Overcome to Victory

No Such Church Office Of Deliverance Minister

2024-05-03T16:24:00.000-07:00

Every Believer Should be Casting Out Demonic Spirits

When Jesus gave the Great Commission to His followers, He didn't just tell his disciples that they were to be the only ones with the authority to go around casting out demonic spirits. Likewise, in the church offices, you get: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. No where do you see "deliverer", or "caster" or even "exorcist".

Eph 4:11-12 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Not there.

Who Has the Authority to be Casting Out Demons

EVERY FOLLOWER OF JESUS CHRIST! Jesus did NOT say only a select few could go about casting out demons. He commission every Believer, and gave them the authority of HIS Name to command demons aka evil spirits to leave.

Then why don't they...why don't we? Oh, that's a whole 'nother post. Let's finish this one, as we look at why even led to me writing about this subject.

Gotta Wait for the Deliverance Minister

The other day I read a testimony by a woman and her experience at a rather well-known ministry here in the US, where they perform a lot of casting out of demons and deliverance.

The main thing that caught my attention and alarmed me, was that those two women (I believe it was) that were ministering deliverance to her were told to stop and that the woman would have to go to the approved deliverance folks.

THAT was wrong. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that deliverance is limited to certain "officials". There is no such office. The Great Commission that Jesus gave was to everyone, when He "go out, cast out demons, heal the sick, preach the Gospel."

There are five "offices" in the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. There is no "healer", no "preacher" and no "deliverer", because every single Christian is supposed to do that.

Why Forbid the Casting Out of Deliverance?

Not going to go there right now. But what true minister of the Gospel would forbid Believers from doing what Christ told them to do?

Of course, over the last 2000 years Satan has convinced Christians that 1) Christians can have demons; 2) that demons are to be feared; and 3) that it takes a certain human designated authority to cast out demons. He's a liar.

Christians can have demons (as you know). In fact, it is wrong to cast out a demon out of an unsaved person, because there is no guarantee that they will come to the Lord and stay in the Word to maintain their deliverance. Instead, the demon goes out, wanders around, comes back and finds the "house" swept, clean and empty. He then calls his pals and they ALL go in and the unsaved person is worse off than he was before.

My Personal Experience Casting Out Demons

About 40 years ago (long story how I got it), I read the book "Pigs in the Parlor, a Manual on Self-Deliverance" by Frank and Ida Mae Hammond. I was raised in the church (Assembly of God, pentecostal) but NEVER saw a deliverance...Christians couldn't have demons. That book was eye-opening. After reading it, I followed the instructions and conducted, in the privacy of my own home, self-deliverance.

In my case, the spirits' reactions were controlled, I believe, by the Holy Spirit and unseen angels, and there were no untoward manifestations. They left by coughing, much yawning, a lot of burping, and perhaps a few tears. But all in all very quiet and calm.

A few years later, the Lord dumped me into the deep end of the pool of deliverance when He orchastrated my own sister's deliverance. It was at home, following reading that book to her, after which she said, "if there are any demons in me, I want them gone." There followed about a 10-hour session of demons manifesting, the gift of discerning of spirits identifying, and the verbally commanding those spirits to leave.

There was nothing calm or quiet about that. (my sister and I are also very different personalities, so I don't know how much that impacted the situation), but it was a battle...and there were a LOT of demons.

The Need for Deliverance Can Be Ongoing

Deliverance is like peeling an onion in some cases. A few are cast out, then the person set free must have time to stand against those demons; get into the Word, exercise their authority in resisting, etc. Then, if there are more, and there often are, the Holy Spirit will orchestrate another session.

If you are interested in learning from some solid, Bible-based ministers, (most of the authors of the books are not with Jesus) I would suggest the following:

Also on Youtube, just recently saw a Mass Healing & Deliverance session by Isaiah Saldivar, streamed 1 months ago: "Casting Out Demons and Praying for the Sick LIVE". I watched that, and when it came time for deliverance, I once again experienced some deliverance.

Warfare Continues

2012-08-15T09:27:00.001-07:00

Can't believe it's been almost five years since my last post. I have been a bit busy, and focusing on other things.

However, I just want to share a bit about my experience yesterday in receiving deliverance. While, I've done pretty steady self-deliverance, with much success, I sensed in my spirit that there were some areas which would require ministry.

My sister has been attending Gateway church in North Richland Hills, Texas and had come to know, and receive ministry from, Karen Pope of Heart and Soul Healing and Deliverance Ministry. Both she and her husband have experience amazing breakthroughs, so I made an appointment.

It was quiet, and this initial ministry dealt mainly with bloodline and generational curses, especially those dealing with racial ancestory. Being part Native American, although quite diluted, I was aware that there was some things going back to my native ancestors that would need to be addressed.

I was amazed that thyroid problems is a common result of having this heritage, as is poverty.

The guide they worked from was titled "Deliverance Manual", and I was pleased to realize when I got home and checked out the Deliverance Manual on my bookshelf is actually the some they used. You can actually access the same Deliverance Manual by Gene and Earlene Moody; I would suggest you download and print off each page if you are serious about be free from the Enemy.

Blood of Jesus - continued

2007-08-21T03:52:00.000-07:00

Destroyed the Power of the Devil

Heb 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

Rev 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

The Blood was shed at the time of death which was when God/Jesus Christ triumphed over the devil. The Blood is still alive! It is still powerful!

Allows Entry into the Holiest/God

Heb 9:12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Heb 10:19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

It is because of the Blood that we can come BOLDLY into the thronroom of God and make our petitions!

Blood of Jesus - Continued

2007-08-20T03:59:00.000-07:00

Salvation/Remission of Sins ONLY by the Blood

Rom 3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;

Rom 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Eph 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Col 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Col 1:20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Heb 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Heb 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.

1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Salvation only comes by the Blood of Jesus..

"Churches" that are taking the "Blood" out as being too barbaric are in trouble! Look as the controversy that the Passion of the Christ movie caused. Most of the complaints about it were about the violence and bloodiness of it. Of course, the Enemy hates the Blood!

There are two songs that I have seen used under the direction of the Holy Spirit during times of deliverance ministry, which when played or sang stirred up resisting demons that they quickly departed. One is "There is Power in the Blood" and the other "The Blood Shall Never Lose It's Power" by Andre Crouch.

Blood of Jesus, continued

2007-08-15T05:02:00.000-07:00

Consuming the Blood of Animals Forbidden

Deu 12:23 Only be sure that thou eat not the blood: for the blood is the life; and thou mayest not eat the life with the flesh. Consuming the blood of the sacrifice (or any blood) was strictly forbidden
Deu 12:24 Thou shalt not eat it; thou shalt pour it upon the earth as water. The blood was to be pour out onto the earth

Symbolic Consuming of Blood
Mat 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
Mat 26:27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

Luk 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Joh 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. No spiritual life, new birth, without "drinking" - accepting the full sacrifice

Joh 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. No resurrection without "drinking"

Joh 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. Jesus flesh and blood is ALL we need for sustenance spiritually

Joh 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

This had to have been a revolting thought to his Jewish disciples who had been raised to NEVER consume blood! But the symbolism of it places the consumer in a position of taking part of the death and resurrection... only a follower who was truly devoted would consume (even symbolically) the Blood.

Blood of Jesus, continued

2007-08-14T05:38:00.000-07:00

Oil Applied as the Blood

Lev 14:17 And of the rest of the oil that is in his hand shall the priest put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot, upon the blood of the trespass offering:

Lev 14:25 And he shall kill the lamb of the trespass offering, and the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:

These two verses show the oil being applied in the same manner as the blood on someone being "cleansed". In the first deliverance session I was involved in was quite intense (read "very") I felt the Holy Spirit direct me to apply a touch of oil to the person undergoing deliverance.

The reaction was absolutely astonishing! The moment the oil touched the flesh, the spirits in the person reared up and screamed, then rushed to the sink to wash off the oil. But within a few moments the spirit resisting was expelled.

Yes, the Name of Jesus is the authority that delivers, but the oil symbolizes the Blood which was shed for redeemption, healing and deliverance.

Blood of Jesus

2007-08-10T04:31:00.000-07:00

There were several ways that caused the blood to flow from Jesus. One of those was the whipping that He suffered. This caused the stripes. Each of these different types of bloodletting provided for a different effect of sin.

Stripes

Pro 20:30 The blueness of a wound cleanseth away evil: so do stripes the inward parts of the belly.

Isa 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

1Pe 2:24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.

The stripes provided physical healing. The way it is worded is also significant. Not only are we healed, but we've already been healed! By appropriating the healing that has already been done, we can call Satan a liar and accept our healing as already manifested.

I know there have been times that I've appropriated healing, that the Enemy then proceeded to try to convince me that I wasn't really healed. However, by standing on the Word and using the weapons of our warfare, I was able to experience complete healing as all symptoms left never to return.

The Blood of Jesus - Part 4

2007-08-09T03:41:00.000-07:00

Applied to Body Parts

Exo 29:20 Then shalt thou kill the ram, and take of his blood, and put it upon the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and upon the tip of the right ear of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hand, and upon the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

Lev 14:14 And the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put it upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot:

Since we are "washed" in the Blood for cleansing from our sins, touching those particular body parts signifies a cleansing of past transgressions. The tip of the ear is cleansing of the hearing and the mind. The tip of the right hand is cleansing for deeds and actions. The tip of the right toe is cleansing for the "walk" or lifestyle.

The Blood is applied as a barrier & symbol of protection. The Blood can "cover" something or someone and acts as a barrier to entry of demons.

Nowhere is scripture is the Blood likened to any piece of armour or a weapon. However, by the same token, in Revelations we are told that the saints overcome Satan and the Anti-Christ by the "Word of their testimony" and the "Blood of the Lamb".

To "overcome" implies a conflict, so the Blood of the Lamb could very well be likened to a weapon. I have also seen sickness and evil spirits respond and leave by use of the "Blood of Jesus".

It is therefore my opinion that anything (scriptural) that gives us victory over the Enemy can be used as a weapon; whether that's the Name or the Blood of Jesus.

The Blood of Jesus, Part 3

2007-08-08T04:40:00.000-07:00

Applied to Objects

Lev 1:5 And he shall kill the bullock before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle the blood round about upon the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Lev 3:2 And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about.

Lev 6:27 Whatsoever shall touch the flesh thereof shall be holy: and when there is sprinkled of the blood thereof upon any garment, thou shalt wash that whereon it was sprinkled in the holy place.

Rev 19:13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

Symbolically applying the blood of Jesus to objects is a way of sanctifying them before the Lord. Therefore to say "I cover my car with the Blood" is both sanctifying that vehicle for the Lord's use and also a protection over it.

The clothing with blood sprinkled on it signifies the covering by the Blood.

The Blood of Jesus, Part 2

2007-08-07T04:18:00.000-07:00

Apply the Blood to the "House"

Exo 12:7 And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses, wherein they shall eat it.

Exo 12:13 And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.

Exo 12:23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite you. (It's also the Blood which we use to protect our "house" from demons)

When I was a kid, we used to sing an old hymn in church, "When I See the Blood". Then I never really understood the significance of the blood. But now I realize how important and vital is the Blood of Jesus in protecting us from not only God's judgement, but from attacks of the enemy.

Look at verse 23, when He, the Lord sees the blood on the house, then He will pass over the door and not ALLOW the destroyer...so according to this the Lord was escorting the Destroyer thru the land of Egypt. If the Lord saw the blood on the top and sides of the door, then He would not ALLOW the devil ("Satan comes but to steal, kill and destroy") to enter and kill.

Use the blood, apply it to your life. We have got to realize that the Blood of Jesus is our defense against the Enemy and it will protect our house against demonic attack.

The Blood of Jesus

2007-08-06T03:48:00.000-07:00

There is something about blood that fascinates and horrifies. Even without a body, forensically a certain amount of blood at a crime scene can be accepted as evidence of a death. Many religions require some form of blood, although not usually as an atonement for sin, but usually as a way of calling on the spirits and working spells.

For Christians the Blood of Jesus is both the means whereby sins are covered and a weapon in the arsenal of spiritual warfare. It is therefore imperative that we understand exactly what the Word teaches about blood

"Life's Blood"
Lev 17:11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.
Lev 17:14 For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life thereof: therefore I said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it shall be cut off.

From the time that Adam and Eve sinned and God killed animals to provide clothes for them, blood has been shed and required as an atonement for sin. With the death of Jesus on the cross when He shed his blood He forever eliminated the necessity for the sacrifice of animals as atonement for man's sins.

Since the time of Adam, animal sacrifice had been required by God as a covering for sin. A few examples are: Abel, Abraham, Job, Elijah, Levitical priests. The Jews performed animal sacrifices on a daily basis in obedience to God's command.

It is interesting that within 70 years after the death of Jesus that the temple in Jerusalem was totally destroyed thereby ending the Jewish sacrifice of animals that has never been reestablished.

Roaring Lion or Alligator

2007-08-03T04:09:00.000-07:00

1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Have you ever watched scenes of some wild animal taking down it's prey? Whether an alligator, a shark or a lion, the lack of awareness on the part of the prey is often a major factor in allowing the capture and ultimate destruction of the prey by the hunting animal.

When the Word describes the devil as a lion seeking prey, it also warns us to be sober and vigilant.

I'm reminded of a scene where a wildebeest is standing at the edge of an alligator-infested river head down and drinking. The viewer can clearly see the alligator getting closer, until he's just a couple of feet away from the wildebeest.

Watching this I'm thinking, "Hey! Wake up!" No, the wildebeest keeps its head down and a moment later in a rush of splashing water, the alligator leaps up and grabs the animal. Within a matter of seconds, the wildebeest is dead and has been pulled into the depths of the river.

Satan is like that alligator and too often Christians are like that wildebeest. We stand around with our feet at the edge of the devil's territory, head down just drinking in the muddy water of compromise. If we're not careful we'll get dragged under.

Be sober - don't let your mind get clouded by anything

Be vigilant - keep your eyes open, on guard against an attack.

Don't allow yourself to be lulled into falling asleep while the enemy is creeping up getting ready to pounce.

The Buckler in Warfare

2007-08-02T05:24:00.000-07:00

Pro 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

To see what a buckler is, visit "Proverb a Day" which is where this study started.

All my life I've read about the "buckler" and never really understood what it was. I think I always thought it was that wide leather belt, that "buckled" on and held the sword...a very passive thing. Boy was I wrong!

According to Wikipedia, the buckler is a small shield used in close, hand-to-hand combat. That is used in basically four different ways:

To deflect sword blows from the opponent
To blind and hide one's own sword play, covering the next strike
As a weapon, like a "fist", to strike the opponent
To bind the opponent's sword and shield against his own body

It was as I was typing up the comparison between a real physical Middle Ages shield and the Biblical comparison of Lord as our Buckler (Proverb a Day Blog), that I suddenly had an understanding of exactly how this is accomplished.

He'll be between us and the blows of the Enemy - Blood of Jesus
He blinds or covers our own sword play - Name of Jesus
He's a weapon used to strike the Enemy - the Word/Sword
To bind the opponent's ability to strike back - Authority to bind

In spiritual warfare we actually have five weapons if we are using our "Buckler" correctly.

We are covered by the Blood of Jesus, thus shielded from blows from the Enemy.
The Name of Jesus is the Authority which covers our use of the Sword of the Word of God.
When the Buckler is used as a weapon, it's like a "two-fisted" attack on the Enemy, or having a Sword in each hand. It's a "one-two punch"
The Authority to Bind is invaluable especially when dealing or confronted by demonic manifestations.

Then by the spoken Word (Sword) in the other hand, we've got an arsenal that the Enemy has no power over. Does that excite you like it does me?! To realize that I'm not just facing the Enemy with the spoken Word, but to realize that all of those elements combined guarantee me the victory every time!

Thank you, Jesus! He's my Buckler! Yeah, I can deal with that. :)

Filling Your House - Despair, Lunacy, Fear

2007-08-01T05:28:00.000-07:00

Despair
Isa 35:4 Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.
Psa 39:7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.

One of the best ways to overcome despair is to read the Psalms outloud. Look for those Psalms that say "bless the Lord, oh my soul" and that exalt His holy name. Say them outloud. As you begin to worship and praise God and be thankful for EVERYTHING (even the bad), then despair will absolutely flee.

Lunacy (Madness, Craziness, MPD, Scizophrenia)
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

2Co 10:5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

When crazy thoughts begin trying to invade your thinking, CAST THEM DOWN! "Casting" is just like violently, determinedly throwing something to the ground. How do we "bring" thoughts "into captivity" to Christ? By turning away from thoughts that do not agree with the Word and begin focusing our thoughts on Jesus. If that means getting into the Word until those thoughts pass, or turning on some praise and worship music, stomping around the house quoting scripture or getting down on your knees and praying. Whatever it takes to "cast down" those thoughts that would steal your sanity.

Fear of the Dark
Psa 27:1 A Psalm of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
Joh 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

When fear of darkness attacks, remind yourself that you have the Lord who is your light.

Filling up the House - Tongue plus

2007-07-30T19:09:00.000-07:00

More ammunition to win the battle against the attempted return of demons that have been evicted from the "house". If there are certain areas that have been your downfall, find scriptures that you can use against the Enemy.

Tongue

Pro 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Pro 15:2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

One thing that can get us in trouble faster than anything is if we cannot control our tongue. We don't have to use filthy language or lie to have a problem with our tongue. How about complaining or speaking negative words that do not line up with scripture or even worse speak a curse into our life?

Alcohol/Drunkeness

1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

One can't afford to slip into using any kind of mind or mood-altering chemical. Drugs and alcohol are a great temptation used by the Enemy, especially if that has been an area of weakness in the past. Friends who still use may need to be avoided if there is the slightest possibility that they will encourage you to participate in certain activities.

Unforgiveness

Eph 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

As soon as you get angry or upset with anyone it is absolutely necessary that you forgive. Even if it's just the guy that cuts you off on the highway, you don't have to know someone in order to have unforgiveness. Forgive and keep the slate clean.

Filling Up the House - Fear

2007-07-28T04:06:00.000-07:00

2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Here we are told that there is actually a demon of fear and fear can take many forms.

1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

Rom 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

There's a spirit of bondage that works in conjunction with the spirit of fear to keep us bound up by fear. We can see that at work in people who are so bound up by fears or phobias (Greek for 'fear') that it actually limits their ability to function normally; they can't fly, leave their house, are afraid of heights, are afraid of the dark, etc.

I was actually awakened before 5 am this morning due to an attack by a spirit of fear. Awhile ago I was delivered of a spirit of fear that entered when I was around five years old...see the Enemy attacks the very vulnerable. That's why it is so important to monitor what your children watch on television. DO NOT allow your children to watch movies whose sole purpose is to scare them!

Anyway, fear attacked me in my dreams last night, trying to come back. This was not the first time I've experienced demonic attacks in my dreams. The one way I know if I'm being attacked in my dreams, is that whatever scene is playing out, the dream me will begin repeating the Name of Jesus and pleading the Blood, actively warring against the Enemy.

Even in the activity of the dream the Name and the Blood proved effective to drive back the fear and bring some peace and allow the dream to continue although there was a continual awareness of "something" just waiting for me to let down my guard.

Eventually I woke up because the fear became so persistent in it's attack, that even tho I'd been sound asleep, my Spirit realized that I needed to be awake to fight this. Even an hour later as I write this I can remember the absolute terror that tried to come upon me. It was a "something" just out of the corner of my eye type of thing.

I also realize that while I don't read books that would inspire fear, I do have my TV going a lot. While I'm very careful about the programs I watch, the upcoming movie trailers are often filled with frightening scenes. I'm either going to have to leave the TV off, or be very vigilent to use the "Mute" button when I see that a commercial is coming on for a new horror film, or even anything dealing with occult themes.

A spirit of fear is very active in our society today and very insidious in it's attacks. We live in a time when terrorism has become a household word, where horror movies can pack a theater, and the word "fear" has become a seemingly innocent part of our vocabulary: "I'm afraid not...", "I'm afraid so...", "I'm afraid I'm getting...".

Think about it, how often do you use the phrase "I'm afraid"? Be very careful, by confessing something we can either open the doorway for a spirit of fear to oppress us, or more than likely you're already oppressed and that spirit of fear is expressing itself everytime you make a confession of fear.

Over the years I've found the best way to deal with fear, is to use that scripture and speak it out loud, "God has not give me a spirit of fear, but of love and of power and of a sound mind." Sometimes I have to repeat it several times, along with "Name of Jesus" and "the Blood". Demons don't like to hear the Name of Jesus, and the Blood is just as powerful in defeating the Enemy as it was when it flowed thru Jesus veins!

Filling Up the House - Worry, Bitterness, Lying

2007-07-27T04:24:00.000-07:00

There are little things, attitudes, that have become habits. So that even after deliverance from a spirit that may have been at the cause or root of that attitude, our initial reaction in a given situation may be to respond in the same manner that we did before the deliverance.

However, if we know that a certain area has been a problem (as evidenced by the deliverance) then we can be on guard against falling into the same old patterns of response/reaction, and learn to act in a manner that lines up with the Word of God.

Worry
Psa 37:7 Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.

1Pe 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

Worry is just the "anti-praise". If you are worried about something you are not praising the Lord. In fact, worry is actively doubting the Lord and actually praising the Devil. See the Enemy knows if he can keep our thoughts on our problems then we are not looking to the Lord. It's a distraction, and something that must be guarded against.

Bitterness
Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

Sometimes bitterness can be very obvious in a person, and at other times it can be very hidden. It is only during the deliverance that that "root" of bitterness gets revealed and can be removed. After that we have to be very careful to "put away" any thoughts that tend to place blame on someone else or even on God for what's happened in our lives.

Lying
Eph 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor: for we are members one of another.

Lying is probably one of the sneakiest habits to fall into, so that even tho' a spirit of lying may have been cast out, lying has become such a habit that one's initial response in certain situations is to automatically (faster than the thought can be formed) lie.

The problem is that we have to break that habit, so that as soon as we realize we've lied, to acknowledge it, apologize and ask forgiveness. Do that enough times, and you will be so embarassed, that eventually you will break that habit of lying.

Filling Up the House - Anger

2007-07-26T05:22:00.000-07:00

If you have been delivered from a spirit of anger, here are some scriptures that will help maintain that deliverance.

Psa 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. "fret not"...don't dwell on things

Pro 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife. Become a peacemaker

Pro 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. You have to be the one that rules your spirit. You can determine whether you are going to allow anger to respond in a given situation or not.

Pro 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression. Anger and transgression or sin go hand in hand.

Ecc 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. A person who can't control their anger will often respond angrily out of misunderstanding and then ends up looking like a fool. That's because according to this verse he or she is a fool.

Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: just determine that you are not going to respond angrily

Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: There's a very good principal here, that we are not to indulge in our anger for an extended period of time. Holding on to anger can only be done if there is unforgiveness. Unforgiveness is the primary open doorway for demons. See what the very next verse says...

Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

Indulging in anger is an open invitation to the devil. When I find myself angry, it's usually because I've been hurt. Thus anger stems from unforgiveness. When someone hurts you it is therefore absolutely imperative that when that anger rises up, that you immediately forgive that person.

Filling Up the House - Pride

2007-07-25T05:35:00.000-07:00

After deliverance it is very important that you fill your house to keep the demons that have been cast out from returning. One way of doing that is to learn what the Word says about the condition caused by the spirit that was expelled. Therefore if a spirit of pride was cast out, then it behooves you to get some scripture into you that will help you resist the temptation to let pride back in.

Psa 73:6 Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Pride and violence go together

Pro 11:2 When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom. Pride only brings shame

Pro 13:10 Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Pride brings contention and arguing

Pro 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. Pride always brings destruction

Pro 29:23 A man's pride shall bring him low: but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit. Pride brings dishonor

Jas 4:6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. God resists the proud

Sleep Invites Thorns

2007-07-24T05:08:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before that "thorns" is often used in the Word as a symbol of evil spirits, so when I saw these verses I was struck by the correlation to a person who has been delivered and then fails to maintain their deliverance thru slothfulness.

Jesus himself taught that when a demon is cast out, it roams about and then comes back to the "house" it left and if it finds that "house" empty, it will reenter and invite other demons worse than itself.

Pro 24:30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
Pro 24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.

Here it says that even the wall has broken down as a result of the lazy person's neglect.

Pro 24:32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
Pro 24:33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:
Pro 24:34 So shall thy poverty come as one that traveleth; and thy want as an armed man.

If you've been delivered it is vital that you get into the Word of God every day in order to maintain your deliverance. For those who have experienced a rather dramatic deliverance (noisy and/or physically stressful) it may be easier because you have a vital memory of the demons leaving.

For those whose deliverance was rather quite, perhaps accompanied mostly by yawns or belches, there might not be the urgency to maintain your deliverance, because you keep wondering if anything really happened. First of all the doubt is being placed in your mind by the spirits, so you definitely have to maintain your deliverance by staying in the Word.

Being slothful and lazy is just an open doorway to a reinfestation.

Staying free from Anger

2007-07-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

If you have been delivered from a spirit of anger and/or wrath then you need to be on guard from those spirits trying to return. You will probably experience several situations in the days and weeks following deliverance that will tempt you to respond with anger.

To recognize the temptation to return to your old system of responding and to avoid falling back into those same patterns, get into the Word. By filling your heart and mind with the Word about anger, then you will have a better defense against the spirit of anger returning.

Keeping the Deliverance from "Anger"

Psa 37:8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil. "fret not" means don't dwell on thoughts that invite an angry response

Pro 15:18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Pro 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Guard against allowing "Anger" to stir you up...as soon as recognize it tell it to leave

Ecc 7:9 Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. A person who gets angry over the least little thing, and can go from pleasant to angry in less time than it takes to blink is a fool. That person has no control of his own spirit, instead a spirit of anger is controlling that person.

An "angry person" is often angry and the reason for that is because the spirit of anger can only express itself by indulging in angry responses. Therefore situations that most people would shrug off bring out the anger in a person with a spirit of anger.

Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: There are going to be times when it may be justified to be angry, however it is possible to be angry and yet not sin. The second part of that verse gives a good idea of how, and that is not to hold on to the anger. Don't hold it to you and indulge in the stirring up inside you that would keep the anger fresh and alive.

Eph 4:27 Neither give place to the devil. "Anger" opens a door...if indulged in. By indulging in the anger you are "giving place to the devil" and I can guarantee that you are simply opening the door wide in invitation for that spirit of anger to once again take up residence.

Jam 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: Avoid "flying off the handle". Some people who have a spirit of anger are easily identified because they can become angry at the drop of a hat. If you are around them for very long you learn to watch your words because you know how fast they can become angry.

Pro 22:24 Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go:
Pro 22:25 Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. "Anger" is a snare, another word for demon. Be careful about who you hang out with.

You may find that you need to find new friends. Often the spirits that are in us will be attracted to the same spirits in others, and once you are delivered you may actually find yourself repulsed by the very person you once called friend.

Amo 1:11 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because he did pursue his brother with the sword, and did cast off all pity, and his anger did tear perpetually, and he kept his wrath forever: You can hang on to ANGER - it is a decision! Everytime you talk about a person or situation that made you angry, you are indulging that spirit of anger. Do it often enough and you'll find yourself ensnared once again and in need of deliverance again.

Mat 5:22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. One danger of indulging in anger is that the brain gets shut off and the mouth can run amok. Things spoken in anger can bring a curse not only on others but on ourselves.

Anger the Gatekeeper

2007-07-22T05:11:00.000-07:00

The Bible has a lot to say about "anger" and "wrath". It is such a destructive force that can stay hidden and then lash out and wreck havoc in it's path. Many people have a spirit of anger that often entered as a young child, that spirit of anger then acts as a gatekeeper, responding to various situations in such a manner that allows other spirits easy access.

If you hear a child saying "I'm angry!" And then follows that statement with "I hate you!" you can be fairly certain that two spirits have just identified themselves.

I once met a man and as we were conversing, I noticed that his conversation contained numerous references to anger, times he had been angry, etc. Suddenly I had a revelation from the Lord that there was a spirit of anger in this man, as well as a spirit of violence. Needless to say, I did not pursue the acquaintance further.

Job 5:2 For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.
Pro 29:22 An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
Pro 14:17 He that is soon angry dealeth foolishly: and a man of wicked devices is hated.
Pro 27:4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?
Job 19:29 Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment. "Sword" as in the Word?

Actively Controlling Anger

Psa 76:10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain. Controlling anger?
Pro 19:19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment: for if thou deliver him, yet thou must do it again. In deliverence it is quite common to have more than one type of anger spirit. Like an onion with its layers, spirits often cluster in layers. The can often be a spirit of anger in each layer.

Anger is also a spirit that can easily come back. Any type of situation can be used to open the doorway for anger to reenter. That's why a person who has been delivered from anger, must develop situational response that do not employ anger.

Eph 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Col 3:8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. You must avoid anger and responding with anger

Pro 15:1 A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. "Anger" can be stirred up by words. Once it reveals itself it must then be dealt with

Pro 30:33 Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

Pride Invites Anger

Pro 21:24 Proud and haughty scorner is his name, who dealeth in proud wrath. "Proud wrath" describes an avenue that allows anger access. When one's pride is hurt the immediate response is often angry and wrathful. There can be no doubt then that a spirit of pride, often found to be the strongman, will respond in such a manner to situations as to invite an angry feeling to well up. Thus pride has opened the door for anger to come in.

Followers of Jesus or Harry Potter?

2007-07-20T05:23:00.000-07:00

I was stunned to read in a blog by a Christian woman on a church site how excited she was about the newest "Harry Potter" book. What in the world is any Believer doing fellowshiping with that work of darkness??? Whether the movie or the book, the subject is witches, witchcraft and wizardry, spells and incantations; all of which are expressly forbidden in the Bible.

If you think that just because it is fiction that it is "safe" you are either incredibly naive or stupid! Anything that glorifies witches and witchcraft is straight from the pit, extremely dangerous to have in your house, and deadly for your children to be exposed to. Not only are you exposing them to something that God expressly forbids, but you are opening doorways to demonic vexation in their lives and in your home!

What does the Bible say about witches?

Exo 22:18 Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. A little harsh? It just shows how much God hates the sin of witchcraft.

Deu 18:10 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,

By allowing your children to have garbage like the "Harry Potter" books and movies you are exposing them to the fire.

1Sa 15:23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

I just wonder how many children have become somewhat rebellious since being exposed to witches and witchcraft. It would be my guess that there has been an increase of rebellion, defiance, nightmares and fighting in many of those children. I would also be my guess that the parents just chalk it up to "a phase" or "part of growing up".

2Ch 33:6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire (human sacrifice/abortion) in the valley of the son of Hinnom: also he observed times (astrology), and used enchantments (spells/chants), and used witchcraft (spells/practice magic), and dealt with a familiar spirit (demons), and with wizards (conjurer): he wrought much evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.

Lest you think that the warning against witches and witchcraft was just for the Old Testament...
Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Fasting and Deliverance

2007-07-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

Is there really a tie between fasting and deliverance? Let's see what the Word says...

Isa 58:6 Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke?

Breaks the bonds of wickedness and oppression, break the yoke, this entire verse is about the reasons for fasting as God directs ("I have chosen") and that equals deliverance from evil spirits

Isa 58:7 Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?

Aids in ministry. At one point Jesus speaks of deliverance as being the "children's bread"

Isa 58:8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rearward.

Restoration to light and health. Probably a good 75% of the time that the Bible speaks of healing it is in conjunction with deliverance from demons. And the deliverance always took place before the healing.

Mat 6:17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
Mat 6:18 That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

Make sure that the fasting is not apparant to others...don't be bragging about it while you are doing it. If you go around telling folks that you're fasting you've just removed any benefit and strength the fasting would have afforded.

Psa 35:13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth: I humbled my soul with fasting; and my prayer returned into mine own bosom.

humble, brings into submission our flesh

Psa 69:10 When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach.

Fasting chastens our own soul and flesh. It brings our flesh into submission.

I have never been able to fast successfully. I'll try and start out fine, but by the time lunch comes around, I'm ready to eat. For me tho' I have to know that I'm fasting for the right reasons and being overweight and needing to diet, I do have to question my real motives for fasting.

Do I say I'm fasting, hoping that the real benefit will be some magical weight loss? I think when one fasts there can be no doubt as to the purpose.

BREAKING THE CURSE

2007-07-17T04:59:00.000-07:00

Eze 18:17 That hath taken off his hand from the poor, that hath not received usury nor increase, hath executed my judgments, hath walked in my statutes; he shall not die for the iniquity of his father, he shall surely live.

Eze 18:19 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live.

Both verses show that by being obedient and living by the Word that the death sentence brought on by the father's sin is removed. However, living right does not break the curse. Read on...

Neh 1:6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

Nehamiah confesses the sins of his ancestors and past generations of the children of Israel. When breaking a generational curse it is important that we "confess on behalf of our ancestors" the iniquity or sin that brought a curse.

For instance, if you know that an ancestor was a shaman or a witch, or a murderer, a cheat, a thief, then you must confess on behalf of that ancestor and ask forgiveness. This act does not mean that that ancestor, if he/she died in an unforgiven state will now be considered "saved". It just means that you and your offspring will no longer be held accountable for the sins that ancestor committed.

Next, you must appropriate Christ's redemptive work of the cross in breaking this curse.

Gal 3:13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

The very act of death by crucifixion and Christ's blood shed on the cross is the instrument for breaking your family curse.

If you have already accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior, and yet recognize a curse operating in your life, then you have every right to accept and appropriate the work of the cross in removing yourself from under that curse.

"Father, I confess the sins of my ancestors (if you know what the sin was confess it now) back to the 10th generation and ask forgiveness now. In the Name of Jesus I apply His blood and cover that sin. I think you Jesus for becoming a curse for me so that I can be forever freed from that curse. In the Name of Jesus I break the curse of ________________ and remove it forever from my life and the lives of my family. In the Name of Jesus I command any evil spirits that have come into my life by reason of this curse to also leave."

Continuing telling the spirits to go until you sense a release by the Holy Spirit that they have gone.

Then thank Him and praise Him. Also get into the Word and learn scriptures that will enable you to resist the those spirits when they attempt to come back or tempt you to sin thus opening a doorway to their return.