Exposing the Enemy pt.1

I have received many requests to write about demons. But I questioned the relevancy of the topic. After all, how can an explanation of evil spirits help us to hear God’s voice? Then I realized that when you know what the enemy says and how they operate, it is easier to distinguish God’s voice.

This is part 1 of 3 (or 4) on the topic of the host of evil beings. This particular e-newsletter introduces this topic with a couple experiences.

A Common Method

Many years ago, Dr. Kenneth Hagin described a vision the Lord gave him that clearly illustrates one of the most common ways that a demon gains control over a person—unbelievers as well as believers.

The vision started with the Lord saying, “I want to show you how a demon gets possession of a person.”

Then Hagin saw a woman he knew. She was the wife of a pastor, both of whom were casual acquaintances of Hagin. She was looking at herself in a large mirror. A black dot appeared on her shoulder and spoke to her saying, “You are very attractive. Men give you attention because you are very beautiful. Your life is boring with this pastor. Life would be more exciting if you left him.”

At first, she resisted those thoughts that the demon gave her. But as time went by and the thoughts kept coming, she began to willingly think those thoughts. Soon, she believed them. The black dot that was on her shoulder, moved into her mind.

When she believed the lies from the demon, her thoughts came under the control of the demon. As she thought more and more about how attractive she was, how boring her life was, and that she deserved a more exciting life, the desire to leave her husband became stronger and stronger.

Soon, she acted on her desires. She left her husband and enjoyed a lifestyle of partying and sleeping with different men. The dot that was in her mind, moved to her heart. She was now fully possessed as she yielded her heart to the demon’s will.

The vision then changed to the time of the great white throne judgment. Hagin saw the woman’s face contorted in pure fear as she screamed a horrific scream. She was falling a great distance and into the lake of fire.

After receiving this vision, Hagin called the pastor (the husband of the woman). By this time, his wife had already left him and was staying in a local hotel. Hagin went to visit the woman to plead for her to repent and to return home. He knocked on the door to her room. She answered. With a cigarette in her mouth, a drink in her hand, and wearing a bath robe that was wide open. She refused to listen to Hagin and slammed the door shut.

The mind is the battleground. That’s why we need to obey the direction in Philippians 4:8–9, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”

It’s been my observation that many, if not most, Christians entertain thoughts given to them by an evil spirit. How do I know this? I listen to the words that people speak. Thoughts that are influenced by an evil spirit will show up in the person’s conversation and choice of words.

The soldier of God who successfully stands against the enemy must cover and protect his mind with the helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17 ).

An Inviting Home

When I taught in a Christian school many years ago, Lara (not her real name) was a student of mine. She had been a born-again, Spirit-filled Christian for many years. She had a lot of talent and charisma.

But, she virtually oozed of a different evil each day of the week. One day, it would be lust. The next day, rebellion. The next day, it might be a hatred of men. The next day, manipulation. And so on.

Lara’s father was an elder in the church and at this time, had a very effective ministry in deliverance. A couple evenings a week were set aside at their house so that he and his wife could minister to the demonically oppressed or possessed. Just like when Jesus encountered evil spirits in a person, there would be manifestations of the defiance and the casting out of the demons.

Lara remained in her bedroom during these deliverance sessions. But she did something quite shocking. She would ask for the demons that were being cast out by her father to enter her.

This was a win-win situation for the demons. They didn’t mind too much being cast out as long as they knew that they could immediately enter someone else, especially the daughter of a leader in the church. Many of the demons probably felt it was a “home improvement”—an upgrade, so to speak, as they would be welcome and close to a leader in that church were they could do greater harm to God’s people.

In fact, communication among demons can be very extensive and Lara’s willingness was probably well-known among the demons in the area, and may have been a contributing factor in her father’s success in this ministry.

After graduating high school, Lara got married. For a few years, she seemed happy and content. But those feelings wore off and the demons she had invited into herself, began controlling more and more of her behavior. She divorced her husband and began a sexual relationship with a woman. To this day, she lives with a woman and has totally turned her back on the Lord.

The destruction was not limited to Lara. Her mother also began a lesbian relationship, and soon thereafter, Lara’s parents got divorced. Nearly all of her siblings, once committed Christians, are now serving Satan.

If offered an inch, evil spirits will take a mile. They are masters of enticement and promises. They tell you that they can meet your needs and fulfill your desires. They are experts at finding out your weaknesses and are driven to use them against you. But only destruction and death can come from giving place to evil spirits.

The next several e-newsletters will discuss such things as the origin, the structure, the power, and the behavior of evil spirits. As well as the believer's power and responsibilities.

It is my prayer for you that Father will continue to help you to hear His voice, and more and more frequently.

With God’s grace and in His peace,

Gary

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Gary (gary@ears-2-hear.com), Author, Web Designer, www.ears-2-hear.com.

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