Chapter 5 - More Tips to Help Curtail Demonic Activity
1. Don't Invite Them in!
Don't Open the Door to Demonic Activity by Summoning Spirits, trying to Contact Angeles, etc.
Many people, even those who claim to be Christians have inadvertently opened the door to demonic activity in their lives by trying to do the wrong things for the right reasons. For examle; things such as, using charms, pagan religious objects, artifacts and relics, or trying to summon 'good' spirits or trying to contact angels to name a few (see complete list of things to avoid at the end of this chapter). If you have allowed any of these things in your life, you need to remove them, because when you open the door to bad spiritual forces, you will give the devil a 'stronghold' from which he uses to wreck havoc in your life. So, you need to close that particular door and don't open it up again. Read what the Holy Scriptures has to say about this: "You shall burn the carved images of their gods with fire; you shall not covet the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be snared by it; for it is an abomination to the Lord your God. Nor shall you bring an abomination into your house, lest you be doomed to destruction like it; but you shall utterly detest it and utterly abhor it, for it is an accursed thing" (Deuteronomy 7:25&26). "Also, many of those who had practiced magic brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted up the value of them, and it totaled fifty thousand pieces of silver" (Acts 19:19).
Likewise, as previously stated, you can actually welcome an evil spirit into your life without even knowing it, or having to do anything on the outside. Because even though you may not realize it, your ‘thought life’ alone is fully capable of opening the door to demonic activity all by itself.
Next, is a list of a few things and methods that when used can possibly open the door to demonic activity in your life. When you remove these items and methods you will close that door, and block spiritual forces from using them as 'entry points' into your life.…
2. Possible Demonic Entry Points
Abstract art (under hallucinogenic stimulus)
Acupuncture
Amulets (tigers claw, sharks tooth, horseshoe over door, mascots, talisman (magic picture)
Ankh (a cross with a ring top used in satanic rites)
Apparitions - occultism
Astral travel
Astrology
Augury (interpreting omens)
Automatic writing
Birth signs
Black arts
Black magic (involving hidden powers for bad ends)
Black mass
Blood subscriptions (pacts)
Cartomancy (using playing cards)
Chain letters
Charming or enchanting (attempts to use spirit power)
Charms and charming for wart removal
Chinese astrology
Clairaudience (ability to hear voices and sounds super-normally - spirited voices alleging to be those of dead people giving advice or warnings)
Clairsentience (supernatural sense perception)
Clairvoyance (ability to see objects or events spontaneously or super normally above their normal range of vision - second sight)
Conjuration (summoning up a spirit by incantation)
Coven (a community of witches)
Demon worship
Disembodied spirits
Divining rod or twig or pendulum (Hosea 4:12)
Dowsing or witching for water, minerals, under-ground cables, finding out the sex of unborn child using divining rod, pendulum, twig or planchette
Dream interpretation
Dungeons and dragons
Eastern meditation/religious - Gurus, Mantras, Yoga, Temples etc
Ectoplasm (unknown substance from body of a medium)
Enchanting
E.S.P. (extra sensory perception)
Findhorn Community
Floating trumpets
Fortune telling
Gothic rock music
Gurus
Gypsy curses
Hallucinogenic drugs (cocaine, heroin, marijuana, sniffing glue etc)
Handwriting analysis (for fortune telling)
Hard rock music
Heavy metal music (all heavy rock)
Hepatoscopy (examination of liver for interpretation)
Hex signs (hexagrams)
Horoscopes
Hydromancy (divination by viewing images in water)
Hypnosis
Idols
Incantations
Iridology (eye diagnosis)
Japanese flower arranging (sun worship)
Jonathan Livingstone Seagull (Reincarnation, Hinduism)
Kabbala (Occult Lore)
Karma
Levitation
Lucky charms or signs of the Zodiac or birthstones
Magic (not sleight of hand but using supernatural power)
Mantras
Mediums
Mental suggestion
Mental telepathy
Mental therapy
Mesmerism
Metaphysics (study of spirit world)
Mind control
Mind Dynamics
Mind medium ship
Mind reading
Moon-mancy
Motorskopua (mechanical pendulum for diagnosing illness)
Mysticism
Necromancy (conjuring up spirits of the dead)
Numerical symbolism
Numerology
Occultic games
Occult letters of protection
Occult literature (Such books should be burned, regardless of cost).
Omens
Ouija boards
Pagan fetishes
Pagan religious objects, artifacts and relics
Pagan rites (Voodo, Sing sings, Corroborees, Fire walking, etc)
Palmistry
Pk (parakineses - control of objects by the power of the mind and will)
Parapsychology (PS) - especially study of demonic activity
Pendulum diagnosis
Phrenology (divining/analysis from the skull)
Planchette (divining)
Precognition (foreknowledge of the occurrence of events)
Psychic healing
Psychic sight
Psychography (use of heart shaped board)
Psychometry (telling fortunes by lifting or holding object belonging to the enquirer)
Punk rock music
Pyramidology (mystic powers associated with models of pyramids)
Rebirthing
Reincarnation
Rhabdomancy (casting sticks into the air for interpreting omens)
Satanism
Seances
Self hypnosis
Significant pagan days
Sorcery
Spells
Spirit knockings or rappings
Star signs
Stichomancy (fortune telling from random reference to books)
Stigmata - occultic types.
Superstitions (self or parents or grandparents)
Table tipping
Tarot cards (22 picture cards for fortune telling)
Tea-leaf reading
Thought transference
Tk (telekineses - objects move around room, instruments play, engines start...)
TM (Transcendental Meditation
Trances
Transmigration
Travel of the soul
UFO fixation
White magic (invoking hidden powers for "good ends")
Witchcraft
Yoga (involves Eastern demon worship)
Zodiac charms, birthdates
Zodiac signs
Remember, 'fixation' on these things can 'open the door' to demonic activity in your life and give the devil a 'stronghold' from which to wreck havoc on you.
______________________________
3. Struggles of the mind: Strongholds
Many people, even Christians, struggle on a daily basis with attitudes and emotions that they have absolutely no control over, or they feel powerless when facing life issues. Whether they realize it or not, they have what is known in spiritual circles as a stronghold of the mind. As a matter of fact, the Oxford Dictionary describes Stronghold as “1: a place that has been fortified against attack. 2: a place of strong support for a cause or political party”. A stronghold in the mind can then be defined as a ‘spiritual fortress’ made of wrong thoughts and emotions; a fortified dwelling place where 'demonic forces' can hide and operate in power against us. The Holy Scriptures tell us that a stronghold of the mind is actually a 'lie' that Satan establishes in our thinking.
It is a statement that we count as true but that is false; an incorrect thinking pattern that has molded itself into our way of thinking. Our Lord and Saviour, Yehoshua said we have an evil, deceptive, lying enemy: "There is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies" (John 8:44). This thought (stronghold) becomes so establish in your mind that it has the power to resist anything that is contrary to it and it seeks more and more to ‘fortify’ itself against any form of attack So how does the enemy construct a spiritual stronghold in our lives? He will use deception and error to build strongholds in the mind. Strongholds are built when we accept and receive error and begin to meditate on them. It forms in our minds what is known as an imagination, that is, a false concept that we believe to be true, but in reality is not.
The Holy Scriptures speak about these imaginations clearly, and shows us how they can be torn down: (2 Corinthians 10:4). He starts with a foundation of lies, usually about the personality of God or about how God views us in Christ. One of Satan's tactics is mental warfare. Over time, he causes a battle to rage in our mind that keeps us feeling accused and intimidated. It is no mistake that in Rev. 12:10 he is called the "accuser of the brethren". He uses false guilt and tormenting thoughts to remind us of our past failures, or he speaks lies against us trying to cripple our Christian walk. Moreover, he will invade our thought life, causing us to embrace wrong thinking, bad attitudes and emotional scars. In other words, these strongholds have the capability to affect our feelings, how we respond to various situations in life, and they play a large role in our spiritual freedom. These thoughts will affect your emotions, how you feel and the actions you take. Proverbs 23:7 says “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
Do you know that some stronghold cannot be identified by you, but others can see it clearly in you? It’s only you who just don’t see it. That can be a very difficult state to be in (since you need to first understand and admit that you are actually under a stronghold), but if you cannot see it yourself, it can be difficult for you to realize what is going on with you, as others do. Because of this, a lot of people will unknowingly pick up a demon from various sources, then that demon quickly builds one or more strongholds in their mind that must be later torn down. But, sometimes this can be a difficult task, because a person who has a demon behind their stronghold(s) may find it nearly impossible to tear them down and keep them down. This is because the demon will be working hard at rebuilding and holding those strongholds in place. Therefore, the demons should be driven out as instructed in chapter three of this book in Yehoshua' name, then the stronghold will come down much easier and the demon will not be so quick to return. In fact, the key to bringing down the strongholds Satan has constructed in our minds is the knowledge of God's word and personality. Getting to know the true God and seeing how He views us in Christ will help to strengthen the inner man and tear down the strongholds (the lies Satan has fed us).
Since strongholds are built upon error and falsehood, it is through the truth that you tear down such faulty thinking patterns. The scriptures instruct us that strongholds and imaginations must be cast down by being transformed through the renewing of our minds: (Romans 12:2). It is through the renewing (washing) of our minds with the Word of God that we are transformed and strongholds are torn down (Ephesians 5:26-27). To be sure, spending time and meditating on the Word of God washes our minds and corrects our false thinking patters (strongholds). As Christians, in order for us to have victory over the 'world', the 'flesh' and the 'devil' we must become 'God-centered'; having our 'heart' and 'mind' soundly fixed on Him and His Word. Not only that, but we must also practice the art of long and loving 'meditation' on the truths of the Scriptures and the whole of God; Who He is, His statues and His will for our lives. When we do this we can become independent from the lies of Satan. And as our minds are renewed with the word of God, our eyes become open to the truth and we may prove (discern) what is good, acceptable and perfect, and the will of God. With a renewed mind, filled with God's word, we can resist the lies of Satan and learn to control our thoughts, to think on good things, on the goodness of God, and His Word. We can praise and exalt the Lord, disarm the enemy and find life-changing freedom. So, as we meditate and keep our minds washed with God's Word, Our strongholds, which are based upon error and deception, will not stand any longer!
4. Scriptural Steps to Freedom from Strongholds:
1. Salvation: Eph 2:8-9
2. Confession: 1st John 1:9
3. Forgive Others: Matt. 6:12, 6:14-15
4. Faith that God removes strongholds: Heb. 11:6
5. Bless the Lord: Ps. 34:3
6. Pray: 2Ch. 7:14 and other scriptures
7. Develop in Love: 1st Cor. 13;1-8
8. ID the Strongholds: Ask God to Remove Them: Matt. 16:19, 2nd Cor. 10:4-6
9. Change the Way You Think: Think Godly Thoughts: Prov. 23:7, Jos. 1:8, Ro. 8:6
10. Thank God: Ro 7:25,
See full list of strongholds of the mind at the end of this chapter
The Holy Scriptures declare that:
"The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty to the pulling down of strongholds" (2 Corinthians 10:4)
Bottom line is, when you use all these ‘spiritual weapons’ they will help you in your daily struggles by blocking demonic activity and removing strongholds from your mind that can hinder you in your spiritual growth and success. Moreover, now that you are growing spiritually; when you keep your mind renewed with the word of God, you will be able to think ‘godly thoughts’, leading you to speak ‘godly words’. Your Godly thoughts and Godly words will help you develop ‘godly character’ and your ‘godly character’ will lead you to the ‘right results’... Victory over the Enemy and Favor with God!
5. When Trials Come… Rejoice!
You've heard the phrase “Laughter is good for the soul”. The dictionary defines laughter as a visual expression of happiness, or an inward feeling of joy, and Webster defines joy as a condition or feeling of high pleasure or delight; happiness or gladness. Research has shown that laughter can help relieve pain, bring greater happiness, and even increase immunity. So we can conclude then, that feelings of joy and laughter have great physical and psychological benefits, just as the Holy Scriptures suggest.
So, most importantly, when you feel like you are under ‘spiritual attack’, going through a crisis, stress or just experiencing a low in your life, the Holy Scriptures teach us to rejoice (Phil. 4:4), and be of good cheer (John 16:33) for a very good reason: Not only does laughter make us feel better, but feelings of joy can actually give us the strength to handle whatever we are dealing with, and also aid in the healing and recovery process (Neh. 8:10)... “The joy of the Lord is your strength”. Moreover, James 1:2 tells us to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials and temptations. There are many scriptures through out the Bible that teaches us to be consistent in joy, peace, and love no matter what the circumstance. Like Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6:4-27), the three Hebrew Boys (Daniel 11:3-26), or Job (Job 1-42); keep the faith, stay the course, make merry and be glad (Luke 15;32), and you will win the battle. So, when Satan attacks, and you are going through a crisis… Rejoice! The unspeakable joy and peace that comes from unyielding faith in the Word of God here on earth and knowing that something better is reserved in Heaven will lead to breakthrough and final victory against the 'Invisible Spiritual Forces' that will try to wreck havoc in your life.
Biblical Authority to Deal with evil spirits
I know there are so many times when people feel like they are helpless against the trials, tribulations, and temptations Satan puts in their path. Some use excuses such as, “it must be God’s will” or "the devil made me do it"; as if it were completely beyond their control to do any thing about them. Though some people live like they are powerless to overcome the devil, they need to understand that the Lord has given us the authority to deal with evil spirits (Luke 10:17-20) and victory over the world, the flesh and the devil. Not only that, some people have said that a person should not try to tackle Satan, or deal with his demon Forces on their own because there is a danger in doing so. Well, this may be true for some, but for those of us that are covered with the ‘Blood of Yehoshua’, we have confidence that the Word of God gives us the ‘power’ and ‘authority’ to do just that.
In fact, in the Holy Scriptures our Lord and Savior Yehoshua said that:
1. I come that you might have life (John 10:10)
2. All power is given unto Me (Matthew 28:18)
3. I give you power to... (Luke 10:19)
4. Greater is He that is in you... God's Word promises us: "You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4)
5. Put on the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18)
6. A name above every other name (Yehoshua) (Philippians 2:9)
7. On the cross, Yehoshua has already defeated the enemy (John 19:30)
8. Put the enemy in his rightful place... The Holy Scriptures declare; “put the devil in his rightful place” (Gen 3:15; Eph 1:19-23). So, where is the devil's place in the life of a Christian, anyway? As it has been shown, the Holy Scriptures tell us in Ephesians 1:19-23 that God put the devil in his place when He raised Christ Yehoshua from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavens. How did He do this? Well, when Christ rose from the dead to eternal life, Satan was defeated. In effect, Ephesians verse 22 is saying that God placed all things under Christ's feet, and appointed Him (Yehoshua) to be head of all things, for the sake of the church, so Satan also is under Christ's feet. In the same fashion, we as Christians, make up the church, which is the body of Christ, so likewise, if we are His body, then doesn't it stand to reason that just as it is with Yehoshua, Satan is also under our feet? That's right! Now you know that Satan's place is under our feet! Even though he may strike our heels, Genesis 3:15 tells us that we can crush his head, through Christ Yehoshua. So, we are no longer under Satan's power, but are empowered by God Almighty to defeat the devil when he comes against us! Hallelujah!
Now, with all of this in mind, as stated before, one sure thing to protect us is what the Holy Scriptures call ‘death to self’, or being ‘crucified’ with Christ. You see, like Yehoshua's’ death on the cross and resurrection, ‘death to self’ is actually the ‘crucifying’ of your ‘old sinful nature’ and the beginning of a brand new life in Christ. As a matter of fact, in the Holy Scriptures Yehoshua revealed that losing one’s life for Christ’ sake is the key to finding real victory in life (Matthew 16:25; John 10:10). So you see, what the Holy Scriptures call ‘death’ is not actual ‘physical death’ but what the scriptures call; “old things passed away and all things made new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Thankfully, dying with Christ to our old life, leads immediately to rising with Christ to a new life. You see, as soon as we die with Christ, we rise with Him and begin reigning with Him, with our every spiritual enemy under your feet (Ephesians 1:19-23). Moreover, throughout the Bible, we see the rewards promised to those who overcome, who stand firm, and who keep the devil in his place. My friend, God gave us the victory, but we cannot give in or give up; we have to walk in it… “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” (Rev. 21:7)
“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne” (Rev. 3:21)
“…thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57)
In essence, our 'true spiritual authority' comes from abiding in the Lord and Savior Yehoshua. As it has been shown, according to the Holy Scriptures we have authority 'in His name', which implies that we have 'His authority' in our 'spiritual battles' and also when we are on a mission for Him. So, as faithful Christians we can have confidence that when we are sent out by Him to do His work (heal the sick and cast out devils), even though we will stir up the evil one, we have the same authority as the Lord to deal with him... Hallelujah!
God Bless You