Learn about your weaponries and one of Satan's secret weapons. Learn how to defeat your enemy. Revelation, instruction and information have been revealed in the Word of God. We must not remain ignorant lest Satan should get an advantage of us (2 Cor. 2:11 kjv). There are some important things that we have to do in order to successfully close his access points in our lives. Know your God, His will and do what He says.

This book will expose the enemy and will cause you to overcome.

Spiritual warfare is not a take it or leave it" subject'. Paul talked about it as being a priority.

James Arekion has written a treatise on spiritual warfare which is both doctrinal and easy to read. I He exposes the enemy for who he is, and gives every believer the opportunity to know, and therefore, defeat him. Jesus intended for Christians to be victorious and successful in all areas of life. Reading this book and acting upon it will help us to be the winners we are in Christ.

REV. LINDSEY MANN, word of truth ministries international

PS. JAMES AREKION

James Arekion is an anointed and dynamic teacher of the Word of God that he communicates in personal and practical way. He began teaching at the age of 16 and his messages are straight-forward, fundamental, simple and yet effectively encouraging people     through life situations and empowering them to succeed in every area of life.

He is the head pastor of Christian Family Church International and the Dean of the Bible School in Mauritius. He has also written many praise and worship songs, produced CDs and DVDs and has penned numerous articles for Christian Magazine and sources.

Ps James has ministered in churches, leadership and business seminars, youth rallies in England, USA, South Africa, France, Madagascar, Rodrigues Island and Swaziland.

He is married to Diane and they have a daughter, Karen.

CONTENTS

Introduction

Chapter 1    Discovering His will in war

Chapter 2    Different warfare

Chapter 3    Personally experiencing evil spirits and the Holy Spirit

Chapter 4    The Armor of God

Chapter 5    The enemy’s poisonous weapon

Chapter 6    The enemy

Chapter 7    Classification of demon spirits

Chapter 8    The prescription and the remedy

About The Author

Endorsement

Spiritual warfare is not a "take it or leave it" subject. Paul talked about it as being a priority. James Arekion has written a treatise on spiritual warfare which is both doctrinal and easy to read. He exposes the enemy for who he is, and gives every believer the opportunity to know, and therefore, defeat him. Jesus intended for Christians to be victorious and successful in all areas of life. Reading this book and acting upon it will help us to be the winners we are in Christ.

Rev. Lindsey Mann

Word of Truth International Ministries

120 Anerley Park Anerley

London SE20 8NU

Introduction

The bible records three creations and two falls. There is a war waging and only the strong survives. The Holy Spirit and the Word makes us the strong people overcoming all foes. In this book, I have concentrated mostly on the warfare against the devil although I have summarized on different kinds of warfare we will face.

Learn about your weaponries and one of Satan's secret weapons. Learn how to defeat your enemy. Revelation, instruction and information have been revealed in the Word of God. We must not remain ignorant lest Satan should get an advantage of us (2 Cor. 2:11 KJV). He has strategically placed his cohorts like in a game of chess. However, with the knowledge and the wisdom of God we can move forward and conquer.

There are some important things that we have to do in order to successfully close his access points in our lives. Know your God, His will and do what He says. Remember, it is those who know their God that will do exploits (Dan. 11:32). Your life will never be the same again. In these battles of life, you are not alone. The most important person you need to assist you will never leave or forsake you. Never attempt any warfare without the Holy Spirit.

I have also included a number of very personal stories, some funny experiences but they are my testimony of victory over the enemy. May this book help you confront and conquer...always.

God bless you.

James Arekion

Chapter 1

Discovering His will in War

In 1991, while I was living in London, I sat down and watched live coverage on television as the United States Army bombarded Iraq in an operation called "Desert Storm". This battle has been classed as one of the most decisive battles ever fought by the US army supported by its allies. It brought significant changes in the social, economical and political landscape of the world.

The Iraqis under the leadership of Dictator Saddam Hussein with its infantry, armor and tanks invaded Kuwait. The US and its allies started deploying its forces and began to flex their muscles. It was evident that the US Army possessed mighty destructive weapons to attack and defeat its enemy.

I remember hearing the bombardment and seeing buildings in Iraq explode and destroyed in a fraction of a second. Technology made it possible for me to watch these events! This war was marked by the beginning of live news on the front lines of the battle zones. I was amazed at the arsenal invented to destroy the enemy. Missiles were fitted with Global Positioning System (GPS) to pinpoint targets. Air attacks with fighter jets launched these missiles with precision and successfully destroyed targeted buildings. The American ground troops with its well armed and heavily armored tanks strategically moved through Kuwait and entered southern Iraq. It took about forty-two days to destroy the enemy’s offensive military capacities and to cause them to surrender and withdraw. Operation Desert Storm was said to be a success!

What made this operation successful was proper planning and in depth research on the enemy. The Soldiers had to be trained to know and understand the terrain. They had to be able to fight and survive in places they were not accustomed to such as the desert. They had to adapt and understand the culture, mindset and tactics of their enemy.

No responsible commander would send in ground troops unless the air war had been won. Just as it is important to have a battle plan in the natural, it is imperative to have a strategy and plan in the spiritual warfare. Even our enemy begins his assault from the air. The bible calls him "the prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2).

One thing that appears constantly in the Bible, from beginning to end, is warfare. From the fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden and throughout all the sixty-six books, warfare is either mentioned or is in action. In the Old Testament, it was mostly physical warfare where the chosen people and the children of Israel had to fight to conquer, whereas in the New Testament it is spiritual. We can safely say that the bible is a book of war. The bible even declares that the Lord is a man of war (Exo. 15:3).

The Greek word for warfare is 'strateia' where our English word strategy derived from. Successful wars and battles have well thought out plans and strategy to defeat the enemy. The Word of God records many battles fought from beginning to end. It reveals that we have a common enemy known as Satan and his cohorts trying to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). However, we have not been left naked and empty handed. God has given us weapons of mass destruction to deal with the enemy on all fronts. He has purposed that we fight and win!

The book of Proverbs 20:18 instruct us to never go into a combat uninformed:

"Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance." (NIV)

"Plans succeed through good counsel; don't go to war without wise advice." (NLT)

"Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war." (ESV)

"Every purpose is established by counsel: and with good advice make war." (KJV)

Warfare involves strategy and proper weaponries. Our enemy is never flesh and blood! It is a spiritual war! We need a battle plan to attack and gain territory. All has been revealed by the Holy Spirit through the infallible Word of God. As soldiers of Christ in God's mighty army, we need to know the enemy, know our weaponries, understand the combat zones and most of all know the will of God for our lives. Our ignorance is one of Satan's most powerful weapons. We cannot afford to stay ignorant concerning spiritual things. This warfare is not with what we can see or feel. So, how do we get knowledge and be properly equipped to defeat the enemy in order to become victorious in life?

Firstly, let's deal with the most important aspect. We need to learn to discover the will of God for our lives. Many do not know what the will of God is. We have been so inundated with many false teachings, traditional beliefs and vain fables that we have a wrong and bad perception of God. Lies have tinted the image of a loving and merciful God. We have accused God of saying and doing things that are not in His nature and character.

Where then do we discover the truth? How do we know if it is the truth? How do we break this wrong imagination pattern that has invaded us? Well, the bible must be the foundation for truth. The bible is the Word of God. His nature, character, behavior, desire and His will is revealed through His Word. We learn about God and how he is and what He did and does by His Word. He will never change (Mai. 3:6). He is not a man that He should lie, neither is He the son of man that He should change His mind (Num. 23:29). His Word is truth (John 17:17) and is the detergent to sanctifies our mind. We shall know the truth and the knowledge of truth will set us free (John 8:32). Free from what? Well, free from many evil things but also the bondage and the misperception that we have! Let me allow the bible to introduce you to your God. Allow His Word to repaint a proper picture in your mind.

"The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. ”

Ps. 103:8 (NLT)

The LORD is gracious and compassionate; slow to anger and rich in love.

Ps 145:8 (NIV)

"For the LORD your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your forefathers, which he confirmed to them by oath.”

Deut. 4:31 (NI V)

I was brought up with the ideology that God was sitting on a throne with a big baseball bat and was ready and willing to hit us on the head once we do wrong. Idolatrous worship showed me a God that was angry with rage and wanting to cut people’s heads off. I was told that God will punish me even if I was a child of seven years old! Yet, these scripture above shows me the contrary! If God was really just waiting to smash us on the head, humanity would have ceased to exist a long time ago! The verb ’is’ in those verses couple with the words penned in Malachi 3:6 unveil that God remains compassionate and merciful throughout the age. Days come and go, time changes but He is forever the same (Heb. 13:7). As powerful as He may be, the Master of the universe is slow to anger and rich in love. In fact the Epistle of John calls Him "love". God is love (1 Jn. 4:8). The epistle to the Hebrews calls the Majesty's dwelling place as the throne of grace (Heb. 4:16).

Moses, the man of anger who murdered an Egyptian and buried him in the sand must have been surprised when he had an encounter with God.

“And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”

Exodus 34:6 (NIV)

Even in today's society, what Moses did merits punishment and he would have been classed as a failure. He was deported from Egypt, yet he was accepted in God's presence! What is it that you have done? In the Word of God, we see that the compassion of God is greater than the anger of God. His mercy is bigger than his judgment. The Lord truly is good to all. You qualify for greatness.

We need to understand that the Word of God is the will of God. His Word is His principle and His wisdom. Exposing the devil is not our priority; knowing God is! We also need to deal with anything that hinders our relationship with God or anything that tries to stop His plan for our lives. Our primary goal in life is to know God, to develop a close relationship with Him and to find out His will for our lives. This does not come by programs or methods. It comes by seeking and developing a willingness and attitude to hear, obey and do. Knowing God's will comes when we develop a love for His presence and His Word.

There are basically two primary types of God's will:

•    The standard or general will of God.

•    The specific will of God.

“THE STANDARD OR GENERAL WILL OF GOD”

The standard and general will of God is very clear. His general will revealed in Scriptures is in the area of what we are to believe; ethics, morals, life-style, how we are to behave and end time prophecy. God and His Word are one. He will never contradict His Word. He is a God of integrity. The Psalms says, 'You have magnified Your word above all Your name!" (Psalms 138:2).

There are four places where we discover the general will of God for our lives:

1.             In the Word of God.

2.      In the Garden of Eden

3.      In the life and ministry of Jesus.

4.      In the Lord's Prayer.

Let me give you some general will of God revealed through these four means I have mentioned above.

“THE WORD OF GOD”

If you want to know God's will for your life, start with the Bible. The Word of God is the will of God. The Bible is the written will of God! It is the chartered course of your life, marriage, ministry and your future. It is full of promises and statements of fact that we can rely on. In scripture God has revealed both His own nature and character and the path that leads to life and righteousness. The scripture speaks to us about the development of the character of God in our life.

“THE GARDEN OF EDEN”

In creation we see that God made man in His own image. The Garden of Eden was God's desire and the ideal home and way of life for man and his family to live in. Sadly man opened the door to sin and corrupted that way of life. When He put man and woman in the Garden of Eden, good gold was available (Gen.2:ll-12). Prosperity is part of the general will of God for all believers. However, prosperity is not necessarily a proof that one is in the will of God. If that were so, the rich people would be the most spiritual, which is generally not true. God created mankind healthy. I also want to add that from creation, God introduced man to work before He gave him the responsibility of his life-partner, his wife (Gen. 2:15). Work is not a curse and if you want to be married, make sure you have a job! That's the divine order that God has established.

“IN THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF JESUS”

“For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil."

1 Jn. 3:8b

God demonstrated His will for mankind in sending Jesus His Son. His mission was to destroy the work of the evil one. Jesus went about healing all (Acts 10:38), demonstrating that healing and health are part of the general will of God.

In Jesus we meet God as God really is. Jesus said: “He who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Jesus is fully God and fully human and that will never change. His life and ministry on earth demonstrated the triune God: the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It was God’s will for all mankind. Think of the miracles, healings, deliverances, the positive changes for people in need and the answered prayers even of a non-Jewish un-covenant woman (Mark 7:24-30). It reveals a loving God and His perfect will for people.

“IN THE LORD'S PRAYER”

"And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil."

Luke 11:1-4

The disciples didn't ask: "Lord, teach us to do miracles such as walking on water, turning water to wine and raising the dead." They asked to be taught to pray. They knew that Jesus was a man of prayer. The success of His life was based upon His secret time with the Father. They wanted to communicate with the Father effectively and produce results. In the prayer that Jesus taught his disciples, He shows the will of God for all. He reveals that provision, pardon and protection are the will of God for our lives. God is a provider and a protector (Matt.6:9-13), when He said: "Give us this day our daily bread and deliver us from evil." God pardons sins confessed and asks us to do likewise.

All these reveal God's general will for all. Furthermore, we are told that Jesus will come back for the saints in the near future.

“THE SPECIFIC WILL OF GOD”

“However, as it is written: "What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived the things God has prepared for those who love him these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit." The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. ”

1 Cor. 2:9-10 (NIV)

Just like a pilot depends on the chartered course in order to be able to fly in all weather conditions and arrive safely to his destination, we need to depend on the word to make it in life. If the pilot deviates, the radar will warn him. So, too the Holy Spirit will counsel us! We need the written word as a chartered course and the spoken word as a radar. The spoken word brings revelation from the Holy Spirit.

"Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you."

Phil 3:15

The specific will of God for your life is revealed when you spend time praying, seeking God and allowing the Holy Spirit to lead you. This is the seeking of God's plan for my life. Where He wants me to be, what He calls me to do and who I should associated with. When Jesus was faced with important decisions and key moments in His life He resolved to prayer. In Luke 6:12, He prayed all night before selecting the 12 apostles. Before Calvary, He spent the night in praying "thy will be done" in the garden of Gethsemane (Mark. 14:32). God will not lead in a direction that will violate His principles. However, once He reveals His specific will, you can be sure that the adversary the Devil will come, oppose and hinder us from our God-given destiny.

That's when warfare begins and intensifies. The more important your future, the greater the opponent and obstacles. But just like the enemy could not stop Jesus performing God's will, they cannot stop you as long as you stay connected with God and persevere. Never allow the size of the enemy or the volume of his threats to cause fear and intimidation in you. Fight your battle with the Words that God has revealed to you. Prayer is a type of Warfare. Prayer is ineffective without faith.

“THE ROLE OF FAITH”

The role of faith is so important in our personal life. Prayer and faith works together. It is one of the power twins! They cannot operate without the other. Faith is a product of the Word. It comes by hearing and hearing the Word of God

(Rom. 10:17). Faith begins when the will of God is known. Sol whether it is the general or the specific will of God, once revealed, it will produce faith! We have been justified by the blood of Jesus and so we have a new lifestyle: We live by faith. We  walk by faith and not by sight. So what is faith?

"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."

Mark 11:24

Faith is simply what you believe. You hear the Word of God revealing his will, you believe and you act on what you believe in. That is the basic process of faith. Faith brings results!

Just like money is legal tender and mode of exchange in the world, faith is the spiritual legal commodity that draws from heaven to manifest on the earth. To the world and the natural thought 'seeing is the order of God is first we must believe and then we bible states that all things are possible to those who believe (Marl 9:23). Believing is exercising faith and exercising faith is believing. Remember the words of Jesus to Martha as He was about to raise her brother Lazarus from the dead: "If you believe, you will see the glory of God” (John 11:40).

“but without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. ”

Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11 deals exclusively with the theme of faith. It is what we x call the hall of fame of those who walked by faith. As we walk by faith we please God. We demonstrate that we take God at His Word. He rewards us for our obedience and faith. It’s role is so important in that the Apostle says: 'Fight the good fight of faith' (1 Tim. f6:12). In battles it is faith that enables us to overcome (1 John 5:4). So to win in warfare, we must operate on God's terms! He gave us faith so that we can conquer and subdue kingdoms. The famous Hebrews 11 tells of the example set by our predecessors who through faith conquered kingdoms enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put to flight,. Heb. 11: 33-34 ESV).

Chapter 2

Different warfare

We are at war whether we like it or not. However, there are 1/1/ different types of warfare that we will face. Although in this book, I want to expose and expel our enemy, the devil and his cohorts, 1 want to remind you that it is not the only battle we face. We can also be our own enemy. Warfare is not just against demonic activities and powers but also includes our own nature. So I want to summarize some other battles before we reveal the spiritual warfare against our arch rival the devil.

“MENTAL BATTLES”

"For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."

2 Cor. 10:3-6

In the scripture above, we see that there is a war waging in our own minds and imaginations. This is the primary battlefield. Many people think that the strongholds are in the heavenly realm. Although that is also correct, the strongest stronghold is in our mind. A stronghold is a fortress or prison house. A fortress stops people from coming in and a prison is to keep people from going out. A stronghold is an area in which we are held bondage due to a certain way of thinking.

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. ”

2 Cor. 11:3

When Satan led the first attack on mankind, he started at the mind. He is a liar and the father of lies (Jn. 8:44). The mind is the place where you take your decisions. Every decision determines the direction and outcome of your life. Our minds are bombarded with thoughts and reasoning that are contrary to God's word. Remember the Word of God is the will of God. The Word of God is the mind of God and the wisdom of God. Our reasoning could hinder the will and the power of God. We must align our minds to the Word of God and refuse all suggestions, opinions and imaginations that are contrary to the Word of God. Our mind can reach into our past through our memory bank and it can reach into the future through our imaginations. Our thinking affects our feelings, our will and our whole being.

Just like in the Garden of Eden with Eve, Satan will attack your mind in questioning God's Word. He comes to suggest that perhaps you have misheard or misunderstood God's will. He tried the same approach with Jesus in the wilderness: "If you are the Son of God..." He will then proceed the attack by inviting you to deny God's word for your life and giving you his own, causing you to add, take away, deny or change God's word. He will deceive your mind to devour your life.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Rom. 12:2

Just like we wash our body every day, we also need to cleanse our soul. The renewing of the mind does not only enable us to overcome the tactics of the enemy but it also breaks the negative addictive attitude, character and behavior we need to be delivered from. God renews our life with this process, putting off our own negative and corrupt thinking and putting on God’s thoughts.

"That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."

Eph. 4: 22-24

A renewed mind helps us deal with two things: It enables us to "put off' our old nature of sin such as self-centeredness, rebellion, lust, evil thoughts and so forth in order to "put on" the mind of Christ (Phil.2:5, 1 Cor.2:16). To renew means to exchange, leaving the old and thinking and processing anew. Thinking in line with the Word of God.

In the epistle to the Corinthians, we are told to cast down imaginations, thoughts and reasoning. If we don’t cast them down, these evil negative thoughts will cast us down. If we don't pull down the strongholds, the strongholds will pull us down. If we don't bring thoughts captive, thoughts will bring us captive. That's warfare! God wants us to have His Mind, His thoughts, His standpoint in every situation. We think, talk and act on the Word of God. As we renew our minds, we'll be transformed back into God's Image, which is what God intended for us all along.

“WORDS OF PROPHECY”

Another area of battle is for the fulfillment and accomplishment of prophetic words spoken on our lives. I have had many prophetic words spoken over me and my future. However, we must understand two things: Firstly, we walk by faith and not by sight and secondly nothing just happens automatically! The minute an anointed word is spoken over your life, the devil will do his utmost to hinder that word from coming to pass. Your duty is to keep a close relationship with God and keep walking in the spirit.

"This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare."

1 Tim. 1:18

Paul encourages Timothy to do warfare with the prophetic word uttered on His life. When you have received a prophetic word that witnesses to your spirit, begin to believe and confess it daily on your life. Whatever the circumstances may be, never give up. God is faithful to His promises (Ps. 145:13, 1 Cor. 1:9). We must not just hear His voice but we must become the voice of that prophetic word. The prophetic voice is for the body of Christ and it presents a promise from God. One of the devil's titles is the 'prince of the power of the air'. When we speak breath comes out of our mouth. When we speak the prophetic Word, the Spirit of God, the breath of God, breathes the life of God and begins to make things happen. The operation begins in the spiritual realm in order to manifest in the natural realm. As you speak the word, the power of God goes into action and causes those things which are not to become a reality.

The book of Ezekiel demonstrates how the prophetic voice operates. Caught in a vision, God shows to Ezekiel a valley of dry bones (Ezek. 37). God then poses him a simple question: "Son of man, can these bones live?" The bible described the bones as very dry meaning that this wasn't a recent event that took place and God confirmed the vision as the whole house of Israel illustrating their hopeless and dead situation. I don't want to venture into Israel’s prophetic image but rather I want to point out how the prophetic voice operates.

Ezekiel was commanded to prophesy to a valley full of dry bones. He was told what to say. We also need to say what God says and not what we think or feel. We need to submit to God and His word and speak prophetically to situation in line with His word.

"Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live: And I will lay sinews upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I am the Lord. "

Ezekiel 37:5-6

The next thing I want you to see is that there is a procedure. God is a God of order

(1 Cor. 14:33). Before the bones could live again which was the final result, sinews will come upon the bones then flesh and cover with skin. When Ezekiel prophesied as he was commanded, there was a noise, a shaking and a coming together of the bones to their right place. However, what he saw now was a valley of dead bodies because no breath was in them. Three out of four happened when he spoke the Word of God.

Sadly, if that was many of us, we would have settled for this. We would have declared this a miracle and accepted this as the final outcome. I see many people shout "Hallelujah" and the miracle is not even complete! Never settle for second best when God wants to give you the best and full measure. There's still work to do and Ezekiel is once again ordered to prophesy until he sees what God intended!

"So 1 prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up upon their feet, an exceeding great army."

Ezekiel 37: 10

Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead and they saw him come out of the tomb wrapped with grave clothes and his face bound about with a napkin. Then Jesus said: "Loose him, and let him go" (John 11: 44). That will be the completion of the miracle. Keep prophesying until you see the will of God come to pass. Keep speaking his word over your life until you see your God-given dream come true!

When we speak the word of God, there are things happening in the spiritual realm. We may not see it yet but it is working for us. God spoke to Ezekiel and told him that these bones will live. Ezekiel did not doubt or reason. He simply did and spoke what he was told and then he saw a manifestation! God told him to prophesy to the bones. Jesus said: "Speak to the mountain" (Mark 11: 23). What hopeless situation or hindrance needs to hear the sound of your voice today? Is it your ministry, your marriage or even your future? Don't speak about the hopelessness or about the problems but tell it what the word says! Prophesy! You are the prophet of your life. Speak the Word only! That mountain, hindrance or problem needs to hear the sound of your voice of faith! Don't be an echo, be a prophetic voice. Don’t just say things as a parrot. Prophesy because you believe the word with your heart and you know that it is the will of Good for your life.

Nothing comes or manifests without an immediate or corresponding action. The Word of God declares that faith without action is dead! Between the spoken word and the manifestation, there is a time period. Most Christian gets discouraged during this period. There is a season for everything. God makes all things beautiful in His time.

Balaam is probably a name that we may not be familiar with, yet he is mentioned in the Old and New Testament of the bible: five times in the Old and three times in the New to be precise (Numbers 22:1 -24:25 & Numbers 31:7, 8, 16, Deuteronomy 23:4, 5; Joshua 24:9, 10; Nehemiah 13:2; Micah 6:5; 2 Peter 2:15, 16; Jude 11 and Revelation 2:14 ). Although this character appears in the Old Testament, the last mention of Balaam is in the book of Revelation in regards to the church in Pergamos.

So who is Balaam? What is his importance that the Word of God mentions his name in different books? What can we Learn from his presence and activities? Why does the Bible speak of a man and then highlight him, perhaps as a spirit?

I will not go into deep details about Balaam. It would take a whole book. However, in regards to our subject on prophetic warfare, we will look at some aspects in his life and see what we can understand and Learn.

Balaam's first appearance in the bible is when the children of Israel's 40 years wandering in the desert is about to come to a close *. Remembering that it was Moses who wrote the five books of the bible, known as Pentateuch, the story of Balaam demonstrates that the Man of God, Moses, received revelation of what was a secret conspiracy against the children of Israel. No one in Israel's camp could have known about the secret alliance between Balak and Balaam and the evil plan strategized in the house of the latter in distant Mesopotamia.

However, no curse could function on the children of Israel which made Balaam confess:

“Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it"

Num.23:20

Yet afterward, as the Spirit of God came upon Balaam, he lifted his eyes and saw an opened heavenly vision revealing the future. He prophesied that Israel would have a king. At that time Israel was under a theocratic government before deciding that they'll rather be under a man instead of God. He also reveals and specifically named King Agag as the enemy in his prophecy. He states the words: "that God's anointed king of Israel shall be higher than Agag and his Kingdom shall be exalted." (Numbers 24:7). This king would have the strength of the unicorn referring to the power of the anointing and will eat up his enemies and break their bones. The Amalekites perpetrated their vicious guerilla warfare on Israel for generations and God has set a specific time to deal with them. At this prophetic declaration neither king Saul or king Agag were born.

Hundreds of years later, Prophet Samuel is ordered by God to anoint the first king of Israel named Saul. He began so promisingly. He had all the qualities of a real hero: Handsome, tall, strong, commanding and a striking superiority

(1 Samuel 9:2 and 10:24). He benefited from the 'H' in life: Handsome, Healthy and Height. During his reign, a specific order was given from God to go, smite and utterly destroy all of the Amalekites and their possessions (1 Sam. 15:1-3). God was about to fulfill the prophetic word uttered years ago. We are now in the season of the manifestation of that word. Sadly, in a season of blessing and elevation, King Saul disobeyed God's command and produced seasons of pain and displeasure. Saul and the people spared Agag (1 Samuel 15:9). He failed to do what God commanded. It was Prophet Samuel that dealt with and killed Agag the king of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:32-33).

However, what you don't eradicate when you are strong, will come back and attack you when you are weak. Saul's failure to deal with the enemy when he was anointed became the torment and challenge of the following generations. Because of King Saul's failure, David and Esther would have to deal with the Amalekites. In the life of David, they burnt Ziglag and took women and children captives. The Lord instructed David to pursue and recover all (1 Samuel 30: 1-20). It was Haman who was a thorn in the side of Esther and Mordecai threatening to wipe out the Jews. Note that Mordecai was the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjamite just like king Saul (Esther 2:5 - 1 Samuel 9:1). Haman, the Jews' enemy was the son of Hammedatha the Agagite (Esther 3:10). Once again, the battle of the prophetic word was at hand. Saul's greatest failure in the season of the manifestation of the prophetic word became the greatest challenge for David, Esther and Mordecai. This time they followed the principles of God and conquered the enemy! This is why we must always do warfare with the words and instruction God has revealed to us so that we can succeed and be an example to other generations. Their success was based upon obedience and spiritual dynamics such as fasting and prayer. We will need to apply these spiritual principles in order to fulfill our prophetic destiny.

“FLESHY BATTLES”

"Dearly beloved, 1 beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul."

1 Peter 2:11

Another arena of warfare is the flesh. We are a spirit being, possessing a soul and living in a body. God never designed us with the physical man to be in control. Rather He equips and strengthens us by the Holy Spirit and His Word so that our inner man, our spirit, will rule in line with His will. The born-again spirit revived by God Himself is supposed to determine the direction of our life.

There is always an inner war between the flesh and the spirit. The spirit wants to do what is right before the eyes of the Lord whereas the flesh wants to do the opposite. Even the Apostle Paul who wrote many epistles of the New Testament, who planted many churches and witnessed to many in his missionary trips said: "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others. I myself should be a castaway" (1 Cor. 9:27). Paul knew that if he didn't keep his body in subjection, he could become a castaway. Paul wrote of his inner conflict in the book of Romans. He admitted that he had some weakness in his flesh that was warring against his spirit.

"Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me: but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that 1 would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind / myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin."

Rom. 7:17-25

He wants to do good but somehow ends up doing bad. Countless times I have promised God that I will stop doing some things that I know I shouldn't do. I have failed over and over again. The desire inside is present but the strength to overcome seems absent. However the weakness, we can't make excuses! You see in the midst of revealing his frailties, he shows that he has found a way out, a route of escape. He asked a question in verse 24: "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" He follows straight after with the only answer: "I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Paul didn't leave us and himself in a position of despair and depression! He shows us how to break this cycle of defeat. He then adds:

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death”

Rom. 8:1-2

Many times we blame the devil when it is a lack of discipline in us that is causing the problems. It is not always the devil! We need to crucify the flesh!

Galatians 5: 16-17 says: "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would."

The two are always in opposition. Two different desires pulling in opposite directions. Notice that if we walk in the spirit, we will not fulfill the desires of the flesh. We walk in the spirit by walking in the Word. Jesus said: "The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (Jn. 6:63b). We walk in the spirit by walking in love. God is a Spirit (Jn. 4:24) and God is love (1 Jn. 4:8).

In any war, the side that is strongest wins! Make sure you nourish you spirit with the word of God and that you are spirit-led. Give your attention to the things of God rather than to your fleshy desires.

We have seen three other wars that we need to win. This is just a summary of the different warfare we will confront in our Christian growth. We all go through all of them but we are equipped and destined to win if we remain in the Word of God (Jn. 8:31-32). Let's now begin our expose on spiritual warfare against the devil.

Chapter 3

Person all y experiencing evil spirits and the Holy Spirit

Although Mauritius is a small island, it is internationally renowned as one of the world’s premier luxury holiday destinations. I am privileged to be born in what many class as a paradise island. Mark Twain wrote, "You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius." Many call it paradise, I call it home! However, I can tell you that I have seen many things in this 'Paradise' that is not granted access in heaven. Beside its spectacular beaches, inviting crystal waters, magnificent views and landscapes, vibrant multi-colored flora, I can assure you that 1 have also perceived and witnessed evil spiritual operations on the island.

My first encounter with the spiritual world came when I was only four years old. During those years, most Mauritian houses had a separate kitchen in the yard. These houses were built in wood. Even the windows and doors were made in woods and was closed and locked with a wooden bar for security. In the early hours of the morning, I was thirsty wanting a bottle of milk. My mum got up to prepare the milk, so we left the house and she headed towards the kitchen. I was waiting in between the house and the kitchen. Adjacent to the house was our small garden. My mum felt a presence but could not see anything. Suddenly, my eyes caught a glimpse of something that I will never forget. I saw a big red hand calling and beckoning me to come. I felt hypnotized. I began to make my way across when my mum who also saw the apparition picked me up and frightfully put me in the house quickly locking the doors behind us.

She put me on the bed and I took my bottle of milk and began drinking. Opposite the bed was the window of the bedroom and in the slot, I saw the reddish image once again. I was scared. We were Catholics at that time and my mum put a religious branch and scissors under the pillow. I can tell you it didn't help me at all. My mum came and slept next to me to try and comfort me.

A few years later while living in the same house, I saw what looked like two small elves fighting on top of our wardrobe! When I told my mum about it, she was annoyed as she saw nothing of the sort on the wardrobe. I persisted and began to cry. My mum slapped me! I don't know whether she did it because she was annoyed thinking I was lying or I was scaring her. This kept me from sleeping and in the summer heat of the capital city of Mauritius in Port Louis, I did what many of us do when we are scared. I covered my head with the duvet. But every time I peeked to see if they were still there. They were still looking at me and fighting. I finally turned squashed myself in my mum's back with my head covered until I fell asleep!

Later we moved to a concrete house just across the road from where the other house was. I didn't see any mysterious things but at a certain time at night, we always heard footsteps for hours. We were told it was a spirit protecting the house we rented. I thought to myself why can't it tiptoe and stop making noise and protect the house.

When I was eight years old, I suffered from a very severe stomach pain. The doctors did not know what it was. So going along with the many Mauritian customs of that era, they took me to visit a lady who practiced witchcraft. She did some incantation and then put a yellow thread around my waist. This did not cure my stomach pain! We were told she was not strong enough and was then introduced to another lady by the name of 'Mardaille!' When I saw her, I had goosebumps all over my body! Just seeing her brown eyes brought chills up and down my bones. She wasn't good looking at all. I remember that she had some teeth missing!

She told us that the other lady's work was not strong enough. She said that people were jealous and had done some evil things on me. She revealed that this constant stomach pain was transferred by food that was sacrificed to evil spirits. She saw all this in the pack of cards. All I saw were king, queen and jack of spades and some numbers. Her piercing eyes were very scary. She made some strange noises with her voice and then lifted my shirt. She asked if the yellow string was that of the other lady's work. She looked at my mum then she gazed at me. 1 wanted to run away! She left the yellow piece of string and then pulled out her bag a red piece of string. She tied it around my waist. Here I was, an eight year old boy wearing strings! She also gave me a small amulet to repel evil and that was supposed to protect me. Then she let me go. She claimed she broke the spell!

The pain didn't go and I was still suffering. In fact my first passport photo is proof of my suffering from this severe stomach pain! We were getting ready to immigrate to England and the pain accompanied me. In fact, we traveled from Mauritius to England where we were born-again but was still suffering with this stomach pains. Our church hosted a special guest speaker all the way from Australia, Evangelist Steve Ryder. I accompanied my mum to the meeting.

At that time, I hardly knew how to speak English. "Yes", "No" and "don't know" were my first English vocabularies. In the meeting, Steve Ryder moved in the prophetic. He sensed by the leading of the Holy Spirit that there was a young man in the audience who suffers from atrocious stomach pains. My mum pinched me and said, "That’s you." I looked at her but refused to go. I thought this can't be me! How does he know about a kid from Mauritius? Mum pinched me again and encouraged me to go to the front for prayer. I stayed right where I was and the Evangelist called out once again adding, "don't be scared." Inside of me something was pushing me to move forward. I was tom between my feelings when a young English man about the age of twenty went to the altar. In one way I felt relieved because I thought I was right for not going, in other, I felt disappointed because I wanted it to be me.

Steve Ryder looked at the man, prayed for him but he made the call again! Mum didn't only pinch me, now she pushed me towards the aisle. I nervously went to the front and saw the smile on the man of God's face. The next thing I knew, two ushers were picking me up from the floor! 1 went back to my seat and mum teased me that I fell backward. This was nearly thirty years ago and I have never had that stomach pain ever again! I was healed!

Allow me to further tell you more encounter with evil spirits. Although we became Christians, my mum would still be having nightmares. We used to worship and sacrificed to idols. My mum would fast and pray but feed these idols. So, even though we were born again, she still needed deliverance. Most nights she dreamt of an evil monkey that would attack her.

One day, she decided to tell my born-again, spirit-filled uncle Tony about her constant nightmare. He gathered the family together and began to pray and cast the evil spirit out of her. All of a sudden, my brother Glenn and 1 saw two eyes ran out of her slamming the door violently on its way out. Mum fell down in her chair. It was my turn to tease her about falling over when being prayed for! She was completely delivered!

These mysterious things I witnessed all happened in my native island and in developed countries like England. I witnessed the spiritual world at a young age. I have felt and seen evil spirits. They brought fear, torment and sickness to my family and me. My family lived for many years under a curse. It was only when we received Jesus as my Lord and Savior and when prayer with authority and power was proclaimed that we received healing and deliverance.

"But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. ”

Matt. l2:28

Perhaps, you have been a Christian for some time but are still struggling with a certain sickness, dealing with a curse and in need of deliverance. Curses are real! Demons are real! Jesus dealt with many different type of spirits. The Holy Spirit is more powerful than any evil spirits and sicknesses that can be named. Jesus revealed that He casts out demons by the Spirit of God (Matt. 12:28).

Although Jesus is in heaven and sitting at the right hand of the Father, we have not been left alone and powerless. He sent the promised one, the Holy Spirit to come and reside in us (Jn. 14:16-20). He assigned the Holy Spirit to never leave us nor forsake us (Heb. 13:5). The bible states, "Greater is He that is in you that he that is in the world" (1 Jn. 4:4). We cannot cast out devils and stop their work in our own strength. We are no match for these evil spirits. But with the Holy Spirit, we can do all things. He empowers all believers to overcome.

The Holy Spirit is not an experience, He is a person. The Holy Spirit is God

(1 John5:6-7). He is the voice of the Godhead to us (Jn. 16:13). His Words produce life and energy in you. He is the one that changes you! On this earth, we will face different warfare but we can win with His help and assistance. When He enters your life, He is not coming as the co-pilot, He is the pilot. He is not coming as a passenger, He the expert driver to take you to your appropriate destination.

My healing did not come because of an Evangelist nor did my mum's deliverance come as a result of my uncle's strong voice! It all manifested because these people were yielded vessel to the Holy Spirit and He used them to demonstrate His power! (Titus 3:5)

We saw that Paul revealed that the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. His Words are destructive to the work of Satan. He understands battles. He knows the weaponry you will need when you are confronted in your season of testing. Jesus trusted the Holy Spirit fully and He overcame all. The same Spirit can now reside in you.

I have told you my encounters with evil spirits. Now let indulge with my experiences with the Holy Spirit. Again I saw many things from a young age. I was nine years old and the family just became a Christian. My father is an experienced chef cook and was working for a French restaurant in the affluent area of central London Chelsea. Every night my father would come home late and spend time in prayer till the early hours of the morning. Of course by the time he came in, we were sound asleep in our bedroom.

One night while one of my cousins stayed with us, I heard like an uproar in my parent's bedroom. I heard shouting and thought it was a family brawl. So I woke up quickly and made my way to the bedroom adjacent to mine. As I entered I saw my cousin with her hair all over the place and laughing like a man! Let me clarify that she was a woman! As I looked at her, she said in a man's voice, "You are mine!" She was only ten years older than me. As she said that, my mum slapped her in the face. Obviously, it was an evil spirit talking through her.

My cousin was quite chubby. So it came as a surprise to me when I saw her creeping like a snake on the carpet. We tried to help her but our knowledge of the Word was very slim at that time. So we called our uncle Tony. He arrived and taught us how we should pray and cast that evil spirit out. As the Holy Spirit's presence manifested in that room, that evil spirit in my cousin screamed and said, "Stop mentioning the name of Jesus!" She was delivered. I knew from that moment onwards that Jesus is God and the Holy Spirit is more powerful than any spirits.

Although I knew that I was called into the ministry from a very young age, I only began pastoring at the age of twenty-five. We started with only seven people in the church and four of them were my family members.

The church began to grow within months and one hot summer day, we had the visit of an elderly gentleman. As I was preaching, he sat and listened in tears. So I did what most young pastor would do at that time. I kept on and on teaching the word and confidently shouting the Word of God. I thought that I must be doing a good job. I always saw how people are touched when well-known ministers teach and this is happening to me and I just started out!

After the ministering of the Word, I made the altar call and the gentleman still in tears came forward. I was so happy! I leaned forward and he told me something that made my mind go empty. He said, "Your message touched me but I am a fourth generation warlock. I have many things inside me. They were passed from generation to generation and are very strong inside me. I can do many things with them. Can you get them out?" Well, I felt like Moses when he boldly made his first visit to Pharaoh and cast the rod and it became a serpent and the Egyptian magician did likewise. Visions of all horror movies that I watched in the past came to my imagination. He is a fourth generation warlock and I just started out in ministry. He's a professional witch and I'm an amateur pastor. All these thoughts and imaginations raced through my mind.

I prayed in my heart, "Lord, help me. Holy Spirit, I need you." Suddenly, I looked at him in the eyes and powerfully said, "1 can't get them out, but greater is He that is in me than he that is in the World, in the name of Jesus you are free!" I am not going to exaggerate but he flew backwards about four meters! Those present were shocked! Of course, this made me even more positive and I told the ushers, "We haven't finished with him, bring him back up." I felt the presence of God manifest strongly and cast out those evil spirits. The man was delivered, generational curses were broken and he brought his family to church. Just like Moses, his rod ate up all the magician’s serpents!

The Holy Spirit will give strength and courage. When you are in communion with Him, He eliminates all fear of man and evil spirits. I want to advise you to stop watching certain movies such as horror and pornography. He will lead you to walk in holiness. Spend time with the Holy Spirit in prayer and worship God. Jesus is at the right hand making intercession for us (Heb. 7:25). The Holy Spirit is an intercessor (Rom. 8:26-27). He will teach you how to pray and what to say (Matt. 10:18-20).

“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit... and was led by the Spirit.- Luke 4:1

"Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit..." - Luke 4: 14

Jesus was full of the Holy Spirit. Paul recommended that we be filled with the Holy Spirit too (Eph. 5:17). If my glass is full with coca-cola, there's no space in it for other beverages. If it's half full, someone can malignantly add and mix another beverage with it. Likewise, when you are full with the Holy Spirit, there's no room for any other spirits. Being full will then bring you to being led. Then you will have His power at work in you. No Holy Spirit, no power. Full of the Holy Spirit, full of power. Power is the ability to get results. A life without the Holy Spirit is empty and powerless.

There are two terms that describe the relationship of the Holy Spirit to us. First you have the 'Spirit within'. The Holy Spirit within causes you to know God, His nature and character. He comes to reside and His presence inside produces the character of God. That character is known as the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22). Whereas the other term, the 'Spirit upon', produces the power of God such as the seven facets of the anointing (Isaiah 11:1-2) and the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12: 8-11).

There cannot be an overflowing unless there's an indwelling of His presence. The indwelling is for you personally. The outpouring and the manifestation of His power is to benefit and bless others. It is the infilling that is the door to the outpouring. The manifestation of power is the same kind of power that was evidenced in the life and ministry of Jesus.

We need to develop a relationship with the Holy Spirit by a lifestyle prayer and worship. Jesus said, "The hour comes and now is, when true worshippers shall worship the Father is spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him." Worship is so important, not just in church but also personally. As we worship, His presence will manifest.

Warfare cannot be successful without His presence and leadership. This is what Paul referred to when he said, "Be strong in the power of His might." (Eph. 6:10). Jesus advised His disciples to wait until they are clothed with power from on high before going out to perform the work of the ministry (Luke 24:49). He said, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you" (Acts 1:8). Jesus Himself was relying on the Holy Spirit. The bible informs us that Jesus traveled doing miracles and healing all oppression of the devil because He was anointed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38). You can expect to win every battle against the enemy with the Holy Spirit in you. Your victory will bring glory to God.

Chapter 4

The Armor of God

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 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. 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. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints ”

Eph.6:10-18

We cannot talk about warfare if we don't mention the Apostle Paul's interesting revelation about the armor of God. At the time of writing the Epistle to the Ephesians, Paul was a great man. His greatness cannot be measured in worldly terms because when he was writing, he was a prisoner shackled to a Roman Guard for most of the time. His greatness has to be measured by what he has achieved for God. Thousands were now believers, directly and indirectly because of his obedience to the Lord in the Ministry. It was reported that the church at Ephesus had reached a hundred thousand people. Although imprisoned, Paul had now developed a writing ministry to bring revelation, directive, specific instruction and encouragement to believers during his absence.

The outline of the Ephesians letter shows Paul writing on important subjects to his protégé, the young pastor, Timothy. He writes to encourage the body of Christ to maturity in touching on subjects such as: The believer's position in Christ, the unity and holiness for the Ephesians church, counseling for husband and wife as well as family and then he concludes in speaking about spiritual warfare.

Ephesus was a large port city of trade and the third largest city in the Roman Empire after Rome and Alexandria. It was reputed for idolatry with the temple of the goddess Diana (Artemis) within its walls. Evil spirits were active behind these idols causing confusion and chaos in the city (Acts 19:26-29). So the teaching on warfare is not coincidental but rather a very important lesson.

Because of Paul's imprisonment and Roman occupation of the many cities he has visited, he uses a Roman soldier dressed for combat to describe what is better known as the Armor of God. The Roman Soldier of those times wore seven pieces of armor designed for offensive and defensive combat. They wore a loin belt with a huge breastplate, had a full length shield, a helmet to protect their head, they held a sword and had shoes fitted with spikes. They also had a specially designed spear for long distance combat to strike the enemy.

Paul concludes his letter by saying, "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might." He admonishes the brethren, the saints, the believers to be strong in the Lord. We are not to be passive but active. To be strong in the Lord means that we are not to be dependent on physical or mental strength. The source of our strength is in God. Our strength in the Lord comes through our relationship and communion with the Lord and through spiritual training, learning to trust the Lord. To be strong in the Lord means to believe in His word, know his Word, to trust His Word and apply His Word. Think about it. How did New Testament men such as Peter a fisherman become a leader in the church or Paul himself a murderer, an enemy of Christ, becomes the apostle to the Gentiles? They operated in the power of His might. Though maybe weak on the outside, they were strong on the inside by learning to trust in the Lord. We need to learn God’s word, increase our faith, and be trained for battle like a warrior preparing for combat. When we are strong in the Lord, then we are able to operate in the power of His might.

Paul continues that, "we put on the whole armor of God that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). Everything that we need to successfully defeat the enemy is at our disposal given to us by Almighty God. The tone is not just suggestive or mere advice; he is instructing us as in a command to put on the whole armor. The Greek translation will bring full insight to the importance of spiritual combat clothes. To 'put on' is the Greek word 'enduo', frequently used throughout the New Testament, meaning to sink into (clothing), put on, clothe one's self. The Greek translation for "whole armor" is the word 'panoplia' and it literally means fully dressed and ready for battle from head to toe. God has not given us a partial set of combat clothes but He has provided the complete set. This is His armor strategically designed to defend and attack. This weaponry qualifies us to fight back and destroy the enemy.

Let me show you what God expects us to look like in the spiritual realm. He states, "that WE may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil." This weaponry shows our God-given authority. The word 'able' in the Greek is dunamis and from the same root we get the word dynamite or power. We are equipped with the explosive ability of God’s strength and power. To 'stand,' demonstrates that we possess no fear but we are confident and full of assurance. We won't back down no matter what the enemy tries to throw at us. We are standing our ground! We maintain position in the battlefield. We refuse to give the enemy an inch. We shall not be moved!

The Greek translation for 'against' is pros which means face to face encounter or forward position. With this weapon designed and gracefully given by Almighty God, we can always move forward in life conquering all obstacles and barriers. No devil can't stand before us. We are bold and courageous and more than a match for the enemy.

Let me illustrate something to you. Let's say you have to fight a battle in a ring in order to win a million dollars. You were given the liberty of choice between a reputed undisputed champion of the world or an unfed, fragile, bony, sick and unqualified person as opponent. Who would you choose? Remember a million dollars and your reputation are at stake. Eyes are on you and you have the right to choose your opponent. I am sure we will all pick the skinny and unqualified person as the contender. We are guaranteed to win against such a feeble foe. Well, that's exactly what the devil does. He looks into the spiritual atmosphere and he roams like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:7). He cannot devour everybody. He sees many Christians; some weak and feeble and others are champion in the faith. That bully always picks on the wimps. They are wimps because they have not exercised spiritual discipline, muscle and power. Now, which one are you? God has given us all we need in order to stand and fight against the enemy. This is what God has enabled us to do. The devil should fear us. When we enter a place armed with the armor of God, demons scatter. We have a reputation in this spiritual atmosphere. We are no longer victims but victor. We are not the prey but we have become the predator. Think like a champion. Saturate yourself with the Word of God and believe and do what He tells us. We are armed and dangerous.

Paul uses the Roman soldier dressed to battle and conquer as illustration to our spiritual authority given by God. He uses this to illustrate a spiritual parallel for the saints. The first three; the belt, breastplate, and shoes were for personal preparation and protection and were never taken off on the battlefield. The others such as the shield, helmet, sword and the lance were kept in readiness for use when actual fighting began. The Roman soldier wore these seven pieces of armor, both defensive and offensive as they set out to conquer and dominate making an empire.

We are in the army of the Lord with a mandate to dominate in the spiritual sphere in order to establish law and order in the physical realm. The success of the Roman Empire was the reflection of the Roman military and the discipline of its army. The whole armor of God is ours by virtue of our relationship with God. Just like we draw our spiritual life from God, we also generate spiritual power in our communion with Him and to continually and successfully enjoy the benefits of this armor, we must remain in an unbroken fellowship.

Paul received this strategic revelation which He applied in his warfare. He understood his battle was against spiritual powers. The physical was merely the result of the spiritual. There must be a need for spiritual application for physical manifestation.

“LOIN BELT”

"Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist..."

Eph.6:14 (NIV)

If you were to describe a person’s clothing, you would not begin with his belt. Even if you were to describe a soldier deployed for action, you would probably begin with the camouflage pattern jacket or shirt. If you saw a Roman soldier, you would first of all probably notice his helmet, his fabulous shield, his shiny breastplate or the deadly sword. Very few would have notice the loin belt. Yet Paul begins to describe the weapons of our warfare with the loin belt. Although it was the least impressive item amongst the soldier’s gear, it was the central piece because it held all the other parts together. It held the breastplate in place and had a clip for the sword and shield. If you were to lose your loin belt, you would lose everything. Your appearance in the spiritual will be non effective!

Paul describes this integral piece of the armor as the belt of truth. In His prayer, Jesus revealed that the Word of God is truth (Jn. 17:17). Furthermore, Jesus exposed Satan the enemy as 'father of lies' (Jn. 8:44). Just as the loin belt of the Roman soldier holds the other parts of the armor together, the Word of God is the ultimate truth and the integrating force in the success of believers’ life. A Christian who knows and applies the truth from the Word of God possesses integrity and can face the enemy without fear. Everything that we need to defeat the enemy is in the Word.

The loin belt also protected the reproductive part of your body. Throughout the years, we have produced a degrading generation with sin and wickedness producing curses such as sicknesses and diseases. Generational curses pursue us and they always worsen.

"Our fathers have sinned, and are not; and we have borne (been punished for) their iniquities." Lamentations 5:7

Spiritual bondage can be passed down from one generation to another. One symptom of a generational curse is a continual negative pattern of something being handed down from generation to generation. It is a persistent family struggle and problem. Common symptoms are family illnesses, mental problems including fears and depression and continual financial difficulties.

"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.”

Galatians 3:13

Jesus Christ is the anointed word of truth sent to break every curse in humanity. He was made a curse, so that we can be free from the curses that our sin or those of our forefathers have brought us. Generational curses are passed on by a spiritual transaction through the reproductive system. The loin belt protects us from reproducing evil and producing the Word from generation to generation. We break the curse and set the course for generational blessings as we become dependent on Christ and His perfect Word. We are no longer victim of Satan and bondages to sin, sickness and curse. We can whip the devil through the Word.

“Whosoever is horn of God doth not sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin because he is born of God. "

1 John 3:9

The word “seed” is taken from the Greek word spermata from which the word “sperm” is derived. When we are born again, God injects his own divine “seed” into our human spirits. Through fellowship with the Word, that divine seed in us grows and produce the life and character of Christ. The Word gives you the ability and strength to produce. You can be productive in your life. It gives you supernatural ability to reproduce.

Peter tells us, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.” (1 Peter 1:23)

God's mode of operation is by His Word. Everything was created by His Word. As a product of the Word of God, you too must have His Word as the foundation for your life. Successful spiritual warfare is only possible when it is founded on the Word. The Word of God must be the central piece of your life. The Word produces and holds your faith just like the loin belt held the shield. The Word is sharper than any two edged sword and will maintain your righteousness just as the loin belt held the dangerous sword and protective breastplate.

“BREASTPLATE”

"...with the breastplate of righteousness in place."

Eph. 6:14 (NIV)

Made out of two large sheet of metal to cover and protect the front and the back, the breastplate was attached at the top of the shoulders by large brass rings and was constructed of strips of metal fastened together by leather. They were also known as a coat of mail. It was a very heavy piece of weaponry beginning at the bottom of the neck and extended to the waist and then from the waist to the knees it looked like a skirt. Goliath, the Philistine champion had a very heavy coat of mail weighing 'five thousand shekels' equivalent to 125 pounds (1 Samuel 17:5).

It was designed to protect the vital organs of the legionnaire from the attack of the enemy.

It provided protection for the torso, which contains organs like the heart, lungs and so on. Without a breastplate, a soldier would be asking for death, as any attack could instantly become fatal.

In the book of Kings, we read that the Prophet Macaiah, who received a revelation from God prophesied that the evil King Ahab would die in battle (1 Kings 22). So Ahab with the added precaution decided to disguise himself and enter the battle incognito, to sidestep the prophecy. He fooled his ally king Jehoshaphat to take his place at the head of the army. He encouraged Jehoshaphat to wear his kingly robes to go into battle. The Syrian's plan was to kill the King of Israel and had ordered the captains, "'Fight with no one small or great, but only with the king of Israel.' When the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, they said, 'It is surely the king of Israel.' So thinking it was Ahab, they fought against him; and Jehoshaphat cried out but when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not king Ahab, they turned back from pursuing him.

"But a certain man drew his bow and unknowingly struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate...at evening he died; the blood from the wound had flowed into the bottom of the chariot" (1 Kings 22:31-35, NRSV).

The prophetic word came to pass and king Ahab was wounded and eventually died because an arrow pierced an opening in his breastplate. In our case the breastplate is made not of iron but of righteousness. Without righteousness, we leave ourselves open to attacks of the enemy. With righteousness, just as with a breastplate, the fatal attacks from the enemy are without effect.

Righteousness is one of the greatest blessings given to us by God through Jesus our Lord and Saviour. It means to be in right standing with God. It also means to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord. We have been made righteous by the blood of Jesus. Righteousness is the ability to stand in the presence of God without the sense of guilt, condemnation or inferiority. As we fellowship and grow with God, we are protected from any sudden attack from the devil. He aims for the heart. One of the difficulties that many believers have is an inferior feeling or carrying shame and guilt. We host self condemnation or bear hurtful words that hinder our progress in the faith. It is often the people who we love and that love us that hurt us the most. Instead of forgiving and forgetting, we allow these words and experiences to echo within us, birthing condemnation and an inferiority complex. We condemn ourselves because of past mistakes and sin. Once we ask God to forgive us for the sins we have committed, He is faithful and just to forgive of all of our sins (1 Jn. 1:9). We then need to get rid of all sin consciousness and develop a righteousness consciousness.

We look at ourselves with a low spirit. How can we successfully battle the enemy if we have an inferiority complex? The breastplate protects your heart. The Apostle John wrote, "Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous." (1 Jn 3:7). People with a criticizing attitude can lead us astray. If you believe in the wrong words, you can be lost. The word of God must be sealed in your heart. I want to remind you of a wise saying; "You may have done what people said you have done, but you are not who people say you are."

Years ago, before I was called into the ministry, I went through a difficult patch in my Christian walk. I was discouraged because things were not going as I would have liked. I was only nineteen and was a drummer in church. That was the only reason I went to church! However, on Saturdays I went to the racecourse and bet on horses. On one side I felt fortunate to have been acquainted with stable owners and jockeys, but on the other side this kept me going into a place I knew I did not belong. I remember the very first time I went to the racecourse to bet on a horse. I was very nervous. I didn't have a lot of money. So as I approached the betting shop, I reluctantly release my money and told the bookie which horse I was placing my bet on. Suddenly, a man full of confidence rudely barged in the crowd and with a large amount of money in his hands and shouted the name of the horse he wanted to gamble on. I was shocked as I turned to look at him. I actually wanted to insult him but as 1 turned my head, to my surprise it was the church guitar player. We looked at each other for a few seconds obviously embarrassed at seeing each other. He said, "Hi brother." Then a short silence between us. He got his receipt and left. The next day, there we were both playing instruments in church, raising our hands and shouting 'hallelujah' when only yesterday we were screaming the name of the horse!

Just like King Ahab disguised himself, sadly many believers are also disguising themselves. It seems for many that we do all the right Christian motion but we are not living the Christ-like life. There seems to be a contradiction between our public Christian living and our private life. We sing the praise songs and dance and then worship and take notes while the preacher speaks. We watch Christian television and buy the books and dvds. We call Him father on Sundays and act like orphans on weekdays. Christian living is an everyday lifestyle. Yes it may happen that we sin and make mistakes, but we must repent and ask God to strengthen us in our weaknesses. If our heart is righteous, it is shielded from desires and impulses to do unrighteous things.

There is a difference between condemnation and correction. The Holy Scripture is profitable for doctrine and correction (2 Tim. 3:16) but there is no condemnation (Rom. 8:1). Kenneth Copeland said: "Without correction, there is no protection. Without direction, there is no perfection. All of these come from putting God's plan and God's Word first place in your life."

The Apostle John wrote: "If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God and receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him. And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us."

(I John 3:20-24).

Mighty warrior, there is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. You're free from judgment. Embrace His forgiveness, rest in His acceptance, and get on with life In Jesus Christ. Don't allow your enemy to keep whispering your pass. Protect your heart and stop rehearsing the pass.

“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him."

2 Cor. 5:21

“SHOES’

"...and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

Eph.6:15(NIV)

The third weapon the roman soldier wore was dangerous shoes. Many think of sandals but they actually looked like boots and were armed with spikes. The Roman army had shoes made of brass or bronze and leather which defended the feet against sharp sticks that were laid to obstruct the way. Although Paul said 'shoes of peace', they were actually 'shoes made to attack and kill your adversary.

These shoes give us the ability to move on enemy territory and stand our ground in confrontations. The metal studs fixed underneath the shoes helped the soldier maintain ground in battle. In any self-defense or hand-to-hand combat, shoes are important. As believers, we must be prepared to take the gospel and conquer what the enemy has classed his territory. We have an assignment and mandate given to us by our commander in chief our Lord Jesus, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" (Matt. 16:15). However, I am not only referring to evangelism but taking a firm stand against the devil as he tries to assault our life, we don't draw back. We continuously preach the gospel to ourselves and in the atmosphere. You meditate and proclaim the gospel aloud!

You are equipped with the proper shoes to fight and conquer in any terrain. Without the shoes, you will be a push-over for the enemy. The soldiers also used the shoes to kick their opponent in the shin and unbalance them. All parts of the armor are important and significant. The gospel is the Word of God. The Psalm says, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path" (Ps. 119:105). As you march with the Word, peace will manifest. There are two types of peace: Peace with God and the peace of God. Once we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, we have peace with God. Jesus broke the wall of partition that separated us from God and made peace between us (Eph. 2:13-18). We now have fellowship with God and can come boldly to His throne of grace (Heb. 4:16). As a result of our relationship with God we now qualify to have the peace of God. The peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:7). This is peace as a security even in the midst of troubles. This peace comes from God and enables us to remain confident no matter what the challenge. Imagine this; Lucifer and a third of the angels tried to take over God's throne. God didn't panic and run. He didn't even leave His throne to deal with this tyrant. All He did is get another angel to deal with this issue and the bible tells us that Satan fell like lightning! (Lk. 10:17). That must have been a powerful kick! Although Satan caused trouble, God was not in a dilemma. That same peace is available for us today.

The disciples of Jesus were once toiling and working hard against a storm. Jesus Himself was resting and sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. Some of the men were professional fishermen and had the experience to deal with this challenge. Yet, when water was in the boat, fear crept in and they saw no future. So they woke Jesus up and said, "Teacher, don’t you care that we're going to drown?". He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. The peace that Jesus had even in a storm and life threatening situation is ours by virtue of our relationship.

With the peace of God, we don't lack sleep even in the storms of life. You have this assurance within that all will be fine, so you keep marching and persevering. This peace is a product of the Word. As you have your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace, you stand firm and don't slip back.

“SHIELD”

"In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one."

Eph.6:I6 (NIV)

In the Roman army, they were two types of shields. One was small, round and decorative whereas the other was large and oblong. The small shield was light, it was hooked on the side and was used for ceremonies and for parades but it was not big enough to entirely protect you. The large and oblong shield was like a door. It was tall, wide and was made on measure to cover and protect the soldier from head to toe and side to side. This is what they'll use when they go to battle.

Paul referred to it as the shield of faith. He said, "above all taking the shield of faith." In the Greek 'above all' means out in front of everything else. This not only shows the importance of faith but also the position of faith. Faith must always be in front as a cover. Both the Old and New Testament state that 'the just shall live by faith' (Hab.2:4, Rom.l:17, Gal.3:ll, Heb. 10:38). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb.11:6). The small shield used for parades could represent our time with God in worship and prayer. It symbolizes our faith in the Lord, our worship and witnessing. We have faith in God knowing that when we approach God He hears us. The other is the battle shield. Battles require a more intense level of faith. We have faith to use in battle to defeat the enemy.

The shield can be a very menacing weapon. For the Romans soldiers, the shield was not just a defensive but it was also an offensive weapon. It had a metal boss in the center, designed to hit the enemy at impact, allowing the legionnaire to follow up with his sword, to subdue the opponent.

The warriors also did something that will be an eye-opener for us believers. The shield was made of a solid piece of wood covered with metal and overlaid with linen and leather to help absorb fiery arrows. However, with time the shield can become dry and begin to crack. A cracked shield is not effective and can easily be broken. So, the soldiers would carry a vial of olive oil. First, they would dip the whole shield into water and then rub oil on it. It would be more pliable and the oil would take away the dryness. The shield was prepared by water and oil in order to be effective in time of battles.

So how does that apply to us? The book of Isaiah gives us some insight into the battle plans.

"...Get up, you officers, oil the shields!"

Isaiah 21:5 (NIV)

"...Arise, ye princes, and anoint the shield."

Isaiah 21:5 (KJV)

Water in the bible represents the Word (Eph. 5:22) and the oil represent the anointing of the Holy Spirit. We need to be prepared in the Word and the anointing of the Holy Spirit before any battle. The anointing oil has been defined as the yoke destroying, burden removing power of God (Isa. 10:27). The Spirit and the Word always work together. I like to refer to them as the unbeatable power twins! Our faith should be in the Spirit and the Word.

Here's another interesting discovery. The shields were also used by the Roman army in combination when the Roman soldiers were going to invade a city. Soldiers would unite and link shields together and form what was called a "tortoise" formation. They would hold their shield strategically to form a kind of "walking tank" fully armored. Each fighter benefited from the protection of his neighbor's shield as well as his own. The Roman legions used their shield in formation in which the first row formed a dense vertical shield wall and the back rows held shields over their heads, thus forming the tortoise-like defense. They aligned themselves close together so that nothing can get between them. This strategy made it impenetrable to 'missile' or projectile attacks from the enemy. Apparently the newest or worst fighters would be intentionally placed in the middle front of the formation to provide both physical and psychological security.

Paul in writing to the Ephesians often mentioned 'together' (Eph. 1:10, 2:5-6, 22). God commands blessings on unity (Ps. 133:1-3). Remember the subjects of the book of Ephesians where Paul previously dealt with our position in Christ, unity and the family. He is now telling us about warfare. At times in order to bring peace and security to our home, church and cities, we have to join our shield of faith and fight together. This unity in spiritual battle will prevent harm from the enemy. In fact it will cause damage to the enemy. I would encourage husband and wife to make time and pray together. This would protect against separation and divorce. I would encourage precious family time together. This would protect from broken homes and family. I would encourage the church to pray together. This would prevent church splits and men of God from falling into sin. Furthermore, united warfare prayer is vital if the church wants to take the city! Our faith has to be so tight that nothing can penetrate! With our unity in faith, we also protect those who are new converts and those who at a moment in time are weak in faith. The shield protects us from the fiery darts of the enemy. I will deal with the fiery darts and the other dangerous weapons of the enemy later.

“HELMET”

"Take the helmet of salvation."

Eph.6:17 (NIV)

The fifth weapon which the Roman Soldier wore was his helmet. His helmet was very noticeable. Just like all army helmets, it protected the head and gave an overall sense of security preventing the soldier from receiving a fatal blow to the head. One can survive a broken arm but a blow to the head could be life threatening. Paul referred to it as the helmet of salvation.

The helmet of salvation protects the head where our mind, imagination, knowledge and intellect resides. Salvation has been given freely to us by God through Jesus Christ. Your helmet was purchased for you by the precious blood of Jesus. Having a helmet and wearing one are two different things. Taking the helmet off will leave you very vulnerable and the enemy will bring all kind of lying and evil thoughts in your head. Remember that Jesus revealed him as the father of lies (Jn. 8:44) and the Word is truth (Jn. 17:17).

Our reasoning could disqualify us from believing and receiving God's best for us. In the ministry of Jesus, many failed to receive because they reasoned in their mind. In the book of Luke, Jesus was in the house teaching and a big crowd gathered from different places such as Galilee, Judea and Jerusalem. Pharisees and doctors of the law were also present. Pharisees were religious leaders and spiritual fathers who believed in Jehovah and that the Messiah was to come. Doctors of the law were experts of the Jewish law. The bible clearly says that the power of the Lord was present to heal them all (Luke 5: 17 - KJV). Only one man got healed. One statement of Jesus shook their traditional religious belief. Instead of believing, receiving and rejoicing they reasoned with words in their hearts and minds (Luke 5:21-22).

Let me make it clear that our God and His mode of operation will surpass logic. Miracles, deliverance, healing and victorious living in Christ defy logic. 1 mean it is not logical to walk on water or to be rescued from a fiery furnace. It defies logic that a man dead for three days can be resurrected! That's why many find it hard to believe. We need to line our mind with the Word. Many things in the bible don't make sense but they produce faith. Be careful that our vain traditional belief and even religious mindset are not hindering us from the presence and the power of God.

Salvation is not just being saved and going to heaven. In the Greek it is soteria and it includes deliverance, preservation and safety. All these are our inheritance when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. One of the most important battlefields where the enemy attacks is the mind. We need to Learn to think and meditate in line with our salvation purchased for us by the blood of the lamb and don't allow evil words, suggestions and opinions to confuse and defeat us. This is why renewing the mind is important. Just like it's important to wash dirt away from the body every day, it is also vital that we cleanse our mind every day. Lives, finances, marriages, families, businesses and emotions are destroyed if we leave our mind unprotected. Put on your helmet and protect your thoughts by understanding and realizing who you are in Him. Nothing protects us more from a blow to our heads than our "helmet of salvation."

"Let this same attitude and purpose and humble mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: Let Him be your example in humility"

Phil. 2:5 (AMP) “SWORD”

"...and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph.6:17 (NIV)

The Romans sword was crafted in iron and was used both offensively and defensively. Used in a defensive manner, it enabled the soldier to deflect the enemy's blow. Offensively, the sword was used to attack and counter-attack until it caused wounds and killed the enemy. It was devised to be used skillfully for jabbing, blocking, attacking and overpowering the enemy. Accuracy and agility are the most crucial elements of a sword fight and determine the outcome of a fight. Roman soldiers were very well trained, very disciplined and extremely feared combatants.

Paul called the sword the Word of God. While in exile on the Isle of Patmos, the Apostle John saw the Lord as having a sharp two-edged sword coming out of His mouth (Rev.l:16). Later in the same book, he saw Jesus as the King of kings and Lord of lords dressed for warfare, he once again writes that 'out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations.1

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

Heb 4:12

The Word is made alive by the Spirit of God. As mentioned before, they are the unbeatable twins. In the book of Hebrews, the Word is described as powerful, living and sharper than any two edged sword. Jesus said, 'the Words that I speak are Spirit and Life' (John 6:63). Like the Roman sword, the Word of God is effective to defend and to attack. When Jesus faced the devil, he constantly retaliated by speaking the Word. Here's how the devil will bring temptation:

•    The devil said... Luke 4:4

•    The devil took... Luke 4:5

•    The devil showed...Luke 4:5

•    The devil offered...Luke 4:6

•    The devil brought Him and tried to set Him up...Luke 4:9 (Italised mine)

•    The devil quoted scriptures...Luke 4:10

Measure every word that infiltrates your mind with the Word of God. Words from loved ones, friends, or those in your thoughts. Watch out where you go and where you are being led. Be careful what you watch on television or on the internet. Make sure that your imagination is not producing wicked and sinful images. Don't take up every offer because it's a good idea. Make sure it is a God idea. Be careful of traps such as offense and bitterness set up by the devil. Pray before you make a decision. Make sure you understand the Word and don't be too proud to ask for wise counsel. Notice that in all instances, Jesus spoke the Word and quoted scriptures as a defense and attack. How did Jesus do this so effectively? I believe He applied the principles given to Joshua.

“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."

Joshua 1:8

When I was attending primary school, I had to learn the multiplication tables. 1 grew up in a generation where disciplining with the rod was allowed. I remember my teacher who was severe recommended that we knew this by heart so that we not only pass our exams but also that we don't get fooled by people in future, even financially. He told us to keep repeating it, speak it loud, sing it if we have to, until we know it by heart. Failure to know the homework would result in a cane meeting our behind! I'm glad I heeded to the warning and learnt my timetable properly. Well, today when 1 go to a fast food restaurants, I can confidently look at the menu board and know if I have enough before queuing up and ordering. Learning those tables years ago is still effective for me today. Likewise we need to Learn the Word and know it off by heart so that when we are attacked, we know how to respond and act. Jesus said, 'Men shall not live by bread alone but by every word of God.' When we go through a season of testing, we speak and do the word and reap the benefits.

Learning to use the Sword of God's word will require discipline. I once saw a movie of a soldier blindfolded getting trained to dismantle and assemble his gun. He was told by his superior that this weapon stands between life and death and that even in his darkest moments he must know how to use his gun! There will be times during battle that he may find himself isolated in dangerous territories. Through proper training and discipline, he can survive and come out victoriously. That's why we need to attend a church that teaches us the Word. A church which makes disciples and trains them by the Word. A place that preaches the uncompromised gospel. The Word will discipline and train us to become successful soldiers whenever we face dangerous missions in life. Discipline involves learning what to embrace and what to avoid. One of the definition of discipline is "to train or drill by instruction." In military terms, to drill means to repeatedly work on something until it becomes second nature. The Word of God must become part of you if you want to experience success in warfare. As a disciple of Jesus Christ, you are a learner and one who receives instruction. Trust that your weapon, the Word of God, can deliver you victoriously in all life's battles.

Many times, the enemy will try to disarm us by tricking us to think that the Word is not true, it is not for today or this doesn't apply to us. He will make you question who you are in Christ as revealed by the Word, he will bring doubt, fear and unbelief. He will slander against God's integrity and contradict His promises to us. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus didn't defend His position or reason with the devil. He simply spoke the word to fight against the temptations. Use your sword defensively to protect yourself, your family, ministry, and business against the devil's lies, doubts and temptations. Use it offensively to destroy the work of the devil (1 Jn. 3:8).

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Prov. 18:21 (NIV)

Confession, proclamation and prophesying to yourself and your future are weapons to defeat gloom and doom. Everything that God does. He does it by the power of His Word. The earth was created by His Word. He performs miracles by His Word. Healing operates by His Word. Deliverance manifests by the power of His Word. Blessings are bestowed by His Word. He is a God of His Word. He watches over His Word to perform. So speak the word out loud. Believe and speak the Word with faith and confidence. Use your sword.

“SPEAR”

"Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication..."

Ephe.6:18 (NIV)

From the seven days of Genesis to the seven seals of Revelation, the bible is filled with the number seven. God introduced the number seven as a symbol of fullness, completion and perfection. Now Paul referred to the armor as being the whole armor of God or as another translation calls it: the complete armor. Whole and complete are both indications of the fact that there are included in this armor of God seven pieces. Because it is from God, we can conclude that everything that He does is complete and therefore there has to be seven pieces. Furthermore, the Roman soldier carried another weapon that was designed to strike the enemy from a distance: a spear also known as a lance. That seventh piece is referred to by the Apostle Paul as prayer; specifically prayer in the spirit.

Prayer is communication with God. Communication is a two-way dialogue. Speaking and listening forms communication. No spiritual battle can ever be won without communication with God. There are different types of prayer with different principles. However Paul encourages that prayers be made in the spirit.

The spear commonly used by the Roman army was thrown just as the legionaries charged. It was commonly thrown by the hand. The advantages of this spear are numerous, including a weight fit for melee and throwing, as well as being easy for Roman weapon-smiths to make and repair. Like a spear, prayer in the spirit is launching a long distance attack against the enemy. Praying in tongues is a way to release the supernatural power of God. Remember this is a spirit world. God is a Spirit (Jn. 4:24). Angels are ministering spirits (Heb. 1:14). Demons are evil spirits (Rev.16:13-14). We are spirit beings, housed in a body equipped with a soul

(1 Thess.5:23). The Words of God are spirit (Jn. 6:63). So, spiritual warfare is God the Spirit enabling our spirits to be strong and mighty in power through His word to defeat evil and demonic spirits. Prayer in the spirit is a weapon used by Jesus to be strengthened in His inner man in order to defeat agony and be able to do what He was called to do (Lk. 22:44). Without prayer, you will get weak and faint (Lk. 18:1)

"But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. ” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit. But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. ”

Jude 1:17-21 (NIV)

Praying in the spirit builds you up to face tough times and ungodly desires. Nowadays, mobile phones are very popular. Imagine that you have airtime to communicate for hours but the battery your mobile phone is low. It could happen in the middle of an important communication that the phone, due to no battery life, cuts off. The problem is neither with your airtime nor with the company that provide the service. The problem was caused because you failed to recharge the battery of your phone. Likewise, praying in the spirit is to recharge your spiritual life in order to be more effective. Prayer is the foundation of every Christian endeavor. Praying in the spirit is an everyday duty for all believers. It is building up yourself in the Holy Spirit, it is not building your ego! Paul started explaining about the armor of God by saying: "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power." Praying in the spirit is building your spiritual muscles. The stronger the soldier, the further the spear travels. Likewise, the stronger the believer, the further he advances in the spiritual.

“So what shall I do? 1 will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind."

1 Cor. 14:15 (NIV)

"I want every’ one of you to speak in tongues... ”

1 Cor. 14:5 (NIV)

The Holy Spirit brings a prayer language known as praying in tongues. Notice, Paul talks about praying in the spirit first then praying with the mind. When you pray in tongues, your spirit prays. It may come as a surprise to you but the Bible mentions speaking in tongues about thirty-five times. When we go through spiritual warfare, we may at times feel spiritually drained. One of God's ways to charge your spirit is through speaking in tongues. Speaking in tongues is speaking God's language. In England, you speak English. In Spain, you speak Spanish. As a "heavenian", you have a heavenly language given to you: it called speaking in tongues. Jesus says that those who believe in Him will "speak in new tongues" (Mark 16:17). The first to speak in tongues were the disciples on the day of Pentecost.

I once had to travel about ten miles sharing a taxi with two old Indian ladies. We were sitting at the back and I sat uncomfortably in the middle. What made the trip even more disturbing for me was that these two ladies communicated to and fro in Hindi. I don't understand a word of that language. I am not against their language but it made me feel ill-at-ease because it felt as if they were talking about me! I mean I didn't understand anything they said and they talked and then laughed. For all I knew they could be saying things like: "Why is this ugly duckling sitting between us? Oh he's a fat boy! His nose is flat! Do you think he's wearing deodorant because it doesn't smell like it?" I felt agitated for the fifteen minutes trip. Well, that's exactly what happens in the spiritual realm when you pray in tongues. The devil doesn't understand a word of what you are saying. It is a secret spiritual language. Just like in the army you have coded language to prevent the enemy from knowing your tactics. Prayer is warfare!

The devil knows that praying in tongues is the only way you can pray beyond your human ability. He is so afraid of our ability to pray in tongues that he makes every effort to stop people from using this powerful weapon that the Lord has so graciously given every believer. Romans 8:26 says, "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weakness For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered". Use your spear and launch your attack against the devil.

Like many weapons, a spear may also be a symbol of power. Remember this is God's weaponry, so you and I have been given power to rule and reign on earth.

Are you using all the weapons in your spiritual arsenal? To summarize the armor of God, we need to fight the enemy with truth, righteousness, the gospel, faith, salvation, the spirit, and prayer in the spirit- these are our God-given tools and artilleries.

Chapter 5

The enemy's poisonous weapon

"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

Romans 15:4

The problem with the Old Testament stories are that we become too familiar with them and we fail to understand the important lessons that can be learned in order to be effective in life even today. Not that we know these stories too well, for most often we do not. One of my favorite stories is 'David and Goliath'. I use to love hearing in my Sunday school class about the young boy who became a hero because he killed a giant. But the story of David and Goliath is not just for children. Regardless of how many times we can hear or read this, we can get insights and revelation of how the enemy operates. The Apostle Paul confirms to the church at Rome that these things written aforetime were for our learning and benefit.

I am not going to tell you about the courage and faith of the young shepherd boy; rather I want to expose a secret weapon the bible informed us that the giant carried. We may have not noticed it simply because we have focused more on the shepherd boy instead of the big man. Apparently, he was nine feet, three inches tall and a champion in the camp of the Philistines. His presence intimidated the children of Israel. Wearing his full armor, he came out each day for forty days, mocking and challenging the Israelites to fight.

"A champion named Golialh, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp. His height was six cubits and a span. He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels; on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin was slung on his back. His spear shaft was like a weaver's rod, and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels. His shield bearer went ahead of him."

1 Samuel 17: 4-7 (NIV)

The name Goliath in Hebrew means to uncover, denude, remove or to go into exile. He was from a race of giants. We will face spiritual giants who will try to strip us of our vision and God-given destiny. The intention is to steal, kill and destroy

(John 10: 10). The devil will always try relentlessly to move you away from fellowship with God, the church, the family, ministry and the community. He can easily conquer you if he has you isolated. Furthermore, we are informed that Goliath had brothers who were also giants (1 Chron. 20:5). Life can at times be a series of battles. The Apostle Paul revealed that a messenger of Satan was sent to buffet him. To buffet means to beat blow after blow. You are equipped and have been empowered to fight and win. You are not alone!

The description of his armor is not by coincidence. Notice the number six associated with Goliath. He had six weapons and that number was associated with him. Six in the bible represent the number of man, signifying his rebellion, imperfection, works, and disobedience. The number of man as destitute of God, without God, without Christ. The Sixth Commandment relates to the worst sin - murder. Jesus revealed that Satan was a murderer from the beginning (Jn. 8:44). Just as we can be equipped by God, man can also be armed by Satan to do his will.

There is a secret weapon revealed in the armory of Goliath. It is used often by spiritual giants as an assault against us. Secret weapons are devised to gain advantage and defeat the adversary. It's a key weapon and concealed by the enemy. We are told to not let Satan gain advantage or outwit us (2 Cor. 2:11). As we observe the description of Goliath's armory, note that the spear is mentioned. We've already seen that the spear is an important weapon in our armory. Spears are used for long distant combat. It was the most common design for hunting and injuring from ancient times. Apparently, it is one of the oldest weapons and reigned supreme for thousands of years.

Goliath's spear shaft was like a weaver’s rod and its iron point weighed six hundred shekels which is about one hundred and twenty five pounds. This was not just an ordinary spear. It had a weaver's rod with a rope attached to it and his arm and could therefore be reeled back to the thrower much like a fishing rod. If he ties the rope to his wrist, throws the spear but misses his target, he can reel it back to him and try again. If he hits the target, he can slowly reel his prey to him. The aim was to cause major and deadly injury and wounds to the adversary. Wounding is one of the greatest weapon Satan has. What is the spiritual connection to the spear of Satan?

"My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword."

Psalms 57:4 (NIV)

Remember that the devil roams like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour

(1 Pet. 5:17). The Psalmist reveals the lions teeth are as spears and arrows. The spear is words spoken that produce wounds. The teeth of lion like deadly words cause wounds to the soul. The soul contains your mind with your memory bank and imaginations, your emotions, your desires and your will. The soulish area is where most of the problems occur. Words are the weapon used to buffet the soul. Many have been so hurt by words spoken by someone. I think that the person that said, "sticks and stone may break my bone but names don't hurt me" was deaf! Words can cause offense and hurt which may result in love growing cold. Many have been insulted and mistreated by someone's words and action. Offense, bitterness and grudges torment us and have become part of our being. That was the spear that Satan threw and it hurt us deep inside. The word was released to offend and to isolate you! Words and deeds spoken that put a hole in the soul of an individual.

Elijah was a great prophet of God. His success was based upon his obedience to the commands of God. One day on Mount Carmel, this man of God alone challenged eight hundred and fifty false prophets. He mocked their failures and he confidently built an altar and poured water on it and called fire from heaven and God answered. He slew the false prophets, he then prayed seven times to break a three and a half years curse of drought commanding an abundance of rain. Finally, he outran the king's chariot to Jezreel which is about eighteen miles. You would have thought that he was superman! Yet, words of threat from the mouth of an evil woman named Jezebel made him runaway and hide in a cave at Mount Horeb which was about one hundred and eighteen miles away. He isolated himself in a cave, began to feel sorry for himself and wanted to commit suicide (1 Kings 18 - 19). Well, if he really wanted to die, why didn't just go face Jezebel? She would have gladly put him out of his misery and kill him for fun. When you're hurt and discouraged, you open the door to a spirit of isolation. You don't want to talk, don't want to be with anybody and don't want to do anything. Elijah complained that he was the only prophet left until God reminded him that there was seven thousand in Israel (1 Kings 19:11-18).

Every time you're hurt by words, you end up making silly decisions. Let me point out what Elijah would have missed if he was allowed to quit. Firstly, he would have missed the chariots of fire (2 Kings 2:11). Then he would have missed transferring a double portion of the anointing to Elisha, his son and successor in ministry (2 Kings 2:15). More importantly perhaps, he would have missed seeing Jesus the Son of God face to face on the Mount of Olives at the transfiguration

(Matt. 17:1-11) and he would have missed being one of the two witnesses that will appear in the end times to hinder the work of the anti-Christ (Rev. 11:1-14). What are you missing out of as you allow hurt to drown you into despair?

Many people give up because of words expressed against them by others, especially if it was from someone you esteemed. From his personal experience, David wrote in the book of Psalms, “For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hid myself from him: But it was thou, a man mine equal, my guide, and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked unto the house of God in company."

Many have been hurt by those who were once very close to them. Those who at one point said they love and care. The same who were trustworthy and loyal. You expected more from them yet they said and did things that has caused a deep hurt and that has stopped you from functioning. I'm talking about husband and wife, parents, pastors with their church board and leadership team as well as the church members. I'm talking about close friends and family members.

The bible is full of example where Satan threw a spear to try and stop someone fulfilling their God-given destiny. It wasn't strangers that beat and sold Joseph as a slave because he had a dream and was preferred above them, it was his own blood brothers. It wasn't the Romans or the Doctors of the law who betrayed Jesus but Judas who was a close friend and working with Him for three years in ministry. It wasn't an adversary who had rage of jealousy and chased David for thirteen years and even threw a spear to try and kill him, it was King Saul! The bible reveals problems in the family, ministry and among friends and co-laborers.

Wrong words cause wounds and can bring division, separation, exclusion, loneliness and death. I am not merely referring to physical death. I am referring to emotional and ministerial death. It ceased to exist because of words piercing the soul. You can kill a person with your words and deeds. Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21). Many have given up because of wounds.

One of the titles given to the devil is 'accuser'. The book of Revelation shows us that he is the accuser of our brothers and sisters. He accuses them before our God day and night (Rev. 12:10). The devil wants to stop your growth and progress but constantly launching accusations against you. I heard one of my favorite minister’s of the Gospel say "new level, new devil". The devil wants to stop you from moving to the next level in life. God's will is that we go from glory to glory (2 Cor. 3:18) but the devil throws his spear of deadly poisonous words in an attempt to hinder, if not altogether halt, the next move of God. Words are powerful. The devil's word is a destructive force aimed to injure and paralyze us. Like a virus in a computer that can cause a lot of damage and stop it from functioning to its fullest potential, Satan attacks us with words to hinder our life. Just like a virus makes a computer vulnerable and sluggish, the spear of Satan can do likewise. No one is exempt from this malicious attack. However, the blood of Jesus is the cleansing commodity and the Word of God is the remedy that needs to be installed to protect our hard-drive - the heart! Your faith overcomes the enemy (1 Jn. 5:4).

When David presented himself before King Saul as a volunteer to fight Goliath, he rehearsed his past victories. He said, "Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, 1 went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.” This is the young boy who was criticized by his own brothers speaking words of faith to the anointed King Saul. This is the same boy who was not valued or seen important by his father Jesse when Samuel came to anoint the new king. Could it be, that hidden inside David's testimonies and declaration, was a revelation that the words and actions of his father and brothers were like the lions teeth sent like a spear to destroy him? Yet he refused to listen to his brother’s criticism and forgave his father's rejection. Spiritually, David raised his shield of faith and defended his soul from the spear of Satan. He thought on the Words of God instead of meditating on the words of men!

We talk about having faith to receive material blessing, but we need to develop faith in the love of God to forgive those who have hurt and betrayed us. Forgiveness was an important subject in the ministry of Jesus. He taught parables on forgiveness (Matt. 18:23-35). When teaching on the subject of prayer, he also mentioned that forgiving and to be forgiven should be part of our prayer life (Matt. 6: 9-15). AND when on the cross of Calvary He went through the toughest and most challenging part of His life and ministry, suffering physically, emotionally and perhaps even spiritually, He freely offered forgiveness even though nobody asked! (Lk. 23:34).

Spiritual warfare cannot be successful with wounded soldiers. Until you are successful in spiritual warfare, you cannot be completely successful in life. As Jesus stood in the synagogue and gave His first public message from God, He looked for the scripture in Isaiah where it was written: " The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.”

(Isaiah 61:1-2). Many preachers and teachers talk about the anointing but one of the most significant works of the anointing is to heal the broken heart and set the captives free. The love of God heals physically and emotionally. Jesus said time and again to those he healed and delivered: "Be thou made whole." This means that the whole being: spirit, soul and body are repaired and restored.

I want to encourage you to forgive those that have hurt and disappointed you. Allow God to heal and restore you. Things must be in place before God will act. As they brought the paralyzed man to the house of Jesus, the Master said: "Son, your sins are forgiven." He didn't even know He needed forgiveness. He thought that his problem was physical. Jesus didn't reveal the sin. He did however call him son (Mk. 2:1-5). In the words of T. D. Jakes: "You may be wounded but you're still his son. You may be hurt but you're still his son. You may be in sin but you're still his son."

I enjoy watching war movies. I particularly enjoyed the Rambo of Sylvester Stallone where one man can cause havoc, destroy the army and rescue hostages. In Rambo 3, our hero is sent to rescue his colonel and mentor from the Russian camp based in Afghanistan. Midway through his rescue operation, both Rambo and a young boy are hurt. The rescue was unsuccessful and after escaping from the base, Rambo tends to the young boy's wounds and sends him away to safety, before cauterizing his own wound. The following day he recovers and his second attempt to infiltrate the base again and rescue the Colonel is successful. Rambo had to deal with the wounds before pursuing his mission. That hurt and pain can become a major setback and hindrance if he doesn't deal with it. It will slow him down and make him more vulnerable to the enemy. That is what we need to do with emotional hurts and pains that have set us back. Deal with it, remove the hurt, don't quit and get back on the mission.

You cannot go to spiritual warfare with a grudge in your heart. Intercessors need to be careful and pray with a heart of love. Love never fails. It is not about how loud we can get or how well we can articulate the speaking in tongues. Do not engage the enemy with nonconfessed sin in your heart or with feelings of inferiority and low self esteem caused by words and opinions of others. Just like David didn't allow the words of Goliath to paralyze him, so too, break the invisible audio of negative words that play in your mind and heart. Don't just eject it and put it somewhere in your memory bank but break it! Whereas the well-trained soldiers of the army of Israel hid in fear due to the words spoken by Goliath, David retaliated with the words of God! He didn't allow the words to sink in his heart or play on his mind. As Goliath constantly said the same word over and over again, the Israelites sat helplessly. The spear of Goliath's words penetrated into their heart and soul and they couldn't do what they needed to do. Although they knew the reward, the negative words were stronger and echoed more in their conscious.

I want to remind you of the power of the blood of Jesus that cleanses any evil words spoken against you that are still engraved in your mind and hearts. Like the paralyzed man in Mark chapter 2, its time for you to be healed, stand and walk again! Arise and shine, conquer the evil and negative words.

When I started out in ministry, I was told that I was too young and too inexperienced. At that time, I was a crying baby. I didn't cry in front of the people who voiced their nasty opinion but I went crying to my mum and my wife. I spoke the same words they spoke and allowed it to manipulate my mind. I was told that I'll never make it in the ministry. It was a constant battle against these negatives words that haunted me daily. Slowly, but surely, the Holy Spirit began speaking words of life in me. I increased my time with God and it brought deliverance in me. I needed to be delivered from people's opinion.

One day after my shower, I posed in front of the mirror. As I looked at me, I heard a voice from within say, "you also need to look at the mirror of the word. That is the real you." The Bible reveals the recreated being that you are. Well, I went looking into the Word. I saw that I can do all things through Christ (Phil. 4:13). I saw that nothing is impossible to those who believe and I am a believer (Matt.l7:20). I saw that I am created in His image, the perfect God (Gen.1:26). I saw that I am not alone because the Holy Spirit resides in me (1 Jn. 4:4). I saw that even imperfect men such as Abraham who lied about his wife (Gen. 20:2), Moses who murdered an Egyptian (Exodus 2:11-12), David who killed his right hand man and committed adultery (2 Kings 11), Peter who denied Jesus (Matt. 26:69-75) were all used mightily by God. I have never done any of those things mentioned and I have no intention of doing them. I am not perfect but I serve a perfect yet gracious God. I started taking the spear and its wound away from my heart and soul. I began to rejoice.

Then the church grew and we had new people but some with the same old opinions! Again, Satan was throwing his spear and again I help up my shield of faith and reminded myself of the words of God. One day, someone told me that I can only be effective locally and not even nationally. He reminded me of my skin color! I am neither white nor black. He said Kenneth Copeland is white and successful and Creflo Dollar is black with a big church and has written many books. You are brown! I was raised in London and racism affected me so much in the mid-eighties. I didn't expect to receive racial remark from my own kind. This time I didn't go crying to my wife but 1 did go to God! I was reminded: "You are not who people say you are! You are my child! There is no color before God's eyes." God is color blind meaning he doesn't look at the outward appearance but he looks at the heart! We can all succeed in life. Take the spear away and allow the Holy Spirit to heal and empower you to fulfill your God-given dream and destiny. Remember you are equipped with a shield and it can protect you from the spear of Satan. You can become a spiritual Rambo instead of a casualty in the army of the Lord.

Chapter 6

The enemy

In 1987, Arnold Schwarzenegger starred in one of my all time favorite science fiction action movies entitled 'Predator'. Arnold, the Major of a special elite force team, is on a mission to rescue hostages from guerilla territory in the forest of Central America. However, they are hunted by an advanced technological form of extraterrestrial life that observes them from afar using thermal imaging. Soon enough, they discover that they are up against an enemy that they have not been trained to fight against; One which 'kills for pleasure, hunts for sport.' One by one, the experienced elite force are killed by the Predator leaving only Arnold and a girl named Anna. Realizing the creature only attacks those possessing weapons, the Major now wounded sends Anna unarmed to the extraction point. The predator pursues Arnold and it wasn't until jumping off a waterfall that he narrowly escapes the creature by inadvertently masking his body’s heat signature with mud and witnesses the Predator's true form when its active camouflage fails in the water. At that point, the predator becomes the prey and like all good Hollywood movies, the actor defeats the enemy.

What really shocked me about this movie is the fact that when faced with an invisible enemy, these men shot like crazy with fear hoping that somehow they will hit the target. This is exactly what we do many times when referring to spiritual warfare. The devil is a dangerous invisible enemy that can see you but that you cannot see him. Until your eyes are opened by the Holy Spirit and the Word, you will fearfully do things and not hit your target. The enemy will then cause fear in your life making you run and hide. The devil will mock you but once you know the enemy and his weaknesses and have the weapons at your disposal, you are no longer the victim!

We have learned about our weaponries. Let's begin to understand and expose our enemy and know why we need to use this armor. Remember that Paul stated: "Put on the whole armor of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." The armor of God gives us the ability, strength and power to confront and defeat the wiles of the devil. Once again, let me reiterate that, as Christians, the enemies we face are not of flesh and blood; they are invisible spirit beings.

Where did our enemy, the devil, come from? What is the origin of Satan? The Bible is our only reliable source of information but scriptures give us just a glimpse of his origin. It expresses more about a loving Father God and His Son Jesus Christ, the redeemer and savior of mankind. It explains more about the creation of man, his fall and redemption. It expounds on the gift of salvation through grace, man's position and eternal destiny. Only a few passages allow us to get an insight on Satan and his cohorts.

As we study the bible, we see that there are three creations. The first was the creation of angelic beings. Angels are spirits (Ps. 104:4) and have ranks but they were all created by God with free-will; that is they have the right to choose and make decisions. The second creation was that of mankind. God created man in His own image after His own likeness (Gen. 1:26). Yet again, like He did with the angelic beings, he also allowed man the free-will to choose and make his own decisions. Before we talk about the third creation, we need to understand that the bible also records two great falls of the two important created beings. Lucifer, an anointed angel, fell from heaven taking a third of the angelic host. In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve representing mankind, fell when they listened to the voice of the serpent. Both creations sinned and were cast out of the presence of God. However only one was restored. God did not see the importance of redeeming a fallen angel with his rebellious gang, yet when it came to mankind. He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from eternal destruction. This merciful act of God brings us to the third creation. The Bible says if we are in Christ Jesus, we are a new creation, old things are passed away and all things have become new (2 Cor. 5:17). Once we accept God's free gift of salvation, we become a new creation! Could this be why Satan hates us so much? God did not move one iota to save Lucifer but he gave his precious blood to redeem mankind. I am not intimating that Lucifer and the other fallen angels would have accepted God's salvation but I am saying that God holds us more important than the angels. Two scriptures reveal the importance of mankind in the eyes of God. I'm glad one is from the Old Testament and then it is confirmed in the New Testament, which shows that God's esteem for humanity did not change.

"What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet."

Psalms 8:4-6 (NIV)

"But there is a place where someone has testified: "What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet."

Hebrews 2:6-8 (NIV)

I italicized the word angels in both scriptures for an important reason. Allow me to point out that in the original Hebrew text the word used is elohim which refers only to God. Therefore, we are made a little lower than God and we are at least equal to or superior to the angels. Some says that this is referring to Jesus only but scripture is clear that He took the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness (Phil. 2:7). Jesus who is God came to the level of mankind. The Apostle John writes: "'The word became flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld His glory, the glory as the only begotten of the Father” (John 1:14). None of the angels were created in God’s image or likeness, only mankind! Perhaps this is why Satan and the fallen angels have become the adversary of God and man. They cannot touch God, so they seek to attack what He loves the most.

The Old Testament book of Isaiah was written by Isaiah himself and shines above all the other writers and prophets of Scripture. The New Testament quotes and applies more scriptures from this prophetic book than any other Old Testament prophet. Isaiah proves one of 1® mentioned above. 11

"How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! ho art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! Fo thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit."

Isaiah 14:12-15

Jesus pre-existed as the Son of God from the very beginning of all things. He eternally existed and all were created by Him (Col.l:16). In His earthly ministry, Jesus revealed something of great importance to His disciples concerning to the enemy. He states that "He saw Satan falling like lightning from heaven"

(Lk. 10:19). This means that Satan was in heaven at one point and did something that caused his fall. Joining the revelation of Isaiah to that of Jesus, we can understand that Satan was perhaps previously known as Lucifer and that he sinned against God which caused his downfall. The Lord Jesus once again when speaking about the devil told the Jews that he 'abode not in the truth.' This means that this created being started in the truth but then swayed from the truth. Jesus also revealed that the Word of God is truth (Jn. 17:17). Furthermore, we are told that the devil sinned from the beginning.

Names have great importance in the bible and they have a variety of functions. It reveals the character of the being. Just like the name of Abram meaning 'high father' was changed to Abraham meaning 'the father of many nations' because God was changing his destiny. When God changed a person’s name and gave him a new name, it was usually to establish a new identity. Lucifer means 'morning star' or 'the one who brings light.' However, Lucifer committed high treason and sinned against God, he fell and his name was changed. He was no longer the morning star. He became Satan which in the Hebrew means adversary or accuser. Scriptures refers to Satan as the prince of darkness. Lucifer had an ambition to elevate himself to a position of equality with God.

Notice, Lucifer said five times, “I will” in the passage from Isaiah. These demonstrate the will of the creature set up against the will of God. Satan decided to do his own will, swayed from the truth and rebelled against God. He did not submit under the authority of God and H is Word. Lucifer wanted to do it his way and receive the worship due only to God.

"For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.

Three heavens are spoken of in the Bible (2 Cor. 12:2). There are no seven heavens! The first of the three heavens is right above us and is what we call the atmospheric heaven also known as the heavenlies. Beyond that, out in space, are the stars. Then we have the heaven of heavens, the dwelling place and throne of God in the third heaven which the Apostle Paul also calls Paradise (2 Cor. 12:4 KJV). Lucifer had an ambition to elevate himself to a position of equality with God. He wanted to replace God. He caused a rebellion in heaven. Let me say this to you, if Lucifer tried to take over God's house, he will try to take over your house. If he didn't respect God, he won't respect you. He wants to take the place of God in your life. Remember that he craves worship (Lk. 4:7). Pride caused the fall of Lucifer and God responded by “Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit” (Isaiah 14:15). God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble (James 4:6).

Pride is a matter of the heart. Lucifer said in his heart. Many times what we say with our mouth does not correspond to what we have in the heart. The Word can judge the intention of the heart (Heb. 4:16). The writer of Proverbs says: "Every one that is proud in the heart is an abomination to the Lord" (Prov. 16:5).

One evening after a very long tiring and challenging day, 1 got home and just wanted time-out alone. So 1 asked my lovely wife to prepare some snacks as I settled down to rest by watching a soccer game. My favorite soccer team was playing and at that time in Mauritius it was not often that I got the opportunity to watch them on national television. 1 had my shower and made myself ready to enjoy the game. I didn't want to be disturbed by anyone. My wife understood me and spoilt me with snacks and refreshments.

The game began and I was excited with my snacks enjoying myself watching my team perform. Suddenly, the phone rang and a leader from the church announced that he and his wife were in the area and that they are coming to visit us. I mean they didn't ask if they could come, they just said they were on their way. I remember feeling annoyed and gloomy at the news declared by my wife of our visitors. I really didn't want anyone to call at the house. A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door and I went to open. In my heart, I wasn't happy to see them but my mouth said: "Oh it's so good to see you." I faked my smile with success and hypocritically assured them that they were not disturbing us at all. The brother was not into soccer and he wanted to chat, so I could not watch the game. I also had to share my well prepared home -made snacks! The grin of my wife's face irritated me even more but I had to keep a pleasant face.

All through the conversations, 1 wanted to know how my team was performing and prayed that the visitors will leave soon. What was supposed to be a few minutes visit turned into hours of chatting and even having dinner together. By the time they left, the game had already ended! 1 was not pleased at all. 1 regretted answering the phone call. This proves that we can say one thing and mean another. Some of you reading this are probably thinking bad of me. Hey, you've been through a similar experience and have thought and done the same thing too! We can fool each other but we cannot fool God. The heart has thoughts that may be contrary to what we say and do.

Lucifer put his evil plan devised in his heart to work. Ezekiel gives us another glance of this being. He writes: "Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created till iniquity was found in thee" (Ezck. 28:15). We are told that this creature was perfect at the point of his creation until iniquity was found in him. Sin is a premeditated act. Lucifer who was the perfection of beauty and possessed a personality and charm that commanded the admiration of the host of heaven rebelled against God. He was not satisfied and the evil seed of pride took roots, continued to grow.

"You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you. By the abundance of your trading you became filled with violence within, and you sinned; therefore I cast you as a profane thing out of the mountain of God; and I destroyed you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the fiery stones."

Ezekiel 28:14-16

Lucifer knew what he was doing. As an anointed cherub, Lucifer had power and authority as a governor over God's creation. He must have been given great power, that even one of the mightiest archangels Michael "durst not bring against him a railing accusation" and simply said, " The Lord rebuke you" (Jude 9). This may indicate that Lucifer's power was superior to that of all other created beings. Lucifer, the star of heaven (Rev.9:l), became filled with violence and successfully seduced one third of the angels to join his cause (Rev. 12:3-9). They were cast out of heaven and have continued rebelling against God and His creation ever since. The morning star turned into the prince of darkness. Satan and his cohorts are still at work today but Jesus disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Col.2:15). He gave us power and authority over the enemy (Luke 10:19) and nothing can harm or hurt us.

Let me draw the chain of authority in the spirit world from creation since the fall of Lucifer but before the fall of man. Bear in mind that the fall of a third of the angels occurred before the sin of Adam and

Eve.

When God created man in His image after his own likeness, the chain of authority was as followed:

1.    Jehovah God - The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

2.    Mankind represented by Adam and Eve as God said: "Let them have dominion over..." Man was given the lease over the earth to subdue and dominate, to maintain law and order.

3.    Angelic beings.

4.    Fallen angels - ruled by their leader Satan.

All of the above are spirit beings. This was the order before man committed high treason by yielding to the serpent and sinning against God. After mankind sinned, they were cast out of the garden (Gen. 3:24).

After the fall of mankind, the chain of authority and dominion changed. Man gave his authority and dominion to the serpent. That is why about four thousand years later, Satan said to Jesus: "All this power will I give unto thee and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it." Who gave it to the devil? It wasn't God! God gave it to mankind, created in His image after His likeness.

But when Adam and Eve sinned, they gave dominion over to the devil. From the fall of mankind until the birth of Jesus, the chain of authority was now as follows:

1.    Jehovah God - The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

2.    Angelic beings.

3.    Satan and his evil spirits.

4.    Mankind.

The devil began to dominate and torture mankind with sin, sicknesses, diseases and curses. Evil plagued the earth. No-one had the authority to do anything. This was warfare against a strong spirit being call Satan and his evil spirits. For about four thousand years, the devil enjoyed manipulating, tormenting and oppressing man at all levels. That was until God sent His only begotten Son to the world. He did warn Satan from the fall of mankind that there will be a seed of the woman that will bruise his head and you will bruise his heel (Gen. 3: 15). As soon as mankind fell, our Lord God promised his restoration and redemption. The one from the seed of the woman refers to the virgin birth of our Savior. The Apostle John confirms that Jesus was manifested to destroy the works of the devil (1 Jn. 3:8).

Even in His ministry, those unclean spirits recognized who He really was. In dealing with a man carrying an unclean spirit, it cried out: “Let us alone, what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God" (Mark 1:24). Remember that this man was a faithful member of the synagogue. In the synagogue there were rituals, singing, praying and reading of the Torah, yet no one knew he had an unclean spirit tormenting and dominating him. He looked spiritual and good because he seems religious. Yet, he had a problem and only the presence and power of Jesus could set him free!

The unclean spirit also revealed something of importance to us. Jesus was born in Bethlehem but grew up in Galilee (Mk. 1:9). In the instance above, he was in a synagogue in Capernaum which is about 20 miles from Nazareth. In those days there wasn't any media such as television, radio, billboards or social networks for marketing and publicity for a person or a product. Nonetheless, the unclean spirits knew who Jesus was. You see there is no distance in the spirit realm. There are also no need for introduction and presentation in that realm. Once you receive Jesus as Lord and Saviour, you are translated from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light and evil spirits know who you are! Deliverance was part of Jesus' ministry and evident on the earth. Jesus dealt with the demon spirit and broke its grip and expelled it from the man. Someone more powerful is now at work.

"Then one was brought to Him who was demon-possessed, blind and mute; and He healed him, so that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. And all the multitudes were amazed and said, "Could this be the Son of David? ’’ Now when the Pharisees heard it they said, "This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons. ” But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every’ city or house divided against itself will not stand. If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself How then will his kingdom stand? And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out?

Therefore they shall be your judges. But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. ” Matthew 12:22-29 (NIV)

Furthermore, three gospels record an important episode in the life and ministry of Jesus where one of His declarations will be very important to help us understand our enemy and spiritual warfare. We have taken this account from the book of Matthew as written above. At the beginning of this chapter, we find Jesus encountering the Pharisees in a number of contexts where they set themselves against him and seek to destroy him. He was Himself involved in intense battles and conquered in all, so it will advance us when He reveals secrets that we sit up and take note. In this instance He was confronted by one possessed with a devil. This spirit made the person blind and dumb. Jesus drove the evil spirit out insomuch that the blind and dumb both spoke and saw. Of course people who witnessed this were amazed. This had never been done before! None of their religious leaders had ever been able to bring deliverance or healing to their society. Sadly these religious leaders, such as the Pharisees, did not accept this manifestation of God's power. Instead of rejoicing with the people they pastored, they questioned His authority and accused Him of having a devil in Him. In fact, it seems that they knew the chief demon's name. Beelzebub, the prince of devils literally means the lord of the flies and was the god of the Ekronites (2 Kings 1:2). This idol derived its name probably because it was in the form of a fly and in the Arabic version, it is commonly rendered, the "lord of dung", or a dunghill god.

It seems that the Pharisees were in a far more worst condition than the man possessed of the devil, for they could not see the more obvious conclusion that Jesus was sent by God to do these great works. For though they could see, they chose to be blind to this great work of the Lord. And though they could speak, their words were a detriment to them and they chose to blaspheme and insult Jesus. Evil spirits bring blindness! They cover your eyes to obvious truths.

There was a shift of power once Jesus begun His ministry. The grip that Satan and his evil spirits had was being successfully challenged and defeated. In order to bring a natural change, a spiritual operation needs to take place. When time came Jesus offered Himself and became the sacrifice. He was the sent to bind the strong man and set the captives free. He was plundering the devils house of all that that thief stole from humanity. He was restoring mankind and had to seal the destiny by the shedding of his blood and sacrificing His life. On the cross, as He laid down His life, blood and water flowed indicating a new breed and generation was brought to life. Peter calls it a chosen generation, a royal priesthood a holy nation, a peculiar people (1 Pet. 2:9). He confirms what Paul wrote to the Colossians, that we have been delivered from the power and kingdom of darkness and translated us into the kingdom of light (Col. 1:12).

He took our place and went to hell (Isa. 53:9, Acts 2:25-27, Eph. 4:9-10, Heb. 2:14-15) where He cemented our victory and sealed the Satan's defeat. He then took the keys of hell and death and rose victoriously from the death (Rev. 1:18). The seizure of power was not only on the earth but also in heaven (Matt. 28:18). Jesus restored everything that mankind lost in the Garden of Eden.

“THE CHAIN OF AUTHORITY IS ONCE AGAIN”

1.    Jehovah God - The Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

2.    Mankind represented by the second Adam, Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15: 45-50) gave us authority and power on the enemy. Whatever we bind and loose on earth shall be bound and loose in the spiritual realm. This is now an eternal redemption and position (Heb. 9:12). Paul confirms that we are saved by grace and have been raised to sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Eph. 2: 5-6) far above all principality and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Eph. 1: 21).

3.    Angelic beings.

4.    Fallen angels - ruled by their leader Satan.

You see under the Old Covenant, in the Old Testament, there were two ways they dealt with evil spirits. Firstly, we see when Spirit of the Lord departed from King Saul an evil spirit came to torment him (1 Sam. 16:14-16). Because of Saul's disobedience, God removed His Spirit from Saul and allowed an evil spirit to torment him. It was only through the anointed music played by David on the harp that brought peace and caused the tormented spirit to leave him (1 Sam. 16:23). Therefore, anointed music helped deal with tormenting spirits. Secondly, the fervent prayer and fasting of Daniel released an angelic intervention and dealt with a wicked hindrance spirit in the spiritual realm (Dan. 10).

However under the New Covenant, in the New Testament, a change happened. Jesus dealt with evil spirits by taking authority with the power of His word. In fact, we notice that the presence of Jesus (Mk. 5:6-7), the preaching of the word (Mk. l: 21-24), and the laying of anointed hands tormented and casted out evil spirits (Lk. 13:11-13).

“HERE ARE FIVE STONES FROM THE BROOK FOR YOU”

1.     “But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. ” Ps 22:3

The importance of personal and corporate time of praise and worship ushers in the presence of God and torment evil spirits.

2.    "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” Matt 17:21

Prayer and Fasting are important tools of preparation to help us successfully deal with the enemy

3.    "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues” Mark 16:17 Command the enemy to leave by using the authority and the power of His word in Jesus' name. You see, when you command evil spirits to leave in Jesus' name, you are acting like Jesus. The authority has been vested in the name of Jesus.

4.    “Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed." Acts 8:5-7

Preaching the uncompromised Word under the anointing of the Holy Spirit will cause evil spirits to leave

5.    “Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. ” Lk 4:40-41

The laying of hands is the one of the ways to transfer God's Spirit and blessings.

This same authority and power has been delegated to born-again, spirit-filled believers. It is now our turn. Just like Joshua called all the men of Israel and told them to put their feet on the necks of the enemy (Jos. 10:24), Jesus has empowered us to do likewise. By his blood, we have been made new creation (2 Cor. 5:17). We are born again (John 3:5-7) not to suffer again! As new created beings, we have been given power and authority over the enemy and nothing shall by any mean hurt us (Lk. 10:19). This is a promise of Jesus. As a believer, you need not fear Satan, but realize and exercise the authority which God has given you over the Devil.

We need to understand that Satan and his minions are not omnipresent, omniscient or omnipotent. These attributes are only for God. Omnipresent means present everywhere at the same time. Omniscient is having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight or possessing complete knowledge. Omnipotent is having virtually unlimited authority or influence, the all powerful being, the almighty. Satan cannot be everywhere. He doesn't know all things and is not all powerful. Think of this, if he knew all things, surely he would have known where baby Jesus was instead of killing all innocent children below the age of two (Matt. 2:16-18). The Word further reveals that Jesus was aware His mission to save humanity through the crucifixion on the cross, but if the princes of the world would have known that Christ's death and resurrection would have led to their defeat, they would have never crucified the Lord (1 Corinthians 2:8).

Demons have intellect and their knowledge is not derived from natural sources

(Mk. 1:24). They may even have some knowledge about the future which would explain fortune-telling, astrology, psychics and other forms of false prophecy. They also have a will to make decisions and necessary corresponding actions. We saw earlier that Satan had five "I will" and the evil spirit in Matthew 12:44 decided to go back to his house. These scriptures also confirm that demons can speak and communicate as we have seen in the ministry of Jesus and in the book of Acts. When I've had to deal with people possessed with an evil spirits, I make sure I am well prepared in prayer and depend on the Holy Spirit.

Demons are liars and so we have to depend on the truth which comes from the Holy Spirit in order to effectively deal with the situation. Even Jesus said that He cast demons out by the Holy Spirit (Matt. 12:28).

Demons are spirit beings and do not possess a body of flesh and bones (Lk. 24: 39) but can influence and control those made of flesh and blood. They dwell in territories, in people and even in animals. Satan used a serpent to beguile Eve. Scripture tells us that Satan entered Judas (Lk. 22:3-4) and Jesus told John that the church in Pergamos knew where Satan’s seat was (Rev. 2:13).

Satan strategically places principalities and powers as demonic agents in politics where leader makes perverse and evil decisions, in science and education where our children will learn about evolution instead of creation, in commerce and finance where corruption, lies and immorality floods society, in false religion enticing people away from the truth. Basically, Satan craves to control the political, economic and spiritual to rule the world.

Let me once again remind you that no matter how the enemy disguises himself, we have been authorized and empowered to deal and cast them out! They are under our feet!

Chapter 7

Classification of demon spirits

The purpose of war is to overcome and eliminate your enemy. Paul said, “We are not as one who beats the air accomplishing nothing.” (1 Corinthians 9:26). With this in mind, I want to further expose the devil and his cohorts as we study the writings of the Apostle Paul in the epistle to the Ephesians. Never forget that we have been given power and authority over all the forces of the enemy. God expects the body of Christ to fight and overcome the enemy. In Revelation chapter 2 and 3, Jesus speaks to the seven churches and promises that He will reward those obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit and who become overcomers.

“TO THE CHURCH AT EPHESUS”

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God. ”

Rev. 2:7 (NKJV)

“TO THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA”

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death. "

Rev. 2:11 (NKJV)

“TO THE CHURCH AT PERGAMOS”

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it. ”

Rev. 2: 17 (NKJV)

“TO THE CHURCH AT THYATIRA”

"And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall he dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels' as I also have received from My Father; and 1 will give him the morning star. "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. ”

Rev. 2:26-28 (NKJV) “TO THE CHURCH AT SARDIS”

"He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. "

Rev. 3:5-6 (NKJV) “TO THE CHURCH AT PHILADELPHIA”

"He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. ”

Rev. 3:12-13 (NKJV) “TO THE CHURCH AT LAODICEA”

"To him who overcomes 1 will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. ” Rev. 3:21-22 (NKJV)

Notice that Jesus also mentions that we need to listen to the Spirit of God with our spiritual ears. That’s how faith comes and increases (Rom. 10:17). Our faith overcomes the world (1 John 5: 4). Billy Graham said: "God will not reward fruitfulness, he will reward faithfulness." Jesus is an overcomer! He overcame the world (John

16:33) and expects us to do likewise. The reason of His overcoming relates to His obedience to the Father (John 12:49-50). He submitted under the authority of God the Father. We cannot exercise authority until we submit and come under authority. We go to war and overcome the enemy directed and assisted by the Holy Spirit.

The original purpose of God for mankind was to dominate (Gen. l: 26-28). Our dominion is only possible through our communion with God (2 Cor. 13:14). No intimate communion with God, no dominion over spirits, circumstances and difficulties! As we fellowship with God, we also actively war against evil spirits and overcome them with the power of the Holy Spirit in us.

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Eph. 6:12

The Apostle Paul states that there are four classifications of demon spirits. There are divisions and duties in the demonic realm. Satan divides his kingdom into principalities, powers, dominions, thrones, and rulers of darkness. Just like there are people stronger than others, there are also spirits stronger than others. Paul's expose reveals that there are demons in the high places and others are earthbound.

Four times he uses the word "against" in connection with the devil. His emphasis on the word "against" is not to be taken lightly. The Holy Spirit wants us to understand something of great importance. Satan is against us! In the original Greek, the word "against" used four times by the writer is pros. It means "forward position" or "face to face encounter" with the unseen forces. It also carries a meaning that we are swimming upstream against the tide. Spiritual warfare is warfare against spirits and God never intended that we turn our backs on the enemy. We are empowered to face the enemy and destroy him. Paul then reveals the four demonic forces engaged against us under Satan's ruler ship. All evil spirits have a single-minded goal or mission to steal, kill and to totally destroy every human being without boundaries.

When my wife and I sat down to make plans to build our house, we had to speak to an architect. Although we had a vision of how we wanted our house to be on the plot of land we bought, the architect had to technically plan and design the house while remaining in line with our financial budget. He had to carefully plan the structure, taking into consideration all appropriate steels and blocks and advised us whether it was possible to do what we intended. Once he furnished us with the designs which were important drawing papers. We then had to make appointments with contractors who can build according to the designs. I think it's fair to say that as the designer, an architect has a more advance intelligence than that of the contractor and builders. He was working to draw and to perform the will and desire of my wife and me. Finding the right contractor was a challenge not just on cost but also on the agreement of fulfilling a contract to deliver the house on schedule. The contractor gave us a quote which included the purchase of materials such as steel, cement and brick. This would avoid us negotiating with production firms and avoiding the transportation issue of these building materials.

Neither the architect nor the contractor were the workers for the actual building of the house. When construction began, masons working under the responsibility of the contractor were the ones putting the foundation, stirring the cement and putting the blocks. The architect and contractor simply supervised the masons who were working according to plans. This is how the hierarchy of the kingdom of darkness operates.

“PRINCIPALITIES”

Remember when the Apostle Paul was describing the armor of God and the invisible enemy we face, he used the Roman army as an illustration. In the army there are ranks and files. Similarly, Satan has arranged and organized his cohorts into ranks. He begins with a group of demonic spirits he refers as principalities. We can see the word principal in principalities. Principal means most important. It seems that principalities hold the most important role and is the highest position in ranks and authority under Satan. Principalities in Greek is 'archas' meaning ancient. So, they have been in this position for a long, long time. They were there before you but they were not there before God! We are to take back what the devil has stolen.

Another word that we see in principalities is prince. One of the descriptions used by Paul in reference to rebellious spirits is "prince of the power of the air" (Eph. 2:2). So they operate from the air or by the waves. We cannot see air nor are the airwaves visible to the eye. We cannot see principalities but they are at work and they have also taken over the media through airwaves and are performing their evil deeds. Through the airwaves such as radio, television and the internet a larger audience can be reached. That is one of the ways he blinds people (2 Cor.4:4).

It would appear that principalities also refer to areas and territories. In the book of Daniel, we see that a prince of the kingdom of Persia was controlling the area and caused hindrance. That hindrance was broken by persistent prayer and fasting. Bear in mind that the Old Testament saints did not have what we have been given. They were under the Old Covenant whereas we have a better covenant under our Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 8: 6). We are born again, spirit-filled believers. We are temple of the Holy Spirit. We have the written word and the Holy Spirit as our revelator and teacher. We have the blood of Jesus. We have the name that is above all names - Jesus. We have been given authority and power over the enemy. So, we should be obtaining better results!

A few years ago, I was called to visit a new bom-again family living in the outskirts of Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius. I was accompanied by a brother from our church who at that time was responsible for intercessory prayer in our church and a sister who just joined us from South Africa. The brother was driving and I was sitting in the front quietly praying. Suddenly, I fell into a trance and I saw what looked like prehistoric birds packed in the sky above me. Some had pieces of paper in the mouth and they were all very active. There was such a traffic of these ugly looking birds that I couldn't really see the darkened sky. I then heard an inner voice saying: "These are evil spirits and the papers that some are carrying are prayers stolen from believers that may never manifest. You see a closed heaven because of an active operation of evil spirits that has been allowed to reign and overrule this city." Then I saw myself in the car again stuck in the rush hour of traffic.

As I sat to ponder on what I just saw, the scripture from the book of Deuteronomy came to my mind. “But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God... And your heavens which are over your head shall be bronze, and the earth which is under you shall be iron" (Deut. 28:15, 23). Our predecessors have allowed the enemy to gain control of our cities and we have become passive in our prayers and warfare. As a result, the heavens above our heads are closed.

A closed heaven clearly means:

•    No answered prayer.

•    No breakthroughs.

•    Stagnant life - which brings emotional symptoms such as disappointments, sorrows, discouragements, sadness, frustrations, fears, inferiority complex...

•    No outpouring of God. No evident manifestation of God's wisdom and power.

•    No blessings, prosperity, peace and success

We need to repent and re-ignite the passion to pray fervently until we break the curse of a closed heaven over our cities, homes, churches and nations.

God promised: "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land" - 2 Chron. 7:14. Elijah prayed fervently to break a three and a half years curse over the land by opening the heavens (1 Kings 18: 42-46, James 5:17-18). Jesus prayed to open the heavens before He started in His ministry. He told Nathaniel: "You shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." Fervent repentance and prayer will cause an open heaven above our heads and causes more angelic intervention to stop principalities and bring blessings in our area.

The heaven above your head can be opened while it may be closed for someone standing beside you. Matthew 24:40 says: "Then two shall be in the field and one shall be taken away and the other left." Heaven was open for one person whereas it was closed for the other. The heavens are opened when we walk in obedience to God's Word.

We need to understand that although there are demonic activities above our heads, we are still in authority. Jesus gave us the keys to the kingdom. Keys are a symbol of authority; they lock and unlock, they bind and loose. Jesus said: "Whatever we bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever we loose on earth will be loosed in heaven" (Matt. 16:19). Nothing needs to be bound in heaven where God's throne is. He is referring to the heavenly realm where demonic forces operate. However, we need to think and act in line with our redeemed nature. We are children of God and we have been elevated to a higher position.

In this wonderful book of Ephesians, Paul not only revealed our weaponries and demonic activities but he began by showing us our position in Christ. In chapter one, he explains that God demonstrated His awesome power by raising Jesus and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly place far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come (Eph. 1:20-21). I want you to notice that Jesus is above Satan's most powerful agent known as principality. Furthermore, no matter what names any being takes on now or even in the future, Jesus is above them.

The Apostle Paul continues and says that God has put all things under Jesus' feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body (Eph. 1:22-23). Jesus said: "I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18). Concerning the wicked councils of the unseen world, Jesus stated that they will not prevail against His body the church. If the head is above all, then the body which is connected to the head is also above all things.

Paul then turns his attention to us in chapter two. Not only has God the love and mercy to send Jesus to die for us then raise Him from the dead and seats Him in heavenly places far above all things, He also has done the same for us! God showed the power of His grace by providing salvation and elevation for us. He has made us far superior to even the highest ranking demons!

"Bui God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus."

Eph. 2:4-6

So to resume, principalities are Satan's strong agents operating in the air. But Jesus, the head, and His body, the church, have been elevated by God to be far above all principalities. Therefore, they are under our feet as long as we are connected to the head - Jesus!

“POWERS”

The next category of evil spirits that Paul mentions is powers meaning 'delegated authority' in the Greek. It carries the meaning of conferred authority, the warrant or right to do something, or delegated influences of control. These are the powers of darkness and wickedness at work. They seem to be ruling spirits to hold and extend the enemy territory. The New Testament mentions principalities and powers in the bible. The delegated authority the evil powers receive seem to stem from principalities.

"He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of His love,"

Col. 1:13

The bible is clear. Jesus delivered us from the power of darkness. These are the same demonic powers we have to deal with. Satan and his minions have no authority over us as believers. They have power over those who have not yet received Jesus as Lord and Savior and those who are ignorant of what was achieved when He was raised from the dead. However, just knowing this is not enough. We must act on the knowledge derived from the Word in order to produce results. Christ has been set at the right hand of God and given authority to reign over all principalities and powers, both in the spirit realm and in the earthly realm. Remember that when we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, we are seated with Him in authority, far above every principality and power (Col. 2:10, Eph. 2:6).

“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. "

Col. 2:15

Jesus disarmed both principalities and powers. Please note that both principalities and powers are written in plural. We can understand that this means that there are many at work. Even though principalities and powers collaborate and work together, Jesus Christ defeated them all. When Christ ascended, he transferred His authority to the church.

You may say: "Well that was 2000 years ago and that was Jesus." The bible reveals Satan and his cohorts do not have the power and ability to separate us from God. Romans 8:38 declares, “For 1 am persuaded, that neither death, nor live, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come.... shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. ” What Jesus achieved is for eternity.

We are not to fear principalities and powers. They have been disarmed by our Lord Jesus. The Saviour, by his death and resurrection, took dominion from them, and restored what Adam and Eve had lost. Satan and his legions had invaded the earth and drawn mankind into captivity. They dominated and subjected mankind to their evil reign. But Christ, by His death and resurrection, subdued once and for all the invaders, stripped them of their authority and restored us to a position of dominion! The devil may have the ability to do evil and wickedness but he doesn't have the authority to do it to you who have been redeemed by the blood - unless you allow him. Evil spirits, no matter how they are disguised, are powerless when you walk in communion with God.

“RULERS OF DARKNESS OF THIS WORLD”

Thirdly, Paul uses the word rulers of darkness of this world. The Greek word is 'kosmokrator' and it compounds two words kosmos, meaning “world”, and kratos, meaning “raw power to rule.” These rules in darkness. Darkness doesn't necessarily mean blackness. Darkness means absence of knowledge and ignorance of purpose. Evil spirits rule the world and cause chaos and confusion because of absence of knowledge which can only be exposed and restored in order by the Word of God.

"The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple."

Ps. 119: 130 (NKJV)

As the Holy Spirit teaches us the Word of God and it enters our hearts and minds, it dispels all ignorance and gives us understanding. We now know what to do. Revelation from the Word of God brings change! Revelation brings transformation. A transformed mind from the Word of God can positively convert our personal lives, bring order in the family and right changes in our society. The Apostle Paul wrote: "... Revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know..." (Eph. 1:17-18). His word is light and a lamp unto our feet (Ps. 119:105).

Darkness causes ignorance of purpose. As we look at the world and its system of operation, we see so much disorder. Our society is not functioning according to the Word and will of God. Today, we want to save animals yet we kill so many unborn babies through abortion. There are pressures to accept homosexual marriages. We have become ignorant of our purpose. This is the rulers of darkness at work. The god of this world has blinded the minds of unbelievers (2 Cor. 4:4) and is causing all sorts of disorder and problems. They try to dictate the course of this world and cause people to rebel against God and His Word (Eph. 2:1-2).

The only place rulers of darkness are not governing is in the light. Jesus said: " 1 am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." So, demonic forces have no power over those who walk in the light.

“SPIRITUAL WICKEDNESS IN HIGH PLACES”

Lastly Paul mentions spiritual wickedness in high places. Taken from the Greek, the words “spiritual wickedness in high places” could be better translated “spirit forces of wickedness." These are said to reside in “heavenly places,” literally “in the heavenlies.” Wickedness in the Greek is poneros meaning "bad", "malevolent", "vicious" and "impious."

"And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness."

1 Jn. 5:19

The wicked spirits are wicked with no mercy. They are sent from the spirit realm to entice, harass, torture, compel, enslave, cause addictions, defile, deceive and attack humanity.

Remember what the Holy Spirit revealed through Paul: We are seated with Christ in heavenly places far above all principality and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.

Through the blood of Jesus Christ, we are no longer the victim of these evil spirits. We have been made the head and not the tail and whatever WE bind on earth will be bound in heaven and whatever WE loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Never forget, greater is He that is in you than He that is in the world. Furthermore, Jesus disarmed principalities and powers. He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it and He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love. And finally in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

“EARTHBOUND DEMONIC SPIRITS”

Let's now deal with earthbound demonic spirits. They are active on the earth and Jesus dealt with them by casting them out of people. In Matthew 12:43-45, Jesus gives a clear picture of the activities of earthbound demons.

"When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation."

This category of evil spirits do not ascend anywhere to the heavenlies. They simply pass through the plane of the earth. They are still under Satan's leadership to inflict wickedness, harm, torment and domination on humanity. In the above scripture, Jesus also reveals that earthbound demons can operate in gangs with one particular evil spirit being the "door-opener." Earthbound evil spirits can be grouped in three that we see mention in the bible:

•    Tormenting spirits

•    Evil spirits

•    Unclean spirits

These spirits constantly seek to enter a physical body. There are three places where earthbound demons like to live:

1.    The human body

2.    Animals

3.    Territories and places

The first choice where earthbound demons want to take residence is in the human body so that they can manifest and indulge themselves in the sins of the flesh. A demon may also enter an animal or a certain place, for example a house, a building or even a lake and territories such as political and financial arenas.

“TORMENTING SPIRITS”

In wars, there are who have been held captive by the enemy for purposes of torment, torture, and sometimes even death. They are known as prisoners of war (POW). That is exactly what tormenting spirits do. These spirits are operating on the earth to torment and keep people in bondage with various temptations and accusations. They torment and trouble people with fear, sicknesses, addictions, oppression, infirmity and causing hindrances to your progress in life. They will torment your soul composed of your mind, emotions and will. They will also oppress your body with sicknesses and diseases. These tormenting spirits will also whisper suicide in your ears.

"And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses."

Matthew 18:34-35.

"Bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others."

Col. 3:13 (ASV)

If you have unforgiveness and bitterness, you will give access to a tormenting spirit. Jesus addressed the issue of unforgiveness when he said, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). Unforgiveness is sin. Sin can give the enemy legal rights and access into our lives. Repent for the sins that you have done. God is faithful and just to forgive you (1 Jn. 1: 9) and then repent for holding bitterness in your heart against others. Make a quality decision to forgive those who have wronged you and ask God to heal your broken heart (Psalms 147:3, Luke 4:18). Forgive yourself of past sins and failures and begin to see yourself as God sees you

“EVIL SPIRITS”

These spirits drive people to do evil and perverted things such as rape and commit murder. King Saul was tormented with such a spirit (1 Sam. 16:14-23). Saul was the first person anointed as king over Israel. Yet because of his disobedience and rebellion against God's Word, an evil spirit came to trouble him. David ministered to Saul on the harp from the anointing that flowed from his life. Saul then became jealous of David and this evil spirit manipulated and drove him to throw a javelin to kill David (1 Sam. 18:10-12, 1 Sam. 19:1). This should be a lesson to all who are called into ministry. Just because we have a position and are anointed doesn't mean that we are safe from the attack of the enemy. We must be careful to always obey God's instruction in life and ministry. Furthermore, we don't need to be jealous if God is blessing another ministry or church! Disobedience, rebellion and jealousy give access to tormenting spirits. This tormenting spirit eventually caused Saul to look for answers in the wrong place; he consulted a witch for counsel. Finally the tormenting spirit destroyed him as he committed suicide and destroyed his family line (1 Sam. 31:4-9).

“UNCLEAN SPIRITS”

"And they went into Capernaum; and straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had tom him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee."

Mark 1:21-28

An unclean spirit is simply what the word says, “unclean.” These spirits tempt and drive you to do unclean things with your body. They evidently begin in the mind. They are impure. Unclean spirits were one of the most common problems that Jesus encountered. They are still one of the most common problems we have to deal with today.

They want to defile you. We all face temptations to say and do unclean things. If you allow filthiness in your life and mind you are inviting the unclean spirits to take up residence in you.

The book of Mark above shows that a man who was a faithful member of the synagogue had an unclean spirit. Just because we go to church doesn't mean that we are clean and holy. Perhaps you don't know what happened in a synagogue. The people would sing, read the Torah, pray and do other religious rituals. Yet with all these religious rituals, the 'churchgoer' still had an unclean spirit.

“SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF AN ATTACK”

"Neither give place to the devil.” Eph 4:27

Once again, it was the Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, that stated that we must not give access to the devil. Here are some signs and symptoms that indicate that the devil has gained access in you.

“REGRESSION”

Regression is the opposite of progression. God created us for growth and progress. If you are not progressing, then you will be stagnant and eventually begin to regress. To regress means to withdraw, decrease, backslide, revert to former level, shift to lower state, moving backwards, give up and fade away. Regression is the first avenue by which the devil takes over the human soul. One main sign or symptom is a giving-up attitude in the things of God. The zeal, passion and hunger for the Lord and doing his work have been extinguished. An evil spirit has successfully gained access and made our love grow cold (Matt. 24:12).

Regression can also be identified by the following warning signs: lack of excitement or joy, carelessness to commitment, excuses that are stronger than our faith. We no longer look forward to the things of God. We become careless to the commitment we made and we do not keep our words. We have become people of excuses instead of excelling in life. Progressive people excel because they are apt to teach and are willing to change!

“REPRESSION”

Regression will then lead to repression. Repression is the opposite of expression. Repression means a joyless, lifeless and pathetic lifestyle. You feel disappointed, sad, emotionless and defeated.

A repressive attitude is always negative and critical. Suddenly you find the service too long, the music too loud, the preacher spits too much! That person can sow discord and dissention in the family and the church.

“SUPPRESSION”

Closely knit and related to repression is suppression. The definition of suppression is squeeze down, conceal information, feelings and desires. Whereas repression is self inflicted, suppression came because of what someone said or did. Disappointment causes suppression!

I began to play the drums in church when I was only 12 years old. I kind of feel like Jesus who was also 12 when He first appears in public and utters His first recorded words (Luke 2:42). Anyway, as a young boy, I was just learning and at that time I wasn't that good. I would miss my timing and beats and it didn't help the song-leaders. My older brother Bruno on the other hand was very talented in music. He sung, played the guitar and the drums.

One day, I was scheduled to play drums in church behind one of our praise and worship leaders. At that point, my family was attending one of the fastest growing church in London and we had four song-leaders consisting of three men and a lady. That day, it was the lady who was to lead praise and worship and I was on the drums. We were about to do a fast-salsa praise song with an exciting beat which was very popular in the praise list of our church. I didn't have a drum set but I listened to that song and music many times, practicing on my pillows until I had the beat. But in the service, as we were about to sing the song, the leader turned around and told me that she wanted Bruno to play this song. I replied that I knew the song, I am the drummer on the roster and told her that I can do this song. She argued and sternly told me to leave the drums and let my brother play. All this happened in front of over 200 church attendees. I walked off the drums and walked out of church. I remember crying and sulking. Regression, repression and suppression all hit me like a ton of bricks.

I didn't come back to church that day and was ready to leave the band and the church. In fact, I called the praise and worship overseer and told him I will not play anymore at church. I thank God that he was wise and counseled me rightly. He even encouraged me to be his drummer although I wasn't any good and he was the best song-leader at that time. I must also mention that my brother encouraged me and made room for me to play. He switched to guitar and singing.

I have to be honest with you I couldn't stand the sight of that woman for some time! But I just couldn't tell her. The feeling was eating me up inside. I also had problems expressing myself in the band because I felt inadequate and unqualified. I'm glad I didn't give up, because within three months of hard and discipline practice, I became the lead drummer for most of the leaders. One day, she asked me to drum for her in the service. Well, the bitterness and hurt was healed, and as a Christian I couldn't refuse.

“DEPRESSION”

Now the next symptom is depression. Depression is the result of a crushed soul and a broken heart. It is an emotional problem and is very dangerous. A depressed person is one who lacks energy and enthusiasm. Depression can lead a person to be isolated and cause loneliness. Have you ever heard of the expression: "Turning a molehill into a mountain?" A depressed person will feel overwhelmed and will magnify a difficulty turning certain conditions into problems.

Some people actually enjoy being depressed as that's how they get attention. They like to have a pity party but depression is a thief. It will steal your happiness, ambition and prevent you from participating from activities you should be enjoying. It will cause you to be inactive. An incident, trauma or physical illness can cause depression. It can also be triggered by a loss of a loved one or even a job. Disappointments, guilt and self condemnation can cause deep sorrows resulting in a depressed state.

"Why are you depressed, O my soul? Why are you upset? Wait for God! For I will again give thanks to my God for his saving intervention."

Psalms 42:5 (NET)

Even David was depressed but he didn't allow depression to overwhelm and control him. He chased it away by meditating and speaking of the goodness and greatness of God. Praising God will get rid of a depressed spirit. Then surround yourself with people of faith. Those who will pray, counsel and minister to you.

“OPPRESSION”

Oppression can be caused by past sins, failures, fear, worry, self-condemnation, complex and sickness. Depression can also lead to being oppressed. To be oppressed means weighed down and heavy burdened. It feels as though a dark cloud is hanging over your head. This can torment your mind with repetitive negative words. Oppression brings people into bondage.

Oppression in the natural realm is an evil spirit influencing and affecting the soul and the body whereas it can also manifest pressure in the spiritual realm. Evil spirits will try to oppress us by constantly putting pressure on us. The Apostle Paul went through a difficult period in his life and he recognized that it was a messenger of Satan sent to buffet him (2 Cor. 12:6-9). To Buffet means to constantly smite with the hand; then to maltreat in any way. To cause blow after blow in a severe battle. That messenger of Satan caused a hindrance in Paul's life.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. ”

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

We need to learn to depend on God's grace. The grace of God does not give us a license to sin but the power to overcome sin. So refuse to fear and worry. His grace is sufficient for us all. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1). Break the attitude of inferior complex by looking into the mirror of God's word. You are made in His image. Never allow people's words and opinion to intimidate you. God has not given us a spirit of fear (2 Tim. 1:7).

"How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. ”

Acts 10:38

Oppression is not of God and Jesus healed people who were under the influence of the devil through oppression. He is your healer, your Jehovah Rapha. Healing is not only physical but emotional and mental. Jesus brings peace of mind.

“OBSESSION”

Obsession is not necessarily a bad thing. A radical Christian can be obsessed with the things of God. However there is an evil form of obsession which can cruelly torment your soul. An obsessed person is one who is preoccupied with a persistent and inescapable thoughts, idea or emotion.

Pornography can cause you to be obsessed with sex or sexual perversion. Obsession opens the door for an invasion of Satanic attacks related to that lustful desire. The evil spirit's desire has become your desire. That's all you can think about, talk about and for what you live for.

Jealousy is a devil's tool for tormenting someone into obsession. It can cause quarrel, dispute and can destroy marriages, relationships, business, even ministries and churches. Remember that Saul was jealous of David and it caused him to do things that he would have done in his right mind.

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"

Rom. 6:16

When you yield or submit yourself to someone or something, you will eventually become a servant. We must only yield to God's word and the Holy Spirit.

"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

James 4:6-7 “POSSESSION”

Possession is when you are under an absolute control of the devil. Simply put: "your will power is owned by the devil." It controls your spirit, soul and body. This can happen consciously or unconsciously, ignorantly or through disobedience.

In Mark 5: 1-20, we see Jesus dealing with a man of Gadara who was possessed with an unclean spirit. The unclean spirit dominated the man and caused him to isolate and cut himself. He also had supernatural strength. No one could bind him with chains. This man couldn't live with his family. The unclean spirit took him to live among the tombs.

When faced with Jesus, he revealed his identity as 'Legion, because we are many.' A Roman legion had between four to six thousand soldiers. One man could hold so many demons inside him. The aim was to steal, kill and destroy his life. If Jesus didn't deliver him perhaps he would have committed suicide!

I have had to deal with many demon possessions of people of all ages, colours and sex. I can tell you that the devil does not look at age and does not have mercy for anybody. I remember once we had to deal with a girl of 9 years old who was possessed with an evil spirit. A sister in our church was touched by the power of God and she began witnessing to a family undergoing a major difficulty in their home.

The husband and wife had three children, two boys and a girl. She was the second child of the family. The mother noticed some changes in the child as she threatened to kill her brothers with a knife or scissors. It got worst as one evening she picked up a sofa by herself through anger and frustration and terrorized her parents. A few days later, her voice changed from a girl to an angry man as she warned her mother that she didn't want to go school anymore.

They sought help from various sources but the matter grew worst and although her parents began to spank her for her naughtiness, she would most time laugh like a man in their face. This obviously created fear and intimidation to the other members of the family. None of her brothers dared stay with her alone in the house.

The mother was working in the same school canteen as our sister that attended church and was herself delivered from an evil spirit. The appointment was fixed for the following Wednesday where the father will bring the child to our teaching and deliverance service.

That following week, the sister waited for her as agreed and as she got in the car, the little girl turned her head and gazed at her and said in a man's voice: "Who do you think you are? I know where you're taking me! I am not going to leave!"

She told me afterward that she had to constantly look away as that child gazed right in her face and all she did during the thirty minutes drive to the church is pray and say: "Jesus, help me, protect me. The blood of Jesus, the blood of Jesus."

As she walked into the service the young girl fainted. The ushers went to see how they could help. Throughout my teaching she slept. At the end, the sister came up to me and explained the situation that is troubling the family. I walked up to her and she remained in deep sleep. We tried to wake her up but in vain. I began to pray seeking the assistance and counsel of the Holy Spirit. A sister came up to me and said: "We need to act as if the father is going and leaving her at church." We did that and all of the sudden, she woke up and ran up to her father. We began praying for her and I looked right in her eyes and we commanded that evil spirit to leave her body. We felt she was delivered but we wanted to pay a visit to the family.

The next day, we drove there and was told that since yesterday she played gently with her brothers and slept well. We began to enquire about the girl and found out that someone performed witchcraft against her and the family. Praise God that she was totally delivered!

Another instance came when I was called to visit a husband and wife going through marital problems. I was told that this lady beat her husband and threw heavy things at him. He was intimidated and obviously scared of her.

As 1 arrived, the husband met me. He was quite well built, so I thought that his wife must be a big lady in order to beat him practically every day. To my surprise, I saw a small, thin and fragile woman looking at me. The husband told me: "Pastor, don't look at her size, she is naughty and beats me every day and throws stuff at me. She then speaks and orders me in a man's voice. I am scared of her and at night she gets violent in bed!"

Well, we began to pray and we cast that wicked spirit out of that woman. She was delivered and was at peace with her husband. He kept asking me how long will she stay happy, smiling, sweet and lovely? I believe that discipline helps us keep our deliverance. Once delivered, we must maintain a spirit-filled life or those spirits will want to come back and will bring their friends to have a party in that body!

A true Christian can be depressed, oppressed, obsessed but not possessed. A true Christian is one whose heart belongs to the Lord but may have certain weaknesses in an area of life. We are not a Christian because we have a Christian name or because we were born and raised in church. We are a Christian when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and continue to persevere in the Word of God (Jn.8:30-32).

Chapter 8

The prescription and the remedy

In this chapter, we want to deal with vital steps based on the Word of God that we need to take in order to deny access to any demonic spirits. I want to start with two quotes:

"The pleasure of sin will keep you in a place of bondage." (James Arekion)

"Deliverance will take it out of you and discipline will keep it out of you."

(Perry Stone)

Demonic spirits can be transferred in many ways. Someone said: "The devil chooses the weakest moment and the weakest place." Somewhere in our lives, or even before in our previous generations, through vulnerability, we allowed an evil spirit to manifest and take root in our lives and family. Our five senses are doors to our soul. I have mentioned a few areas of vulnerability that may have allowed a devil access in our lives.

“SIN”

"Our fathers have sinned, and are not; and we have borne their

iniquities."

Lament. 5:7

Sin began in the Garden of Eden and it is the primary open door to demonic spirits. Sin is a premeditated act. It is to miss the mark. It is to say or do something we know we shouldn't say or do. It means to do something wrong against God or a person. It means to violate the principles established by God. If we take pleasure in sin, it will cause transgression which is a continual process of sin. When we take pleasure in sin it becomes an iniquity passing from generation to generation. That pleasure keeps you in a place of bondage.

The decision of Judas to sin against God and betray Jesus caused Satan to enter into him (Luke 22:3). This premeditated act allowed Satan entry which Judas could not deal with.

“GENERATIONAL TRANSFER”

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that

hate me."

Exodus 20: 3-5

Evil spirits could have entered by previous generations. Our forefathers may have done things that attracted evil spirits access into our lineage. Idolatrous worship definitely gives access to the devil. Idolatrous worship is making covenant with spirits and gods and allowing them to be a dominant partner in our lives and generation. Our forefathers have done many things by tradition without being aware of the consequences. Ignorance is one of the most effective weapons our enemy possesses (Hos. 4:6). Mike Murdock said: "Every failure is traced by something you didn't know."

“MUSIC”

Music can be another form of transfer. Anointed music can bring the presence of God in our lives, whereas songs that entertain lust, evil pleasures and negative words transfer wicked spirits into our soul. Especially in this day and age, we really have to be careful what music and words we allow to enter into our minds and emotions.

"... The workmanship of thy tabrets and of thy pipes was prepared in thee in the day that thou wast created."

Ezek. 28:13

"Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols."

Isa. 14:11

Remember that Lucifer understood and was responsible for music. In the book of Ezekiel, we see that he had pipes and tabrets. Pipes would refer to wind instruments and tabrets or tambourine were the percussion department. The book of Isaiah reveals he had pomps and viols which was the strings section. Lucifer was an established musician possessing talents in the strings, percussion and wind in the orchestral section. He will use music to entice, seduce and then torment us. It may be good music but evil words that can cause confusion, perversion and disorder within us. Music can be provocative and influence us to sin.

Satan desires to be worshipped by mankind. Music was created to worship God only. Satan wants to take the place of God in mankind. His final temptation inflicted on Jesus shows his craving for worship! (Matt.4:8-10). Musicians must be careful not to be self seeking and egotistical; rather they should submit before God and use their talent to honour and glorify God.

“ASSOCIATION”

"Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character. ’’

1 Cor. 15:33 (NIV)

It is also recommended that we choose our friends and partners wisely. Wrong association will bring bad participation in things that are not permissible in the Word of God. If we always hang around bad people and places which have a bad influence on us, sooner or later, we will participate and do the same evil things.

Change your relationships and you will change your life. Do not attach yourself to people and places of immoral values. The story of Samson and Delilah is a great example of wrong association that can cause downfall and failures. Association with wrong people and places will defile you.

“WORDS”

"But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day ofjudgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."

Matt: 12:36-37

Idle words spoken can give access to the devil. Confession brings possession. Be careful what words we utter. We are all saved through the spoken words of someone obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit. We can be affected by allowing wrong words in our soul. Words are powerful. They can create or destroy. Words are doors or walls. The tongue brings increase or decrease. Every relationship is either birthed or destroyed by words. Curses can also come by words.

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof "

Prov. 18: 21

Your words are a force to produce either life or death. Your destiny in life is controlled by the words that your tongue speaks out of your mouth. Learn to control your emotions and your tongue. What you say is what you get! We cannot afford to give the devil any words to use against us.

"Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles."

Prov.21:23

“OBJECTS - WITCHCRAFT - OCCULT”

"Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power."

Acts 19: 18-20 (NIV)

Certain objects can carry an evil presence in them. They are point of contact. A handkerchief and apron carried the anointing and power of God to manifest the will of God (Acts 19:12). Likewise an object can carry and convey evil powers to be a point of entry and do harm to a person. As I have said earlier, I was someone who was under the spell of witchcraft which caused me to suffer severely with a stomach pain. Strings and amulets were the point of contact to my body.

I once had to pray to break a curse and rebuke an evil spirit over a person who always had a relationship problem. A young man was in love with her but it didn't work out. During the relationship she had given this man her photo. After the break-up, she was threatened by the man that she will never find anybody and will never be happy. This became a reality in her life for years. One day during fervent prayer, the Lord revealed to me that this man used her picture to cast a spell on her. We prayed and broke the spell in the name of Jesus. Within weeks, she fell in love with a man who became her husband and today, she is happily married with children.

In another instance a perfume from Madagascar was the point of entry of an evil spirit that tormented a single mother for years. She was doing business between Mauritius and Madagascar and slept with a man during a business trip. The man was jealous and possessive and couldn't bear the distance apart. He offered her an expensive perfume. She didn't know that her torment was because of this. The demons manifested through filthy dreams at night and she had an angry and violent spirit that caused her teenage daughter fear and intimidation. It wasn't until fervent prayer assisted by the Holy Spirit that the demon revealed that he gained legal right through the expensive perfume. She hardly used the perfume; she kept it as a precious sentimental gift. She decided to submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, broke the perfume and the moment she did, the unclean and evil spirit left her! No more filthy dreams and torment!

In the book of Acts, they burnt things that gave access to any demonic spirits. The early church had to deal with witchcraft and the occult many times. There were sorcerers in Samaria (Acts 8), in Paphos (Acts 13), a woman with a spirit of divination (Acts 16). Divination provided knowledge through supernatural means about people, events and situation. The modem term for a person who is responsible and practices divination is Psychic. I also want to add horoscopes and fortune telling as points of entry for evil spirits to manifest, torment, oppress and perhaps even possess.

I was called to help a family whose father was all of a sudden tormented by an evil spirit. The father was a churchgoer and knew me very well. They had allowed his sister to come and reside a few weeks at the house but they didn't know that she was possessed with an evil spirit. When I came into the house, the father who had a good relationship with me didn't recognize me. We prayed for him and cast that spirit out. He knew who I was after that. Then we had to deal with the sister. She sat in the living room with a cigarette in her hand and looked evil. She spoke to me in a man's voice and told me that her father fed this an ancestral spirit with goat's blood in order to protect the family. I broke that covenant in the name of Jesus and then asked her more questions about the point of contact. Apparently their father gave each child a gold chain that was dedicated to this evil spirit and that granted him access to the children and the children's children. She had to willingly throw the chain away in order to be fully delivered. Most points of contact are valuable and may also have sentimental value. Your life and deliverance is more important than any object! I want to add, it is not the duty of the man of God to throw these precious objects away. We can simply receive and pass on the revelation, but it is the responsibility of the person to release the object willingly.

STEPS AND PRINCIPLES TO SHUT THE DOOR TO THE ENEMY

Here are some basic word-based steps for those sincerely wanting to be delivered from demonic influence. You may have to approach and ask an anointed man of God to pray for you. The prayer of faith manifests deliverance out of bondage. As a born Again Christian, you also have authority to overpower the enemy. Spiritual maturity must accompany spiritual authority. As you grow in the Lord, you can use your God-given authority to cast out demonic spirits.

STEP 1: REPENT AND RENOUNCE.

The first step is repentance and renunciation. The word in the New Testament usually translated “repent” is the Greek word “metanoeo”. It means “to change your mind, to reconsider or to think differently.” Another translation said: "to feel such sorrow for sin or fault as to be disposed to change one's life for the better. It is a complete 180 degrees turn away from the direction you were currently heading. We are all sinners. None of us is perfect.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

1 John 1:9 (NIV)

We confess our sins to God and ask for forgiveness and then we renounce and break any covenant that we have made consciously or ignorantly to evil spirits. Repentance brings the washing, renewing and regeneration of past sins.

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost"

Titus 3:5 (NIV)

Once cleansed, we have to maintain a spirit clean life. We have a new gene. We are a new creature and old things have passed away (2 Cor. 5:17).We have to make some quality decisions and apply the Word of God that has established principles in order to successfully receive and maintain our deliverance. Deliverance is not the sum total of the Christian walk. Jesus told us to go and make disciples, and a disciple is disciplined by the Word.

STEP 2: SEPARATION

"Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the

Lord Almighty."

2 Corinthians 6: 14-18

The Word of God tells us to avoid an unclean and an immoral lifestyle. Look at what and whom you have to separate yourself from. Life is full of choices and with many roads to follow. Some of the choices and decisions that you will have to make will be of utmost importance. Your choice will seal your destiny and may have permanent consequences.

God's word deals with choices. Joshua challenged the people to: "Choose this day whom you will serve (Jos. 24:15)." Elijah warned: "If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him (1 Kings 18:21). Jesus spoke of those who follow the broad way to destruction and few travels the narrow way that leads to life.

Friendship is necessary. But be careful with whom you associate yourself to, or who you give the right of opinion, speech and influence. The power of friendship can be for your good or for your evil. It has been said that friends are like elevators, they can take you up or bring you down.

You need to avoid certain places that were causing your downfall. Learn to say no to people who influence you to do evil.

STEP 3: APPLICATION OF REVELATION

"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints..."

Eph. 1:17-18

The Holy Spirit is the teacher of the church (Jn. 14:26). He will give you insights and revelation. When you receive and apply the revelation knowledge from the Holy Spirit, it will take you to another level in life. Walk in the revelation of the Word of God. The revelation of the Word of God carries power to bring changes to your life. The Spirit of God works with the Word. They are the unbeatable power twins.

"1 write to you, dear children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one."

1 John 2: 14

Just like natural growth comes by healthy food and drink, we also have spiritual food and drink for spiritual growth. The Word of God is our spiritual food (Matt.4:4) whereas praying in the Spirit in our spiritual drink (Jn. 7:37-38). As we tmst, depend and allow the Word of God of God to take residence in us, we become spiritually strong and have the ability and strength to overcome the evil one.

STEP 4: THE BLOOD OF JESUS

"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities..."

Isaiah 53:5

"Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him: he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin. he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand."

Isaiah 53: 10

"...For he shall bear their iniquities. Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors."

Isaiah 53: 11-12

The precious blood of Jesus not only serves as expiation for our sins, transgressions and iniquities but it is also destructive power against the enemy. Satan has no power over the blood of Christ. The life of Jesus is in His blood. There is power in the blood of Jesus.

Just as Moses obeyed and applied the blood on the lintel and the two side posts of the door (Exodus 12:23) which protected the children of Israel from the angel of death, the blood of Jesus when applied by faith will also protect us from any harm of the devil. In the time of Moses it was the blood of an animal; today we have the blood of God! The doors to our soul will be protected by the blood of Jesus. It serves an 'access denied' to the enemy.

"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."

Gal. 3:13

"...hast redeemed us to God by thy blood..."

Rev. 5:9

The blood has redeemed us from the curse of the law. We can have eternal and abundant life because of the blood. We can be prosperous and healthy because of the blood. We can have assurance instead of fear because of the blood.

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb... ”

Rev. 12: 11

The book of Revelation shows us that we overcome the devil by the power of the blood of the lamb. That same book also shows us that the blood gave us 7 imparted blessing: Power, riches, wisdom, strength, honour, glory and blessing (Rev. 5:9-12). Develop faith in the blood of Jesus and see your life transform as He manifest His power!

STEP 5: COMMUNION WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT

"The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen."

2 Cor. 13:14

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."

2 Cor. 3:17

We need to cultivate an intimacy with the Holy Spirit through prayer and the word. When you know the person of the Holy Spirit, you will walk in His power. The Holy Spirit also gives us a special prayer language to communicate with God. The epistle of Jude reveals that praying in the Spirit is building our faith. It's like recharging a mobile phone in order to be effective. Praying in the spirit is recharging your spirit and enables you to last the distance of the battle.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. We do not have to remain a slave of sin and of Satan. Communion with the Holy Spirit will bring constant positive change in us. Remember that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit; he was then led by the Spirit and returned in the power of the Spirit (Luke 4:1, 14). Jesus promised that we will see a demonstration of God's power and the ability and wisdom to witness effectively when we receive the Holy Spirit.

As we have already seen, prayer is a weapon. Weak people talk, strong people pray. The Holy Spirit will help us to pray (Rom. 8:26-27). This scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit also helps our infirmities. Infirmities can mean sickness, weakness and hindrance. The Holy Spirit adds power to our prayer, words of faith, proclamations and confessions. He is the source of power to salvation, healing and deliverance. Never attempt to go into warfare or make vital decisions without the assistance of the Holy Spirit.

Refuse to allow Satan and his cohorts to control your life and destiny. Whether earthbound or demonic spirits in the heavenly realm, as blood-bought spirit-filled believers, we have been given authority and power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt us (Luke 10:19). I want to reiterate the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Without Him we can do nothing!

About the author

James Arekion is an anointed and dynamic teacher of the Word of God that he communicates in personal and practical way. He began teaching at the age of 16 and his messages are straight-forward, fundamental, simple and yet effectively encouraging people through life situations and empowering them to succeed in every area of life. He is the head pastor of Christian Family Church International and the Dean of the Bible School in Mauritius.

He has also written many praise and worship songs, produced CDs and DVDs and has penned numerous articles for Christian Magazine and sources.

Ps James has ministered in churches, leadership and business seminars, youth rallies in England, USA, South Africa, France, Madagascar, Rodrigues Island and Swaziland.

He is married to Diane and they have a daughter, Karen.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1    Discovering His will in war

Chapter 2    Different warfare

Chapter 3    Personally experiencing evil spirits and the Holy Spirit

Chapter 4    The Armor of God

Chapter 5    The enemy’s poisonous weapon

Chapter 6    The enemy

Chapter 7    Classification of demon spirits

Chapter 8    The prescription and the remedy

About The Author