Matthew 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Matthew 18:18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
In the above scriptures, Jesus instructs Peter and his other disciples that through the authority that has been given to them and their knowledge of God’s will and order they could bind and loose on earth with the corresponding action being done in heaven. With authority comes responsibility, thus, continual communication with the one in charge (God) will result in success and shortening of the battle. For whether you go into enemy territory or the enemy infiltrates your territory, the weapon of binding and loosing is an essential part of your arsenal.
The dictionary meanings for these terms are:
1. Bind = to knit, fasten, tie, weave together, wound around, to make rigid, firm, clamp, confine, tighten, stop, put an end to, unmovable, shackle, fetter, slow down.
2. Loose = unfasten, unbind, untie, release, lift of barriers, break up, dissolve, unloose, melt, put off, wreck, crack, to sunder by separation of parts, shatter into minute fragments, disrupt, lacerate, bust, rend and tear.
More insight is giving on the act of binding in Matthew 12:22-30 and Mark 3:22- 27. These scriptures share the account of Jesus’ interaction with the Pharisees and scribes after healing a blind, dumb man who was also demonically possessed. They suggested Jesus was aligned with Satan and therefore was able to cast out demons by the power He obtained from him. Jesus denied their claim by explaining Satan would be working against himself and dividing his kingdom if he allowed those aligned with him to cast out one of their associates. Jesus explained internal cooperation is needed for harmony and productivity.
Jesus also gives a vital warfare strategy in this discourse. When fighting the enemy first, you bind (knit, fasten, tie, wind around, clamp, confine, tighten, and put an end to) the spirit in-charge (head spirit), then you can complete another task.
In Luke 13:11-16 Jesus loosed (unfasten, untied, released) a woman that was bowed down from a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years. He acknowledged that Satan had bound her, and He used His power to lose her. With His actions, He was able to differentiate when to bind and when to lose. The scriptures reveal you bind demons, and you lose the captives.
In previous blogs, I have established the fact: we are in God’s military, and we must use military strategies. It behooves us to be like the natural military and have knowledge of the enemy and what weapons are needed before waging war. Thus, knowledge of the strong spirit must be known first. This means, we believers must take time to acquaint ourselves with the forces of our enemy. Also, an understanding of when to bind and when to lose is essential.
Jesus told his disciples that believers would cast out devils in His name (Mark 16:17); therefore, He expects us to do it. ” I believe as we pray and seek God for help in discerning the enemy and what action to utilize, He will inform and instruct us. Also, for those that need it, the list of the strong demonic spirits can be found in my blog titled “Handling Demon Encounters.” My prayers are for your growth and development, but you must do the work for this to happen.
God has always desired an intimate relationship with people. He wants people to trust and depend on Him and to seek and inquire of Him for the unknown. He wishes to reveal the deep and hidden things to us and not see us seeking knowledge from ungodly sources. The term that describes this ungodly practice is called occult.
The word occult in the dictionary has the following meanings:
1. Of, relating to, or dealing with supernatural influences, agencies, or phenomena.
2. Beyond the realm of human comprehension; inscrutable; mysterious.
3. Available only to the initiate; secret; esoteric
4. Hidden from view; concealed
Thus, occult practitioners are those who seek to gain or acquire knowledge by forbidden means (power from preternatural or supra-human forces). These practitioners do not have God’s favor or blessings.
The book of Leviticus and Deuteronomy highlights how God feels concerning occult practices. In Leviticus 18:2-5, God tells Moses that Israel was not to follow nor adopt the practices of Egypt and Canaan but rather keep the laws, statutes, and judgments that He gave them. In Leviticus 19:26 & 31 and 20:6 & 27, God named some of the pagan occult practices and said He would reject and cut off those that do them. To ensure their success, God instructed Israel to destroy all the Canaanites when they went in and possessed the land (Deuteronomy 9:1- 5).
Also, the book of Deuteronomy shared Moses farewell address to Israel, and he rehearsed God’s laws, statutes, and commandments. In Deuteronomy 18:10-14 Moses reiterated nine forbidden practices of the occult. He said, “When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations, the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.”
The word “abomination” is the Hebrew word “Tow`ebah” and it means a disgusting thing, loathsome, unclean, wicked, detestable, vile, or abhorrence. God found occult practices offensive and killed off nations of people who were involved in it.
I know that we believers have been guilty of dabbling in some occult practices. We thought it was fun and harmless; however, our view of it was not God’s view. It is a choice that we must make to heed God’s instructions whether we understand it or not. No doubt, when we allow this occult gate to be open, we give the enemy access to our lives and the lives of our family. Our choice is important (remember the pride of life is continually attempting to entice us).
Over the years, occult practices have evolved; so, I am going to give a limited list of some practices. The definitions and other practices that I have not included in my list can be found on the internet. My lists of common occult practices are:
| ▪ Alchemy | ▪ Animism |
| ▪ Astrology | ▪ Automatic speaking and writing |
| ▪ Automatic | ▪ Channeling |
| ▪ Clairvoyance | ▪ Crystallomancy |
| ▪ Divination | ▪ Enchantments |
| ▪ Fetishism | ▪ Fortune telling |
| ▪ Freemasonry | ▪ Hermetic Traditions |
| ▪ Horoscopes | ▪ Illuminati |
| ▪ Incantations | ▪ Kabbalah |
| ▪ Magic | ▪ Mediums |
| ▪ Mirror gazing | ▪ Necromancy |
| ▪ Ouija boards | ▪ Paganism |
| ▪ Palmistry | ▪ Prognostication |
| ▪ Santeria | ▪ Satanism |
| ▪ Soothsaying | ▪ Sorcery |
| ▪ Spell | ▪ Spirit-guides |
| ▪ Spiritualism | ▪ Tarot cards |
| ▪ Teacup reading | ▪ Voodoo |
| ▪ Witchcraft | ▪ Wizardry |
If you have been involved with any of the above practices, and you think it is alright; I challenge you to pray and ask God what does He feels about your actions. I assure you, God’s reasons for denouncing occult practices have not changed.
As believers, we have the opportunity to get our information from a truly reliable source, and He will not lead us astray. James 1:5 informs us if we lack wisdom, ask God, and He will give to us liberally. So the choice is yours, I pray you make the right decision.
Fasting means to abstain from all or certain foods. It is an act that many believers have difficulty doing. Paul discusses the continual struggle between right and wrong that goes on in our flesh in Romans 7. Our flesh wants to dominate our spirit. When we would do good (fast) evil is present tempting us eat. Denying this flesh of the things it craves helps us to become discipline in our Christian walk, and it prepares us for battle by allowing the flesh to make sacrifices for its good. If we can say no to our flesh, we will also acquire strength to say no to the temptations of Satan.
Fasting to be effective must be coupled with much praying and the proper attitude. Isaiah 58 reveals God’s chosen fast. The chapter begins with the complaints of people because their fasting was not getting a positive response from God. God responds by revealing their sinful heart and wrong intentions. He then tells them about His chosen fast and shares the results of fasting His way. His way of proper fasting provides lifting of cares, freedom, deliverance, acknowledgment of own faults and sensitivity to the hungry, homeless, and naked. It results in illumination, health flourishing, righteousness, glory, guidance, satisfaction, and answered prayers.
Initially, Israel was instructed by God to fast one day, and that was the annual Day of Atonement, However, after the fall of Jerusalem Israel fasted in the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth month (Zechariah 8:19). Besides the collective fasting of Israel, which they did at the appointed times and the fasting that they did when crises arose, the bible tells of individuals fasting as they sought answers and direction from God. Some of the people that fasted were: Jesus, Moses, Daniel, Esther, Ezra, Elijah, and David.
There is no criterion for the number of days a person must fast. Also, there are mainly three types of fast: normal, absolute, or partial. Whatever the number of days or type of fast a person chooses, it should all be done as Jesus instructed his followers in secrecy and with humility (Matthew 6:16-18).
For those of you that desire more information on fasting, you can find a wealth of it on the internet; however, I would like to recommend two books on fasting. They are:
1. GOD’S CHOSEN FAST by Arthur Wallis, which shares a spiritual and practical guide on God’s chosen fast.
2. FASTING FOR A SPIRITUAL BREAKTHROUGH by Elmer Towns, which discusses Isaiah 58 and nine biblical fast each designed for a specific physical and spiritual outcome.
Finally, remember fasting and praying prepares and informs you for your spiritual battle.
The Books of the Gospel of Jesus Christ record only a limited amount of His healing and deliverance ministry. John informs us in John 21:25 that the world could not contain the books that would tell all the many things that Jesus did while he was on earth. Several scriptures state that Jesus went through villages and cities, healing the sick and delivering those that were possessed with devils. (Matthew 4:23-24, 8:16; 9:35; Mark 1:32- 34; 3:10-12; 4: 40-41; Luke 4:40, 9:6 & 11.) However, during His three years of earthly ministry, the Bible only gives twenty-six personal accounts of healing and five personal accounts of deliverance. If you examine the scriptures, you will find similar descriptions of some of the events in each of the gospel books with each sharing the author’s view of that event.
The five encounters of Jesus with those possessed with devils can be read in the following scriptures:
1. The lunatic (Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:17-29; Luke 9:37-43)
2. Demonic possessed (Matthew 12:22-30; Luke 11:14-26)
3. Unclean spirit (Mark 1:23-26; Luke 4: 33-35)
4. Gadarene demoniac (Matthew 8:28-34; Mark 5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39)
5. Demoniac spirit (Matthew 9:32-34)
In these encounters, Jesus either rebuked or cast out the demon. Rebuke means to scold in a sharp way; reprimand, and to force back. To cast out means to abandon; discard; to set free. Please note in none of these scriptures did Jesus start praying. Jesus told his disciples that they needed to fast and pray to cast out demons that had a stronghold on individuals (Matthew 9: 21; Mark 9:29). However, I believe the praying and fasting is in preparation for ministry and done prior to ministry, not amid ministry. Also, Jesus told the disciples to speak to the situation with faith (Matthew 17: 20)
Here is a list of demonic spirits that are considered the strong man:
Spirit of Jealousy (Numbers 5:14; Proverbs 6:34)
Spirit of Lying (2 Chronicles 18:22; Jeremiah 23:14)
Spirit of Familiarity (1 Samuel 28:7; Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
Spirit of Perversion (Isaiah 19:14; Proverbs 14:2; Proverbs 23:33; Acts 13:10)
Spirit of Heaviness (Isaiah 61:3)
Spirit of Whoredom (Hosea 4:12; Ezekiel 16:28-39)
Spirit of Infirmity (Luke 13:11)
Spirit of the Deaf and Dumb (Mark 9:17-25)
Spirit of Fear (2 Timothy 1:7; Job 4:14)
Spirit of Bondage (Romans 8:15; Exodus 6:9)
Spirit of Antichrist (1 John 4:3)
Spirit of Disobedience (Ephesians 2:2)
Spirit of Slumber (Romans 11:8)
Spirit of the World (1 Corinthians 2:12)
Spirit of Divination (Acts 16:16)
Spirit of Error (1 John 4:6)
Spirit of the Devil (Revelation 16:4)
Spirit of Seduction (1 Timothy 4:1)
Spirit of Sorrow (1 Samuel 1:15)
Evil Spirit (Judges 9:23)
Unclean Spirit (Zechariah 13:2)
Broken Spirit (Proverbs 17:2)
Blind Spirit (Matthew 12:22)
Spirit of Pride or Haughtiness (Proverbs 16:18; Proverbs 13:10
Every believer needs to acquaint themselves with these spirits that we will encounter some time in our existence, remembering that Jesus said believers would have the ability to cast out devils (Mark 16:17)
Also here is a list of Godly spirits that needs to replace the spirits that are cast out.
Humble Spirit- Proverbs 16:19
Right Spirit – Psalms 51:10
Contrite Spirit – Psalms 34:18
Spirit of Grace and Supplication – Zechariah 12:10
Spirit of Glory – 1 Peter 4:14
Spirit of Life – Romans 8:2
Spirit of Truth – John 15:26
Spirit of Adoption – Romans 8:15
Spirit of Judgment – Isaiah 28:6
Spirit of Christ – Romans 8:9
Spirit of the Lord – 2 Corinthians 3:17-18
Spirit of God – Job 33:4
Spirit of Understanding – Isaiah 11:2
Spirit of Counsel – Isaiah 11:2
Spirit of Might – Isaiah 11:2
Spirit of Knowledge – Isaiah 11:2
Spirit of the Fear of the Lord – Isaiah 11:2
Spirit of Wisdom – Isaiah 11:2
Spirit of Burning – Isaiah 4:4
Excellent Spirit – Daniel 5:12
Good Spirit – Nehemiah 9:20
You are now armed and dangerous to the kingdom of Satan. CONTINUAL praying and fasting and your knowledge of the Godly and ungodly spirits will bring you victory. Remember as long as you are alive you will be in warfare, so you might as well be prepared
Fortify means to make strong or stronger; to strengthen against attack; to support, and to build military defenses. On our own, we cannot engage the enemy in warfare successfully, but with the Holy Spirit empowering us, we can do damage in the enemies’ camp. This is why God had a plan for His Spirit to be involved in the lives of every believer.
Let me share some necessary information concerning the Holy Spirit. Before his crucifixion, Jesus talked to His disciples about his departure and told them God was going to send them a comforter when He was gone. The word comforter in the Greek means one called alongside to help, assist, and bring comfort when and where needed (Luke 24:49; John 14: 26). He also called this comforter the Spirit of truth (John 14:17). On the day of His ascension, Jesus’ last instruction to his disciples was to wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father, which was the Holy Spirit. He explained that when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they would receive power. As recorded in Acts 2, the disciples and other followers of Jesus adhered to His instructions and on the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came. The bible says, “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
As believers, we know the Holy Spirit, which is holy and sacred, is the part of God that infills man. It is GOD IN US. Paul, in his writings to the church of Ephesus, tells them not to be drunk with wine, but to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). To carry out the mission that God has for every believer on this earth, they need the power that only the Holy Spirit provides. Peter recognized this fact when he prayed for boldness for the disciples to witness, which resulted in those assembled with him receiving a refilling (Acts 4:29 – 31).
Throughout the Bible, there were four relationships noted between God and man. Three are characteristic of the Old Testament. They were: God for them, God on/upon them, and God with them. However, in the New Testament believers have God in them. As recorded in the book of Acts which contains the historical account of people that received the Holy Spirit, the visual and audible sign that believers had received the infilling of the Holy Spirit was their ability to speak in an unknown tongue. As stated in Acts 2:4; 10:44-46 and 19:6, they were filled first, and then they began to speak with tongues as the Spirit gave them the words. So, speaking in an unknown tongue is not the Holy Spirit but a sign that you have been filled.
As I previously stated the Holy Spirit in a believer empowers or fortifies them. In addition to this, the Holy Spirit functions in many other capacities in our lives. Here are some of them:
1. Teacher (John 14:26; 1Corinthians 2:13)
2. Guide and revealer (John 16:13; 1Corinthians 2:9-12)
3. Adoption (John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14 – 16)
4. Imparts spiritual gifts (1Corinthians 12:4,11)
5. Regenerates and quickens (Romans 8:10-11)
6. Convicts of sin (John 16:8-11)
7. Constrainer (Acts16:6-7)
8. Anoints (Luke 4:18)
9. Giver of life (John 6:63)
10. Sanctifies (1Corinthians 6:11)
11. Produces fruit (Galatians 5:22-23)
Knowing all the benefits that the Holy Spirit provides, I encourage you today if you have not received the Holy Spirit as the followers of Jesus did in the book of Acts, to do so. God wants you to be a victorious vessel used by Him to witness to a dying world. All you have to do is ask Him and by faith receive. He welcomes your request and will gladly respond to it (Luke 11:13).
Ephesians 6:13 – 17 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
According to the above scripture, there are six pieces of armor: the girdle of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. What is unique about this armor is pieces can be used for defensive or offensive purposes. For defense, articles can be used to defend or deter attacks; and for offense, articles can be used for invasion and to attack the enemy.
I believe most believers know the spiritual armor and can name them. Some recite them daily as an act of putting them on; however, it has proven just to be a recitation. The actual utilization of the armor is unfortunately neglected.
Here are some simple explanations of how to use each piece of armor:
1. Girdle of truth – covers the loins which are where organs of elimination and reproduction are located. This means throughout the day we are releasing truth; we are speaking, declaring, and confessing the Word to ourselves and to the enemy.
2. Breastplate of righteousness – covers your chest area and mainly protects the heart, which is considered the center of man’s emotion and the organ that pumps blood (life source) throughout the body. Believers are to guard their affections, emotions, and desires, remembering we have right standing with God, and therefore, we are not going to allow negativity to come in and pollute our body. Also, in biblical times, the breastplate did not cover the back, which means don’t turn your back and run from the enemy; stand your ground.
3. Shod your feet with the gospel of peace – means wherever your feet which are used for movement and standing takes you, the good news of the gospel and peace should prevail in that atmosphere. When you come into a place of chaos, your presence should generate calm.
4. Shield of faith – is used to cover the body. Your belief and trust in God and His word keep you protected and can extinguish and subdue the vicious assaults of the enemy.
5. Sword of the spirit — is the Word of God which applied defensively upholds and strengthens believers, and cuts and destroys the enemy when used offensively. (Please read the previous blog on The Word of God for more information).
6. Helmet of salvation – covers and protects your head (mind, and ears) from injury. The enemy wants to infiltrate the mind with doubt and fears concerning the benefits that believers obtained when they accept Christ in their lives. The helmet allows us to reject these insinuations and to boldly confess who we are and what we have obtained through Christ.
Finally, as we wear and wield this powerful armor, we will victoriously stand, and successfully engage in warfare. Remember, you are God’s weapons of war on earth, and He has made provisions for a favorable outcome when you use His prescription.
In Exodus when God was about to execute the last plague on the Egyptians which entailed a visitation on every household in Egypt killing the firstborn child, He also said when He saw the sprinkled blood on the doorpost of the Israelis’ homes, He would pass over them (Exodus 12:12-13, 23). The blood of a lamb protected them from death.
It was after Israel’s departure from Egypt and during their wandering in the wilderness that God gave Moses the laws by which Israel was to govern themselves. This began the Dispensation of the Law. A Dispensation is defined as a period of time in which God interacts with humanity concerning sin and man’s responsibility. There are seven Dispensations: Innocence, Conscience, Human Government, Promise, Law, Grace, and Kingdom. From the first until the present man was given a responsibility which he failed, and his failure yielded a judgment from God.
In the Dispensation of the Law, God gave specific statues and commandments to Moses for which the Israelis were to adhere. When a violation occurred, they were to offer by the priest a blood sacrifice from an animal to make atonement for their sins. These sacrifices were carried out by the priest daily and yearly according to God’s instruction. With the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus (our sacrificial lamb), a new covenant was established. This one time sacrifice of Jesus’s life fulfilled once and for all the blood sacrifice requirements. As believers, we no longer need to bring an animal to be slain for our sins. JESUS PAID THE PRICE FOR THE WHOLE WORLD.
The shedding of His blood was so great it provided us with more than just protection in spiritual warfare (Revelation 12:11). The scriptures reveal many benefits of the shed blood of Jesus, and here are a few:
1. Remission of sins (Matt. 26:28).
2. Propitiation through faith in His blood (Rom. 3:25).
3. Justification (Rom. 5:9).
4. Redemption (Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:18-19; Rev. 5:9
5. Forgiveness (Col. 1:14).
6. Peace and reconciliation to God (Col. 1:20).
7. Cleanses and purges (Heb. 9:14; 1 John 1:7).
8. Sanctifies (Heb. 13:12).
9. Grants access (Heb. 10:19).
10. Overcomer (Rev. 12:11).
11. Washes (Rev. 1:5; 7:14).
12. Deliverance (Heb. 2:14; Col. 1:13)
While you are reading this list, I suggest you take a moment and thank God for all of these benefits and continue to thank Him in the days to come.
Finally, in our churches, the expression “plead the blood” is often used. For believers to plead, it is a legal term and means to stand on the rights that are ours “legally” through the shed blood of Jesus. Since we are born in sin, we are all guilty, and our plea is the blood that covers us. When we “plead the blood,” we are appropriating, applying, declaring, proclaiming, and placing our confidence in the finished work of Jesus. “Pleading the blood” provides total coverage for every need: protection, healing (physical, emotional, mental), financial, relationships, deliverance, etc. Since Jesus paid the price to provide us this great benefit that in the past, you may have neglected to use; change your habit and begin to utilize it from today forward.
In this world, there is nothing on which we can count or rely. The arms of flesh will fail us; it is only God and His Word that can sustain us. Matthew 24:35 tell us, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” And Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.” Thus, our truth is: God’s Word is eternal and stable.
Also, the Bible says the Word is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction (2 Timothy 3:16). We must diligently and actively search the scriptures to find the truths written in it and to apply it to our lives. We cannot be lazy or haphazard with the Word. Our carelessness leads to our defeat and the defeat of our posterity. God informs us of this when He speaks to the Israelites in Hosea 4:6 and delivers this devastating blow. He says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” When we reject the Word and the knowledge that it provides, our actions bring consequences to our children and us. No wonder Moses before his death continually reiterated in his last speeches to Israel to learn and teach the Word to their children.
It is the Word of God, which is also called a sword of the Spirit that upholds and instructs us in our warfare. In the mention of the spiritual armor in Ephesians 6, the sword is the only combat item that can be used to attack. It is proven when sharpened, its dual edges and the tapered point which can penetrate the enemies’ metal armor inflicts lethal results. Paul, in Hebrews 4:12, share the effect of the Word. He says, “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.” When applied correctly, the Word works beyond what we can imagine, and the ministry of the Word penetrates, where our human thoughts and words could not go.
As pertaining to the Word in warfare, I have found in my own personal study of the books of Joshua thru Psalms warfare strategies laid out for me to follow. As I studied the different battles fought by Israel I discovered these battles had spiritual relevance, and they gave strategic steps that were applicable. With study, prayer, and revelation, the Word spoke to every aspect of my life and gave me insight into dealing with Satan and his host. My battle is to REMEMBER the Word holds the strategies, and to go to the Word, find them and use them.
Lastly, I urge you to use the example of Jesus when Satan confronted him. His reply to Satan was, “IT IS WRITTEN.” Try it; for the Word works for those who work it
The believers’ number one spiritual weapon is prayer, and our number one fight is against the spirit of prayerlessness.
The greatest privilege and weapon a believer possesses is prayer. Prayer allows a believer to communion with God, who is their commander-in-chief. Prayer should be a two-way communication, and if it is not, someone does not hear a response. Prayer allows believers to share their thoughts, concerns, receive instructions on pending danger, and how to handle these situations.
Prayer is the weapon that God uses to defeat our enemy. Believers need to understand prayer is God’s plan, it accomplishes His purpose, it gives Him pleasure, it delivers His promises, and it brings the manifestation of His power.
Prayer requires time, discipline, persistence, sensitivity, sacrifice, separation, obedience, faithfulness, and fearlessness. Since prayer involves periods of waiting and listening, be prepared with a Bible, pen, and paper, and due to your preparedness you can record what you hear God speaking to your spirit; it may be the solution to future victories.
Prayer should not be a dreaded chore. I have found we have made it so with our traditions. Have you ever stopped and listened to a person praying? Does it sound like they are talking to a friend? God hears simple conversations. He is not concerned with our eloquent communication. I believe if we learned how to speak to Him as if we were talking to our best friend, we would pray more.
I admonish you that as stated in 2 Corinthians 2:11,”Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” One of the devices or tools Satan uses is prayerlessness. Prayerlessness causes believers to be powerless, ineffective, and it is a stronghold that needs to be broken. Also, prayerlessness is rooted in the spirit of pride. That spirit makes people believe they can make it without praying. That spirit caused the downfall of Satan, and that spirit wants to bring about the downfall of believers.
So, let us remember, as long as we are living, we are in warfare. We will not be victorious on our strength or ingenuity. We need direction from the One that knows everything, and we need to pray without ceasing. PRAYER IS OUR NUMBER ONE SPIRITUAL WEAPON.
The Teacher's Pick 