As a believer in Jesus Christ, you are likely aware that our battle is not against flesh and blood. So why do we still operate as if the natural realm is all we can see or influence?
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us of the truth: “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.”
There is an interesting body of information that I encountered years ago from Derek Prince, the Oxford scholar and celebrated deliverance minister.
Derek talked about the difference between the works of the flesh and works of the spirit. It is a mistake to think that the soulish realm does not exert a form of psychic energy that has power to influence people. Note that Paul lists “witchcraft” as a work of the flesh. “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, WITCHCRAFT…” (Galatians 5:19-21)
Why is “witchcraft” listed as a work of the flesh? The root of witchcraft is the carnal desire to dominate, manipulate, intimidate, and control. It shouldn’t be a surprise that those who operate in a spirit of control are completely convinced of what they believe God wants to do. They do not walk with an awareness of how to judge their own flesh. When they pray, preach, or prophesy, there is an element of manipulation that flows out of them. These individuals are praying, but they’re praying in a manipulative way rather than praying in the Holy Ghost. These works are “soulish” and under the right circumstances they converge with a counterfeit spirit that makes people think it is the Spirit of God! This becomes a very strange influence indeed, called “religious witchcraft.”
Here are a few questions to ponder as we dig deeper:
- How does this spirit operate? Do you ever wonder what the connection is between periods of Muslim fasting and prayer and the works of Jihad that manifest so intensely during that time? Or to bring matters closer to home, what happens when you have a number of people that are praying together, joining hands in agreement about what they are convinced God wants to do—but their intention doesn’t reflect God’s heart or vision? You can expect that those prayers, thoughts, and agreements go somewhere. I think that these prayers empower demonic attacks that show up in the form of psychic prayers, or you could say, mental bindings. Something comes over you that stifles your freedom and hijacks your joy. Suddenly you have lost all sense of spiritual connection and a whole host of alien thoughts and desires try to take root. When that happens, it might be necessary for you to stop and ask “Where is this coming from?” Realize that everyone has opinions and often good intentions—but not everyone is in tune with what God wants to do in your life in this season.
- How does this relate to the current season? We are living in a time when we must activate Psalm 91 over our lives, families, and businesses. The blessing of God covers ALL of life, not just the parts we view as spiritual. The political division in the nation is evidence that fragmentation is increasing in nations and in culture, but as this occurs, God’s people are called to walk in another realm.
- How can I stay protected? This is one reason why we pray without ceasing. The Bible tells us to “Keep yourself in the love of God” (Jude 1:21). This is possible because of the blood of Jesus. You simply have to declare, “Father, I apply the blood of Jesus now to my mind and my heart. Show me if there’s anything You need me to deal with, or any forgiveness issues that are in my life. I repent for partnering with a spirit of control, whether consciously or unconsciously. I ask You for Your peace and I ask You for Your empowerment. In Jesus’ name.” Pray and pause. The stronghold you wrestle with could be rooted in the soulish, manipulative prayers of others—but this prayer will break it!
What are some areas of your life that are crying out to be free from this manipulation? Have you allowed a controlling spirit to operate through you? Break the agreement with these lies today. Be confident in this: freedom is already yours in Christ!
As One,
Lance Wallnau
Good teaching. Definitely words to ponder and pray about.
Very interesting how God is giving all of His saints a heightened awareness of spiritual authority in this moment. These are great days to be a powerful Christian and terrible days to be a weak Christian.
We often pray intercessory prayers for things we consider to be totally indispensable and then as a guilty afterthought we say something like “But Jesus if you really don’t want to change my situation then that is okay – but please, as soon as possible”. And then, the next day and the day after that, we try again. It is not so surprising when we consider that Jesus did much the same in the Garden of Gethsemane: “Father if be possible ….. but not My Will, but Your Will be done”. The more spiritually attached to God amongst us will probably pray “Jesus, what do you want me to do?” or “Father through Jesus, help me to know Your Will and help me to do it.” I guess we are on a journey to heaven. Thank you Lance for your unique spirituality and guidance.
I thank God for you Lance. This is a powerful and critically important post. I will share it with many. God bless you and your family richly!
“The political division in the nation is evidence that fragmentation is increasing in nations and in culture, but as this occurs, God’s people are called to walk in another realm.”
This is good. Thank you for parsing words that add value in understanding. “Fragmentation” = chaos and represents the curses side of Deut chapter 28. Lance et al, one seriously needs to consider that God may be allowing all of this as judgment over the nation and world. I have been praying this scripture regularly: Isaiah 26:9 “For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.” Perhaps all of the vax mandates causing disease, death and despair and collapsing into fascism control is God bringing us to a place to reveal we have “dug our own cisterns” and God reputes this.
Thank you Jesus, thank you for the timing email Lance . I literally got delivered here in my living room . After I repent and apply the blood of Jesus. Hallelujah.
Thank you for teaching the Body of Christ. So profound His Words expressed through you Lance.
We need to be in His Word, Proclaim Him as Lord and Gather in His Name. Praying for you. Shalom Peace and God’s Protection.
Yes, that’s absolutely true, and very helpful to have it put so clearly. I have a book called “Witchcraft in the Church” concerning this very manipulative spirit. It took me many, many years to see that Christian leaders don’t always speak from God’s spirit, and I was especially prone to accept false accusations against me, because I already had such low self esteem, and thought everyone else was better than me. Sometimes, I knew essentially that I was not guilty of what I was being accused of, but it took me many years to start recognizing that I needed to stand up to such lies, no matter who the person was who condemned me. It is especially a battle, when I’m hearing God’s “still small voice” saying something about a situation, which goes completely against what others, especially those I consider above me, are trying to “force” me to believe. It’s only when I repeatedly go back to the Lord to ask Him to confirm His Word, for me to have the courage to act on that, and not on other’s forceful opinions! I think this is the pathway for all of us to “pull down strongholds” in our lives! It takes determination and courage to stand on what God says about us, NOT what the devil has always said through others, especially those in authority over us. I have a friend who has a VERY domineering wife, and their kids have all rebelled. My friend is constantly traumatized by the brokenness in his family, but doesn’t seem to be able to take his rightful leadership in the home. He is made to feel he is to blame, and cowers under his domineering wife! She is unbelievable in not even letting him speak if she doesn’t want him to speak his mind! She makes all the decisions, especially where money, work or business is concerned, and also which church the children HAVE to belong to (that’s why her young daughter left home at 14, has been in psychiatric hospitals and refuses to go back home)! I’ve tried and failed to befriend her (the mother) and discuss Bible verses; she rides right over the top of every conversation with the Catholic version! She won’t hear any other view! That’s what I believe is witchcraft- being totally taken over by a religious spirit and not knowing they are deceived! She herself is suffering, but stubbornly clings to the lies she’s captive to eg. everyone else is at fault if they don’t become Catholic! We all need to be prayerfully vigilant to harken to the Lord, not just blindly follow religious teachers, no matter what affiliation.
Wow! I’ve been wondering why a particular situation has cycled in the church I have attended for the past 14 years. I have asked God to show me truth. After reading this, I felt as though the lights went on. It all makes sense. How do I pray for my Pastors and leaders? Does applying the blood of Jesus demolish the spirit of witchcraft from continuing to operate? Do I have this type of authority over this type of a situation in a church where I am merely a layperson?