​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. 
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⦁ 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.
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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

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.

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. 
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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.
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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.
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++ 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.

​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)

​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. 
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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.

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.