There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them.
There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord.
There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
Recently, my friend Lindy mentioned that she was asking God to give her more of him. She was desiring all God had for her spiritually, on this earth.
That really touched my heart, because I had never heard that prayer before. She, like many of us, felt like there was a-lot more than we are receiving. Not because God was being stingy, but because we were somehow stopping the flow from the throne room.
One certain way to stop that flow of spiritual gifts is to have anything ahead of or before God. Usually in the form of a spirit that must not dwell in us.
Many, when they think of a spirit, immediately go to an image of a demon with horns and fangs. While that may be true at times, I believe for a Christian, this is a more subtle, almost unrecognizable spirit that makes us unclean.
For instance, I had the spirit of fear, doubt and unbelief. That was because I couldn’t believe I was forgiven for my past. That’s wrong and that amounts to sin, simply because I took authority over “the God who forgives.” After He already said he had. And, I allowed that to fester for years.
Spiritual battles come in all sorts of ways.
I just got back from a conference where they dealt with this type of issue.
I literally experienced this spirit of fear, doubt and unbelief, leave my body. As did my friend. She was obedient to Christ and she too was delivered from a spirit.
You are witnesses of these things.
I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.
Luke 24:48-49
Here are a few types of areas demons will use to jump on you. To name only a few.
The Occult
Lust
Pride
Jealousy
Unforgiveness
Sickness
Addiction
False Religions.
You have to be extremely careful with what you allow in your life.
This struggle with demonic spirits can take various forms. It can show up in the enemy’s attempts to stop our worship with God as well.
Scripture shows that the Devil tries to steal people away from God. Starting with taking their peace. How? By planting mistrust about God. Remember, the serpent was able to steal Eve’s trust away from God in the Garden.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. – Jesus
John 10:9-10
And thankfully, this is what the church is all about. God equips every believer with gifts of the spirit to enable their devotion to God and to build up and edify the church for Christian service.
*God’s mission in the world by advancing the gospel to unreached people groups (apostles), calling Christians to repent of their sins and to live for Christ (prophets), sharing the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus (evangelists), caring for the spiritual needs of God’s people (pastors) and teaching Christian doctrine (teachers).
( -List from devotion of Bible lyfe)
I believe that in some cases, we walk around with no clue we’re even carrying a spirit.
Sometimes we’ll know we’re manifesting a demon because we have; nightmares, night terrors, substance abuse, compulsion to do bad things, bad behavior, pornography, Abnormal, unhealthy fascination with the occult or any type of criminal activity. Just to name a few.
Now, I want to remind you that I’m not saying that if you have a spiritual battle, that you’re the devil and going to hell. So please, know that.
But I wanted to share our experiences so that you’re aware that anyone, even a seasoned Christian, may need deliverance at times.
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
Galatians 5:1
The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles.
Psalm 34:17
My prayer for you today is that you would allow God to reveal to you, anything that you may need deliverance from.
Many Blessings,
Connie.