Identifying the strong man---Part IV

   

Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

      Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house. (Matt 12:29)

        Greetings! By now, you are tired of seeing Matt 12:29 in my past devotionals, but friends, there is a lot of truth in here. This truth is filled with insights on deliverance. First, we know that the strong man is Satan or a leader of a group of demon powers. Satan is a thief and he has robbed us of our finances, health and even our nation. When we learn how to bind him, we will take back what he has stolen!

         In my last devotional, I talked about mixture. Martin Luther was a great man of God and wanted to reach the Jews, but they rejected Christ. Instead of praying for them, he took it personal and became bitter. That bitterness had him write some negative things about the Jews.(1)

              When Hitler rose to power, the church in Germany was asleep. Winning the elections by just one vote (2), he started to take this nation on a downhill slope. He justified his persecution of the Jews by quoting the sayings of Martin Luther. We, all, know what happened--Germany was devastated and winded up being divided.

             We, as a church, have to guard ourselves from mixture. Mixture will set us down a slippery slope and cause us to miss God's best for our nation and family. The Apostle Paul had the same problem. Ephesus had a mixture of idols and it was coming into his chruch. As he prayed the prayer of the Ephesians, the church started to grow.

                 Friends, the prayer of the Ephesians is powerful. Not only can you pray it for yourself, but you can pray it for others! So, I encourage you to pray that prayer. Don't have it available? Go to the contact us section and I will gladly send it by email. As we pray for one another, we will see results and save our nation from ruin. God bless. 

(1) Links on Martin Luther and his

writings....http://www.nobeliefs.com/luther.htm

(2) http://onevote.com.au/the-importance-of-one-vote/

Bible verses by www.biblegateway.com

Identifying the strong man--Part 3

Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

                

      In our last studies, we saw how to identify the strong man in the lives of your loved ones and your city. Today's study is on how to pray for your government. Jesus has given the church power and authority over serpents and scorpions, as well as all the power of the enemy. But God's promises has a catch. The key word to remember is repentance. If we, as a church, fail to repent from our evil ways, we won't be effective. Satan is a legalist and if he sees sin in our lives, we won't have any type of power over him. Friends, it is not enough to say--Forgive me, Lord, I have sinned. That is just a first step.

         What the Lord expects from us and the church is to turn away from sin. Yes, the word says that a just man falls seven times (In a day), but it does not end there. The word says that he riseth up again. (Prov 24:16) You cannot stay complacent. You need to get up and fight the good fight of faith.

            Yes, I realize some habits are strongholds and change does not happen overnight, but we need to be consistent. We have to do our part. How can we fight the big demons (Serpents), if we fail to address the little ones (Scorpions) in our lives? Friends, God wants to raise us up to do a work for him. I encourage you to get a prayer partner to help you. That is the function of the church--To lend a helping hand. We need each other! 

           History teaches us the importance of repentance. Germany was once a Christian nation, but the church itself got into mixture. Martin Luther was a great man of faith, but not without its flaws. It has been said that he tried to reach out to the Jews but they rejected the good news. He, then, proceeded to write some negative things about the Jews. 

       Friends, mixture can hurt the church and others. These type of writings fell into the hands of Adolph Hitler and the persecution of the Jews began. Do we have mixture in our churches? Does your church has any mixture? Pray for your church and the body of Christ. Our nation's future depends on it. More thoughts about this to come tomorrow. God bless.

Verses provided by www.biblegateway.com

Links on Martin Luther and his writings....http://www.nobeliefs.com/luther.htm

Identifying the strong man---Part 2

                                                                It's time to put the enemy
                                                                under your feet!

                      Image courtesy of http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2e/Stomp.j

Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.(Matt 12:29) 

              In our last study, we saw how Jesus used this principle in dealing with the madman of Gadara ( Luke 8:30) He identified the strong man and cast him out. The result was deliverance and the Lord was magnified! The same applies for your city. In Revelation 2:12-16, the Lord spoke to the church of Pergamos. Pergamos was a city with problems. Crime was high, but so was idolatry. We see here how the Lord identified the 3 strong men---

• Satan--Pergamos was so corrupt that Satan himself was controlling that area.(verse 13) 
• Balam spirit---Perversion had penetrated that church in the form  of mixture and spiritual fornication. The church had departed from sound doctrine.
• Nicolatianes spirit--It was a form of control. A church should not force its people to serve God or their man-made doctrines.      

 God had warned the church on these 3 main strongmen. The key to victory was repentance. You can bind all day long the principalities, as well as the power of the enemy and get nowhere without repentance. If the church is not walking in repentance, then its all in vain. Years ago, in my city, we had a high crime rate. The churches got together and addressed the problem in their community. One night in prayer, a brother identified the murder spirit as Python. After that, the crime rate dropped and the church impacted the city for a season.  So, don't give up on your city. Pray for your church. Pray that God will examine hearts and then you will see God move in your community. God bless.

Bible verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com

               

Identifying the Strong Man!

  Or else how can one enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, except he             first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.  (Matt 12:29)

              

             Greetings. In this devotional, I want to share some thoughts on identifying the strong man. In our Christian walk, we battle through strongholds in our life, family, community and nations. For a stronghold to function, it has to be run by a strongman. Previously, in our last studies, we saw how we can bind the spirit of the world and get our loved ones saved in the name of Jesus. We, also, saw how Daniel's prayers was hindered by the prince of Persia. Another strongman that was identified in prayer!

               Jesus used this principal when he cast out the spirit of the demon-possessed madman. He had, previously, commanded that spirit to come out and believe it or not, it refused to do so. (Luke 8:28-29) When you are casting out demons, they will fight you to the end. It wasn't until Jesus identified the strong man and commanded it to come out! (Luke 8:30) 

             Why was Jesus so successful in casting out spirits and doing miracles? He paid the price. He sacrificed some of his time in prayer, seeking God's face and fasted 40 days! Now, I am not telling you to fast 40 days, especially if you have some health problems, but in order to prepare yourself for the work God has called you, you need to set some time for him. There is a time of preparation in order to be effective in what God has called you to do.

                I have seen new believers in the Lord who mean well, but run ahead of God. They get a little revelation and think they know it all. To top it off, they start to see some shortcomings in their church and Pastor. Folks, remember there is no perfect church nor Pastor. We need each other. Other than preaching apostasy, if the church falls short---Stay there until you hear from God to go elsewhere.

           Soon, the new believer starts church hopping and is never stable. Then, he comes across a brillant idea---I am starting my own ministry. Doing that is a recipe for disaster. Friends, there has to been a season of preparation. A season in where other than seeking God, you submit to the authorities in the church and grow. 

          Remember, God does speak to man but he uses the church as the mother to nuture the soul. When you are planted in the church you need to be in, you are safe. God's grace will be upon you and it will restrain you from going back to the world. (Prov 1:8-9) Church is necessary for the body to grow and be prepared. Seek a church that believes in a God who is,still,alive. A place that believes that God, still, does miracles. As you do that, you will start being prepared in your calling and be effective. Tomorrow, I will share more on the strongman and pulling down strongholds. God bless.

Bibleverses by www.biblegateway.com

              

Praying for your loved ones.

"In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (I Cor 4:4) 

     How many times have you've been frustrated praying for a loved one? I got good news----God remembers you! He loves that person more than you do and wants salvation to come. The question is--Why is it taking so long? 

      First, we are in a spiritual battle. The word says that we wrestle not with flesh and blood. (Eph 6:12) Second, we need to know God's purpose for man. He is, not, willing that people perish but that all come to repentance. It is God's will that man be saved, so that is good news. 

             The catch to this is us! Many times, God's will gets to be fulfilled in what we do. If you read the above verse, it says that the god (Satan) of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not! So, the root cause is spiritual blindness. Yes, man has a will and God respects free will, but in this case, man does not have a choice---he is blinded! 

           So, that means that we have to get to the root cause. We have to bind the strong man, which is Satan. (Matt 18:18) We have to bind the god of this world and release (loose) a spirit of repentance. When the blindfold is removed, then man can make a choice!

           But, that is not where it ends--there is still good new! God made a promise to Jesus. He said to ask and I will give you the heathen for an inheritance. We are joint heirs with Christ, so that means that souls are our inheritance. 

            We have a mixed-up concept of inheritance. When we think of inheritance, we think of money. Yes, our salvation included financial prosperity and that is something to be happy about, but the thing that should make us shout and dance is the saving of a soul. That is the main focus of our inheritance.

              You see, Brethren, when you loose a spirit of repentance and ask God to open your loved ones eyes, you are asking for a soul. You are asking for your inheritance, so in spite of man's free will, God is able to break it and bring your loved ones to the altar. It is a promise! 

             He knows how to get the attention of your loved ones. George Muller was a tremendous man of prayer. A story was told of his burden to reach a young man for Christ. That man hardened his heart, but Muller kept on praying for the man's soul. When Muller died and was being buried, the young man, finally, came to Christ. By the way, George Muller had a great track record of answered prayer! 

          We, in the body, need to get away from tradition and unbelief. Many churches explain thier lack of members by saying many are called but few are chosen, then why is God wasting his time building mansions? Another case in point is the Bible records that there was a mulitude of souls that could not be numbered. (Rev 7:9) Friends, God does, not only, wants to fill churches and empty hell but he wants to reach nations. So, be encouraged and pray. Don't give up because God remembers you and your loved ones. God bless.

Bible verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com

Being effective in Prayer

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. (Eph 6:12)

                  Prayers! Everyone wants their prayers to be heard, especially those that involves our loved ones. The question to ask---How do we start being effective. First, in my past series of devotionals entitled "Don't miss out", we covered the area of praying in tongues. If you've missed any of these teachings, you can scroll down this website and study this interesting subject. 

            Praying in tongues is so important when interceding because the enemy is, also, trying something "new" to hinder us. It takes the Holy Spirit to help us stay ahead in the game. He helps us to pray. He helps us to solve the mysteries of prayer. 

             In Eph 6:12, we see the different classes of demon powers listed. They are the following--

       1- Principalities

       2- Powers

       3- Rulers of the darkness

       4- Spiritual wickedness in high places.

      We can have an extense Bible study on these four items listed above, but let's concentrate for now on the word Principalities. Principalities are the foremost person or leader of a group. Principalities denotes Satan's generals. When we pray for a nation, city or community, we need to identify the strong man.(Matt 12:29) 

       Daniel saw this principal in prayer. In fact, when Daniel set himself to seek God, it called attention in the demon world. Why?  Satan is not stupid. He knows the power of prayer. 

       Daniel was doing a parcial fast and praying. A fast is effective and can do serious damage to Satan and his kingdom. (Isa 58:6) In fact, Satan was so scared of what Daniel was doing that he sent one of his chief generals to stop his prayers.The word tells us that the prince of Persia went out to hinder Daniel's prayer. That means that the demon general that was influencing the king of Persia took a break from his function in government to hinder Daniel's prayers! It called attention to the world of darkness.

          What does that tell us? When we pray and fast, we will call attention to the powers of Satan! In fact, when you pray for your community,city or nation, you become a threat to Satan. If you notice what happened to Daniel, he found out, through an angel, the name of that principality. It was the prince of Persia. (Dan 10)

        Friend, we need discernment in order to, effectively, pray for those that have authority over us. It is necessary to identify the strong man so that we can be effective in praying for others. There are tools that God has given us in order to be victorious in battle. In this day, ask God to give you discernment in prayer, especially when interceding for those in authority. God bless. 

Bible verses provided by www.biblegateway.com

Don't miss out---Part 3

 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

       In our last study, we saw how praying in tongues will cause you to be sensitve and heed God's warning for you and your family. I shared how my praying in tongues prevented me from being killed and dying before my time. It can, also, protect your loved ones.

       One time, while I was just getting entertained by my computer listening to some music, My youngest boy, James, came to mind. Being sensitive to the Spirit, I started to pray in tongues. About 5 minutes into my praying in tongues, I got a call from a State trooper. My son James was involved in a terrible car accident, but was not hurt.

        Friends, the devil is after your children and your seed. We need to keep them in prayer constantly. My son, James, took my car without my consent and went joy riding with a friend. I did not know what was happening but the Holy Spirit did! He alerted me to pray for my boy. 

            When I got to the scene, my car was, almost, totaled. I have to admit I was angered, but when I calmed down, I was relieved to see my boy and his friend alive. Praise God! It saddens me when the body of Christ debates about praying in tongues. Friend, the proof is in the pudding. Try it because it may save your life or the lives of your loved ones. 

               Praying in tongues can work in the financial area, too. Many times, when my back has been against the wall, I prayed in tongues. One time, I was in a tight spot. My bills were accumulatiing, so I spent some time praying in tongues. The Holy Spirit showed me that I had a savings account that I had, all, but forgotten. 

              It was the amount that I needed and provision was made for the bills and I was, even, able to give a good offering for a missions work in Peru. In this day, spend some time praying in tongues...You'll be glad you did. Who knows? You may have a testimony to share!  God bless. 

Verses provided by www.biblegateway.com

Don't miss out-----Part 2

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.(I Cor 14:2)

          In our last study, we found out how praying in tongues is a strong tool to have. It provides guidance, instruction and wisdom. It will even help you find misplaced items--Praise God! In today's study, we will see how praying in tongues can mean the difference between life and death. 

              The devil takes advantage of our ignorance and can kill us before our time. (Ecc 7:17) This Que Sera, Sera attitude has got to leave the body of Christ. You can change your destiny and be victorious over the circumstances of life. In fact, God gives you insight on how you will come out in life---More than a conqueror. This Que Sera attitude is dangerous and can cost us in the end.

               When you pray in tongues, it will cause you to be sensitive to God. Years ago, I was a cab driver in the city of Norfolk. One night when I came to work, the Holy Spirit for some unexplained reason caused me to pray in tongues for hours. It was intense and I felt a big battle raging.

             That same night at the end of my shift, the Holy Spirit was telling me to go home. I was hardheaded and did not go. To make a long story short, I was shot in a botched up robbery attempt. I was hit in the arm once.

            I prayed in tongues during this ordeal and felt a hand lowing my head by the driver's side. Another shot went by the driver's side and shattered the glass. I felt the bullet whizzing by my head. Brethren, did you know that in spite of the glass being shattered, I, only, had a few scratches on my face? The police came and I was rushed to the hospital in an ambulance. The doctors took an x-ray of my arm and found that the shot, narrowly, missed a main artery on my arm. 

               I credit praying in tongues for my deliverance. The Holy Spirit knew, beforehand, what was going to happen and prevented a tragedy. In my next devotional, I will share how praying in tongues saved my son's life. So, friend, pray in tongues...It may just save your life in the end. I have enclosed an extra link about my cab driving experiences for your extra reading pleasure. I love you, all, in the Lord and God bless.

Bible verses courtesy of www.biblegateway.com

My life as a cab driver...

http://montecristo.hubpages.com/hub/My-experiences-as-a-Taxi-driver

Don't miss out!

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. (I Cor 14:2)

           Yes, that is the word for today--Don't miss out. Have your prayers been hindered? Are you frustrated and think that God has forgotten you? You are not alone, but there is an answer. Friend, life is full of mysteries and challenges, but God has all the answers.

             When your back is against the wall and you've run of answers, pray in tongues. When you pray in tongues, you are praying the mysteries of God in action. In other words, the mysteries of life's toughest challenges and its answers are at your disposal. The question is...how do I get the answers I need?

              When you read I Cor 14:2-13, you will see how the Apostle Paul puts emphasis on interpreting what you are speaking in tongues, especially on verse 13. Why is this? So, you can get the answers you need in prayer and live a victorious life. I can tell you multitudes of testimonies on answers to prayers just by praying in tongues. 

                One case to bear in mind was when I lost my checkbook. Thank God, it was empty and had no blank checks, but it had my little checkbook ledger and my transaction records. Me and my wife looked everywhere---In the house, in our cars and in the church. I,even, contacted my Pastor to look for it in church and nothing,nada, zil. Have you ever had an frustrating moment like this where you lose something and cannot find it?

              I quoted the word and prayed that just like the axehead floated so shall my checkbook be. (II Kings 6:1-7) Many times, I had prayed that prayer and found what I was looking for, but this time, no results. Friends, this was a time of testing, but God was going to be glorified. I prayed in tongues for a revelation of that mystery and the Lord said to rest. So, I cast the care of it on him.

              On a Sunday morning during a church service, I am not kidding you, the checkbook was right in front of us. It was in front of our seat laying on the floor---Praise God! My wife could not believe it. That, my friend, is trusting God. God does answer prayers and tongues is a powerful tool to use in prayer. More on this tomorrow. God bless!