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