NEW TIME! PREPARE Internet Radio at 8p.m. est TONIGHT

Last Saturday we began getting into the nitty-gritty of knowing God. Tonight we will answer listener questions and get into 6 ways to start to hear His Voice more clearly.

Please note we will not be broadcasting this Saturday.

Be sure to visit the archives to listen to previous shows at your leisure. The programs can also be downloaded or subscribed to.

Join us Live at 8pm est by clicking here:

For PREPARE radio, here are the numbers you need to know:

To call in during the program: (718) 664-6988

To Instant Message the host during the program:

YahooMessenger: ncpatriot8

GoogleTalk: nc.dianne

AIM: diannethomasmin

To email the host during the program: nc.dianne@gmail.com

Join us!
Dianne
nc.dianne@gmail.com

PREPARE Internet Radio Saturday Morning 10am eastern

We will be looking at some fundamentals and practical strategies to put into effect to learn how to hear God clearly and consistently for yourself.

Join us Live at 10am est by clicking here:

For PREPARE radio, here are the numbers you need to know:To call in during the program: (718) 664-6988

To Instant Message the host during the program:

YahooMessenger: ncpatriot8

GoogleTalk: nc.dianne

AIM: diannethomasmin

To email the host during the program: nc.dianne@gmail.com

Join us!

Join us 7p.m. tonight!

Last Thursday evening we started our discussion on Hearing from God, focusing on not being able to hear at all and how to tell if it’s God. We also discussed current events, specifically what God has said about the French Elections (Pandora’s Box) and the passing of Jerry Falwell (family comforted and 5 people sent forth).

Then on Saturday morning we spent some time answering a listener’s question from the previous broadcast; during the program I had mentioned that there are some questions you can ask a person to determine at least to some extent whether a person is truly a believer (a regenerated being) or not, so we discussed what those questions are and what the answers may reveal. We then discussed some parenting responsibilities, forgiveness, discipline and ‘turning the other cheek’ using the public exchange of actor Alec Baldwin’s relationship with his daughter as an example.

Tonight we will recap the major points from that discussion and touch on a couple of thoughts on immigration, illegal and otherwise, and move forward on hearing from God.

Join us!

Basic Principles of Bible Interpretation

As we study the scriptures, or anything else for that matter, we need to do some objective evaluating of the content. Here are some guidelines:

1) Who wrote it? (Author) Is this person speaking for God, or themselves, or for a position or belief they are trying to re-enforce or question?

2) To whom was it written? (Audience) Believer or non-believer? Those under law or under grace? To those in authority or to the common man?

3) What was the social situation? (Environmental Context) What city? What is the history of the region? What was going on politically, religiously, financially at the time?

4) When was this written? (Age Context) Was this written under Law or under Grace? Pre-Resurrection or Post-Resurrection?

5) What is the practical application for us, since we, as believers, now live in the age of grace? (Application)

6) Review the passage before and after the scripture being studied. Remember, in the original there were no chapter breaks, passage numbers or even punctuation or capitalizations.

7) Study key words according to their original definition. A Strong’s Concordance, referencing the King James Version, is an invaluable resource, as is a good interlinear reference, which gives a modern-day translation with a “straight-rendering” or “word-for-word” translation of the original language, whether Hebrew, Aramaic or Greek).

Does what I have learned from this passage cause me to depend on God, or on myself (the strength of my emotions, will or intellect). I have found this a good test to see whether I have interpreted a passage according to grace or from a law mentality, which begets legalism and death.

9) When using outside references, dictionaries, expositories, etc., use as great a variety as possible, as often these individual works are written to enforce a viewpoint, approach, belief, doctrine or denomination.

10) When studying scripture, use as many versions and translations as possible, as each will have a nuance that may give further revelation by the Holy Spirit’s enlightenment. This also trains us to become interpreters, rather than simply sponges that absorb the surface layer.

These are just a few criteria to keep in mind whenever we study the scripture, regardless of what version we use. This is important because we want to handle the scriptures rightly, and not be putting words in God’s mouth. In this way, we can have confidence that as the Holy Spirit brings the words to life, He is doing so according to His will, and not because it’s something we want to hear, or have heard from someone else.

PREPARE radio launch tonight

PREPARE Internet Radio ~ LAUNCHING TONIGHT at 7 p.m. eastern

We will be discussing current events (French election, Jerry Falwell’s passing) and Listener’s Questions: “Why Can’t I hear from God? How can I tell if it’s God, the devil or just my own thoughts?”

Join us Live at 7pm est by clicking here:

For those who aren’t familiar with internet radio, here’s a brief description:

Traditional Radio: When listening to a live, call-in talk show on broadcast radio (in your car, at work, etc.), you are listening to a syndicated show being produced in a studio and sent to various stations who broadcast to their audience. Only one show can be broadcast at one time on any given station.

Internet Radio: Internet radio programs are basically produced by individuals behind their microphones at their home computers and broadcast through a common internet studio. The power and flexibility of the internet allows for any number of shows to be broadcast to the hub, where any number of people can listen in just by clicking on a button during the live broadcast. In the case of BlogTalkRadio, that button looks like this:

To make the programming interactive, each program is assigned a phone number to which listeners can call in and talk to the host and one another, live and on-air. Callers are identified to the host by their phone numbers, and are put on air, muted or ‘hung up’ on by the program host.

Shortly after the show is completed, the program is archived and available to the public for listening on-line or downloadable as podcasts.

For PREPARE radio, here are the numbers you need to know:

To call in during the program: (718) 664-6988

To email the host during the program: nc.dianne@gmail.com

To Instant Message the host during the program:

YahooMessenger: ncpatriot8

GoogleTalk: nc.dianne

AIM: diannethomasmin

“See” you then!

Dianne (dianne@grace2you.com)

PREPARE Internet Radio ~ LAUNCHING THIS THURSDAY [5/17]!

We all need to be able to experientially recognize, test and act on what the Spirit is saying to us as individuals, so much of what we will be addressing through the blog and through the call-in internet radio program will be geared toward building confidence in our ability to hear His voice through practical exercises and conversation. We will be discussing a wide range of topics, from relationships, finances and politics to entertainment, fashion and humor, as real world examples of how we can know God’s voice in every situation.

Join us Thursdays and Saturdays, or if you can’t be at your computer for the live broadcasts, podcasts will be available at BTR. And don’t forget to send us any topics or questions you’d like addressed on the show.

“See” you then!

Dianne (dianne@grace2you.com)

Overcoming the Devil ~ Part 9

Examples of Prayers

The term “prayer” has many connotations depending on your upbringing and religious history. We’re using the term to simply describe the process and approach of dealing with the demonics, waging warfare, overcoming the enemy, or whatever you’d like to call it. The following is the sequence from above incorporating some language examples and ideas of other ways to approach this warfare:

1. Seek the Lord, acknowledging His presence and authority, then ask for the source of the influence in your life or for another person. If the Lord identifies it as a demon or other demonic influence, deal with it accordingly. (Feel free to command using Jesus’ name, but you don’t have to.)

“Lord, thanks for being here with us and in us. We remind ourselves of how much you love us, and that we are free to make mistakes as we learn to depend on you. We ask you to take us where you want to go, knowing that we can count on you to lead, guide, direct and protect us. You know better than we do exactly what the situation is, so we put this whole thing in your hands and thank you ahead of time for what you’re going to do.”

“Jesus, is there demonic activity involved in this situation (yes or no questions are best, at least at first)?”

“Lord, is this something we can take authority over?”

2. Ask the Lord for clarity, instructions, directions, strengths and weaknesses of the enemy; wait for His reply, which may come in whatever way He chooses to express Himself.

“Lord, is there anything specific we need to know or recognize about this situation?”

3. Identify the enemy by name (which will often reveal his function) if possible (ask the Lord for clarity, command the demon to respond truthfully). There is nothing wrong with speaking to the enemy, just be sure to command Him to be truthful. You may have to demand truth often.

“Demon, I command you to pay attention to everything I’m saying to you now. You will obey and answer clearly and truthfully what I ask. You will not interfere with anything else going on here, and will not bother (person’s name, for instance, John) in any way or interfere with this process. You will tell the truth, or be defying Jesus Himself.

Demon, I command you now to identify yourself by name to John’s mind clearly and plainly.”

4. Identify its range of influence – personal, geographical, occultic, etc. (ask the Lord for clarity, command the demon to respond truthfully).

“Demon (or name given, for instance, Jealousy), I command you now to identify your range of influence.”

“Lord, is there anything we’re missing here?”

5. Determine if it has a legal right to be interfering in the situation (ask the Lord for clarity, command the demon to respond truthfully; demons are the ultimate legalists, and must be dealt with on legal grounds).

“Jealousy, do you have a legal right to be here? You must tell the truth.”

“Lord, is this the truth?”

6. If it doesn’t have a legal right, command it to leave the area, and go where Jesus sends it. Feel free to command using Jesus’ name, but you don’t have to. Then ask the Lord if it has gone. If not, ask the Lord why not. Continue discourse until it’s gone and you are confident it is. This may occur over several attempts.

“Jealousy, you’ve admitted you don’t have a legal right to be here. I command you now to leave John immediately and go wherever Jesus sends you. You must leave John alone, and everything that pertains to him is off limits to you. You will take any lies you have sown with you, and restore anything that you stole.”

“Jealousy, are you gone?”

“Jesus, is Jealousy gone?”

7. If it claims to have a legal right to be there (which is the only way it can stay after being exposed), ask what is that legal right (ask the Lord for clarity, command the demon to respond truthfully).

“Jesus, does Jealousy have a legal right to be here?” (If no, follow previous discourse. If yes, proceed…)

“Jealousy, what legal right do you have to be here?” (the responses are likely to be varied, and it may take several attempts to clarify. There also may be more than one legal right, so simply pursue — it’s just a matter of time and persistence on your part…)

(in our example, John remembers a particular incidence of sibling rivalry in which his younger brother was given special attention over him; we would take John to that memory, and follow the procedures for getting a wound healed as discussed in previous sections, which would then negate the legality of demonic involvement. We would command the demon to stand quiet and not interfere in the healing process, then return to him when the healing was done…)

“Lord, what is your truth for John in this memory?” (give Jesus an opportunity to speak to John; in this case, perhaps John senses a removal of the jealousy, or hears words of assurance that have that effect)

“Lord, is this wound now healed?” (follow through until the answer is yes)

“Jealousy, John’s wound is now healed. Do you have any right to be here now?” (Jealousy responds to John’s mind, No.)

“Then, Jealousy, you’ve admitted you don’t have a legal right to be here. I command you now to leave John immediately and go wherever Jesus sends you. You must leave John alone, and everything that pertains to him is off limits to you. You will take any lies you have sown with you, and restore anything that you stole.”

‘Jealousy, are you gone?”

“Jesus, is Jealousy gone?”

8. If not, ask the Lord why not. Continue discourse and discernment until it’s gone and you are confident it is. This may occur over time.

“Lord, what have we missed?”

9. Follow up with other demonic influences that may be present.

“Any other demon present that is bothering John I command to make yourself known to John’s mind right now plainly and clearly.” (etc.)

10. Acknowledge the Lord’s work.

“Lord, thanks for what you’ve done here. Please continue to speak to and heal John, and help him learn how to enjoy you more and more. Give him quick discernment through experiencing your rest. Thanks again.”

This sequence is not meant to be an obligatory structure or to rule out other ways of approaching this subject. It is highly likely that other approaches are equally effective. Our goal is, however, to bring the topic of demonic warfare into a common conversation so we can discuss and learn objectively. If people are being set free from demonic influence, and are then learning to live in dependence with no fear of oppression or depression, God’s purposes are likely to have been accomplished.

Results of Overcoming the Enemy

Overcoming the enemy once does not mean he will stop his harassment of us. This is what he is, and what he does. So our posture toward him, both defensively and offensively, needs to become habitual and reflexive. We need to overcome our ignorance of the devices and plans of the enemy, toward us and others, and through dependence on the Lord overcome as frequently as necessary. As part of this process, we will also experience certain spiritual qualities and lessons that can only be revealed this way. Some of these are:

Faith-filled: Overcome the Fear of the Demonic

For most of us, there is a deep-seated fear of things that go bump in the night. As we learn how to turn on the lights, and how to use our night-vision to battle the enemy on his turf, this fear no longer has a grip on us. This area of our lives, this battlefield, also becomes property of our King over which He can rule and reign through us.

Focused: Risk Getting Wounded, Be Wounded, Get Healed

Tied to our fear of the demonic is our fear of getting hurt by the devil. He’s called our enemy for a reason! He does want to hurt us. But as we become focused on the purposes of God, we learn that nothing Satan can do is outside of God’s express will for us; He alone is the Great Orchestrator. He alone determines what affects our lives. We may need to adjust our belief system to acknowledge that sometimes God’s will for us is to be wounded. But we now have confidence in our Healer, our Minister, to bring us full restoration in His way and in His time.

Courageous: Overcome the Fear of Making a Mistake

It is perhaps because of our fear of getting hurt, feeling pain or causing others to be hurt that we are often frozen with the fear of making a mistake. But courage is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of the fear. Because we have experienced God’s courage toward us, and His faithfulness toward us, we have confidence in His orders, His plan, and His outcome. So we can take the risk, and engage the enemy.

Tenacious: Learning How to Lose

There’s something about losing, regrouping, and trying again and again that can be more gratifying and confidence-building than initial success. We must have the patient endurance and internal motivation that will not deter us from our ultimate goals, whether for ourselves or others. Knowing that God is in control, is providing the leadership and direction for every endeavor, that we are not alone, and that we will ultimately succeed increases our endurance and long-sightedness.

Gracious: Learning How to Win

Our endurance (maintaining dependence) is also built as we successfully overcome the enemy multiple times. For any endeavor, success can be a catalyst for a destructive spiral if we are not diligent to resist the distractions that come from that success. Yet we must also be willing and able to accept and even enjoy the honor or recognition that comes from winning. Humility is not rejecting attention, but accepting appropriate recognition by just saying, thank you.

Freedom: For Ourselves and Others

As we overcome the enemy, we experience another aspect of our true identity as Overcomers. This brings additional, growing confidence in our true nature as sons of God, and strengthens our resolve to be available to God to extend that freedom to others as well. With freedom comes responsibility, and as we overcome and experience both the benefits and dangers of warfare, we value both the struggle and the victories more and are willing to risk more for greater victories.

Clarity: Greater Ability to Recognize Other Battlefields of Flesh and World System

The more we are able to discern the attacks of the enemy the more we are able to distinguish them from a flesh flare-up or temptation of the world system. As we enter into His rest, the Lord equips us for each battle (which sometimes occur simultaneously) and provides the instruction and leadership needed. But part of that training is to find that balance between learning and joining Him in each battle, yet depending on His direction by remaining in union with Him spirit to Spirit.

Conclusion

In the spiritual realm Satan and his buddies have been defeated. In the supernatural/soulical realm they continue to fulfill God’s purpose in our lives in two ways:

1) by provoking our flesh, showing us where we have wounds so they can be healed, and

2) by providing us with the opportunity to become Overcomers, so we can learn dependence under warfare conditions. This is an opportunity to learn to rule and reign in this lifetime spiritually, soulically and naturally, over the already-conquered ones. The lion who seeks to devour our souls is only released from his cage so that we can learn how to battle him. He is only truly our enemy when we refuse to engage the battle, for it is then not the enemy we are running from, but the Lord.

Overcoming the Devil ~ Part 8

The enemy is not that creative – he can only copy. But he has had plenty of time to practice, so he knows what form to take or activity to generate to get the desired results. Our best defense is to be focused on the Lord’s voice within, whether subtle or clear, and trusting He is leading and directing for our success.

Strongholds and Curses

A stronghold is where the enemy has a legal, specific boundary established over a geographical region, time period, family, people group or affiliation in order to influence that region or group in a specific way. A curse is where the enemy has a legal right to interfere in a specific way with a specific person. Both can be approached the same way as previous; we seek the Lord to uncover the legal claim, request authorization to overturn the claim, and, if given, abolish the stronghold or curse. There are many kinds of strongholds and curses, and it would take any one of us a great deal of time to learn them all; the most effective approach is to learn how to be trained by the Lord for each specific instance and apply what He reveals. Over time we will begin to see patterns, but learning His way is always the quickest and most effective.

Unintentional Strongholds

The enemy can establish an unintentional stronghold when enough unattended wounds have made the region, etc., hospitable for a dedicated number of demons to develop their own habitation.

Intentional Strongholds

An intentional stronghold can be designated over a region by believers or non-believers, higher authorities within the demonic hierarchy, and God Himself, for His purposes.

Unintentional Curses

We curse ourselves all the time, when we believe the lies we tell ourselves, having heard them from others, like “I’ll never amount to anything.” Generational curses, inflicted and passed on from parents to children, are quite common. We also curse others when we even unintentionally inflict or open a wound. We need to be restfully on guard for ourselves to deal with these quickly, and ready and able to help others who may not know how to recognize and overcome a wound.

Intentional Curses

Intentional curses are effective when there is no protection or response when a wound is inflicted or opened. Intentional curses are most generally associated with types of sorcery, but even acting when out of control in our mind, will or emotions can turn into a curse, as can be observed on a crowded highway during rush hour.

As we learn to recognize the voice of our Lord, we will more quickly recognize the strongholds and curses of the enemy. We can then prevent them from creating a wound, or when an old wound is opened, take advantage of the opportunity to get the wound healed.

Sorcery (Witchcraft & The Occult)

Sorcery is any specific or organized attempt to manipulate supernatural elements using our own strength of mind, will or emotions. Sorcery includes anything from fantasy games to Satanic worship, but can generally categorized into Witchcraft & the Occult.

Witchcraft

Without getting into too many details, witchcraft is manipulating or interacting with natural elements to obtain control or information. Because the demonic also has authority over these natural elements, attempting to influence or gain power over them is like trying to move in on the Mafia. But rather than just fighting back, demons will instead provide enough encouragement to gain confidence and dependence on themselves in order to gain control over the witch practitioner. Rather than gaining control over nature or the elements, those involved in casting spells and becoming one with nature often find themselves the ones being controlled. For instance, spells, rituals, and even the board game OUIJA are all based and made from “holy” natural elements (working OUIJA boards are made from wood, with a planchette made of stone; natural elements are earth, wind, fire and water; specifically herbs, blood, burning, etc.).

The Occult

Unlike most of those involved in various forms of witchcraft, which see themselves as cooperating with the forces of nature and of the universe in order to do good (whatever they decide that is), those involved in the occult knowingly cooperate and join willingly with the forces of evil. There are many reasons people get involved in occultic activities, but they are all based on lies and unhealed wounds, which tells us the church is not doing a very good job of being a vessel of Living Water to a hurting world. The Occult is manifested in many forms, but its main characteristics are that it is organized, secretive and goal-oriented, with oath-oriented initiations involved most of the time. Any time you’re asked to join a group but not told what the group is about, or once you join you’re not allowed to tell others, recognize that whatever the group may be, it is not of Christ.

Combination Attacks

It is likely that where there is evidence of one of the above, other aspects of demonic warfare are strong possibilities as well. This is why it’s so important to follow our Leader when dealing with the demonic; there is no way any one of us could keep up with the trickery and deception that the enemy and his cronies have become masters of over the centuries. Yet simply by relying on Jesus all the enemy’s crafts can be undone in a single word, breaking bonds and setting captives truly free. Remember, Jesus knows where you are at, and isn’t going to put you into a situation He can’t handle through you!
…to be continued