Once Forgiven, Always Forgiven?

Even the most mature person can harbor unconscious sin, "Who can say, I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin?" Prov. 20:9. We know about  Paul where he laments about how he knows the right thing to do, yet he continues to do the wrong thing, time and time again (Romans 7:15 For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do).  Well before this point in history Paul declared that God commands all persons to repentance for the time is coming where He will return and we should be consciously aware of our spiritual condition and continual repentant state of mind and heart (Acts 17:30-31 Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.”). 

The question may arise, “But, haven't I been covered in the blood and therefore ready for the time when Christ returns, and if so, why must I continue to live in a repentant state?”

“Covered in the blood — 1 Corinthians 11:25

Now, the topic of faith; as related to whether or not an ongoing repentant heart is a requirement for continued holiness and salvation, rears its head often. We must have no fear when discussing the topic of sin. We must strive to maintain a Holy mind of Christ, the place where we dwell the most; inside our soul, that place where it can get rather mucked up and dirty. We can have a difficult time handling disorder and uncleanliness, a trait that can become quite a burden as we look around at the life we live and try to control from time to time. If we are to live a life fully alive, we must come to realize and accept the fact that we do not control much of anything, yet as man and women of Faith, and of the flesh, we fail and attempt to control people and things we really have no business interfering with. 

This conflict is a direct result of the Spirit of the Lord, we would do well to remember that where Jesus is tension will come. In other words, our moral compass is directing us inward to see where all the dirt lies, showing us what we must clean up in order to feel peace and be awarded that rest which is spoken of in Scriptures (Exodus 33:14 And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” also Jeremiah 31:25 “For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish”). 

As we read the word replenish while in a conversation about repentance, we can begin to understand this state of being “replenished” when we associate a condition of being in the mindful state of Christ which requires us to empty ourselves of self. We do this by asking God to forgive us of our sins and we specifically address our sins and admit them before our Father at the same time we are desiring to be filled with His presence. In fact, we should be pleading with God that He be gracious enough to allow the presence of the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Our weary minds and souls require rest, and rest is a reward where we can be satisfied when we empty ourselves of the burdens of our sins, the conscious and unconscious sins.  Circling back to the question posed previously, since we are covered in the blood and therefore forgiven, why must we be continually repentant? Hasn't Jesus forgiven our sins once and for all?

This leads us back to the topic of faith and repentance, when we lift up my eyes and declare that Christ is alive, we automatically assume a responsibility to learn how to control our soul. You see, when we accept the fact that Christ is alive and ask the Holy Spirit to take up residence inside of us, we become, shall we say, stewards - slaves, to the Lord who so graciously allows us to dwell in His presence both physically and soulfully. In turn we must be able to see with clear sight as revealed to us in the Holy Scriptures, that the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside of us and “dwells” within us (see 1 Cor. 3:16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?, 2 Cor. 6:16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said, Ezekiel 36:27 I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them, Tim 1:14 That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us). 

“The Indwelling — 2 Timothy 1:14

 Our new tenant requires our love and attention.  We were gifted this tenant when we responded to the message and call of Christ, meaning we first believe that Christ is alive and we are truly sorry for the bad things we have done in our lives. We have been transformed and no longer can fathom the depravity of our previous lifestyle and earnestly want to turn away from it. But, after some time the newness and excitement begin to wear off and we begin to settle in and get comfortable. We have this calm and restful state of mind knowing that we will no longer suffer in the eternal state of damnation with all of its worms and pain. We know that we will be going to heaven. We have been forgiven and all is well. 

Yet another question will arise, and I know that it will because of my own personal experience and that of others, that question is, “Once forgiven always forgiven?” 

When we invite someone into our home, we treat them with love, respect and are highly aware of their needs, but over time we can become comfortable and begin to treat them with complacency and we may even begin to forget about their needs and focus on our own. This complacent state of mind is not the same thing as the rest we have spoken of. Complacency, unfortunately; as time passes, will come with unrest. We may even start to be desirous of things that are not very healthy for us to fill up that void which has snuck into our lives. Once our flesh becomes bored desire begins to tickle at our senses, our once fun, new tenant may have become a burden and we might be annoyed with their very presence due to their constant interruptions.

The Holy Spirit (your new tenant) will interrupt you, demand certain things of you and He will poke at and bother you, pushing you to do the right thing. That nagging little voice which demands your attention and bothers you so much will never go away. Try as you might to get away; or if you dare, for grieving the Holy Spirit is a mortal sin, He will always be there.

“I can never escape from your Spirit! — Psalm 139:7

The longer you ignore the needs of the Holy Spirit the more chaotic your life will become, you will become easily frustrated, angered, annoyed and even resentful towards others. All of these emotions are rather corrupt and not very healthy, they will always end badly and leave you in a sinful state. 

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit for whom you are sealed — Ephesians 4:30

A sinful state, yet you were forgiven when you asked God for his mercy. You were forgiven when you pleaded with Him to allow the Holy Spirit to live with you. You were forgiven when you cried and were remorseful and needed him right then and there. And you may have been told by someone you admired that “Once forgiven, always forgiven.” Ask yourself then, why do you have sinful thoughts, desires and actions? What are you supposed to do with that nagging voice inside your head? Perhaps, you should ask for forgiveness and clean up your house once again so that everything is in order and you can feel “restful” again. Perhaps repentance is not a one-time event. In fact, to have rest you must repent everyday if possible, to rid yourself of the sin of the day.

“I will give you rest — Matthew 11:28

I pray that this teaching has touched your heart and will spurn you into action. My desire is that everyone to be free of pain, sickness, and disease from sin. Yet, while we live on this planet; one that is so very hard to handle and understand, this is not very possible. However, we can be awarded that rest when we all become consciously aware of our continual sinful state and become truly sorry for our bad thoughts, ideas, actions and desires. All we have to do is open our eyes and plead for the Holy Spirit to show us how to repent of our sin, purify us and set us free, again and again, as Paul so painfully revealed to us.

Prayer: Father, in Jesus name, I come before Your thrown of grace and mercy to confess my sins to you. Lord, I am truly sorry and I ask you to forgive me for these sins. I choose to repent of my sins and I ask You to help me because I cannot do this by my own power.  I ask You to give me a new heart and a new spirit so that I can be free from sins.

Repentance Versus Grace

Believers in Jesus Christ are called to seek forgiveness for their sins — something that was made freely available by Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. Jesus being the sacrificial lamb, took on all the sins of man.  In other words, if we sin, we can lay our sins upon the cross.  We do this by repentance.  Christian repentance is defined as changing our sinful ways. 
Repentance is an essential act that is covered throughout the New Testament scriptures, with believers embracing Jesus’ sacrifice and making a concerted effort to change their SINFUL ways. Forgiveness and repentance are fixtures in the New Testament.

John the Baptist preached repentance Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” and Mark 1:4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.  Jesus thought repentance was very important, Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

The New Testament has many scriptures instructing us to repent:

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they became silent; and they glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.”

Acts 17: Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,

Acts 20:21 testifying to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Acts 26:20 but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.

Romans 2:4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.

2 Corinthians 12:21 lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn for many who have sinned before and have not repented of the uncleanness, fornication, and lewdness which they have practiced.

Hebrews 6:6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.

Hebrews 12:17 For you know that afterward, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place for repentance, though he sought it diligently with tears.

2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.

Revelation 2:21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.

Revelation 3:3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore, if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.

Yet, the church, the Body of Jesus Christ ignores this important aspect of our Christine walk even though it is the first step in the doctrines of Jesus Christ,  Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine (teachings) of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the

doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment, Hebrews 6:1-2. When was the last time your pastor preached on repentance? 

The church has taught a false doctrine of all sins are forgiven because Jesus died for all our sins and we don’t have to continue to ask God for His forgiveness of our sins. It’s call the Grace theology.  This is why you don’t hear a repentance message by pastors or Christian leadership.   This doctrine renders the need for repentance as un-necessary.  If you render one scripture un-necessary, you render the entire Bible un-necessary.  This doctrine tells the Body that because of this Grace we can continue to sin, when in fact Romans tells a different story: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it? Romans 6:1-2.  Paul’s teaching in (Romans 5:20-21 For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many will be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more), that increased sin brings increased grace was liable to distortion.  Some might claim that if by sinning they were providing God an opportunity to display the greatness of His grace then they should sin more and more.  The idea of Christian continuing to sin is entirely contrary to the gospel. Sin is hateful and destructive, and those who have died to the love of sin and the ruling power of sin should never want to live in it any longer. False doctrine, which is sin compromises our relationship with the Godhead. Sin as a whole compromises our relationship with the Godhead.  This is why we need to repent.

At its core, repentance is a routine and consistent act that includes not only an admission of wrongdoing, but also a pledge to do better. According to Merriam-Webster, the repentance definition is “to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life.” Since every human sins every day, Christ’s death offers forgiveness to all those who are willing to engage in repentance. The Bible makes this clear again and again.

Sin

First step is to understand how sin works in our lives. We have to acknowledge that sin is a huge issue in our lives. We are oblivious to how much we sin every day. In the world today, right has become wrong and wrong has become right.  Most of us are operating in the gray area between right and wrong and if we don’t repent, we will become slaves to sin, Romans 6:20-22 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

Second step is we must identify the sin.  Sin will bring us into bondage and will compromise our relationship with our Father.  Sin brings us into a gray area of not knowing right from wrong.  Sin will affect our faith.  This is outlined in Hebrews and it shows us the progression of Jesus’s doctrines from repentance to faith.  We need to repent so that we can have faith in God’s truth leading to laying on of hands for healing of our sickness and disease.  Sin will not allow us move onto and experience faith without getting rid of sin through repentance.

Commons Sins in Our Lives That We May Not Comprehend

God tells us not to worry three times in Mathew 6 (verses 25, 31, 34).  We worry about our children, jobs, finances, what people think of us, our health, fear of failure, fear of not dieting and exercising, fear of rejection, traumas, fear of man, fear, fear, and more fear.  So, if we have worry 25 times a day and this is a conservative number, without repentance, then we have a problem.  Multiply 25 times 365 days and we have 9125 un-repented sins.  This is just worry (fear, anxiety, terror, stress). 

What about depression, idols, anger, rejection, feeling unloved, abandonment, grudges, taking offense, bitterness, envy, self-accusation, self-hatred, self-bitterness, self-pity, guilt, unloving of self, shame, self-condemnation, self-pity, jealousy, slander, gossiping, murmuring/complaining, un-forgiveness, porn, TV porn, adultery, abortions (over 60 million, the sin of our nation and we have their blood on our hands), divorce, addictions (food, shopping, drugs, alcohol TV, etc.), pride, driven to succeed, and fear of man to name a few?

Which of these sins apply to you? Sin becomes so common in us that it becomes our sinful nature.  It does not allow us to distinguish right from wrong.  Sin hinders our relations ship with God, His Son, and the Helper/Holy Spirit.

Jesus Commands Repentance

Jesus himself made it clear that repentance is key to changing our sinful ways and urging people to turn to God and ask for forgiveness for their sins.  Jesus was preparing us prior to His death.  The condition of taking on all of mankind’s death on the cross is that we must repent (confess our sinful ways and ask forgiveness for our sins) so that we can receive forgiveness allowing Jesus to take on this sin.

From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand- Matthew 4:17.

Like Jesus, John the Baptist also warned that the end was drawing nearer and that it was essential to repent:        

In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.’ - Matthew 3:1-3.

Repent!  Don’t Hide Your Sins

The Bible also speaks of the importance of not hiding one’s sins, noting that an admission of wrongdoing can help people find “mercy.”

He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy Proverbs 28:13. I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. - Luke 15:7

Repentance Leads to Wiping Away of Sins

By admitting one’s sins and repenting, it is possible to be spiritually refreshed and rejuvenated.

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, - Acts 3:19

In humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, - 2 Timothy 2:25.  Note: We can’t know the truth (right from wrong) if we don’t repent because sin keeps us in darkness. Sin causes us to compromise God and His Word.

“But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. 22 None of the transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; because of the righteousness which he has done, he shall live. 23 Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord God, “and not that he should turn from his ways and live? - Ezekiel 18:21-23 (NIV)

 A Failure to Repent Can Be Damaging

According to the Bible, there are consequences to refusing to repent one’s sins.

But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent (no shame or regret) heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, - Romans 2:5

I tell you, no; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish - Luke 13:3 Perish from what? Sickness and disease.

God is Faithful and Just

Repentance and, in turn, forgiveness, shows God’s love for us through his willingness to purify us from our poor choices and sins.

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.

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 Chronicles 7:14.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. - John 3:16.

How Do I Truly Repent?

Repentance is an emotional, heartfelt, humbling, and contrite attitude towards God.  Repentance is prayer and unfortunately, we as believers pray very little for repentance or anything else for that matter.  Muslims pray five set times per day to their god.  How many times do we pray to God Almighty? Isn’t our God greater than any earthly gods?

Repentance is a declaration to the heavens.  Not only to God, but we are sending a message to the spiritual realm, For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places Ephesians 6:12. This is where the real battle is being fought.  

When we pray to God for anything, we are making a petition or declaration.  Prayer is spiritual warfare and constant repentance during the day, every day, is key to coming out from under our sinful ways.  We certainly can’t sin numerous times throughout the day and do nothing.

Repentance = ZERO.  Deliverance from sin = ZERO.  Deliverance from sickness and disease = ZERO. Forgiveness of sin = ZERO.

What kingdom is winning this battle? Are you getting the point? If you sin all day long, you must repent all day long.

What I have learned about God and His Word is that His Word is very basic.  It simply requires us to obey and submit to His righteousness. God and His Word is not complicated. Mankind has made God’s Word complicated.  So, I am going to show you an uncomplicated way to pray for repentance that works, but it requires consistency. 

Based on the scriptures, it’s clear that God made a way for salvation and forgiveness. That way is paved with acts of repentance with the Bible repeatedly telling us that we should embrace Jesus’ sacrifice and speak to God about our wrongs. This is as simple as speaking to our Lord God directly and repenting of our sins and asking for God’s help because we can’t do it by our own strength. This shouldn’t be done out of mere fear, but with heartfelt sorrow. God calls us to Him, and repentance is simply the repeated act of answering that call. A repentance declaration.

 The three keys are:

1. Obedience – But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. Romans 6:17
2. Submission to His Righteousness – But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you Romans 6:33
3. Declarations – Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing James 3:10. Declarations are extremely important.  When you repent out loud, it is a declaration to the spirit world.  You are sending the message that you want to change your sinful ways.  Daily declaration, and it requires to be specific, will reverse your sinful ways.  It’s God’s promise.

Prayer of Repentance – “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit Ezekiel 18:30-31.

Prayer: Father, in Jesus name, I come before Your thrown of grace and mercy to confess my sins to you. Lord, I am truly sorry and I ask you to forgive me for these sins. I choose to repent of my sins and I ask You to help me because I cannot do this by my own power.  I ask You to give me a new heart and a new spirit so that I can be free from sins.

I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me Galatians 2:20. Amen and Amen.

This is your daily prayer that we have NO choice, but to use throughout the day to overcome sin.  We cannot afford to ignore repentance because time is getting short.

Final questions: If we don’t have to ask God for forgiveness of sin because Jesus died on the cross for our sins, why do we still have sickness and disease?  Sickness and disease come from disobedience (sin) Deuteronomy 28:15-68. Should we ignore Jesus’s call to repentance? Why read the bible if all our everyday sin is forgiven in advance?  Why go to church?  Why do we need to pray? Why are we born sinners if the generations have been forgiven in advance?  Why turn from our wicked (2 Chronicles 7:14) ways if we are already forgiven prior to our sin?

Mental Illness

 Where Does It Come From?

Mental Illness definition – Mental illnesses are a health conditions involving changes in emotion, thinking, or behavior or a combination of these.  Mental illnesses are associated with distress and/or problems functioning in social, work or family activities.

Researchers and the medical field are still trying to understand what causes mental illness. They say there is no one cause — it can happen due to a mix of factors including genetics, how your brain works, how you grew up, your environment, your social group, your culture and life experience. Genetic factors: having a close family member with a mental illness can increase the risk. However, just because one family member has a mental illness doesn’t mean that others will.

Drug and alcohol abuse: illicit drug use can trigger a manic episode (bipolar disorder) or an episode of psychosis (a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia characterized by defective or lost contact with reality often with hallucinations or delusions). Drugs such as cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamines can cause paranoia.

Other biological factors: some medical conditions or hormonal changes. Early life environment: negative childhood experiences such as abuse (especially bullying) or neglect can increase the risk of some mental illnesses.

Trauma and stress: in adulthood, traumatic life events or ongoing stress such as social isolation, domestic violence, relationship breakdown, financial or work problems can increase the risk of mental illness. Traumatic experiences such as living in a war zone can increase the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Personality factors: some traits such as perfectionism, driven to succeed, or low self-esteem can increase the risk of depression or anxiety. There are bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, Dementia, Alzheimer Disease, Parkinson to name a few.  All triggered by they way they were treated.

Unfortunately, all of the above and below are symptoms and if we are to find what causes mental illness, we must get to the root of what caused the symptoms to treat mental illness.

Fortunately, we have a resource that gives us the answers if we invest time and do the research.  The Word of God gives many clues in the Bible.  We just need to uncover the verses that explains how mental illness originates.

The verses below involve spirits at work trying to destroy us.  They are relentless and they beat us to a pulp over the course of our lifetime.  The key to understanding mental illness is to understand how these spirits bring confusion to our mind (soul).  Confusion DOES NOT allow us to have a sound mind.  Mental illness is an unsound mind.

As you look at these, take under consideration that they have one of more of the following riders: Anger, fear, unloved, self-pity, and un-forgiveness.  I call the self-pity the woe as me” sprit, “nobody cares about me, if they loved me, they would not have hurt me.”

Other elements must be considered when seeking answers to mental illness. They exacerbate mental illness.

·         Prescribed pharmaceuticals used to treat mental illness

·         Recreational and addictive drugs

·         Mind altering drugs such as LSD, Psilocybin (mushrooms), PCB, Mescaline, Methamphetamine, Coke, etc.

·         Traumas 

·         Generational curses (mental Illness).

Spirit of Ill Will - Judges 9:23 God sent a spirit of ill will between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech,

Ill will definition – animosity or bitterness. Synonyms: malice, spite, grudge, malevolence, mean, spleen, the desire to see another experience pain, injury, or distress. Malice implies a deep-seated often unexplainable desire to see another suffer. Malevolence suggests a bitter persistent hatred that is likely to be expressed in malicious conduct. Ill will implies a feeling of antipathy of limited duration. spite implies petty feelings of envy and resentment that are often expressed in small harassments. Malignity implies deep passion and relentlessness. Spleen suggests the wrathful release of latent spite or persistent malice. Grudge implies a harbored feeling of resentment or ill will that seeks satisfaction.

1.       Animosity – strong feeling of dislike or hatred; Synonyms: antagonism, antipathy, bad blood, enmity, gall, grudge, hostility, jaundice, rancor

2.       Bitterness – strong feeling of dislike or hatred; Synonyms: agonized, anguished, bemoaning, deploring, heartbroken.

Note: People with ill will are very angry and seek to make life miserable for others.  It is very hard for them to break ill will behavior. 

Vexing Spirit – Judges 16:16 And it came to pass, when she pestered him daily with her words and pressed him, so that his soul was vexed to death.

Vexing definition: 1). to bring trouble, distress, or agitation to. 2). to bring physical or emotional distress. 3). to irritate or annoy by petty provocations: harass.  Synonyms:   agitate, aggravate, annoy, bother, exasperate, gripe, hack off, infuriate, irk, irritate, persecute, put out, rile, ruffle, spite.

Note: I call these type of people trouble makers and terrorists. They bring constant strife and they think they are justified in their actions.  Their mere presence brings fear.  Similar to the Ill Will spirit.

Tormenting Spirit – Judges 16:19 Then she lulled him to sleep on her knees, and called for a man and had him shave off the seven locks of his head. Then she began to torment him, and his strength left him.

Tormenting definition: 1). extreme pain or anguish of body or mind: agony. 2). a source of vexation or pain. 3). the infliction of torture. 4). to cause severe usually persistent or recurrent distress of body or mind.  Synonyms: afflict, agonize, anguish, bedevil, beset, besiege, curse, excruciate, harrow, persecute, torture.

Note: Most of our torment comes from humans and includes tormenting ourselves. They will continue to torment until we set up a standard against them, Isaiah 59:19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.  Similar to the Ill Will Spirit and Vexing Spirit

Bitterness of Soul Spirit – 1 Samuel 1:10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in.

Bitterness definition: Strong feeling of dislike or hatred; Synonyms: agonized, anguished, bemoaning, deploring, heartbroken.

Note: Bitterness leads to Unforgiveness to Resentment to Retaliation to Anger/Wrath to Hatred to Violence, and finally to Murder or murder of the tongue.  Many times, we have bitterness and hatred of self, which van be very destructive. 

Sorrowful Spirit – 1 Sam 1:15 But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.

Sorrow definition: 1). deep distress, sadness, or regret especially for the loss of someone or something loved. 2). A resultant unhappy or unpleasant state. 2). a cause of grief or sadness. 3). a display of grief or sadness.  Synonyms:     agonize, anguish, bleed, grieve, hurt, mourn, suffer.

Note:  Extreme and prolonged sorrow is very damaging to a person’s soul.  It results in hopelessness and despair, which is depression.  Extreme depression over years leads to oppression.  Also known as a stupor, Romans 11:8 “God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, To this very day.”

Distressing Spirit - 1 Samuel 16:14 (18:9) But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the Lord troubled him. (Saul exhibited signs of mental illness.  He was unstable in all his ways. Psalm 82:5 They do not know, nor do they understand; They walk about in darkness; All the foundations of the earth are unstable. James 1:8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways).

Distressing definition: pain or suffering affection the body and mind;  Synonyms: aggravate, anger, annoy, bug, chafe, exasperate, fret, gall, harass, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, pester, put off, put out, rile, vex, bedevil, haunt, plague, confound, confuse, discomfit, disconcert, discountenance, embarrass, faze, fluster, jar, mortify, rattle, shake up, daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, unnerve.

Note: People, churches, employers, organizations, governments, and media can bring pain and suffering affecting the body and mind (soul).

Perverse Spirit – Isaiah 19:14 The Lord has mingled (mix) a perverse spirit in her midst; And they have caused Egypt to err in all her work, As a drunken man staggers in his vomit.

Perverse definition:  1). turned away from what is right or good, 2). improper, incorrect.  Synonyms: bullheaded, hard-nosed, hardened, headstrong, immovable, inconvincible, inflexible, obstinate, pigheaded, stiff-necked, stubborn, unbending, uncompromising, stubborn, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, unyielding.

Note: Simply look at the world we live and you will see perversity everywhere. Especially in movies, music, and people.

Spirit of Heaviness – Isaiah To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; Psalm 119:28 That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”  My soul melts from heaviness; Strengthen me according to Your word.

Note: Heaviness definition: difficult to bear, characterized by severe pain or suffering. Something oppressive, burdened with a heavy spirit.  Slow or dull from loss of vitality or resiliency, sluggish.  Lacking sparkle or vivacity. Lacking mirth or gaiety. Dulled (dullness of spirit) with weariness, drowsy. Oppressive, overwhelming. Laborious, difficult. Having stress.  Sadness; sorrow; dejection of mind; depression of spirits. Proverbs 12:25 Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop (causes depression).  That which requires great strength to move or overcome; that which creates labor and difficulty; as in heaviness. Heaviness starts with depression and can elevate to an oppressive state.

Spirit of Deep Sleep – Isaiah 29:10 For the Lord has poured out on you the spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes, namely, the prophets; And He has covered your heads, namely, the seers.  The prophets could no longer discern.

Deep sleep definition:  Very similar to the spirit of stupor.  A condition of greatly dulled or completely suspended spiritual sense or sensibility Romans 11:8 “Eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear.”

Note: Slumber (lethargy and torpor) is very similar to the Deep Sleep Spirit.  Often times in ministry we come across a person who cannot keep their eyes open when reading the bible.  It is a Spirit of Slumber and we cast out this spirit enabling them to stay awake.

Spirit of Darkness – Psalm 69:23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see; And make their loins shake continually.

Darkness definition: 1). devoid or partially devoid of light: not receiving, reflecting, transmitting, or radiating light. 2). arising from or showing evil traits or desires: evil. 3). dismal, gloomy. 4). lacking knowledge or culture: unenlightened.  5). relating to grim or depressing circumstances. 6). secrecy. 7). ignorance.  Synonyms: black, darkened, dim, dimmed, gloomy, lightless, murky, obscure, obscured, pitch-black, pitch-dark, somber, unlit.

Note: Similar to the spirits of deep sleep, darkness, and stupor.

Spirit of Depression – Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.

Depression definition: 1). a state of feeling sad: dejection anger, anxiety, and depression. 2) a mood disorder marked especially by sadness, inactivity, difficulty in thinking and concentration, a significant increase or decrease in appetite and time spent sleeping, feelings of dejection and hopelessness, and sometimes suicidal tendencies bouts of depression suffering from clinical depression. 3). a reduction in activity, amount, quality, or force a depression in trade. 4). a lowering of physical or mental vitality or of functional activity.  Synonyms: blues, dejection, desolation, despondence, dispirited, doldrums, downheartedness, dreariness, gloominess, heartsickness, inconsolable, joylessness, melancholy, mopes, mournfulness, oppression, sadness, sorrowful, unhappiness.

Note:  Everyone has experience depression (hopelessness and despair) at one level or another.  Depression is mental illness.  Yet most will deny having mental illness.

Spirit of Stupor – Romans 11:8 “God has given them a spirit of stupor, Eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, To this very day.”

Stupor definition – A condition of greatly dulled or completely suspended sense or sensibility. A state of extreme apathy or torpor resulting often from stress, trauma, shock. Synonyms: Languor (weakness or weariness of body or mind), lassitude (fatigue), lethargy (abnormal drowsiness), listlessness, torpor (a). state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility b). a state of lowered physiological activity typically characterized by reduced metabolism, heart rate, respiration, and body temperature that occurs in varying degrees), slothful, snoozing, can’t keep eyes open.

Note: Long term exposure to depression results in oppression (a sense of being weighed down in body or mind, a heaviness).  This stupor can include the spiritual in not being able to hear from the Lord or discern (see). Long term oppression in some cases leads to a vegetable state of existence.

Spirit of Confusion - 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Confusion definition – a). being perplexed or disconcerted, b). disoriented with regard to one’s sense of time, place, or identity, c). being disordered or mixed up.  Synonyms: chaotic, cluttered, disarranged, disarrayed, disheveled, disorderly, disorganized, jumbled, messy, muddled, sloppy, topsy-turvy, unkempt, untidy, upside-down, chaos, disorganized, jumbled, shambles, turmoil.

Note:  As I mentioned earlier, a lifetime of being bombarded by these spirits causes confusion.  We are not in touch will reality and we become so confused we are not able to determine right from wrong, good or bad.  Many times, one can look in their eyes and see confusion.  Witchcraft is all about control by Satan and it brings high level confusion.  Deliverance ministers will tell you that people involved in witchcraft are the most difficult to deliver out of `bondage.

Spirit of Delusion - II Thessalonians 2:11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie.

Delusion definition: a). something that is falsely or delusively believed or propagated, b). psychology: a persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or objects outside the self that is maintained despite indisputable evidence to the contrary.  Synonyms:  conceit, daydream, fantasy, figment (made up), hallucination, illusion, nonentity, pipe dream, unreality, false visions, fantasy.

Note: The spirit of delusion is closely associated with anger.  You have heard the term delusional used after someone explodes with anger.  Anger cannot perceive reality. After an explosion, the person cannot remember what was said or what they did.  Anger will not allow someone to use sound judgement (unsound mind).

Spirit of Fear - 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Fear definition: 1). an unpleasant often strong emotion caused by anticipation or awareness of danger. 2). Anxious. 3). reason for alarm. 4). Afraid.  Synonyms:  afraid, agonize, agitation, anxiety, anxiousness, apprehension, nervousness, apprehension, concern, dismayed, fret, nervousness, stress, terror, uneasiness, worry.

Note: Fear causes depression, Proverbs 12:25 Anxiety (fear) in the heart of man causes depression.  Fear can freeze your mind and will not allow your mind to function properly.  Fear cause great damage to your physical and emotion health.  Fear is a perfect example of the mind body connection. The Bible says in 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.  One of Satan’s primary weapons he uses against the Body of Christ is FEAR!  Fear can nest in different part of the body causing headaches, high blood pressure, chest pain, back pain, IBS, cramps, constricted blood vessels, causes muscles, tendons, and ligaments to contract, paranoia, and seizures.

Unsound Mind Spirit – 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Unsound definition: not healthy or whole an unsound horse, : not mentally normal : not wholly sane, of unsound mind Synonyms: batty, bedlam, bonkers, brainsick,  crackbrained, cracked, crackpot, crazed, crazy, cuckoo, daffy, demented, deranged, fruity [slang], gaga, haywire, insane, kooky, loco, looney, lunatic, mad, maniac, mental, moonstruck, nuts, nutty, psycho, psychotic, screwy, unbalanced, unhinged, wacko, wacky.

Note: An unsound mind is a result of all that are listed in this teaching. Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  This verse is how we guard our minds from being unsound.

Spirit of Self-pity – Job 10:15 if I am wicked, woe to me; Even if I am righteous, I cannot lift up my head. I am full of disgrace; See my misery! 1 Kings 19:4 And he prayed that he might die, and said, “It is enough! Now, Lord, take my life, for I am no better than my fathers!”

Self-pity Definition: excessive, self-absorbed unhappiness over one's own troubles.  Synonyms or near Synonyms: melancholy, blues, dejection, depression, desolation, despondency, dispirited, doldrums, dolefulness, downheartedness, dreariness, gloominess, heartsickness, joylessness, melancholy, miserableness, mopes, mournfulness, oppression, sadness, sorrowfulness, unhappiness, anguish, grief, mourning, somberness, sorrow, woefulness, agony, distress, pain, misery, woe, wretchedness, discouragement, disheartenment, moodiness, despair, desperation, hopelessness, self-despair, boredom, regret.

Note:  I call this the woe as me, nobody cares about me spirit. It is one of the least understood spirits that affects everyone.  Believers and unbelievers alike. One of the most powerful prophets in the Bible when threatened by Jezebel (1 Kings 19) went into a state of depression and wanted to die.  Self-pity set in and causing him to feel unworthy.  Self –Pity can have devastating effects in a person’s life.  Causes one to feel rejected, unloved.  Hopelessness and despair sets in.   Depression, oppression, and self-pity work together to try and destroy one’s soul. Psalm 69:20 Reproach has broken my heart, And I am full of heaviness; I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none; And for comforters, but I found none.

Generational Mental Illness – Exodus 34:7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity (wickedness) of the fathers upon the children and the children’s children to the third and the fourth generation.”

Definition of a Generational Curse: According to Webster’s dictionary, a ‘generation’ is a ‘single step in the line of descent from an ancestor; the time between the birth of parents and the birth of their children.  A generational curse describes the cumulative effect on a person of things that their ancestors did, believed or practiced in the past, and a consequence of an ancestor’s actions, beliefs and sins being passed down.

Note: Psalm 51:5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.  Unfortunately, we are born with the sins of our ancestors including mental illness in many cases.  When I see children or young adults with mental illness, cancer or other sicknesses and disease, I believe they have inherited these sicknesses and diseases.  Fact is, wicked stuff comes down the generational line and it must be addressed.  Only God gives us the tools to bring deliverance from generational curses.

HURTS – Also known as offenses. Matthew 18:7 Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!  Romans 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you. 

Offenses definition: Something that outrages the moral or physical senses. The act of displeasing or affronting. The state of being insulted or morally outraged. The act of attacking. A cause or occasion of sin: stumbling block. Synonyms:  resentment, mean, transgression, trespass, violation, wrongdoing.

Note: I think offenses/hurts are the number one cause of mental illness. It is important to consider how offenses can be the roots of mental illness.  Some offenses to consider: Rejection, abandonment, lack of love or compassion from others, bitterness, anger, mental and emotional abuse, spoken curses, false accusations, criticism, divorce, infidelity, lack of recognition, hurt by employer, church, or government, betrayal, cruelty, and discrimination to name a few. And fear that it will happen again by the same or different people, which leads to paranoia. Each and every offense is a trauma in its self and each trauma has a stressor tied to it.  Mental illness is the result of your hurts and bad thoughts from the offenses.

I saved the Spirit of Anger for last because it is so prevalent and very destructive to our mental health.   

Spirit of Anger – Psalm 37:8 Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

Anger definition: strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism. Synonyms: angriness, enrage, furor, fury, indignation, incense, inflame, infuriate, irate, ire, lividness, mad, outrage, rage, wrath.

Note: Anger will not allow you brain to function or remember what you said. Past rejection will trigger anger. Anger will not allow one to have a logical mind. Anger will produce accusations and criticisms. They murmur and complain.  They can be stingy because they don’t think you deserve anything from you.  They can have deep regret when anger and wrath subside.  Anger has bitterness and unforgiveness tied to it.  Their anger drives people away resulting in isolation and producing self-pity.  They can’t see how much their anger affects others. They have a tendency to be mad for extended periods of time.  They hold grudges. They slander and gossip.  They have temper tantrums. They don’t find others humor funny when clearly it is humorous, especially with spouses because they have bitterness and unforgiveness towards them. “No” is a big word in their vocabulary. They tend to take an opposite side to anything you say whether it is right or wrong.  They spew profanity. Prone to name calling.  They speak curses against people and people speak curses against them.  Their countenance shows their anger.  They stomp when they are angry.  They perceive correction as rejection resulting in anger.  Angry people many times victimize loved ones because someone else has made them angry.  People will suppress their anger, which results in the anger eating up their insides both physically and emotionally.   Angry people can be very loving, but a trigger (mood swing) can cause them to be very angry. They always bring up past records of hurts. They don’t admit anger, but are quick to blame others for their anger. They hurt the people nearest and dearest to them. Anger can be passed down through the generations as well. Anger causes great confusion. Won’t allow anyone to get in a word edgewise. Won’t admit being wrong. They are hateful.  They think they are entitled to vent their anger.  They murmur and complain. They terrorize others.  They bring fear to others.  They are abusive mentally and physically to others and even themselves.

Conclusion: As I said previously, mankind, especially the medical field, does not know where mental illness comes from.  If you are experiencing the topics and/or symptoms above, you must strongly consider they are tied to mental illness.

I have a vested interest in knowing what the root cause of mental illness and what contributes to mental illness.  I have a close family member who struggles with mental illness every minute of the day.  They are not crazy as mankind is prone to label or judge them.  This person was rejected, abandoned, and virtually unloved by their parents from the womb. They were rejected by one set of grandparents. They feel rejected, abandoned, unworthy, and feel unloved.  They have bitterness, self-bitterness, self-hatred, and are very angry.  They have guilt, shame, and self-condemnation.   They just want to be loved.

The topics discussed bring trauma to the soul (mind/emotions) and body resulting in sicknesses to the soul and the body. These sprits are organized and they work together “to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly,” John 10:10.  Unfortunately, we let these spirits have their way because we know very little about spiritual warfare.  We are losing the battle because we do not pray and do not know how to pray effectively.

Just take a minute to think about how all these spirits working in us for years and even decades can wear a person down emotionally and physically. We have been in constant bombardment since the day we were born. The end result is confusion and an unsound mind, also known as mental illness.

I believe the Lord in His mercy shows us in His Word what causes mental illness. The bible has different verses describing mental illness such as being unstable in all their ways (James 1:8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways), having a debased mind (Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting), and a reprobate mind (Romans 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate (debased) mind).  These verses describe the results the topics discussed in this teaching.

Of course, there are different levels of mental illness and not everyone has extreme mental illness, but we all have a level of mental illness. If you have ever been feeling down, you have experienced depression, which is mental illness. Unfortunately, we look to doctors who suggest treatment centers, psychologists, psychiatrists, and prescribe drugs that don’t bring healing.

So, how do we overcome mental illness? First, we need to determine who is the originator of mental illness.  The Bible tells us in John 10:10 “The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” The thief is Satan and his army.  Second, imitating Jesus whose ministry included deliverance and healing.  Much of His ministry was devoted to setting the captives free. Third, relying on the Holy Spirit (Helper) to show us how to set the captives free.

Mark 16:17-18  And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”  When we command these unclean spirits to go in Jesus name, they must go!  There is great power and authority in Jesus name.

Jesus tells us in the Great Commission to cast out these tormenting spirits. In addition, His Word tells us to confess our sins (1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness). What sins are we talking about?  The sin of allowing these spirits to torment us. He tells us to change our sinful ways (Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”).

Deliverance is not just a one-time event. We can cast out these unclean spirits, but we let them back.  In other words, we go back to our old ways.  So, we must go through regular deliverance from these evils spirts until their grip gets less and less.  We can’t do it on our own.  Doctors can’t do it.  Drugs definitely will not work.  Our only recourse is to submit to God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit to guide those who have mental illness and the teams conducting the deliverance. God promises healing, but it has to be in faith and in the name of Jesus.  It sometimes takes decades for mental illness to overwhelm people, but it won’t take decades for you to be healed in the name of Jesus.  We win the battle through spiritual warfare.  All spiritual warfare is prayer.

A second type of deliverance can be performed by the individual and it may surprise you. It is found in James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Believers in Jesus Christ are called to seek forgiveness for their sins — something that was made freely available by Jesus Christ’s death on the cross. Repentance is an essential act that is covered throughout the New Testament scriptures, with believers embracing Jesus’ sacrifice and making a concerted effort to change their ways. Forgiveness and repentance are fixtures in the New Testament. Yet, the church, the Body of Jesus Christ, ignores this important aspect of our Christine walk even though it is the first step in the doctrines of Jesus Christ,  Hebrews 6:1-2 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine (teachings) of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. When was the last time your pastor preached on true repentance?

At its core, repentance is a routine and consistent act that includes not only an admission of wrongdoing, but also a pledge to do better. According to Merriam-Webster, the repentance definition is “to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life.” Since every human sin every day, Christ’s death offers forgiveness to all those who are willing to engage in repentance. The Bible makes this clear again and again.

Sin

First step is to understand how sin works in our lives. We have to acknowledge that sin is a huge issue in our lives. We are oblivious to how much we sin every day. In the world today, right has become wrong and wrong has become right.  Most of us are operating in the gray area between right and wrong and if we don’t repent, we will become slaves to sin, Romans 6:20-22 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life.

Second step is we must identify the sin and where it originates from.  Sin most often comes from three places, the individual’s sin, sin from others and past generations sin. Sin will bring us into bondage and will compromise our relationship with our Father.  Sin brings into a gray area of not knowing right from wrong.  Sin will affect our faith and our health including mental illness. This is outlined in Hebrews 61:1-2 and it shows us the progression of Jesus’s doctrines from repentance to faith.  We need to repent so that we can have faith in God’s truth leading to laying on of hands for healing.  Sin will not allow us complete faith without getting rid of sin through repentance.

When we confess sin to God, sin is extinguished because Jesus died on the cross for our sin.  It releases us from the curses relating to our health in Deuteronomy 28:15-68.  Repent to get rid of sin the sins of others and we are healed.  It must be done consistently. 

Below is a simple prayer of repentance that will lead to healing according to God’s Word.  You can use it for yourself or you can lead someone else in this prayer. It is advisable to confess the sins of the past generations as well.  “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions which you have committed, and get yourselves a new heart and a new spirit,” Ezekiel 18:30-31.

Prayer: Father, in Jesus name, I come before Your thrown of grace and mercy to confess my sins to you _____. Lord, I am truly sorry for these sins and I ask you to forgive me. I choose to repent of my sins and I ask You to help me because I cannot do this by my own power.  I ask You to give me a new heart and a new spirit so that I can be free from sin.

Why do we all have some level of mental illness?  Isn’t it the result of how people have treated us allowing their actions to affect us causing mental illness? We have been taken captive with mental illness.  Very basic, but over the top profound.

Isaiah 61:1-3 “The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the  poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (depression); That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”                                                                                                                    Tony Sanchez 5/20/2020

Fighting Covid 19

Spiritual Warfare

We are in a huge battle with this pandemic.  It brings fear, hopelessness, despair, depression, oppression, and anger to name a few.  How are we going to combat this? Prayer!  All spiritual warfare is tied to prayer.  We can’t defeat the dark kingdom without prayer in the name of Jesus.  This pandemic can be overcome faster if every believer would just pray throughout the day. God’s promise in His Word says: Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you, Luke 10:19.  If you have trouble knowing how to pray, just ask the Holy Spirit, Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. 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 Romans 8:26 or speak Scripture out loud in the name of Jesus.

The subject of spiritual warfare that we are about to discuss is the most neglected and unknown subject in the Christian world. The church does not educate the flock to the degree that is necessary to overcome the enemy. This subject is virtually ignored. At least one quarter of the ministry of Jesus Christ was casting out unclean spirits. Not only was Jesus busy casting out demons but he had to deal with everyone from Satan to the Pharisees to doubters coming against him.

Satan and his dark kingdom are always at work trying to destroy us. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. He comes at us in so many ways and we don’t know how to stop it because of our lack of knowledge. Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Yet, if we read God’s Word we would find our authority to be able to battle the enemy and if we called on the Holy Spirit, we are promised answers, He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him Psalm 91:15.

Our Authority: Mark 16:17 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons. John 10:19 Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

My wife and I began studying spiritual warfare and deliverance in 2003 out of necessity. We wanted to understand why things were happening to us that had no rhyme or reason. Through research, studying and meditating in the Bible, and getting revelation and answers from the Holy Spirit, we began to understand how the enemy works. There is so much we don’t know. With that knowledge, attacks from the dark kingdom began and the battle has been intense for my wife and I. Understand, Satan does not want you to know about him. He does not want you to learn the authority in Jesus name that you have over him and the dark kingdom.

A special note to consider. When God chooses you or others to do work for God’s Kingdom such as church ministries or standing in the gap as an intercessor, you can expect Satan to do everything in his power to stop it. The attacks could come from temptation, doubts, fear, incurable diseases, and pride to name a few. Finally, some of the biggest attacks come from people in your private life (especially families), church, and your professional life.

Elijah the prophet was a great man chosen by God who came against Jezebel’s hundreds (1 Kings 18:22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I alone am left a prophet of the Lord; but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men) of false prophets in a showdown of their gods and the God of Israel. Long story short, Elijah won out and destroyed the false prophets (1 Kings 18:40 And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal! Do not let one of them escape!” So, they seized them; and Elijah brought them down to the Brook Kishon and executed them there). Jezebel did not like this and 1 Kings 19 shows how Satan can work through people like Jezebel to come against God’s people.

1 Kings 19:1-4

Elijah Flees from Jezebel – Now Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, "So may the gods do to me and even more, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time." And he was afraid and arose and ran for his life and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, "It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers."

Satan used Jezebel to come against Elijah who was so distraught (spirit of depression/hopelessness/despair) that he wanted to kill himself (spirit of death). As you can determine by this story, Satan is very powerful and we are at risk. He never rests and he is relentless.

Things to remember about Satan:

New believers in Christ have a special place in the kingdom. Understand that we have to nurture them, protect them, and prepare them for the battle because Satan will work to get them to go back to their old ways. He will go after your family to get to you.  He will use other people to come against you.

He will always use your areas of weakness (bondages) to attack you. He will always go after your soul.  He will attack your physical body as he did in Job. Most people attribute cancer and other diseases to lack of exercise, diets, or being exposed to different things, but refuse to believe that Satan or spiritual forces may be at work. This is exactly what the enemy wants us to believe. This is why Jesus gives us the authority to heal (Mark 16:18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover).  because he knew we would need this authority to heal. We all have weaknesses and we have to know them.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Do not allow yourself to be destroyed due to a lack of knowledge. Don’t depend on anyone to educate or teach you. The Bible, The Holy Spirit, warfare books and knowledgeable people are available to show you how to overcome the enemy.

Believe and use The Whole Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10:18 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

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