Hi Everyone,

It is amazing how the Lord teaches us his ways and the ways of the kingdom.  He leads us a step at a time and reveals what we are able to take in, and understand.  I feel truly blessed, as we should all feel blessed. God loves us and does not want any of us to remain in the dark.

How often Jesus spoke of the kingdom of God, saying over an over the kingdom of God is like…….

A treasure hidden in a field…..A pearl of great value.….A coin that was lost…..The seed that was sown, but weeds sprung up…..The mustard seed…..A net let down and caught all kinds of fish……

We need to understand the kingdom of God and how it operates.  God wants us to know how to access his power to take authority over the powers of darkness.  We are not here to collect dust, but to change the world with the power God.

The Vision:

I saw a long, black, metal bar made from a solid rod of iron, ¾” square.  At one end was a 12” piece of iron from the same stock, that was bent into an arc, slightly more open than a half circle.   The arc was centered and attached to one end of the bar. The bar or rod was about 8 to 9 feet in length.

In the vision, I saw the arc at the end of the rod placed at the throat of a being, and pulled from somewhere on my left, taken past me, and continued on, far to my right.

This being seemed much like a woman, with long, flowing, blonde hair.  She wore a long gown, that was light in color and rather ethereal. Her body was not seen, only her head and neck.  Her lithe form flowed gracefully through the air in a wave-like motion. She followed easily along offering no resistance.

When I first received this vision 3 days ago, I thought that the being was a person’s spirit.  I thought that perhaps, just as Enoch walked the earth and was no more, that perhaps this was the spirit of someone who God had called to himself.  It seemed as if the spirit had been taken from someone. I didn’t see it like the moment of death, when the spirit leaves the body. However, I thought God was using this image as a means of demonstrating the idea of being “Spirit-led,”  to be detached from the world, and our flesh, to seek him and worship him “in Spirit.”

But since then, I have had time to pray regarding the vision, to seek the Lord for what it really means.  And now I believe differently than I did at first. When I asked the Lord to show me who the woman was, I opened my Bible, and the heading of the article in my study Bible read, “Power over Satan and Demons.”  I knew that God was showing me that this beautiful being, was not a human spirit, but a demon that was being removed from the scene.

The iron rod was symbolic of the authority of God.  The demon was one of Satan’s workers who had come to deceive and cause harm among God’s people.  Demons can torment people with evil thoughts, sickness, pain, and financial ruin. The demon in the vision looked beautiful, rather angelic, but we all know that this is merely a disguise.   “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.”  2 Corinthians 11:14  

Jesus referred to the devil as a thief:  “The thief comes to kill, to steal, and to destroy.  I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly.”  John 10:10

It is a good thing  when the Lord shows us a vision of the demons being taken out of commission.  It means that our prayers, and our worship are supporting the Lord’s battle. Because our church has been genuinely seeking God, we are seeing and experiencing his faithfulness and provision.  We can see that the manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s presence among us has been increasing as the worship has intensified. I believe that there will be a revival in our church if the hunger for the Lord’s presence and the desire to know him continues.  This is where every church needs to be right now.

We live in a very wicked time in our nation.  I know many people may point to low points in our country’s history, and say that it was more wicked then, but in general, most people would agree that what was considered bad was actually bad, and what was considered good was good.  Today we cannot say that it is true for our culture. I believe that wickedness is increasing at an alarming rate. What was once considered sin, and shameful, people now flaunt as being “right.”  

The Lord warned us, through the prophet Isaiah, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”  Isaiah 5:20

Years ago, when I wanted my two senators to support the marriage amendment, I was surprised at the response I got from them both.  Rather than supporting God’s plan of marriage between one man and one woman, they each sent a letter to me saying in effect, that they believed that it was “right” in their eyes  “to support and bring dignity to a greater percentage of the population.”

In stating this, they were denying God’s plan for mankind, and the institution of marriage as a covenant between ourselves and God.  They were approving homosexual marriages and declaring, in defiance, that “We know what is right, what is good and what is beneficial for our nation.”  

These men and others so aligned, are demonstrating the same rebellion which Adam and Eve committed when they ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.  The devil tempted them with the same temptation by which he fell - to be like God!

“‘You will not surely die,’ the serpent said to the woman.  ‘For God knows that when you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’”  Genesis 3:5  

When people in our nation say that God’s way is wrong, and that their way is right, they are in total rebellion.  “For rebellion is like the sin of divination, (witchcraft) and arrogance like the evil of idolatry.  Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, he has rejected you as king.”  1 Samuel 15:23

I know that I may be preaching to the choir, but I hope to arouse you, the church, to wake up and put on your armor.  We have to take a stand for the gospel, and for God’s ways. If we do nothing and say nothing - if we do not take this to prayer and earnestly seek God’s plan for our nation, we will one day wake up and find that it is too late.

Remember that “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Ephesians 6:12

If our struggle is against the powers of darkness, then how do we defeat them?  The demon in the vision was being carried away with an iron bar at its throat. It did not put up a fight.  How was he subdued?

I am not an expert on the topic, but I can share what I believe to be true, by sharing a few visions that I received several years ago.   

I was part of a Spanish ministry at my church, not because I could speak Spanish, for I only know a few words, but because the people loved to pray, to fast, and to worship with no time constraints.   One Friday evening we worshiped for several hours. When the worship came to a stop, I opened my eyes, and saw a multitude of angels seated on white horses. They formed a single line that went far into the distance and made a left turn.  They had captured and were leading away demons bound in chains. I believe that it was because of our extended worship, and praise to God that the angels were able to win this battle, for the Lord. 

I believe that worship is warfare.  You may be familiar with the story of the Israelites fighting with the Amalakites.  When Moses lifted up his arms in praise to God, the Israelites would have the upper hand in battle.  However when he became fatigued, and could no longer hold up his arms, the battle reversed in favor of the enemy.  So Aaron, and Hur, gave support to his arms so that the battle would end in victory. And so it did, “So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.”  Exodus 17:13  The battle belongs to God.  

When we praise God, and lift up our arms and our voices to him in worship, we will be victorious!

Another way in which we overcome the wicked one and his demons, is with prayer.  Once while I was deep in prayer, the Lord gave me a vision: I saw twelve men in three rows.  The first row of men had one knee on the ground. The middle row were standing in a split stance with both hands on their right leg.  The men in the back row were standing ready. One man in the center of the group, looked directly at me and said, “We are on our way.”  I knew that God was dispatching these angels to engage the enemy, and accomplish his will, in response to my prayers.  

Another time, while I was praying, I saw a man at a grinding stone, sharpening the blade of his knife.  He was wearing heavy boots and brown leather pants. When he finished sharpening his knife, he put his hands on his thighs, stood up and walked around the stone.  I knew he was also an angel that was being dispatched to carried out the Lord’s plan, because of my prayers.

We have to see that when we pray, things happen.  If we have a situation that needs God’s intervention, we must pray.  There are many problems, but the Lord is always the answer.

Sometimes we come to a situation, that is years old - like praying for salvation or breakthrough in someone’s life.  To get victory, it may simply amount to standing firm on the promises of God, and remaining faithful in prayer.  

I am experiencing one such situation right now.   We do not as yet have a breakthrough, but I believe that fasting may be necessary to overturn the enemies plans.  Fasting is always a good idea. If the idea ever comes to mind, act on it, because your flesh didn’t just get a “good idea,”  it is the Holy Spirit within, that wants you to fast.

When the disciples had difficulty casting out a demon, what did the Lord tell them?  “He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith.  Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there,” and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you. But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’”  Matthew 17:20-21

Fasting does so much in the Spirit.  It makes us so much more sensitive to the voice of God.  It puts our flesh on hold, so that we can more easily respond to God in the Spirit.   I doubt that I would get visions, insights and words from him if I did not pray, or did not fast.

I have an earlier post on fasting, which I hope you will take time to read:  “An Open Vision - It’s Okay to Fast.” God is supernatural, and he will do things in the supernatural when we fast and seek him.  

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”  Ephesians 6:18  

I am so grateful that when I went on a retreat, I was delivered and baptized in the Holy Spirit.  On my way home, the demon returned and spoke to me, saying “You have to invite me back!” The Lord was so good to me, for he prompted me to say, “Lord send your Holy Spirit!”   I began speaking in tongues and the demon left! There was no fight. Hallelujah!  

I sang in tongues, and prayed in tongues for 3 ½ hours all the way home.   Being afraid of his return, I stayed up all night and prayed for many, many people.  Hallelujah! No one taught me how to pray - it was the Holy Spirit praying through me! 

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For we do not know how we ought to pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words.  And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.”  Romans 8:26-27

I wish everyone would be baptized in the Holy Spirit.  Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. It is so wonderful, to be free, to worship, and - after so many years - finally I am able to not care what others may say, or think.  I don’t have to stay in my pew, and look holy! I can be undignified and shout, and sing, and dance and worship, and give my God, my Lord Jesus, the highest praise! I can shout Hallelujah!  Jesus is Lord!

I am free and full of joy!  “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on you.”  Isaiah 26:3

Just the other day, we received a call for prayer while in our prayer group.  An elderly man, suddenly became paralyzed, and was taken to the hospital. The surgeons worked on his entire spine for 5-6 hours.  We immediately began to pray. I asked one intercessor to pray in English while we prayed in the Spirit. It was an intense, focused prayer.  When we finished, there was a release. I knew he would be okay. Then last night my friend who had called me for prayer, said that he was up walking!  And that he could move his hands as well! To God be the glory for the things he has done!

So we pray in the Spirit upon all occasions!  And we pray in agreement, because it is powerful!  “Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my  Father in heaven. For where two or three gather together in my name, there I am with them.”  Mathew 18:19-20

There is one more mighty weapon that was just mentioned above, and that is faith.  Faith is something that is cultivated. A child has faith in his parents because he has seen how his parents have come to his rescue, have fed him when he was hungry, and have held and comforted him when he had fears.  So a child can trust more easily than a teen or adult who has experienced disappointment, betrayal, ridicule, and failure.  

But if we want to move in power, in the Spirit, we have to have faith.  Faith can move mountains. Faith is simply trusting God for the outcome in a situation.  Faith is trusting God even though we don’t see what he is doing. Without faith, our prayers are offered in vain.  We have to believe that the Lord will answer our prayers, that it is his desire to heal, to save, to provide, and to care for his children.  That’s us - we are his! When we trust God, faith is released as power. The work God wants to do is no longer hindered by our unbelief.  

Do you remember that Jesus wanted to perform miracles in his hometown but he was hindered by their unbelief.  ‘Isn’t this the carpenter?  Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon?  Aren’t his sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at him.”

“Jesus said to them, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.’  He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.”  Mark 6:3-6 

I know that faith is an important ingredient to breakthrough.  Faith can be supernatural. Sometimes when we pray for people, the power of faith to believe, will suddenly come.  There will be a word, or anointing of the Spirit, so that we know that what we pray will come to pass. But for many people faith is something that grows a bit at a time.  “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.”  Romans 10:17

So if you lack faith to believe for a miracle, or for the salvation of a loved one, begin to get into the word of God.  The more time you are in the word, and in the wonderful presence of the Lord, the more intimately you will know him. Faith will spring out of the knowledge of God and trust will be built in the relationship that you develop with him.  “When you seek me you will find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”  Jeremiah 29:13

The Lord is so wonderful!  So mighty! So Powerful! And we can know him - how amazing!

I hope you are encouraged to pray, to seek God, to fast, to know his word and his promises, because you will find that he is your treasure and your great reward!

Please share this with others so that they may be encouraged too.  We have much to do - much to pray on behalf of our nation. God will move the mountains if we will be faithful in prayer.

“If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven.  I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  2 Chronicles 7:14

If you would like to receive an email announcing each new post,  leave your email and I will make sure the you are added. Please know that I will never share your contact information.

Be blessed!