tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80739872413217208002024-03-17T20:03:08.676-07:00Xpect a Miracle MinistriesEquipping believers in deliverance ministry to live in freedom and victory.Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-50155834281680704432023-05-23T11:38:00.005-07:002023-05-23T11:38:48.046-07:00NEW and IMPROVED WEBSITE!<p> Please be advised we will be posting new content to our new website at</p><p><a href="https://xpectamiracleministries.com/">https://xpectamiracleministries.com/</a></p><p>We will continue to keep this site active as so many people return here for the many articles and prayers.</p>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-20129413748817042292023-03-30T10:48:00.002-07:002023-03-30T11:29:20.603-07:00Breaking the Power of Shame and Humiliation<div style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2bd73689-7fff-b93a-d178-9d9c4bed4359"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9XwWrISLQTYxoi9lmZpQ4OGdhpestd1P3yC0q-6ABnH9rKo_b-CqJE-M8WYizfUWpwdADzpCAO1WVOuAPvzs8cQ_XnMBhvWOXzI9LvJ_dfoPcQo9YLu8bMow_n5xsFeMXl3gazBM9LEbX3RmpUq5Q4I37grkDpGmeoAv5JAg5dMKHGMLZesK_ty2/s225/shame%20quote.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9XwWrISLQTYxoi9lmZpQ4OGdhpestd1P3yC0q-6ABnH9rKo_b-CqJE-M8WYizfUWpwdADzpCAO1WVOuAPvzs8cQ_XnMBhvWOXzI9LvJ_dfoPcQo9YLu8bMow_n5xsFeMXl3gazBM9LEbX3RmpUq5Q4I37grkDpGmeoAv5JAg5dMKHGMLZesK_ty2/s1600/shame%20quote.jpeg" width="225" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />Shame and humiliation are powerful emotions that can have a significant impact on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Sometimes it comes from our own poor decisions and behavior, and at other times shame and humiliation comes from the harsh words and actions of others. Shame and humiliation can also come from things such as chronic poverty, handicaps and other things beyond our ability to control. These negative emotions can arise from a wide range of experiences, including public embarrassment, personal failure, and social rejection. The effects of shame and humiliation can be far-reaching, impacting a person’s self esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the most damaging effects of shame and humiliation is the way it can erode a person’s self esteem. When a person experiences these negative emotions, they may begin to question their worth and value as a human being. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy,self-doubt, and low self-confidence, making it difficult for them to engage with others and pursue their goals. The enemy weaponizes shame and humiliation as an attempt to neutralize the power and effectiveness of Christians so that they are defiled by bitterness, rejection and pride, causing them to become unfit for the Master’s greater purposes. Sometimes he employs other Christians or even ourselves to do his dirty work. Satan will utilize the words of others to inflict shame, criticism, false judgments and a sense of rejection, which result in feelings of deep humiliation in the recipient of those words and actions. It is an excruciating, corrosive emotion. Shame causes people to feel inherently bad, defective and wrong at the core of who they are as a human being.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have also experienced this type of behavior from people who were blinded by their own pride and self righteousness. It is a trap from the enemy that can be easy to fall into. How often a person judges themselves by one standard (their opinions) and others by another standard which is often much harsher. That is hypocrisy. This is not God's standard of righteous judgment. His word is His standard! Elevating criticisms, opinions and judgments above showing mercy and compassion can put people in the employment of the accuser. When people are influenced by the spirit of legalism and have rejected the grace of God, they are declaring a different gospel and they come under condemnation and a curse. (See Galatians 1:9) The scripture in James 2:13 reminds us that judgment without mercy is what remains for those that have shown no mercy. God's heart in any circumstance is that mercy would triumph over judgment! People that broadcast the shame and humiliation of others, and enjoy inflicting pain because they think it makes them feel better about themselves are under condemnation. They do not realize what spirit they have given themselves over to. They are self condemned, and often project the condemnation and rejection they feel onto others. A person that feels unworthy, condemned and rejected condemns others, and can become very critical. It is a form of bullying and portraying a false Jesus with a false gospel message that is very displeasing to the Lord.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the roles every Christian has is the dual roles of a priest/intercessor and a king, exercising their royal authority. The job of every priest is reconciliation, approaching God on behalf of others and praying for mercy. The priest is to take on the mantle of intercession as Jesus does, in compassion praying for healing, freedom and restoration so that the damage caused by sin can be repaired and relationships made whole again. This is what restores peace between God and others.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shame and humiliation can also impact a person’s relationships with others. If a person feels ashamed or humiliated, they may avoid social situations or withdraw from others out of fear of being judged or rejected. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation, sometimes even suicidal thoughts and feelings, further exacerbating their negative emotions. It's important to separate what we've done with who we are in Christ. It's ok to sometimes feel bad about things we've done, that means we still have a conscience that is working to keep us in the path of righteousness. What's not ok is internalizing negative emotions and allowing them to rewrite the truth of who God says we are. In Christ, the blood of Jesus atones for our sin and wipes out the penalties of all our mistakes, our sins, and the guilt associated with them. It is also the blood of Jesus that has the power to cleanse our conscience of guilt.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>"...how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?" </b></i>Heb. 9:14</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>"...let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water." </b></i>Heb. 10:22
<br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i>"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." </i></b>1 John 1:9
<br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fortunately, there is hope for those who struggle with shame, feelings of disgrace, and humiliation. Jesus Christ offers a message of hope and healing for all who are burdened by these negative emotions. Through His teaching and example, Jesus shows us that we are beloved children of God, worthy of love and acceptance. There are many examples in scripture where God’s children cried out for God to take away the reproach and fear of being humiliated at the hands of their enemies. Note one such plea from Psalm 25.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me.No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long.” </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psalm 25:1</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One of the most powerful ways Jesus sets us free is through His unconditional love. Jesus teaches us that we are loved not because of what we do or how we look, but simply because we are God’s children. This love can help us overcome feelings of shame, rejection, humiliation or fear of embarrassment, as we learn to see ourselves as beloved and worthy of love. Jesus paid the price for our fears, our sin, and all the pain that has been inflicted upon us through His death and resurrection. God doesn’t remember all our past failures or the shame associated with those things, and He doesn’t want us to remember that pain, either.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psalm 103:12</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See! I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up. Do you not perceive it?”</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Isaiah 43:18-20</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God calls us to forget the things that are behind us and focus forward on running the race. We cannot run well if we are always looking behind us. Let God take care of the past!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another way Jesus sets us free is through His forgiveness. When we make mistakes or experience some sort of failure, it can be easy to feel embarrassed or perhaps even humiliated. However, Jesus offers us forgiveness, reminding us that we are all imperfect and in need of grace. We all fall short of the glory of God. This forgiveness can help us let go of our negative emotions and move forward in help and confidence. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God has promised that those that put their trust in Him would not be put to shame. It takes a focused effort to rehearse His promises and let His good intentions towards us cause all the painful words of others to pale in comparison. If you have agreed with the many voices of accusation, self condemnation, shame, humiliation, reproach, self rejection and inferiority, it’s time to be intentional and speak it out loud that you are canceling that agreement (and the assignment of the enemy that he has been enforcing against you!). </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The key to overcoming is through humility, which is not at all the same as being humiliated. When we humble ourselves before God, it is to accept His truth and what He has said about us rather than elevating the hurtful words and criticisms of others above His word. Humility also doesn’t try to put a proud spin on our failures or shift the blame onto others. It takes responsibility for our faults, is honest about them, and then puts one’s trust in God to restore rather than looking to the approval of man. We never have to gain the approval of a rival or someone that has been instrumental in wounding us in order for God to do something miraculous. God’s intentions towards us are always for our healing, reconciliation and restoration, <i>but</i> He does resist us when we are acting proud. We are reminded in James 4;6,7 to first submit to God (repentance and confession), then we can resist the enemy and he must leave. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We overcome all the enemy’s tactics through the blood of Jesus and the word of our testimony. You see, shame needs secrecy and our agreement in order to remain. But, when we tell our story honestly and in humility, His anointing comes upon us for breakthrough and healing others. The enemy has no power over us as we share our testimonies because telling our stories is what breaks the fear of rejection and the fear of embarrassment the enemy uses against us. God has promised that His children will not be put to shame if we put our confidence in Him. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Isaiah 61:7</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The negative effects of shame and humiliation can be significant, impacting a person’s self-esteem, relationships and overall quality of life. However, through the beautiful example of Jesus’ sacrificial life, His teachings and His forgiveness, we can find healing and hope.By embracing His message of love and forgiveness, we can overcome our negative emotions and live a life of joy and purpose.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-55864094575023100982023-02-15T15:18:00.000-08:002023-02-15T15:18:41.476-08:00Introduction to Deliverance part two<p>Introduction to Deliverance (Continued) </p><p>James 4:6 tells us He resists the proud, but He gives His grace to the humble. It also says to submit to one another and be clothed with humility. Submission, humility and confession are also keys that unlock our healing and freedom. When we confess our sin then we can be cleansed from our unrighteousness, and it’s also what removes the legal grounds Satan uses against us to block answered prayer. This is also the nature of deliverance ministry, to remove spiritual blocks to prayer so that people can make forward progress in their lives. Many times, people need help identifying what is blocking answered prayer.</p><p>We all know people, including ourselves perhaps, that may be saved but not yet free, healed, or walking in victory. There are going to be strongholds in people’s thought processes that need to be dealt with, and agreements with spirits of darkness that need to be renounced in order to put those devils on notice that they are no longer that person's master. If a person used to call on the name of Buddah, Allah, Mary, Catholic saints, or any other names of false gods of other religions, those spirits need to be divorced and renounced through some very intentional efforts in prayer because those are connected to the sin of idolatry. Jesus does not share his lordship with other spirits. But, if no one ever told you you need to enforce your dominion over those spirits through prayers of renouncement, they are often still connected to you, and their assignments need to be broken.</p><p>Some of our blind spots involve doors to the enemy that our ancestors opened as well as ourselves. Until the blood of Jesus is applied to those sins, it’s like a swinging door in the spirit realm where the enemy can come and go. The blood of Jesus closes the door so that the enemy is shut out. It is all about applying the work of the cross to our lives. It’s about the blood of Jesus that is powerful to deliver us from evil.</p><p>When God first started teaching me about generational curses, it came at a time when we were going through a very difficult time. It was very apparent that there was a spiritual battle because we were being squeezed financially. I was also having some very vivid dreams where I was attacked and followed by satanists and witches, and in every dream they were winning. I knew God was talking but I wasn’t sure about what.Then one night as I was praying the Lord told me to renounce voodoo. I was shocked because my mind couldn’t make sense of what I heard. But as I was obedient to the Lord, I stumbled through a prayer and asked the blood of Jesus to cover voodoo and other sins in my family line. Once I was obedient, I heard his voice very clearly. He asked, “Do you know what doors others in your family have opened a door to?” And I said, “No, Lord, how could I know that?” To which he replied, “That’s my point exactly, Laura.” It’s what you don’t know that is destroying you. The enemy sees legal grounds due to open doors and you don’t even know they exist.</p><p>In my early years as a Christian, no one in my life informed me that I needed to tell demonic spirits to leave me. I had no idea because the church didn’t teach it. So even though I was saved, those spirits continued to unravel my ability to prosper.</p><p>“Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse does not come to rest.” Proverbs 26:2.</p><p>That word “undeserved” can offend people because no one wants to think they deserve a curse. God doesn’t curse His children, but Satan will gladly enforce a curse if we are careless. We tend to evaluate ourselves by our own opinions but the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light don’t care about our opinions. They only operate by the spiritual laws in His word. People tend to judge themselves by a false standard of their own opinions because it is a form of self deception that offers a false form of comfort. We rationalize what motivates our behavior and think God will accept all our excuses, but Hoseah 4:6 says “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” We cannot afford to make allowances for our ignorance or our disobedience because it leaves us and our family members vulnerable to the enemy.Demons constantly look for areas where people have open doors. They take advantage of our blind spots. So let me just say it again: No one can afford to judge themselves by their own opinions or their own understanding. You will err greatly. The word of God is the standard by which we are judged, by God and by the enemy. God’s promises of restoration are conditional upon our obedience.</p><p>The enemy always wants to challenge us for dominion. There are believers that are bound in the area of their emotions. These are indicators that a person needs deliverance. All sin comes from the separation between us and ourselves, yourself and others, or between ourselves and God. Whenever there is something broken in one of these areas, it causes a lack of peace. Other words for peace are serenity, calmness and ease. The word dis-ease comes from the prefix <i>dis,</i> meaning NOT, and <i>ease,</i> which means peace. So, not peace. A lack of peace is the root of all disease. Dis-ease.Spirits of infirmity, sickness and disease can take up residence in our physical bodies. Spirits of infirmity must be cast out before healing can take place in the body. That can be another block to answered prayer. If you pray for healing but you’re not casting anything out, the demons that cause sickness and disease can remain. Jesus ministered healing to the sick often by casting out evil spirits. Luke 4:40-41 is one example. It says, When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. And demons also came out of many, crying out and saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” </p><p>Jesus came to give us rest. His name is Jehovah Shalom. The word shalom is a word that means safety, prosperity, well-being, health, protection, fruitfulness and abundance. Jesus’ name means all of that. So wherever we are disconnected from Him, wherever the enemy is squatting on our land or is lying to us, there will be evidence somehow of a lack of peace and rest. If the enemy has established a stronghold in your beliefs, that will be the place where your mind wanders and there is a lack of peace. If you’re bound by unforgiveness or bitterness, there will be a lack of peace. Those are clues where you need deliverance and healing so that your peace can be restored. The question is, who and what is ruling over your emotions? </p><p>This sort of ministry builds up the individual and establishes the work of God.When people receive deliverance, they get healed, and healthy people will bring healing to others. So, it’s also a ministry that releases multiplication of health, freedom and increase to the body of Christ. This is an overview of deliverance ministry and I want to share with you a great resource to the body of Christ. My book, Wisdom to Defeat the Enemy is a deliverance handbook. Whether you are interested in working with God in your own self deliverance or you want to become more informed on how to help others, this is a book full wisdom and truth that will lead you in your journey of healing. It’s available on Amazon.</p><div><br /></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-21255212562065431712023-02-15T15:00:00.003-08:002023-03-05T12:14:33.839-08:00Introduction to Deliverance part one<p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Today I’d like to talk to you about the deliverance ministry. This is such a complex subject that this is only an introduction to it and why it’s so vital to our lives. Hopefully, I will share some things that make you think about it on a deeper level and prepare you for what God wants to do in your life. One of the first things I want to clarify is that deliverance is about a life giving connection to the Lord and His Holy Spirit in our life. We can say all kinds of prayers, but our freedom, peace and healing are found in His presence. Worship is the first key because we cannot bear any fruit whatsoever without being connected to Him. John 15:5 tells us that we must remain In Christ in order to bear fruit, and apart from Him we can do nothing.Worship connects us to the heart of God and allows us to experience His love. In His presence is fullness of joy. In His presence our desires change. We feel more inspired to want genuine transformation in our life and want to give Him access to our hearts. In His presence He leads us to the well of living water, and it’s in His presence that we receive revelation that has the power to set us free. Worship is the first key to deliverance because it transports us into the holy place where the enemy has no access and we can begin to hear God’s thoughts towards us. Connection to the Holy Spirit is the second key. You cannot get delivered or help others get delivered without depending on the Holy Spirit. You must train yourself to listen. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Deliverance ministry is important to the church because it is a ministry that draws people. People, like sheep, will wander to find the food that sustains them. Heals them. People everywhere need answers to the issues of their life. They need to know, “Why am I stuck?” “Why can’t I seem to make any progress?” “What is withstanding my prayers?”or “How do I get healed from emotional wounding?” All those questions and more are answered through deliverance ministry, yet it’s the least popular and least talked about ministry in many churches. Feel good messages don’t impact people with real change. A watered down gospel doesn’t deliver people from spiritual darkness. And when people don’t have answers for the issues of their life, they are left broken, weak and vulnerable. This makes them restless. They are searching, sometimes for something they don’t even know how to articulate, so they wander from church to church, place to place,looking for the food and deliverance that brings rest to their soul. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I have had some amazing testimonies from people that have had curses broken. For instance, two different women from Africa emailed me to ask me to pray for their pregnancies because they were miscarrying. In the first situation, the doctor had already told her it was too late, the baby was dead. She was believing for a miracle. I had her pray my prayers that renounce all kinds of generational sin and witchcraft. She emailed me later to tell me that when she went back to the doctor the baby was alive and doing well! In the second situation, it was very similar but the miscarriage had not started yet. When she went back to the doctor, a new scan revealed she had not just one, but two LIVE babies in her womb. God gave her double once the sin issue was removed. Recently a friend of mine told me about one of her friends who had contacted her for prayer for her grandbaby that was soon to be born. The mother was about 6 months along and the doctor said the baby wasn't getting enough oxygen and wasn't doing well. I sent her my prayer for life in the womb (a healthy pregnancy) and she passed it along to the grandmother, who shared it with her son and his family. They all prayed it in the third trimester. My friend just got the report back that the baby was born perfectly normal and healthy. Praise God!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Deliverance ministry is heavily dependent upon wisdom from the Holy Spirit. He is our source of wisdom and truth, and he is committed to us because He loves us. We never want to impart a sense of legalism or condemnation through the letter of the law. There is no condemnation for those in Christ. The law of the Spirit of Life in Christ depends on us walking in the Spirit, depending on the Holy Spirit for illumination. But, with all that said, we also cannot bypass the consequences of disobedience. It’s our obedience that allows us to walk in true freedom.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Matthew 15:22-29 tells us that healing is the children's bread. Bread is sustenance. In those days, bread was the staple food. That means it is of primary importance to the life of the believer. In other words, it’s not optional, or shouldn’t be, because you can't be in good health spiritually or emotionally without deliverance being a part of your life. In Matthew 4:4 Jesus said, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” People depended on bread for the nourishment of their bodies. It’s required for spiritual health and strength. The spiritual appetite cannot be satisfied without deliverance. It is healing to the soul. It results in inner healing and joy, and strength to God’s people. Without it, people struggle under the enemy’s yoke of heaviness and oppression.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">With this sort of ministry, it’s important to pay attention to everything. God will drop clues in our dreams to give us secret information - information we need to pray over and research so that it leads to healing and freedom. I just had a woman a couple weeks ago where she got delivered from constant, disruptive stomach issues and sharp, stabbing pains in her body that had plagued her for years - all because we stopped to research and pray about something God showed her in a dream that went all the way back to her teenage years. It was connected to video games, wizardry and fantasy roleplaying. I researched the name from her dream and then had her renounce everything related to this fantasy character. All her symptoms went away. Before we had a deliverance session, she had no rest. Things were manifesting in her body. Afterwards, she had peace.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">God wants to give His people rest. This is the purpose of deliverance, to give us rest from our enemies. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Mercy is one of the covenant blessings we have with God. Mercy moves Him to action on our behalf, wanting to draw us closer and bring us into a place where our soul is comforted. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Demons create a lack of peace. Look at what what Matthew 12:43-45 says. This is from the Message Bible.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">“When a defiling evil spirit is expelled from someone, it drifts along through the desert looking for an oasis, some unsuspecting soul it can bedevil. When it doesn’t find anyone, it says, ‘I’ll go back to my old haunt.’ On return it finds the person spotlessly clean, but vacant. It then runs out and rounds up seven other spirits more evil than itself and they all move in, whooping it up. That person ends up far worse off than if he’d never gotten cleaned up in the first place. “That’s what this generation is like: You may think you have cleaned out the junk from your lives and gotten ready for God, but you weren’t hospitable to my kingdom message, and now all the devils are moving back in.”</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">A lack of peace makes it impossible to enter into rest for your soul. Now, listen to this: If a person can’t enter into God’s rest, they also can’t enter into their promised land. In the days of Moses, we read of a generation of Israelites that wandered the wilderness for 40 years, never taking their promised land. Those people were never at rest. They were full of bitterness, complaining, strife and unbelief, and a lot of discouragement They saw the miracles, signs and wonders yet failed to act in faith to confront enemies that stood in their way, preventing them from possessing their promises.They were delivered from Egypt but they never got rid of that poverty mindset that undermined and unraveled their faith. Their minds remained in captivity so they never exercised their dominion and authority. A poverty mindset is one that is characterized by a sense of unworthiness, insecurity, and inferiority. How many of you struggle with those same feelings? Your inner critic tells you, I’m not good enough. I can’t do anything right. I’ll never have a good life. Why even bother believing? My life will never amount to anything. God, I feel like You’ve abandoned me. I guess I don’t measure up. See, It’s a rejection of who you are in Christ, an unbelieving mind. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hebrews 4:1-11 tells us that there was an entire generation of people that did not take their promised land because they had unbelief. They were too afraid to fight the giants that guarded their spiritual inheritance. They allowed fear and unbelief to keep them stuck in the wilderness. We too, can make the same mistake if we are not intentional when it comes to those things that want to keep us stuck. How are you going to fight the giants - also known as strongman spirits - if you aren’t trained in deliverance or experience it for yourself? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">The enemy still uses fear and unbelief today to keep people from receiving their deliverance. God can bring you to the person who is anointed to help you, but He won’t make you stay to receive help if you want to opt out. I have seen it many times where people are right on the brink of a breakthrough, and the enemy will do everything possible to redirect them away from their deliverance.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">The thought of deliverance ministry can make people uncomfortable if they have preconceived ideas of what they fear will happen. I find that people who don’t really know God don’t trust Him, and they won’t trust others to help them with their issues. Mostly because they are afraid of embarrassment or insecure about being judged. The word of God in Psalm 23 says our Good Shepherd leads us in paths of righteousness. He brings us to peaceful streams so that we can rest. He wants to give you rest and refreshment in His presence. But you can be sure that truth also makes the enemy uncomfortable. All because the enemy doesn’t want to lose his host. He needs people to cooperate with him so he has a place to stay. But when people make excuses to avoid deliverance, they are actually practicing a form of idolatry, because it’s living by self rule rather than yielding to the authority of God so they can be healed and free. That defiance may present itself like fear or some form of intimidation, maybe it sounds like one of the statements I made a moment ago, but it’s breaking faith with God. It’s the acceptance and agreement with the enemy rather than a profession of faith. Sometimes we tell ourselves, “I’m ok the way I am. I don’t need anyone’s help. I am satisfied with the knowledge I have. I’m satisfied with the amount of God I have.” 1 John 1:8 tells us that if we say we have no sin we deceive ourselves and the truth isn’t in us. But it can also be a stubborn refusal to grow, and God calls that rebellion, which is why He said in Hebrews 4:1-3, these people will not enter my rest. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. For we who have believed do enter that rest…"</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Faith and unbelief cause double mindedness. Scripture is very clear in James 1:6-8 and tells us that we become very unstable when our beliefs waiver. A double minded man does not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Another reason why deliverance ministry is important is because it stabilizes our faith.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Deut. 9:4-5 is a reminder that we don’t take our promised land because of our own righteousness, but as a gift of God’s grace. We cannot enter into our promised land in our own strength. It’s not by our own strength, our will, our good works or by striving to make something work just because we will it to. Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord. We have to cease from our works so that we can obtain our promises in God‘s grace. And you cannot do that without deliverance, because deliverance produces a yieldedness and submission to God. Every spiritual warfare battle I’ve been in - and I’ve been in a lot - was there to buffet my flesh until I reached a point of yieldedness and surrender. I needed deliverance. We go through hardships and trials and learn to overcome and subdue our flesh so that in a time of testing, we can withstand the tests and not be unapproved or seen as a counterfeit. But a person that has not had deliverance will not be able to pass those tests with demons still attached to their lives. Those spirits are assigned to trip people up and cause spiritual abortion. It’s why people find themselves going through the same type of familiar seasons where you go, “Oh, not this again. This feels so familiar.” It’s because you haven’t passed the test in a previous season. It’s the same reason the Israelites stayed in the wilderness for 40 years. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">When a person is not submitted to God’s Holy Spirit, it causes them to be timid and unbelieving. People sometimes don’t want to get involved in deliverance because they’ve not been trained how to walk in their true identity as sons and daughters of God. If you haven’t been trained in this, naturally, you won’t feel confident in taking authority over demonic spirits. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">Let me tell you another story. I was teaching a deliverance class and one woman simply asked a question, “Who is Leviathan?” Instantly that demon surfaced and shut her down. She slumped over, non responsive. Like completely catatonic. She couldn’t open her eyes, couldn’t talk, coulndn't move - nothing. After about 30 minutes had passed, I was starting to think, yikes, maybe we should be calling 911, but what are paramedics going to do with Leviathan? This was a spiritual issue. One of the people there asked, “Ok, what do we know about Leviathan?” I said, "Job 41 says He is the king over all the children of pride, and his wall of armor is made up of things like shame, rejection, regret, fear of embarrassment, judgments, unforgiveness, self hatred, and all manner of emotional wounding.” Then I remembered that the night before this woman had shared she had a lot of regret and shame from an abortion she had when she was married, because she was on her way out of the marriage and didn’t feel she could support another child. She blamed her ex husband and herself for the murder of their child. She was emotionally stuck, even though I did pray with her about that the previous night. Leviathan was guarding those raw emotions and that spirit knew she was in a deliverance class where he might lose his host, so he shut her down to protect his house. He was the strongman that needed to be bound. Everyone in the class was shocked and just looked like a deer in the headlights. I looked at them and said, “Hey! This is what you’re here for!” You need to participate too! I told them, "Get in your bibles or on your phone, and start finding scriptures that speak about the blood of Jesus, forgiveness, shame, God’s grace, the love of God... and begin to declare it over this woman." As we did, she was slowly able to respond a little more. We kept telling that spirit, the blood of Jesus has already defeated you. BUT, it knew it had legal grounds to stay because she hadn’t forgiven herself or her ex. I told her she had to forgive her ex or this spirit wouldn’t leave. She started wailing. All the pain, all the torment starting coming to the surface. Little by little, we got her to say she forgave him. Then we told her to forgive herself. She had great difficulty because of the shame and regret. See, emotions are not just emotions. They are spirits with an assignment. We had her break the agreement with the spirit of grief. People in the room were still declaring the word of God over her. Some were singing the scriptures. One person blew the shofar over her. She was finally able to comply, but then she wailed and she wailed, as grief kept pouring out of her. Every time, we had her renounce the agreements she had made with those spirits (shame, rejection, anger, resentment, guilt, self-condemnation and self-hatred, unworthiness) and we commanded them to leave. She got the victory and she came out of that free and healed from the emotional pain she had lived with for many years. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">That class learned a lot that night. They saw the process and felt empowered by what they learned. Deliverance helps build your confidence. Aren’t you tired of the enemy getting one over on you and your family? What if that had been your loved one? Are you going to leave them in that state? Or do you want to know how to help them? Aren’t you tired of spirits blocking your prayers and robbing you of the blessings God has for you? It is time to take back your life and take possession of your land!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;">--End of part one. See the next post for part two.</span></p><p><br /></p>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-25288900191711664422023-01-19T13:32:00.012-08:002023-01-24T13:09:13.115-08:00Humility and Repentance is a Key to Healing Children and Families<div style="text-align: left;"><div>The Kingdom of God is a kingdom of words. In Genesis chapter one, we see that everthing that was created was done with the spoken word of God. We also see that (if we seek knowledge and understanding of God's word, the original meaning in many words portrays a courtroom setting. We acknowledge there is a just and righteous judge, an adversary that takes on the persona of a prosecuting attorney, and we have our Advocate, Jesus, that acts as our defense attorney. The Holy Spirit bears witness and testifies to what He knows. We, too, are called as witnesses and our words are our testimony. This is not intended to be a complete teaching on the reality that there are courts in heaven where judicial matters are dealt with, but may it serve as a reminder of this truth.</div><div><br /></div><div>The kingdom of God as well as the kingdom of darkness is built with words. It is how the enemy ensnares people, and forms his assignments against mankind. That is why the words we speak carry such weight. Born again believers have the Spirit of God living inside of them, and as such, we have the ability to create what we speak, just like God. There is a principle found in Romans 4:17-18 that we are to call forth the things that are not in faith and they shall manifest. By the same principle, we also have the potential to create a negative future based on the words we speak. We can either speak life, or negativity and words that carry the power to act as a destructive force. We want to remember to speak words of life, because according to Revelation 12:11, our ability to overcome any situation lies in the power of the blood of the Lamb, AND the words of our testimony. A testimony is a spoken statement given in a court of law, with the intention of determining the outcome of a legal matter. </div><div><br /></div><div>The following article has in mind specifically how our words have affected our children and family members, but it can also apply to anyone that we may have spoken about with negative, careless or critical words. Words carry power in the spirit realm and create a ripple effect that is far beyond what we can imagine. Sound waves create vibrations and are a <i>force</i> that impacts other things. The prayer at the end was written with children an families in mind, because we are in a profound time when God is healing families and restoring the lost back to Him. Children, just like anyone else, can be deeply hurt and offended by our words. Jesus pointed out to take extra precautions not to treat children with disrepect because they have guardian angels that are always in the presence of the Father. Matthew 18:10 says,</div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father."</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Angels are messengers, and if they are always guarding our children don't you think they are also reporting back to the Father the things that are hurting and offending them? As parents, guardians, coaches, mentors or leaders, we have a responsibility to also act protectively towards all children, not just our own. We should be careful that we are not a source of pain, offense, or a stumbling block to them coming to Christ. We don't want them to see us as insincere or hypocritical Christians. Allow me to group together some key texts from scripture then I will elaborate on what God put on my heart to share. I have underlined some important words for the sake of emphasis.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let all the little children come to Me and <u>never hinder them</u>. Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come, but <u>woe</u> to him through whom they do come! (That word, 'woe,' is a warning - don't create offense in others! I would go so far as to include, don't slander, disrespect, shame or humiliate others thrugh the careless, negative words you speak. Be careful not to offend others and become their stumbling block!) <u>Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. </u>Since each of you are part of God’s family, <u>never complain or grumble about each other so that judgment will not come on you</u>, for the true <u>Judge</u> is near and very ready to appear! <u>Confess and acknowledge</u> how you have <u>offended </u>one another and <b><u>then</u></b> pray for one another to be instantly healed, for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer!</div><div><br /></div><div>James 4:11 is a powerful reminder that we are responsible for the words we speak. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Dear friends, as part of God's family, never speak against another family member, for when you slander a brother or sister, you violate God's law of love."</span></div><div><br /></div><div>James 5:9 speaks of a judge standing near as well as a judgment. This is a reference to a courtroom setting. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Don’t grumble about each other, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. For look—the Judge is standing at the door!"</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Stop and think about that for a moment. Consider what you've said about others, maybe even those closest to you. Are you building them up, or tearing them down?</div><div><br /></div><div>We also know there are books that must be opened prior to courts going into session, according to Daniel 7:9-10. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened."</span></div><div><br /></div><div>These are books of things that have been recorded, such as books of destiny, and words that have been spoken that pertain to God’s will being done on earth, as it would be done in heaven. In every court system there are witnesses who give testimony. Hebrews 12:1-2 tells us there is a great cloud of witnesses. This isn’t just those who have passed on. We also bear witness and offer testimony with the words we speak about others. That is why our words matter so much. Matthew 12:36-37 says,</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”</span></div><div><br /></div><div>If we have been careless with our words, those words are documented by scribe angels. How else would every word we have spoken be called into account? Indeed, they are recorded <b><i>and</i></b> bear witness in heavenly courts. This is very important to understand! Careless words also have the potential to hurt and offend others. But Jesus warned us in His word to be careful about the words that we speak. I don't think I fully understood the significance why until now, but it is the same as bearing false testimony (again, likened to a courtroom situation) , speaking against the reputation of someone else. </div><div><br /></div><div>Careless words often are spoken from a limited understanding of a situation. How often have you spoken carelessly about someone when you are disappointed, frustrated, angry or upset? How often have you made a rush to judgment? People have a limited understanding based only on what they know regarding a situation. Often times they never stop to consider how the words coming out of their mouth might impact someone else, or how it can boomerang back into their own life as a judgment that blocks their prayers from being answered. These are emotional words, not truth or based on facts. Therefore, those word are equated to giving false testimony against the reputation of another God has called into the kingdom, to live victoriously. Speaking negatively against others is no small matter! In a court of law many other factors are taken into consideration before a verdict is issued. Speaking out of frustration, anger or hurt causes offense. It is not only hurtful to those we speak about, it also grieves the Holy Spirit. Those careless words must be expunged - <i>completely erased </i>- from the records because when we judge others, according to Luke 6:37, a judgment is placed on the books under our name. Words spoken carelessly about others can become a judgment against us, making us guilty before the court. Romans 8:33 says, </div><div> </div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“Who then would dare to accuse those whom God has chosen in love to be His?”</span></div><div><br /></div><div> The enemy is also sure to repeat those words in the ears of those it is about, in an attempt to bring them into agreement with them. Ecclesiastes 10:20 reminds us that birds of the air (spirits) will carry the words we speak about others to them.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Do not revile the king even in your thoughts, or curse the rich in your bedroom, because a bird in the sky may carry your words, and a bird on the wing may report what you say."</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Hurt and offense has the potential to create unforgiveness, bitterness and rebellion to God. That is how Satan releases his assignment into their lives. He uses words to stir up misunderstanding, resentment, mischief, and create offense against us and others. Earlier I mentioned that Matthew 12:37 tells us we must give an account for the words that we speak, and every careless word that has been spoken will be brought up in the court records. “For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” The words we have spoken gives the enemy legal grounds to withstand our prayers. This is why we must take care to confess and repent for those things because it makes us guilty before the court. When we are guilty of judging others and speaking critically of them, that outstanding judgment and sin of bearing false testimony is now recorded in our books. Speaking poorly against others places us in agreement with the accuser, and because of that, there is a penalty for that action. Those words can hang in the spirit over loved ones that we are praying for. It can cause our prayers to be hindered until we repent and confess our sin to God, and ask that the blood of Jesus cleanses us of all unrighteousness. Many people are gaining knowledge of how to go into the court of heaven to try to gain a favorable verdict from the Judge (our heavenly Father), but you know what happens when you show up to court when there's an outstanding charge against you? The Adversary (prosecuting attorney, Satan) is going to tell the judge that he has legal grounds against you to withstand your prayers. You might even receive a penalty! As God’s ambassadors, we have a judicial responsibility to properly distinguish the content of our words, whether they release life or death. And, as His intercessors, we bear the responsibility to plead for mercy, not to agree with Satan and falsely accuse someone else, which signifies guilt. Matthew 5:22-24 tells us,</div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be guilty before the court, and whoever says to his brother ‘You good for nothing’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says ‘You fool’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell. Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift </span><span style="color: #2b00fe;">there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>We must cancel out any agreements we have made, knowingly or unkowingly, with the enemy and the spirit of accusation, because God will not bless what is in alignment with Satan. James 5:16 is another reminder that even our healing may be blocked until we have confessed our sins and asked for forgiveness.</div><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;">"Confess and acknowledge how you have offended one another and then pray for one another to be instantly healed, for tremendous power is released through the passionate, heartfelt prayer of a godly believer!"</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Humility and repentance are the keys to healing emotional wounds, misunderstandings and resentment that has contributed to brokenness in families. God wants to heal the broken trust issues. Our goal is to remove all hindrances to answered prayer so that Heaven’s courts may rule in favor of those we pray for. We also have the responsibility, through intercession, of legally dissolving contracts with the devil that allow him to carry out his assignments. The job of the body of Christ is to prepare the way for the Lord to act.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>PRAYER:</b></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Dear Heavenly Father,</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I repent for any negative words towards my children/spouses/grandchilldren (name them). I repent for speaking any negative, careless words that may have been used against them for the enemy to form an assignment. If I have ever said or done anything that made them feel insignificant, ridiculed, humiliated, disrespected, or anything that caused them to doubt who You created them to be, please forgive me.If my words have brought offense to them, please cause me to remember what I spoke and to make amends to them, and ask for forgiveness. Please forgive me, Lord, for the sins of bearing false witness, judging and releasing words of death over my children and family members. I condemn those words and ask that you forgive my sin, and theirs, and put the blood of Jesus over every wrong, careless word spoken to them or about them. May we be cleansed of all unrighteousness. If I have in any way contributed to their hurt and caused emotional pain, please heal those wounds. Let them not remember any hurtful words, and please silence the voice of the enemy in their ears. If anyone else has been hurt or tormented by my careless words and actions, please help them to forgive me from their heart and wipe away all negative memories. Please forgive me Holy Spirit, if I have grieved You. Heal my heart from any rejection issues, and let every unloving spirit be driven out of me and my family in Jesus' name.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Lord, please help my children to bring every thought into captivity and discern what comes from the enemy and what is from You. I declare they choose the power of God to overcome any lies and temptations of the enemy, and they turn away from evil. I ask You to create a compassionate, grateful and teachable spirit in them. May my children choose love, humility and forgiveness. Let the mind of Christ be formed in them so that they reject all thoughts from the enemy. Let the peace of God guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. I declare my children hear the voice of God and follow You. Give them abundant grace to help them in their transformation and deliverance.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Now, Father, I ask that all judgments on my books and those of my children, or anyone else where my negative words are recorded, would be expunged from Your records.Please cancel any judgments or accusations that testify against either of us. I would like to repent and cancel any negative words I have spoken over anyone. I pray for Your mercy over all our lives. I ask that all careless words be expunged and erased from our books of destiny and any other books where our names are recorded. I also ask that any legal grounds the enemy has used to withstand my prayers would be expunged from the records, and You would issue an acquittal of all charges against me and my family members. May every demonic spirit active in my children’s life be bound and cast out now, in the name of Jesus. Let every demonic assignment be cut off and destroyed. Please Father, release your angels and messengers into my children’s lives, in Jesus’ name. Amen.</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Scripture references: Mark 10:14, Luke 17:1, Luke 6:37, James 5:9, James 5:16, Daniel 7:9-10, Psalm 139:16, Romans 8:33, Hebrews 12:1, Matthew 12:37.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div></div></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-8959951761524923272022-09-01T14:14:00.002-07:002022-09-01T15:19:37.548-07:00Do You Know What Time it is?<div style="text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7b33c28f-7fff-62a3-5f9b-00d87208dc9d"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> We are in a time of shift. A shift in power. A shift in spiritual operations. A shift in position, placement and promotions. I hear the Lord speaking about gates, doors, locks and keys.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">08/14/22 - I heard the Lord say that many people would be removed from their positions because they, like Shebna in the Bible, had not been good stewards of those positions. The Lord said that this transition of power would not be the same as in times past when positions were traded or exchanged from one corrupt person to the next, but this would be a time when God would establish an entirely new type of leadership. He told me to study the differences between Shebna and Eliakim, as found in Isaiah 22:15-25.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Judgment on Shebna</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">15 Thus says the Lord God of hosts:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Go, proceed to this steward,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To Shebna, who is over the house, and say:</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">16 ‘What have you here, and whom have you here,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That you have hewn a sepulcher here,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As he who hews himself a sepulcher on high,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who carves a tomb for himself in a rock?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">17 Indeed, the Lord will throw you away violently,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">O mighty man,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">tAnd will surely seize you.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">18 He will surely turn violently and toss you like a ball</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Into a large country;</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There you shall die, and there your glorious chariots</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shall be the shame of your master’s house.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">19 So I will drive you out of your office,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And from your position he will pull you down.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">20 ‘Then it shall be in that day,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That I will call My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah;</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">21 I will clothe him with your robe</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And strengthen him with your belt;</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will commit your responsibility into his hand.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And to the house of Judah.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">22 The key of the house of David</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will lay on his shoulder;</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So he shall open, and no one shall shut;</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And he shall shut, and no one shall open.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">23 I will fasten him as a peg in a secure place,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And he will become a glorious throne to his father’s house.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">24 ‘They will hang on him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the posterity, all vessels of small quantity, from the cups to all the pitchers. 25 In that day,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘the peg that is fastened in the secure place will be removed and be cut down and fall, and the burden that was on it will be cut off; for the Lord has spoken.’ ”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shebna(h), </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(also possible variation is an abbreviation of Shebaniah</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) was a financial officer in King Hezekiah’s court. One translation of his name means 1) to be high or eminent, 2) to beautify, and 3) to be in an abode, a place of abiding or dwelling. Another translation offers additional details, explaining that Biblical names often were a ‘bouquet of meanings” due to the fact that there were slight differences between Hebrew and Aramaic script; therefore, the entire spectrum of names often contained multiple meanings. In this case, the name Shebna also means 1) a seat of beauty, 2) captured, and 3) please let return. (see </span><a href="https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Shebna.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Abirim Publications’ Biblical Name Vault) </span></a></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shebna represents those that have been given the opportunity to hold a trusted position of governing over others, but have not shown to have the quality of character that would benefit those under their care. Ungodly stewards will now lose their seats of authority because they have shown corruption in their actions and have not esteemed the Lord. Their pride has caused them to exalt themselves in a form of idolatry. I believe God is not only speaking to political leaders, but also addressing those that have not been good stewards of what they have been entrusted with, including things such as relationships, resources, positions, properties and other things. God requires an account and the books are open. Ungodly stewards will soon discover the false sense of security they have put their trust in cannot protect them from the sudden, unexpected turn of events that will create a reversal in circumstances. They will experience shame as a result of being removed from their positions and being stripped of their authority. While they go into captivity, they will yearn to recover their losses and return to their positions, and they will watch as others take the place they once held in high esteem. Thus, the plea for intervention to let them return to their position is understood by the meaning of </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘if you please.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">’ The verb that means “rest or cease activity” as another descriptive part of Shebna’s name means to halt the path or trajectory someone has been on and coerce them to go somewhere else. In other words, it constitutes the removal of someone and forcing them to move somewhere else. The slight variations in the spelling of Shebna(h)’s name may seem inconsequential, but in the context of the Bible, many people were known by either a variation of spelling or names. “This often occurs when a person undergoes a significant change of identity or character that changes the narrative of their life. It speaks of a sudden change of destiny, a real ‘head turner.’ In a positive sense, this can also be viewed as one of the ways God brings about a person’s restoration.” </span><a href="https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Shebna.html" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(See Abirim Publlications Name Meaning:Shebna) </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Those that are ready for their next step into promotion will experience the sudden turning of events that releases restoration. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Rise of the Eliakims</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shebna(h) was deposed. Eliakim was called. This is a time when those who are called by God will come into positions they have been prepared for; it will be a strategic move by the hand of God. When God interrupts and disrupts leadership, it forces organizations, churches, ministries, and the political and cultural landscape to go into transition. Transition generally causes a sense of instability in the midst of change, but in Isaiah 22:20 we see that the transition of power was completed in the space of the same day, or a very short window of time. God’s choice for leadership is seen in Eliakim, who would bring a sense of comfort and stability in unstable times, and being securely established as a peg in a firm place by the hand of God, would not be easily moved. Others would cling to him because Eliakim was to be ‘like a Christ,’ or represent the fatherly authority, sacrificial love, care and affection towards the people under his care. Eliakim was a father to the city of Jerusalem. The inhabitants of the city were viewed as those in his own household. </span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Time of Resurrection</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In Hebrew, the name Eliakim means “God rises,” “God sets up,” or “God takes a stand.” The portion of his name (kim) is actually translated from “qum” and means to </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">rise up</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It means to get up from a sitting position. As in, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">get ready,</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> it is time to move! It is time to act! It may also indicate the start of a journey, or paying attention. This same verb was used in Numbers 23:18 when God addressed Balam and Balak, who both were unwilling to hear and listen to God! It can also indicate one who takes a stand against an adversary. It can mean God taking a stand or giving his people the power to take a stand. This verb, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">qum,</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is also mentioned in Mark 5:41 when Jesus said to the little girl who had died, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Talitha qum</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, which translated means “Damsel, arise.” This verb which means “to rise” is full of resurrection power!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I tell each one of you today, rise up! Be filled with the resurrection, overcoming, power of God. You ARE an overcomer in Christ. You are filled with the same spirit that raised Christ from the dead. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. You may feel that you are at your wits end with some of the things you are dealing with, but remember that it’s when you reach the dead end where you have no place left to go - no solutions or means to figure out how to find the solution to your problem - it’s in your surrender and posture of humility when God shows up with your deliverance. You can‘t worry your way out of a problem. You have to prophesy your way to the other side! Use the authority God gave you and declare His word! When Moses came to the edge of the Red Sea he was at a dead end with trouble on all sides. God told him, “Stop crying and lift up your rod!” God told Him to speak to the problem. Tell your problem how big your God is and declare what His word says - Your deliverer will appear!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Time of Deliverance</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This verb represents deliverance. A time when God releases His Spirit to help us overcome that which has been set as an adversary against us. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves;I have broken the bands of your yoke and made you walk upright.” (Leviticus 26:13)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Also, another reference is from the Book of Judges when Gideon was called to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of the Midianites. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“And so it was, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped. He returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the Lord has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand!” (Judges 7:15)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Time When God Establishes and Sets in Place; A Time of Receiving Keys and Opening Doors</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This name, Eliakim, means </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God will establish</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. He would bring glory to the Father’s name. Eliakim was the steward with the key of authority that gave him an audience with the king. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Time of Exercising Authority, Binding and Loosing</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The key was an emblem of power; of opening and shutting doors which determined who would be allowed or disallowed to possess positions. This is another reference to ‘binding and loosing’ as we find in the New Testament. (See Matthew 16:19, Matthew 18:18-20 and Matthew 12:29). Jesus rebuked those that ‘shut up the kingdom of heaven’ through misrepresentation of the gospel and refused to enter the kingdom themselves. Just as Shebna had his keys taken from him and given to Eliakim, God will take what belongs to those that have misused what they’ve had and it will be given to those that will use what God gives them for kingdom purposes, to bring glory to the King. Shebna was only concerned about bringing glory to himself. God also took away the keys of wicked tenants from those with a religious, critical, fault finding spirit and abused others and gave them to His disciples. The Lord told Peter he would build his church upon the revelation of who He was as the Son of God. This revelation was the new model of the kingdom of God. God wants to restore HIS VISION in us that allows us to build HIS KINGDOM in the earth, and it will take many different forms. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Time to Build</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s time to build.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Before God can build, He will often tear down. God wants to build His kingdom inside of us but He won’t build upon error. He can only build upon revelation of the truth, who He really is. That is why He comes to each one of us and asks us, “WHO DO YOU SAY I AM?” He can’t build upon fear, insecurity, worry and doubt. He can’t build upon lies that tell us He can’t be trusted, or He doesn’t want the best for us. It’s time to really come to a place of surrender, and ask Him to reveal any lies in our belief system that hinders His ability to build His kingdom in us. Religious spirits must be evicted. This means deliverance! God does not build on corruption. Religious spirits can be deceiving, but there is a sense of rigidity, legalism, critical and fault-finding spirits that bring people under condemnation, control and religious witchcraft. It lacks love and compassion towards others and is not an authentic representation of the heart of God. It’s an old wineskin that cannot hold the new wine. Old wineskins are inflexible and resistant to change.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is a time to examine our level of commitment to purity and surrender those things we know we should not make excuses for, the things that hinder our spiritual growth. Why do we shortchange ourselves? That is an area where we deny the Lordship of Christ and excuse ourselves from obedience. That is not ok with God and we can’t afford to keep living in our old identity. That stubborn refusal to give up some old habit is a refusal to grow up in the Lord. Many people hold on to old behaviors because there is something in them that still hurts. Some of the old behaviors are tied to false forms of comfort that we attempt to justify in order to mask emotional pain. It’s time to get to the root of the pain and ask Holy Spirit to reveal the truth so that you can be healed. Once you are healed the old behaviors are easier to overcome. The bottom line is, people overcome WHEN THEY WANT TO. If you are struggling, ask the Lord to give you the WANT TO so you can overcome what has been stunting your spiritual and emotional growth. He will! </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> If we are not willing to be emptied of our flesh how can we receive that of the Spirit? My husband, Norm, spoke a few weeks ago on making room for the Lord. We must let go of some things because we can’t receive more of His Spirit if our hearts and our hands are already full. If we are full of excuses then we have not made room to receive. We must stop trying to live in an old identity. If we are crucified with Christ then there are certain habits and behaviors that must die, because it’s representative of a person that was buried with Christ on the cross. We are no longer that person! There are some doors that people will not have access to because they refuse to grow up in the Lord and discipline their flesh. Just as you would not give a child the keys to heavy machinery or a vehicle they were not mature enough to handle properly, so it is in the Spirit. God does not let us go through certain doors if we have not proven we are ready and spiritually prepared. This involves the development of character, integrity and purity in a person’s life.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Time to Possess Keys and Harvest Souls</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The word ‘key’ in Hebrew is the word ‘pathach,’ which means ‘to open, or an opening.’ Keys back in Biblical days were often very large, bent and curved, resembling a reaper’s hook. (Reaper's hooks were used to harvest wheat and other crops.) It is the time of harvest and God wants us to possess the keys that will help us harvest souls and bring them into the kingdom! The steward carried the keys of the house, or the entire household, with him and they were prominently displayed on his shoulder as a sign of honor and importance. The key of Isaiah 22:22 was not only a sign of power and authority, it was also a sign that the individual was trustworthy and knowledgeable, meaning the person had wisdom, experience and knowledge pertinent to understanding the solutions of certain problems. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is only through intimacy with the Lord that we find keys to unlock the mysteries of the human soul. Sometimes these keys are our testimonies of how God met us in a time of need. It may be a story that releases hope and assurance to someone else. God wants to give His people words of knowledge that will help deliver and heal others. Some of the keys take the form of prophetic words that release encouragement and stability in these difficult times. Joseph had the key of dream interpretation that brought him before pharaoh. Joseph, because of the gift inside of him, possessed the wisdom to solve the problem at hand. His God-given gift was the key that opened the door and gave him an audience with a king. That gift also opened the door to his promotion.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“A man’s gift opens doors for him, and brings him before great men.” Proverbs 18:16. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many of God’s solutions to perplexing situations are the keys that will open the heart of others. Every heart and every problem is a potential door because ‘doors’ are in people. When we find what touches their needs, the door of their heart will open. We then have an opportunity to connect them to Jesus, who loves them and wants to touch the issues of their lives. But, without this intimate relationship with the Lord, we shall find we stand empty handed without the keys that will open the doors to people’s lives. Many of the keys are only given to us as we seek the Lord. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The lover of our soul stands just outside the door of our hearts, knocking and waiting for us to grant Him entrance. Even when we are unmindful of Him, He is thinking about us. The conviction of the Holy Spirit to spend time in the secret place is like the gentle tapping on the door, waiting for us to respond, but only we can open the door from the inside. No one else can be sent to open the door for us. No false key will open the lock. Revelation 3:20 also reminds us that our beloved, Christ, stands at the door of our heart and knocks, waiting for us to invite Him in. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Now pay attention; I am standing at the door and knocking. If any of you hear My voice and open the door, I will come in to visit with you and to share a meal at your table, and you will be with Me.” Rev. 3:20 </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Voice</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.7999999999999998; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Time to Seek the Lord</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are times when He may seem to withdraw from us. All of us, myself included, struggle with busyness, distractions, apathy and things that pull us away from spending quality time with the Lord. In Song of Solomon, the Shulamite hesitated to open the door until her beloved turned away and left. In Song of Solomon 5:4-5, the scripture says, </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“My beloved put his hand by the latch of the door, </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And my heart yearned for him.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I arose to open for my beloved,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And my hands dripped with myrrh,</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My fingers with liquid myrrh </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On the handles of the lock.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In ancient times, there was a hole by the lock of the door where a hand could be inserted with the key that opened the door. There was a hollow bolt and pins that could be moved by hand, but it required a soft lard or wax to fill the pin pockets so that they would not fall back into place, and then the door could be opened. This hollow space above the lock was also used as a hole where women could look out and speak with men without being publicly exposed, so they could maintain a sense of propriety.. It was where lovers could meet, speak, and even touch fingertips, but only the one on the inside could open the door. The one on the outside of the door could not easily gain admittance. <b>No false key would open the door.</b></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When the conviction of God’s word is not enough to evoke a proper response, there are times when He will, by the finger of God, which is called His Spirit, move the obstacle that prevents Him from having access to our heart. So great is His love for us! I speak this not to bring anyone under condemnation. Instead, let this serve as a gentle reminder that the lover of our souls promises to never leave us or forsake us, but he patiently waits for us to awake from our slumber and run to open the door and welcome Him in. Even if it seems that He has hidden Himself, it is not as a punishment, but a lover’s game of ‘hide-n-seek’ until he appears and draws us to himself. He longs to embrace us and rekindle the love and passion for His presence! </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Time of Awakening</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are in an interesting season. There are many things going on in the spiritual and natural realm. It is a time when God is awakening many who have been in a spiritual slumber and been somewhat apathetic towards Him. He is shifting the spiritual and political climate, exposing wickedness, and removing evil and corrupt people from positions of power. Those that are unfit like Shebna, or the Haman who conspired against God’s people shall be removed. Do not fear the things to come. Do not believe the lies of mainstream media or even other Christians that promote fear and doomsday messages. This is a time of reversal and restoration, even if it looks the opposite for a while. God will watch over us. We will see more and more of a shift of power over the next several months and going into the next year. It will be a wake up call to get right with the Lord like many have never known. This is a time to speak boldly for the Lord to encourage others to turn to and put their trust in the Lord. It is a time of harvesting souls, and for some, it may be the last time they are given an opportunity to hear and respond to the offer of salvation. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On August 26th, we entered the month of Elul on the Hebrew calendar, which is the last month on the Jewish yearly cycle before going into the Jewish New Year known as Rosh Hashana. (See </span><a href="https://www.jewishindianapolis.org/elul#:~:text=Elul%20is%20the%206th%20month,Rosh%20Hashanah%20and%20Yom%20Kippur" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Elul | Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc.</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.) This month is intended to be a month of inner reflection, forgiveness and making amends with others, so that people can enter into the New Year with a ‘clean slate.’ God gives us this time of reflection so that we can correct our ways before the books of the previous year are closed. In Jewish tradition, it states that once an opportunity for repentance is closed at the end of Sukkot, the books and judgments are sealed. The ending of the Hebrew year falls on September 25th-27th 2022. This is a time when we should all petition God in prayers of repentance and draw closer to Him whether we are of Jewish heritage or not. God honors times and seasons on the Hebrew calendar. The first ten days of the year begins with Rosh Hashana and ends with Yom Kippur. It is known as the days of repentance, or the Days of Awe. It was named the days of awe because it was a time of assurance, with people knowing they were in right relationship with God and experiencing His closeness more and more. It became a time pregnant with expectancy and anticipation of heavenly encounters. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Time of Spiritual Encounters</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The month of Elul is also known as the month when ‘the king is in the field.’ A king lived in a palace and ordinarily would not be easily accessible to others. But, during the month of Elul, the king would leave the palace and make himself available to the citizens of His monarchy. The king made himself available to His people because He takes personal interest in us! The month of Elul is known as an appointed time when it becomes easier to meet with Jesus and access His presence. It is a time to return to God in heartfelt reflection, offering repentance, seeking forgiveness from God and others to whom we may need to make amends so that we may experience His mercy and restoration. It is a time to joyfully welcome Him into our heart and our home, enjoying sweet fellowship with Him! </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Lord is fighting for us. We are His people and the apple of His eye. Part of our seeking should be just loving Him, but the other part is drawing near to ask Him for keys, solutions, and strategies. We belong to our beloved and He belongs to us. Jesus yearns to connect with us and answer the questions of our heart. Behold, He stands at the door and is knocking! </span></p><br /></span></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-15028408591217967802022-07-22T09:52:00.006-07:002022-07-22T10:03:13.792-07:00 A Decree for Divine Intervention, Safety and Protection of Famillies, Cities and America<p><span><b>A Decree for Family Restoration, Safety and Protection over Cities and our Nation, and Calling Forth Divine Intervention. to Thwart Evil Plans </b></span></p><p>There comes a shift in our thinking when we arrive at a conscious understanding of our true identity. We realize that the altar of God lives within us, and is a holy place where the life of God is released from within us to change the world around us. May you declare life from your lips today and believe wholeheartedly that God will use your words to impact your surroundings with His will for transformation of your family, city, community and our nation!</p><p><span><b>PRAYER AND DECLARATION</b></span></p><p><span> Lord, I give you all of me. My heart is your sanctuary. Help me be profoundly aware of my spiritual identity so that I can release your kingdom on earth as it in heaven.</span><br /></p><p><span><span> Father, I decree the sound of my words carry a ripple effect of breakthrough because the Spirit of the Lord lives within me. Greater is He who lives in me than he that lives in the world.</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span><span> I decree my words are anointed to release breakthrough, shatter old mindsets, touch people's hearts and cause them to walk in their true identity as sons and daughters of God, kingdom influencers, holy fire starters and world changers.</span><br /></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span> I decree a release of freedom to the captives of religious spirits, spiritual blindness, deception, delusion and all kinds of bondage. I speak a release of the spirit of truth and liberty and declare they will have a joyful realization of their freedom in Christ and a fresh awareness of the love of their heavenly Father.</span><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span> I decree the disconnected from the body of Christ find their place where their Spirit feels at home, where they feel accepted, loved and valued.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span> I declare a release by the Spirit of the Living God of supernatural hunger and thirst for righteousness. I declare their hunger and thirst is satisfied by the love of God and fresh understanding of truth from the Word of God.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> I decree the power of God uproots and destroys the works of the enemy in my life, my family, my city and the United States of America.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> I speak restoration over myself, my family and community. I decree a release of the Spirit of Reconciliation to restore broken relationships and heal what has been divided, including relationships with the Lord Jesus Christ and our heavenly Father.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> I decree a release of safety and protection over my family, city and our nation according to Psalm 91. I declare You, O God, are our hiding place and safe refuge. A thousand my fall on one side and 10,000 may fall on another side but destruction shall not come near me or my family in Jesus' name. </span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> I declare a release of foresight and prophetic revelation to our military personnel, first responders and emergency workers in my city, state and nation, so that they have wisdom to know how to implement order and strategic plans in Jesus' name.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> I decree angelic protection thwarts the evil plans and attacks aimed at schools, universities and other public places. I declare divine protection of our children and our youth. Father, give them wisdom and courage to say no to drugs and other things the enemy would use for their harm. Direct them away from trouble. Intervene in our children's lives and restlore them to the ways of truth and rigteousness. I declare that young people will speak up and warn others of danger instead of remaining silent. Remember Your word in Galatians 1:4, that You might rescue us and our children from the destructive forces of this present evil age. I declare those who can stop destruction before it can spread are divinely directed and put in position to be at the right place and time, and they will take appropriate action in Jesus' name.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> I decree the redemptive plans and purposes of God over every family and individual in our cities and our nation are coming forth and manifesting now in Jesus' name. I declare the reversal of things according to Psalm 107:35.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> I decree the redemption and restoration of all thngs the enemy has sought to use for his purposes are reversed and redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Lord, come and bring Your divine intervention this day in my life, this day in the lives of my famiy members, in my employment, living situation, and everything that pertains to me and my family. May every every faillure, mistake and wrong turn be supernaturally turned to bring goodness and glory to Your name, Jesus.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> I decree divine intervention over the enemy's plans of destruction over American cities and our nation. I declare supernatural overthrow of evil plans for war. May the destruction of the destroyer and wicked rulers be halted in place in Jesus' name, and the weapons of the destroyer fail in the hands of those that conspire evil, destruction and terror over Your people, O God. Remember Your covenant with us and this nation for Your namesake, O God.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> Thank you, Father, for releasing Your power to bring change and transformation. Thank you for establishing our decrees and for hearing the prayers of Your people. I pray for mercy over our nation. I pray for those that have been disconnected from You to repent and come back into relatationship quickly. I pray that people would not assume they have more time to make things right with You or others, but would seize the day and every opportunity they have now. Let Your Holy Spirit quicken this to their spirits so that they do not fail to take whatever action is necessary. My God, my God, please extend Your mercy to us! Remember Your word is Isaiah 30:18, for You long to be gracious to us. I declare a release of resurrection life by the power of Your Holy Spirit, and the multilaction of salvations, signs and miracles in Jesus' name, amen.</span><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span> </span><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-91354853945186046802022-07-11T16:57:00.008-07:002022-08-05T10:16:48.657-07:00Battering Ram Prayer & Declaration<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcQETt1Cw9WmhKD6UrTJP27GhIHx0PQoBCpm246b4EiyiDEyUvNWJeXGcwbGdDzADrCOBTSazAa2kdBDUScp6vKTuH5MjRx3uph4iIbITEGsFmb8EF8CyZ-iabOhi1QZ79gKnDk_uJ4oc7Zz5YLX4wysVobwRHO7UPxdl-UANq1tGTrw7B_NHRio_A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="279" data-original-width="381" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcQETt1Cw9WmhKD6UrTJP27GhIHx0PQoBCpm246b4EiyiDEyUvNWJeXGcwbGdDzADrCOBTSazAa2kdBDUScp6vKTuH5MjRx3uph4iIbITEGsFmb8EF8CyZ-iabOhi1QZ79gKnDk_uJ4oc7Zz5YLX4wysVobwRHO7UPxdl-UANq1tGTrw7B_NHRio_A" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Recently Dutch Sheets shared a dream God gave to his brother Tim Sheets about having an angelic encounter while in Washington, D.C. (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoQymI9M5JE">Link to video</a>) Tim paused the dream and recounted a previous experience with Dutch and Ken Malone, about 5 years earlier. They were asking the Lord in prayer what to pray for and an angel walked by speaking “Mercy, mercy, mercy, mercy, mercy, mercy.” That witnessed to them they should pray for mercy over America. As Tim began to share more of the current dream encounter, another angel appeared and told him to take the battering ram of prayer to the Luciferian barriers that protected Ba’al’s roots, and this would unlock the nation. This prayer declaration is written out of obedience to that word and intended to be a battering ram of the Lord. May it accomplish all His will and purpose!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are many areas in every part of our world, including our nation, that are controlled by political, social and cultural influences. The power and influences of secret societies, occult organizations and satanic worship, the Vatican and other religious organizations, diplomatic relations and international treaties, banking organizations, political alliances, and much more are all tied into Baal worship in our world and in America. Real change means that the enemy must lose his control but it will shake every structure and system that currently exists. It is necessary to stop Satan’’s agenda of ushering in a New World Order. Ba’al worship has always been associated with the destruction of God’s people. One of the names of Ba’al is Ba’al Berith, which means “Lord of the Covenant.” Ba’al also means ‘husband, master and owner.’ America must issue a divorce decree from this false husband and master. The enemy has staked his claim on this nation because we, the people, have given away our dominion. It is time to take back the power and send angels on assignments to destroy all the works of evil!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">PRAYER AND DECLARATION</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Father,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please forgive us for selling ourselves into bondage, making covenants or contracts that have forced us into slavery, bondage and service to others, whether it was done knowingly or unknowingly. Forgive us for making lies our refuge and for the false beliefs they created, where we dishonored and rebelled against You. Forgive us, O God - we repent for sins of bloodshed, idolatry and rebellion, for mocking You in our ways, unbelief and prostituting ourselves with the world.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On behalf of our nation and our nation's leaders, we repent for all ungodly contracts, oaths and covenants that have been made that violate Your will. We condemn and denounce any agreements that have been made with spirits of darkness , and renounce all false masters. We declare a divorce from false gods and the various names of Ba’al, also associated with Molech, Hadad, Dagan, Zeus, Beelzebub, Bel, Marduk, and all other names of demonic spirits that have made our nation subservient and put us into slavery, for it is written in Exodus 20:3 that we shall have no other gods before You. Please let the blood of Jesus cover our nation’s sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, and we plead for Your mercy upon our nation in Jesus’ name.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Let the power of the Holy Spirit, full of forgiveness, mercy, love, grace and humility be released over America. Please remember Your covenant with the United States and Your people! Pour yourself out on all flesh as You said that you would in Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17. Father, let Your Holy Spirit convict people of sin and draw them to the Lord Jesus Christ. Reveal Jesus to them and compel them to be saved.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We ask now for favor in the airwaves, in the earthly realm, and favor with You to see the deception and assignment of the enemy come to a quick end. In the name and authority of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior we now make the following decrees:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the blood of Jesus redeems us from the curse, which nullifies all covenants, oaths and agreements with spirits of darkness according to Galatians 3:13,14.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare that all ungodly and forbidden covenants that have resulted in unjust and oppressive laws now take a U turn and are reversed or struck down by the spirit of righteousness and justice, in Jesus' name.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare JESUS IS LORD over America, for it is written in Acts 4:12 'There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved, and the name of Jesus is higher than any other name according to Philippians 2:9.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare that people’s consciences are stirred and they are confronting their sins now, and confessing them to You so that they might be forgiven, according to Luke 13:3.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare that people are awakened from their slumber and they remember the God who created them, according to Ephesians 5:14.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the Spirit of God has turned people away from their sins and delivered the people of this nation from evil according to Matthew 6:13.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the covenants with death are annulled and agreements with the realm of the dead shall no longer stand according to Isaiah 28:18.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever and be a scepter of justice for Your kingdom according to Your word in Ps. 45:6.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare You, O God, have broken the yoke of slavery off of America and lifted the heavy burdens from our shoulders. You have broken the oppressor's rod according to Your word in Isaiah 9:4.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare that the burden of ungodliness is taken away from our shoulders, and the enemy’s yoke from our necks. The yoke is destroyed because of the anointing oil, according to Your word, O God, in Isaiah 10:27.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare that according to Psalm 89:23 that You have crushed Your foes and you have stricken down our enemies. Also according to Psalm 18:40, you have given us the necks of our enemies and their heads (authority) have been removed from them in Jesus name.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare God has broken the arm of the wicked and shattered the pride of his power according to Psalm 37:17 and Psalm 10:15.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare it is written in Ezekiel 38:4 that the Lord says: "I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army, your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with great and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords. And again in Isaiah 37:29 it is written, "Because you rage against Me and because your insolence has reached my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth and I will make you return by the way you came," says the Lord. It is also written in Isaiah 43:17 that You drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, extinguished, never to rise again."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare a release of Your warring angels to combat the spirits of Witchcraft and Control over Political, Banking and Financial Systems, national and International organizations, treaties and alliances, the Judicial, Legislative and Executive Branches of government, the Education system, Pharmaceutical and drug companies, the CDC and World Health Organization, religious structures and systems, and any other “structures and systems” that oppress and control your people. Let your angels be released to deal with those territorial spirits and repay them for their wickedness in the name and authority of Jesus Christ, according to Psalm 94:23.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the walls of the enemy have been breached according to Jeremiah 39:2 and the enemy’s strongholds are brought to ruin according to Psalm 89:40.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the violence of the violent recoils back on their own heads according to Psalm 7:16.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare, according to Isaiah 24:12, the enemy is left desolate and his gates are battered to ruins.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the blow of God’s battering rams are directed against the enemy’s walls of protection, and God’s axes have broken down the enemy’s towers and places of refuge, according to Ezekiel 26:9.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the Lord of Hosts and His angel armies have lifted up the battle cry, set battering rams against the gates and strongholds of the enemy, and laid siege against the enemy according to Ezekiel 21:22 and Ezekiel 4:2.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare a complete exposure of the enemy’s works of evil and every hidden thing the enemy has done to carry out evil plans, according to Luke 8:17.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the Lord has set ambushes against the enemy according to 2 Chronicles 20:22, where the enemy was set into confusion and destroyed one another.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare all unholy alliances are cut apart and destroyed by the power of our decree according to Job 22:28.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the Lord has thrown His net over the workers of iniquity and the dragon in the sea; the enemies of God have been caught in His net, according to Exekiel 32:2.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare You have released Your weapons of destruction into the enemy’s blind spots according to Psalm 2:9, where You have broken the power of the enemy with a rod of iron and dashed the works of wickedness to pieces like a potter’s vessel. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare You have attacked the spirits that conspire iniquity, speak falsehood, and act in a bloodthirsty manner, according to Psalm 5:6.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the enemy’s plans are defeated and his wicked servants have fallen by their own counsel according to Psalm 5:10.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the Lord has struck the enemy in his blind spot according to 1 Kings 1:9 because of forsaking the Lord God and worshiping and serving other gods.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare Ba’al’s archers have been taken out by the arrows of God. The weapons of our decrees have hit the enemy in his blindspot, causing the terror of the Lord. and the enemy’s destruction to come like a whirlwind according to Proverbs 1:27. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare according to 1 Kings 22:34 the arrow of the Lord has struck the enemy in his vulnerable place, between his joints of armor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the spirit of witchcraft and control, and the Jezebel assignment over our nation is defeated and cast down according to 2 Kings 9:33.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the authority of ungodly leaders influenced by Ba’al worship and loyal to the enemy spirits likened to Ahab and Jezebel are removed from position and their authority cut off according to 2 Kings 10:7-8.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the false authority, false political leaders who have bought and bribed their way illegally into positions through usurping authority and rigged elections, false prophets, false apostles and false brethren of this day who operate through deception are removed from their positions according to Isaiah 22:17-18. Therefore, they shall fall among thoe who fall; in the time of their punishment they shall be cast down. We declare the pillars in the house of Ba’al that hold the structure in place are pulled down and crushed by the power of God according to 2 Kings 10:26-28 and Jeremiah 8:12.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the posterity of Ahab and his house is cut off according to 1 Kings 20:20-21 and 2 Chronicles 33:6 because of those that have sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord and sacrificed innocent blood to Ba’al.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare You frustrate the devices of the crafty so their hands cannot carry out their plans according to Job 5:12.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the power of Deus, Deism, the “Eye of Providence”, the “Eye of Horus,“ and the demonic deception associated with Freemasonry, secret societies, occult magic, sorcery, witchcraft and evil is broken according to Your word. For it is written, that YOU, O God, are the Lord our God who has brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage that we should not be their slaves; You have broken the bands of our yoke and made us walk upright, with our heads held high, according to Lev. 26:13. We declare blindness into the evil eye that watches, waits, and conspires evil assignments against the unsuspecting according to 2 Kings 6:18.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare all demonic sorcery, hexes, spells, and all forms of magic to become powerless, deprived of all power and effectiveness in Jesus name, for it is written in Micah 5:12,13 “I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells. I will also cut off the carved images and sacred pillars from among you, so that you will no longer bow down to the work of your own hands.…”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare that the false gods of Molech, Minerva and all those that represent the Illuminati and Satanic worship are overcome by the Spirit of the Lord, for it is not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit according to Zechariah 4:6 and Isaiah 42:8.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare ungodly altars are torn down and destroyed, according to Judges 6:28 and 2 Kings 23:3-4, where the people took a stand for the Lord, His statues, and His covenant. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the idolatrous priests are removed according to 2 Kings 23:5. We declare the demonic places of worship at Bohemian Grove and meeting places for secret societies, occult priests and priestesses, and world leaders are destroyed. We declare the idolatrous totem poles and Milcom the owl statue is broken and destroyed. All demonic altars, false gods and implements of satanic worship are reduced to dust and burned in the fire, according to 2 Kings 23:12-15.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare all demonic altars to silence, severed from all familiar spirits, and void of all power according to 1 Kings 18:24-29.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We decree all places of worship that are corrupt and dedicated to false gods, including those that are known as Luciferian, Satanists, and those that worship Ba’al, Molech, Belus or Marduk are burned with fire from Your altar O God, according to Deuteronomy 12:3 and Isaiah 27:9.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the Luciferian church has fallen and been cut down to the ground according to Isaiah 14:12, and the enemy shall be demoralized among his followers according to Isaiah 14:16,17.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the love of God has set people free from Luciferian beliefs and this religious cult. We ask You, Father, to give people personal, life-giving experiences with the Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Spirit. We declare the blinders are taken off their spiritual eyes and they have experienced the unconditional love of God. Their former beliefs of skepticism, unbelief, lawlessness, self rule, defiance of authority, false light and delusion are humbled and they have repented in Jesus’ name.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare ceremonial magic, sex magic, and all other rituals and indoctrination of occult religions holds no enticement or fulfillment to those in these cults. They have burned their magic books and graven images with fire according to Acts 19:19 and renounced their alliance and servanthood to satan in Jesus’ name.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We decree the false gods that have NOT made the heavens and the earth shall perish from the earth and from under these heavens, according to Jeremiah 10:11.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We decree the Arch of Palmyra, the gate of Ba’al is broken and destroyed. We command this ungodly gate to be closed in the spirit and in the natural realm according to Isaiah 22:22.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare all demonic portals are closed now according to Matthew 18:18.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the gates of hell that operate through media, arts and entertainment, economy, politics and government, the legal system, the United nations, the Vatican, religion, business organizations, family dynasties and empires aligned for political power and influence, and the educational system shall not prevail against the righteous and against this nation according to Matthew 6:17-19. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the wall of Bel and Babylon have fallen and nations will no longer worship him, according to Jeremiah 51:44 and Revelation 18:2.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We decree the giants of ruling Dynasties, Authoritarian Regimes, Communism, Socialism, Fascisim, Republics and Democracies, Monarchies and Theocracies, Oligarchies, Dictatorships, Totalitarian Government, Marxism, Libertarianism, and anarchies are demolished according to Revelation 18:3, 18:7 and Revelation 18:23; we speak new government structures and systems are established according to Your plan and purpose, and righteous leaders are set in by Your hand, according to Isaiah 22:21,23.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the cornerstone of new government is laid upon the revelation of Jesus Christ, and upon justice, righteous judgment and equity according to Jeremiah 9:24.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare a quick end to the Deep State and corrupt government individuals that seek the destruction of America and other nations. We declare dominion belongs to the Lord and He rules over the nations, according to Psalm 22:27-28. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the Lord Jesus Christ reigns over this nation of the United States of America, and our God is seated on His holy throne, according to Psalm 47:8.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare all seducing spirits and covenant breaking spirits, all fertility spirits and the spirit of lust and witchcraft associated with paganism, lawlessness and mocking God; all spirits known as Ashtoreth, Anath, Astarte, Mary Queen of Heaven, Lilith (goddess of the underworld, feminism, progressivism, and sexual impurity) including any other names - are an abomination to God and receive the Lord’s punishment according to Jeremian 1:16 and Micah 5:10-12.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We decree a sudden end to idolatrous worship and the work of men’s hands according to Isaiah 37:19.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare the spirit of delusion and confusion is broken over America . We declare that the spirit of Ma’at and its counsel is destroyed according to Your word in Isaiah 19:1-3(a). For the day of the Lord of Hosts shall come upon everything proud and lofty, upon everything lifted up - and it shall be brought low, according to Isaiah 2:12.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We decree a release of the fear of the Lord over the world and this nation according to Psalm 33:8. We decree repentance from sin, immorality, idolatry and impurity as a result of the fear of the Lord according to Proverbs 14:27.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare that the government shall be upon the shoulders of Your Son, Jesus Christ, according to Isaiah 9:6,7 and that His name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom; to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from this time forward and forever, Amen. We declare the zeal of the Lord shall accomplish this.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We decree the new structure and a new government shall replace the old. For God, it is written that You make all things new. We declare that You are planting new things that carry Your heart and will bring about Your kingdom plans and purposes in the earth.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare revival and healing has come to families, cities, and to our nation. We declare deliverance has come to Your people. We declare a ripple affect of signs, wonders, miracles and hearts that are touched by Your goodness, in Jesus' name.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We declare “Let there be DIVINE ORDER, in Jesus name! Let there be light, revelation, and a release of the Fear of the Lord. We declare a SHIFT into God’s kairos timing to establish the house of David, and the government of Jesus Christ. We declare God’s order to manifest NOW in the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-38218832920708220912022-07-05T10:20:00.005-07:002022-07-05T10:20:48.431-07:00Prayer to Heal Inuit Ancestry<div style="text-align: left;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Prayer to Break Curses and Heal Inuit Ancestry</b></span></p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-997aa6fb-7fff-7d6a-8a48-105cc84dbcb6"><br /></span></p><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE6WeDRkdktD-ZdlfsTFyjq3v4T_pEvbUrRHejQNHd5gAFEyDgC83Ga4QR4f-U7NQZ5TmGkWqRxV_hdsqLDAcNZQeEzNb9l1yXUVG7bFfp56tVn0IWhzc9_HBL42XFG6x0Ct7SyC5hKbCIVpGyoyMIxnlxJ_YXuVCpZaRZLecccvIMlsegqciXHRvf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="265" data-original-width="330" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE6WeDRkdktD-ZdlfsTFyjq3v4T_pEvbUrRHejQNHd5gAFEyDgC83Ga4QR4f-U7NQZ5TmGkWqRxV_hdsqLDAcNZQeEzNb9l1yXUVG7bFfp56tVn0IWhzc9_HBL42XFG6x0Ct7SyC5hKbCIVpGyoyMIxnlxJ_YXuVCpZaRZLecccvIMlsegqciXHRvf" width="299" /></a></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This morning I awoke from a dream in which someone placed a folder of information in my hands. When I opened it, it was a file from many sources and scholars on the Inuit people. I woke up wondering what this meant and what I was supposed to do, but the way the Lord most frequently works with me is to research something and then write a prayer, so that is why I am writing this particular article and prayer. This was something that was not even on my radar. I did not have any thoughts whatsoever to research this topic, but the Holy Spirit knows who needs this!</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">In researching the history of Inuit beliefs and practices, one thing I noticed that is common with many of native ancestry is that they tend to syncretize their history and traditions of storytelling along with religious beliefs. Many do believe in Christianity but they may also feel it is a betrayal of their identity should they forsake the customs and traditions of their ancestors. Thus, the two belief systems merge into a combined religious system that incorporates all of these beliefs and practices into a new form of religion. Neither is completely pure or exclusive of one another. This results in polytheism, or the belief of many gods, but scripturally this is considered an offense and idolatrous to the one true God, the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inuit" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>, the Inuit people originated from Artic and subartic regions of Greenland, (Denmark) Canada, and Alaska. Their religion has many forms and variants, but other cultures have traditionally had similar spiritual mediators known as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angakkuq" target="_blank">Angakkuq</a>. Angakkuk are trained in the culture, history and language of the Inuit, but they also depend on familiar spirits or spirit guides for their counsel, and are also known as shamans. Shamans play a prominent role in the lives of the Inuit. They act as healers, counselors, and are sought out for their wisdom and knowledge, but the spiritual reality is they practice witchcraft and magic that is banned by God. The myths, legends and folktales of the Inuits (as well as other native tribes) that are passed down from generation to generation involve fear of punishment and other fears, which opens the door to a spirit of fear. These familiar spirits are given legal permission, accessing the lives of each family member that practices these traditions. Inuit live in fear of unknown forces due to the harshness and randomness of life in the Arctic. Many of the Inuit depend on the sea for provision, so many of their legends involve gods & goddesses of water spirits. The stories they tell their children often involve a fear of what will happen if they break certain taboos or get too close to the water. It is only through obedience to custom, avoiding taboos, and performing the right rituals that the spirit of the dead can be placated.The spiritual beliefs are as diverse as the culture.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Inuit people have long incorporated oral traditions of storytelling which include animism and shamanism; the belief that their spiritual healers have the ability to meditate with spirits and then release healing to individuals. They look for life lessons to impart to others from legends, folklore and storytelling, but the repetition of telling these stories can also give familiar sprits the welcome they are looking for to remain in families. Not to offend, but the truth and reality is that this is a practice of occultism, which can only keep people under the oppression of demonic spirits and a curse. When the source of their wisdom and "healing" is from the demonic realm and not the Holy Spirit, it is channelling demonic spirits, and nothing good can come from that. It actually releases a curse upon those that partake of those activities. Truth is not found in folklore, legends and myths but in the Word of God alone. Myths, stories and legends are void of power and wisdom because they are fabricated by someone's imagination. Truth must be anchored in Someone greater and mightier than all mankind, and be pure and holy. The Bible has proven it's truth to be real over and over again by the many followers of Jesus Christ who have discovered Him to be real, authentic and true to scripture. God is the only true source of wisdom. God's word contains spiritual laws by which all creation must operate, whether they believe in Him or not. For every action we sow, there is a consequence. He is the highest authority so it is His word that matters more than anything else. Legends and myths are not seeking truth, wisdom or guidance from the Holy Spirit, but from familiar spirits that originate from the demonic realm. The word of God counsels us against such practices.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Do not turn to mediums or seek out spiritists, for you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 19:31</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I will set my face against anyone who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute themselves by following them, and I will cut them off from their people. Leviticus 20:6</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn. Isaiah 8:19-20</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>…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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The penalty for disobedience to God is inheriting a curse. Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28 list the penalties for disobedience. Curses are often manifested in different ways. Chronic illnesses, premature deaths, repetitive accidents, and financial problems are some of the common indicators of an unbroken curse. Chronic strife, repeated suicides or thoughts of suicide in the same family, mental torment, depression and insanity, a failure to succeed in life, barrenness or repeated miscarriage are all signs a curse needs to be broken off of a family or an individual. One indication of the generational attack of the enemy (Satan) is the spiritual oppression, depression and sense of hopelessness that leads many to suicide. This, too, can be a spiritually inherited curse that can be broken. No one needs to live with the thoughts of self-destruction and hopelessness. Jesus Christ is our redeemer and rescuer, but he alone is the one true God and must be worshiped as such. It is so important to reject and renounce the mixture of beliefs, customs and traditions of religious syncretism so that people can get healed. The Lord wants us to live free from demonic oppression!</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The prayer at the end of this article is constructed as a guide to help break curses and close doors that may have been opened for generations. It is important to renounce the false gods, traditions and rituals that have compromised the purity of the Christian faith because otherwise those other spirits want to remain a person’s lord and master. <u>God created us in His image to have dominion over all the power of the enemy, but when people mix their religious beliefs and practices, it gives away the power and dominion God gave us and puts it in the hands of the enemy that only wants to destroy us. </u></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then God said, <i>“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” Genesis 1:26</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. Romans 6:14</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our Heavenly Father loves us so much that He wants us to commit to knowing Him and living in the truth. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">What was our Creator's first command?</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>You shall have no other gods before Me. Genesis 20:3</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Jesus said, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.“ Matthew 22:37-38.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is not disloyalty to one’s family, culture or tribe to decide to worship God the Father, Jesus Christ his Son, and the Holy Spirit in purity, without the mixture of other beliefs and traditions. It is not rejection of one's family, tribe, or community to have a personal relationship with the Lord. God loves all mankind and wants to be in a real, personal relationship with us. It may seem incredulous, but it's true! That is why Jesus came to earth, to be fully human in a form we could understand, but he never sinned like we do. He was also fully divine, because it takes the pure blood of a sinless God to atone for our sin. He took the punishment for the sins of all mankind upon himself, dying in our place, so that we could accept His free gift of salvation and having our sins forgiven. He alone provided the solution for our sin because no sin is allowed in heaven. It is a holy place. Our sin would keep us eternally separated from God our Father because He is holy and cannot be in the presence of sin. But, Jesus Christ, His only Son through a miraculous birth, paid our debt so that all who believed upon Him and invited Him to be their Savior would be reconnected to their Heavenly Father and adopted into the family of God. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><i><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with your heart you believe and are justified, and with your mouth you confess and are saved.…" Romans 10:9, 10</span></i></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. " John 1:12</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Children are part of a family. They have a father. This is how we relate to our heavenly Father. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. "John 14:23
</i></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. Now, most people would not be willing to die for an upright person, though someone might perhaps be willing to die for a person who is especially good. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. For if, when we were enemies of God, we were reconciled to Him through the death of His Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through His life!…" Romans 5:5-10</i></span></span> </div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our heavenly Father would not have written this if it were not true. He did this because He loves us and does not want evil spiris to usurp His place in our lives and become a false father and wicked oppressor. Demons are incapable of love. They are incapable of telling the truth. Their only assignment is to act as a destroyer of people’s lives. These are Jesus’ words:</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus said, <i>"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. "John 10:10</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">God made each one of us unique, and he knows the culture, beliefs and traditions involved in each person’s life. He made us to live in community, and He also gave us this scripture.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>"And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well." 1 John 4:21</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Loving others is still being involved in the community in which we live. It's not disloyalty to a person's cultural identity, but to recognize that our identity is found in Christ, as we are adopted into the family of God. Our position as God's child is secure. This is His truth. Only a Holy God that loves us and sent His only Son to die on our behalf to cleanse us from our sin has a right to tell us who we are. As we align with what HIs word says about us, we realize that we are made in His image and likeness, and that is who we are. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then God said, <i>“Let us make mankind in <b>our</b> <b>image,</b> in <b>our likeness</b>, so that <u>they may rule</u> over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals,[a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground. <b>So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them</b>." Genesis 1:26,27</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do you see how we are created to have dominion over all that is in the earth, instead of other spirits having dominion over us? Do you see how that contradicts what is implied through legends and myths? The fictional characters from legends and myths have no right to be gods or goddesses in someone's life. They have no power to deliver, save or heal. They have no power to cleanse a person from the stain of their sin. Only the blood of a Holy God can do that, and it was shed by the only begotten son of God Almighty, Jesus Christ. Our identity is imparted from our heavenly Father just as much as our identity is found in the DNA of our parents. In as much as we inherit certain characteristics in the natural that we received from our parents, so do we also inherit certain qualities and characteristics from our heavenly Father, because once a person invites Jesus into their heart to be their Savior, the DNA of his Holy Spirit floods us with a new reality. We receive HIM and He lives in us. Our identity is directed tied to the Spirit of God living within us!</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our identity does not come solely from the culture we live in. Identity is imparted from a person's parents, their values and sense of affirming a person in who they are as an individual. The Inuit have a long history of being known for their abiity to adapt to change, a strong connection with their community, and a love and commitment to respect the land. It is their heritage and legacy, and an inspiration for others in their ability to overcome adversity. They have had to learn how to adapt to changing times and because of those qualities, they are survivors. The Inuit are a strong, resilient people. Please understand that I mean no disrespect towards anyone. It is not my intent to bash anyone's beliefs. I am simply writing to make a distinction between common beliefs and practices that are contrary to the word of God. When a person is not in agreement with the truth of God's spiritual laws, it opens them up to demonic spirits. All demonic spirits look for ways to inflict harm and carry out curses. That is just the nature of what they do.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have you noticed anyone in your family that seems to have repeated the same pattern as a parent or a grandparent? Do you or anyone in your family have a history of things like addictions, alcoholism, anger, rage or abuse? What about adultery, broken relationships, divorce or controlling behavior? Many of these things repeat from one generation to the next. Who do you think gave you and your family those things? Who placed those curses into the family line?</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We can be saved, but people still perish for lack of knowledge. Salvation is not the same as deliverance. The effects of unbroken curses are not a salvation issue. They are a deliverance and sanctification issue. There can still be areas of a person’s life – habits and mindsets that are not yet renewed. We have to appropriate that victory Jesus won for us by cooperating with our own deliverance. Many people may not practice certain customs, beliefs or call on the names of false gods, but still have the effects of unbroken curses active in their life. This is because no one has confessed the sins of their ancestors and asked God to forgive them. Where there is no blood covering, there is no forgiveness of sins. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">God gives each person an ultimatum, and it’s found in Joshua 24:15. Joshua, who was the commander of the people of Israel, said: </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Every person has to make a choice whom they will serve. People either serve God, or they serve the world and the ruler of the world. Proverbs 26:2 tells us, </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>“As the bird by wandering, as the swallow by flying, so the curse causeless shall not come.” </i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The enemy cannot throw a curse on a person for no reason, so he looks for open doors that we might not understand are there. It becomes our job to pursue God and find out if the enemy sees something about our life that gives him access to us and our family. Jesus became the answer we need to redeem us from the power of the curse!</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here is a deep cleansing prayer that can help break off curses, close doors to the enemy and release a fresh start with the Lord. I pray it blesses you!</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Dear Heavenly Father,</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I seek Your help, the help that is only available to me through Jesus Christ, the blood of the lamb, and His Holy Spirit. I desperately want to be cleansed from demonic spirits, unbroken curses and familiar spirits that have been a part of my life, through my family members, from even before my birth. I ask You, Jesus Christ, Lord of all, to be my Lord and Savior. I ask You to cleanse me from all unrighteousness and set me free.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I repent for any way that I have knowingly or unknowingly given place to demonic spirits and allowed them to access my life. I renounce the sins of my parents, grandparents, and other ancestors; this day I divorce the enemy, Satan, and all other false gods and religions.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I break every ungodly covenant, oath and vow that may have been spoken by myself or any of my ancestors, knowing that this is forbidden by Your word. Lord Jesus, please let me be released from any ungodly alliances, covenants, or legally binding treaties that were enacted between me, my family, and demonic spirits.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I renounce all shamans, spiritual healers, mediums and familiar spirits, ungodly priests, priestesses, sorcerers and wizards. I command all soul ties with these individuals and spirits called upon to be broken now in the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, and I send all soulish connections back to them. I call for any fragmented or disconnected parts of my soul to come back to me now.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Forgive me, Father, for seeking wisdom and knowledge from the forbidden tree of good and evil, and evil practitioners of magic arts. Let every evil seed wither and dry up now and bear no more fruit in Jesus' name.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I renounce and divorce the enemy, Satan, and any evil spirit that may have been called into my life, including:</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>All tuurngait spirits</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>The spirit of Aglooglik, evil goddess of the sea</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Ahkiyyini, the skeleton spirit.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Akna, mother goddesses of fertility</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Amaguq/Amarok, the spirt of the wolf god</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Anguta, spirit of the underworld and death</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Igaluk, the moon god</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Malina, the sun goddess</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Nanook, polar bear spirit</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Pinga, the goddess of the hunt, fertility and medicine</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Qailertetang, weather spirit, guardian of animals, and matron of fishers and hunters.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Saumen Kar also called Tornit or Tuniit, spirits of giant animals</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Sedna, the mistress of sea animals. Also known as Nerrivik, Arnapkapfaaluk, Arnakuagsak, and Nuliajuk and other names.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Silap Inua or Sila, spirit of the air. Also known as the Prince of the power of the air.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Tekkeitsertok, the master of caribou.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Tizheruk, snake-like monster spirits.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Pukkeenegak, goddess of domestic life.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Qallupilluit or Qalupalik, and all mermaid and mermen spirits.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I renounce all demonic spirits by any other names. I renounce divination and conjuring of all familiar spirits of the dead and those that me. my ancestors and family members have participated in. I renounce all soul ties to familiar and familial protectors, spirit guides, scribes and messengers, diviners and ungodly priests, false fathers and mothers. </i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I renounce all animal and material sacrifices made on my behalf or those in my family line. I renounce all human involvement for the sake of divining information, the use of familiar spirits, spirit guides, and false gods. I renounce all blood that was shed from any source that was tied to my life through the use of occult practices. I renounce all herbalists and root workers that concocted medicines, potions, magic and incantations.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I repent and renounce any participation of myself or those in my family line in the indoctrination, apprenticeship, spiritual journey, rituals or rites of passage of myself or others into occult or forbidden practices.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I renounce all lying, devious, deceptive and manipulative spirits that were inherited as a curse.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I renounce and break any soul ties now to the bondages, mindset, beliefs and emotional pain and bitterness that came through slavery, as a result of injustice, fear and oppression.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I renounce and break all associations with idolatry, familiar spirits, witchcraft and rebellion.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I renounce the spirits of fear, suspicion, rejection, loneliness, inferiority, insecurity, poverty, death and hell that have come into my life. </i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I renounce the spirit of abandonment, unloving spirits, guilt and condemnation. Lord Jesus, fill me with Your peace and love.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I renounce and forsake any and all customs, traditions, practices and beliefs that are forbidden by God, so that I may be accepted in your sight. I renounce the belief in reincarnation because the Bible does not teach this. It is a lie.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I lift up myself to You right now. I pray that You would help me embrace whatever memories that I have either blocked out or forgotten, if recalling those memories can be used to release healing. Holy Spirit, please lead me into the truth that will shatter any lies in my belief system so that I can be healed and set free. I ask You, Holy Spirit, to show me anything else that is significant to my life or family. I give You permission to dislodge memories that are stuck. I pray that You highlight any specific memories or situations, objects or possessions that are related to anything that is connected to a curse that you want me to destroy and remove from my home.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>I repent for any sin or involvement of myself and my ancestors that opened doors to the occult through witchcraft and occult magic. Let the blood of Jesus cover all these sins and close the door to demonic spirits. </i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Thank you, Holy Spirit, for the revelation of my heavenly Father’s love, acceptance and adoption as His child. Help me sense my Father’s heart and His presence in my life. Thank You for forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness. Help me to walk in the truth and be obedient to what You show me. I am grateful for Your mercy and restoration in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>#native</i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 18.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></div></div></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-14451017130789012132022-06-29T13:55:00.002-07:002022-06-29T16:49:45.421-07:00Contending for Healing<p> Sometimes it seems we pray for an extended time and the answer to prayer seems like it's taking a long time to show up. Don't lose heart! Delay doesn't mean denied; it just means God is stretching your faith to contend for what's yours.</p><p>When answers seem out of reach, we naturally go through a process of getting tired, discouraged and a bit frustrated - but, as we overcome each of these predictable stages, we regain our momentum iin prayer like a runner who has just gotten their second wind. We keep running the race. </p><p>There are times when we can get help from others in the body of Christ, but my personal experience is that God always seems to stretch my faith and it becomes this wrestling match between God, myself and the promise. There have even been times when I have asked for prayer and felt the touch of the Holy Spirit as others laid hands on me, yet healing didn't manifest. I wondered why, but I think God just wants me to get whatever revelation He is trying to impart through each particular situation. Sometimes it's about receiving from others, at other times it's about contending. When God wants to increase our faith, He allows us to encounter a problem. </p><p>A few days ago, I prayed a simple prayer. I asked Holy Spirit to help me see Jesus clearly, and to understand who I was in Christ, and who He was in me. A couple hours later as I was worshiping and thanking God for my healing, I realized that the issue was battling was very similar in nature to something I had dealt with in the past. Years ago, when I was believing for a miracle to have a healthy pregnancy, it was due to a lack of the right hormones. We prayed and God reversed the situation, but I had to overcome grief, anger and disappointment at having had a miscarriage. I needed to confess scripture out of my mouth in order to regain my confidence towards God, because "faith comes by hearing, and hearing the word of God." Romans 10:17. When my confidence came back, my faith was activated and my words declared the reality of healing. It changed my physical situation because I no longer waivered between doubt and faith. God requires us to make up our mind what we really believe! When we have faith and don't doubt, we can speak to the mountain that stands between us and our promise and tell it to go cast itself into the sea, and it must obey us. </p><p><i>Jesus replied to them, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, if you have faith [personal trust and confidence in Me] and do not doubt or allow yourself to be drawn in two directions, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen [if God wills it]. Matthew 21:21 AMP</i></p><p>See, there is another thing we need to be aware of as we are believing for the answer to show up. The enemy tries very hard to wear us down. He sends doubt, discouragement, strife, or even interrupts our sleep so that we are physically tired and don't feel like contending much in prayer. Take notice when you feel unusually tired, emotionally depleated or discouraged, because the enemy will use those things to wear people out.These may be things we would ordinarily be tempted to dismiss as coming from a natural cause, but often it is the enemy's form of spiritual warfare.</p><p>If you have trouble staying focused or like you're lost in a mental fog of confusion, feel a wave of forgetfulness, feel down in the dumps for no apparent reason, worn out and just want to take a nap or disengage from reality for a while - those are signs of a witchcraft attack. If you feel tempted to go backwards in your walk with God and indulge the flesh, forgetting who you are in Christ, that is also an indicator you're being influenced by demonic spirits. It's time to shake it off and resist the enemy.</p><p>When we have unhealed soul wounds, the enemy will stir up our emotions to magnify negative emotions to keep people in a state of spiritual weakness. When our soul is in pain, our spirit is not healthy. The more we dwell on toxic, unbelieving thoughts and feelings, the weaker our spirit becomes. That is why inner healing and deliverance are so important. The enemy looks for a place of agreement to carry out his assignment. This is often how a spirit of infirmity gains entrance into a person's life. When our soul is fighting for health, our body is in a weakened state. A spirit of infirmity (prolonged sickness and disease) takes root and causes physical weakness in the body. <b>It's your spirit man that withstands sickness and infirmity, not your body. </b></p><p><i>"A man's spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?" Prov. 18:14</i></p><p><i>"Beloved, I pray that in every way you may succeed and prosper and be in good health [physically], just as [I know] your soul prospers [spiritually]."3 John 2 AMP</i></p><p>God wants us to prosper in every way but it must first start with the condition of our soul. Friend, how is your soul today? </p><p>James 4:6,7 reminds us that if we submit first to God then resist the enemy, he must leave us. Let us examine our hearts to see if we are entertaining any doubt or discouragement that could place us (unknowingly) in agreement with unbelief rather than faith. If so, repent, submit yourself to the authority of the Holy Spirit, and encourage your spirit man to resist the enemy! There is power in your confession of thanksgiving! There is power in declaring the word of God! There is power in your worship!</p><p>The joy of the Lord is our strength, and scripture tells us that <i>in His presence is fullness of joy. </i></p><p><i>"You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore." Psalm 16:11 AMP</i></p><p>God's word is a light unto our path. If we linger in His presence, he will bless us with revelation. It's the anointing that breaks the yoke. Whatever the enemy has put on you to slow you down, hinder, halt or stop you, the Lord will break the power of it! God is increasing the anointing in your life with every prayer, every bit of revelation. Your spirit man grows and the anointing increases. It's preparing to break the yoke of sickness and infirmity that's been in your life! </p><p><i>"And it shall come to pass in that day, that his burden shall be taken away from off thy shoulder and his yoke from off thy neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing." Is. 10:27 KJV</i></p><p>We draw joy from doing the will of the Father. We draw joy from the living water inside of us, being filled with the Holy Spirit. Speaking in our heavenly language not only edifies our spirit man and renew our inner man with strength, it also releases the joy of the Spirit.</p><p>May your soul prosper and be in health! May your spirit be encouraged and strengthened today! Ask the Lord if there is any place where the enemy is trying to forge an assignment against you. Bind his assignment in the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and command it to leave. </p><p>Remember that we contend from a place of already having won the victory, because Jesus secured it for us upon His death and resurrection.Jehovah Nissi our Lord and Victor declared "it is finished!" Whatever comes against you is already defeated, but Jesus always asks us to view our challenges in light of the question, "But who do you say I am?" What we believe will always come out of our mouth.</p><p>A good friend of mine recently made a comment that I thought was so profound in reminding us of the power of our words. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8sSNlTlDCYd-cCqPQ_2dsBajCoeOqMHEX0Bswhn68DwyGmIle8EO73tlWzCU7K6HX_kdR-we7NUPjU-hvAKBkNGPrWRvbyn9O20t-qYT9G2RCX2OkXSpCSkMudCazg6kunbw9pZ-dTnz6QFX7qu6c0zj-QFBvjJhMHB4WuvFyp0T_fnp1KYWQKyw/s600/wordswings2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8sSNlTlDCYd-cCqPQ_2dsBajCoeOqMHEX0Bswhn68DwyGmIle8EO73tlWzCU7K6HX_kdR-we7NUPjU-hvAKBkNGPrWRvbyn9O20t-qYT9G2RCX2OkXSpCSkMudCazg6kunbw9pZ-dTnz6QFX7qu6c0zj-QFBvjJhMHB4WuvFyp0T_fnp1KYWQKyw/s320/wordswings2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i><p></p><p><i>"Words have wings,</i>" she said. </p><p>Where do your words fly off to when they leave your mouth? Do they land in the enemy's camp, or do the angels take words of faith back to the Father?</p><p>What assignment will your words activate?</p><p>Eccl. 10:20 reminds us that a bird of the air (or a spirit) carries our words to a new destination and can even be repeated. Speak faith! We each have a history we can look back on and remember the goodness and faithfulness of God, and how He showed up for us at different times. The miraculous, supernatural realm lives within us because the Holy Spirit lives within us. It is our faith and confidence towards God that releases supernatural power to bring forth answered prayer.</p>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-65979127021690846222022-06-24T11:07:00.003-07:002022-06-24T12:31:51.423-07:00Prayer to Defeat the Spirit of Self-Sabotage<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxYrx5AP8OVQuxFHA3bloJuvi74weTTTtT55nyalU7pAf5njoVzK9muNOz-4kDjWT_n5j20_hSRF8GeA8_TMeXq-4N25jrDq8xlBzYEgUu0_IW0UqwxAz0fbtrQ9oeQ1ztjY0GGFSsrFBPRSrkfeyu7FzvnWY3b5M3AQpH61w4qjwVDh6wD0NItHX/s2304/Fear-.jpeg.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="1728" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxYrx5AP8OVQuxFHA3bloJuvi74weTTTtT55nyalU7pAf5njoVzK9muNOz-4kDjWT_n5j20_hSRF8GeA8_TMeXq-4N25jrDq8xlBzYEgUu0_IW0UqwxAz0fbtrQ9oeQ1ztjY0GGFSsrFBPRSrkfeyu7FzvnWY3b5M3AQpH61w4qjwVDh6wD0NItHX/s320/Fear-.jpeg.webp" width="240" /></a></div><br />Learning to overcome our fears and insecurities is a big hurdle for just about everyone. We all deal with fear in some form, but it's how we respond to those thoughts, beliefs and emotions that determines our success. Just because something triggers an uncomfortable feeling doesn't necessarily mean it's bad. It just means that there is an emotional barrier trying to prevent us from getting to something worth attaining on the other side of that awkward, uncomfortable feeling. In order to overcome fear, we have to come face to face with it and decide it's not going to be the deciding factor in whether or not we accomplish our goals, or make our dreams and aspirations come true. Good things are on the other side of our own unbelief, so we can't allow fear, insecurities and feelings of inferiority about ourselves sabotage our ability to fulfill our potential and discover how capable we really are! <p></p><p>There are many ways the spirit of sabotage can operate against people. Sometimes it is in the workplace or other social environment, fueled by jealousy, selfish ambition or competition among rivals. There are signs of course, such as a coworker that tries to take credit for work you have done, deliberately leaving you out of important need-to-know communications, or gossip and slander intended to ruin your reputation among your peers. It’s intended to hinder, halt or sabotage a person’s ability to make progress, achieve success or attain promotion. It’s easy enough to recognize the sneaky, underhanded behavior of a competitor that covets another person’s accomplishments, but the question is whether or not you can recognize a spirit of sabotage when it has your cooperation and agreement to ruin your own success. It takes discernment. For the purposes of this article, the content is focused primarily on the aspect of self-sabotage. It's what we do to ourselves through our own participation that comes from a negative, critical mindset.</p><p>No one would purposely, consciously try to destroy their own future, right? <i>Wrong!</i> Many people do it all the time, but fail to realize the root of the issue or how to correct it. So, what allows these destructive tendencies to occur? A <b>spirit of sabotage</b> gains a foothold in a person’s life through their agreement. Feelings such as unworthiness, insecurity, inferiority, fear of failure, fear of success, fear of abandonment, fear of rejection and all sorts of other fears give the enemy legal grounds to sabotage and abort the individual’s progress when people come into agreement with those lies. </p><p>Do you constantly show up to work late, make lame excuses for leaving tasks unfinished, or display certain behaviors that are a turn off to others? </p><p>Do you find yourself making excuses as to why you don't need to learn certain things necessary for the betterment of your life? </p><p>Have you made excuses to resist personal or spiritual growth? </p><p>Have you refused to take responsibility for your life? </p><p>Have you forced others to take on your responsibilities out of fear of failure and a reluctance to put yourself out there to see what you are actually capable of? </p><p>Do you find yourself saying and doing things you later regret that end up hurting relationships? </p><p>Does all your progress seem to halt prematurely and you feel stuck? </p><p>Do you find yourself paralyzed by indecision and feel anxious and overwhelmed by life?</p><p>Self-sabotage becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts, as the individual's fears turn into reality. It’s not that they are unworthy or defective in some manner as they tend to believe, but the fact that the individual has placed their agreement with the lies the enemy has told them about themselves and their ability to be successful. They don’t believe they deserve it, so they inevitably do things that cause problems in relationships, mistakes in the workplace and other foolish decisions that undermine their goals and desires, and they end up ruining their hopes and dreams. The person is bound by indecision, confusion, unbelief, fear, an orphan spirit, and a false identity. These self-defeating attitudes and beliefs often show up through fear of losing what little progress they have made. The negative experiences only serve to underwrite the person’s belief system in unbelief and self-rejection more and more until they eventually succumb to the belief that they are resigned to a certain fate.</p><p>What the person may not understand at first is that these behaviors are actually directed towards themselves because the spiritual enemies working in their lives are working to reinforce a curse. The <i>enemy has allies</i> - various other spirits - <i>that conspire together to bring a person down and work to oppress them</i>. The individual begins to direct their anger and disappointment towards themselves in self-hatred. A person that believes they are unworthy of happiness and despises themself can’t imagine a blessed future where they are able to achieve true success in relationships, education, employment, family, ministry or other opportunities. Sabotage comes from a root system of unworthiness and a lack of self esteem. They begin to reject truth, reject wisdom and others as they also reject themselves. Their spirit becomes shut down and resists the love of God because inwardly they don't believe He wants to talk to them or loves them. They don't feel loveable but it's because an unloving spirit is attached to them. They try to earn love, approval and acceptance from others often as a replacement for God's love and acceptance. It is an erosion of self-confidence that sets a person up for failure. The father of lies attempts to cement their future in failure. It also covers the person in shame. </p><p>Self-sabotage is inwardly driven by a person’s inner critic and rehearsing negative thoughts about themselves. The individual often feels angry, insecure, jealous, guilty and frustrated with themselves but can turn those feelings into accusations or suspicions towards others. It can also give them tendencies towards controlling others through manipulation or just shutting down and withdrawing into themselves. These behaviors end up hurting their relationships, which perpetuates the negative cycles and reinforces their thoughts that they are defective and incapable of holding on to loving relationships. All of these things working together against the individual and causes an enormous amount of debilitating anxiety, stress and worry about their life and their future. Fear can actually become paralyzing and hinder the individual’s ability to make good decisions. It is the assignment of the enemy to stop, hinder, and halt the individual’s personal growth, which includes emotional and spiritual growth. This is known as Arrested Development. Demons strategize together to accomplish this objective. Self-sabotage is a strongman spirit that is kept in place through negative agreements with the enemy and is a curse in the life of the individual that must be broken.</p><p>The spirit of sabotage wants a person’s destiny and the enemy wants to claim that individual’s soul as a trophy for himself. It is gained by unbelief in God’s promises and a rejection of His truth, a rejection of the person of Jesus Christ who comes to us to declare the love of God and the yoke breaking power of the anointing. The person must make a choice if they will continue to entertain the lies of the enemy or completely reject the lies (taking a step of faith) to believe what God has said about them and their future. It takes visualizing a different future and choosing not only different actions and responses, but believing God has assigned value to our lives and He has good plans for our success. Choose to believe this is His truth over all His children's lives! </p><p>"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11</p><p><b>" Once your mindset changes, everything on the outside will change along with it."</b> Steve Mariboli, <i>FearlessMotivation.com</i></p><p>While it is important to understand the thoughts that lead people into toxic, self-defeating behaviors so that the individual can learn to make different choices, it is equally important to recognize that all of these things are directly tied into a belief system forged by the enemy. It is a spiritually rooted problem that requires a spiritual solution, and that remedy comes through prayer. </p><p>Prayer:</p><p>Father, in the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, I declare the spirit of sabotage is bound and rendered paralyzed, impotent and silenced over myself, my family members and specifically (insert name of person you are praying for). I command all demons working together to achieve the assignment of sabotage, ruin, false identity, arrested development and oppression over my loved ones is broken now in Jesus’ name.</p><p>I bind the strongmen at work and I take authority over the spirits of fear, insecurity, inferiority, shame, self-rejection and self-hatred, the orphan spirit, rebellion, confusion, indecision, unbelief, suspicion, jealousy, sabotage, false identity and unworthiness and I say, “May all your works of witchcraft and evil be bound in the name of Jesus Christ.” I declare your assignments are canceled now and you must leave ________ immediately in Jesus name.</p><p>Father, wherever the original door to sin and iniquity came open, let the blood of Jesus cover these sins, even back through our family’s ancestry. Forgive us for rejection of truth, and for rejection of You as a person and our Savior, Lord Jesus, and Your Holy Spirit. Forgive us for not believing what Your word has to say about us and our future. I break any agreements that were made with spirits of darkness. I renounce all lying spirits, unbelief, fear, insecurity, inferiority, shame, self-rejection, self-hatred, the spirit of heaviness and discouragement, the orphan spirit, confusion, indecision, suspicion, jealousy, resentment, sabotage, false identity and unworthiness that has affected me, my family members and (insert the name of the person you are praying for). I declare these spirits must leave me, my family and loved ones now in Jesus’ name, and no evil spirit is allowed to torment them anymore. Father, please put a hedge of protection around my family and loved ones now in Jesus’ name. I declare no weapon formed against us shall prosper according to Isaiah 54:17. </p><p>I declare me, my family members and (insert name of person you are praying for) will no longer feed on lies. I declare the father of lies is cast down at the feet of Jesus. </p><p>I declare truth and discernment has returned to us so that we recognize the lies and cast them down, verbally declaring that we will not agree with those thoughts any more. </p><p>I declare we have overcome all the power of the enemy through the blood of Christ and the word of our testimony. </p><p>I declare that Jesus Christ has washed us from our sins in His own blood according to Revelation 1:5, and through Him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace, according to Ephesians 1:7 </p><p>Let the belief system and all the thought processes, the neurotransmitters and the brain’s messenger system in myself, my family members and (insert name) be rewired in truth, in faith and by revelation from the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit, please unravel every lie that has held me and my loved ones in captivity. I declare we have an "all things are possible with God" mentality and we let faith have the last word.</p><p>Let every ungodly yoke break off now in Jesus’ name. Clothe us in garments of praise so that the joy of the Lord becomes our strength. Anoint our heads with the oil of gladness. Lord, put your yoke on us and hold us close to your heart. Hold us close to your side so that we can hear Your voice. Let our loving Shepherd guide us into paths of peace and righteousness and give us rest for our soul according to Psalm 23. Holy Spirit, guide us into more and more truth that will set us free. I praise You and thank You for our deliverance in the name above every other name, Jesus Christ the risen Son of God, amen.</p><p>Additional scriptures to declare for deliverance from one's enemies:</p><p>The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Psalm 18:2</p><p>He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. Psalm 18:17</p><p>Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4</p><p>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</p><p>And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood...Revelation 1:5</p><p>And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31</p><p>With man this is impossible but with God all things are possible. Matthew 19:26</p><p>I can do evrything through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13</p><p>Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. Mark 11:24</p>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-54174997714664959592022-05-30T12:44:00.006-07:002022-05-30T14:12:28.520-07:00A Prayer to Reverse the Curse of Dishonor, Lawlessness and Disunity in the Family<p>Never in my life have I witnessed the incredible amount of families in turmoil, brokeness, and children that are out of control. Rebellion, disrespect for authority, and parents that are at an absolute loss for what to do seem to take over many conversations. The Bible says that "in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, <b>disobedient to their parents</b>, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. " (2 Tim. 3:1-5)</p><p>Young people are out of control. Just ask parents, teachers and others that witness the disrespect on a daily basis. </p><p>I don't think kids want to be in this condition, but there are things they need to discover. The grace and mercy of God wants to meet with young people, and set them free from the guilt, condemnation, rejection, fear and insecurities that torment their soul. When a person carries guilt from sin they begin to feel unworthy, as though there is something wrong with them. They can begin to reject themselves and become resentful and insecure about who they are as a person. This causes them to feel defensive, angry and rebellious, because inwardly they don't know how to love themselves. They may not be able to articulate the things they feel, but trust me, they are there, because none of us is exempt from the spiritual warfare of the enemy that wants to ravage our soul. They too, are tormented from unforgiveness and disobedience but they don't understand that the love of the Father can set them free. We must teach our children the importance of ask for forgiveness not just from those they have wronged, but from God. The spirit of rebellion grows stronger and stronger with each generation that fails to repent for their sins and turn back to God. And because of this, people everywhere struggle under the oppresion of an orphan spirit, never understanding the heart of their heavenly Father that loves them and wants to shepherd their soul.</p><p>Friends, here's the hard truth. As a nation of people, we have in many ways forsaken the teachings of God. There are generations of people who don't really know God at all on a personal level and have no relationship with Him. It's not enough to believe there is a God. The Bible is very clear that we must be born again (inviting Jesus to be our Lord and Savior, and to forgive our sins) - AND, we must have a personal relationship with Him.</p><p>These are the words of Jesus: "Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness! (Matthew 7:21-13)</p><p>So, let me ask you..."Do you know Jesus in a personal way, like a friend?" </p><p>Do you talk to Him frequently and have a relationship with Him? Or do you just know 'about him' in a vague, distant way?</p><p>Maybe there is some tweaking needed to that relationship. I hope you give it some serious consideration.</p><p>The word of God says"That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." Romans 10:9,10</p><p>If you aren't close to the Lord, how can you possibly know what His word says? How can you possibly walk in His ways or raise your children to know Him? The problem is, people tend to judge themselves by their own assessment and their own assumptions rather than actually knowing how God judges people based on what is in His word. That's a dangerous miscalculation to make a god of our own understanding, because we never truly know if we are in right standing with God or not. And that's exactly how the enemy wants it. </p><p>Trying to be good isn't enough. None of us can forgive our own sins and none of us are holy enough to be allowed in God's presence based on our own merit. Only the blood of Jesus actually washes away our sins and has the power to cleanse us from unrighteousness. Our children need their sins forgiven, too. We all need our consciences cleansed from guilt, shame, negativity and the weight of the world. When we carry shame, insecurity, resentment, and a bunch of other negative emotions, it weighs on us and causes a great deal of fear, anxiety and stress because the stain of guilt leaves us under a weight of condemnation. <i>Our soul knows</i> when we are not in right relationship with God, even if our conscious mind wants to ignore the issue. Emotional weights can become toxic to the soul and the only remedy to relieve that pressure of guit, conviction and a sense of condemnaton is through confession to the Lord. These many weights on the soul are what I believe leads to bad behavior. It's applicable in adults as well as children. The good news is, God's love, kindness and mercy are available to anyone that calls on His name! He is waiting to be kind!</p><p>Guilt, condemnation, shame, and insecurity of not being in right relationship with God leads to blame shifting, accusation, pride, stubborness, rebellion, disrespect and dishonor towards others, rivalry, jealousy, strife and all kinds of porr behavior. Adults, it's time to take responsibility for what you have knowingly or unknowingly allowed in the home. It's time to cut off the enemy's influences and send him away. Some of this stuff we have opened a door to by our own conduct, and other times demonic spirits travel in families to reproduce similar sin patterns from one person to another, over the course of generations. The words of our mouth are deep wells, for the defilement in us is what comes out of our mouth, influencing and impacting others around us. If children are disrespectful, they often learn it from others in the home. Spirits remain in families until someone takes authority and commands them to leave in the name of Jesus Christ! It's the adults that need to fix their own relationship with God and their own confession before they can expect their children to adopt better behavior. </p><p>Matthew 12:36; "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak."</p><p>Matthew 12:37; "For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”</p><p>Proverbs 18:20-21: From the fruit of his mouth a man’s belly is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied. Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit."</p><p>We can see that not only are we each judged by the words that we speak, but we also either call death or life into our life based on the words we speak. Our lives become filled with the fruit of our words and whatever we sow, we reap a similar harvest.</p><p>Proverbs 11:17; “Your own soul is nourished when you are kind, but you destroy yourself when you are cruel.”</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPH-32osoLiEDzLHGUd8TdrbpprcxuD1f2jEcaDeecRw_ZaZIcoPkMvWSE-5o3KBdgP3YbRwirsuv2c9wfzRQNuTs2RQlEe6lj7_o-ZELd7e-nTnA0E52HcT1troIsTw9bVuiiz0_WRLuk2iMyy203Y9Qvxqyf9r6psYQFvLsG3FqCLML65VZIfMVV/s329/worshavepower.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="153" data-original-width="329" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPH-32osoLiEDzLHGUd8TdrbpprcxuD1f2jEcaDeecRw_ZaZIcoPkMvWSE-5o3KBdgP3YbRwirsuv2c9wfzRQNuTs2RQlEe6lj7_o-ZELd7e-nTnA0E52HcT1troIsTw9bVuiiz0_WRLuk2iMyy203Y9Qvxqyf9r6psYQFvLsG3FqCLML65VZIfMVV/s320/worshavepower.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />1 Peter 3:9; "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing."<p></p><p>When we use our words in the wrong manner, we actually cut off our own blessings. Children must be taught this spiritual principle also, because until they learn these principles of God, they will end up cursing their own future through their disobedience. No parent wants that for their kids! Below is a prayer to reverse the curse and bring people back into right alignment with the Lord.</p><p>Father,</p><p>In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I declare a generational breakthrough over my family. As I make this declaration, I repent for not only my own sins, but for all the sins of those in my generational line that came before me. I declare in faith that my children will not walk in the ways of rebellion, stubbornness and disobedience but will cast off the works of darkness and choose the ways of righteousness, truth and integrity.</p><p>I repent for anything I have personally done to set a bad example to my children and family. I repent for choosing my way over the ways of God. Forgive us for trying to live apart from You, Father, and for justifying our sins, making a god of our own understanding. I believe You are the risen Son of God, Jesus, and I ask You to be my Lord. Please forgive me for not turning to you sooner, and for all the times when I have not been sincere in my prayers or repentance. My family needs healing. I need healing. I break every agreement with spirits of darkness. I renounce every false god that has had control over me and my family. Forgive us for having a poor confession and careless words that have acted as a curse over the lives of our loved ones, infecting their hearts with insecurity, inferiority, anger, resentment, jealousy, strife, rebellion and disobedience. </p><p>I repent for the ways we have dishonored one another through speaking disrespectfully, showing disappointment and disapproval, and dishonoring others. Forgive us for not harnessing our mouth and being more careful with our words. Forgive us for covering others with shame, rejection and conveying the message that they are not good enough, teaching them to reject themselves at the core of their identity. Forgive us for the wrong use of words in an attempt to manipulate or intimidate others in an attempt to restore a sense of peace. I break the curse of rejection, shame, witchcraft and the rebellion it has caused in our loved ones and I condemn the negative words that have been released into the atmosphere. Please put the blood of Jesus over these sins and let the power of negative words be broken off of myself and my family members.</p><p>I declare that we honor one another in kindness, affection and love flows from our hearts. I declare the spirit of unity and the love of God is present in our conversations and among us. I declare the curse of dishonor is broken now in the name of Jesus and honor is restored to our family. I declare old habits are broken by the power of God and we live in harmony with one another. I declare the curse that stems from pride is broken and humility restores the blessings of God to our family. We live at peace with one another and we do not seek revenge on anyone.</p><p>On behalf of myself and my ancestors, I renounce the sin of seeking knowledge from the world that comes from the tree of good and evil. I command every seed the enemy has implanted in me and my family members off the tree of good and evil to shrivel and die immediately and bear no more fruit in Jesus’ name.</p><p>Seeds of rebellion</p><p>Seeds of selfishness and self will</p><p>Seeds of pride</p><p>Seeds of self pity and vain glory</p><p>Seeds of idolatry</p><p>Seeds of disappointment, disapproval, dishonor and disrespect</p><p>Seeds of criticism, control and manipulation</p><p>Shrivel and die now in the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. You will bear no evil fruit. All spirits by these names and with these assignments, be bound, silenced and immobilized, sent back to the pit of hell. You have been stripped of your authority and assignments by these prayers of renouncement and repentance. We will not serve you and you will not be our masters. In Jesus name, GO! </p><p>Father, let every curse associated with these sins be broken now. I ask You to restore our family in every way the enemy sought to bring corruption, ruin, robbery and change our identity to something it was never intended. On behalf of all that was stolen, I now take back my spiritual authority, my health, my anointing, my strength, peace and joy. I command the enemy to repay a 7-fold blessing wherever he has stolen from me and my family in Jesus name, amen.</p><div><div dir="ltr" id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19471" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><b>A Prayer for Children to Pray for Themselves:</b></div><div dir="ltr" id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19471" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19471" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: HelveticaNeue, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 16px; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><span style="padding-inline-start: 0px;"><br clear="none" style="padding-inline-start: 0px;" /></span></div><div dir="ltr" id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19471" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><div id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19964" style="padding-inline-start: 0px;"><div id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19965" style="padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19966" style="line-height: 18.4px; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Dear Heavenly Father,</span></span></div></div><div id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19968" style="padding-inline-start: 0px;"><div id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19969" style="padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;"><br clear="none" id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19970" style="padding-inline-start: 0px;" /></span></div></div><div id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19971" style="padding-inline-start: 0px;"><div dir="ltr" id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19972" style="padding-inline-start: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span id="yiv5433489499yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1467220391493_19973" style="line-height: 18.4px; padding-inline-start: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">Please forgive me for disobedience. Please forgive me for disrespecting my parents and others. Help me to be kind and respectful </span></span><span style="font-family: times;">with my words</span><span style="font-family: times;"> . Lord Jesus, please be my Lord and Savior. I believe you died for me to forgive me for all the bad things I have done. Please take away the guilt and shame from doing wrong things. </span><span style="font-family: times;">I ask You to guard and protect me, and help me to do what is right. Please help me hear your voice and know how to have a relationship with You. </span><span style="font-family: times;">In Jesus name, amen.</span></div></div></div></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-36876804763435236262022-05-28T10:41:00.000-07:002022-05-28T10:41:26.131-07:00The Orphan Spirit and Breaking Spiritual Agreements (Interview - You Tube Video)<p> Hello Friends,</p><p><br /></p><p>I would like to share a You Tube video of an interview with my friend Jaziz Gutierrez. This includes my testimony of salvation as well as topics on spiritual agreements and the orphan spirit. I hope this blesses you!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bE7PSpnFxsg" width="320" youtube-src-id="bE7PSpnFxsg"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-24360081560397917372022-04-20T10:43:00.005-07:002022-04-21T10:19:06.896-07:00A Heart for the City - Part Two<p> Yesterday in part one of this message I addressed unresolved emotional issues.Today my hope is also to inspire you to walk in the fullness of your spiritual authority and to understand the keys God has given to each one of us. Keys are symbolic of authority and power, and we have been given these keys to enforce our Father’s purposes. Keys are used to turn and to either lock or unlock doors, as we make prophetic declarations and decrees.</p><p>As I read in Daniel chapter 9 verse 16, Daniel was praying prayers of identificational repentance and renouncing the sins of their fathers, seeking a breakthrough over his city. Daniel’s prayer came as a result of him studying scripture. He realized that their time of captivity was almost at the end of the 70 year period that had been prophesied by the prophet Jeremiah, and there was a promise of restoration IF the people truly repented for their sins. Daniel was concerned that the people had not really cleansed their hearts in a way that would please God, and he did not want them to miss out on the blessing of restoration, so he got involved in corporate confession, where he accepted personal responsibility for the sins of his people. This is what intercessors do. Then in chapter 10, the angel Gabriel showed up and said he had come to give Daniel understanding of a vision he had been given. He said he would have arrived sooner but he was busy doing battle with a ruling territorial spirit that had been hindering answers to prayer. The heavens had been shut up. So what we understand from this portion of scripture is that ruling territorial spirits block both revelation and answers to prayer. We need angels to clear the heavens so that breakthrough can come.</p><p>Ungodly leaders and corrupt governmental systems are Satan’s strategy to stop the advancement of the gospel and hinder the kingdom of God on earth. There is always authentic godly authority and there is also a counterfeit authority established by the enemy. Our prayers, declarations and decrees are necessary to help bring breakthroughs in a multitude of ways. We need breakthroughs in our families, in our cities, and in our nation. I believe we can even help our military penetrate enemy territory and gain the advantage through our prayers and decrees. Prayers and decrees have turned the tide of many wars. </p><p>Let me give you an example from history. In early December 1944, Gen. George Patton’s Third Army was poised for battle but the weather conditions posed a formidable problem. He called James O'Neill, the head chaplain of the Third Army, and asked if there was a good prayer for weather. O’Neill researched and found none, so he wrote his own prayer and submitted it to Patton. The prayer asked God to restrain the rain and grant them fair weather for battle. It also asked that the soldiers would be armed with God’s power and that He would help them advance from victory to victory, to crush the oppression and the wickedness of their enemies, and to establish God’s justice among men and among nations. Patton had 250,000 copies distributed and had every man in the Third Army pray that prayer. Let me read a quote by General Patton, from a conversation with Chaplain O’Neill. </p><p><i>“Chaplain, I am a strong believer in Prayer,” said Patton. “There are three ways that men get what they want; by planning, by working, and by Praying. Any great military operation takes careful planning, or thinking. Then you must have well-trained troops to carry it out: that's working. But between the plan and the operation there is always an unknown. That unknown spells defeat or victory, success or failure. It is the reaction of the actors to the ordeal when it actually comes. Some people call that getting the breaks; I call it God. God has His part, or margin in everything. That's where prayer comes in.”</i></p><p>The day after the prayer was issued, the weather cleared and God helped them win the Battle of the Bulge, which proves that specially crafted prayer along with multiplied prayers in one accord can be quite effective. General Patton is quoted as saying, <i>“Those who pray do more for the world than those who fight; and if the world goes from bad to worse, it is because there are more battles than prayers.”</i></p><p>We all know what prayer is, but let me clarify something about declarations. In biblical terminology, a "declaration" is a message or a word that makes known what is already true about something. The purpose of declarations is to make known the truth about who God is and what He has done. </p><p>God’s word is his law, but a law in itself does not ensure it will be obeyed. Many people break the law all the time, including the enemy. So, it’s not only the law that is important; it’s the enforcement of the law that counts. When someone breaks the law, someone with authority has to enforce it or nothing happens. All of God’s laws have a <b>binding legal authority</b> that people under its jurisdiction are required to obey. Jesus told us in Mark 3:27 we must first “bind the strongman” before we could take away the spoils of the enemy. When we enforce God’s laws by restating what His word declares; the enemy MUST obey God’s word because it’s what has already defeated him. For the believer, when we declare God’s word, it means God's power is "standing by" – ready to unleash itself to bring about His preferred-will, through faith. That is why, every time we pray, we should return God’s word to Him because that is how we are enforcing HIS LAWS. By doing so, we also bind the enemy to the judgment of the law and force them to comply with the law of God.</p><div><div>1 Peter 2:9 says we are a royal priesthood and Rev. 1:6 tells us we are kings and priests. Priests intercede for others and reconcile sinners to the Lord. Kings exercise governmental authority. </div><div><br /></div><div>A King’s word is his decree. It is a royal order or a decision by virtue of a superior authority, given by a King or Queen and it has to be followed. This is how we meet with God and release HIS VOICE in the earth. The word of God is King Jesus. In the beginning was the word and the word was with God. and the word was God. Speaking decrees is sending King Jesus and the angelic armies into the enemy’s camp, because JESUS IS THE WORD. </div><div><br /></div><div>Psalm 103:20 says, “Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearkening unto the voice of His word.” The more we declare God’s word, the more we release angels into their assignments that will also release signs, wonders and breakthrough.</div><div><br /></div><div>A decree is an example of us being given “all authority” over the enemy. (Luke 10:19) The words “all authority” found in Luke 10:19 speaks of delegated authority, being given jurisdiction and legal empowerment to act in accordance with faith towards God’s revealed word. (See Exousia, #1849 in the Strong’s Concordance). </div><div>This word “exousia” is the Greek word for authority. This is the full definition from the Concordance:</div><div><br /></div><div>A. power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases</div><div>B. leave or permission</div><div>C. Physical and mental power</div><div>D. The ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises</div><div>E. The power of authority (influence) and of right or privilege</div><div>F. The power or rule of government; the power of Him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed</div><div>G. Authority over mankind</div><div>H. The power of judicial decisions</div><div>I. Authority to manage domestic affairs</div><div>J.Jurisdiction</div><div>K. One who possesses authority</div><div>L. A ruler, a human magistrate</div><div>M. The sign of regal authority; a crown</div><div><br /></div><div>Declarations and decrees partner in faith with God to enforce what He has already spoken and to ‘call those things that are not into existence’ (Romans 4:17). </div><div><br /></div><div>Many people today still don’t understand what is available to them. They feel timid about exercising their authority. Either they just haven’t been taught or they don’t know what to pray to utilize God’s word. I write decrees to help people articulate what is stated in God’s word, because a lot of people do not research or write prayers of their own. But, here is the main reason I do: <b>the word of God is what has already defeated Satan. Whenever Jesus was face to face with the evil one, he always responded with what was written in the scripture. It’s the only thing that Satan is obligated to obey. We should all sound like Jesus when dealing with the enemy.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>There is a scripture in Job 22:28 that you may be familiar with. It reads:</div><div><br /></div><div>“You will decree a thing and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways.” </div><div><br /></div><div>We have often misinterpreted this scripture. The word decree in the Strong’s Concordance is the word <i><b>gazar </b></i>which actually means to cut, to cut down, to exclude, destroy or divide. If we consider that it actually means to cut, exclude, divide, separate or destroy, this is one way of using the word as a form of dividing the enemy’s house so that it can be conquered. It also means that when we speak scripture we bind the enemy to the law of God’s word.</div><div><br /></div><div>The enemy always thinks, plots and plans strategically, but we don’t, and that's why it can feel like we’re not getting anywhere in prayer.James 3:15 tells us that the wisdom from this realm is sensual and influenced by the demonic. This is information censored and manipulated by the Prince of the Power of the Air. If we only pray what we see or hear in the natural, we will miss our mark in prayer because we are attacking issues with incomplete or erroneous information. We must proclaim what God's word has already stated because it never misses the mark. It works 100% of the time.</div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps it needs to be mentioned that prayer meetings are not a social gathering where it's appropriate to discuss every topic under the sun. Again, we cannot allow ourselves to be distracted by what we hear in the natural. It is not the place for conversations that one might share in a different environment or engage in discussions that veer off topic. Those can easily become distractions that create confusion and prevent people from coming into one accord, and they should be recognized as such. Spend some time fasting and praying in the Spirit to get the mind of the Lord. Prayer should be focused on the objectives at hand and have some sort of structure to keep people on track and in agreement as they pray. That is why I offer the document (see link at the end of the article or under the pages section) <b>Strategic Prayers to Open the Heavens and Bring Revival</b>. It can help offer some structure and guidance how to move through various topics and keep things on track.</div><div><br /></div><div>When we use the word of God we become the sword of the Lord in His hand, and angels are released to carry out God’s purposes. Psalm 149 says the high praises of God shall be in our mouth and the two-edged sword in our hands brings judgment upon the enemy. The word bind in this scripture means <i>to tie, bind and imprison</i>. It speaks of absolute authority. We are to execute the written judgment upon the enemy. Decrees cut, divide, and separate the enemy’s forces as God directs the placement of our prayer strikes. Ephesians 6:17 tells us to take up the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God because, as we read in 2 Cor. 10:4, the word of God has divine power to demolish strongholds. This is what breaks open the stubborn hearts and begins to open the heavens. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>Allow me to talk to you for a minute about strategies of war.</div><div><br /></div><div>One military strategy is known as the <b>Blitzkrieg Strategy.</b> It means “<i>lightning war.</i>” Blitzkrieg is a German word for an intense military campaign intended to bring about a swift victory. It means to overwhelm the resistance of the enemy with speed and suddenness. It basically catches your opponent off guard and disorients them. You strike hard and fast before your opponents have the opportunity to think or prepare a counter attack. It puts the enemy off his game and makes people prone to error. This strategy was very effective in the early years of WW2. The Blitzkrieg strategy was effective because it implemented a new strategy of war. At that time for the Germans, it was the tank. </div><div><br /></div><div>Then came General Patton, and he unleashed his own Blitzkrieg Strategy on them when he organized his troops to pray. Patton got all the third army praying in unison. He multiplied the prayer power and brought his men into agreement on what they needed to pray. One of the things they asked for in prayer was favor with God on land, in the air and in the sea. From whatever direction the enemy might strike, He petitioned God for favor and support, and God gave it to him. So, when they actually went to battle, angels were already there, ready to help the troops secure the victory. Patton implemented a spiritual strategy when he circulated the prayer and got his army praying in unity. Because of his ability to get his soldiers to pray in one accord, he obtained help in the unseen heavenly realm where the Germans had no ability to see or know where the strikes were coming from. Angels were directing the artillery strikes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Job 36:32 says, “His hands are covered with lightning that he commands to strike his designated target.” </div><div><br /></div><div>The heavens are the place where spiritual battles are fought. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that. “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.”</div><div><br /></div><div>According to Ephesians 2:6, we are seated in heavenly realms next to Jesus. If we are seated next to Him then we are seated and surrounded by His glory. We breathe the air of heaven and we are in the place of victory where the privileges of the Kingdom of God are dispensed. In the Spirit, we are actually in the place where answers to prayer are dispersed. We rule in the midst of our enemies and declare the word of God to enforce the victory Jesus has already won for us. Angels are ministering spirits to come to give us assistance. </div><div><br /></div><div>Imagine every decree you speak launches a missile right into the enemy camp. The power of even one missile is great, but imagine if we organized prayer teams to launch a multitude of prayer missiles simultaneously. </div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>The power of the decree shakes up the enemy and the enemy doesn’t know where the prayer bombs are going to go off, so he has no ability to prepare. The enemy is completely vulnerable when God’s people come together to pray in one accord and release decrees. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>It is time to put team warfare into action.</b> We all have a common enemy that has waged war against us. He has waged war against us personally, our families, the people in our cities and our nation, but we are an army of intercessors that understand how to get heaven to move on our behalf. Leviticus 26:8 says that 5 can chase 100 and 100 of us can put 10,000 to flight, and our enemies will fall by sword. We need an army of prayer warriors in one accord to take authority together, as we come together in Jesus’ name. We have multiplied power as we pray in unity.</div><div><br /></div><div>Patton’s army had success because he circulated over 250,000 prayers to the entire third army and had everyone pray. They had multiplied prayer power because they were in one accord. When we pray in agreement we become an unstoppable force. Our survival, healing and ability to recover all is based on the success of our army as a whole. We are also tied into the success of our own military to hold the line of defense over our nation. I am telling you this as a call to action to circulate and pray the prayers and decrees that were specifically formulated to bring destruction to the enemy’s camp and set captives free. </div><div><br /></div><div>What we are seeing right now is God beginning to turn the tables on the enemy. Sometimes people think, oh, we’ve prayed for God to move and now He is, so it’s a done deal. We think revival has been prophesied and now it’s at the door, so we think we can let off the prayers. Do not give yourself over to a false sense of confidence. That would be a mistake. Remember the story of a certain King that failed to strike until the enemy was completely destroyed and only received a short lived victory.</div><div><br /></div><div>I suggest that we take this to heart and build the momentum in prayer that will cause spiritual explosions to take down the enemies still in hiding. Remember, there is always a predictable pattern prior to revival, and it is consistent throught history. People would stray away from God and worship other gods. God would send His messengers to His backsliding people. They would be warned of impending curses and disasters if they did not turn back and genuinely repent. Many, many prophetic warnings have not only been spoken, but dreams and visions have been spoken of as letting people know what could potentially occur if they did not take God's warnings seriously. I also had a recent dream where I saw huge war planes bombing Philadelphia and the tower that housed the Liberty Bell as well as New York. I saw on the side of one of the planes the seal of our government. In the dream, people were shocked and afraid when these things happened. It is not my intention to cause fear. We know we have a responsibility to pray, but how and what we pray determines the outcome and severity of any event. Whether these dreams are intended to be interpreted literally or symbolically, the meaning is clear. We are at war with our own government as they attempt to steal our freedoms and eliminate our God-given liberties. The government feels they have the right to decide what liberties we should have and are playing god. They must be held accountable! The second part of the dream is where I saw myself in a secret meeting of ministers, which I will elaborate on a little further in this article. In that meeting, a person representing false authority spoke up and said that the harvest was dormant and would not come to pass in this valley. I knew he was speaking about Lake Elsinore and the Temecula Valley, but I believe it also extends much further than that. I started to speak up and say I knew that was not true because of what I had just witnessed with the planes dropping bombs. I knew in my heart that troubling times would be a cause for many people to turn back to the Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me circle back to a point I was talking about in the beginning. <i>Closed heavens</i>. In 2 Chronicles 6:26-27, it references people coming to their senses, knowing the burden of their own heart, and grieving over their own sin. Then we go over to chapter 7 and again in verse 13 it talks about the heavens being shut up due to unconfessed sin. That is why, in verse 14 God says, <i>"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.” </i></div><div><br /></div><div>If God’s people would do three things, God would respond in three ways. They needed to become humble - that is, confess; they needed to pray, or repent; and they needed to turn and come back to Him. The Lord was asking his people to also intercede for others in their prayers, and if they would do that, it would usher in revival and healing of their land. This is always a pattern that precedes revival. There is no revival without repentance. The problem is, <i>half hearted prayers without personal conviction and a genuine desire to please God won’t cut it.</i> Sometimes I think people aren’t sure what to pray. That is why I write prayers, to help people understand how to connect with the heart of God.</div><div><br /></div><div>I researched verses in Leviticus and Deuteronomy where it talked about the penalties for breaking God’s laws. There are so many things listed, you probably already know what most of them are. I looked at all the reasons outlined in Leviticus 26, Deuteronomy 28 and 2 Chronicles 6 &7, then wrote a prayer incorporating all those main categories. These are prayers of repentance and renouncement that cover things people may not have thought about articulating to God. It’s going to take all our cooperation through prayer to unravel strongholds. </div><div><br /></div><div>A stronghold exists in people that do not realize they are entertaining lies; therefore they fail to repent and it short circuits their ability to receive the fullness of God’s goodness and restoration. We need to ask the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin where we may not think we have sin. Sins of presumption, comparing ourselves to others, judgments and retaining offenses are so common, and we may not even consider that we actually have those things in our heart. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal your own blind spots and to connect the dots in your understanding so that you can see your faults the way God sees those things. If we don’t, we can still fail to turn and repent from things that hinder our healing and restoration. Repentance weakens demonic authority structures.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>There is a huge difference between brass heavens and an open heaven. When the heavens are locked up, it feels like prayers hit a ceiling and just get stuck. It’s hard to pray, hard to sense God’s presence or hear Him speak. People give up and feel defeated. They want to move to another area because they have no faith that things will get better. People are leaving California in droves because it is just incredibly difficult to survive.The enemy has tried to drive the righteous out of our cities to weaken our resolve and prayer power. This is another reason why people feel like there is no hope and evil seems to be winning. There are also words of unbelief that have come out of the mouths of other Christians that have bound the harvest in this region from coming to pass. Christians are God's rightful authority, but if they speak negativity then it authorizes the enemy to bring to pass what they speak. That is why we are warned to be careful of our words, because they carry the power of life or death! </div><div><br /></div><div>Let me give you two examples. The first is a recent dream, where I already mentioned the part about the war planes dropping bombs. In the second part of the dream, I observed a secret meeting of ministers. There were true prophets as well as false prophets represented in this meeting. The secret meeting was symbolic of things said in private that put the enemy on assignment and continued to be enforced. In the midst of this meeting a man, who reminded me of an actor and someone I knew represented false authority, stood up and said, “The harvest is dormant in this valley and will not come to pass.” </div><div><br /></div><div>Interesting little side note: The word hypocrite, by the way, comes from the Greek word “hypokrites,” which means an actor or a stage player. It’s made up of two Greek words that translate as ‘an interpreter from underneath.’ Actors in Greek theater wore large masks and they would interpret the story from behind their mask. It is actually a person that pretends to be someone they are not. I knew God showed me that because those words found a place of agreement (or at the very least were not challenged) and it was enforced in the spiritual realm. That needs to be broken. Another example is a local pastor that told us that when he moved to this region a few other ministers met with him and told him he had made a mistake. They reportedly told him that nothing ever changes in Lake Elsinore and it is where ministries come to die.” Think about the impact of those statements. Those are like the 10 spies that came back with a bad report and their unbelief disheartened the people of Israel so that they did not try to take their promised land. That is releasing a spirit of death over the city! One intercessor I know mentioned that when she drove through Lake Elsinore she saw a graveyard and began declaring God's resurrection life. When the Holy Spirit shows you something, you must take action and begin to pray! Unbelief continues to be a stronghold, and I believe we need to cancel out those word curses and proclaim the opposite. God wants to pour out His glory over Lake Elsinore and all of our cities!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z_bGE6Y_YJxMTtkk2AErME0pBVOtYiYIYYBN1-zXdlUywe_tU12VHqvPQNzg_zkopxAfAj0SXGPYL4ea4SEW_YmATXyZmcdEMBIRgQBbv8F9gSFSYuUZx7VBo0GNy3HAoEs6X1vDxHUd6pMAiKPIiO_50V64lq76v0pHQ06ftO_pCJCMiPQBGKsc/s282/Lake%20Elsinore2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="282" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2z_bGE6Y_YJxMTtkk2AErME0pBVOtYiYIYYBN1-zXdlUywe_tU12VHqvPQNzg_zkopxAfAj0SXGPYL4ea4SEW_YmATXyZmcdEMBIRgQBbv8F9gSFSYuUZx7VBo0GNy3HAoEs6X1vDxHUd6pMAiKPIiO_50V64lq76v0pHQ06ftO_pCJCMiPQBGKsc/s1600/Lake%20Elsinore2.jpeg" width="282" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The situation of this city is pleasant. It is a good land, in spite of its problems, but we need to shift the heavens in our favor. We must utilize a divide and conquer strategy and bring down the enemy’s house. An onslaught of offensive bombardment of decrees will do just that. It will cause the enemy’s house to come apart at the seams. It creates an ambush from every side, creating weakness, confusion and fear in the enemy’s camp. Angels are dispatched to rescue souls, administer justice for the oppressed, and clear the airwaves of enemy combatants. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Please click on the following link to access a PDF document of <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JnCMgl58ABSatSC1S4qXmirwh26QFLKK3hmtDZLzmX4/edit?usp=sharing">Strategic Prayers to Open the Heavens and Bring Revival</a>. There is also a link under the pages section.</div><div><br /></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-23387237273226226692022-04-19T13:46:00.003-07:002022-04-20T09:37:52.984-07:00A Heart for Your City - Part One<p><br /></p><p>I would like to begin with a proclamation from Isaiah 61:1-10:</p><p>The Spirit of God, the Master, is on me</p><p> because God anointed me.</p><p>He sent me to preach good news to the poor,</p><p> heal the heartbroken,</p><p>Announce freedom to all captives,</p><p> pardon all prisoners.</p><p>God sent me to announce the year of his grace—</p><p> a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—</p><p> and to comfort all who mourn,</p><p>To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,</p><p> give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,</p><p>Messages of joy instead of news of doom,</p><p> a praising heart instead of a languid spirit.</p><p>Rename them “Oaks of Righteousness”</p><p> planted by God to display his glory.</p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;">They’ll rebuild the old ruins,</span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"> raise a new city out of the wreckage.</span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;">They’ll start over on the ruined cities,</span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"> take the rubble left behind and make it new.</span></p><p>You’ll hire outsiders to herd your flocks</p><p> and foreigners to work your fields,</p><p>But you’ll have the title “Priests of God,”</p><p> honored as ministers of our God.</p><p>You’ll feast on the bounty of nations,</p><p> you’ll bask in their glory.</p><p>Because you got a double dose of trouble</p><p> and more than your share of contempt,</p><p>Your inheritance in the land will be doubled</p><p> and your joy will go on forever.</p><p>8-9 “Because I, God, love fair dealing</p><p> and hate thievery and crime,</p><p>I’ll pay your wages on time and in full,</p><p> and establish my eternal covenant with you.</p><p>Your descendants will become well-known all over.</p><p> Your children in foreign countries</p><p>Will be recognized at once</p><p> as the people I have blessed.”</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hOruunELLkCwhZopCSeBld_AOn72VBIAArcwBxRF77QPD4g3-O9_E8zS92lquS9A4hTGAJ9-9PmDOac-bgzLc-DOeVdDmgh4gT4Mtz91aFBfOtutDjYpb1RDN1oI6LkYXT_5RWkebN2utAQZwj0gFQOWsXeuWGxPc4BX98cWG4MqH0nkGrGkPKqZ/s259/Lake%20Elsinore.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hOruunELLkCwhZopCSeBld_AOn72VBIAArcwBxRF77QPD4g3-O9_E8zS92lquS9A4hTGAJ9-9PmDOac-bgzLc-DOeVdDmgh4gT4Mtz91aFBfOtutDjYpb1RDN1oI6LkYXT_5RWkebN2utAQZwj0gFQOWsXeuWGxPc4BX98cWG4MqH0nkGrGkPKqZ/s1600/Lake%20Elsinore.jpeg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>We have been anointed to take the rubble of what exists in our cities, start over, and make it new. So, why should you be concerned with taking your city for Christ? What does that mean to you? We know that we are called to it because scripture tells us so, but unless it becomes personal we won’t feel a need to get in the fight. We may hear an inspiring message but then the enthusiasm fizzles out and we fail to follow through with the next steps of faith to make an impact. It’s not always about everyone in the city, but about the one that God wants to rescue and pull out of the pit.</p><p>I think about the story of Rahab in Joshua chapter 2, a prostitute from a poor family that lived in the walled fortress city of Jericho. Women back then often had to resort to prostitution just to survive, so she knew the men of that town.When a couple of out-of-towners came into Jericho she knew they were spies. Rahab had heard of the God of the Israelites that fought their battles with them and made the Israelites a force to be reckoned with. There was an intense awareness of danger and panic, as word spread that the Israelites were on their way to conquer her city. The fear of death and the feeling of dread permeated the atmosphere. This was a woman that was trapped in every way. Rahab was a poor woman with a bad reputation, trapped in a walled city that was marked for death and destruction. She was stuck. Does anyone know what it’s like to feel trapped in your circumstances and have no idea how to create the change that is needed to survive? Countless number of people live with a sense of hopelessness every day. Maybe you know of someone you care about that is stuck in a pit they can’t get out of.</p><p>I was that woman, looking for love in all the wrong places, prostituting myself with the world. I was the addict, overdosing on a regular basis because I hated who I was at the core of my being. I came so close to death many times and couldn’t appreciate the fact that God had saved me from myself, over and over again. I was full of rebellion, bitterness, and anger because life was so disappointing and difficult. I was the one with emotional problems, often feeling suicidal and taking pills for depression, anxiety and could not find relief for my pain. I was the orphan, who did not know who I was, who I belonged to, and if there was anyone that could dare to love me. I didn’t even know who the real me was. I had never met her. I was covered in shame, bound by so many demonic forces - I was stuck in a pit I could not get out of, and I lived behind fortified walls of fear, insecurity, defensiveness, rage and insecurity because I experienced all kinds of abuse and rejection. The devils in my life were hell bent on destroying me, but I was helpless because the chains of oppression had me bound. I was a slave in every sense of the word. I was the one that everyone gave up on and was told I was a loser, a bad mother, a nobody and no one wanted anything to do with me. People in my life, including other so-called Christians, told me I would die alone in a ditch somewhere. The contempt on their face when they said those words told me they didn’t believe I was worth saving, and neither did I. My first experience with people who identified as Christians wasn’t very positive. I believed those voices because I was so beat down I had no self respect or self esteem left. I didn’t know how to change. I didn’t think it was possible so I gave up on myself. I lived behind fortified walls, so I can identify with Rahab. I know her story because I’ve lived with that sense of hopelessness and despair, when you know that death is coming for you.</p><p>Rahab knew the Israelites were coming to make war with the people of her city. She was bound for certain death unless she took a radical step of faith, but she overcame her fear and pleaded for her life and the life of her family. She hung that scarlet cord in her window as a sign to the Israelite soldiers of which house to spare. She was shown mercy and became in the lineageof Christ. God knows those that are destined for salvation and a greater purpose, but he is looking for those that will partner with him to do great exploits. The battle of Jericho was never about saving the entire city. It was about the one. And we need to be about rescuing the ones God wants us to reach. Like Rahab, I had heard of a God that might be able to save me. I wasn’t sure if I could trust Him, but I called on His name. He knew I was destined for a greater purpose even though I could not see it for myself when I was lost. May the Lord open our eyes to see destinies instead of current realities and have compassion on those that we might be tempted to overlook.</p><p>My husband and I have gone through many trials. We have lost everything and had to start over more than once. We have experienced the fear, anxiety and stress of deep poverty and the shame of not being able to provide for our family. We have known spiritual abuse and the bondage of religion, and the rejection of being misunderstood, labeled, slandered and shunned. We know what it’s like for people to treat us as unimportant and expendable. We, too, have gone through such loneliness and isolation that we had to depend on God alone for our salvation and for Him to send help to rescue us from the pit of despair. Those that call on His name may endure weeping for a season, but God is faithful. Every test has an expiration date. Every person has an appointed time for deliverance if they just hold fast to the hope that can be found through Jesus Christ. The Lord can do amazing things with people that the rest of society doesn’t appreciate or value. But they have to hear about the faithfulness of God and His power to rescue the orphans, outcasts, the hurting and the helpless. That is why we must all have a heart for our cities. Because some of those that are lost are our sons and daughters, our grandkids and our children’s future spouses or other family members. We cannot afford to be negligent in our calling to exercise our authority in prayer to help unravel the spiritual strongholds that are a prevailing influence over our cities.</p><p>There are many people living behind walls. Proverbs 18:19 says, “An offended friend is harder to win back than a fortified city. Arguments separate friends like a gate locked with bars.” There are many, many people carrying offenses. Words have impact and are like an arrow that pierces the heart. Words spoken in a moment of carelessness can hurt, offend and wound others whether it is intentional or not, and some people may not even tell you about it, but they may harbor resentment and nurse a grudge. The enemy creates a wedge between people by whispering accusations and suspicions in people’s ears. </p><p>Is there a sense of distance between you and someone else that needs to be resolved? Unforgiveness always comes with a sense of rejection, anger and resentment, and if left to fester long enough, it turns to bitterness. Bitterness becomes this impenetrable fortress. Many people have a root of bitterness that they have not dealt with, and it always brings a curse. </p><p>When Joshua came to Jericho, he needed a new strategy. He surveyed the situation at hand and the weapons he had grown accustomed to, the weapons he was familiar with, were totally insufficient for what he faced at Jericho. When God brings you into a new season and you get ready to take the land, you’re going to need new strategies. Joshua had bows, arrows and slings but nothing sufficient that would break through a formidable stone wall. He couldn’t approach the problem like he had in the past. This battle required a strategy and a word from the Lord. Many of you are facing a similar situation. You need a clear word from the Lord, and it can be found in the presence of the Lord in worship.</p><p>The day I prepared this message there was a memory that popped up in my Facebook newsfeed from 5 years ago, and it was such a word of confirmation. This is what it said: We spend too much time looking at the problem. Stop looking at the walls in front of you. Stop focusing on the barriers and the obstacles - look up! There was no roof on Jericho! God showed me a pole vaulter going up and over and He said, “I always have a way in to every problem - I just need people to believe that I CAN do the impossible! He also showed me angels dropping little gifts inside the walls of a fortified city with little parachutes on them, and then rain that looked like seeds of light raining down on the city. Those were answers to prayer raining down on those we pray for. </p><div><div>Psalm 97:11 in the Message Bible says, “Light seeds are planted in the souls of God’s people, Joy seeds are planted in good heart soil.” God knows how to reach hearts and turn them towards Him. He is in the miracle business. Every time we worship we seed the heavens with faith and answers to prayer. And that is also where we receive strategies to upgrade our faith. </div><div><br /></div><div>About a month ago during worship, the Lord started talking to me about obtaining breakthroughs over our cities. I am only one person. I only have a piece of all the strategies the Lord wants to release. Dealing with unresolved emotional issues is just one part of this message and one strategy to obtain breakthrough. God wants to give us each a strategy for the people he wants us to reach.</div><div><br /></div></div><div><div>We need to ask for the keys God has given to each one of us. Keys are symbolic of authority and power, and we have been given these keys to enforce our Father’s purposes. Keys are used to turn and to either lock or unlock doors, as we make prophetic declarations and decrees. God has given you others keys you may not be thinking of; they are your stories, experiences and testmonies that will unlock the hearts of others. Those are keys to reach in and unlock their soul as you share how God met you in your moment of need. It is also our words and prayers in agreement with God’s word that releases His power. God has delegated His authority to us to enforce His will on earth, to either allow or disallow what He allows or disallows. We can release people from demonic bondage and set captives free. We have authority to see people healed, and release angels on their assignments throughout the earth, to bring answers to our prayers. The name of Jesus is THE KEY that unlocks the supernatural realm.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Let me take you now to 2 Kings 2:19-22, where men of a certain city came to the prophet Elisha and said, “Please notice, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my lord sees, but the water is bad and the ground barren.” And he said, “Bring me a new bowl and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him. Then he went out to the source of the water, and cast in the salt there, and said, “Thus says the Lord: ‘I have healed this water; from it shall be no more death or barrenness.’ ” Elisha got a strategy from the Lord. That means we can too.</div><div><br /></div><div>One thing Elisha did was go to the source of the defilement. He threw salt in, which is a purifying agent. We are to be the salt of the earth and bring healing and deliverance to others. We need to look to the source, too, because the source of defilement is in people. </div><div><br /></div><div>There is a root of bitterness in this nation, and it’s caused a ripple effect of self-pity, rebellion, entitlement and division. Bitterness creates a lot of problems. Bitterness causes churches, businesses and individuals to be barren, stuck and stagnant. Churches will leak members, because bitterness makes room for manipulation and control, legalism, and spiritual pride. A religious spirit begins to choke the flow of the spirit because it’s all about control. People may never tell you why they left but they can sense when something is wrong in the Spirit. You can’t birth anything new when there is a different spirit at work. God doesn’t birth through selfish ambition, and selfish ambition is a byproduct of the bitterness of rejection. Bitterness keeps offenses alive and fractures relationships. It is at the root of just about every addiction. Bitterness strips the anointing off of Christians and causes blessings to be lost. It is the root of rebellion, idolatry and witchcraft. </div><div><br /></div><div>We are in a season of war; we know that, but sometimes we don’t stop to think how that directly affects us or our families. We must stop rehearsing and reliving things from the past that cause us to doubt the goodness of God and allow unbelief to settle into our hearts. If you’re living in the past you’re not moving forward. You’re stuck. Repent for looking backward! It places us in agreement with the enemy and it makes excuses for why we let the enemy be in charge of our emotions. The Lord of hosts is coming to blow up those fortified walls of self preservation people try to hide behind. He is coming to blow up our excuses and compel us to bring it all to Him as an offering. He is coming with his angel armies to demolish strongholds and rescue the captives, but we must be willing to let go of some things that have choked the anointing in our lives. God will grant healing and deliverance to anyone that is truly repentant of their sin and comes humbly to the Lord. </div><div><br /></div><div>What has you bound? Is there something that has weakened you spiritually, an area of compromise that you have wrongfully justified? Is there something that has you tied up in your emotions? Something from which you need healing or freedom?</div><div><br /></div><div>These are things that can put people in lockdown. Sometimes it’s a vow that needs to be broken, something spoken in a moment of great pain or disappointment. These things must be renounced and broken so the enemy can no longer block the breakthroughs to fulfilling your purpose. We all need to be aware of the words we speak and break any contracts or agreements that we’ve unconsciously made with spirits of darkness. If you want to stop repeating the same behaviors, and get free from this tug-of-war with the enemy, confess and condemn the careless words that have been spoken and break the power of them. Teach others to do the same. All these things cause people to become stuck and they can’t move forward. If you want a great resource to help you get unstuck, please consider getting my book, Wisdom to Defeat the Enemy. It is time to renounce any agreements you may have with the enemy that has given him legal grounds to hinder your spiritual progress. God has an army of people he wants to raise up and mobilize but too many are stuck until they deal with their own heart issues. The enemy works on all of us - daily - so there will always be something we need to bring to the Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div>2 Cor. 4:2 reminds us to renounce the hidden works of shame. Hidden means it is possibly something unknown to you or something you have forgotten about that could be causing a blind spot. The enemy always looks for legal grounds to bring accusations against us and block answers to prayer. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal any blind spots so the enemy cannot take his stand against you and your family.Taking advantage of our blind spots is one of the enemy’s strategies of warfare.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you spoken something carelessly that has hurt or offended someone else? Are you struggling with an issue of the heart, perhaps the ability to forgive yourself or someone else? Bring it to the Lord in prayer and ask forgiveness. Stop waiting for someone else to do the right thing and do the right thing. Let go of those things that cause you to stumble. Let go of your right to be right or feel justified at delaying your obedience to God. In light of what Jesus did for you, enduring the beating, the rejection, the humiliation and the shame of your sin that nailed him to the cross, not one of us has a leg to stand on in our own defense. We deserved death and He gave us mercy. Put the blood of Jesus on whatever wants to rise up and defy the mercy of God! If you have an area of weakness that your flesh is struggling to overcome, bring it to Jesus and ask Him to give you grace and strength to overcome the temptation of the flesh. If you are struggling to love someone that is difficult to love, sometimes you just need to tell God you don’t have it in you and ask Him to give you His ability to love others the way He wants you to love them. We don’t have to do everything in our own strength. His is available.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Prayer:</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Dear Heavenly Father,</div><div><br /></div><div>Please forgive my sins, and also those in my generational line. We have not always honored you and served you wholeheartedly. I renounce all false gods and masters and ask You, Jesus, to come into my heart and be my Lord, Savior, Master and friend. </div><div><br /></div><div><div>Father, please forgive me, my ancestors and others in this city for harboring grudges, resentment and unforgiveness towards others. Help us all to let go of judgments and presumptions we have made about others.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Please forgive me and those in my family line for breaking the trust of others through broken covenants. Forgive us for creating fear, anger, resentment, jealousy and grief in others, and for the sorrow that our sins have caused. </div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for treating others with a lack of integrity, for failing to keep our word and for causing others to be disappointed in us.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for tempting others to partake in the sin of evil speaking, gossip, and slandering the reputations of others, and speaking carelessly without considering how it would affect others.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for not taking responsibility for our feelings and justifying unforgiveness. </div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for delaying our obedience and continuing to sit as a judge over others. </div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for keeping a record of wrongs when You do not treat us that way. I apologize, Lord. You alone are the just judge of all mankind. </div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive me for holding unforgiveness and self hatred toward myself.I choose to forgive myself and let go of regret, self rejection and self loathing. I choose to stop punishing myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>I choose to forgive those that have hurt, disappointed or offended me. I ask You to bless them in every way You want them blessed. Let the blood of Jesus be applied to all our sins.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive me and others in the body of Christ for treating people as though they are no longer family simply because they may no longer fellowship at the same local church. Forgive me for a lack of love towards others.</div><div><br /></div><div>Father, forgive me, my ancestors and those in my city for areas where we have misled others and caused them to stumble and struggle with sin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for doing things in secret that resulted in injustice towards others. Forgive us for plotting mischief or evil towards others.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for allowing jealousy, envy, covetousness, idolatry, judgmentalism and criticism towards others to tear them down and cause them to feel rejected, shamed or verbally abused. Put a guard against our lips, cleanse our hearts of wrong motives, and purify our speech so that it pleases You.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for bearing false witness and causing others to see individuals through the lens of false judgment, thereby depriving people of a blessing, justice, promotions, and open doors to new opportunities.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for not getting involved to correct social injustices and allowing injustice to further oppress people.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Father forgive me, those in my generational line, and those in my city of the sins of sexual immorality. Forgive us for adultery, pornography, and indulgences of lust.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for sins of sexual abuse and rape, molestation and making victims of others. </div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive the sins of perversity, homosexuality, lesbianism and other sins you call abominations, but forgive me and the people of this city for our judgments and lack of love towards others that You love and want to rescue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for dishonesty and selfishness, using others for gratification without considering the emotional impact on others. Forgive us for creating brokenness in others and for betraying their trust.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for how our actions have affected the relationships and marriages of others, by creating jealousy, distrust and a ripple effect of other broken relationships.</div><div><br /></div><div>Forgive us for creating open doors into the lives of others for demonic attachments, leading to more and more bondage, sin and iniquities.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>I repent for any vows, covenants and contracts that have put the enemy on assignment and bound me to the enemy, whether it was done by myself or one of my ancestors. </div><div><br /></div><div>I break those ungodly covenants and renounce any agreements between myself and spirits of darkness. Let the blood of Jesus void out those contracts and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. </div><div><br /></div><div>I forgive those that have hurt, offended or disappointed me, Father. Please bless them in every way you want them to be blessed. </div><div><br /></div><div>I release them (be specific) from any debt or judgment I have held against them. I ask Your Holy Spirit to come fill every dry, empty place and let Your river of living water flow out of me. Please bless me with my heavenly language and let it bubble up and out of my mouth so I can praise you, and worship you in spirit and in truth. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you, Father, for giving me the revelation of truly being adopted as Your child, and experiencing your love in such a way that I feel safe, secure and accepted in Christ, as Your child. Holy Spirit, show me any lies you want to heal in my belief system. Reveal the truth so I can be free. Please also show me where I have sin that I have justified or overlooked so that I can walk in confidence with you. In Jesus name, amen.</div></div><div><br /></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-40182633655094702592022-04-04T12:21:00.002-07:002022-04-04T12:23:10.351-07:00The Orphan Spirit, Offense and Spiritual Agreements<div style="text-align: left;"><div>The Orphan Spirit, Offense and Spiritual Agreements</div><div><br /></div><div>Let me begin by saying this is not intended to be a complete teaching on the orphan spirit, but to give a brief insight into some of the content included in my deliverance manual, <b><i>“Wisdom to Defeat the Enemy,”</i></b> (available on Amazon.com). </div><div><br /></div><div>The orphan spirit carries with it a feeling of unworthiness, a fear of rejection and abandonment, which causes the individual to feel driven to perfectionism or a need to prove to themselves or others they have a sense of value or importance. Selfish ambition is a spirit that becomes an internal driver of behavior because the person is trying to overcompensate for feelings of rejection, inadequacy, inferiority and insecurity. The struggle with foundational issues of identity and the dysfunction it creates often cause relationship problems because the person often has an unhealthy or unrealistic perspective on how their emotional needs should be met.It can also result in placing unrealistic demands for validation and affirmation of their identity upon others when in fact only God can meet that need. When a person looks to other people to meet their emotional needs, they make idols for themselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>The heart of the orphan has deeply rooted feelings of rejection and insecurity, which often causes them to have feelings of competitiveness and jealousy towards others. They compare themselves to others in their relationship circles, whether it is family, friends, peers or professional relationships. They look for the praise and approval of others and often cannot bring themselves to genuinely celebrate or acknowledge other people’s success or blessings. The spirit of competition is opposed to brotherly love. It sees people as rivals, competitors and they harbor a fault-finding, critical attitude towards others.This orphan spirit causes people to want to expose people’s weaknesses rather than cover them in love. This spirit is also quick to bring accusations or harsh words against others. The person with an orphan spirit often operates under a religious spirit because acceptance, approval and love are always conditional upon performance rather than the love, acceptance and compassion that comes from the Spirit of Adoption. The person who struggles with an orphan spirit is not free. They desperately seek praise and recognition through self effort and their works because they feel a deep need to feel validated and affirmed.</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the characteristics of an orphan spirit is a tendency towards holding onto offense and critical judgments towards oneself or others. The orphan spirit is a root cause for people feeling jealous, critical, bitter, or justifying unforgiveness. There are many signs of an orphan spirit, but here are some to consider:</div><div><br /></div><div>1. Feelings of inadequacy. Needs approval and strives for praise and acceptance from others.</div><div>2. Jealous and competitive, has a difficult time being happy for other people’s success.</div><div>3. Has trouble trusting authority and difficulty submitting to God or other authority.</div><div>4.Closes their spirit to correction and discipline, defensive and easily offended.</div><div>5. Critical and judgemental towards others, quick to expose the weakness of others. Inwardly they feel they need to do this to make themselves look better. It is also a form of ‘cutthroat competition’ to try to eliminate anyone that makes them feel threatened or insecure. Prone to gossip, slander and character assasination. They destroy the reputations of others and feel justified in talebearing.</div><div>6. Feels like they are under bondage to performance in order to receive approval. Often feels as if God is difficult to please; feels like a slave, bound by a sense of duty and obligation.</div><div>7. Prone to using guilt, manipulation, controlling behaviors and toxic shame to try and force others into compliance. Will go to any length to get what they want; does not respect boundaries.</div><div>8. Seeks relief from counterfeit sources such as drinking, drugs, sex, shopping, video games and other escapes.</div><div>9. Repels mates, children and others due to toxic demands for validation and making others feel unimportant or unloved.</div><div>10. Leaders who have an orphan spirit seek to have others serve them and do not release others into their calling or gifting. They hold onto them due to their desire to build their own kingdom.</div><div>11.Compares their perceived righteousness through their works to the righteousness by faith imputed through the blood of Christ and often feels offended. They stumble over grace.</div><div>12.They focus on the faults of others, especially those with genuine spiritual authority.</div><div>13. Narcissistic and selfish; uses others for their own selfish purposes.Blames others and refuses to take responsibility for their own actions.</div><div>14. More concerned with ministry, work or other pursuits than the needs of family because they are trying to prove themselves.</div><div>15. Unbiblical view of what God thinks about us.</div><div>16. Inability to have intimacy in relationships, difficulty in giving and receiving love, trust and acceptance with others.</div><div><br /></div><div>Matthew 7:1 tells us we should not judge lest we be judged by the same standard as our own lack of love towards others. The person that judges others or resorts to some of the critical behavior listed above is now on a path to be judged, either by God or others as their own hypocrisy is revealed by their behavior. It allows others to see the insincerity towards the beliefs they profess but fail to model. When our conversation isn’t healthy, it’s because sin needs to be confessed and the tongue delivered from unrighteousness. Many times people do not realize that the power of their words and thoughts keep them from being healed because there is an agreement in the spirit realm that must be broken. Sometimes those agreements go all the way back to childhood or some traumatic event where we made a vow that binds us to the past. If those agreements are not broken it can end up affecting a person’s physical health, because the body ends up absorbing the emotional pain. Emotional pain=a lack of peace, or a lack of ease. <i><b>Dis</b></i>-ease. This is where a majority of disease and illnesses come from. These things must be driven out with prayer!</div><div><br /></div><div>God designed us to gain our sense of identity and a sense of security from our parents and Him, but when parents fail to affirm a child in their identity, fail to nurture and protect them, a void is there that the enemy will gladly fill. These are legitimate needs that now become areas of a person’s identity that become shaped through lies and distorted beliefs from a false father - the father of lies. Our heavenly father longs to shatter the lies and replace them with truth about who He really created you to be. We receive this as revelation as we walk with Him. It is a truth that is received deep in our innermost being where our spirit bears witness with the Holy Spirit. This knowledge brings comfort, and as we are comforted, our souls settle down into rest. When our souls are at rest, it brings stability to our emotions, peace of mind, and stabilizes other areas of our life, too. Is that something you have longed for? You do not need to live as a slave to fear, insecurity, or feel like an outsider looking in. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal the heart of Your heavenly Father to you and flood your heart with the Spirit of Adoption.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pray:</div><div><br /></div><div>Holy Spirit, please forgive me for any agreements I have made that would prevent me from receiving the fullness of my Father’s love. I forgive my parents for not being able to meet my physical and emotional needs, and I forgive them for any ways they broke my trust and contributed to me feeling abandoned, unimportant or rejected. I renounce any lies I have believed that cause me to feel fear, anxiety, stress, rejection or other negative emotions. Let the blood of Jesus cover my sins as well as my parents. I renounce all spirits of rejection, disappointment, disapproval and dishonor that have been released into my life. I want nothing to do with these spirits and command them all to leave me now in Jesus’ name. Break every demonic chain in my life, Lord Jesus. Forgive me for believing lies about you that have kept me from developing a closer relationship. Please reveal yourself to me, in Jesus’ name, amen.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you would like more teaching on inner healing and deliverance, please consider ordering the book, <b><i>Wisdom to Defeat the Enemy,</i></b> available on Amazon.com.</div><div><br /></div></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-58143184883571517462022-02-22T13:54:00.008-08:002022-03-05T10:09:10.135-08:00Strategic Prayers and Decrees to Open the Heavens and Bring Revival<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">Hello Friends,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I wanted to call your attention to a new page I added. It is the first one under the pages section on the right called <a href="https://xpectamiracle.blogspot.com/p/prayers-and-decrees-to-open-heavens-and.html">Prayers and Decrees to Open the Heavens and Bring Revival. </a> This is also available as a read only, printable file from Google Docs. Just do a Google search under <b>Strategic Prayers and Decrees to Open the Heavens and Bring Revival. You should see a docs file. </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JnCMgl58ABSatSC1S4qXmirwh26QFLKK3hmtDZLzmX4/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">Strategic Prayers and Decrees to Open the Heavens and Bring Revival<br /></a></b></span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLq69MfcaoBMq9jEo7tm8mGRT6vPlZ7RkaMd7uCz4QYRLjkYFLIRDj2gOjoOqEgjyK3-saFf61f2aooLO5OTsjCSs4Dt7uMKoowgK2nYSE1nBZmDJGBXYq69jCijKA_kZE-5cifk7Y9Rju3GMMKS8iqsGasr_gsKDxDMlOGo-YwBJV06cBaQCDzNBp=s719" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="719" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLq69MfcaoBMq9jEo7tm8mGRT6vPlZ7RkaMd7uCz4QYRLjkYFLIRDj2gOjoOqEgjyK3-saFf61f2aooLO5OTsjCSs4Dt7uMKoowgK2nYSE1nBZmDJGBXYq69jCijKA_kZE-5cifk7Y9Rju3GMMKS8iqsGasr_gsKDxDMlOGo-YwBJV06cBaQCDzNBp=w373-h238" width="373" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">We are in perilous times where spiritual darkness grows darker. We are seeing our God-given rights systmatically being eliminated without any regard of accountability to a higher authority. God is in none of their thoughts, and many people are doing what is right in their own eyes. Sin and long standing iniquity cause principalities and demonic powers to shut up the heavens until there is sufficient repentance to satisfy God's requirements. NO ONE can bypass the curse of disobedience. God has spiritual laws in place that govern the world in which we live. Sin and disobedience shut up the heavens so that our prayers hit a ceiling. Things continue to get worse and worse until prayers of repentance take place and people return to God.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Please share the prayers with other intercessors. This is a call to action. Our civil liberties and the state of our nations depend on us to shift the heavens in our favor, and defeat the plans of the enemy.</span></p><p><br /></p>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-6649229413715733002021-11-23T11:55:00.003-08:002021-12-06T12:51:37.140-08:00God Has a Pathway Our of Your Pain<p> <br />I am not sure who needs to hear this today, But God wants you to know that He has a pathway out of your pain. Perhaps you feel stuck in the past, or you've been carrying regret over a situation that you cannot change. It may be that you don't know how to rise above the feelings of guilt or condemnation associated with the shame of failure. You may be feeling the pain of being misunderstood or the sting of rejection. Sometimes it is because we place too much significance upon the opinions of others. Injustice, false accusation or being used as another person's scapegoat are also legitimate reasons to experience pain and tormenting thoughts. Emotional pain results when we place a higher value on the approval or acceptance of others, or we believe a lie about ourselves or our circumstances, rather than what God says about us. The pain you feel may be connected to some other situation, but no matter what it is, God is faithful to help us in our times of grief, depression, lonliness or whatever we may find outselves having to walk through.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QZlzHDBrWU51wql_XwGMxrv8N_66K_P_7r27UGCkjwfo57-FZ9gw0YAMFcJope0lElAQPBPN8Nz2RCzn5J4CuFi50SqpzGdR2m2ANojPmt4jW3XRe7AaAXJRUfNQJvEElMMJHFidUfA/s2048/sadwoman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QZlzHDBrWU51wql_XwGMxrv8N_66K_P_7r27UGCkjwfo57-FZ9gw0YAMFcJope0lElAQPBPN8Nz2RCzn5J4CuFi50SqpzGdR2m2ANojPmt4jW3XRe7AaAXJRUfNQJvEElMMJHFidUfA/s320/sadwoman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>First of all, let me assure you that Jesus experienced all the same emotions, but on a grander scale. Although He did not fail, others considered Him a failure and labeled him as one, so He did experience the range of emotions connected to public failure, and the mocking, rejection and feeling of being alone through it all. He knows the heartbreak that you are feeling, and He is walking with you in it. If you invite him to, Jesus will walk you through to the other side of this painful valley. I know, because I've been there, too.</p><p>The first step is allowing God to comfort you with His love. There were many years I could not feel God's love around me because I had been terribly hurt, abused, and betrayed by people I should have been able to trust. Because of bad experiences, I didn't trust others, so I kept most people at an emotional distance. The self imposed isolation was very lonely, and I finally realized that if I was going to heal, I had to learn how to let others in and figure out how to trust again.</p><p>I prayed for safe connections, people that would not be judgmental and those I could trust with my pain. I didn't want to tell my story, but one day I was in the presence of someone I felt safe with, and I was in such pain from being misunderstood, labeled, blamed and shamed, that my story tumbled out of my mouth. The person I was with just loved on me and assurred me that they would keep my confidence and pray for me. It is what I needed. That little door of hope allowed healing to come to my broken and bleedng heart.</p><p>God does not bruise us when we are down. Instead, He shows us HIs love and mercy. His love is tender and patient. He knows where we have made agreements with lies and may even be in sin, self medicating or trying to avoid uncomfortable subjects, but He will get around to helping us deal with those issues when He knows we are ready for change. He allows our misery to prepare us for change, but it is His love and faithulness to us that encourages us to let go of our vices, stop making excuses, and take responsibility for our own well being rather than leave it in the hands of others.</p><p>Time spent in His presence also allows us to experience His love. That is when He reminds us that not everyone is meant to follow us into our future. If someone cannot love you when you're down, or if a person deserts you when you've made mistakes, and if they won't stand with you when you're hurting, you might want to reevaluate their importance in your life. Have they earned the right to be at your resurrection? </p><p>I have had people in my life that could never celebrate my success. They could not bring themselves to offer a word of congratulations, or a word of affirmation. People's true intentions are often seen in the things they think no one will notice. Sometimes people will refuse to acknowledge anything positive in another person's life because they don't want them to be blessed. Friend, God is doing you a favor when He exposes the pettiness and insincerity in other people. It is better to know who are against you rather than be caught unaware. That way you don't continue to entertain unrealistic expectations or allow offense to get into your heart. Forgive them and move on!</p><p>God will bring people into your life that will celebrate who you are, your accomplishments and gifting. If people in your life don't value those things about you, keep moving and ask God to guide you to those that are "your tribe." Eventually, you will find one another and those relationships will truly enrich your life. They will also become the catalyst for even greater levels of healing and change.</p><p>One of the biggest lies we must learn to discern is about our identity. There is so much to be said on this topic! Google your identity in Christ. Study the scriptures. Let them encourage your faith. Understand that what God says about you trumps anything someone else has spoken about you, and that includes negative words and opinions you've had towards yourself! The process of discovery also brings us to a crossroads where we must decide whom we will serve. Are we going to allow the voice of our inner critic, formed by negative thoughts, opinions and experiences create us in the false identity the enemy wants us to accept? Or, will we take God at His word and believe we are who HE says we are? We have a choice, but which voice we listen to determines who we serve, and who is our master. I hope you choose to believe the Lord, for He is the one that died for your redemption and freedom. Only the Father who created us in love should be allowed to tell us who we are!</p><p>Trust God to lead you out of your pain. God promises us in His word to work all things together for our good, to those that love Him and are called according to His purpose. We cannot change things that have already happened, but God is able to create a new future. Invite Him to hold you, comfort you, and navigate you through your pain. He has promised to never leave you or forsake you! </p><p>Today, sit with Him for a while and ask Holy Spirit to minister truth to you. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal a lie that you've believed about yourself or your situation. When it comes to mind, Ask Him to reveal more information, such as what event allowed you to accept this lie. Then ask Him to show you the truth. God loves you so much, and it is the Holy Spirit's job to lead us into the truth that will make us free. Read John 8:31-32. </p><p>"Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-67087119449779334232021-11-21T12:36:00.003-08:002021-12-06T12:55:29.059-08:00Overcoming Doubt and Double-mindedness <p><span>Overcoming Doubt and Double-mindedness & A Prayer to Break Ungodly Yokes </span></p><p><span><span> </span>My previous post was a word of encouragement, but I wanted to follow up with this article dealing with doubt, unbelief and double mindedness because indecision means that God cannot answer our prayers. </span>We cannot afford to be double-minded or unbelieving. Examine James chapter 1, verses 5-8. This is from the New Living Translation.</p><p><span> </span>Vs 5: “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. Vs 6: But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Vs.7: Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Vs.8: Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.”</p><p><span> </span>Unbelief causes double-mindedness and confusion so that we don’t truly make up</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwEE2OnXMb2rbVGXSIXVLiHsb-ETrhgGyC6z4KMoqvxdOsF_QqQQVhAOrKNAdukuvlt8Tq6_cQDTCJr9Bwu1uV_7m_gMW8hkVs1q_wQvP6Syb7r-FrdTDYKJBzaZo2GxY1WqT14s7JCE/s2048/confusedman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimwEE2OnXMb2rbVGXSIXVLiHsb-ETrhgGyC6z4KMoqvxdOsF_QqQQVhAOrKNAdukuvlt8Tq6_cQDTCJr9Bwu1uV_7m_gMW8hkVs1q_wQvP6Syb7r-FrdTDYKJBzaZo2GxY1WqT14s7JCE/s320/confusedman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> our minds about what we believe concerning a matter. A double-mind is “having in the mind opposite or opposing views at different times.” The Lexicon gives us the deeper meaning of the original Greek word used for double-minded. It is the word ‘dipsuchos,” which means to have two minds, or wavering, having two souls. i.e. a person "split in half," vacillating like a "spiritual schizophrenic." It means to be divided in interest, between God and the world.<p></p><p><span> </span>Now, we know that scripture tells us that Satan is known as the Prince of this world, or the Prince of the Power of the Air. He is a fallen angel that has influence in the airways, or the natural atmosphere in which we live. So, to live with double mindedness is to be in some ways carnal or worldly.</p><p><span> </span>This reminds me of another verse of scripture in 1 Kings 18:21 where the prophet Elijah confronted the people and said, “How long halt ye between two opinions? if the LORD be God, follow him: but if Baal, then follow him. And the people answered him not a word.” The word ‘halt” means to hesitate, to walk with uncertainty, or limping between two opinions, if you will. The prophet was confronting the people of Israel for their conduct. They lacked consistency between their worship of Jehovah and the worship of Baal, which was the god of the worldly nations. Back then, polytheism, or the worship of many gods, was widespread, and Elijah was trying to get people to make a decision and stick with it. They were combining worship of Jehovah God with the worship of Baal. I'm simplifying, but essentially God said, “Hey, it’s all or nothing. I will not be a god among many other gods. You’re going to have to decide. Who are you going to serve?" But when Elijah laid it out there for them plainly, once they understood what he was getting at, they were struck with conviction and didn’t know what to say. Elijah asked them why are you so unsteady in your opinions and practices? Make a choice! If Jehovah is God, serve Him. Stop cheating on God by justifying behaviors he condemns. If you think Baal is God, then serve him, but at least be consistent. They were faced with the real condition of their hearts, in the presence of many false prophets of Baal on one side, and the servant of the Lord on the other. So, their beliefs were compromised and it led them to worldly behavior, indecision and thier worship to God was actually polluted. God sees these inconsistencies as spiritual adultery, or having an affair with the wrong spirits. It’s not a small thing to God. Elijah confronted the divided loyalties of their hearts, and that is what we learn from the scripture in James 1:8. A double minded person does not get their prayers answered, because if we are aligned with FEAR, COMPROMISE and UNBELIEF, it blocks God’s ability to answer. It takes faith to please God. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “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.” KJV</p><p><span> </span>We may not stop to consider our doubts or double mindedness in the same light, but as we see in the above scripture, God views double-mindedness as a loyalty issue. Look at what it says in Romans 8:6-8. This is the New Living Translation.</p><p><span> </span>"So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. The sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God." </p><p><span> We cannot remain indecisive. Doubt, unbelief and indecision leads to instability and unanswered prayer. T</span>here is a lot more that can be said about an unstable person. A person that is of two minds or two souls lives by a double standard. That means that their behavior is often questionable and may not be trustworthy. A heart that lacks convictions produces an unstable life. So, when we feel tempted to doubt God, remember all that this verse means. When our faith begins to waiver, remember it is a temptation that comes from the enemy, in an attempt to produce instability, fear and result in unanswered prayer. If you catch yourself going around in circles about what you believe, or if you have made a poor choice and found yourself justifying an area of sin, simply turn back to God, ask for forgiveness, and rebuke the enemy by saying, “You lying devil, I repent from my sin and I renounce any agreements I’ve made with spirits of darkness. You will not be my Lord or Master. I submit to the authority of the Holy Spirit and I command you, spirits of adultery, unbelief and double-mindedness, leave me now and go to the pit where you belong. For it is written, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and all your strength,” In Jesus name, amen.</p><p><span> </span>Accept God’s grace. Accept the truth and replace the wrong beliefs with the word of God, because the word of God settles the matter. </p><p><span> </span>Read Hebrews 11:1 Faith is a substance we can stand on. It produces stability. In the Lexicon, the original Greek word is hupostasis, which comes from the joining of two words: 5287 hypóstasis(from 5259 /hypó, "under" and 2476 /hístēmi, "to stand") – properly, (to possess) standing under a guaranteed agreement ("title-deed"); (figuratively) "title" to a promise or property, i.e. a legitimate claim (because it literally is, "under a legal-standing") – entitling someone to what is guaranteed under the particular agreement.</p><p><span> </span>For the believer, 5287 /hypóstasis ("title of possession") is the Lord's guarantee to fulfill the faith He inbirths (cf. Heb 11:1 with Heb 11:6). Indeed we are only entitled to what God grants faith for (Ro 14:23).</p><p><span> </span>When we understand the deeper meaning of the words in scripture, it is easier to also understand why God takes the position of all or nothing. We are either all in, or we’re not. He is saying, if you take Me at My word, if you have faith and don’t doubt, then I will give you a guarantee you can stand on. It’s like owning the title-deed to My promise. You have a legitimate claim that entitles you to what is guaranteed under our agreement. </p><p><span> </span>That is why God’s word tells us in Prov. 3:5-6 not to lean on our own understanding, but acknowledge what His word says. You’ve got to be willing to dig out the truth of His word for yourself, because when you do, that’s when the truth really becomes yours.</p><p><span> </span>Mark 9:23 All things are possible for one who believes. The word believe in the Strong’s Concordance is #4100, the word Pisteuo. It means to be persuaded, to affirm and have confidence, to have faith in, to trust, the believing that leads to/proceeds from God's inbirthing of faith.</p><div><div><span> Our words determine where we have placed our agreement. Our words contain the power of life or death. We actually put the enemy on assignment every time we speak out words of unbelief, fear, or condemnation; not only over ourselves, but over others.We are either on the side of faith with God; or, our words are aligned with unbelief, doubt, double mindedness and that is the enemy's side. Let us </span>break the power of negative words, either from ourselves, others, or from our loved ones so that they don’t continue to leave an open door to the enemy.</div><div><br /></div><div>PRAYER:</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>Father, I specifically lift up by name: (speak out the people you are praying for, including yourself.)</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I repent for negative, unbelieving words that I have spoken over myself and my loved ones. Let the power of all unbelieving words that I have spoken, or they have spoken about themselves be broken now in the name of Jesus. Let them not remember those words anymore, and I ask that Your forgiveness and mercy break the power of unbelief and double mindedness in all of us. Let the counsel of Your Holy Spirit unravel every lie and bring us back to the truth that sets us free.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I bind the strongmen of the deaf and dumb spirit, unbelief and double mindedness in the name and authority of Jesus Christ. By the authority of Jesus Christ I render them powerless, paralyzed and impotent. I command these spirits to be sent back to the place God created for them in Jesus name.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I declare that the ears that have been dull and without understanding, those that have sought comfort through denial, and those that have been under a spirit of stupor are opened now, in the name and authority of Jesus Christ, according to Mark 7:35. Lord Jesus, you said in Isaiah 61:1 of your word, “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;”</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I declare the head of the serpent that causes spiritual deafness is crushed according to Genesis 3:15, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I command the dullness to come out of people’s hearts, and they have been given a spirit of understanding from Your Holy Spirit, according to Matt. 13:15 and Is. 11:2.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I break the spirit of stupor and release clarity, focus, and healing to people’s minds. I declare that Your words are clear to them according to Mark 7:14.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I declare that people everywhere hear the word of the Lord and are compelled to do what He says, according to Acts 10:33.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I declare that people will give up their other desires and pursue the Lord Jesus Christ, according to Mark 8:34.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I declare by faith and by the power of Your word in Leviticus 26:13 the yoke on my neck, and on _______’s necks are broken now, for it is written, that God has brought us out of Egypt and broken the bars of our yoke so that we would no longer be slaves.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I declare according to Micah 2:13 that our King has gone before us to break open the way and we follow where Your Spirit leads us; the gates are open and we are led out of those things that have confined us and restricted our movements in Jesus name.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I declare a breaking of shackles, bands and bondages that have held us back, hindered our walk of faith, and kept us from being successful in life, according to Romans 8:15. For it is written, “For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” I declare the shackles and chains have broken and fallen off of me and my loved ones according to Acts 12:7.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I declare that my loved one have called upon the name of Jesus for help and salvation, and that You brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death and broke their bands apart according to Psalm 107:14.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I declare the spirit known as "Bands" that has bound me, my family and loved ones to wrong relationships, worldly behaviors, false burdens, false loyalties, fear and unbelief are broken now in Jesus name. Send those that the enemy has sent into our lives - out - in Jesus name! For it is wirtten in 2 Corinthians 6:14 it is written not to be unequally yoked. And, in 1 Corinthians 2:12 it is written, “We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.”</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>In the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command all ungodly yokes to break off of us now. All ungodly soul ties, be broken now and return to your rightful owners. For it is written in Galatians 5:1 that it is for freedom that Christ has set us free, and we are commanded to stand firm and do not let ourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I declare we shall no longer wear the yoke of the enemy. I cancel debt, poverty, infirmity, hopeless, unbelief, and fear RIGHT NOW in Jesus name! I declare that every one of my loved ones, including myself, that have felt like we have been in a pit of despair are lifted out by the power of Your Holy Spirit, for it is written in Zechariah 9:11, As for you also, because of the blood of My covenant with you, I have set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.” Father, I know You are faithful to uphold Your covenant with my family, and I trust You to move on behalf of each one of us in Jesus name.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> (Insert your name and your loved ones) </span>, I declare a release out of your captivity in the name and authority of Jesus Christ! For it is written in Jeremiah 30:8, ‘It shall come about on that day,’ declares the Lord of hosts, ‘that I will break his yoke from off their neck and will tear off their bonds; and strangers will no longer make them their slaves.” And, in Nahum 1:13 it is also written, “So now, I will break his yoke bar from upon you, and I will tear off your shackles.”</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I declare we are prospering and in health from this day forward, in Jesus name! For it is written in 3 John 2, “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as our souls prosper.” And it is also written in Psalm 103:2-3, Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; who forgives all your iniquities, who heals and your diseases." I bless you, my Lord, and thank you for all you have done for me and my family.</div><div><br /></div><div><span> </span>I declare you are released from every man-made, self-imposed yoke and hindrance! For it is written in John 8:32 that “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free,” And, in 2 Corinthians 3:17, “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”</div><div><br /></div><div><span> Father, Your word says in 1 John 5:14-15 that I can have courage and confidence in my prayers because I am sure You hear me when I ask according to Your will, and You will grant my petitions. </span>Thank you, Father, Lord Jesus and Holy Spirit for releasing angels on their assignments to carry forth the fulfillment of my declarations and decrees. As I have declared Your word, you have released breakthrough and justice on behalf of those that have been oppressed in Jesus name. </div></div><div><br /></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-38520048864423172512021-11-21T12:05:00.006-08:002021-12-06T13:05:18.150-08:00I Have Not Forgotten You, Says The Lord<p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span><span> I feel there are many people that feel like the woman in this picture. Have you felt like you've</span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span>had to walk alone, maybe even feeling forgotten by the Lord? Many people need a word of </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span>encouragement right now. If you focus on the news, it can look </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span>bleak and frustrating . </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span>Or, if you clue in to some of the prophetic headlines, it can encourage your</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">faith. God is exposing things and bringing things to light so that they can be dealt with. A </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">few days </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">ago I saw a headline on Yahoo News "Decades-long injustice - Judge dismisses two </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">convictions," </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">in regards to two men that were wrongly convicted concerning the death of Malcom</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">X. Many </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">prophetic voices have been speaking for a while now about the fact that God brings </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">exposure, and </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">deals with injustice. As I was praying the other day, God encouraged my faith with</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">a prophetic </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">word. I believe it not only applies to specific individuals, but it is also a word for </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">America. God IS </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">moving in many ways that we can't always see, so keep your eyes on the Lord,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">not on what may </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">or may not be public knowledge. He often seems to take a long time, but when </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">He moves, things </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">happen suddenly without warning. I have seen Him do this many times in </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">people's lives! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpi0E04ZmTMswovFlnQ5lDT_P1KDhkkarl177Lm_gFNDt7mY7jcq-3qbVwVqlNGLyB1gJuahFF-yIPi1MwB6vzIurBve8klQ6I5oaCTB1lxNUUYy5hZp38oVHxt7ivAVspMwJrmgAKyU/s2048/womanalone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1309" data-original-width="2048" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpi0E04ZmTMswovFlnQ5lDT_P1KDhkkarl177Lm_gFNDt7mY7jcq-3qbVwVqlNGLyB1gJuahFF-yIPi1MwB6vzIurBve8klQ6I5oaCTB1lxNUUYy5hZp38oVHxt7ivAVspMwJrmgAKyU/s320/womanalone.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span><br /></span>There are things coming! Change is coming! Says the Lord. Yes, you have heard it from the</span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">mouths of My prophets, yet many have said in their heart, “This is impossible. This is too big even</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">for the Lord. For I have hoped in vain, and I have listened to prophetic words that did not come to</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">pass. And you have said in your heart, “I do not want to get my hopes up again just to have them</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">crushed.”</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><span> </span>But this is what the Lord says: “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” Did I not say that if you</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">believed, all things are possible to those that believe?” You feel forgotten, but that is a lie from the</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">enemy. I know you have waited and the pain has made you feel as if I will not fulfill My promises</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">to you, even to this nation, but I have not forgotten you,” says the Lord. You feel as though your</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">prayers and best efforts to maintain your faith have not fulfilled your purpose. You feel like giving</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">up, retreating in your faith. This is what the Lord says: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">“At just the right time, I will respond to you.<br /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">On the day of salvation I will help you.</span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I will protect you and give you to the people</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">as my covenant with them.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Through you I will reestablish the land of Israel</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and assign it to its own people again.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I will say to the prisoners, ‘Come out in freedom,’</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and to those in darkness, ‘Come into the light.’ Isaiah 49:8-9. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> </span>Those who put their trust in the Lord shall never be put to shame. And the Lord would say to</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> you today, “Do not look at what things appear to be in the natural. Fix your eyes upon Me. For I am the God of the unexpected. I am the God of the impossible. What is impossible with men is possible with God. Do you believe I am able to do what I have promised?"</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who can snatch the plunder of war from the hands of a warrior?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Who can demand that a tyrant let his captives go?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">But the Lord says,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">“The captives of warriors will be released,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and the plunder of tyrants will be retrieved.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">For I will fight those who fight you,</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">and I will save your children.” Isaiah 49:24-25</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">God is working behind the scenes, so keep the faith and continue to declare His word, for it is hearing His word released into the airwaves that encourages our faith and also puts His angels on assignment!</span></p><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-42233722499310136732021-10-29T11:38:00.036-07:002021-11-19T07:45:03.399-08:00My Testimony of Resilience and Healing from Abuse<div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Pb2U_hynbzpnjkM7XP_HX5uwBNi6GyE_uM6XdvfB0JCCypC1Ws-bOJjbGCcImqGFoRkSBqHJkWFJOVsOFc_dLcTFvCvz14IhR7d7L01GbOlTk_FVz7o5cCYz-QcJGNt9Uu9G9TLnm44/s225/narcissist.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Pb2U_hynbzpnjkM7XP_HX5uwBNi6GyE_uM6XdvfB0JCCypC1Ws-bOJjbGCcImqGFoRkSBqHJkWFJOVsOFc_dLcTFvCvz14IhR7d7L01GbOlTk_FVz7o5cCYz-QcJGNt9Uu9G9TLnm44/s0/narcissist.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><br />Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you asked yourself, “How did I get here?” I found myself asking that question at various times in my life. I can look back now and understand how the enemy used shame as a weapon to destroy me from the inside out. </span></span></div><p></p></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether it came from a history of being subjected to critical, shame based parenting, or having alcoholic caretakers and a father that was paranoid schizophrenic, I learned early on that something about our family wasn’t normal - and it brought a sense of shame. I grew up in a very dysfunctional family. Many people do, but I always felt like I was covered in shame. </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a teen, I looked for love in all the wrong places and at 18 I married a young man that was a textbook narcissist. It began with him cutting off the few relationships I had. Then it was anger and violent outbursts. He was pysically, sexually and emotionally abusive. He threatened to take my child, which he did, briefly, at one point. When I left him, he threatened to kill himself, confronted me at work with violence, and stalked me, breaking into my apartments. He vandalized my car repeatedly so that I could no longer use it, stole finances and tried to get me fired thinking that if I was financially desperate I would have no choice but to go back to him. He believed he owned me. I remember him telling me one day that he had no respect for me, and I felt very angry. I thought, "Well, I will make you respect me." That's when I began to fight for my freedom. When I got a court mediator involved, it was extremely frustrating because he so turned the story around, he had them convinced he hadn't done anything wrong! I felt like I always had to look over my shoulder until he finally moved out of state. Many women who do not have a healthy sense of their own worth are attracted to narcissists and abusers because abusers are so skilled in deception and manipulation. Abusers can easily identify weaknesses that allow them to turn others into victims. I lost any ability to function well and began to turn more and more to alcohol to numb the fear, pain, isolation and anxiety.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I grew up feeling insignificant, unimportant and fearful. When a person doesn’t feel valued, they realize that their voice isn’t important, either. Sometimes we learn that speaking up for ourselves isn’t safe. So, we learn to be quiet and continue to take the abuse, over and over again. </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Demonic spirits target wounded people and will act as magnets towards one another. This is why cycles often repeat with other individuals. Demonic spirits have an assignment to continue to destroy lives, and they team up with one another in very strategic ways. Because I was emotionally unhealthy, I was attracted to all the wrong situations and individuals, which only served to leave me more and more broken. My life was a trail of abusive relationships, one after another.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By the time I was in my early thirties, I was full of anger, bitterness, self-rejection and self-hatred. I was miserable in my life and covered with more shame than I could bear. I hated who I had become. Part of me wanted to die, but I was too afraid to attempt suicide, so all I did was drink. A lot. And overdose, repeatedly.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had a brief moment of clarity when I asked myself, “Do I want to live, or die?” Followed by a desperate cry to the Lord to save me. In a string of supernatural events He did just that, and through a small church, I found a lifeline of hope. </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At first, everything seemed great. I met some Christian women, attended bible study every week and began to serve my church. As I grew in the Lord, I began to notice some things that didn’t seem right. I recognized familiar attitudes and behaviors such as criticism and put-downs, favoritism, rejection, competition, control, perfectionism and intimidation. Elitism and religious pride was also very strong in the entire church. Yet, I was used to dysfunction and so I stayed.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One night I went to a Bible study at the church. I sat towards the back of the church and listened to a few of the people that were praying. I was shocked, because what I unknowingly walked in on, and what they were praying about, was a plot to overthrow the pastor. I was stunned and left without saying anything, but they saw that I was there. I understood it was a Jezebel assignment but I had no idea how to stop it. One mistake I made was telling a friend what I had observed, and that person shared the information with someone that was involved. From that moment on, it became an all out attack to destroy my reputation. This was the birthplace of the prophetic in my life, and it was also how the Lord trained me in warfare, but it was the most painful thing I ever experienced. </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What I did not understand at the time was how to define narcissist behavior, or how far people were willing to go to get what they wanted. I was familiar with that behavior with my ex-husband, but I didn’t expect it in the church. I did not expect betrayal from those I considered family. These were people that were in positions of trust and leadership. Narcissists and abusers in general are highly skilled in the art of deception, manipulation and changing the narrative. They know how to draw people in to gain their trust, and often don't show their true colors until much later. Narcissists, psychopaths and abusers all have similar traits in common. They know how to convey disappointment so that others feel they can never seem to measure up. This leaves people feeling like they should try harder to please them. Narcissists also know how to punish people by withholding love, attention or words of affirmation, which causes people to feel as though they have to walk on eggshells not to upset them. Narcs and abusers manipulate and hurt others deliberately. The fact that they can turn it off and on at will, depending on who they are having a relationship with, is evidence that they are in control of their actions, and they know exactly what they are doing. They often lie convincingly and believe their own lies, which makes them appear so genuine when they lie to others. Abusers cannot seem to take responsibility for their actions, and constantly shift the blame to others. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is so important to discern the truth through prayer, because people will misread situations if they only listen to what others are saying, and not depending on the Holy Spirit for truth and discernment. There were several narcissists in this little church I attended, and others were among the family of enablers.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">During this extremely difficult time in my life, there were meetings and accusations, but the Lord told me not to defend myself. That was incredibly difficult but I realized those people had already made their judgments and aligned with the accuser, so it wouldn’t have made a difference. It took a long time to figure out that what was going on was spiritual abuse. Religious abuse can be much more subtle in the fact that it uses manipulation of scripture to control people, using guilt, shame and condemnation, so it's a slower process and disguised differently than domestic abuse. Spiritual abuse appeals to a person's desire to want to do the right thing and be honorable before God, and there was also a strong sense of fear and intimidation. There was a lot going on behind the scenes to destroy the church through gossip, suspicion, and accusations. People would drive by my home, follow me and take pictures, even a few very aggressive confrontations by a couple of them. There were attacks on my teenage daughter, public shaming and more. It felt like there was no place to escape the constant stress and anxiety. I could hardly believe this type of behavior came from "church people," but it did. Abusers and especially narcissists will not relent until they cause an emotional break in their victims. This deprives the target of their dignity, self-confidence, self-worth and their sense of autonomy. They have to feel as if they won and have control over their targets.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I had never been healed from the abuse I endured before all this happened. I was broken coming into the church, but the enemy wasn’t satisfied until I was completely shattered. One of the absolute worst things was when certain people put spyware on my computer at the church as well as the pastor’s, and then compiled various emails at random trying to build a case against us. They wanted to create suspicion and they mailed these packets (anonymously, of course) to people in the church, people in other churches and pastoral networks in an attempt to destroy our credibility from anyone that might know us. Later I found out that people that I thought were friends knew this was going on but didn’t say anything because they didn’t want to get involved. I felt completely ambushed and embarrassed. I had no idea what had been sent to others; all I knew was I was being accused of having an inappropriate relationship with the pastor. This caused an enormous amount of anger, anxiety, rejection, shame, and wounding. It also released offense, judgement and discord into the body of Christ. I felt betrayed by the body, betrayed by leaders, and distrustful of other Christians. I often felt, “Where do I go from here?” I did not know how to recover. The church was supposed to be the place of healing, yet it was the last place I felt I could trust.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I felt extreme fear, anxiety, and traumatized. The pastor and I both felt completely overwhelmed, knowing we had already lost the battle. I won’t go into details regarding his personal life struggles during that time except to say that the people that were involved in destroying him were the closest to him, both at home and in the church. The betrayal ran very deep. The behavior of a narcissist is carefully and deliberately orchestrated, depending on who they are dealing with, and the story that was public was not the whole truth. Those that are guilty never tell on themselves because it doesn’t suit their narrative. Factions, jealousy, pride, competition, sexual immorality, slander, and impurity are evil influences that invaded the church. People looked for others to accuse in an attempt to deflect attention away from themselves. </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And then, largely because of all the opposition against us that had been going on for a long time, we began to thoroughly discuss all the events that had transpired and the night I had walked in on the prayer meeting. We became closer because we felt everyone else was against us. I kept thinking the truth would eventually prevail, but it didn’t. And, when it became obvious that the battle was lost - even though we had not done anything wrong up to that point - it wasn't long after that when we both lost our conviction to resist temptation. We were worn out and worn down from the battle. Have you ever felt weak? Have you ever felt extremely alone in a battle and long for someone to understand your pain? Have you ever been so crushed that you were willing to sacrifice your convictions for love and comfort? That is where we were at that time. Spiritual warfare is real, and people put the enemy on assignment with the words they speak. It ended up taking us down, in part because we had absolutely no prayer protection left. We ended up falling in love, left the church, and started a new life. It wasn’t that simple, of course. It was messy and ugly. There were prank phone calls and voicemail messages, scathing emails, hate mail with word curses, and other harrassment for a long, long time. We both take responsibility for our wrongdoing. Inappropriate things happened that I won’t try to justify, but this story is about more than us being tempted and falling into sin. It started with a great deal of lonliness and brokenness in both of our lives, living with situations that were beyond intolerable, feeling completely abandoned, the discovery of a plot for a church takeover, and trauma inflicted by some very evil minded people. Our story deals with soul wounds and deep trauma. This church was spiritually sick, but hid it behind masks of pride, pretense and hypocrisy. The enemy already had control of the church and the members couldn't see how they cooperated with his plan.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You may be asking the question, “Why didn’t you just leave? I’ll tell you why. I was outnumbered by people with credibility in the community and I didn’t think anyone would believe me. My self esteem and confidence were lower than they had ever been. I did not know how to handle the situation. There was a family of enablers surrounding these people. Some people also misused scripture to make me feel that I should cover the sins of others “in love” or turn the other cheek. During the time that they had put spyware on our computers, (this spanned about 6-8 months), several of the key people (the narcissists) suddenly began to treat me a little better, and I thought perhaps the situation was changing for the better. They were really just trying to keep me confused as to what they were doing behind the scenes. It ended up making me feel very unsure as to the right "Christian" thing to do. God allowed me to see the exposure of evil so that I would recognize it and discern the spirits at work, but it came at the sacrifice of my reputation and dignity. I was embarrassed that this was going on in my church and didn’t want to expose it to public scrutiny. But aside from that, my pastor became my dear friend, and he was under heavy attack, too. I couldn't leave him alone with the wolves. </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The enemy has taunted me over the years by asking, “What’s the point of trying to tell your story? Who do you think is going to believe you?” I think there are actually a lot of people that will believe me, because if anyone has experience with a narc or an abuser, they know how confusing and twisted things can become. It's the story you don't want to tell - and the one the enemy is <i>AFRAID</i> you'll tell - that's anointed for breakthrough. Friend, if you've got a story you don't want to tell, it's time to let it out. When you unlock your story, you unlock the power of God. The anointing for breakthrough is upon it! Not just for you, but for others that will gain strength and encouragment from hearing your story. God deserves the glory for the victory He has given you! Humility through transparency is the living proof that God's victory is real. </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's been 18 years since those events occurred. For a long time, I was silenced by shame regarding my own immorality in that situation. The enemy wanted me to feel intimidated to tell my story. So much so, that some of these people from the past would pop up periodically and send emails or challenge us on social media, trying to shame us into silence. This went on for more than 8 years, on and off. We had been gone from the church, lived in another state for some of that time, had no contact with anyone, and they still tracked us down. They emailed others to inform them of our past, trying to isolate us from anyone that would allow us to get a fresh start. Shame was the enemy’s weapon of choice. God doesn't anoint people to take vengeance or inflict wrath. The enemy does that. The enemy's plan backfired big time because all it did was increase our anointing. What you've overcome is where you have authority.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We all want a great story of redemption, but mine wasn’t pretty. It hurt. I had a lot of shame to overcome, feelings of anger, betrayal, trauma, fear and rejection. Me and my husband were rejected by everyone we knew. My story involved deep loneliness, isolation, and feeling that we were swallowed up by darkness. It was hard to experience the pain of those we thought loved us utterly cut us off, even when we attempted to make amends with some of the people. A few allowed a healing to take place, but most kept the door closed. I realized that was God protecting us from relationships that were't going to follow us into our future. Some were opponents without remorse. It was extremely difficult to know that some people rejoiced in our pain and misery. To be scrutinized by other people that heard rumors and think they know your story - but don’t - is disheartening. Pastors that shared our story with others in ministry, but got the facts wrong because they didn’t know the whole story, didn’t care to ask us, and were not concerned with our restoration; that hurt, too. There were some seasoned ministers that counseled others from their offense and justified unforgiveness. This also came as somewhat of a shock. A religious spirit was very, very strong, but control and manipulation are witchcraft, and this little church had been overtaken by those spirits. It was just one more reason why we found it so difficult to integrate back into the body of Christ. It took me much longer than it took my husband, but we both struggled in our own way and needed time to process and work through things. One of the most frustrating parts was certain people insisting that we seek reconciliation with those that were the very ones responsible for tearing us down and inflicting the abuse. </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Getting beyond the shame of failure and learning to forgive those that misunderstand you is one of the most difficult things to overcome, but healing doesn’t take place by holding it in. Emotional pain grows toxic when we hold it in. Healing comes by sharing what we’ve gone through so that pain can find a way to be released. We had a lof of inner healing and deliverance issues to work through, but God has been faithful. When you feel like all your trust was broken, it takes great courage to allow others to be a part of your healing process, but let me assure you that it is necessary. God works through others, and it’s His compassion flowing through His servants that helps heal our wounds. It is prayers of forgiveness towards those that hurt us that releases our own heart to heal. God wants to take our pain and use it for something redemptive. He will lead us to safe connections if we take the baby steps to ask, pray, and allow Him to guide us.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I finally came to terms with telling my story, not because I was eager to, but because I was so tired of feeling like I had been intimidated into silence. It’s been many years since the abuse in my life took place, but I found myself asking why I was still hesitant to tell the full story. It's not something I wanted to dig up and talk about, and some people would even say it's ministry suicide to admit to this sort of failure; but, ultimately I had no good answer. This was </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">our lives </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the enemy chose to destroy, and I have the right to share the truth about those events. My hope is that others that have experienced abuse in some manner will find the courage to make changes in their lives, believe in themselves again, and share their own stories. This is how we gain strength and courage to recover from the pain, shame and trauma of abuse. There are many facets of a narcissist, psychopath, or abuser. They count on being able to fool others and hide in secrecy so that they can avoid accountability. The enemy’s tactics should be exposed so people can call it what it is: abuse and injustice. God does not want anyone to suffer in silence and allow pain to destroy them.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shame can paralyze a person and disconnect them from their destiny. It is so important to find others you can trust to be a part of your healing. I am here today because I allowed God to help me work through my pain. I am no longer controlled by fear. We are all human and we all have a breaking point. The enemy doesn’t want us to tell others what he did to get us to the breaking point. He doesn’t want others to have compassion. He wants people to be full of judgement and criticism, and focus on things that may offend them because that is how he keeps the body fractured and disconnected. Satan wants offense in the church. He wants division, suspicion and gossip so that he can destroy people and God’s churches from the inside out, and he wants to gloat about it. Satan's only job description is to cause pain. He comes only to kill, steal and destroy. As Christians, if we sense something that triggers offense or criticism about someone else, let us not focus on the offense. Instead, let us begin to ask ourselves, "What happened in this person's life to cause this issue?" "What did the enemy do to bring this person to this place?" We must engage with compassion over judgment.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Satan tried to convince me that others would only believe the part about my failure, but not about what had been done to create such a messed up spiritual environment, or to wear us down with warfare and cause an emotional break. I used to think that was true. However, the more I learn about other people’s experiences with narcissists and abuse, the more I understand there are those that will believe the truth because they’ve had their own </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">experience. Religious abuse is just as traumatizing as any other form of abuse. Scripture is twisted (the result of a perverse spirit) and used as a form of brainwashing to manipulate others. This church was having an affair with the spirit of adultery and idolatry, coming from a motivation of selfish ambition, lust for power and position. Religious pride is blinding. It can become cultish if not seen for what it is, and often people don't realize how unhealthy a spiritual environment can become until they are free from it. Spiritual abuse is injustice in one of the worst ways because it misrepresents the heart and ways of God, and once people have been hurt by the counterfeit, it can take a long, long time for them to turn back to the Lord.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While my story includes a chapter on failure, ultimately it is a story of resilience and redemption. Because no matter how messy or shameful things may get, it’s not over yet. We survive by telling ourselves, “It’s only a chapter,” knowing that God would never leave us drowning in an ocean of pain, rejection and shame. There are seasons of pain and growth that feel like we can’t get through them, but they do end. It is not the end of the story, and you can choose a different ending no matter what you've done or what the enemy has atttempted to do to box you in, tear you down, or destroy your life. Our Father is the Creator of new things and new chapters! Hold on to that hope. Our Father has written many beautiful chapters into our stories of resilience. We overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our testimony trumps all the power of the enemy. Every. Single. Time.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Truth bears witness to those that hear it. Truth will triumph over darkness and deception. The enemy hates that his best efforts to destroy me only made me stronger. It didn't feel like it for a long time, believe me, but God has done a mighty work in my life, and my husband's. Today, I am an author, a prayer counselor and a capable, confident woman of God. I am not defined by my past. I do not chart my course by what an opponent may say about me. I did not give away my dominion but fought to get it back. My destiny is recorded in a book in heaven, authored by my loving Father, and it has many beautiful chapters yet to be told. There is always purpose through the darkness, and a future waiting to be discovered. I am not bound by bitterness, or shamed into silence, as he hoped I would be, because Jesus paid the price for my redemption. He paid for my sin, my shame, and all the ugliness of my past. Jesus also paid for the beauty of a life that has been restored. <b><i>I found my voice.</i></b> I encourage you to find yours, because you have a story the world is waiting to hear.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I do want to take a moment to comment on sins of the mouth. There are many scriptures about talebearers and the wounds they create in others. Whether it's through carelessness or deliberate wrong use of speech, sins of the tongue have a widespread reach, like a ripple effect, to do a tremendous amount of damage. The wrong use of words are equated with the sin of murder in scripture. Words can destroy a person's livelihood, their future, their family life, friendships, and destiny connections. What is not always mentioned is the effect that it has on those that give their mouth over to the use of the enemy. The judgments that we make about others becomes the same standard by which we are judged. (Matthew 7:1, Romans 14:4) These are sins that boomerang back into the lives of those that misuse their speech to destroy others. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Those that are teachers of the word of God are held to a stricter standard of judgment. (James 3:1)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sins of the tongue have the capacity to make a person hard hearted. God does not take cruelty lightly! Proverbs 6:16-19 says: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are six things the Lord hates,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">seven that are detestable to Him;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">haughty eyes,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a lying tongue,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hands that shed innocent blood,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a heart that devises wicked schemes,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">feet that are quick to rush into evil,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a false witness that pours out lies,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A person that gives themselves over to tearing others down is self-deceived. In our former church, those people that were attacking us felt they were anointed to expose evil. Two of them (a couple) had actually done something similar to their former church and left a trail of destruction before they came to ours. They thought they were protecting God's work by scrutinizing others with a critical spirit, and revealing what they felt was wrong. They broadcast the sins, shortcomings, faults and failures of others. There was nothing redemptive, holy or pure about their actions. The Holy Spirit is a healer, not a destroyer. These people did not know what spirit was at work in them. They didn't exemplify the heart or character of God in the least. Motivated by evil desires, selfish ambition and arrogance, their hearts were deceived by their own pride. The lesson is, when someone attempts to strip others of honor, they actually do it to themselves. God wasn't standing with them in agreement. He is opposed to that sort of behavior.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Talebearers release judgment into their own lives.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Those that act as a destroyer to others, and treat them treacherously by acting falsely and deceitfully, will receive the very same treatment from others according to Isaiah 33:1. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Woe to you, O destroyer, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While you were not destroyed,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and he who is treacherous,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">while others did not deal treacherously with him</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As soon as you finish destroying,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">you will be destroyed.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As soon as you cease to deal treacherously,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">others will deal treacherously with you.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That is proof enough that no one needs to take vengeance into their own hands. God will take care of it. He is long suffering, but when there is no repentance, judgment can strike quickly without warning.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In summary, and there is much more that can be taught on inappropriate speech or character issues, it is important to understand that the laws of sowing and reaping are always in effect. People may not reap what they've sown for a very long time, but God will not be mocked. Bad behavior separates people from the presence of God. It's not even so much that God is keeping them at a distance, but the fact that people can become so self-deceived and their hearts hardened in sin that they don't offer any sincere repentance. When a person's actions offend God, the only thing He is listening for is the prayer of genuine repentance so that the person's relationship with God is back on track. Psalm 24:3 asks a question. "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place?" The answer is this, found in the next verse: </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"He who has clean hands, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and a pure heart, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully..."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Again in Psalm 15, David asks the Lord, "Who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy mountain?" The answer is verses 2-4 is, </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"He who walks with integrity and practices righteousness, who speaks the truth from his heart,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">who has no slander on his tongue,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">who does no harm to his neighbor,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">who casts no scorn on his friend,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">who despises the vile,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">but honors those that fear the Lord..."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">May we all be those that seek to climb higher with the Lord, throwing off every weight that hinders us from drawing closer to Him. And, may we each confess our faults and sins so that we may be cleansed of unrighteousness.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To those who are struggling in a bad situation: Nothing will be solved by staying in an abusive situation. Please stop justifying wrong behavior and making excuses, allowing others to mistreat you. Please stop giving away your dominion! Your life has value! You may not believe in yourself, but Jesus does. He assigned value to your life because He died for you. He came to set the captives free. Even if you’re saying to yourself, “Well it’s not physically abusive…” Abuse doesn’t have to be physical to destroy you. Emotional wounds inflicted by words can be more painful and destructive than physical wounds. Jesus equated the sin of destroying someone with their words to be just as damaging as committing the act of murder. (Prov. 11:9, Prov. 18:21, 1 John 3:15) Words contain power to destroy your self-esteem, your convictions, your inner fortitude and your ability to serve God free and healed. The enemy knows how powerful words can be, and he weaponizes words to turn people into slaves. You can choose a different life than the one you have now. I pray you find the inner strength to stand up for yourself. </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To the enablers: If you are close enough to a person or a situation to know that someone is being mistreated, you need to speak up because you are willfully enabling evil and corruption. Psalm 82:2 challenges us with a question. </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“How long will you defend the unjust and show partiality to the wicked?” God does not look at self-preservation the way you do. Protecting the offender is for reasons of your own self-interest. Passivity towards those that are deliberately creating injustice towards others should not be encouraged.. Are you the example of the Good Samaritan that helps someone in need, or will you continue to turn a blind eye and walk away? No one that places their loyalties with a hypocrite, an abusive person or one that defrauds others can stand before God with a pure heart.</span><span face="Roboto, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you know you can be a voice of truth to help reverse injustice, please take a stand and do what is right. Love considers the welfare of others. In the words of James 4:17, “If anyone knows the good they ought to do, and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” Speaking up about what you know can help deliver people from darkness, deception and injustice.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To Pastors and the church: Please use wisdom and discernment through prayer to determine the truth. So many situations have been misunderstood because of misinformation or a lack of prayer. The first person to tell their side of the story may not always be telling the reality of what's actually going on. Sometimes people just want to be the first to be heard, hoping to tip the scales in their favor. Many people have been wrongly counseled to reconcile with people they shouldn’t because those doing the ‘counseling’ failed to properly discern the situation. Narcissists and abusers are famous for rewriting the truth to redirect the attention off of themselves. Abuse is about control, power, and the sacrifice of their target's identity. Please refer abuse situations to a professional counselor if necessary, but don’t counsel people with wrong information. Those that lie, manipulate and inflict pain on others need help, but they must want change and be willing to go through the process of deliverance and making amends. Even if they do, it is not wisdom to counsel others to stay with an abuser. Healing from those things take a very long time, and often people cannot heal until they can completely remove themselves from the source of their trauma.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-right: 31.5pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If someone brings up issues concerning another person, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal their motives for doing so. Those that sow discord, mistrust or suspicion often act as if they are bringing up the subject with good intentions. Self-deceived people believe they are doing God a service but their motive is impure. When people go to others with the express purpose of exposing something or saying things that disgrace others, they usually harbor a spirit of offense. Remember how Jezebel hired unscrupulous liars to accuse Naboth so that his testimony was discredited. He was murdered because of wrong testimony, and subsequently, his inheritance was given to those to whom it did not rightfully belong. How long will we, as members in the body of Christ, cut off destiny connections and doors of opportunity because we speak the wrong things? The enemy always looks for ways to cut people off from their inheritance and future opportunities. Look beyond the face and the familiar. What is the motive? Pray for the Spirit of Understanding so that the enemy cannot deceive you. What does the Holy Spirit have to say? This is wisdom to keep our hearts free from false judgments. The world doesn't need religion; it needs compassionate healers.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are struggling with an abuse situation, please get professional help. No one needs to tolerate injustice. There are people that will understand your pain. You have value! Please, don’t let yourself be mistreated. If you need help getting free from the emotional pain, please find someone that can help you work through it. You are important, and you deserve to have a life filled with hope, freedom and healing! If you would like help, please visit my page on prayer counseling services. More on the topics of narcissism, abuse and the complexities of shame are found in my new book, "The Book Satan Doesn't Want You To Read," available on Amazon.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For more information on both overt and covert narcissism, I'd like to recommend a very informative article. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: medium; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://weenacullins.medium.com/the-covert-narcissist-guide-1e46959a6bd1">https://weenacullins.medium.com/the-covert-narcissist-guide-1e46959a6bd1</a><br /></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div></span></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-27269305514092862952021-10-26T13:47:00.036-07:002022-07-25T10:15:39.667-07:00Are You Tired of Living a Lie? Struggling with Same Sex Attraction?<div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp99CeTe9i0pdMlXBrP8_dvs0-8Kon_m6hqUPpdIfLPXXbpJNO20G6TCNt7cIyvg8xRl1a81e2Vv2lDsYD7A727-PUYIE2FBK9fHDgintOtgQqbkE9RWw5KCf2zcTrVYCM5kNFBTJR0go/s2048/samesexattraction.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp99CeTe9i0pdMlXBrP8_dvs0-8Kon_m6hqUPpdIfLPXXbpJNO20G6TCNt7cIyvg8xRl1a81e2Vv2lDsYD7A727-PUYIE2FBK9fHDgintOtgQqbkE9RWw5KCf2zcTrVYCM5kNFBTJR0go/s320/samesexattraction.jpg" width="320" /></a> </span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small; white-space: pre;">Are you struggling to get free from same sex attraction? </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small; white-space: pre;">Are you tired of living with emotional pain, confusion about </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: x-small; white-space: pre;">your identity, secrecy and shame? </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-size: 16px; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a12ee27f-7fff-a696-da05-9617a2cc9c5f"><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recently I had an opportunity to minister to a man that was dealing with all these<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">issues. Before we met, I did some research into scripture so that I could more <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">effectively minister to his needs, and I discovered some interesting things in the <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">original Greek language that I would like to share with you. We ended up having <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">very powerful and effective time of ministry.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">By the time we were done, he was set free from many spirits, filled with the Spirit, <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and speaking in tongues! God can do it for you, too! I started by dispelling any lies <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and teaching him what he was NOT before I could minister the truth. </span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many, many opinions on what God meant when scriptures were written <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">back in Bible times, but opinions are not always aligned with the truth. During a <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Google search, much of what I found were articles that reeked of compromise. <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">People try to come up with excuses why we should accept progressivism and apply <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">it towards scripture. Some might suggest that Biblical authors/writers did not view <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">homosexuality as wrong, or the suggestion that a rigid perspective towards the Bible <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is outdated and not culturally appropriate in a modern society. </span></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">My response to that type of thinking is this: <i>God didn’t stutter. </i>Who are we that we should </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">argue with God? Who are we to tell Him that His word isn't relevant? The Bible tells us </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that God is the same </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">yesterday, today and forever. He meant what He said, and He said </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">what He meant. </span></span></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">God is not a man that He should lie, and people shouldn’t attempt to twist scripture </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">into a misrepresentation of His word in order to justify their opinions.</span></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Taking God at His word is simply acknowledging that HE IS GOD and we are not. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">His word is the highest authority, not the opinions of man. Therefore, it is through our own humility that we accept His word as truth.</span></span></p><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Bible says in Leviticus 18:20 that the souls that sins shall die. This is true of all people. Death is the penalty for sin. We also know that the serpent deceived Eve in the garden with this very lie asking one simple question: <i>“Did God really say…?” </i>The serpent told her that she could disobey God’s command and NOT die. The serpent meant it wasn't an immediate natural death, but <i>it was </i>an immediate death penalty applied to their souls, because scripture says the wages of sin is death. (It causes immediate separation between a person and God, and the only rememedy is the blood of Jesus applied to a person's sin). In one fell swoop, the crafty deceiver stole the innocence, identity and inheritance of the first couple on earth when he seduced them into disobedience. The enemy implied that God had an ulterior motive when he posed the question to Eve, <i>“Has God indeed said…?” </i> </span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The serpent, appealing to Eve’s pride, took advantage of her humanity in a calculated move. The one thing God told Adam and Eve not to do - eat the fruit off the tree of </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">good and evil was suddenly the one thing that had her full attention. It wasn’t immediate physical death, it was spiritual death. The moment Adam and Eve disobeyed God, their souls died. And so it is with all of us. Every person on earth sins in one way or another, and for that we need a remedy, a redeemer - because God does not allow sin in heaven. We all have a fallen nature, originating from the fall of mankind.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It doesn’t matter if homosexuality or any other form of sexual sin is involved because God doesn’t differentiate between sins. <b>We all fall short of the glory of God. </b>We have all sinned, and we all need to be born again so that the blood of Jesus can cleanse </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">us from our unrighteousness. We all need to be born again to restore our soul to life and reconnect us to <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">our heavenly Father. </span></span></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scripture tells us that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and no man comes to the Father except through Him. Acts 4:12 also declares that “salvation is found no other way - there is NO other name under heaven that has been given among </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">people by which we must be saved.” And, 1 Timothy 2:5 states:</span></span></p><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus Christ.”</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The enemy of our souls is still trying to spin the same lie that he fed Eve: You can disobey God and you won't die. <i>We know there are penalties for disobedience because God's word is true. If it wasn't true, the mention of truth in scripture would not make some people defensive or angry. </i>Many people try very hard to escape the conviction of making choices that they know are against God's ways. The only way they can do this is to declare that God doesn't exist. That is how they choose the lie over the truth, and can convince themselves that there is no one to hold them accountable for their sin. If there is no sin, and no God, they think they can live as they please. But this is not truth.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The truth is, all unbelievers will stand before God and their lives will be judged.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened, And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things that were written in the books." Rev. 20:12</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." Rev. 20:15</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sin is not allowed in heaven. If a person's sins are not covered in the forgiveness, mercy and atoning blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, they are not allowed to enter heaven. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life." Rev. 21:27</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Every name that has been written in the Lamb's Book of Life was done so before Judgment Day. There will be no last minute decisions for Christ or prayers of acceptance that are allowed once a person's time on this earth is complete. We also cannot make a god of our own understanding and believe that it is compatible with the truth of God's word. We would naturally judge ourselves in a manner that "gets us off the hook," and convince us that we are a good enough person to be allowed into heaven, but God's standard is higher. His standard is the blood of Christ, and whether or not we have a relationship with His Son.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The enemy's goal is still the same: to change our God-given identity into a perversion of truth so that we are covered in shame. Shame and guilt causes us to try to make our own covering, like Adam and Eve made a covering of fig leaves. We attempt to hide from God and put up walls of self-preservation. Sometimes those walls are called Pride, False Identity, Anger, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hatred, Racism, Prejudice, Mockery, Protection, Denial, Ambition, and Pretense. </span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Satan uses people to inflict emotional wounds such as betrayal, rejection, anger, unforgiveness and distrust, often through molestation, rape, or abuse or some other betrayal of our basic human needs (Love, & Nurturing, Affirmation of Identity, Safety & Protection, Physical Needs, Truth, and Acceptance). </span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When any of these fundamental areas suffer injury or harm, it causes extreme emotional </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">conflict, confusion, resentment, bitterness and distrust. All of these issues </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">can negatively </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">affect a person’s core identity through underlying issues <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">related to a broken heart. </span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Authoritarian parenting, for example, can be unbalanced and overbearing, causing <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">resentment towards authority because it denies children a sense of freedom or <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">personal autonomy. Male children that feel emasculated can become confused in <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the way they view their own identity. They can adopt effeminate characteristics because</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of the lack of male leadership in the home. They submit themselves to the ways of the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">female because of the role reversal or absence of a strong male role model. Female </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">children can likewise take on male traits </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">of the leader, protector, defender and </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">authoritarian because of role reversals in the home during their childhood. This can be the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">result of one parent being absent or reluctant to lead, </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">and the other parent stepping in to </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">fulfill that role. Part of this is because it is human</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">nature to try to compensate for what we feel was/is missing.</span></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many environmental factors that can contribute to gender </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">confused roles in <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">children as well </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">as adults that may lead them to accept an alternative </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">lifestyle. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">important factor that also leads to confusion, pain, shame and spiritual attachments is the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">issue of inappropriate touch or molestation. Abuse is a huge factor that leads to demonic attachments with an assignment to lead others away from God. These are </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">contributing factors in gender confusion. A person that has experienced <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">abuse, pain, trauma or rejection has pain locked up inside of them, and often that <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">pain has nowhere to go. Pain always looks for an outlet where it can be released. Truth </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is found in God’s word because He is the author of truth. Those that turn to <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">same sex relationships often do so because they feel they will be more easily understood </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and accepted. When there is a fear of rejection or distrust from the <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">opposite sex, individuals often turn to same sex relationships because they are <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">seeking love, acceptance and safety. Some children feel as if they have a natural <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">tendency towards same sex attraction, which may result in the idea that they were <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘born that way,’ but we know that God would not create someone to be gay because <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He condemns it in His word, calling it an abomination. It also violates natural order, <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">because same sex relaltionships cannot reproduce offspring. Scripture tells us we are <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">made in the image of God. </span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"So God created mankind in His own image; in the image of God He created them, <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Male and female." (Genesis 1:26-27). Also:</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"For God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an image of his own <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">eternity. The righteous, because they are made in the image of God, can rest in the <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">full hope of eternal life." (Soloman 2:23)</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In contrast, look at Satan's image in mankind, referenced in Romans 1:24-32.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">truth about God for a </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">who is blessed forever! Amen.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the due penalty for their error.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">debased mind to do what ought not to be done. They were filled with all manner <br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, <br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">foolish, faithless, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">heartless, ruthless. Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them."</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unholiness originates from the enemy. So now, the root of the issue must be <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">examined further. <b>For if the argument of being born gay/homosexual/or <br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>otherwise gender confused is eliminated, knowing that confusion and perversion </b></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>are not of God - then we have to look elsewhere for answers. </b></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chaos, confusion, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">perversion, abuse and pain come from the enemy. </span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please allow me to show you some things in the following verses. The scripture in <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1 Corinthians 6:9-10 is often quoted in regards to certain sins, so let's start there.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” </span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Bible does say in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [a]instruction in righteousness, that </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the servant of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">every good work.” </span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If we further break down the scripture in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, it has some <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">revelation in the original text that is useful for teaching and deliverance. </span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Wicked</b>:In the Strong’s Concordance #G94, from the Greek word ‘adikos,’ meaning <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">unrighteous. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">“One who violates or has violated justice. One who deals fraudulently </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">with </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">others; deceitful.</span></span></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Deceived</b>: From the Strong’s Concordance #G4105, from the Greek word ‘planao,’ </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">meaning to be led away from the truth, to err, to wander and go astray.</span></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Fornicator</b>:In the Strong’s Concordance #G4205, from the Greek word ‘pornos,’ </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">meaning a male prostitute; a man who prostitutes his body to another’s lust for hire. </span></span></p><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Idolaters</b>: In the Strong’s Concordance #G1496, from the Greek word ‘eidololatres,’ <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meaning a worshipper of false gods; a covetous man as a worshipper of Mammon, <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or used as anyone, even a Christian participant, in any way in the worship of the heathen.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Adulterers</b>: In the Strong’s Concordance #3432, from the Greek word ‘moichos,’ <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meaning an adulterer, or one who is faithless towards God.</span></span></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Male prostitutes</b>: In the Strong’s Concordance #G3120, from the Greek word </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">‘malakos,’ meaning effeminate soft; of a catamite,a boy kept for homosexual </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">relationships with a man, a man who submits his body to unnatural lewdness, of a </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">male prostitute. It also means of uncertain affinity. (Confusion, double-mindedness).</span></span></p><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Abusers of themselves with mankind:</b> In the Strong’s Concordance #G733, from <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the Greek word ‘arsenokoites,’ meaning abuse of self with mankind. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One who lies with </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">a male as a female, sodomite, homosexual.</span></span></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Thieves</b>:In the Strong’s Concordance #G2812, from the Greek word ‘kleptes,’ a thief, </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">an embezzler, a pilferer; the name is transferred to false teachers, who do not care </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">to instruct men, but abuse their confidence for their own gain.</span></span></p><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Greedy/Covetous</b>: In the Strong’s Concordance, #G4123, from the Greek word <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘pleonektes,’ meaning one eager to have more, especially what belongs to another, <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or greedy of gain.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Drunkards</b>: In the Strong’s Concordance, #G3183, from the Greek word ‘methusos,’ <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meaning drunk or intoxicated.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Slanderers/Revilers</b>: In the Strong’s Concordance, #3060, from the Greek word <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">‘loidoros,’ meaning a railer or reviler, or abusive that is a black guard.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Swindolers:</b>In the Strong’s Concordance, #G727, from the Greek word ‘harpax,’ <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">meaning ravenous, an extortioner, a robber.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is evidence in scripture that all those words listed above are actually various <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">spirits with those characteristics, and I believe the catamite spirit is the spirit that <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">affects men with effeminate personality traits. People manifest the characteristics of the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">spirits that are attached to them. In ancient Greece and Rome, a catamite was a </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">young </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">boy that was an intimate companion of a gay man. (A pedophile relationship). </span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many times, what I find to be true is that a perverse spirit, lust, witchcraft and others <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">travel down family lines as familial and familiar spirits with assignments to reproduce <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sexual sins and confuse gender identity along with it. This is the real reason people can </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">feel they are born into a different gender. Demonic spirits will attempt to rewrite a person’s destiny based on their ability to deceive them.</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We understand that God’s word cannot be ignored or twisted to suit one’s preferences. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many people that are stuck in sin and in need of deliverance and inner healing already </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">know their lives are not aligned with God. We don’t need to try to make them see the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">error of their ways if they already have that conviction. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, in closer examination </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of the deeper meaning in the words above, we see that this verse of scripture is not exclusively for gays or homosexuals. These sins apply to <u>all humanity,</u> for we have all fallen short of the glory of God, and there are none that have not sinned against either ourselves, others, or God. We are all guilty of being deceived, or lying, or having idols </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in our lives. </span></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What I love about this verse is that </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">it levels the playing field so that no one should feel </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">superior to anyone else. It brings us back to the low place of humility that allows us to </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">minister truth, life and love to others so that they can walk into their freedom.</span></span></p><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Shouldn’t we all have the conviction of things God is doing in our own lives to transform us </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">into a more authentic image of Christ? Shouldn't we all be more committed to living in the truth than being committed to living a lie? There are many other scriptures that remind us of the grace and mercy of God, and the fact that God did not come to condemn us,</span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">but to save the world through Jesus Christ. Jesus came and gave Hisbride a commission to not only speak </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">the truth in love but to win the hearts of the confused, deceived and lost back to our heavenly Father - demonstrating love and acceptance of others. </span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you are struggling with gender identity issues, confusion or temptation with attraction to the opposite sex, below is a prayer that you may find helpful in closing the doors to the enemy. </span></span></div><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I wrote this prayer to specifically include the things that <i><u>God lists </u></i>as evil, wicked or an </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">abomination. If we are going to repent, then it should mean something as we pray through it. </span></span></p><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Healing comes in layers. You didn’t get where you are overnight, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">so getting free requires committing to the process of inner healing. It requires transparency </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">with yourself and God, and perhaps someone else you can trust to lead you in truth back to </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">your true identity.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Friend, we are all broken and in need of healing. But the beautiful thing is, no matter what we've done and no matter how wicked we have been, the love and mercy and forgiveness of God are greater. His grace is greater. He accepts us, dirty, broken and covered with shame. He accepts our anger and hurt. Jesus took it all so that we could be free, and He says, "Come to Me all who are weary and struggling under the weight of your burdens. I will give you rest." You are enough. He is enough to heal your brokenness, disappointment, anger, and all your mixed emotions. Please take a moment to listen to this beautiful song.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M11PBJbFApw" width="320" youtube-src-id="M11PBJbFApw"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prayer:</span></span></div><br /><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Dear Heavenly Father,</span></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I feel lost and confused. I ask You to forgive me for any anger, resentment and unforgiveness </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have held onto from my past. I choose to forgive _______ <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(name each person and be specific what they did) for ______. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I forgive ______ for betraying my trust, making me feel unsafe, ashamed, and angry <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that they violated my personal rights. </span></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></p><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I forgive ____ for taking unfair advantage of me and making me feel victimized.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I forgive _____ for disregarding my feelings and desires and selfishly using me for <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">their own selfish gain and pleasure. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I release them to You, Father, and I cancel every debt that I have felt they owed to me. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I let go of any and all judgments and desire for vengeance I have secretly entertained </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">in my heart.</span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I turn them over to You, Father, as the just judge in heaven and earth.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I ask You to bless them with healing, deliverance, and acceptance of truth so that they <br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">can be set free. I pray they surrender to You and invite You, Lord Jesus, to be their Savior </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">so that darkness does not consume them.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On behalf of myself and others in my generational line, I ask for your forgiveness and,<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I repent for living in self-deception, for living a deceitful life, for lying and defrauding others, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and for any ways that I have treated others with injustice.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I repent for any ways that I have come into agreement with the thief and robbed <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">others of dignity, love, or their true identity by perpetuating the lie of homosexuality/lesbianism, gay lifestyle, etc. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I repent for allowing myself to be led away from the truth and living in unrighteousness. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I repent for prostituting my body and giving it over to lustful desires, to submit my body to unnatural acts, and allowing my body to be abused in ways you never wanted for me. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I repent for idolatry and for worshiping the wrong things among the heathen. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I repent for the sin of adultery and acting faithless towards God. Please forgive me for </span></span></p><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">prostituting myself with the world. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I repent for the sins of greed and covetousness, and being dissatisfied with my life the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">way You ordained it. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I repent for sins of drunkenness, and being under the influence of wrong spirits. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I repent for the sins of slander, evil speaking, sins of murder with my mouth, reviling the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">word of God, and mocking the ways of God. I know Your word tells me that You will not </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">be mocked, and that whatever I have sown I will reap. Please forgive me for sowing seeds </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of unrighteousness and death. I pray that You would forgive my sin and deal mercifully with </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">me, Father. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I repent for being double-minded and believing lies about my true identity. I renounce the </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">spirits of lust, rebellion, witchcraft, confusion and chaos. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I renounce the spirit of Lilith, incubus and succubus spirits, the spirit of Pan, the catamite </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">spirit, the perverse spirit, the effeminate spirit, spirits of rage and rape, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">spirits of shame </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">and humiliation, sodomy and the spirit of homosexuality and lesbianism.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I renounce the spirit of adultery, the spirit of thievery, the spirit of double-mindedness , <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">unbelief, and all familiar spirits. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">I renounce the spirits of brutality, pedophilia, voyeurism, and abuse.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I break every soul tie with former lovers and those that may have been formed as a <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">result of trauma and abuse. I send every part of those fragmented souls back to their <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">right owners. I call for all fragmented parts of my soul to come back to me now in <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus’ name.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Father, on behalf of myself and my family line, I repent for making agreements with these </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">spirits whether knowingly or unknowingly, and I break every covenant we ever had with </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">them. I divorce the enemy and all evil spirits.I renounce all false gods and masters, and </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the sin of idolatry that has yoked me to darkness and evil spirits. Please apply the blood </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of Jesus to my own sins as well as those in my generational line. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I renounce the lie that I am confused about gender identity. I renounce the lie that I prefer same sex relationships, for now I know that You did not create me that way. I renounce the perverse acts I have participated in. I renounce the lie that I am unworthy and not good enough. I renounce the lie that I am unlovable the way I am, or that I cannot find fulfillment in a straight relationship. I renounce the lie that I will never find the husband or wife You created for me. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jesus, I believe You are the Son of the Living God who died in my place and was <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">resurrected by the Spirit of Life. Thank you for dying on my behalf. Please forgive my <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sin and cleanse me of all unrighteousness. Please forgive me for treating your sacrifice </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">on the cross as common. Forgive me for taking your grace for granted. I ask to be adopted </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">into the family of God and to have the revelation of my Father’s love be poured into my heart. Jesus, please heal my injured soul. Restore me to my true identity as it is in Christ.I want to </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">feel closer to You. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Holy Spirit, I invite You to live within my heart and help me live a life that honors God. <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please show me the truth that will make me free and healed. In Jesus name, amen.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(Next): In the name and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command all evil, unclean <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">spirits to come up and out of me. Find your exit and get out! Leave me now and never <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">return in Jesus’ name! </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pay attention: Often there will be an urge to cough, sneeze, yawn, belch or maybe tears </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">come to your eyes. These are signs that evil spirits are leaving you. Continue to work </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">with this process, commanding them to leave, over and over.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Everyone has unbroken curses that need to be broken, because we have all rebelled against God at one time or another. These things give demonic spirits access to our lives and they must be told they must leave. I highly </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">recommend the </span><b style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Breakthrough Prayer.</b><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (See link on right side under the pages section).</span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">These are very long and thorough to close </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">doors to the enemy. </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">Repeat the same process </span><span style="font-family: Arial; white-space: pre-wrap;">at the end, commanding evil spirits to leave in the name of Jesus. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, (this can be done the next day, also, or whenever you want another ministry <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">session with the Holy Spirit):</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pray: Holy Spirit, Please tell me when I first began to believe the lies that affected my <br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">sense of identity. What lie did the enemy tell me, and what is the truth? </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Holy Spirit, what is my true identity? Please show me how heaven sees me.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Holy Spirit, what does my heavenly Father say about me?</span></span></p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Write what you hear, or if an image or a memory comes up, continue to ask the </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Holy Spirit for more revelation.) Renounce the lies. Reaffirm the truth as the Lord shows you.</span></span></p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></span></div></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-84654029682007270452021-10-17T12:57:00.001-07:002021-10-17T12:57:32.678-07:00The Book Satan Doesn't Want You To Read - New Book Announcement<div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.75px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.75px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwYUD6dbiX2TXFK69Eh8QW7xYsbkMr5HvxS6DQhQ9RRQ5-fzRdX8E91rtPNf6Ja4kNPS5TGPyE9v-NZQh7aAC6NvV0-B-ZFu63db3lcDCTtRYm0XKkqAZnvDWDkOC_X_d0sdgXJVIO78/s499/TheBookSatanDoesn%2527tWantYouToReadBookCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbwYUD6dbiX2TXFK69Eh8QW7xYsbkMr5HvxS6DQhQ9RRQ5-fzRdX8E91rtPNf6Ja4kNPS5TGPyE9v-NZQh7aAC6NvV0-B-ZFu63db3lcDCTtRYm0XKkqAZnvDWDkOC_X_d0sdgXJVIO78/s320/TheBookSatanDoesn%2527tWantYouToReadBookCover.jpg" width="201" /></a></div></div></blockquote><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.75px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div style="font-family: inherit;">I am pleased to announce my new book now available on Amazon! </div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.75px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Book Description:</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">The moment we are born, we enter into a war of epic proportions, and everyone is somewhere on that journey. In case no one ever told you, the stakes are high, with our soul as the prize. Our adversary, Satan, has no sympathy for those that are ignorant of his schemes. It is our lack of knowledge that makes his job all the more easy, because the weapons he forges against us depend upon his ability to deceive us. He causes us to question the character of God, the truth of His love towards us, and the validity of His word. As the ultimate opportunist, he is constantly on the prowl, looking for ways to exploit pain and disappointment and use it to his advantage. He uses lies to turn our hearts against God and our ourselves. In this book, you will learn some of Satan's greatest weapons and how he uses even the voice of our own inner critic against us. You will learn how to identify his lies, his goals, and his traps so that you can defeat the fear-based chatter that attacks your soul. Understand the 6 main areas of human needs the enemy targets: Love, Acceptance, Nurturing, Physical Needs, Truth and Identity. The enemy has forged weapons against us, such as fear, rejection, shame, and other negative emotions, but our ability to recognize them for what they are is key to escaping the chains of darkness. Satan's greatest fear is that people will discover his secrets and escape his traps!</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.75px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">This book also offers tools to help identify God's redemptive plan for your life and how to find purpose through the pain. God wastes nothing and will use all your experiences for His glory. You will discover how to change your perspective so that you gain the advantage over the enemy, recover your voice and become a source of inspiration to others. The wealth of information will help you understand how to unlock the power of God so that you can fulfill your potential. This is a book for Christians and non-Christians alike because we all find ourselves in a battle for eternal destiny.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Back Cover:</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.75px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Satan’s Lies Exposed!!</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Satan’s lies are meant to deceive us, instill fear, yoke us to chaos, and cause us to live in shame. The contents of this book will dismantle his best weapons! Learn more about:</div></div><div class="o9v6fnle cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18.75px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"> *Identifying flaws in your emotional and spiritual foundation</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*The inner critic</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*How to break up with perfectionism</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*Breaking the cycle of inner dysfunction</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*Breaking up with perfectionism</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*Unresolved pain and spiritually rooted health issues</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*Identifying demonic spirits at work</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*The complexities of shame</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*How shame creates abusers</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*Religious abuse</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*Narcissist personality disorders</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*The fear of man</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*The love of the Father</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*The peace of God destroys the yoke of chaos</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*Restoring trust in broken relationships</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*Connecting with others</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*Overcoming adversity </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*Discovering your purpose</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*Recovering your voice</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">*How to facilitate a healing session with the Holy Spirit</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Order your copy today! </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Book-Satan-Doesnt-Want-Read/dp/B09JJ972T6/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+book+satan+laura+gagnon&qid=1634493627&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Book Satan Doesn't Want You To Read</a><br /></div></div>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-50117989958983014282021-08-10T22:17:00.001-07:002021-12-06T13:12:44.810-08:00The Power of Praise<p> <span> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpw9tEffsRr5VLnBhxTvIj1tkeRIzv9Z0DjhirgPwwVSjKxr70tu6qAAm_1C2Ts0Sgw4b9vR8EhPGFRxr02o0zyH3Mi9x4H4aOQGc8Tz42w291pYJRdLjIPKZ5qTvFJKyUIg7wO5uGzU/s2746/praise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1145" data-original-width="2746" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTpw9tEffsRr5VLnBhxTvIj1tkeRIzv9Z0DjhirgPwwVSjKxr70tu6qAAm_1C2Ts0Sgw4b9vR8EhPGFRxr02o0zyH3Mi9x4H4aOQGc8Tz42w291pYJRdLjIPKZ5qTvFJKyUIg7wO5uGzU/s320/praise.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span><br /> </span>Today I would like to share a word of encouragement from Psalm 8, out of The Passion Translation. First, let me include the scripture in verses 1&2.<p></p><p> <i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> 1 </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yahweh, our Sovereign God,</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> your glory streams from the heavens above,</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> filling the earth with the majesty of your name!</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> People everywhere see your splendor.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>2 You have built a stronghold by the songs of children.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> Strength rises up with the chorus of infants.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> This kind of praise has power to shut Satan’s mouth.</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> Childlike worship will silence[b]</i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i> the madness of those who oppose you.</i></span></p><p><span> </span></p><p><span><span> </span>The thing that stood out to me is that Jesus told us in Matthew 19:14 that he wanted the little children to come to Him, and everyone was encouraged to come to Him with childlike faith. In fact, children and babies were considered the weakest members of humanity, but also the most innocent. </span><br /></p><p><span><span> The blood of Jesus erases the stain of sin. It completely eradicates the memory of our past and cleanses us from ALL unrighteousness. (See 1 John 1:9)</span><br /></span></p><p><span><span> Psalm 23 says this: </span><br /></span></p><p><span><span> <i>1 </i></span></span><i>Yahweh is my best friend and my shepherd.[a]</i></p><p><i> I always have more than enough.[b]</i></p><p><i>2 He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love.[c]</i></p><p><i> His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss.[d]</i></p><p><i>3 That’s where he restores and revives my life.[e]</i></p><p><i> He opens before me the right path</i></p><p><i> and leads me along in his footsteps of righteousness[f]</i></p><p><i> so that I can bring honor to his name.</i></p><p><i> </i>The love of the Lord and the power of His blood restores our soul. He actually RESTORES our innocence, just like a little child. I love what Psalm 8:2 says about PRAISE building a stronghold of the Lord. This blesses His heart and allows our faith to blossom into a renewed sense of strength. <i><b>This kind of praise has power to silence the enemy. It has the power to silence the madness of those that stand in opposition to you!</b></i><br /></p><p><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>You have been set free from guilt, condemnation, shame and reproach. God has restored you to a state of innocence before Him! Praise Him from the purity of your heart and enter into the stronghold of the Lord, where you receive fresh strength. Your victory is released through your praise! Hallelujah!<br /></p>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8073987241321720800.post-24766215614336024292021-02-06T19:50:00.006-08:002021-02-06T19:50:51.471-08:00Video on Healing from Abortion Regret <p> My testimony of how God healed me from abortion regret. I pray this blesses you and releases deep healing in your life. This is part one.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9QSYArGgr5g" width="320" youtube-src-id="9QSYArGgr5g"></iframe></div><br /><p>Part two.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/G7BSTogROVc" width="320" youtube-src-id="G7BSTogROVc"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Laura Gagnonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04655198727351442298noreply@blogger.com0