says "my people", not unbeliever's. The authority vested to us is almost never taught today in the churches. But, if any person is hungry to learn the truth, Jesus is ready and willing to teach you, in John 8:32 he tells us" And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." Authority is abused: The misuse of this authority results in defeat. God is not obliged to honor us if we try to use this authority to promote ourselves. Authority over the devil is successful when we know how to use it, the same as well trained policeman, who knows who his boss is, and works with integrity. Lack of Faith: In order for this to work, you have to know who you believe, and what is yours without reservation. The devil knows if we really believe what we are doing or not. When circumstances don't change immediately, some people become discouraged and slip back into the natural; They talk unbelief and defeat themselves. They give the devil dominion over them. Smith Wigglesworth often said, "I'm not moved by what I see. I'm not moved by what I feel. I'm moved only by what I believe." We have to stand our ground. The authority is ours whether we feel like it or not. Authority has nothing to do with feelings, but we must exercise it in order for it to work. Pastor's and Leaders fear those who would get out of balance: Unfortunately, I've seen many Christians get very out of balance, and not able to discern when to use the authority over the devil, or when to take the matter to prayer, and faith. It takes careful observation to know when something is a problem of the flesh, or a spirit behind the problem. We need to learn the difference, and the many ways God has to deliver us or other's from bondage. God is patient with us as we learn. For example: The spirit of a rebellious person is only set free by honest repentance. All the rebuking and casting out in the world is not going to work, until the person is truly sorry for their sin, and makes up their mind they want to change, no matter what they have to do. God can and will help this person, and reach out to them in power to help them come out of darkness, into the light. I am a testimony of this. Nothing ever really changed for me until I became honest with myself and with God. The power of God to deliver me was there, but He would not force himself on me. I had to open my heart to Him, and take hold of him and his promises to set me free. When my heart changed, he revealed to me several demonic spirits that needed to be dealt with, and showed me how to cast them out. This did not take a long time, and I knew when they left. The compulsive desires I had were gone, and I knew the difference. I knew I as free. We are not to pray the devil out; but speak to him and tell him what to do: It is a waste of time to pray to the Lord to deliver us or someone else. Jesus has done all He is going to do about the devil. He has won the victory when he rose from the dead. The authority has been delegated to us, and we are to speak to him, and take dominion over his attacks on us. Luk 9:1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. Luk 10:17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. Luk 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luk 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. Important point: The delegated authority over evil spirits and devils is of no credit to ourselves-and we are to take no credit. The gifts of the Holy Spirit can only be appropriated through the man/woman who knows their identity in Christ, and has the faith, and discernment to exercise the delegated authority correctly -with a right heart and spirit. If we be found with unrepentant sin, pride, monetary gain, or self-achievement; any effort will be futile. Simon the sorcerer found this out in Acts ch. 8:18-24: Act 8:18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Act 8:19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. Act 8:20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. Act 8:21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Act 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. Act 8:23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. Act 8:24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. When Simon saw, etc. - By hearing these speak with different tongues and work miracles. He offered them money - Supposing that the dispensing this Spirit belonged to them - that they could give it to whomsoever they pleased; and imagining that, as he saw them to be poor men, they would not object to take money for their gift; and it is probable that he had gained considerably by his juggling, and therefore could afford to spare some, as he hoped to make it all up by the profit which he expected to derive from this new influence. God knows our hearts, our thoughts, and our motives-nothing is hidden from His sight. If people really knew the truth of God's presence, and omnipresence-they would learn to use caution in their words and deeds. Everything we say, do, and think will be brought to account on Judgment Day: Heb 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb 4:13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Psa 139:2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jer 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Joh 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. Joh 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God. Eph 5:13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. Rev 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. We have delegated authority over the devil in our own lives and household, but not over someone else's. A believer can break the power of the devil anywhere in their own life, or their immediate family, they have authority there, but not in someone else's. Spiritual authority is like natural authority. For example: I don't have authority over someone else's money unless they give me permission to use it. I don't have authority over someone else's children. You can make the devil desist in some of his maneuvers in somebody else's life, but you can't always cast him out, because you don't have authority in that household. Only through intercession can you exercise spiritual authority in another person, or somebody else's family." The exception to this is when someone comes to you, and speaks of a problem they're having, and think they have a problem with being tormented with a demon-and asks for your assistance to be freed from it-then God can use you to help them get set free from a demonic bondage, because they've given their consent. Then seeking God for guidance, and how to proceed is the next step-the Holy Spirit will give the needed direction, and freedom will come for them, if they are sincere and really want to be free. Joh 8:36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. "Final Important point"-When you get out beyond the written word of God, you've gone too far. Stay with what the Word says about the matter, don't add anything to it. Lorna Couillard (2008 teaching for Teen Challenge) Strategies of Satanists in the Endgame The Age of Deceit We now stand two thousand years after the coming of Christ the first time, and events unfolding in the 21st century are described for us by Jesus throughout the gospels; it's clear we are in the days he layed out and warned us would come to pass-as the last days. This is the age of deceit, the day when everything you see and hear is upside down, and a lie. You need to have a real desire for truth, to discern the layers of deception the world is in now. Who's to blame for the chaos and persecution escalating, and globalists taking over the nations? We are. We've allowed it, and even participated in our own demise-though most by ignorance, and blindness. The atheists and Satanists around the world have been relentless in practicing their demonic rituals, celebrations and sorceries right in our faces-and we've swallowed it hook line and sinker. If you doubt this, watch some reruns of halftime football games in the last 25 years, and especially the last 10-and pay attention to what the people on stage say, and do. Also, this video of Satan Worship at the Gotthard Tunnel 2016, the celebration of the world's longest and deepest rail tunnel running through the Alps has officially opened in Switzerland, after 17 years of construction work. The entire thing was a Satanic ritual- https://youtu.be/P_4yjAD9MJw What does God's word have to say about this? Pro 16:4 The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Jer 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 1Ki 8:32 Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and judge thy servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and justifying the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness. Pro 1:31 Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. Jer 2:19 Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts. Isa 3:9 The shew of their countenance doth witness against them; and they declare their sin as Sodom, they hide it not. Woe unto their soul! for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. As said above, for many years in this country-the football and sports events have made their half time entertainments Satanic ritual magic-and the stupid crowds love it-they become part of the demonic sorcery, and the devil has won this nation by a corrupt atheistic school system run by Satanists. They allow the devil in schools, but not God. This is the generation Jesus rebuked in Revelation ch. 3-the Laodicean church: Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. The governments are ruled by demonic forces, principalities and powers of darkness, and Satanists, and they are busy carrying out agenda's that they've been scheming to put into place for many years. It is steamrolling, and snowballing now; and there is no turning back on what they have planned. However, they are playing right into God's hands. At the end of all this-they will find Christ coming in His glory-and themselves thrown in the Lake of fire. If you have a desire to learn from a reputable bible teacher, the details of what we are facing right now, and watching unfold in this country, and the world-google Chuck Missler, and watch his series of teachings on Eschatology-The Four Horses of the Apocalypse. He gives an excellent presentation of where we are in the book of Revelation now. I recommend all of his teachings-he is an excellent teacher, who stays strictly to the word of God. This warfare is real, and it's to the death. The entertainment industry has used every means at their disposal to lure you, deceive you, brainwash you, and hypnotize you into slumber, apathy, and mold you into blind cattle that will follow them wherever they lead you, and it's into the devils lair. But, the child of God is given weapons in the word of God, that help us overcome and gain the victory in this life. Another to explore-is the power of prayer. Intercessory Prayer There is a certain prayer that moves the Lord, if done by one who believes Him, and can bring changes to circumstances, and in some cases, to change His mind. This is called INTERCESSORY PRAYER. He desires this from any who will seek Him, and any whose hearts trust Him. verse: IITim. 2:15, 23-24 Intercession: The definition of Intercede is "To act as a go-between for two parties. To plead on behalf of another. A mediator, or the act of mediation." To carry this further, to mediate means to: settle a dispute, or carry out a process. A lawyer is a form of mediator, and we can see the correlation of a lawyer standing on behalf of their client before a judge. This is the picture of an intercessor. One who stands as a lawyer, or mediator for someone or on behalf of something that needs to be acted on or brought into being before the Lord, and using all the skill they have to argue the case for them. As believer's we are all called to intercede for other's, our families, our church, those who need to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. However, there are some in the body of Christ who have been called to a life of prayer and intercession, as a service to God. We are given burdens in the Spirit by God for individuals, churches, cities, nations. Many times the Holy Spirit will give specific instructions on how to pray. As we grow in our walk, each experience teaches us to get better at it, and able to hear the voice of the Lord more clearly. Becoming a mighty warrior of prayer, and an adversary of the devil to be reckoned with doesn't happen over-night. We are called to go down on our faces before God on behalf of people, cities, or nations, to stand in the gap for them, repent of the sins and evil they have committed, when they won't do it themselves, to save them from the judgment they deserve. (Such as Abraham when he interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah) In heaven, we will be surprised, and humbled to be shown those who prayed for us in silence-without our knowledge-and how we were spared many times from accidents and schemes of the devil-by answered prayer by people we never knew. The following scriptures will help comprehend the importance and impact of this kind of prayer. 1. Isa. 55:6, 8-9 "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found. Call upon Him while He is near. For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts." Interpretation: Before it is too late, start asking Him. 2. "Oh the depths of riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out. For who hath known the Mind of the Lord, or who hath been His counselor?" Interpretation: Expand deep study before getting answers. Rom. 11:33-34 3. "And the Spirit of the Lord fell upon me and said unto me: Speak....for I know the things that come into your mind, every one of them." verse Ezek. 11:5 Interpretation: Expect the Lord to be ready to answer. 4. John 15:26 "But the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My Name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance, whatsoever I had said unto you." Rom. 8:26-27 "Likewise, the Spirit helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit Itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered, And He (Jesus) that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God (The Father). Interpretation: Pray any way, anytime, anyway. The indwelling Spirit will correct any mistakes in our petitions or worship. 5. John 14:23 " Jesus answered and said unto him (Jude) 'If a man love me he will keep my words: and My Father will love him and we will come unto him and make our abode with him." John 15:5 "I am the Vine, you are the branches: He (God) that abides in me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing." "I have called you friends, if you do whatsoever I command you. You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you....that you should go and bring forth fruit.... that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in My Name He may give it to you." John 15:15-16 Interpretation: Jesus promises fruit, If we abide In the Vine. He then guarantees God's assent, because it is in His Will Already. Summary: The Lord asks that we seek Him diligently although no man's mind would be totally able to comprehend His immense wisdom. He states that He knows our problems in advance of our prayers, and has provided His intercession on our behalf. We are reassured of fruitfulness IF WE STICK CLOSE BY "ABIDING IN HIM". More descriptions of God's eternal nature: 1Tim. 2:5; Heb. 12:24. Does God ever change His mind? His eternal Nature: 6. Mal. 3:6 "And fear not Me, says the Lord of Hosts. For I am the Lord, I change not...." Num. 23:19 "God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man that He should repent; has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?" Rom. 11:29 "The gifts and calling of God are without repentance." Ps. 110:4 "The LORD(GOD) has sworn and will not repent: Thou art a priest after the order of Melchizedec." Interpretation: The nature of God cannot change, righteousness and omniscience are immutable. Expanded study: A REPENTANT FATHER OF MERCY Isa. 16:5 7. Jer. 18:8 "If that nation against whom I have pronounced, turns from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to bring against them." Jer. 18:10 "And if it do evil in my sight, that it not obey My voice, then I will repent of the good, where with I said I would benefit them." Jer. 42:10 "If you will still abide in this land,.... I will plant you and not pluck you up; for I repent Me of the evil I have done unto you." EXAMPLES: Josh 10:12-14 "Then spoke Joshua to the Lord...and the sun stood still in the midst of the heaven and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves...and there was no day like that before or after it, that the Lord harkened unto the voice of a man: for the Lord fought for Israel." 20 Jonah 3:9-10 "Who can tell if God will turn and repent and turn away from His fierce anger that we perish not? And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil that He had said He would do unto them; and He did it not." 1Sam. 10:11; 1Sam. 31:6 "Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel, saying 'It repenteth Me that I have set up Saul to be King; for he is turned back from following Me, and has not performed My commandments.' So Saul died, and his three sons..." 11Sam. 24:1,16 "And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel....and when the angel stretched out his hand upon Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented him of the evil, and said....'It is enough.' " Interpretation: God clearly discloses in these verses that His UNCHANGING NATURE INCLUDES BOTH MERCY AND ANGER, THESE ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN HIS JUST JUDGMENTS. He alters decisions to fit the circumstances. Only His LAWS are fixed in stone, not HIS LOVE. HE ALONE IS GOD WHO CAN LOVE SINNERS. Ps. 136; 1John 3:16; John 3:1 The ancient account of the time of Noah is another illustration of when God elected to change His mind. The anguish of God's heart shows through this pain-filled decision He was forced to make. It foretells that He saw you and me "down the line" by sparing Noah; we too could experience His grace much later. 8. Gen. 6:5-7 "And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented the LORD that He made man on the earth, and it grieved Him at His heart. And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created. But Noah, found grace in the eyes of the LORD." EXPLANATION: Although God's nature can never change, His DIVINE VERDICTS CAN CHANGE. Although God is the same "yesterday, today, and forever: as regards to His person, yet His Book reveals that He can and does change His method of operation to fit the changing situations. Heb. 13:8 SUMMARY: That is where prayer comes in. Prayer changes things, God is moved by it. His hands are set free by our prayers to accomplish His will, His words are set free to accomplish their goals. His Spirit is directed by the Father to convey (yes, or no, or sometime), and to explain (teach) them to the petitioner. John 6:38, Isa. 55:11 That is why Jesus prayed and taught His disciples to follow His example. That is why He was upset at their failure to pray with Him at least "for an hour" before His arrest. That is why St. Paul repeated the admonition to "pray without ceasing". That was the reason Paul prayed behind prison bars all night. GOD DOES HEAR, HE DOES REACT. HE EVEN ALTERS HIS PROCEDURES WHEN HIS PRIOR APPROACH FAILED TO GET THE JOB DONE. Luke 22:44, John 5:30, Matt. 26:40, Acts 12:5, 1Thess. 5:17, Acts 16:25, Deut. 12:28, Mark 7:14 DOES INTERCESSORY PRAYER WORK? 1. Who can call on the Lord for answers? Joh 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Jesus is the open door-that no man can shut. Anyone who calls on Him in faith, He will hear, and answer-for salvation, and answer to prayer. The walk of faith, and prayer deepens each day-if we abide in Him. 2, Why would God answer? (His love) John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life." 3. What is the Answer? (His gifts) John 16:23-24 "Whatsoever you shall ask the Father in My Name, He will give it unto you. Hitherto you have asked nothing in My Name; ask and you shall receive, that you joy may be full." 4. How is it possible? (faith) Mark 11:22-23 "Have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt that those things which he saith shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he saith." 5. When Is The Answer Received? (Now) Mark 11:24 "Therefore, I say unto you, Whatsoever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them." 6. Why Is The Answer Not Received? (asking amiss) James 4: 2-3 "You lust, and have not; you kill and desire to have, and cannot obtain: you fight and war, yet you have not because you ask not. You ask and receive not, because you ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts. (idle pleasures) 7. What Is The Bottom Line? John 14:1 "Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me." Luk 18:1 And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Luk 18:2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: Luk 18:3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. Luk 18:4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Luk 18:5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. Luk 18:6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. Luk 18:7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? Luk 18:8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Here, in this parable Jesus gives us the answers to all the questions above-if we can hear it. But, the most important thing to my mind is-he ends it with a question, and we should take it seriously. When He comes again-will there be any faith on the earth? PAULS THOUGHTS ON INTERCESSORY PRAYER: "I exhort you that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks, be given for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life; in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God, Our Saviour." 1Tim. 2:1-3 "Without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers." Rom. 1:9 "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved." Rom. 10:1 "For this cause also we....do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding...being fruitful...strengthened in all might...giving thanks unto the Father." Col. 1:9-12 I thank God...that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day." 11Tim. 1:3 CHRIST OUR INTERCESSOR The prophet foretold of one of the Messiah's ministries, which Paul would later expound upon; our intercessor. "The Messiah made intercession for the transgressors." Isa. 53:12 Paul speaks of his unshakable reliance upon Jesus' dependable intercession for us before the Father. "It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creation shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord." Rom. 8:34-39 Hebrews speaks to us of of Jesus' Authority to be our intercessor: "But this Man (Jesus) because He continues forever has an unchangeable priesthood." Heb. 7:24-26, 28 "Wherefore He is able save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing that He ever liveth to make intercession for them, for such a High Priest became us, Who is Holy, harmless and undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens...the son Who is consecrated forevermore." Heb. 4:15 "We have a High Priest which cannot be touched with the feelings of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we, yet without sin." John also reaffirmed Jesus' role on our behalf: 1John 2:1-2 "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous: and He is the propitiation (reconciliation) for our sins; and not for our sins only, but also for the sins of the whole world." THE HELP OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN OUR INTERCESSION Rom. 8:26-31 "Likewise, the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit itself maketh INTERCESSION for us with groaning which cannot be uttered (put into words). And He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is in the Mind of the Spirit, because He (The Spirit) maketh INTERCESSION for the saints according to the Will of God....What then shall we say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us." See also Acts 2:1-5, Acts, 19:6, 2Cor 5:2-4. The baptism of the Holy Spirit equips us with a prayer language-born from heaven, and gives another level of power in prayer to God the Father-unhindered by our own infirmities, or the devils interventions. The more we yield to the Holy Ghost and pray in this prayer language, the deeper our prayer life will become, and by it, the gifts of the Spirit become more evident in our daily life, and in use in service to the Lord. The gifts, and their proper operations are taught in 1Cor. ch. 14 James tells us "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that gives liberally...but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." Jas 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Jas 1:7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. Jas 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. When Jesus was on the earth there were times when he could not do much, and times he was told to leave-he was not welcome. Among his own family and town of Nazareth where he lived: Mat 13:54 And when he was come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, Whence hath this man this wisdom, and these mighty works? Mat 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? Mat 13:56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things? Mat 13:57 And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. Mat 13:58 And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief. In the account in Mark of healing the man with the withered hand-they took counsel to try to have him killed. Mar 3:1 And he entered again into the synagogue; and there was a man there which had a withered hand. Mar 3:2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the sabbath day; that they might accuse him. Mar 3:3 And he saith unto the man which had the withered hand, Stand forth. Mar 3:4 And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace. Mar 3:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other. Mar 3:6 And the Pharisees went forth, and straightway took counsel with the Herodians against him, how they might destroy him. It's the same today. There's many times the wonderful things God wants to do in a community, is never achieved. Not because of failure of the preacher or servant called; but because of unbelief, and rejection. See also- Mark 6:5-6, Luke 4:25-29 But, as I read these accounts of what Jesus dealt with, it calls to mind the verses: Heb 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. We can learn these truths from them: Seeing then that we have a great high priest. As has been shown Our high priest now makes intercession in the true Holy of Holies. For we have not a high priest, etc. A high priest must be in sympathy with those for whom he ministers. Christ, who took upon himself our infirmities, is such a high priest. He was tried and tempted as man, but remained sinless. Let us therefore come boldly. Because our high priest can be touched by our infirmities. The throne of grace. The Jewish high priest interceded before the mercy-seat. We may come boldly to the mercy-seat, knowing that our loving Elder Brother is our high priest in the heavens. Hence we may always have confidence when we ask for grace to help in time of need. B.W. Johnson Now I'll touch on a subject most do not like to hear, and it always causes different reactions. I'm just going to speak what I've learned, in a nutshell on this subject-and let the reader study it more, if you are serious about becoming a skilled prayer warrior. God loves to hear from us, and tells us many times to come to Him, and His eyes and ears are open to our cries, petitions, and wants to answer them. But, God is holy and he tells us we are to be holy, as He is holy. Without salvation in Christ this is impossible. If you don't know Jesus as your Savior, that is the only prayer God will hear, until you've taken that step. Once you've come to him in repentance, and had your sins forgiven, now your washed clean by His shed blood on the cross and you can come boldly to the Throne of grace. But, if we practice sin after we've been saved, we've hindered our prayer life again. When King David sinned and took Bathsheba, he sinned greatly; he committed adultery, had her husband killed, and because of this-God chastised him, and David lived with many consequences the rest of his life. Nathan the prophet came to him, confronted him, and revealed his sin to him-David repented, and God forgave him, and restored him. His prayer of repentance is in Psalm 51, it's there for us as an example as well, when we fail and need forgiveness. But, there are also accounts of those who fell into sin in the bible-who did not repent, and God stopped listening to them, and they died tragic deaths-King Saul is an example; his story is in 1Samuel; many lessons can be learned studying this account. He was jealous of the call of God on David's life-and pursued him for years, trying to kill him. By chapter 28, his soul was so dark, and had turned from following God, and sought a medium at Endor. He has her call up the prophet Samuel, but it is a death sentence for him. He is killed as Samuel said, along with his three sons and his armor bearer. It's a fearful thing, to fall into the hands of the living God. Today, sadly, there is no fear of God in many, but death comes to all-and then the judgment. Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: How do we know when we've sinned- It tells us in the ten commandments - don't lie, steal, bear false witness against anyone, don't practice idolatry, don't envy anyone, don't covet what someone else has or owns, Don't Take the Name of the Lord in Vain-stop using His Name as a swear word. This is very serious in God's eyes. Read Exodus ch. 20 In our walk with the Lord, we may stumble, fall, and do things we should not even after salvation. Our flesh is a battleground all our lives. But, if we have a heart and desire to serve God, if we love Him, our hearts will desire to do right, and live right. If we willfully practice sin habitually-we need to ask for forgiveness, and the power of the Holy Spirit to stop the sin-and walk right with the Lord. If we don't, and just keep going our own way, God's word is clear on this-we will not be heard, nor will we see any answers to our prayers. I'll leave some scriptures to emphasize this, there are many more to be found in the bible, if the reader desires more understanding on this. Psa 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me: Job 27:8 For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? Job 27:9 Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him? Pro 15:8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. Pro 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. Pro 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. 1Pe 3:10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 1Pe 3:11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 1Pe 3:12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil. Walking in righteousness does not mean being perfect-we strive for right living, to be holy in His sight because we love Him, and have a heart to please Him-this is a person He opens His ears to. Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 1Jn 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 1Jn 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1Jn 1:8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1Jn 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. WEAPONS OF OUR WARFARE STRATEGIES AGAINST THE PRINCIPALITIES AND POWERS OF DARKNESS For the seasoned prayer warrior, we learn to wage war in the heavenlies against the rulers and principalities of nations and regions. We learn the strategies of the devil as he works through witches, sorcerers, and magicians. Doing in-depth studies on the books of Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Samuel one and two, Daniel, and of course the life of Jesus, the book of Acts, and Paul's epistles will equip you with a lot of understanding on how to deal with these demonic forces-and do it effectively. It's a lifelong study. Paul gives a statement that helps us understand how to wage war in this realm: 2Co 10:3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 2Co 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; 2Co 10:6 And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Let's break this down. What we are taught here is: 1. Since these were not carnal, their might is not in human strength, but in God who gives the power to overcome the strongholds of sin. 2. The demolition of evil. “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.” And that must be ours too. 3. The world must be regarded as the scene of universal strife and rebellion against God. 4. This gospel is still to be the instrument of the spiritual conflict. In order to wage this war effectively you must know what and WHOM you believe-know how to appropriate the gospel-and do it without compromise. The devil does not play games-the Christian can't afford to either. We walk in victory, only when we learn to walk very close to Christ, learn to understand His ways, and His guidance, and apply it to our lives. The victory the Christian has is this: a. The empty tomb-Christ is risen from the dead-our God is not dead, nor a statue of stone, wood, or iron-we serve a God who has conquered death, hell, and the grave-and He is coming again. This truth was the fuel that moved the disciples in the book of Acts-and why they witnessed with power and boldness-they had seen the risen Christ-and knew WHO they believed. b. The Atoning power of the Blood of Christ against sin-it's power in our lives, and against the forces of the devil c. the Gospel proclaimed - not in enticing words-but in uncompromising boldness, and faith- 1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: 1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. In order to be an effective warrior in prayer against powers darkness of this level-you need to know the truth of this verse: Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. And then move on to put this into practice as described in these: Heb 11:32 And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Heb 11:33 Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Heb 11:34 Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. CONCLUSION The conclusions to our study: 1. Prayer can and does change God's mind 2. Prayer re-aligns our minds to conform to His 3. From our point of view He seems to change; but our prayers actually change us. 4. As we pray, we draw nearer to His Throne of Grace, bringing light and proper perspective to the perplexities of our prayers. Rom. 12:2 5. Prayer changes our needs. As we approach the Throne, the size and nature of our burden seem to lose immensity and importance. Prayer in faith-opens our eyes to who God is-and who we are. The thing being prayed for becomes small in perspective to the God who created this universe, and maintains it. Dan 3:28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who hath sent his angel, and delivered his servants that trusted in him, and have changed the king's word, and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God. Dan 3:29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. When we finally allow His finger to touch our load, things change: not God's position, just His posture; not our petition, just its purpose. We see His answer unfold, which was prepared in advance for a better result, than what we had envisioned. Question: How long does it take?... Answer: As long as it takes. The answer may be seen before you finish praying...., and it may take many years. We will find out as we persevere, and keep praying for the thing put in our hearts and spirits-and don't give up. Study the promise given to Abraham- God promised him a son, it took over 20 years to see the fulfillment to that promise. Gen. 17:16-21 Another example: Gen. 18:20-33 Here we see an example of intercessory prayer when Abraham goes before God for Sodom and Gomorrah. Here we see some interesting points about this. Abraham humbled himself, referring to himself "but dust and ashes". It is good for us to go into the presence of God and get on our face before the Lord. James 4:8 tells us "draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. God is not going to make you humble, you must humble yourself. Abraham continued to intercede on behalf of the cities, until God agreed to spare them for only ten's sake. I've often wondered, if Abraham had continued instead of stopping at ten, if the Lord would have spared those cities even for only one. This world would be in a worse mess than it is, if it wasn't for praying, believing Christians. Summation: Intercessory prayer is a powerful weapon, and tool given to us by God in order to "occupy" (Greek for "go to work", "get busy"). It is our connection with the Father, at His Throne, where we are promised an open door, and authority to wield this weapon with assurance and power, by the leading and direction of His Spirit within us, guiding us as we pray. Every answered prayer becomes fuel to our spirits, strengthening us, and compelling us to increase our faith, and boldness, and we become a powerful adversary against the powers of darkness around us, and effective servants of our Lord. Hearing the Voice of God From the first page, to the back of the book the Bible is full of people who have heard God speak to them, and give them direction and guidance. God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He still speaks today, but few have the desire to align themselves with Him, or His word, to be able to be tuned in to his frequency-it takes a sincere heart, desire, and saying goodbye to the world, in order to bring our spirits to a place of knowing, and hearing his voice. Jesus says this about knowing his voice: Joh 10:16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Joh 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: Joh 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. He tells us that if we seek Him diligently we will find Him, that He will guide our steps, and at times we will hear his voice in that guidance. Yes, most of the time it will come through scripture, but the Holy Spirit within the believer is also our source of guidance. Ananias was spoken to and told to go and pray for Paul, in fear Ananias questioned the Lord, but when he heard the Holy Spirits direction that Paul was a chosen vessel; he obeyed. Ananias was an everyday person like you and I. God put that in there for a reason, to show us He is no respecter of persons. He will speak to anyone He chooses. There are numerous accounts of the disciples and Paul receiving direct guidance from the Lord, by the Holy Spirit within them. In chapter 14 of 1 Corinthians, Paul spent the entire chapter teaching on learning to know the voice of the Holy Spirit and the unction of the Spirit in worship. John and Peter also give instruction on testing the spirits to see if they of God, which we do by going to scripture and seeing if what we are hearing bears witness with it. This is not taught in most churches anymore, because most of them are in unbelief. Most do not believe that the word of God is the final authority; and if you are in unbelief, your mind is already closed and God will never force himself on anyone. You can't teach something you haven't allowed in your own life. Like I said, there is a lot in the bible that no one ever hears of, or is taught. This is why it is so important to read your bible for yourself, spend time alone and dig into it, and talk to God about what your reading; it will change your life, and you will come to know the God of the bible intimately. However, you will also find yourself swimming upstream against a tide of those who will mock, scorn, and you will be accused of many things; including mental problems. I take it into consideration that they treated Paul, Peter, and the disciples the same way. We have to be willing to pay the price for the level of faith we walk in. Answered prayers of the past, gives encouragement and feeds my faith to keep striving to see the hand of God move, and hear His voice, as He directs me. As we spend more time in God's presence, we come to realize-we want to be near Him more; we're drawn as a moth to the flame. The sense of His great presence, and intense love, is fuel to our spirits-and we want more. Then, another realm opens-standing in His presence-unable to speak, pray, or move; enveloped and saturated in a love never before known-unexplainable; but becoming frozen, not wanting this to end. At times, laying prostrate-as Daniel describes, unable to look up; His presence is too powerful, and great. God directs his people as He chooses. Many people do not want to hear God's voice, and have told me so. Other's say they know His guidance and hear Him through circumstances. The account of Gideon testing the will of God for him is an example of God speaking-without an audible voice. How and why He does interacts with people, is in His hands alone. The test of whether you may be hearing the voice is by the Holy Spirit is: The Holy Spirit always directs us to, and glorifies Jesus Christ-if the voice leads and directs you to anyone else-it is a devil. Does it align with scripture - He will never tell you to do anything in direct opposition to His word-He has placed his word above His name: Psa 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. God will never tell you to harm or abuse anyone; either mentally, or physically. He will never tell you to lie, steal or influence anyone else to do evil. He will never tell you to deceive someone. He will direct you to be involved with someone who is practicing in the occult, witchcraft, sorcery, or any sexual sins. God has not changed His mind on morality-it's society that's gone the way of Sodom and Gomorrah. If your given direct guidance in a situation, it will come to pass without manipulation; the doors will open and the situation will unfold, the presence of God will be in it. As a watchman-the Holy Spirit will give greater discernment with the exercise of use-and we will be able to see spiritually people's motives, intentions, and agendas in situations. Daniel is a good example of this. It takes being willing to risk making mistakes, and learning a deeper, more meaningful relationship with the Lord. It is a life long journey, and it equips you for eternity. You will have had a full life of faith lived, to prepare you to meet the God you walked with by faith, down here. Lorna Couillard Spiritual Warfare The Whole Armor of God Text- Ephesians chapter 6 To engage in the battles we face as Christians, it's of utmost importance to understand how we are to clothe ourselves, and why the armor of God is necessary to overcome the whiles of the devil, overcome, and gain the victory. I urge the reader to take the time to read and study chapter 6 of Ephesians and ask the Lord to help you to learn to apply it to your life, it's a study that you'll find, goes on for a lifetime. In this section of study, several things will be brought out, that I've learned over the years, that may be of help to the reader. 1. Don't try to win your battles with somebody else's armor on. This could be an entire study in itself. But, the essence is-in your life, your trials, your battles, your daily opposition is unique to you. The only One who can give you the needed equipment to fight your battles and help you win them, is the Lord Himself; and the only way your going to find out what you'll need is to be in daily contact with Him, and be seeking Him for your guidance. I can assure you, He will, but if we don't ask we will flounder around, waste a lot of time, and likely fail, because like Saul-there's no shortage of people who would like to give you advice, and sometimes equipment that looks like it should work-but God's not in it. When God isn't in it-you can expect the same response as David-when he tried to wear Saul's armor-and found he couldn't use it. You'd find it very interesting to read the entire story of David standing against Goliath. It's a great faith builder. 1Sa 17:38 And Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. 1Sa 17:39 And David girded his sword upon his armor, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him. 1Sa 17:40 And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. 2. When we study to show ourselves approved of God, it also equips us to know how to use the word of God in the appropriate times, when answering those who oppose our faith, that will either silence, or bring conviction. There's times when the best thing to do is say nothing, and walk away from meaningless conflict. This is not running from a spiritual battle-it's knowing when to draw the "sword of the Spirit"-and when to keep it in it's sheath. Many in this world who are enjoying their life of sin-are blinded by sin, unteachable, and cannot be reasoned with. There's a time to preach the Gospel-and then leave, and let the Holy Spirit use what was said to bring conviction. We are the Lord's servants, and once we've spoken out on an issue, it's important to use discernment to know when to stop. God never forces anyone to believe. Paul emphasizes these points in the verses below. 2Ti 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness. 3. There's many ways to be a witness, and be an effective soldier in the battle against the forces of darkness-one very important way is to be uncompromising in your daily life and walk. What you choose NOT to do is a loud witness to a world of sin. When you choose not to go to movies with friends, not get involved in violent, and often sexual video games, not participate in dirty jokes-get away from the TV. When you start appropriating what the bible teaches into your life-you'll draw the attention of your unbelieving friends and relatives without saying a word, and the battle now will escalate-and the temptation to return to the world's ways to be accepted by them will rage in your heart. This is a spiritual battle that goes on until you die. It's the power of the word of God, prayer, and seeking the presence of God, that will bring the victory-and help you say no to the world, and the old life you once lived in. Your armor will get harder and your heart more cloven with the Lord's-as you get deeper into His word, and cling to him each day in prayer. If you make unwavering stands on life issues-you will be attacked from every angle-in and out of the churches. Get used to it. 2Ti 2:3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2Ti 2:4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 4. Don't expect the acceptance from the world-it will save you a lot of heartache. Learn to know the Lord and his viewpoint of you-and learn to be satisfied with His presence-and not lean on the need for other's. They may praise you today-and curse you and slander you tomorrow. Learn to not depend on man to give you a sense of worth. Know your worth according to God's word, and how it says He sees you. There is a great divide among believer's today. The big mega ministries are some of the greatest deceiver's-because they teach that if your truly walking in obedience, and in the blessings of God-the money will start coming in, and people will like you. But, pick up your bible and read it for yourself, read what Jesus teaches about this, we are not guaranteed what they are preaching. God promises to be with us, and give us what we need, but not what we covet. There's a big difference between meeting our needs, and greed and gluttony. I've listened to many in their realm of the prosperity gospel-and caught them twisting scripture to mean what they want it to mean, to condone and excuse their lifestyles of excess. I made up my mind, never to go that route. I remind myself often that one day I will stand and face the Lord-I don't want to have to answer for that kind of false teaching. Before he went to the cross, he taught the disciples the night before, at their last supper together to expect the same treatment he was getting. He gave them words of comfort of his love, but did not minimize the truth of the worlds' hatred of Him, or those who would follow Him. Joh 15:18 If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. Joh 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Joh 15:20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. Joh 15:21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. 5. Along with our dependence being only on God-we need to find our peace-and the ability to walk in that peace-saturated in it, which comes from His presence-regardless of the circumstances we may find ourselves in. This is a very important weapon of warfare not spoken of much by most Christians-but one the Lord has given me insight of through my years walking with Him. Matt. ch. 10:12-13 Mat 10:12 And when ye come into an house, salute it. Mat 10:13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. In these verses Jesus is speaking of the interactions with people as we witness, visit someone's home, or church. But it also speaks of the important abiding presence of God in these interactions-present in the believer who is conducting himself as a servant of the Lord. Example: Perhaps your out in a community doing business, and find yourself in an atmosphere of hostility, and can see and feel it. The presence and peace of God will remain on you, but will also act as protection from the spiritual attack your surrounded by. You may feel a strong urge to leave the situation-heed the warning and go, when the opportunity comes. This is God's hand of protection and guidance for your well-being. As I've studied the life of Jesus, it's very interesting to see how many times he left the crowds, and got away from them. It's also sad to read the many accounts he was told to leave-what was done to him-you can also expect. In this warfare, if you lose your peace, you've lost an important weapon in this battle. It's one I pay special attention to, because when you've lost that solid peace in your soul that only God can give, the devil is right there to fill you with every manner of torment, and temptations. When peace is restored, the strength and wisdom to deal with the problems renews. I won't say the trials will become less, or the attacks from many angles-but you'll be better equipped to deal with it. There's a great deal more to learn concerning the strategies of warfare in this life; as the soldier of Christ moves on, this verse needs to be put before us. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 1John 5:4 Lorna Couillard Emergency Prayers "Peter was kept in prison: but prayer (instant and earnest prayer) was made for him" (Act_12:5, margin).
Peter was in prison awaiting his execution. The Church had neither human power nor influence to save him. There was no earthly help, but there was help to be obtained by the way of Heaven. They gave themselves to fervent, importunate prayer. God sent His angel, who aroused Peter from sleep and led him out through the first and second wards of the prison; and when they came to the iron gate, it opened to them of its own accord, and Peter was free. There may be some iron gate in your life that has blocked your way. Like a caged bird you have often beaten against the bars, but instead of helping, you have only had to fall back tired, exhausted and sore at heart. There is a secret for you to learn, and that is believing prayer; and when you come to the iron gate, it will open of its own accord. How much wasted energy and sore disappointment will be saved if you will learn to pray as did the Church in the upper room! Insurmountable difficulties will disappear; adverse circumstances will prove favorable if you learn to pray, not with your own faith but with the faith of God (Mar_11:22, margin). Souls in prison have been waiting for years for the gate to open; love ones out of Christ, bound by Satan, will be set free when you pray till you definitely believe God. -- C. H. P. Emergencies call for intense prayer. When the man becomes the prayer nothing can resist its touch. Elijah on Carmel, bowed down on the ground, with his face between his knees, that was prayer-- the man himself. No words are mentioned. Prayer can be too tense for words. The man’s whole being was in touch with God, and was set with God against the powers of evil. They couldn’t withstand such praying. There’s more of this embodied praying needed. -- The Bent-knee Time "Groanings which cannot be uttered are often prayers which cannot be refused." -- C. H. Spurgeon Source-Streams in the Desert |
Welcome
May you find a source of sound spiritual food for your soul and spirit here. Jesus Christ is Lord Rev 12:11
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death. I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.
In the day when I cried thou answeredst me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul. All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. Psalm 138:2-4 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
Php 4:13 The NightWatchman
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Spiritual Warfare
https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/spiritual-warfare The Weapons of Our Warfare https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/the-weapons-of-our-warfare Satan's Directed Energy Weapons https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/satans-directed-energy-weapons UNCOVERING THE CULTS https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/uncovering-the-cults Works of the Flesh https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/works-of-the-flesh John - The Voice in the Wilderness https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/john-the-voice-in-the-wilderness The Lord's Prayer-Thy Kingdom Come https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/the-lords-prayer-thy-kingdom-come Sodom's Sister https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/sodoms-sister Finishing the Course https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/finishing-the-course The NightWatchman https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/the-nightwatchman The Father https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/the-father JESUS THE SON https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/jesus-the-son Bringing Down The Walls https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/bringing-down-the-walls Defining Decisions https://www.thenightwatchman.org/teachings/defining-decision Archives
July 2024
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