This will be my last blog in the series on “SPIRITUAL WARFARE,” and I pray it has been helpful to you as it has been for me. The blogs reminded me about some relevant facts that I had forgotten, and I need to rehearse continuously .
For those of you that have read the blogs in this series, I recommend you write those things down that you know you need to remember and implement. Also, review your list often until they are routinely done.
Here are some of the facts that I need to remember:
1. I can be victorious if I utilize the weapons that God has provided for me.
2. As long as I am living, I am in God’s spiritual military, and I must always be prepared for battle.
3. I am not ignorant of the fact that Satan uses his angels and ungodly spirits to steal, kill, and destroy; and they are persistent and relentless in their assignments.
4. Ungodly spirits seek to transfer into my life; therefore, I must close the gate and not permit them entry.
5. I must maintain my deliverance.
6. Thinking right is paramount to my success.
7. The Spirit of Pride will make me believe things that I am not.
8. If I rebel against God’s instructions, I am aligning myself with the enemy, and it is rebellion in God’s eyes.
9. I must rebuke the winds (things that cause me to be unstable and block my hearing), and speak to the seas (things that hamper my visibility and attempt to overwhelm me), and I must speak into my environment until it recognizes and obeys the sound of my voice.
10. All answers to strategic warfare planning can be found in the scriptures; all I must do is diligently search for them.
If you have missed any of the 29 blogs in this series, I recommend you go back and read what you missed because they might hold the answers for which you have been praying. May God richly bless you and strengthen you as you continue your victorious warfare fighting.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 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 strong holds;) 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;
I am continually amazed at the intricate nature of the human body. The scripture states in Psalms 139:14, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Our body was not created haphazardly; it was designed with a purpose. Who, but God could have determined that some of our physical actions would be tools that believers could use to defeat the enemy. Paul in1Corinthians 1:27-28 states, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty,” and another scripture reveals that God’s thoughts and ways are different than man (Isaiah 55:8). Rather than try to understand why He chooses to do things in an unorthodox manner, by faith, we need to accept His Word and simply follow His plan.
I have learned in His creation of man God created our bodies to function in two realms. The use of our body parts and organs in the earthly realm helps us to function and survive, and the use of those same body parts and organs in the spiritual realm helps us in our warfare. The main organ that we need to use is the brain which contains our mind (the area where we hold our thoughts, feelings, and desires.) I’ve found I need not be high-minded, or intellectual, or lazy but humble myself to God’s will and prescribed plan of action. My mind seeks to lead me astray, and the use of worldly formulas becomes inviting. For example: If I was engaged in an altercation with another person and I wanted to be carnal I could: fight, cuss, or utilize some type of loaded weapon against them. If I wanted to adhere to the scriptures that inform me that though I walk in the flesh, I do not war after the flesh, then I would use the weapons in my spiritual arsenal. These weapons are of another caliber and go beyond my human analyses. When I finished my carnal fight, I am sure I would be somewhere praying to God about what to do because the outcome from that fight left me spiritually depleted. So, my best course of action should be to cast down in my mind everything that does not align itself with God’s Word and searching the Word find out how He would have me proceed.
Finally, commentaries state, “bringing into captivity” means “to make a prisoner of;” therefore, I am instructed not to permit any ungodly thought, feeling or desire to reign in me but to enslave them and allow God’s Word to reign supreme. Following this instruction will lead to my ultimate victory, and I am striving to be victorious. How about you?
Let me start this blog with the dictionaries definition of witchcraft. It defines it as follows:
1. The practices of witches; sorcery; magic; enchantments; intercourse with the devil.
2. Power more than natural.
3. The use of spells and the invocation of spirits.
4. Communication with the devil or with a familiar.
5. An irresistible influence or fascination.
6. The use of supernatural powers to influence or predict events.
From the beginning of time, man’s views on magic and witchcraft vary, and this is also true among Christian denominations. Some Christians believe and condemn any form of magic and witchcraft as satanic, while others believe it is superstition, and others do not believe it even exist. However, all believers need to understand there is a devil, and he entices people into witchcraft, especially those that want power and knowledge outside of God.
In the past, the practice of witchcraft was forbidden in society; it has now become acceptable. The internet, YouTube, and other social media provide those that are interested in this subject: books, lectures, tools, and techniques to practice the craft.
Society has given witches labels such as “Black Witch,” “White Witch,” “Good Witch,” or “Bad Witch.” Also, according to your culture or the field of witchcraft in which you desire to specialize, you choose what you want to do and be, and the information is readily available.
God expressed His feelings concerning witches in Exodus 22:18. He said,” Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” He wants His followers to seek Him for answers, knowledge, direction, and wisdom. He alone can be 100% accurate, truthful, and reliable; all other sources can fail.
Samuel, the prophet of God also shared with Saul in 1 Samuels 15:23a that his defiance of God’s instruction was viewed as rebellion; thus, likened to the sin of witchcraft. This means when we rebel against godly teachings, we fall into the category of witchcraft. Resistance to the will of God for your life is as horrible as divination which God condemned. Rebellion and disobedience are, in fact, idolatry because it promotes self-will into a god, and the fall of Lucifer shows us rebellion is not a good thing.
In our churches, you will find those that seek to be in prestigious positions and to control leadership; don’t be fooled; it is the spirit of witchcraft. Those that use ungodly methods to gain what they want are also under the influence of witchcraft. If you find yourself doing these things you need deliverance.
Finally, we must put God first, accept and follow His Word, and seek Him for information on the unknown. If you do this, you will be pleasing in the sight of God.
A soul tie is a psychological, physiological, or emotional dependency on another person that resulted from a yielding of oneself to that individual. It is a cleaving, joining, knitting together, or close attachment between two individuals that may be godly or ungodly. Most of this blog will be spent on sharing information on ungodly soul ties, but first I would like to say that the scriptures reveal some godly soul tie examples like David and Jonathan (1 Samuel 18:1), and Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1- 4). These relationships were healthy and nurturing; they were together but not entangled. Whereas, an ungodly tie entangles your emotions, mind, and will to the point where you are in bondage in these areas, and instead of a beneficial relationship, you are in one that is detrimental.
The three principal categories of ungodly soul ties are:
1. Emotional attachments that are imbalanced, distorted, and perverted.
2. Intellectual attachments that hinder freedom of thought, ideas, beliefs, and goals.
3. Sexual attachments that are formed via unlawful sexual activity.
Ungodly soul ties are known to form via families, friendships, unlawful sexual activity, unhealthy allegiances, and idolization. These ties often result in irrational thinking and evaluation of self and others, a lack of discernment, emotional shutdown, unhealthy attractions, and an inability to develop and maintain a healthy adult relationship. They can also produce inappropriate, extreme loyalties or codependent ties to parents, relatives, friends, or a person.
If you find yourself in an ungodly tie and want to be delivered from it, I suggest you first pray and ask God to help you break this yoke of bondage. You must admit your soul has been tied, repent, renounce, and close the door. This is not an easy task; however, it is one that can be accomplished when you resolve in your mind and spirit that you will do it. In previous blogs, I have given information on keeping your deliverance and weapons of spiritual warfare; these blogs will assist you in this endeavor as you cultivate and renew your mind and grow in Christ. Finally, Christ is interceding on your behalf, and you can do all things through Him who strengthens you.
The unseen spirit world is actively working for us and against us; therefore, it is essential for believers to know who is with them. While living on this earth, we have both angels and evil spirit assigned to us, and this knowledge allows us to make wise decisions. In this blog, I would like to share some information on both of these entities.
The angels of God have specific assignments that vary according to their hierarchal position. Today’s blog addresses the angels that are assigned to believers. Their assignments are to:
1. Minister to the believers’ physical needs (Hebrews 1:14).
2. Provide protection (Psalms 91:11-12; 34:7, Acts 5:19).
3. Give direction (Matthew 2:13, 19-20).
4. Accompany believers at their death into the presence of the Lord (Luke 16:22).
Angels are usually invisible; however, as seen in the scriptures, there are times when they manifest in bodily form (Genesis 18:2; 19:1-5, Judges 13:1-20). Hebrews 13:2 instructs us to be careful about how we entertain strangers because they might be an angel. Believers often share testimonies of being in a dangerous situation and having an angelic encounter which places them in a place of safety. I have never seen an angel, but when I am traveling, I usually ask God to send the angel before me to clear the way and to protect me from accidents. Also, when flying, I ask God to send angels to gird up the plane and keep it from experience turbulence, and I am happy to report He does.
Evil spirits come and go throughout our lifetime; however, we have an evil spirit that stays with us continually, and that spirit is known as a familiar spirit. It is called a familiar spirit because it has probably been with you since birth, and its’ assignment is to watch you and learn everything about you. It knows your likes and dislikes, your ups and downs, and your victories and failures. From all that it observes it is can give a detailed report concerning you. Thus, you should be mindful of your actions and words. When praying and in stressful situations, I am careful of the words I speak because I do not want to give the enemy an open door or ammunition to use against me.
As I previously stated in other blogs, Satan is not omnipresent; he can only be in one place at a time. Satan is not omniscient; neither does he have the capacity to remember all the minute occurrences in the world. His angels and demons (evil spirits) which know his agenda and how he expects them to carry out his plans are assigned to places and persons. Since he cannot meet with all of his workers, he has an established reporting system, and when needed information about you is relayed back to him via his network, which is masses and effective.
Also, for your information, apart from their assignment to believers, there are other occult activities for which familiar spirits are known to be involved. For those of you that are interested, the internet can provide you with a great deal of information on other activities on both angels and familiar spirits.
Finally, your obedience and allegiance to God allow your angel to assist you along life’s way, and your disobedience and negative actions open the door for numerous attacks from evil spirits who work with your assigned familiar spirit. You have a choice in this, choose well.
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
