Spiritual War

[stmatthew]

I had an experience the other night I wanted to share.

I dreamed that there was a little boy, probably about 6 or so years old. He had a little sword that he would hit people with. He was invisible to all but i saw him. He was very mischevious. After a few moments in the dream I understood him to be a demonic spirit. He hit someone with the sword, and I saw bee's come in and sting the person. He brought torment to those he hit. As he sat, I saw him turn around toward me and take the shape of a little girl that I know that is very rebelious. I awoke.


As I lay in bed, I felt the presence of an evil spirit. I began to feel fear, and began to pray. I knew I was not getting thru, so I awoke my wife. We both began to pray against this presence, as she felt it after a moment, too. The Holy Ghost came upon us, and I began to weep and travail. With my spirits eye, I saw the Iraq war, and immediately I saw that we were fighting a spiritual battle. I understood that just as America was pushing forward to unseat Sadam H. (the strongman), so God had placed my wife and I in the location we are at to fight toward unseating the strongman. Victory came after a time. And I layed back down to sleep.

I have since found out that we are staying with friends who are battling spirits all the time. The whole family is rooted (not our friends) in witchcraft, a diseased grandparent being a witch. A dad of one of the daughter-in-laws is demon possessed, The demon having spoken to them. Please pray for us. I believe there is victory ahead, but the battle is great.

God Bless

[Adoniyah]

StMatt:

It is A SPIRITUAL BATTLE.

My God, I can't understand why those that claim to know God cannot understand what it is and join in, in the battle waging war in prayer...as the Lord has directed you in your dream.

We need to pray. We do not need to pray for peace. We need to pray for victory. The peace will follow. God will give the peace. We do not need to be a soldier over in Iraq. We need to be a soldier on our knees pressing the battle in commanding prayer.

God used your location to show you a need. You prayed and won the victory over the witchcraft spirit and the devil. The devil cannot prevail unless we are kept in ignorance. Ignorance is the devil's greatest weapon.

[nightwatchman]

When John Sung was not actively preaching or organizing a new evangelistic team, he usually could be found writing in his diary or adding to his ever growing prayer list. He carefully prayed over an extensive list of people's needs, which was accompanied by dozens of small photographs. John Sung was a faithful intercessor and always requested a small picture of those desiring prayer in order to help him intercede with a deeper burden. Everywhere he went, he urged the people to give themselves to prayer. "The fact that the Chinese Church is a praying Church today, can be attributed in part to the influence and example of this man who prayed." Nothing was allowed to hinder his time in prayer. John Sung made it his regular habit to be up every morning at 5 a.m. to pray for two or three hours. "Prayer for John Sung was like a battle. He prayed until the sweat poured down his face." At times he would literally collapse upon his bed and uncontrollably weep and sob under the burden of travailing prayer. John Sung believed that prayer was the most important work of the believer. He defined faith as watching God work while on your knees. Mr. Boon Mark said of John Sung, "He talked least, preached more and prayed most."

Because it was evident that John Sung was a man of great power in prayer, the sick and crippled increasingly came to him to receive prayer for their bodies. John Sung always made time to tenderly pray for their needs. "Dr. Sung usually had one meeting in every campaign at which he would give an address on healing and the necessity for sincere repentance before inviting the sick to come forward." Hundreds were instantly healed of every kind of ailment and disease. The blind received their sight; the lame walked, and the deaf and mute were all wonderfully healed as John Sung cried out to Jesus in prayer. Sometimes he would personally lay hands on and pray for as many as 500-600 people at one time. In spite of the fact that so many marvelous healings followed his ministry, he suffered for years from intestinal tuberculosis. This disease consistently plagued him with painful and infected bleeding ulcers in his colon. Nevertheless he still continued to fervently preach, sometimes in a kneeling position to lesson the terrible pain. Finally after years of suffering with this affliction, he died at only 43, on August 18, 1944.




Prayer will move mountians

[nightwatchman]

Have We No Tears For Revival?
by Leonard Ravenhill
"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy." (Ps. 126:5). This is the divine edict. This is more than preaching with zeal. This is more than scholarly exposition. This is more than delivering sermons of exegetical exactitude and homiletical perfection. Such a man, whether preacher or pew dweller, is appalled at the shrinking authority of the Church in the present drama of cruelty in the world. And he cringes with sorrow that men turn a deaf ear to the Gospel and willingly risk eternal hell in the process. Under this complex burden, his heart is crushed to tears.

The true man of God is heartsick, grieved at the worldliness of the Church, grieved at the blindness of the Church, grieved at the corruption in the Church, grieved at the toleration of sin in the Church, grieved at the prayerlessness in the Church. He is disturbed that the corporate prayer of the Church no longer pulls down the strongholds of the devil. He is embarrassed that the Church folks no longer cry in their despair before a devil-ridden, sin-mad society, "Why could we not cast him out?" (Matt. 17:19).

Many of us have no heart-sickness for the former glory of the Church because we have never known what true revival is. We stagnate in the status quo and sleep easy at night while our generation moves swiftly to the eternal night of hell. Shame, shame on us! Jesus whipped some money changers out of the temple; but before He whipped them, He wept over them. He knew how near their judgment was The Apostle Paul sent a tear-stained letter to the Philippian saints, writing: "I have told you often and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ" (Phil. 3:18). Notice that he does not say they are enemies of Christ; they are, rather, the enemies of the cross of Christ. They deny or diminish the redemptive values of the cross. There are many like this today. The church of Rome does not stand as an enemy of Christ; it traces heavily on His holy name. Yet it denies the cross by saying that the Blessed Virgin is co-redemptive. If this is so, why was she not also crucified? The Mormons use the name of Christ, yet they are astray on the atonement. Have we tears for them? Shall we face them without a blush when they accuse us of inertia at the Judgment Seat saying that they were our neighbors and an offense to us, but not a burden because they were lost?

The Salvationists can scarcely read their flaming evangelical history without tears. Has the glory of the evangelical revival under Wesley ever gripped the hearts of the Methodists of today? Have they read of the fire-baptized men in Wesley's team? Men like John Nelson, Thomas Walsh, and a host of others whose names are written in the Book of Life; men persecuted and kicked in the streets when they held street meetings? Yet as their blood flowed from their wounds, their tears flowed from their eyes. Have the Holiness people set a guard at the door of the beauty parlors lest any sister should enter to get her hair curled, while a block away there is a string of prostitutes trying to sell their sin-wracked bodies with none to tell them of eternal love? Do the Pentecostals look back with shame as they remember when they dwelt across the theological tracks, but with the glory of the Lord in their midst? When they had a normal church life, which meant nights of prayers, followed by signs and wonders, and diverse miracles, and genuine gifts of the Holy Ghost? When they were not clock watchers, and their meetings lasted for hours, saturated with holy power? Have we no tears for these memories, or shame that our children know nothing of such power? Other denominations had their Glory Days of revival. Think of the mighty visitations to the Presbyterians in Korea. Remember the earth-shaking revival in Shantung. Are those days gone forever? Have we no tears for revival?
"

[stmatthew]

Night,

He is one of my favorite writers!

[nightwatchman]

Bro. Matt,



Here's a website with some preaching by Link Edited Out By Admin

[soldout4Jesus]

1. Does witchcraft have anything to do with gambling?
2. Do serious financial troubles often occur among people battling against witchcraft?
3. What are some of the visible signs that you are battling against witchcraft?
4. Who are prone to this kind of battle?
5. How is idolatry related to witchcraft?

[John Atkinson]

Sorry Bro Night Watchman. I like LR's writing as well, he is straight and to the point. But he is also a trinitarian who teaches salvation outside of Acts 2:38.

No links to those sites are allowed here. Sorry!!

[stmatthew]

Bro Night,

You can Private message the link to me if you want. I don't think that is out of line is it Bro John??

[nightwatchman]

Bro. Matt,




I e-mailed you the link to the website:tup: :tup:

[ddc101]

I had an experience the other night I wanted to share.

I dreamed that there was a little boy, probably about 6 or so years old. He had a little sword that he would hit people with. He was invisible to all but i saw him. He was very mischevious. After a few moments in the dream I understood him to be a demonic spirit. He hit someone with the sword, and I saw bee's come in and sting the person. He brought torment to those he hit. As he sat, I saw him turn around toward me and take the shape of a little girl that I know that is very rebelious. I awoke.


As I lay in bed, I felt the presence of an evil spirit. I began to feel fear, and began to pray. I knew I was not getting thru, so I awoke my wife. We both began to pray against this presence, as she felt it after a moment, too. The Holy Ghost came upon us, and I began to weep and travail. With my spirits eye, I saw the Iraq war, and immediately I saw that we were fighting a spiritual battle. I understood that just as America was pushing forward to unseat Sadam H. (the strongman), so God had placed my wife and I in the location we are at to fight toward unseating the strongman. Victory came after a time. And I layed back down to sleep.

I have since found out that we are staying with friends who are battling spirits all the time. The whole family is rooted (not our friends) in witchcraft, a diseased grandparent being a witch. A dad of one of the daughter-in-laws is demon possessed, The demon having spoken to them. Please pray for us. I believe there is victory ahead, but the battle is great.

God Bless


Brother Burdette,
How is this situation? lv sis.c

[essaias]

1. Does witchcraft have anything to do with gambling?
2. Do serious financial troubles often occur among people battling against witchcraft?
3. What are some of the visible signs that you are battling against witchcraft?
4. Who are prone to this kind of battle?
5. How is idolatry related to witchcraft?

What do you mean by witchcraft? The word can be applied to a lot of different, but related, things.

1. I know there are some who practice witchcraft in order to better their chances of winning at gambling. However, gambling per se is not connected with witchcraft per se as far as I know.

2. People seriously battling witchcraft often find themselves in serious tribulation of all sorts. But the devil can offer you a financial jackpot if he thinks it will distract you... Remember, it is apostates who think that gain is godliness. One's spirituality is not evidenced by monetary measurements, usually. There are poor people who are very righteous, and there are poor people who are very wicked. There are rich people who are very wicked, and I am sure somewhere there are some wealthy people who are righteous. :)

3. There may be no "visible" signs at all. Also, what do you mean "battling with witchcraft"? Do you mean battling with demonic spirits harassing you? Or do you mean trying to counteract the actions of practicing witches? To counteract the actions of practicing witches, you need PRAYER, prevailing prayer, travailing prayer, FAITH-full prayer. And lots of it. Fasting certainly can't hurt. In fact, if you enter intercesion against evil spirits, you will probably fast automatically, you won't be concerned about food. If witches are influencing someone who needs salvation, and you can contact that person, you must prayerfully SPEAK to them, and share the gospel with them. It is the POWER OF GOD to them who are being saved. The gospel is actually more powerful than any demonic or occult spirit power. Don't focus on "witches are controlling you", but on "Jesus is Truth, and HE is the Way". You must EXPECT deliverance - that is faith.

As for signs that witchcraft is being used against you. Anything that encourages you to become fearful or superstitious (is that cat really a demon stalking me?? etc) is a clear sign witchcraft is affecting your mind. Witchcraft affects the mind more than anything else. Guard your mind with prayer and the Word. Also, keep in mind - Romans 8:28 - And we know that God causeth all - ALL - things to work together for good to those who love Him, who are the called according to His purpose. It doesn't matter what witches or demons throw at you, it automatically benefits you some way because God will make it so. IF you are worried about being the victim of witchcraft attack, then by all means pray. Pray Psalms 91. Cast out the evil spirits in Jesus name. It is not YOUR power that must bow to, but HIS power and authority, which you have if His name is upon you.

4. Prone? Or morelikely to be attacked by witches? The ones most likely to be attacked by witches are those who run across them and who resist their evil influence. Your spirit they cannot stand, because they are of the evil one. However, you are - if consecrated to God - under His command and direction. You will encounter exactly and only what he intends for you to encounter. Commit your way to Him, and He will direct your STEPS. If you are in a situation, it is because God wants you there, to stand for His name and see the glory of God demonstrated.

5. Idolatry is worshipping anything other than the Lord our God. Covetousness is also identified as idolatry. Covetousness is basically greed. People into witchcraft not only often worship other gods (which the Bible says are demons), but are often greedy for power, wealth, fame, popularity, sex, etc etc. So idolatry and covetousness and witchcraft pretty much all go hand in hand.

Not all greedy people get into witchcraft, but most people into witchcraft are idolatrous in one form or another. A lot of people into witchcraft actively worship a god/goddess or even a host of deities. These of course are demons. Many have a familiar spirit, called a spirit guide, power animal, spirit helper, and so forth. This is a demon that has attached itself to them and which is leading them around (although they think they are in charge of the relationship, they usually are not). When confronting a witch, you are essentially confronting the familiar spirit in them or with them. This demon will have to be dealth with first. (It must be cast out). Casting out demons is an act of authority in Jesus name, nor just something you "pray about". You must have Holy Ghost authority from Jesus to cast out demons. Prayer and fasting get you in the right state of mind to have faith that can move mountains - and thus demons, too.

Keep in mind that all the power of the adversary is a joke compared to the One who is in you.

peace-

[cg6098]

What do you mean by witchcraft? The word can be applied to a lot of different, but related, things.

1. I know there are some who practice witchcraft in order to better their chances of winning at gambling. However, gambling per se is not connected with witchcraft per se as far as I know.

2. People seriously battling witchcraft often find themselves in serious tribulation of all sorts. But the devil can offer you a financial jackpot if he thinks it will distract you... Remember, it is apostates who think that gain is godliness. One's spirituality is not evidenced by monetary measurements, usually. There are poor people who are very righteous, and there are poor people who are very wicked. There are rich people who are very wicked, and I am sure somewhere there are some wealthy people who are righteous. :)

3. There may be no "visible" signs at all. Also, what do you mean "battling with witchcraft"? Do you mean battling with demonic spirits harassing you? Or do you mean trying to counteract the actions of practicing witches? To counteract the actions of practicing witches, you need PRAYER, prevailing prayer, travailing prayer, FAITH-full prayer. And lots of it. Fasting certainly can't hurt. In fact, if you enter intercesion against evil spirits, you will probably fast automatically, you won't be concerned about food. If witches are influencing someone who needs salvation, and you can contact that person, you must prayerfully SPEAK to them, and share the gospel with them. It is the POWER OF GOD to them who are being saved. The gospel is actually more powerful than any demonic or occult spirit power. Don't focus on "witches are controlling you", but on "Jesus is Truth, and HE is the Way". You must EXPECT deliverance - that is faith.

As for signs that witchcraft is being used against you. Anything that encourages you to become fearful or superstitious (is that cat really a demon stalking me?? etc) is a clear sign witchcraft is affecting your mind. Witchcraft affects the mind more than anything else. Guard your mind with prayer and the Word. Also, keep in mind - Romans 8:28 - And we know that God causeth all - ALL - things to work together for good to those who love Him, who are the called according to His purpose. It doesn't matter what witches or demons throw at you, it automatically benefits you some way because God will make it so. IF you are worried about being the victim of witchcraft attack, then by all means pray. Pray Psalms 91. Cast out the evil spirits in Jesus name. It is not YOUR power that must bow to, but HIS power and authority, which you have if His name is upon you.

4. Prone? Or morelikely to be attacked by witches? The ones most likely to be attacked by witches are those who run across them and who resist their evil influence. Your spirit they cannot stand, because they are of the evil one. However, you are - if consecrated to God - under His command and direction. You will encounter exactly and only what he intends for you to encounter. Commit your way to Him, and He will direct your STEPS. If you are in a situation, it is because God wants you there, to stand for His name and see the glory of God demonstrated.

5. Idolatry is worshipping anything other than the Lord our God. Covetousness is also identified as idolatry. Covetousness is basically greed. People into witchcraft not only often worship other gods (which the Bible says are demons), but are often greedy for power, wealth, fame, popularity, sex, etc etc. So idolatry and covetousness and witchcraft pretty much all go hand in hand.

Not all greedy people get into witchcraft, but most people into witchcraft are idolatrous in one form or another. A lot of people into witchcraft actively worship a god/goddess or even a host of deities. These of course are demons. Many have a familiar spirit, called a spirit guide, power animal, spirit helper, and so forth. This is a demon that has attached itself to them and which is leading them around (although they think they are in charge of the relationship, they usually are not). When confronting a witch, you are essentially confronting the familiar spirit in them or with them. This demon will have to be dealth with first. (It must be cast out). Casting out demons is an act of authority in Jesus name, nor just something you "pray about". You must have Holy Ghost authority from Jesus to cast out demons. Prayer and fasting get you in the right state of mind to have faith that can move mountains - and thus demons, too.

Keep in mind that all the power of the adversary is a joke compared to the One who is in you.

peace-
I agree with you brother. Since God has called me into a deeper consecration I have come under attack. I live with a family menber who is not saved. He is, in my opinion, posessed. The evil spirit that he has has attacked my mind and penetrated it to where I'm am being oppressed. It is like a spirit of confusion.
I had a dream the other night that I was on the roof of a house and a big flock of black crows were flying single file at me to attack me. I had a baseball bat and I was clubbing them to the ground. The anger and hatred that I sensed toward me was intense. I don't know has to expel this thing completely out of my mind. Any suggestions?

[LilOrphanAnnie]

Here are some suggestions, they may or may not be applicable.

No tv, no talk radio, no fiction books, no music that is rock & roll, or contemporary. Here is a really good internet station with music that will sooth & uplift you:

http://www.live365.com/stations/mcfnetwork1

Have either this station, or other good holy Christian music (NOT R & R or Contemporary, just trust me on it), or what is excellent, get a CD or tape of the Bible. Have that going nonstop. Have it going softly while you sleep- your subconscious will absorb it, and the devils hate it. Leave a Bible open.

Basically what it sounds like is there is a "gate" open for this oppression. Concentrate on closing the "gates". Do the above, and also clean the house. Clean everything that is under your control, remove every tape, cd, book, etc, etc that is worldly, or has strange symbols for decoration, etc. (well probably you have done that! I just mention it.) Every area that is not in your control, pray & literally plead the Blood over it. Ask Jesus to cast out any demons, and seal the areas in your house that are not in your control. You can anoint with oil, but really that is more a faith-builder than anything. You don't literally require a bottle of oil. Just pray & plead the Blood. It is good if you take an experienced saint with you & pray through the house, praying that God reveal any evil thing that needs to be removed.

Just some thoughts

[ddc101]

CG6098,
I have some suggestions.Keep this in mind.When you are praying more and developing deeper consecreation it makes you more sensitive to the spirit realm.Which can be good if you know how to pray against what is battling you or another.What is not good is when you cannot discern which thoughts are yours and which are the enemies.That leads to oppression.One good thing to do is when you pick up on something or something shows itself to you purposely just ignore it and keep on treating the person with love.Soon enough you are going to win that person.Pray things off of them.spirits do trail but we don't have to allow them to torment us.I refuse.Jesus did not give place to the devil even when the devils begged him.He let them enter pigs and drowned them.ls sis.c

[LilOrphanAnnie]

BTW I forgot to mention the computer. That is a big one that needs cleaning- I have to clean out my links folders too!!!

[cg6098]

CG6098,
I have some suggestions.Keep this in mind.When you are praying more and developing deeper consecreation it makes you more sensitive to the spirit realm.Which can be good if you know how to pray against what is battling you or another.What is not good is when you cannot discern which thoughts are yours and which are the enemies.That leads to oppression.One good thing to do is when you pick up on something or something shows itself to you purposely just ignore it and keep on treating the person with love.Soon enough you are going to win that person.Pray things off of them.spirits do trail but we don't have to allow them to torment us.I refuse.Jesus did not give place to the devil even when the devils begged him.He let them enter pigs and drowned them.ls sis.c
Thanks for the advice. God has revealed the "gates" and I have confronted him and he has thrown the worst away but still holds on to some of it. My other relative and myself are praying and pleading the blood as well as people from my relatives church.

[essaias]

I agree with you brother. Since God has called me into a deeper consecration I have come under attack. I live with a family menber who is not saved. He is, in my opinion, posessed. The evil spirit that he has has attacked my mind and penetrated it to where I'm am being oppressed. It is like a spirit of confusion.
I had a dream the other night that I was on the roof of a house and a big flock of black crows were flying single file at me to attack me. I had a baseball bat and I was clubbing them to the ground. The anger and hatred that I sensed toward me was intense. I don't know has to expel this thing completely out of my mind. Any suggestions?

Ah, simple. Pray without ceasing, fast, and TRUST God to bring deliverance. Cast that thing out. If this person has a demon, CAST IT OUT of him. These signs SHALL follow them that beleive ..."

peace-

[witness4jesus]

I know that the spirit of witchcraft is as the sin of rebellion.

What is the connection between rebellion against the word of
God and the religion practiced by those who call themselves
witches, pagans, etc?

Definitely, I believe it is tied up in idolatry. I believe the
"devils","demons" being cast out in the NT, the "unclean
spirits" were spirits connected with certain forms of idolatry.
I've heard many in church speak of a "charismatic" spirit.
There are scriptures that speak of sacrificing to devils
and it seems that is what it is speaking of, worshipping idols.
So, do different forms of false religion have spirits connected
to them?

just a thought.....

sis pam

[Esther]

StMatt:

It is A SPIRITUAL BATTLE.

My God, I can't understand why those that claim to know God cannot understand what it is and join in, in the battle waging war in prayer...as the Lord has directed you in your dream.

We need to pray. We do not need to pray for peace. We need to pray for victory. The peace will follow. God will give the peace. We do not need to be a soldier over in Iraq. We need to be a soldier on our knees pressing the battle in commanding prayer.

God used your location to show you a need. You prayed and won the victory over the witchcraft spirit and the devil. The devil cannot prevail unless we are kept in ignorance. Ignorance is the devil's greatest weapon.


So true, so true. Wake up Saints.

[apostolicshine]

As soon as we receive the gift of the Holyghost, and and are baptized in Jesus name, we are mighty soldiers! Battle field is all around us. On our knees is where we conquer the enemy. It is our duty to fight.

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Eph.6:13

[Esther]

Here are some suggestions, they may or may not be applicable.

No tv, no talk radio, no fiction books, no music that is rock & roll, or contemporary. Here is a really good internet station with music that will sooth & uplift you:

http://www.live365.com/stations/mcfnetwork1

Have either this station, or other good holy Christian music (NOT R & R or Contemporary, just trust me on it), or what is excellent, get a CD or tape of the Bible. Have that going nonstop. Have it going softly while you sleep- your subconscious will absorb it, and the devils hate it. Leave a Bible open.

Basically what it sounds like is there is a "gate" open for this oppression. Concentrate on closing the "gates". Do the above, and also clean the house. Clean everything that is under your control, remove every tape, cd, book, etc, etc that is worldly, or has strange symbols for decoration, etc. (well probably you have done that! I just mention it.) Every area that is not in your control, pray & literally plead the Blood over it. Ask Jesus to cast out any demons, and seal the areas in your house that are not in your control. You can anoint with oil, but really that is more a faith-builder than anything. You don't literally require a bottle of oil. Just pray & plead the Blood. It is good if you take an experienced saint with you & pray through the house, praying that God reveal any evil thing that needs to be removed.

Just some thoughts

Should no talk radio be so broad? Bro. Baxter has an Endtime Radio program that is very good.

Never heard anyone say, "no talk radio", what is your reasoning. Just curiours as why, other than making you mad at a caller :)

[LilOrphanAnnie]

ah, I forgot about Bro. Baxter. I haven't been in radio range of his broadcasts for ages.

My reasoning behind "no talk radio" is that they are talking about worldly issues, it is just endless strife & pointless debate about temporal things. It just drags a person down- it does me anyways. At a time when someone is trying to "clean house", things like that are to be avoided too, I think.

[Esther]

Thank you for your response. I was wondering why. Good points to consider.