“As for you, you meant to harm me, but God intended it for a good purpose, so he could preserve the lives of many people, as you can see this day. So now, don’t be afraid.” (Genesis 50:20-21)
Last week I posted a reflection of spiritual warfare. In it I related about a family that a demonic entity had attached to their house. Their 3 year old daughter was the main focus of this entity. Crosses hanging by strings were flipping defying gravity and hanging upside down, furniture was being moved, voices heard, and many other outward manifestations of the presence of the “Black mask with red eyes” that talked to the daughter out of the closet.
I went over their house one night and spent 3 hours interviewing them on all that has happened, then prayed and anointed the house and the family. My wife and I went back two nights later and again prayed over the house, the couple and the family.
Discerning this presence needed the “church” to free it, I arranged for the Tuesday Evening House Church that usually meets in our home to meet in this families home instead. I also contacted people locally to come who God has placed in my life that we have shared deep spiritual warfare in the past, and deep nights of prayer for revival and claiming our city for the kingdom of God. And Tuesday night they came.
And that evening “What Satan planned for evil, God used for Good.” The evil presence that came into the house to bring darkness, led to the Holy presence of the church that brought light. Spiritual brothers and sisters, kindred of Christ, some who I have not worshipped with for over a year gathered, re-connected, re-kindled the flame of the Holy Spirit among us, and through our time of worship, prayer, reading Scriptures, laying hands and anointing, a strong presence of the reign of God fell on that house and on us.
“What the enemy planned for evil, God used for good.”
The night was a beautiful experience of "real Church." I think those attending would agree there was not a moment of fear during the night. We came in the authority of Jesus and His love, and perfect love casts out all fear. Is Spiritual warfare real, absolutely.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” (Ephesians 6:12). Are occurrence of evil and demonic activity increasing around us, yes. “Be sober and alert. Your enemy the devil, like a roaring lion, is on the prowl looking for someone to devour.” (1Peter 5:8) However, when we put on the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:13-18) we can “stand Firm against evil” and “extinguish the flaming arrows of the evil one.” “Because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1John 4:4)
We need to separate the "Hollywood" portrayals of confronting evil and heaven's actual 'Kingdom on Earth" reality. God is in control; ” The heavens belong to you, as does the earth. You made the world and all it contains.” ({Psalm 89:11). Jesus is Lord; “ yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we live, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we live.” (1Cor 8:4). And The Church is God's "Plan A" for confronting evil, breaking chains of those oppressed and freedom to those possessed on this earth, and there in no "Plan B" ; “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matt. 16:18)
My family, I pray you will reflect and understand that in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit you in the church together can face down and defeat any evil that comes against yourself of others “Because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world”, in Jesus name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
Please share your comments and reflections on my post in the comment box below.
Resolve to Help in 2023
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Discipleship Training.
One of my passions is helping churches or small groups understand and embrace their call to be disciples of Jesus in their community. I offer and lead discipleship trainings in person and on-line. If you are interested I would love to talk to you bout it. Email me at garyl@onedirection.community.
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