<\/p>\n
Ah, Charisma. At times I have to wonder if you’re actually The Onion. Case in point:<\/p>\n
To everything there is a season\u2014and this is the season where witchcraft<\/strong> gets heavy, demonic imaginations target minds and infirmities inflict bodies.<\/p>\n
Of course, Jezebel<\/strong> and her witchcrafts can creep onto the scene any time of the year. But the month or so between Lent and Easter often brings with it an onslaught of spiritual attacks from every direction, and it grows more intense until it finally breaks after Resurrection Day. It\u2019s like clockwork.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s going on? Mary worship seems to empower the Queen of Heaven, also known as Jezebel<\/strong>. When Mary is lifted up to a place where only Jesus belongs, it unleashes demonic activity in that territory. As demonic activity increases, people report feelings of oppression, fatigue, strong warfare<\/strong> against the mind that makes you feel like quitting, and even physical manifestations for which doctors can\u2019t find a reason.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Ah, man. Seriously? Like clockwork?<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve been getting hit with all of these things since Lent began, and am sounding the alarm so that you can rise up and battle against what is battling against you, in the name of Jesus. Please, pay close attention and remember that we aren\u2019t warring against flesh and blood, and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. This is a spiritual battle against a spiritual foe that must bow to our spiritual weapons<\/strong>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Oh. Spiritual weapons. I can’t wait.<\/p>\n
1. Gird the loins of your mind.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Minds have loins? Jeepers, send that phrase to Tim Minchin. He’d have a field day with that one. Here’s the explanation.<\/p>\n
The battle really is in the mind\u2014or at least it starts there. Last week, a friend of mine who had a stroke many years ago began manifesting with post-stroke symptoms out of the blue. The enemy was working on his mind, trying to convince him that what he had been delivered from was returning. Meanwhile, a lump manifested on the back of my neck that itched and burned like fire, followed a few days later by ear pain so bad that I could hardly think, the feeling of knives in my throat when I swallowed, and rocks in my stomach all at once. I finally broke down and went to the doctor. My vitals were normal. No sign of infection. I am convinced every bit of it was witchcraft.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Yes. A stroke survivor experiencing post-stroke symptoms? Who would have thought. Every single twinge in your body between now and Easter can be attributed to witchcraft, those sly minxes.<\/p>\n
2. Guard your heart.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Do tell.<\/p>\n
The Amplified version of 1 Peter 1:13 says, \u201cbrace up your minds; be sober (circumspect, morally alert).\u201d Jezebel<\/strong> and her witchcrafts work to draw you into sin. When you are under heavy attack, your soul gets weary. Jesus can offer rest to your soul, but Jezebel wants to provide you a different way of escape through sin. Jezebel works to seduce you into idolatry or immorality (see Rev. 2:20). When you feel like you are getting hit from every side, guard your heart.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
I suppose it’s good to be mentally alert but what’s with all this Jezebel stuff? I’m familiar with her story, but she died years ago (sorry for the spoiler).<\/p>\n
3. Cast down imaginations.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Well, now you’re breaking your own rule. Isn’t yammering on and on about witchcraft using your imagination?<\/p>\n
But it\u2019s up to you. Nobody can cast down those scary, hurtful or otherwise wrong thoughts for you\u2014and nobody can replace them with \u201cwhatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report\u201d (Phil. 4:8).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Which is exactly why you’re focusing on the imaginary existence of witchcraft.<\/p>\n
4. Cast your cares on the Lord.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
Witchcraft imaginations<\/strong> totally skew your perspective\u2014making monumental issues out of something God could fix with a wink. Cast your care on the Lord. Keep your eyes on Him. Pray for what you think you need\u2014then believe He\u2019s got your back. When you do, He promises to care for you and give you perfect peace (see Is. 26:3).<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
In other words, don’t worry about something that hasn’t happened yet. Perhaps we should deal with reality to prevent what we can, and deal with the things that have already happened. I can do that. Why bring a deity into the process?<\/p>\n
5. Speak the Word, use the Name and invoke the Blood.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Well, with all this talk about how imagination is a bad thing, how can you not look at point number five and see a problem? Invoke blood? Imaginary blood, perhaps?<\/p>\n
Snap out of it! Get the Word of God in your mouth because it\u2019s your spiritual sword (Heb. 4:12). Speak the Word to your problems because the Word of God always accomplishes its purpose (Is. 55:11). Bind the enemy\u2019s operations in the name of Jesus, and loose the opposite of what\u2019s manifesting in your life with the power of life that\u2019s in your tongue. And plead the blood of Jesus over your mind (Rev. 12:11). You\u2019ve been bought with a price\u2014spirit, soul and body. Your soul includes your mind.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
More imaginary weaponry. Sigh.<\/p>\n
She concludes:<\/p>\n
I could write a book on spiritual warfare strategies against witchcraft<\/strong>\u2014and maybe I will. But there is tremendous power in these fundamentals if you will apply them. The challenge is often discerning that we\u2019re under attack. That\u2019s where relationships with other mature Christians are helpful. They can often see what we can\u2019t\u2014and they can help us battle what\u2019s coming against us. So when you are under spiritual assault, don\u2019t isolate yourself and let Jezebel beat up on you with her witchcrafts. Run for cover. Run to your own company. Run to Jesus. Amen.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n