Working with God in Self Deliverance

Every day I have people write to me, asking for help in personal deliverance issues. As much as I want to give everyone personal attention, I'm beginning to understand the need to address some of these things publicly rather than spending copious amounts of time writing each person a lengthy email or series of emails trying to assist them with their issues. With that said, please know that my heart is to help as much as possible, as time permits.

One issue that I seem to be addressing more and more frequently is the issue of incubus/succubus and demons of a sexual nature. (See attached prayer). I have had over 200 hits on this topic in just the last week alone, and multiple emails. I find that I tend to be repeating myself as I attempt to help individuals on this issue. What I'm hearing from others is that they can't find anyone to help them on this particular issue. I also realize that people often feel deeply embarrassed and fearful of approaching their pastors or other ministers on this subject, and I think they tend to prefer the anonymity of email or internet ministry. It's really hard for people to gain the courage to say, "Umm, excuse me, but can you help me get free from this sexual demon that won't go away?" 

Those things plagued me for a long time, too.I seemed to have been born into it. I struggled with lust and familiar spirits even as a child. I was far too young to realize what was happening to me, it was just always a part of my life. Once I got older and understood more about generational curses I realized that there were things I had to deal with through my ancestors. Lust, idolatry, familiar spirits and generational rebellion (which is a spirit of witchcraft) were very strong in my family line. I didn't understand any of that for a very long time. It's not like we had practicing witches casting spells over a black cauldron or anything; but the spirits were there none-the-less. FYI: A spirit of rebellion will grow stronger with each generation if it is never renounced and repented for, allowing the blood of Jesus to cover that sin. Thus, it becomes idolatry in the sense that God is not God in the person's life; they become their own god and allow other spirits to have dominion over them. Idolatry always has witchcraft connected to it in some form.

So how do you get them to go away? 

The first thing people need to understand is that whether it concerns incubus/succubus demons, addictions or any other demonic spirit that is attached to their life, the process of getting free is going to require work on the part of the individual. While a Christian can exercise their authority in Christ and command a demon to leave another person, we have to consider that may not always be the best solution. It can be irresponsible to cast out a demon if the person is not willing to take personal responsibility for their sin, because those demons will just come back even stronger. A demon will come back into a house that hasn't been swept clean and filled with the Holy Spirit. (See Matthew 12:43,33 & Luke 11:24,25). It is very important to fill that void with good and godly things that fill up the space so that there isn't room for demons to come back. Prayer, worship, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, reading the word of God, speaking in tongues and good godly relationships are vital to spiritual health and personal growth. It's like hanging the "NO VACANCY" sign and letting them know there's no more room for them here! Many people just want to be free from the demonic spirits that are tormenting them, but freedom never comes without personal responsibility. We must own our sin. We must own the sin of our ancestors, whether we participated in it or not. If it's in our generational line, it's ours by inheritance. We must deal with the things that our ancestors opened a door to or the enemy has a legal right to access our life - and those of our family. Kids will end up dealing with the junk that their parents and grandparents never brought under the atoning blood of Jesus. It doesn't matter if we agree with it or not. We can argue our own ideas,philosophies and theology until the cows come home but it really doesn't make a bit of difference whether or not we believe it, agree with it, or like it. I agree it's a bum deal but it's just the way the spiritual realm works. We each have the responsibility of cleaning up our own backyard, so to speak. For more information on how generational curses arrive in a person's life, go to the page link on the upper right side of the home page, "Understanding Generational Curses." 

Our Breakthrough Prayer is very thorough and it lists a lot of things, but consider it a starting point. (Go to the link on the right, about half way down the page). It's important to be specific and name as much as you can that you know about. Tell the Lord you want nothing to do with any of the things tied into generational rebellion, idolatry, the occult and other things. Sincerely ask your heavenly Father to apply the blood of Jesus to any doors that were opened knowingly or unknowingly by yourself or your ancestors. Speak it out of your mouth that you divorce all unclean and ungodly spirits and that you choose to join yourself to the Lord Jesus Christ as the only God you will serve. Every time God has delivered me from something, it wasn't just because I said a particular prayer. The prayer helped open the door to my understanding but often I needed to go a bit deeper. It can be different for everyone. I"m just trying to tell you how God has worked in me. I know we all want the quick fix and just get it over with, but that isn't always the way God works. He wants us to understand what got us in bondage to begin with so that we have the knowledge to stay free and then help others. One thing we have to understand is that the Lord will wait until He knows that we not only desire our freedom, but we recognize that there is something He calls sin that has allowed those demons to attach themselves to us. Working with Holy Spirit is imperative so that He can reveal your blind spots. Ask Him to help you understand what has given those demons access. 

One thing that is needed is to examine your heart to see if you have any open doors through unforgiveness or unhealed offense with someone. If we carry unforgiveness it brings torment and affliction with it. (See my previous article, Healing the Breach).Those are common to many people and give demons a legal right to remain until the issues of the heart are resolved. You must forgive and yes, it must be sincere. Not just from your mouth, but from your heart. Demonic spirits feel welcome when they've been a part of your life for a long time and they don't want to leave easily, but the key is to figure out where you have an agreement in the spiritual realm. Demons know when you're sincere AND submitted to God. If they see some open door from your ancestors that never got dealt with properly, they know they have a legal right to stay. Also check your home for any cultural art such as tribal masks, or obelisks for instance. Things such as unholy music or videos, statues or anything connected to other religions can possibly be used in occult practices. Those things can also allow demons access without people recognizing them. Again, Holy Spirit is your helper. You need Him to reveal what things the enemy is tied to in your life. If you prepare your heart to hear, God will answer. He never denies His children the answers they need to get free!

I mentioned the topic of sexual demons above, so let me just address this a bit. Lust is not just sexual. It's also tied into a desire for promotion, a drivenness to achieve personal success or even a need for recognition (selfish ambition). It can manifest in your business or personal life in various ways. Often when a person has wrestled with shame, rejection, insecurity or feelings of unworthiness - lust, selfish ambition and idolatry comes in as a by-product of other emotional wounds. It took me many, many years to realize that I still had open doors to the enemy that I didn't recognize as open doors. Rejection was very strong in my life and the enemy had done a great deal to insure that I incurred wounds that wouldn't heal quickly. If you had asked me, I would have told you that I was not in sin or doing anything wrong, but I also had blind spots that the enemy didn't want me to understand. Often the key to deliverance from one issue is directly connected to healing of a heart issue. The key to freedom is tied into your perspective of what it means to walk in true humility and submission to God's Holy Spirit. We all need to work with Him to heal the belief system that affects our identity. When the identity and wound issues are healed it often helps a person regain control over other things too.

My suggestion is to pick a time when you can be alone with the Lord and put on some worship music that allows you to really connect with Him in a deeper way. If you don't know what to pick, Kari Jobe has some videos on You Tube and usually her songs are very intimate with a healing theme. Just worship God for a while and tell him how grateful you are for Him. Praise Him for being your healer and deliverer. Then begin to pray from the heart, asking Holy Spirit to reveal specific things that will deliver you from everything unclean and ungodly in His sight. Tell Him that you truly want your deliverance and you want no benefit from anything the enemy has brought into your life. Let Him know you are ready and willing to face whatever He needs to show you. In your worship and prayer time, ask Holy Spirit to reveal the lies that have affected your belief system, then be prepared to renounce and forsake them. More than likely, you have come into agreement with something that the enemy has used to forge an agreement in the spiritual realm, which is why the demons haven't left yet. Somewhere a lie has registered in your belief system that you cannot be free unless or until..........(fill in the blank). I used to feel that way when I was addicted to alcohol. I was convinced I couldn't quit, but that was a lie the enemy used to infiltrate my belief system so that I WOULD AGREE WITH HIM. Once I realized every temptation had a lie connected to it, it became easier to resist the enemy and recover my will to overpower his. As with any sin, you have to realize the lie, renounce it, and then exercise your will to resist that temptation. You have more power than you realize! Are you using the authority that Christ gave you? You need to get in the enemy's face and tell him in no uncertain terms that he is not welcome. Let Satan know that He is not your god! Devils are not welcome.  There is a no vacancy sign out front. They must go in Jesus name! 

You can get set free simply by working directly with the Holy Spirit. My husband and I did, and he can do it for you, too. I pray that this article has been helpful. Go through it again, taking time to click on the links and read the other articles and speak out the prayers. Don't give up! If you are persistent with Holy Spirit, I promise He will not fail you! 

Please check out my new book called Seduced into Shame. It has all the information in one place...the root issues behind lust and sexual addictions, how to help diagnose your own situation, and working with God towards your own healing and deliverance. You don't have to live with sexual demons, addictions, or the shame associated with secret sins. Order a copy for yourself or gift it to someone you know that is struggling with porn or other lust related issues. Available on Amazon.com! 

Healing the Breach

One of the most difficult things people struggle with are the stinging barbs left by the critical words of others. It’s not usually the harsh words of a stranger that tends to leave a wound. It’s the unexpected or unwarranted criticism of those we love and care about.

Criticism, if not carefully spoken in love or with a redemptive purpose in mind, can come across as an insult. Insults offend. They also create a tear in the relationship that then requires diligent care to restore so that the enemy cannot further exploit that area of distress. Insensitive words cause others to feel dejected, humiliated,  judged, or leave them with a sense of not measuring up.  The person receiving hard or critical comments can feel knocked off balance. These emotions then tell them that the person that spoke those words are unsafe and unable to be trusted, and fear of receiving more of the same treatment causes emotional distance. A breach of relationship occurs. Over time, and with repeated similar actions, those broken areas of trust create anger, offense, unforgiveness and eventually, bitter root judgments against themselves and others.

“A sensitive answer turns back wrath, but an offensive word stirs up anger.” Prov. 15:1 CEB

Harsh and insensitive words come from our own untended hurts, wounds and irritations. Those things cause us to be impatient with the growth process in others. Impatience can cause a person to feel very irritated and unable to adequately love others while they are working through their own issues. Perhaps we all need to take a step back and ask whether or not that thing we really want to say to someone else is so necessary to blurt out, or is it just our pride that tends to elevate judgment above kindness? While it may feel good momentarily to get some irritation off of our chest, the reality is, when we do, we often neglect to think about how our comments may bruise or damage someone else. My friend Reda Sue has a great little saying. Sometimes our soul just wants to be ornery. Isn't that the truth? Pride doesn’t consider how anyone else feels. It’s only concerned with making ourselves feel better. Once those critical, judgmental or harsh words leave our mouth, the affect they have on others can be complex. It can be far worse than what we realize, because the enemy is right there to take advantage of any opportunity to blow things out of proportion. When the accuser grabs hold of those words, he magnifies offense and creates a deeper wound, further dividing the relationship. Before you know it, both sides are at a stand-off.  

The key to healing our own words is to first recognize that we all fall short of the glory of God. We are all sinners in need of a merciful God. People will sometimes disappoint us. We have all had times when we have failed to make good decisions. We've neglected to stand up when we should have stood up. We've said the wrong things when we should have kept our mouth shut. It could be any number of things, but the point is, we are all human. Should we not have compassion on those that are just as human as we are and prone to stumbling from time to time? Regardless of how we may tend to justify our words or actions, if we hurt others or cause deliberate pain just so that we can make ourselves feel better, then we are in need of forgiveness. Pride is offensive to God. The only way to freedom is through humility, to recognize that we have offended not just another individual, but the Lord Himself, and are in need of His mercy.

I am reminded of a parable Jesus told in Matthew 18 about the unforgiving servant. A king set about to settle outstanding debts with those that were indebted to him. One man begged for more time to settle his debt and the king was gracious to him. Yet, later on, that same man refused to extend the same sort of grace and forgiveness to someone that was indebted to him. Instead, he viciously grabbed him by the throat, demanded that his fellow servant pay him what was owed, and threw him in jail. He refused to release this man from what he felt he was owed. Other servants found out about this man’s unwillingness to forgive a debt and told the king what he had done. The king was so outraged that this is what he told him:

 “Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.”

“Jesus said, ‘So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (Matthew 18:32-35).

Did you catch the fact that the first man and the second man were both servants to the king? Neither one was any better than the other, yet one lorded over the other and refused to forgive his debt. What the first man was really saying through his actions is that he did not want the other man to be free or healed. That is an offense that warrants serious correction from the Lord. Can I tell you something? We are all indebted to Jesus Christ for paying a debt we could not pay. He paid with His life in exchange for ours. He ransomed us from eternal punishment as our sins deserved. When we refuse to be gracious towards anyone - regardless of what they may or may not have done - that is an offense to the cross of Christ. 

Any unhealed offense or unforgiveness will result in some sort of affliction and captivity if it is not dealt with immediately. Affliction can mean a lot of things and none of them are good. Friend, your spirit can’t breathe if your understanding of the gospel is distorted. When a person rationalizes their own faults with compassion and grace but cannot extend that same compassion and mercy towards others because they have a critical spirit, then they have established a false standard. God hates false weights and measures because it results in injustice. The gospel is not biased like that or full of prejudice. That is the beauty of the good news. The gospel that you apply to yourself must be equally applied to others as well. God’s grace and mercy is available to all.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me. Lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139:23,24

David was a man with many faults but considered a friend of the King. It was because he wasn’t afraid to examine his own heart and ask the Lord to do the same. Psalm 51 is another example of the integrity of David’s heart. He knew he was prone to sin but asked God to create a clean heart in him. The thing that David feared most was the thought of God’s Holy Spirit departing from his life. He was compelled to worship God in Spirit and in truth. God honored his request and showed him his faults so that David could repent and have his heart in right standing with the Lord. This is the right way to relate to God. Friend, I pray that you would earnestly seek the Lord to inquire of Him. Ask Him if there is anything you have tried to sweep under the rug. Sometimes when we don’t really know how to deal with a situation, we tend to try to avoid it altogether. That doesn’t mean it’s really resolved. God is dealing with His body, His bride, and He is leaving no stone unturned. You can’t hide from Him, and I pray you won’t try. If there is someone in your life you tend to want to avoid, then consider that the Lord may be asking you to deal with underlying issues. You will never truly move forward until you’ve released everyone from your past. God let you off the hook. Don’t you think it’s time you do the same for others?  Ask the Lord to give you a double measure of grace and compassion to allow your forgiveness be more than just words out of your mouth, but genuine.

I will tell you how to make it effective and real. I am reminded of when I used to have to pull weeds out of our garden when I was young. Oh, how I hated that job! Have you ever tried to pull up a tightly rooted plant up out of dry ground? It’s impossible. Part of the root will break off and on the surface it might look better for a while, but the plant will always grow back. But, if the ground is well saturated you can pull up the weeds, and they come up very easily. Even the long rooted, stubborn plants will come out as long as the saturation goes down deep enough to reach the tip of the roots. I remember pulling on those big dandelion plants trying to get them out of the ground. It’s almost like surgery. You have to do it so gingerly and carefully so as not to break off a part of the root. You have to get the whole thing. If you ever got assigned to weed pulling as a child, you know what I mean! When you finally felt it give way and begin to come up out of the earth, it was so rewarding to get that bugger finally pulled up, wasn’t it? Spiritually rooted issues are a lot like that too.

If you’re heart is not well saturated in worship and prayer, those stubbornly rooted issues are not going to come up. You may get part of it, but to do the real surgery, you have to be in the presence of God where your heart is humbled and compliant to whatever He requests. You have to be properly motivated, and sometimes that is where God allows the devil to bring affliction for a season. God is not into tormenting His people, BUT, the devil is more than willing if we open a door to him. Unforgiveness grants him legal access. Go back to Matthew 18:32-35. Whether it be poverty, infirmity, a thorn in your flesh of some sort, or even mental torment of your thoughts so that you have no peace; God will allow the enemy to bring affliction if a person is guilty of breaking a spiritual law. He wants us to figure out that the affliction is connected to a heart issue that has gone on too long.

It’s time to clear the airwaves of judgments and harsh, critical words. They don’t just hang over the heads of those that you spoke them about; they hang over your head as well. Those words laced with judgment will block your path. It’s time to ask the Lord to cut those strings and let those words fall to the ground. Tell the Lord you release those that have offended, hurt or disappointed you. Ask the Lord to let no more bad fruit come from word laced with the spirit of death. Speak blessing over those individuals, and ask the Lord to bless and heal all wounds so that the enemy can no longer take advantage of either of you. You’d be surprised at what has been held back, waiting for you to take these steps of faith. The answers to prayer that you’ve been waiting for may just be connected to this very thing. When one thing is released, other things often follow suit.

Missing Pieces

One of the most delightful aspects of God is the way He communicates with mankind. When God communicates, how can we not get excited? To know the thoughts of our Creator...to be included in His conversations, is unfathomable. Yet, this great and powerful, all knowing God calls us friend.

Our all knowing, ever present, incredibly gracious God is not just some distant, out-of-touch Supreme Being. Far from it. The Lord God is accessible and approachable, gracious and kind. He invites us to step into his presence when ever we like, sit down and have a nice, friendly chat. I think that’s the concept Jesus wanted His disciples to grasp when He told them the Kingdom of God was ‘at hand.’ It was nearer than they imagined; they just needed to understand how attainable and available it was to tap into the Kingdom. Everything they needed was within reach, if they could only wrap their mind around this foreign way of thinking.

Revelation is a beautiful thing. It allows us to transcend our natural realm and travel through this invisible doorway between our world and the supernatural realm. Within this portal is the gateway between God and man, containing answers to prayer and the solutions to our needs.

The world is full of people that do not have answers to the questions of their hearts. There are kings of this earth that lack answers to the needs at hand because God has not allowed them to receive the answers they need. Indeed, like the king in Daniel’s day or the Pharaoh in the time of Joseph, God has set the stage for them to receive the answers to the questions of their heart but only in His way, and from the very people that HE has chosen to release those answers.

In Genesis 41:15-16, Joseph was remembered in the time of Pharaoh’s need. Pharaoh had a troubling dream that he was unable to understand. This was Joseph’s response:

Pharaoh said to Joseph, "I have had a dream, but no one can interpret it; and I have heard it said about you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it."Joseph then answered Pharaoh, saying, "It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer."

We see another similar situation in Daniel chapter 2, where King Nebuchadnezzar had a very frightening dream that he was unable to remember, much less understand. The king called for all his wise men, magicians and prognosticators. None could tell him what he needed to know, until Daniel. In verse 16, Daniel went in to see the king. “Give me a little time,” he said, “and I will tell you the dream and what it means.”

17 Then he went home and told Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions. 18 They asked the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not die with the others. 19 And that night in a vision God told Daniel what the king had dreamed.

Then Daniel praised the God of heaven, 20 saying, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for he alone has all wisdom and all power. 21 World events are under his control. He removes kings and sets others on their thrones. He gives wise men their wisdom and scholars their intelligence. 22 He reveals profound mysteries beyond man’s understanding. He knows all hidden things, for he is light, and darkness is no obstacle to him. 23 I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers, for you have given me wisdom and glowing health, and now even this vision of the king’s dream and the understanding of what it means.”

24 Then Daniel went in to see Arioch, who had been ordered to execute the wise men of Babylon, and said, “Don’t kill them. Take me to the king, and I will tell him what he wants to know.”

25 Then Arioch hurried Daniel in to the king and said, “I’ve found one of the Jewish captives who will tell you your dream!”

26 The king said to Daniel, “Is this true? Can you tell me what my dream was and what it means?”

27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, astrologer, magician, or wizard can tell the king such things, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has told you in your dream what will happen in the future.”

God reveals His secrets to His prophets. He gives a certain skill to dream interpreters. He fills His vessels with wisdom that is uncommon to man. He puts the life of His Spirit in people that bear His name. God has people assigned to you, to help you, no matter what the problem is. Now that is a comforting thought! 

Have you ever put a puzzle together and found yourself missing a piece or two? Without those missing pieces, the picture is incomplete. You can look in the box, look on the table, go back to the box and look again even when you know it isn't going to be there, only to discover that the piece(s) you needed to complete the picture were actually in an entirely different place than where you were looking. Sometimes finding the answers to life issues are like that too. We need to stop looking where we think we're going to find the answer, and look in a completely different place. If doing the same old thing hasn't produced the missing puzzle pieces, stop going back to your box! You probably need to go about your problem solving in an entirely different way. 

From financial matters, to family matters, to the inner issues of the heart, healing, direction or something else, God has the missing pieces we need. Sometimes the pieces He uses aren't even on the table. Perhaps what you're looking for isn't in the place you'd expect to find it. Yet, He knows where to find anything and everything! He knows how to direct your steps and he knows how to direct others to find you! (You are the answer to someone else's need, you know!) Our heavenly Father has never stopped wanting to give us answers for the questions of our heart. The problem is, we get so accustomed to trying to work things out on our own, or using what our analytical skills convince us is the right course of action, that we can just keep hitting a wall without results. I think it’s hard for people to admit they don’t know what WILL get results, so they just keep trying anything and everything, wearing themselves out, when they should just stop and pray. Do you think God doesn’t know how to solve your dilemma? Can He lead you to someone that might be able to help you? Of course. Even now, if you lack a needed answer for a certain situation that you face, rest assured that God has the answer. Sometimes He gives it to us directly, and at other times, for reasons only He understands, He has decided that the answer will come through a specific person at a specific time. So much of what God does is connected to the timing of events beyond our comprehension. I believe He does this to prove to man that we really do truly need Him, and we need each other. We need the gifts of His Spirit. It humbles man's pride to have to admit that they cannot figure everything out without Him. This world needs to come back to admitting that truth: We don't have the answers, Lord. Forgive us for trying to lead ourselves and be our own god. We can wear ourselves out with all our good efforts and still come up empty handed without the answers we need simply because we fail to ask the right questions. If that is you today, perhaps today is the day to pray a bit different and think outside of your expected course of action. Maybe you just need to stop attempting to resolve the problems you face by your own strength and look to the Lord. He has put His answers in human vessels to show His glory on the earth.

PRAY:

“Father God, I cannot solve the problems at hand without You. I admit, I continue to come up short. I lack answers. I lack wisdom. Forgive me, please, for not turning to You sooner. I humble myself before You. None of my efforts have unlocked the answers or the solutions that I need.”

“Father, if you do not intend to give the answer I need directly to me, then who have you chosen to release the answer? Who would you direct me to that can answer the questions of my heart? Certainly you have chosen someone that can provide the wisdom and answers that I seek. Please lead me to the right person. And, if I am waiting on someone else to find me, then bless me with the wisdom, understanding and answers for the questions of their heart. Let me be Your vessel that You pour through to help solve other people’s needs. Show me what You would have me to do. Please bring together the missing pieces. In Jesus name, amen.”

Your Mountain is About to Become a Fountain!

Yesterday during worship at church, Holy Spirit brought forth a theme that magnified the authority of Christ. We heard the song of the Lord that declared Jesus Christ as Supreme Authority over all. Then the worship team began to follow along and declare for certain things to 'bow the knee' and submit to the authority of Christ. Joy and laughter instantly bubbled up out of me and I knew God wanted us to follow His lead.

Several people got up and shared what the Lord was showing them, and each time it was confirmation of the Lord's authority to deal with anything we might face. I felt the Spirit of the Lord ask, "I AM the Lord; is anything too difficult for Me? Am I not the God who crushes Satan under your feet, just as I crushed him under Mine?" Then another woman got up and began to declare that Jesus told her that he was taking everything that we struggled with...physical and emotional pain, injustices, and so much more, and He crushes them under our feet just like a bug! Ha! Well, the word came to me also, that He is the God of Romans 16:20, and I knew He wanted us to address the things that have been stubbornly resisting the authority of Christ. 

"The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you."

God wants to give us peace, and one of the ways He does that is to elevate our perception and understanding of Him through our worship. Nothing can stand against the authority of God! We should rejoice at the government of God, for every other name must bow to the authority of Jesus Christ. When we declare God's word and the name of Jesus over the situations that trouble us, sooner or later those things must succumb to the power of God's word. They have to, because spiritual laws are written into the code of every word in the scripture, and those spiritual laws govern the world in which we live. Even the most stubborn and resolute, difficult situation must bow the knee to the Lord Jesus Christ. Why? His name is above every other name.

His name is above sickness and disease.

His name is above poverty and lack.

His name is above loneliness.

His name is above our emotions.

His name is above injustice.

His name is above terrorism, greed, disloyalty, fear and every thing you can name as a source of trouble that may come to your heart.

Philippians 2:8-10 declares: "Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,…"

"The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of the whole earth." Psalm 97:5

Some years ago, the Lord awoke us in the middle of the night with the word, "Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion!" Instantly I recognized the verse from Micah 4:13, which encourages us to beat down the things that rise against us. Even though we were tired, we got out the guitar and began to worship and make declarations. As we did, Norm heard the sound of demon bones being crushed under his feet. Now, demons don't have bones, but God gave him the understanding of what was going on spiritually.

Threshing is the act of conquering one’s enemies. God gives His people strength to subdue their enemies. The word ‘horn’ signifies strength and victory; and ‘hoofs as brass’ indicates the act of having your enemies gathered under your feet, similar to oxen that tread on the grain to separate the chaff from the grain.

"Behold, I have made you a new, sharp threshing sledge with double edges; You will thresh the mountains and pulverize them, And will make the hills like chaff." Isaiah 41:15

The mountains in our lives are the things that seem huge, insurmountable, stubborn or resistant. Sometimes those mountains are within us, and other times they come from external sources, like a health issue, a relational issue, financial difficulty or a spiritual attack. Whatever may currently seem like a mountain that is stubbornly resisting the Lordship of God can be moved through the power of praise, worship and declaring God's supreme authority over that situation. You will find that when you do these things, the mountain becomes a fountain.What was once a mountain becomes a fountain of living water. Who are you, O great mountain? Before the Lord Jesus Christ you will become small!

YOUR MOUNTAIN IS ABOUT TO BECOME A FOUNTAIN! - OF PRAISE!!

It's time for that mountain in your life to come down!

It's time for rivers of joy to flow into the dry places of your life!

Let every mountain become a fountain of everlasting joy as the God of Peace crushes the enemy under your feet!

Speak to the mountains in your life. Speak to the mountains of pride and stubbornness in the lives of those you've prayed for that are resisting the authority of God in their life. Speak to that illness or financial crisis and command it to bow the knee to the name of Jesus. Speak to injustice, your fears, or whatever it is that you're dealing with. Declare the name of Jesus Christ over every situation that's been stealing your peace and joy. Tell those mountains Jesus Christ is SUPREME AUTHORITY and that it has to bow the knee to the Lord! Below is a song that really enjoy called Love Has Come by Mark Shultz. Let it encourage you today! 

Pray for New York!! Close the Gates of New York!

This is an original post from July 8, 2018 that has been modified as of August 2, 2022, which includes an updated prayer strategy. I believe this is an urgent word from the Lord. He is calling on the prayer warriors to thwart the plans of the enemy in this hour. The enemy has plans for war on an unprecedented level but the prayers of God' people will greatly affect the outcome. Do not be fearful, but pray the Lord's victory is implemented quickly!

The following dream was from 4 years ago, but this is the season for that word. Last night (July 7, 2018) I awoke from a dream which contained a visit from an angel. In the dream, I saw myself having a conversation with a woman who thanked me for an article I wrote called Strengthening the Line of Defense. Although that was not the actual name of the article, because of the verbiage I immediately recognized the words I had used that came from a prayer strategy over the United States. 

The woman and I were discussing how to be more effective in the prayer declaration. (This is the reason for updates to this article and prayer decree today). At the time, I was frustrated because I needed to get to New York, but I was afraid of getting a flat tire, so I was preparing to walk. Then a kind gentleman appeared and said I didn't have to walk, but he would take me there. That was the end of the dream.

I asked the Lord to show me if there was anything more to the dream I had, and to let me have a second dream to show me any other details I needed to understand. Right before I awoke this morning, I simply heard the words, "Close the gate in New York. Close it now!" End of dream.

When I think of what God showed me in a recent dream from March of this year, I saw bombs being dropped on the East Coast. I felt like there were explosions going off in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the Old State Bell House. This is the location of the Liberty Bell. I also saw planes dropping bombs in what looked like New York. People were scrambling to get to a safe place. That is why I know the Lord impressed upon me to republish this word now, with a few changes to the decree at the end.

When I think of the message of this dream, coupled with the dream about "closing the gate in New York" from July 2018, I believe there is an imminent threat against these physical locations because they prophetically represent our personal freedoms. I do not want to convey fear because God will have His way and we know that He gives us advance notice so that prayer can achieve His desired outcome. Ellis Island and Liberty Island are huge tourism spots that are sites of large crowds all year long, but especially in the summer months. Liberty Island is the location of the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island has a long history of being a 'gateway' of immgration into America. This is also a location of ferry services. These two islands  speak of our liberties. There is also Castle Clinton, a fort on a manmade island known as Battery Park, which is one of three forts constructed to defend New York City back in the early 1800's.  There is also Castle Williams on Governor's Island, Fort Wood on Liberty Island, and Fort Gibson on Ellis Island. All of these places are a huge part of American history, which is why they are also prime targets of any enemy that seeks to send an important message: they want to destroy our hope and destroy our liberties! Many enemies of America are hidden among us. The enemy always postions his influencers at the gates but as God's children we declare the gates of hell will not prevail! In the recent dream, I also had the distinct feeling that the American government was also a part of declaring war on their people and trying to take away our freedom. Now, some of what I saw may reference symbolic messages such as "truth bombs" and "explosions of truth" that will send shockwaves around the world. But, I also believe there is another aspect that pertains to actual acts of war against us as a nation, especially in light of a top al-Qaeda leader hit by a drone strike yeserday. There is another tourist spot called the Gate of New York in Central Park. Lastly, what I tend to think of as a "gate" is the port of New York and New Jersey, a shipping and transport system over the waterway. All of these are possible places the enemy might target for destruction, but again, please do not be full of fear. We take these things in prayer to our Father who will turn what the enemy means for evil into a great turnaround. Declare the name of Jehovah Nissi our victory into the stronghold and secret places of the enemy. He alone will turn the tables on the enemy!

Allow me to call your attention to the word ‘Gate’ in Genesis 24:60. The promise to multiply and be fruitful is one part of the promise, but possessing the gates of enemies is quite another. Some translations say ‘take over the affairs of the city.’

The gate was where all the central activity of that city occurred. Judicial matters and court settlements occurred at the gate. The gate of the city was also where business transactions took place and messages were heralded. If a person wanted to deliver a message that would reach the masses, they announced it at the gate. It was the center of marketplace activity as well. A gate, also referred to as a door, is an entrance or an exit into something greater.

This is not the first dream I have had warning me of potential trouble or a terrorist attack planned for New York. The Lord wanted me to know that we need to pray to hold the line of defense in New York, but I believe we should also to pray specifically over the tourism places and shipping port. A gate is significant of an opening, a doorway that leads to other things. A gate is a movable barrier of some sort, that permits or denies access or passage of people, vehicles, goods or other things. I believe it can also represent the transit system and shipping because it is a port city. Many illegal things come in and out of port cities. It is a major gateway for human trafficking. I believe there are also underground tunnels the enemy is using to go undetected that the Lord wants us to close in the spirit. When a nation is known for allowing human trafficking and making slaves of others, the law of sowing and reaping demands that those that take people into captivity must then go into captivity. Let this be a major area of prayer as we go before the Lord!

The great news is, IT IS A MOVABLE BARRIER! Yes, it CAN be moved out of the way! The Lord is trying to help us pray specific, targeted prayers so that we can be more effective against the enemy. Remember, the words of the Lord were to pray to CLOSE THE GATE IN NEW YORK. That could also be a demonic portal of some sort, or something the enemy is using to come and go undetected. In order to close demonic portals, we must first cover the sins that opened those portals in the blood of Jesus, through prayers of identificational repentance. Let's pray those effective and fervent prayers that shut the enemy down before any evil plans can be executed. 


Father God,

I thank You for showing us how to release strategic prayers. Please forgive the sin, iniquity and transgressions of idolatry, rebellion, witchcraft, control and serving other gods that allowed ungodly gates and portals to open over our nation and in our individual lives. Forgive the sins of lust, greed and covetousness for selfish gain. Forgive us for innocent bloodshed and making slaves of others, stripping them of their freedoms. We repent and ask You to forgive our sin, for it is great. We take responsibility for those that settled the land, our forefathers, ancestors and ourselves, and ask that You please place the blood of Jesus upon them. We do not deserve Your mercy, Father, but we ask You to extend mercy upon this nation. Please remember Your covenant with us for Your namesake.

In the name and authority of Jesus Christ, and according to Your word in Isaiah 22:22, I command every gateway and door that the enemy is using to his advantage to be closed immediately. I command this gate to be locked to the enemy's plans and purposes, but open to the Lord Jesus Christ and His purposes. 

I decree a release of safety and protection over my family, city and our nation according to Psalm 91.

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.

I ask You, Father, to allow the right people, those that have the authority, power, and influence to stop evil plans to be made aware so that those that would plan destruction would be arrested and brought to justice. Secure the lines of our inheritance, Father, and let angelic hosts be released to fight these battles in the airwaves, on land, and sea. I thank You that what the enemy has meant for harm, will be turned around for good. 

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.

I declare according to Ezekiel 21:14-17 the sword of the Lord is coming down hard and those that conspire evil against the citizens of this nation will not escape. The inescapable, relentless sword of the Lord (the word of God) is released against enemies both foreign and domestic. People will collapse left and right like dominos, and the sword of the Lord is positioned at every gate of New York City. As it is written, 

"Flashing like lightning,

  brandished murderously.

 Cut to the right, thrust to the left,

  murderous, sharp-edged sword!

 Then I’ll clap my hands,

  a signal that my anger is spent.

  I, God, have spoken.” 

I declare the gates and spiritual portals in New York and surrounding areas that are targeted for destruction are protected by the angels of God. I declare a release of angelic hosts to close the gates in the spirit realm according to Acts 12:9-10.

I 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.

I declare, according to Isaiah 24:12, the enemy is left desolate and his gates are battered to ruins.

I declare to the wicked counselors positioned within the city gates: You have devised evil against Your people. Therefore, I decree the word of the Lord: For I know the things that come into your mind. You have multiplied iniquitiy and filled the streets with the slain. You have been a partner with evil and conspired to make slaves of others.I will bring a sword against you. I will deliver you into the hands of strangers and execute My judgments on you. You will fall by the sword and you will know that I am the Lord, for you have not walked in my statues nor executed my judgments, but have done according to the Gentiles which are all around you.

I declare 'the words of the Lord shall not be postponed any more, but the word which I speak will be done,' says the Lord. 

I release an indictment against ungodly stewards, leaders and the kingpins in positions of authority and influence in this city and in this nation.You have seen their evil plans and intention to take Your people into captivity and destroy our freedoms. You have been witness to covenants of compromise and evil made for the sake of selfish gain. I declare their foot is caught in the snare they have set for others, and they shall be carried away into captivity. Spread Your net over them, O God, and catch them in Your snare. Scatter anyone that attempts to help the ungodly carry out attacks against our freedoms, treasonous plans and acts of war. Let Your sword chase them down so they know You are the Lord. I decree judgment with mercy over them as You see fit, in Jesus' name. 

I declare the enemy shall not come in this city according to Isaiah 37:32-34.

I declare Jesus Christ is our shield and exceedingly great reward. 

I decree the weapons of the enemy fail in his hands in Jesus name, according to Isaiah 54:17.

I declare according to Genesis 22:17 the children of God possess the gates of our enemies and we lock them out with the authority given to us by our Father.

I take the authority given to me and according to Isaiah 22:22 close the gates and doors the enemy wants to use to bring destruction.

I ask You, Father, to release the angels of heaven to come bind the strongman of Appolyon and the angel of death and destruction according to Matthew 12:22-29 as I say, "Let the strongmen be bound in Jesus' name!" Let the Spirit of Life prevail in Jesus' name!

I declare a supernatural shift in the hearts, minds, emotions and allegiances to those the enemy is using to carry out evil plans and schemes. Let their be light in the darkened hearts. Open their eyes to the misery they feel and that which they cause to others, and give them a change of heart. Bring them to the Lord's side, and let them disclose every evil scheme that they have knowledge of so that the destroyers plans are spoiled. Let those the enemy has targeted for destruction discover the plots before they can be executed. In Jesus name, amen. 

Stop that Thief!

Many people in the body of Christ are eagerly awaiting breakthrough. This has been a long, tough season for a lot of people, but don't give up now! I wanted to share a couple of things that the Lord showed me recently, and I believe they both tie together.

The first insight came by way of a dream. I'll skip over the dream elements somewhat to get to the point. The enemy comes ONLY as a thief. He comes to kill, steal and destroy by whatever means he can find available to him. In the dream, I saw someone from my past. This person was angry, abusive, a thief, deceitful, and a pretty good example of how the enemy works in real life, so this person pops up frequently in dream illustrations. In this particular dream, he was trying to take something that didn't belong to him, but as it turned out, a restraining order that I had a long time ago (now appearing in the dream) was still 'active' and prevented him from taking what didn't belong to him. I knew by the other elements contained in the dream that it signified either a job or ministry, or perhaps both.

I'll come back to that in a minute, but now I would like to focus on the second insight the Lord showed me. It came by a conversation with a friend. This friend has been in the waiting and seeking mode for a long time. He has been applying for different jobs but hasn't found the right one just yet. As we spoke, he told me that he had his hopes for one position dashed on the rocks when he overheard his boss give a negative review of him to the potential employer when they called for a reference. I know my friend well enough to know that poor job performance was most likely not the real reason. He never mentioned the incident to his employer, but felt extremely let down and disappointed in this person's actions towards him. My friend has continued to work for this same employer for quite a while since that event occurred, and it's been a test he has had to go through feeling as though his boss betrayed him. I don't know why that man handled that situation the way he did. Maybe he didn't want to deal with having to hire another person to fill the void. Sometimes jealousy or competition rises up and people just don't want others to receive a blessing. People can be funny that way. That is all the more reason to seek God's recommendation and not just take the words of others at face value. Anyone that's worth promoting has dealt with injustice, slander and political agendas from others, and we all need to keep those things in mind. Seek counsel from Holy Spirit above man! I know that my friend is a person of of integrity and he's been a victim of injustice, but God keeps good records and he's not worried. He knows that promotion will come but it's a timing thing. That, my friend, could be what is holding many people in limbo and this awkward holding pattern that they've been dealing with. It's just a timing thing, but it will soon be over! Sometimes we have to wait while God deals with the attitudes of others, or allows them to show a side of themselves that maybe others need to see, too. He also has people in other places that will do for us what someone else will not. God does not need the approval or recommendation of someone that doesn't have our best interests at heart in order to promote or bless us. This is the action of a thief, trying to steal a blessing from a child of God, but it won't work! God knows what has been done in an attempt to prevent His people from coming into promotion and He has a way of getting all of us around the obstacles. 

We are all tested prior to promotion. It often comes a year or more before God is ready to release us into the thing He has prepared us to do. So, if you have been one that has endured betrayal, offense, disappointment and a great deal of testing, take heart. That is actually good news because it means God has been testing you to see if you are ready for promotion! If you don't know what to do when betrayal and offense come, just act as much like Jesus as humanly possible. Forgive, bless, move forward and release them to the Lord.

Now let me circle back around to my first point. The thief comes to steal what doesn't rightfully belong to him, but he also comes to sabotage the opportunities waiting for the servants of the Lord whenever possible. The enemy has people in position to ambush and destroy long before the children of the Lord even know what they're walking into...BUT, let me tell you...GOD IS ABLE to get around the pride, arrogance and destroying spirit that seeks to keep His servants out of their promises, promotions, and positions. I remember one time when there was a particular person that was trying to block my husband and I from coming into a blessing, and they were doing what they could to hinder us in this certain thing. However, one day we got a surprise to find out the blessing was there waiting for us anyway. God hadn't just gone around this person, He went straight to the top of the organization and went ABOVE this person's head to accomplish what He wanted to do! Isn't that just like God? He knows who to bypass! Don't worry friend, God knows how to maneuver the pieces on the chess board. He can outwit people at their own game!

Now this brings us to another strategic prayer for God to do what He does best!

Father God,

Thank you that I don't need to get upset or worried about my future, or even what others might try to do to prevent me from coming into the blessings You have for me. You see it all, and You sit in the heavens and laugh at the foolishness of man. You alone know what motivates others and You know the intent of everyone's heart. 

I declare that You are my inheritance and my cup of blessing overflows. You guard all that is mine, and return my inheritance to me. You make my future secure according to Psalm 16:5.

I declare that You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil and my cup overflows, according to Psalm 23:5.

I declare that You have sent an angel ahead of me to guard me, keep me and protect me along the way and bring me to the place that You have prepared according to Exodus 23:20.

I declare that You have issued the restraining order to prevent the thief from illegal encroachment and stealing what is not meant for him. I thank You Father, that You have given your oath that the angel of the Lord goes before to insure my success, according to Exodus 24:7.

I declare the angel of the Lord goes before me to light my path and also comes after me to put my enemies in darkness so that they cannot follow me, according to Exodus 14:19.

I declare that You have brought us into our inheritance and planted us in the land You have for us. 

Thank You Father, for getting around those who have been planted by the enemy to sabotage and ambush your people. I ask You to go around those who have positioned themselves to be mountains of opposition, defiance, and slander towards Your people. I thank You for not only going around them, but going above their heads and putting people on assignment to help Your people come into the places and positions You have appointed for them. Your favor surrounds as as a shield, according to Psalm 5:12. I speak grace, grace, grace to the mountains of opposition and declare every road block is leveled and removed now, according to Zech. 4:7. You push the opportunists out of the way. Let the person or people occupying my portion be removed now in Jesus name. Open new doors and send them out, Lord. Let every remaining piece fall into place now. Let the gift of Your inheritance be released to Your people so that the kingdom of God may bear good fruit and increase throughout the earth. In Jesus name, amen.