Category: Spiritual Warfare

3 Ways to Spot a Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

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“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.” — Matthew 7:15 (NKJV)

“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 11:13 (NKJV)

Not everyone who appears to belong to God truly represents Him. Some people can speak convincingly about the Bible, use Christian language, and appear godly while leading others away from the truth.

Think about counterfeit money. Bank tellers and shopkeepers learn to recognise genuine banknotes so they can identify counterfeits. In the same way, we need to know God’s Word and understand the character of Jesus so we can recognise when something does not reflect Him.

The Bible warns us that people can have “a form of godliness” while denying its power (2 Timothy 3:5). As we grow in our understanding of Scripture, we develop discernment and learn to distinguish between what is genuine and what only appears to be genuine (Hebrews 5:14).

Some people may say that identifying false teachers or harmful spiritual leaders is judgmental. However, Jesus Himself warned us to watch out for wolves in sheep’s clothing. We are not called to judge someone’s heart as though we know everything about them, but we are called to recognise the fruit of their lives and teachings. 2 Timothy 3:2–5 describes people who are selfish, proud, unloving, and deceptive, yet may still appear religious. Look at the Pharisees, whom Jesus rebuked as a ‘brood of vipers’ (Matthew 23:33 NKJV).

In our midst, we have ferocious wolves, not sparing the sheep! They haven’t come to play games. As agents of the enemy, sometimes unwittingly, they are used by Satan to work through deception. False teachers who infiltrate the church can become instruments of deception, seeking to kill, steal, and destroy (John 10:10).

We must not assume that someone is a committed Christian simply because they claim to believe, speak Christian language, or know biblical principles. What matters is whether their faith is reflected in their character and conduct. The Bible also tells us that Satan can transform himself into an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). Evil does not always look evil; sometimes it disguises itself as goodness and righteousness.

Let us not naively close our eyes to the reality that wolves can be found within our churches. We must not assume that everyone who claims to represent God truly does so. Jesus warned us about deception because He wants us to remain watchful, grounded in His Word, and able to recognise the difference between genuine godly character and a convincing outward appearance—a shiny veneer with rotten fruit hidden inside, just like some fruit at the supermarket. As Jesus warned us in Matthew 7:20, we will know them by their fruits.

So, what should we look out for? Here are 3 ways to recognise a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

1. When Those in Spiritual Authority Lead Others to Stumble

Those who teach God’s Word carry a serious responsibility. A pulpit should be used to explain Scripture faithfully and point people towards Jesus, not to manipulate others, build a personal following, or promote someone’s own interests or agenda.

A person can quote Scripture and still twist its meaning. They may use Bible verses to justify their behaviour, pressure people into doing what they want, or discourage questions that might expose their wrongdoing.

They may also present their own opinions, beliefs, or agenda as though they are in line with God’s Word, using the language of love, compassion, or acceptance to make their teaching sound right. But something does not become biblical simply because it is presented as loving or spoken with sincerity.

A preacher who wants to please everyone but consistently avoids addressing repentance, sin, forgiveness and the need for salvation is neglecting something central to the biblical message. Jesus Himself preached, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’ (Matthew 4:17, NKJV). He commanded His disciples to preach repentance, and they did so (Mark 6:12). The Gospel was never meant to be watered down to win people’s approval. The Church has a responsibility to proclaim God’s truth faithfully and point people to Jesus Christ, because people’s souls matter.

We must be willing to examine what is being taught against Scripture, even when the person teaching it is respected, persuasive, or widely admired. We must not allow a spiritual leader’s interpretation to take the place of God’s Word, or follow a teaching simply because we are made to feel that questioning it is unloving.

When we need clarity or discernment concerning a situation or a person, we should seek the Lord through prayer and fasting. Our focus must be on God, not on people. As we draw near to Him and seek His wisdom, we can ask the Holy Spirit to guide us in understanding and help us discern truth from error. We must remain grounded in God’s Word, testing what we believe we have discerned against Scripture. Jesus said, ‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you’ (Matthew 6:33, NKJV). The Holy Spirit will give us revelation, and lead us into all truth ( John 16:13 NKJV). This reminds us that our priority must be to seek God and His righteousness above all else, trusting Him for guidance as we remain faithful to His Word, and this will build us up in the spirit.

Jesus said, ‘Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven’ (Matthew 7:21, NKJV). He also asked, ‘But why do you call Me “Lord, Lord,” and not do the things which I say?’ (Luke 6:46, NKJV). Calling Jesus Lord means little if our lives and teachings contradict His Word. An outward appearance of spirituality is no guarantee of genuine obedience to Christ.

Paul warned that some people deceive others with smooth words and flattering speech: ‘For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple’ (Romans 16:18, NKJV).

Jesus also gave a serious warning about causing others to stumble (Matthew 18:6). James 3:1 reminds us that teachers will face stricter judgment, while the Bereans in Acts 17:11 were commended for examining the Scriptures to check whether what they were being taught was true.

No spiritual leader is above God’s Word. We should respect genuine leadership, but we must never allow a person’s position, reputation, or confidence to replace the authority of Scripture.

2. Wolves Live for the Love of Power Rather Than the Power of Love

Jesus taught His disciples that leadership in His kingdom should look very different from the way worldly authority is often used.

“Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant.” — Matthew 20:26 (NKJV)

A godly leader understands that authority is a responsibility to serve others, not an opportunity to control them. Their aim should be to help people grow in faith, not to make people dependent on them or afraid to question them.

Wolves, however, may use their position to intimidate, silence, or control others. They may use guilt, spiritual threats, or fear to get their way. They may discourage people from asking questions, raising concerns, or seeking accountability.

As their power grows, some may begin to act as though their position places them beyond question. They may expect blind obedience, treat their own opinions as the final authority, and behave as though nobody has the right to challenge them. Because people may fear the consequences of speaking up, these leaders can become increasingly confident that they can say or do whatever they please without being held accountable.

They may lord it over those under their authority rather than serve them in love. Instead of recognising that leadership carries a serious responsibility before God, they may treat people as subjects who must obey them and accept their agenda without question, even when it conflicts with Scripture. Those who agree with them may be praised as loving and accepting, while those who stand by God’s Word may be ostracised, labelled unloving, or accused of lacking compassion. In this way, their position becomes a source of personal power rather than an opportunity to serve, and obedience to the leader’s views can take precedence over faithfulness to God’s Word.

Yet the true character of a person is often revealed when that power is questioned. Someone who appears gentle and caring while others agree with them may react very differently when challenged, corrected, or told no. They may respond with anger, humiliation, intimidation, manipulation, or retaliation. What once looked like confidence may reveal itself as a refusal to accept correction.

A sweet tongue can hide sharp teeth. Wolves in sheep’s clothing may appear kind, generous, sincere, and trustworthy. They may know exactly what to say to gain people’s confidence, while their actions reveal a desire to dominate. They may appear loving in public but treat people very differently behind closed doors.

Pay attention to how someone responds when things do not go their way. Can they listen to another point of view? Can they admit when they are wrong? Are they willing to apologise and make things right when they have hurt someone? Or do they repeatedly use their authority, charm, or spiritual standing to silence others and avoid responsibility?

Healthy spiritual leadership welcomes appropriate questions and accountability. A leader who genuinely wants to honour God should be willing to have their teaching and conduct examined in the light of Scripture.

This does not mean that every disagreement with a leader is evidence of wrongdoing. We all have different personalities and may sometimes misunderstand one another. Everyone can fail, and genuine Christians need correction too. The concern is a persistent pattern of behaviour, especially when a person refuses to take responsibility or continues to hurt others despite being made aware of the harm.

Jesus said we would recognise people by their fruit (Matthew 7:20). Fruit takes time to grow, so it is important to look at a person’s conduct over time rather than relying on first impressions. Religious language cannot excuse harmful behaviour. Neither can a person’s knowledge of Scripture, public image, or apparent sincerity.

We should pay particular attention to how people in positions of authority treat those who have less power, those who disagree with them, and those who can offer them nothing in return.

The important question is not simply whether someone holds a leadership position, but how they use that authority and whether their conduct reflects the character of Christ. True spiritual authority does not make a person untouchable. It calls them to greater humility, greater accountability, and greater love.

3. Wolves Can Look More Like Sheep Than the Sheep Themselves

Sometimes those who deceive are so convincing that they appear more like genuine sheep than the sheep themselves. They may be charming, generous, helpful, respectable, and trusted by the very people they intend to deceive. Their outward appearance may give no obvious indication of the harm they are capable of causing.

This is precisely why discernment is so important. Deception does not always arrive looking dangerous. Sometimes it comes through someone who appears exceptionally kind, caring, and trustworthy.

Jesus warned: “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” — John 10:10 (NKJV) In the context of this passage, Jesus contrasts the thief with Himself as the Good Shepherd, who gives abundant life and lays down His life for the sheep. His warning reminds us of the destructive intentions of those who prey upon God’s people.

To gain access to those they intend to exploit, deceptive individuals may first seek to establish trust, build relationships, and create a favourable reputation. They may cultivate the confidence of those around them so successfully that, when concerns eventually emerge, others struggle to believe that anything could be wrong.

We see a particularly serious illustration of this in the grooming tactics used by some child abusers. An abuser may deliberately build trust with a child while also cultivating relationships with parents, caregivers, and the wider community. By appearing kind, helpful, and respectable, they may establish a reputation that makes it harder for others to recognise warning signs or take a child’s disclosure seriously.

When a child finally speaks about what has happened, those around them may respond with disbelief: “But they are such a nice person!” or “How dare you say such a thing about them?” The adult’s reputation may be defended while the child’s disclosure is dismissed or questioned. The case of Jimmy Savile is a sobering example. For years, his public image as a popular entertainer and charity fundraiser helped him gain the trust of others, while some victims who spoke about their experiences were not believed or taken seriously. His case is a sobering reminder that a person’s public image can conceal serious wrongdoing, and that those who speak up must not be dismissed simply because the person they accuse is popular, respected, or influential.

A person can be well-liked, trusted, and outwardly respectable while behaving very differently in private. Concerns must be heard and assessed carefully, and those who disclose abuse must not be dismissed simply because the accused person appears charming or respectable.

Although child abuse and spiritual deception are different forms of wrongdoing, this example illustrates an important principle: the ability to gain people’s trust is not, in itself, proof of good character, and a favourable reputation must never be allowed to replace careful examination of the evidence.

The same principle applies in church settings. A leader may be charismatic, generous, persuasive, hospitable and admired by the congregation. Yet none of these qualities, on their own, proves that their teaching is sound or their conduct beyond question. A respected leader’s position, popularity, or years of service should not automatically outweigh concerns raised by someone who says they have been harmed.

This does not mean that every accusation should automatically be accepted as true. Concerns should be handled fairly, responsibly, and with care for everyone involved. But neither should concerns be dismissed simply because the person being questioned is admired or influential.

Church leaders have a responsibility to protect vulnerable people, take concerns seriously, and ensure that appropriate accountability is in place. Protecting a reputation must never become more important than seeking truth and addressing wrongdoing.

People who speak up deserve to be listened to fairly, without being automatically labelled bitter, rebellious, or divisive. Sometimes the person raising the concern is the very person who needs protection and support.

Paul warned that false apostles could disguise themselves as apostles of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13–15). The danger lies precisely in the disguise: outward appearances can persuade people to trust someone without adequately examining what that person teaches or does.

We must therefore avoid two errors. We must not assume that someone is guilty simply because a concern has been raised, but neither must we assume that someone is innocent simply because they appear kind, respectable, or godly, and are of high standing. We must listen carefully, examine the evidence, and take credible concerns seriously.

A convincing disguise can deceive those who judge by appearances alone. Spiritual discernment requires us to look beyond reputation and examine the truth, the conduct, and the fruit.

When It Is Time to Walk Away

There may come a time when we need to leave a church or congregation because harmful teaching, serious wrongdoing, or destructive behaviour is being tolerated rather than addressed.

Our first allegiance must be to Jesus Christ, not to a denomination, priest or pastor, or ministry. No institution or leader should be placed above the authority of God’s Word.

Psalm 1 warns us about the company we keep and the counsel we follow. We should be careful about remaining in an environment where deceit, slander, intimidation, or ungodly teaching is repeatedly encouraged or excused.

This does not mean that every disagreement is heresy or that every mistake means we should leave a church. No congregation is perfect, and all Christians need grace, correction, and growth.

However, if serious concerns become a pattern and those responsible show no willingness to address them, we may need to seek fellowship elsewhere. Remaining in a harmful environment simply because we have been there for years, respect a particular leader, or fear what others might think is not always the right choice.

Leaving an unhealthy church does not mean leaving God. We can seek a fellowship where Scripture is respected, leaders are accountable, and people are encouraged to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We can also pray for those who remain, asking God to protect them, open their eyes to the truth, and lead those responsible for wrongdoing to genuine repentance.

Leave Vengeance to God and Keep Your Heart Right Before Him

When we have been deceived, mistreated, or hurt by people who claim to represent God, it is natural to feel angry or upset. We may want others to know what happened, or we may long to see those responsible face consequences.

The Bible does not ask us to pretend that wrongdoing does not matter. It does, however, warn us against taking personal vengeance. “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.” — Romans 12:19 (NKJV)

We can seek truth, report wrongdoing, protect others, and pursue appropriate accountability without allowing bitterness or revenge to take control of our hearts. Justice and accountability are not the same as personal vengeance.

We should also pray that those who have deceived, manipulated, or harmed others will recognise their wrongdoing, genuinely repent, and come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Jesus said: “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” — John 8:32 (NKJV)

God’s truth can expose deception and bring freedom to those who have been misled. It can also correct us when we need to change. James reminds us: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” — James 1:22 (NKJV)

It is not enough to know what the Bible says. We must allow God’s Word to shape how we live, how we treat others, and how we respond when we are wrong. We should regularly ask the Holy Spirit to examine our own motives, thoughts, attitudes, and actions. It is easy to focus on the faults of others while overlooking areas in our own lives that need correction.

David prayed: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10 (NKJV) That is a prayer we can all make our own.

In Matthew 13:24–30 and 36–43, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the tares. The parable reminds us that not everyone who appears to belong among God’s people is necessarily genuine, and that the final judgment belongs to Him.

We must therefore remain discerning without becoming proud, suspicious of everyone, or eager to condemn. We are called to recognise harmful fruit, hold fast to truth, and leave the final judgment of hearts to God.

Forgiveness does not mean excusing wrongdoing, denying what happened, or allowing someone to continue harming us. We can forgive while maintaining boundaries, seeking accountability, and protecting ourselves and others from further harm. Our aim should be to walk in truth, seek what is right, and keep our hearts free from hatred and vengeance.

May God give us the wisdom to recognise deception, the courage to stand for truth, and the humility to allow His Word to correct us. May He comfort those who have been hurt, protect those who are vulnerable, and lead those who have been misled back to the truth. And may those who have caused harm come to genuine repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ.

Look Beyond the Disguise

Jesus warned us about wolves in sheep’s clothing not to make us suspicious of everyone, but to help us understand that deception is real and discernment matters.

Let us remain grounded in God’s Word, humble enough to examine our own hearts, and willing to seek God’s wisdom and correction.

May we have the courage to stand for truth, the compassion to care for those who have been hurt, and the wisdom to recognise when something is wrong.

Above all, may we protect the vulnerable, support those who speak up about wrongdoing, and remember that our loyalty belongs first to Jesus Christ and His truth.

Let us pray.

Heavenly Father, please give us wisdom and discernment to recognise what is true and what is false. Help us to see beyond outward appearances and to judge teaching and behaviour according to Your Word.

Protect those who are vulnerable and comfort those who have been hurt or misled. Give them courage, support, and the opportunity to find healing. Lead those who have been harmed away from unhealthy environments and into fellowship where Your Word is faithfully taught and people are treated with love and respect.

Help us to forgive without excusing wrongdoing, to seek accountability without pursuing vengeance, and to trust You as the righteous Judge. Search our own hearts, correct whatever is not pleasing to You, and help us to become doers of Your Word rather than hearers only.

Please lead those who have deceived or harmed others to genuine repentance. Open their eyes to the truth and draw them to salvation through Jesus Christ.

Keep us faithful to You, grounded in Your Word, and guided by Your Holy Spirit. May our lives reflect the character of Jesus, and may we always stand for truth with humility, courage, and love.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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This is the revised article By Leslie Vernick at Christian Counselling

7 Biblical Keys to Overcoming Witchcraft and Spiritual Attacks

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The following is the extended transcript of Marc Shields video, “7 Biblical Keys to Overcoming Witchcraft Attacks.” It explores seven biblical principles for standing firm in faith, drawing near to God, and responding to spiritual attacks through the truth of Scripture.

May this teaching encourage you in your walk with the Lord and help you grow in faith, wisdom, and peace. As Christians, we are called to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16, NKJV). Hosea 4:6 (NKJV) reminds us, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” May we seek God’s wisdom, know His Word, and stand firm in faith rather than fear, remembering that ‘God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind’ (2 Timothy 1:7, NKJV)

Many believers feel confused when facing spiritual opposition. The Bible teaches that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces. The good news is that God has not left us without understanding, protection, and authority in Christ. In this video, we look at 7 biblical keys that help believers stand firm, walk in freedom, and overcome every attack of the enemy.

Scripture tells us:

James 4:7 (NKJV): “Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Victory does not come through fear, but through truth, alignment with God, and understanding His Word.

If you have ever wondered:

  • Can spiritual attacks affect Christians?
  • How should believers respond biblically?
  • What does Scripture teach about overcoming the enemy?
  • How do we walk in peace even when under pressure?

This teaching will help bring clarity and encouragement.

Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)

Our Victory Is in Christ

Colossians 2:14–15 (NKJV):

“Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”

1. Draw Near to God

Many Christians today feel afraid of witchcraft. But the Bible doesn’t tell us to be afraid. It tells us exactly how to overcome it. And a witchcraft attack is often a sign that you’re coming into a victory. And the enemy is attacking you because he’s afraid of you. He remembers the promise that Jesus gave us. The gates of hell will not prevail against his church.

Today I want to show you seven clear biblical steps to overcoming any witchcraft attack so that you can come out victorious and step on to your promised land. We Christians, are constantly fighting a spiritual war. So the fact that you’re under attack is not a sign that the witchcraft is working. It just means you’re in a war.

So number one, draw near to God. First thing you do under witchcraft attack, is draw near to God.

Very difficult to draw near to God when you’re under witchcraft attack, because what they are using is a demonic altar which has been opened, witches and warlocks are levying demonic spirits against you so that you come into agreement with them. Spirits of frustration, anger, fear, worry, depression, and they’re all opposite to the spirits of God. And what they’re going to do is they’re going to try and pull you out of alignment with God and bring you away from him.

Why? Just like a wolf would try and separate a lamb from the sheep, the enemy wants to isolate you from God so that he can attack you and destroy you. So it’s really important when you’re feeling this heaviness from these attacks is actually draw close to God. And the first thing you can do is just start praying. Just open your mouth and start speaking to God what’s on your mind.

“Lord God, I’m feeling tired. Help me to overcome this.”

Open your mouth and declare his praises. Put worship music on. You might not feel close to God, but if you take the step of faith, the scripture says, “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.”

James 4:8 (NKJV):

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

Put on the worship music, worship, pray out loud, and open your Bible. Read the scripture out loud. All this will draw you near to God. And that will draw God near to you.

Psalm 46:1–2 (NKJV):

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;”

The enemy doesn’t like to be in proximity to God. And the more you align yourself with God, the more closer you get to God, the more you’re going to be filled up with light and the less the enemy is going to want to be close to you and attack you.

2. Resist the Devil

Number two, resist the devil.

James 4:7 (NKJV):

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

Witchcraft is not something we submit to. It’s something we resist. We actively resist it. The only way these spirits can land, is if they have an agreement.

What does that mean? They levy a spirit of tiredness and lethargy against you. Well, the automatic response is to come into agreement. “Oh, I feel so tired. Why am I so tired? I’ll go and have a little lay down. I’ll watch some TV. I will doom scroll. I will have a beer.” I’ll do anything to help me get out of this feeling. But what you’re doing is actually coming into agreement with the spirit itself.

Scripture says, “Resist the devil.” If a spirit of tiredness, of lethargy is levied against you, go for a run. If a spirit of sadness comes over you, watch comedy movies. If a spirit of confusion comes over you, declare the truth of God. Whatever the spirit is, come against it in the opposite spirit.

Ephesians 6:11–12 (NKJV):

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

Any spirit that’s levied against you from witchcraft will be the opposite of the Holy Spirit, which is what? Love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, kindness, self-control.

Darkness cannot stay where the fruit of the Holy Spirit is.

3. Do Not Fear

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV):

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

The opposite to fear is trust in God. It’s faith in what God’s done in you. And so, I want to say to everyone watching this, God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and sound mind.

A lot of witchcraft is levied against the mind. You start thinking thoughts that you otherwise wouldn’t feel. You start feeling attractions to women or men that you shouldn’t feel. You start thinking frustrating things like life’s never going to work out well. All these are lies from the enemy.

When you’re feeling fearful, the source of that fear is not God. It’s a spirit that is attacking you. A spirit of fear. Do not come into agreement with it.

When I get woken up, sometimes by bad dreams or demonic spirits, I get up and I just imagine Psalm 23 that says he sets a table before me in the presence of my enemies.

Psalm 23:5 (NKJV):

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.”

So you might feel demonic presence, but just sit down at the table with the Lord. Speak to your savior, enjoy his company, and then just go back to bed.

Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV):

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind. Declare that over yourself if you’re suffering with fear.

4. Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear

And number four, perfect love casts out all fear.

So a lot of witchcraft is levied through people. It’s people coming into agreement with spirits at an altar and they’re naming you at that altar. They’re creating sacrifices at an altar to supercharge spirits to attack you.

Now, when you find out who the people are, doing this to you, it can create a lot of anger, resentment, and bitterness towards these people. It’s exactly what the enemy wants for your heart to be like, full of these things! Because bitterness, resentment, and anger will give a place for those spirits to land. So, we need to be careful not to pray retaliatory prayers.

A lot of people point to the Psalms and say, “Well, David did this and Jeremiah did that.” Well, Jesus came and he says, “You have heard it said, hate your enemy and love your neighbor. But I say to you what? Pray for your enemy. Bless those who curse you.”

Matthew 5:43–44 (NKJV):

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,”

If you’re a Christian, you’re a follower of Jesus, we need to interpret everything in the scripture through the love of God. Why? Because perfect love casts out all fear.

When you align correctly with God, His love is able to flow through you. It just casts out all fear. There’s nowhere for the fear to land.

1 John 4:18 (NKJV):

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

5. Spirits Get Tired

It says in Matthew 12:43, “When an unclean spirit goes out of a person, it passes through dry places seeking rest.”

Whenever a spirit is without a home on this earth, and it’s just sent on assignment to attack you, it loses power from the moment it is released. And every time you’re under witchcraft attack, just remember there’s a time limit on this witchcraft attack.

We can speed up the time in the measure that we resist the devil using the rules of the spiritual realm. When you resist the devil, it actually flees. It doesn’t say resist the devil and he will leave you. It says resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Why? Because a lot of these demons are just one-dimensional. A spirit of fear, a spirit of anger, a spirit of frustration. Their whole personality is tied up in one mindset. And so in order for it to actually work on you, your mindset has to come into agreement with its mindset.

The moment you start resisting in the correct way, that spirit is going to tire. It doesn’t mean that it’s going to stop automatically, but over the coming days, it’s definitely going to get easier and easier, especially to the degree that you declare the truth of God, that you love your enemies.

Galatians 6:9 (NKJV):

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Just remember, consistency matters because they’re going to try and keep levying these spirits against you. You need to keep coming against it. Consistency. Don’t tire.

Scripture says we will reap what we sow if we do not tire. If we do not grow weary, we will get to a point where we win.

6. Remove Evil People

“You will know them by their fruit.”

Matthew 7:16 (NKJV):

“You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?”

Witchcraft is always an agreement between spirits and a witchcraft practitioner. So, there’s always going to be a person involved. And often the reason that the witchcraft is working is because that person is actually in our midst…

I had a so-called friend of mine who was a warlock for seven years working against me. I’ve had other so-called friends working against me.

We as Christians often just want to get along. We want to love people. We don’t want to seem rude. But these evil people use this against us to destroy our lives.

If you’re feeling like you’re under witchcraft attack and it’s intense, it’s because someone in your vicinity is doing it against you. And they will use cursed food. They will use cursed gifts. They will use ideas so that you come into agreement with it. But they will be working to magnify the witchcraft against you.

So it’s very important to remove the wicked person from amongst you.

Scripture is very clear. If someone says they’re a believer but they are in habitual sin, we need to remove them from the church, but also it says don’t be unequally yolked with unbelievers. Don’t have long ongoing friendships with unbelievers.

It’s fine to have a friend that you go and visit now and again. Maybe you want to preach the gospel to them. Maybe there’s someone that you want to share with. But it’s not okay to have your ‘best friend’ as an unbeliever. Do not be unequally yolked with unbelievers. They’re going to have an influence on your spiritual walk, as you are not spiritually aligned.

2 Corinthians 6:14 (NKJV):

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?”

Scripture is very clear. Remove the evil person from among you. They’re not adding to your calling. They’ve nothing to do with your calling. Remove the evil person from among you.

7. Pray with Knowledge

So you need to understand the moving parts in any witchcraft attack. There’s going to be a practitioner. There is going to be an altar. There is going to be demonic spirits. You need to harness the power that you have by following the rules.

If you’ve been under witchcraft for a long time, it’s time to fast.

When the disciples could not cast out a demon from a little boy, they said, “Why can’t we do it?” And Jesus says, “This type only goes through prayer and fasting.”

When you’re under witchcraft attack, you’re dealing with spirits. And if you’re dealing with a coven of witches, you’re talking sacrifices multiplied amongst people. Some of these spirits that they have levied against you, they’re going to be big spirits. And so, you need to go deep with God.

You need to fast and you need to pray correctly. Pray out loud with the scripture.

“No weapon formed against me will prosper.”

Isaiah 54:17 (NKJV):

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the LORD.

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV):

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

“The same power that raised Christ Jesus from the resides in me.”

Romans 8:11 (NKJV):

“But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.”

And as you start reading and praying the scriptures out loud, the angels will back you up. Scripture says Psalm 103, the angels hearken to the voice of God.

Psalm 103:20 (NKJV):

“Bless the LORD, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.”

You align your voice with the voice of God. The angels are going to gather. They’re going to fight that battle for you. They’re going to back you up, and it will all be over far sooner than you would have thought.

Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV):

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Standing Firm in Faith During Halloween

First and foremost, Halloween is a satanic holiday rooted in pagan traditions and associated with witchcraft, occult practices, and the celebration of darkness. As Christians, we must not be deceived into treating these things as harmless fun when God’s Word warns us to reject the works of darkness. We are called to stand apart from the ways of the world and remain faithful to God’s truth.

Ephesians 5:11 (NKJV) says:

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.”

We do not need to live in fear or become preoccupied with evil. Instead, we can draw closer to God, pray for our families, and let the character of Christ shine through us. Our faith rests in the light, authority, and victory of Jesus Christ.

1 John 4:4 (NKJV) reminds us:

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”

Let us respond with faith, discernment, and confidence in the Lord, holding fast to His truth.

I hope this helps you. God bless you, and we’ll see you on the next.

—————-

*** By Marc Ross Shields at Easter Island Ministries

FREE DOWNLOAD: Explore the Fruits of the Holy Spirit: Choosing the ‘Opposite’ chart for practical ways to reflect God’s character in everyday life.

Download your free A4 chart here’

Recommended Resource: Easter Island Ministries

Marc Ross Shields brings 17 years of personal experience in spiritual warfare, sharing insights that address an area often overlooked in churches. As Hosea 4:6 reminds us, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

Youtube: Easter Island Ministries YouTube channel⁠

Marc’s Book ‘UNMASKED’ on Amazon:

🇺🇸 Unmasked: Witchcraft — How It Infiltrates, Operates and Is Defeated on Amazon US⁠

🇬🇧 Unmasked: Witchcraft — How It Infiltrates, Operates and Is Defeated⁠.

Trying to Control People Is A Lack of Faith

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Key Quotes

“Our work is not manipulation and control, it’s prayer and trusting the Lord, and only to act because He’s leading us, not because we are trying to ‘fix’ somebody in our own power.”

“To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to have the Christian life that we are striving so much for just to “flow from us” in every area – having the clarity, the right word, the wisdom, boldness, peace, strength – every need just “flowing”.  We have to seek the Lord with all our heart above everything else, and seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit – everyday, because every day has new needs.”

“One of the best things we can do for our own peace is to lift expectations off everyone else, looking to God alone.”

“Trying to control other people like this is like trying to force open a flower before it is ready to bloom.  God’s way and His timing is better.”

Full Article
 

INTRODUCTION

I remember one time someone I knew was taking some very careless actions toward his own health, including disregarding doctor advice and refusing some important treatment. His wife was trying to convince him to change his mind, but he was resistant and set on following his own way, even though it was not good for him.

She was carrying a big weight of worry because he wouldn’t listen and she couldn’t convince him. But someone encouraged her with these words, “Don’t carry the guilt for this or his health, since he made his choice and is refusing, you are not responsible – you tried what you could. We are only called to peace. Now just pray, and leave it in God’s hands. That’s your job now, to pray.”

Later she said that this was the word that helped carry her through that situation.

And I was reminded that we have such burdens for others… and that means we want to help them, but we will find that we cannot control them. We can’t control others, but we can choose to lean on God, and pray, and place our trust for the others we are burdened for in His hands.

I see this attitude in Jesus and Paul and the apostles – they exhorted people, but after a certain point they left it to the Holy Spirit to do the work which they could not do in the flesh (John 16:12, Eph 1:15-18).

Jesus said to His disciples, “I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth…” (John 16:12-13)

Paul said to the Ephesians, “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened” (Ephesians 1:18)

The example I gave was regarding physical matters.  But regarding spiritual matters, see how clearly Paul, and even Jesus didn’t think they could manipulate people and do a work in the hearts of others with their efforts and words apart from the Holy Spirit’s work.

Question: Why couldn’t Jesus and Paul just tell the disciples what they needed to hear?  Why couldn’t they just explain it to them?

It’s because it’s a matter of LIFE in the heart, not INFORMATION in the mind. Spiritual life is inward, a matter of the will – dying to self, and gaining life in Jesus. Not a matter of “knowing more.”  That’s why, for many, no matter how much truth is explained to them, they either don’t believe it or don’t care. Can you speak such great words that you can convince a dead person to get up and walk?! God has to do something that we can never do: give life; bring a change of heart to a person first.

In the parable of the sower the same seed was sown all over, but only on the good soil did it grow and endure (Mark 4:8).  So much frustration can be avoided for the “sower” when we see that we cannot do the work.  God Himself has to prepare a person’s heart (the soil) before any word can do any good.

Sometimes the work God does in a heart is through the breaking of a deep trial, sometimes through failure, sometimes through a revelation in some way, or witnessing the goodness of God and His love and kindness, or through the testimony of someone else’s life.  Sometimes it’s a long work (like God did in Nebuchadnezzar to break him for 7 years), and sometimes just in a moment (like the thief on the cross).  But either way – God has to do a work in the heart. It cannot be us.  In the beginning – the Spirit was there, and God spoke, and then light and life came (Genesis 1:2-25).  Where was man in all that?  Nowhere!

So do we do nothing?  No! We pray and TRUST GOD. And be patient.  Our work is not manipulation and control, it’s prayer and trusting the Lord, and only to act because He’s leading us, not because we are trying to ‘fix’ somebody in our own power.

How many problems come because we try to compel and force people? Forcing them to change how we think they should, in the way we think. But Jesus was so trusting in the Father.  He said that He preached to those who have “ears to hear” (Matthew 11:15). I believe Jesus emphasized that because He wasn’t trying in His own power (as a man) to do the work that He knew the Holy Spirit Himself had to do in the heart.

Hudson Taylor said: “I’ve learned to move man by prayer alone”.

We exhort people when needed, and urge people we care for, and plead with them – with love. But if they won’t receive it – we have to leave it in God’s hands rather than push and fight and control. God has called us to peace: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men” (Romans 12:18)

A QUESTION

But I’ve found this question comes: “But what if I’m supposed to be doing something or saying something God wants me to do for their good? What if I’m missing something, or neglecting something?” And I’m frantic that I’m not doing things right – that they may miss out because I haven’t “done enough” to exhort them.

Here’s what the Lord has helped me with regarding this (I’ve struggled with this question a lot, personally):

The more we seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to put Him first and follow the Lord wholeheartedly – whatever I should speak or do for the sake of another one just flows out naturally, without any of the fretting and worrying “what should I do to move them?” “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness [in your own personal life] and the rest will be added to you.”

We often talk in the church of the necessity of being filled with the Holy Spirit, and it’s sometimes easy to feel like it’s some abstract, far off truth that we don’t understand and so we can’t imagine how it could change anything. This is so far from the truth! To be filled with the Holy Spirit is to have the Christian life that we are striving so much for just to “flow from us” in every area – having the clarity, the right word, the wisdom, boldness, peace, strength – every need just “flowing”.  We have to seek the Lord with all our heart above everything else, and seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit – everyday, because every day has new needs.

The alternative is to labor in our own efforts, for our own will. A lot of what we think is good for someone, how do we even know what is good for them?!  Constant badgering people is a form of trying to control them, nagging, complaining and arguing is a form of trying to control them, lashing in anger, giving a condescending look of disapproval and judgment, even sharing a Bible verse with the wrong spirit (condemnation, guilt, and threatening – rather than love) can be a form of trying to control them!

And all of this is the sin of unbelief on our part because we are trying to take situations into our own hands with others in our own way, rather than trusting God.

PERSONAL SITUATION – JUST TRUST GOD

One time I was talking to someone about the fear I had that another person would do something or cause something that would be very difficult.  I was wondering, “What more should I do besides pray?”  I asked a question to someone I trusted, “But what if this person does this?”  And they said to me, “You need to TRUST the Lord.”  It was so simple… but it was like my eyes were opened in 1 second – I saw that all of my thoughts and plans about all I needed to do and say, and fears of ‘What if’ were: a lack of faith.  It was plain and simple unbelief.

LOVE

One of the best things we can do for our own peace is to lift expectations off everyone else, looking to God alone.

We can’t decide how they act or treat us, but we can by God’s grace decide to love them and treat them right. Not even just for their sake but more importantly for the glory of God –

“…if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” (‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭16‬)

We are living before His face alone, our business is mainly that He will get glory from our own life… placing no expectations that others have to change at all, but maintaining a hope for others that in God’s time, He will do the work.  For those within the boundary of our authority (e.g. our children), we do have to labor to correct and guide them.  But we have to follow the Spirit regarding what to say and how to interact… without being frantic and ‘exasperating’ them (Col 3:21), or ‘Lording it over’ them (1 Pet 5:3).  This is not controlling people, this is a labor of love for their eternal good in Jesus.

MAYBE IT’S THE LORD’S WILL

Someone we know may be in sin or out of the Lord’s will. It may be affecting us, or others. Perhaps they won’t listen to anyone, and in that case we have to leave it.  But from our point of view, regarding ourselves and any affect it has on us, we have to consider: “Maybe it’s the Lord’s will to allow this.”

Shimei threw rocks at David.  David essentially said, “Maybe it’s the Lord’s will… so I will not fight” (2 Samuel 16:10).

For Shimei – definitely he was in sin. But for David – it was God’s will for him to endure that faithfully.  God didn’t cause all the mess, but He allowed it, and David accepted it because of His faith – “God must be allowing this for a reason.  Maybe it’s for me, that I need this.”

CONCLUSION

Whatever I write here I’m also working to encourage myself with God’s promises and His Word: Regarding the people we are burdened for (or burdened by!), we have to trust God.  We do what we can from our part, but our hope completely has to lean on His ability, and not in our own endless efforts to force other people.

Trying to control other people like this is like trying to force open a flower before it is ready to bloom.  God’s way and His timing is better.

And regarding the meantime, it’s a slavery to live life muddling through in discouragement and fear, concerning ourselves with what everyone else is doing or may do, feeling that we can never be happy in the Lord unless this other person changes.  God wants us free from that.  Seek the Lord to be delivered from that slavery!

One of the greatest lessons we can learn in this life before we leave this earth is that there is a fulfillment, joy and satisfaction in God and Christ alone, apart from anything else and anybody else (Psalm 73:25, Php 3:8) which is there for us to gain before Heaven.

Leave it to the Lord, and especially in His timing. Live before God’s face alone in humility, carrying your own cross and humbly accepting every person that He decides should be in your life, along with all the difficulties that may come through them, and patiently bearing the burdens you have for them (Eph 4:2).

Be patient.  Place it in God’s hands and rest.

Even when you feel that you can do nothing (like you are ‘asleep’ in the situation), remember that God is still working:

“It is vain for you to rise up early, To retire late, To eat the bread of painful labors; For He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” Psalms‬ ‭127‬:‭2‬

————

**By Bobby MacDonald © Copyright – Bobby MacDonald. No changes whatsoever are to be made to the content of the article without written permission from the author at NCCF Church our website: http://nccf.church
Questions? Email elders@nccf.church

Life Gets Harder After Following God: How God Develops You in the Dark

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You said yes to God, but doors closed and problems multiplied. When life gets harder after following God, you may wonder whether you missed His will. However, hardship does not always mean that God has rejected you or that His promise has failed.

Joseph received a dream from God, yet his path led through a pit, slavery, and prison before it reached the palace. Psalm 105:19 says, “Until the time that his word came to pass, the word of the Lord tested him.” Therefore, the promise revealed Joseph’s future while the process prepared him for it.

For example, at 14, I received a prophetic word that God would use me to speak to my generation. At 16, I saw a vision of what the church could become. Then, for more than a decade, my circumstances moved in the opposite direction. Looking back, I can see that God was developing me in the dark.

Why Life Gets Harder After Following God

First, a calling can attract spiritual resistance. For example, Jesus spent about 30 years in Nazareth, but after His baptism, the Father publicly affirmed Him and the Spirit led Him into the wilderness. Mark 1:12-13 records that He faced Satan’s temptation there. Therefore, the declaration of His identity came before a season of direct confrontation.

Likewise, Moses obeyed God and told Pharaoh to release Israel. Instead, Pharaoh increased the people’s workload and forced them to make bricks without straw. As a result, obedience brought pressure before it brought deliverance.

Therefore, when life gets harder after following God, do not assume that every battle proves you are outside His will. In fact, your obedience threatens the plans of darkness. Let me challenge you here: do not allow resistance to make you retreat from what God told you to do.

Testing Reveals What Success Would Expose

Second, God uses testing to reveal what influence could later destroy. For example, Deuteronomy 8:2 says God led Israel through the wilderness to humble and test them. God knew their hearts, but the people needed to see what pressure uncovered.

A trial can uncover pride, insecurity, fear, jealousy, or a hunger for approval. In fact, 1 Peter 1:7 compares tested faith to gold refined by fire. Therefore, pressure reveals what your faith contains and burns away what cannot endure.

Saul looked impressive and received an anointing, but his character could not carry the crown. Under pressure, he became defensive and jealous. As a result, the throne exposed what the secret place had never settled.

If life gets harder after following God, ask what the pressure is revealing. Be honest with yourself. God may be dealing with something privately because He loves you too much to let it destroy you publicly.

God Removes What Cannot Enter Your Next Season

Third, preparation often includes separation. For example, Joseph lost his special coat when his brothers threw him into the pit. Their actions were evil, yet God used that painful departure to move Joseph toward Egypt, where his assignment would unfold. As a result, what felt like rejection became redirection in God’s hands.

God called Abraham to leave home before showing him the promised land. Likewise, Elijah obeyed God and later watched his brook dry up. However, that loss moved him toward provision in Zarephath.

Jesus said in John 15:2 that the Father prunes every fruitful branch so it can bear more fruit. In fact, pruning happens to living, productive branches. Therefore, a closed door, changed relationship, or lost position does not always mean the devil won. Sometimes the Gardener holds the shears.

This is where many people get stuck when life gets harder after following God. Do not chase every door that closes. Ask the Holy Spirit whether God is removing what cannot accompany you into your next season.

God Develops Your Calling in Hidden Seasons

Fourth, hidden seasons give God room to form you. Before digital photography, film carried an image from the moment the camera clicked, although nobody could see it yet. However, that film had to remain in a darkroom while the picture developed. Exposing it to light too early did not accelerate the process; it ruined the image.

When life gets harder after following God, the promise may be present while the evidence remains hidden. You see darkness, while God develops the character required to carry the calling. Premature exposure can damage what He intends to reveal.

For example, David was anointed as a teenager, but he did not move directly from the oil to the throne. He returned to the sheep and later hid in caves. Meanwhile, God formed a man whose roots could survive power, criticism, and success.

A seed also grows in darkness. Something breaks open underground before new life appears. Likewise, pride, selfish ambition, and dependence on applause may need to die before your calling can live with purity. Don’t ignore this: God cares about the person carrying the gift, not only the gift becoming visible.

The Test Has an Expiration Date

Finally, God’s process has an appointed end. Psalm 105:19 begins with “until.” Genesis 41 shows that after two more years in prison, Pharaoh had a dream, Joseph interpreted it, and one day moved him from confinement to leadership.

Joseph felt forgotten, but heaven had not lost track of him. Still, the cupbearer’s delay could not cancel God’s timing. When the appointed moment came, years of hidden preparation became visible within hours.

1 Peter 5:10 says that after suffering “a while,” the God of grace will perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. Likewise, Galatians 6:9 promises a harvest in due season to those who refuse to lose heart. So, when life gets harder after following God, do not treat a temporary test as a permanent address. Your trial has boundaries, even when you cannot see them.

What to Do When Life Gets Harder After Following God

You cannot control the length of the process, but you can choose your response. Stay close to God in prayer and remain faithful in today’s assignment. Let correction change you, and refuse to build your identity on visible progress.

When life gets harder after following God, do not force yourself into the light or quit in the darkroom. Joseph’s pit did not cancel his dream, and prison did not erase God’s presence. The promise remained in process.

Maybe your circumstances contradict the promise. Hear this clearly: development does not mean disqualification. The word that called you can test you, shape you, and still come to pass.

Stay in God’s hands until the picture is ready.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I pray for the person reading this right now. You know what they have been carrying, the disappointments they have experienced, and the questions they have struggled to answer. You know the parts of their story that nobody else sees. Meet them in this moment and let them become aware of Your presence. Where their heart has been troubled, bring peace, and where disappointment has left them discouraged, restore their hope.

Heal every wound that has come from rejection, loss, unanswered prayer, or broken expectations. Keep their heart from becoming bitter because of what they have experienced. Help them release what they cannot change and forgive where forgiveness is needed. Remind them that what has happened to them does not determine who they are or what You can still do through their life.

Give them discernment for the season they are in. Show them what belongs in their future and what needs to be left behind. Give them wisdom to recognize the doors You are opening and the humility to walk away from what You are closing. Help them resist the temptation to compare their journey with someone else’s, and teach them to value what You are doing in their life without needing it to look like anyone else’s.

Lord, use the quiet places to shape something lasting within them. Develop their character, deepen their faith, and teach them to live from conviction rather than approval. When there is no recognition and nothing seems to be happening, let their private life with You become more precious than public visibility. May they become the kind of person who can carry what they have prayed for without being changed by the attention that comes with it.

When they feel discouraged, remind them that this chapter is not the conclusion. Give them wisdom for today and courage for the decision in front of them. Help them surrender their need to know exactly how everything will unfold, and teach them to place their future in Your hands.

Father, when they eventually look back on this season, let them recognize that You were present throughout it. Let them see how You used what they could not understand to shape, redirect, and prepare them. May they come through this chapter with greater depth, greater humility, and a heart that knows You more intimately.

Until then, keep their eyes fixed on You. Let their faith remain genuine when nobody is watching, let their hope remain alive when circumstances are slow to change, and let their lives continue to reflect Your goodness.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen 🙏

If you are walking through delay, disappointment, or a hidden season, explore Developed in the Dark for biblical encouragement to remain faithful while God prepares you.

———————-

** By Vladimir Savchuk Ministries / Photo by Ron Lach at Pexels

Staying Spiritually Alert

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Key Quotes

“For many young people, it may simply be mindless scrolling on Instagram, reels, shorts, videos, and feeds that waste our time and slowly drain our spiritual strength. These things may not look like a lion attacking us. But they may be the lion’s slow suffocation. They are the tares that choke the wheat the Lord has planted.”

“To pray at all times does not mean that we are constantly speaking words out loud. It means that the line of fellowship with God is open. Like a phone call or video call with a close friend that stays connected while you go about your work, you may not be speaking every second, but you are ready to listen when He speaks and ready to speak to Him at any moment.  That is the picture of spiritual alertness.”

“The greater danger is not the sin that tripped us up. The greater danger is the sin of discouragement that keeps us down.”Full Article

Jesus said in Matthew 24:13 – “The one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” There is a danger, especially when we are young and hear the Christian message, that we reduce the Christian life to simply this: “I want to get to heaven.” But eternal life is much more than that. It is a relationship with God our Heavenly Father that can begin right here on earth.  But this relationship requires us to be alert at all times so we don’t find ourselves drifting from God’s presence.  The Christian life is a fight to endure until the end. It is a battle to stay awake, stay alert, and preserve that restful relationship with God our Father.

Ephesians 6:18 says – “With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance…”

This verse is right after the passage on the armor of God proving that we put on the armor primarily so  that we can stay alert in prayer. Spiritual alertness is not optional for a disciple of Jesus. It is the way we guard and nurture the life of God that He has planted in us.

The Devil Devours by Slowly Choking Our Faith

1 Peter 5:8 – Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

A lion often kills its prey not by tearing it apart instantly, but by grabbing its neck and slowly cutting off its air. It is a death by suffocation and not an instant death.

That is a picture of how the devil seeks to choke our faith. Many times, he does not destroy a disciple in one dramatic moment. He gradually starves spiritual life. He slowly chokes the word of God until what was once alive begins to wither.

Jesus gives us another picture of this in Matthew 13.

Matt 13:24-28 – The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went away. But when the wheat sprouted and bore grain, then the tares became evident also…And he said to them, “An enemy has done this!”

The field can be a picture of our hearts. The Lord may have planted good seed in our hearts through His word, through our parents, through elders, through Sunday meetings, youth meetings, or personal devotion. But while we are spiritually sleeping, the enemy comes and sows tares among the wheat.

A tare is a toxic weed that looks like wheat. That is what makes it so dangerous. It may not look obviously sinful at first. It may not immediately alarm anyone around us. Our parents, friends, and brothers and sisters in the church may look at us and say, “He seems spiritual. She comes to the meetings. They know the right words.”

But if we examine our hearts honestly, we may find that the enemy has planted toxic weeds that are slowly choking the life of God within us.

It may be the songs and playlists we keep listening to that slowly dilute the word of God in our hearts. It may be what we are filling our eyes with on the internet. It may be websites and apps we keep returning to. It may be an addiction that we are hiding. It may be something that appears innocent, like shopping and coveting what we do not have. It may be gossip, destructive conversations, or worldly talk that we allow into our ears and then repeat with our mouths. For many young people, it may simply be mindless scrolling on Instagram, reels, shorts, videos, and feeds that waste our time and slowly drain our spiritual strength.

These things may not look like a lion attacking us. But they may be the lion’s slow suffocation. They are the tares that choke the wheat the Lord has planted..

Do Not Sell Your Birthright When You Are Famished

Genesis 25:29-34 tells us that Esau came in from the field famished. Jacob had cooked stew, and Esau said, “Please let me have a swallow of that red stuff there, for I am famished.” Jacob said, “First sell me your birthright.” Esau ate, drank, rose, and went on his way.

Gen 25:34 – Thus Esau despised his birthright.

Hebrews 12:16 warns us not to be immoral or godless like Esau, who sold his own birthright for a single meal.

What is the spiritual meaning for us?

The Lord has given us a birthright. He has called us to be sons and daughters of the King. He has called us to a royal life, a priestly calling, a life dedicated to Him. We are not called to dabble in trash. We are called to eat the King’s food.

But there are many evenings when we come home from school or work famished. We are tired, mentally worn down, emotionally exhausted, and hungry for some kind of satisfaction. That is often when the enemy comes.

He says, “Just tonight, are you willing to trade your birthright? Just satisfy your senses a little. Feed your eyes. Feed your ears. Feed your flesh. It is not that sinful. Just relax. Just escape. Just scroll. Just watch. Just listen. Just indulge.”  When we choose to indulge our senses instead of staying alert to God we are in effect despising our royal birthright in that moment.

In contrast, David chose to reject the voice of the enemy and be alert when he was famished. Psalms 119:148 – My eyes anticipate the night watches, that I may meditate on Your word. David knew that the night watches were dangerous. He knew that when he was tired, he needed to stay alert. So he disciplined himself to meditate on God’s word.

Anticipate that the devil and your flesh will come for you when you are tired, especially late in the evening when you are lying on your bed and your phone is within grabbing distance.  May we learn to replace the satisfaction of the senses with the satisfaction of meditating on the King’s word. Do not sell your spiritual birthright and the “fatted calf” God has for you for indulging your senses with “pigs’ food”

Wake Up Every Morning to Listen

Isaiah 50:4 – He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple.

It is not your alarm clock that ultimately wakes you up. It is the Lord who gives you breath again each morning. And He does not wake you up merely so that you can rush into your day. He wakes you up so that you can listen to Him as a disciple.

This is why we must begin the day by saying, “Lord, I want to be spiritually alert today. I want to keep the phone line open with You. I want to listen. I want to put on the armor of God so that I can pray at all times in the Spirit.”

To pray at all times does not mean that we are constantly speaking words out loud. It means that the line of fellowship with God is open. Like a phone call or video call with a close friend that stays connected while you go about your work, you may not be speaking every second, but you are ready to listen when He speaks and ready to speak to Him at any moment.  That is the picture of spiritual alertness.

Make the Most of Your Time

Ephesians 5:14 – Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.

This is the word of the Lord to anyone who has become spiritually drowsy. Wake up. Arise from spiritual depression. Christ will shine on you.

Ephesians 5:15-17 – Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Many young people ask, “What is God’s will for my life? Who will I marry? What job will I get? What should I do in the future?”

But God’s will for you today is very clear: Be careful how you walk. Do not be foolish.  Make the most of your time. Be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 – And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.

Dissipation means a slow wasting away. Many of us may not be tempted with wine, but we can be intoxicated with other things. We can be intoxicated with entertainment, social media, attention, music, shopping, romance, anxiety, self-pity, or the approval of friends. These things slowly cause the life of God to dissipate in us. Instead, the Lord says: Be filled with the Holy Spirit. That is God’s will for you today.

Do Not Sleep from Sorrow

In Luke 22, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives as was His custom. Prayer was not something He did only in a crisis. It was His custom.

Luke 22:40 – Pray that you may not enter into temptation.

This is the word of the Lord to us as well. Pray today that you may not enter into temptation tonight. Anticipate the night watches before they come.

Jesus withdrew about a stone’s throw away from His disciples and prayed, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” He was in agony, but He prayed fervently. And an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.

God has pleasures for us in the strengthening of angels in His presence that are far greater than the pleasures our phone, our flesh, or our temptations can offer. Psalm 16:11 – In Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

In contrast to Jesus, the disciples disobeyed Him and were not alert in prayer. Luke 22:45 – When He rose from prayer, He came to the disciples and found them sleeping from sorrow.

There is a spiritual sleep that comes from sorrow. Something may have happened at school, work, home, or in a relationship. Someone said something behind our back to put us down or to provoke us.  We feel discouraged, anxious, rejected, condemned, or full of self-pity. We begin to feel like victims. And that sorrow lulls us to sleep spiritually.

The greater danger is not the sin that tripped us up. The greater danger is the sin of discouragement that keeps us down. Do not succumb to sorrow. Do not remain in self-pity. Do not sleep from discouragement. Wake up and pray and run back to the Lord.

Jesus said to the church in Sardis: Rev 3:1-3 – I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead. Wake up, and strengthen the things that remain, which were about to die…remember what you have received and heard; and keep it, and repent.

This is a warning for us. We may have a name that we are alive. We may attend meetings. We may say the right things. We may have an appearance of healthy wheat in the field. But the Lord sees what is actually happening inside. His word to us is not condemnation. It is mercy.

Wake up. Strengthen what remains. Remember what you have received and heard. Keep it in your heart. Repent.  If the Lord convicts us, may we never treat that conviction lightly. May we say, “Lord, I want to wake up. I want to repent. I want to stay alert.”

When the Light Strikes the Prison Cell

Acts 12:6 – Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison.

This can be a picture of us spiritually. We may be asleep and bound by chains. We may feel unable to overcome a certain addiction, habit, thought pattern, or sin. We may feel chained on the right and chained on the left. But then the Lord’s light shines into our heart through His Word.

Acts 12:7 – And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.

Notice that when the light came, Peter was struck. The Lord’s correction may feel painful. It may come through a message, a parent, an elder brother, a spiritual brother or sister, or an event in our life. It may make us uncomfortable. But that painful strike is meant to wake us up. Do not be offended when the Lord corrects you. Say instead, “This is the light of God shining into my prison cell. This is my opportunity for the chains to fall off.”

Acts 12:8 – And the angel said to him, “Put on your belt and strap on your sandals”. That is a picture of equipping ourselves once more with the armor of God – the belt of Truth and the sandals of the gospel of peace with the assurance from God that we are His sons and daughters – much like how the father in the Prodigal Son story immediately girded his repentant son and put sandals on his feet. 

Acts 12:10 – Now when they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself

Many of us are praying, “Lord, open this gate. Open the door for marriage. Open the door for a job. Open the door for ministry. Open the door for fellowship. Open the door for the answer I am waiting for.” But the Lord may be saying, “First, I must wake you up. First, I must shine light into the prison cell. First, I must strike you with conviction. First, your chains must fall off. Then, as you follow Me, the gate will open by itself.”  Trust the Lord with the gate. Respond to the light He shines and His striking to wake you up today.

Seek Fellowship and Testify

After Peter was delivered, he immediately sought fellowship with the brothers and sisters. He went to the house of Mary, where many were gathered and praying. Then he described to them how the Lord had led him out of prison and said, “Report these things to the brethren.” (Acts 12:17)

This is how we must come to fellowship, midweek groups, and church meetings. Not merely with thoughts and theories, or just to consume, but with the testimony of the Lord’s working in our own life.

“The Lord convicted me; The Lord shone light into my heart; The Lord delivered me from a prison; The Lord helped me stay alert by equipping me;  Thhe Lord caused my chains to fall off;  Then the Lord opened a gate”

Isaiah 50:4 says the Lord gives us the tongue of disciples so that we may know how to sustain the weary one with a word.

Conclusion

May we stay spiritually alert at all times. May we put on the armor of God and pray at all times in the Spirit. May we anticipate the night watches when we are tired and famished. May we never sell our spiritual birthright for the temporary satisfaction of our senses. If the Lord has convicted us, may we not receive it as condemnation, but as an exciting invitation to come up higher. May we allow the light to shine into the prison cell. May we receive the strike that wakes us up. May we get up quickly, gird ourselves, and follow Him and then eagerly seek to encourage others.

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**By Sunil Poonen © Copyright – Sunil Poonen. No changes whatsoever are to be made to the content of the article without written permission from the author at NCCF Church