Yesterday was an interesting day. Once again we had the opportunity to serve at Stonecreek...which comes with all of the added benefits that hanging with friends brings. But there was just something not quite right. Most of the day I talked with people who were battling everything from just being tired, headaches, not feeling well to those who lost their job without notice last week. Even at lunch with great friends...not everyone seemed themselves. Something was amiss. Even my girls battled unusual headaches and aches that didn't make sense. I couldn't quite put my finger on it but it was clearly bigger than we could see.
Want to know what our study series is a church...SPIRITUAL WARFARE!
A few weeks ago we were ready for the attacks and could see them coming head on. They were large and easy to spot from a distance...now they are more subtle and relentless! They have moved from circumstances to direct afflictions on the families, physical bodies and financial well being of believers who make a difference.
Last night I was searching for just what the spirit was that I was sensing throughout the day...then I asked. A spirit of heaviness. As Cindy and I turned and prayed against it, peace began to return. Today was an incredibly beautiful day and much easier than yesterday. Believe what you want, but I am convinced that Spiritual Warfare is much more real that most of us give credit. When we set out to expose the spirit of darkness with the Truth of God...hold on!
The following is an excerpt from a web site I found which put it well...
Satan is also called the Adversary. He opposes us in our walk with God. He uses many tricks and devices. One of his tactics is to send a "spirit of heaviness" upon us. When we recognize this we are able to over come him easily.
Ephesians 6:11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles (methods - cunning, crafts) of the devil.
The Spirit of Heaviness
Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.
SPIRIT is "ruwach" This is the same word used for all spiritual life and beings including God. It is used also of breath and air. It does not mean "a feeling" or attitude.
- This is not mans own spirit, which is called "the spirit of man"
- This is not God's spirit, nor can it be from God
- It is a demonic spirit.
HEAVINESS means " somewhat dark 5, darkish 1, wax dim 1, smoking 1, heaviness 1; 9 dim, dull, colorless, be dark, faint :". It is a word used in the bible to describe:
- the effect of a plague darkening the skin,
- the dimness of the eyes in old age,
- a fire gone out of a flax (reed), still smoking and not extinguished.
- a heavy spirit.
THE EFFECT OF A SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS
- It darkens our countenance: Our hearts are down cast. This spirit brings a "heaviness" over us..
- It dims our vision, robs our hope. The room may actually look darker.
- It brings a heavy, oppressive feeling. It quenches our faith.
- It may come over many at once , like a plague. It can be like a cloud, hanging over a place.
- It causes us to isolate, it steals our love, makes us feel alone.
OVERTHROWING THE SPIRIT OF HEAVINESS
- Recognize it. This is not you, you are a child of God. This is not God's will for you. Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
- Don't believe anything negative you think under it's influence. Accept no criticism of yourself or others. 2 Corinthians 10:5 We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
- Put on the Garment of Praise (Is 61:3) This literally means to be "Wrapped Up In Praise" God has given it to you to put on. Take action including adoration, thanksgiving, singing and glorifying. Get loud, get definite, aggressive! Wrestle it down. (Eph.6)
FOLLOW THESE STEPS AND you will get a victory over this tactic of the Adversary.
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