Via TJC
“You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a saber, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. - 1 Samuel 17:45
The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. - 1 Corinthians 10:4
The spirit within this angry man, who had just entered our church, had already frightened a few folks. A young, wide-eyed couple asked if I could help! Recognizing the spiritual conflict before me, I knew more than a man was standing there. With a firm voice, I commanded these spirits to shut up and remain still until I said otherwise.
WORDS are our primary spiritual weapon. Consider the list of supernatural weapons: Prayer, Praise, Worship, Truth, and the Scriptures. They all function with words made by our voice. When the Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted, He repeatedly addressed the Tempter’s charge. Using His voice, He answered every challenge… “It is written…”
Often, we think of spiritual weapons as tools for setting people free from unclean spirits to express love or encouragement. But they are also at the Spirit-filled disciple's disposal to shut down the operations of ‘principalities and powers.’
While confronting this man in church, I remembered Paul’s encounter with the Jewish false prophet Elymas, an advisor of the proconsul of Paphos, Sergius Paulus. While conversing with Sergius, Paul noticed Bar-Jesus standing nearby. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul stared at him and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not stop making crooked the straight ways of the Lord? Now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.” And immediately, a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he sought those who would lead him by the hand. Then, the proconsul believed when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of the Lord.
Elymas was not seeking to be set free of unclean spirits. He likely appreciated their assistance in maintaining his position with Sergius. However, Paul’s use of his voice and guidance by the Spirit shut down the enemy's works. I love seeing the Lord set people free, but I equally love seeing His power silence the enemy.
While I did not request blindness for the young man in our church, the people were protected, and the man was set free.
Daily Battle Order:
With a love for others, be discerning in your walk. Be adept at knowing the battlefield before you. Lean into the Holy Spirit, for He was sent to help us in our serving others. As David’s words silenced Goliath, your position before the Father can be put to flight legions.
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