Servias Ministries Blog

Convergence!

The Holy Spirit keeps speaking the word “convergence” to me.

There are several prophetic themes converging:

Israel

Jerusalem

Temple

Babylon

Russia (Magog)

Rise of China

European SuperState

Ecumenical Religion (one world religion)

Global Government

One world currency

Rise of the Occult

Days of Sodom and Gomorrah

Dismantling of America as a world power

Global Debt exceeding the ability for repayment

Manmade viruses

Transhumanism

Instantaneous global transmission of events

Division within societies

His return is drawing near!

When you and I go before Jesus at the Bema Seat and have our individual review of our life here on earth, will we see that we could have done more for His Kingdom?  Ouch!

Harpazo!

Harpazo (G726) means: to seize, carry off by force; to seize on, claim for one’s self eagerly; to snatch out or away.  It is used 13 times in the New Testament.

I was once told by a certain teacher that this word means to bring up and then return to the original location.  Clearly the Scriptures do not support this teaching.  Study and assimilate these verses for yourself.  The following are the uses of Harpazo:

Mat 11:12

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take G726 ➔ it by force. G726

Mat 13:19

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away G726 that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

John 6:15

When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take G726 ➔ him by force, G726 to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

John 10:12

But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth G726 them, and scattereth the sheep.

John 10:28

And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall G726 ➔ any man pluck G726 them out of my hand.

John 10:29

My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck G726 them out of my Father’s hand.

Acts 8:39

And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away G726 Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.

Acts 23:10

And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take G726 ➔ him by force G726 from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

2^nd  Corinthians 12:2

I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up G726 to the third heaven.

2^nd Corinthians 12:4

How that he was caught up G726 into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

1^st Thessalonians 4:17

Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up G726 together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

Jude 1:23

And others save with fear, pulling G726 them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Revelation 12:5

And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up G726 unto God, and to his throne.

We must understand the use and implications off this word to understand the Book of Revelation of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Each of us should focus on our individual assignments from Above!

Once again:

Why am I here? Where am I going? How do I get there?—the question now becomes: how, then, should I live? What personal changes should I make in my life to fulfill my purpose? What should I focus my attention on first? What should be my priority?  You cannot complete your assignment if you don’t answer those specific questions.  The Holy Spirit will guide you and lead you into all Truth, especially your purpose.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Hebrews chapter 4:

1  Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it.

2 For indeed the Gospel was preached to us as well as to them (Israelites in the wilderness); but the Word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it.

3 For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,'” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

11  Let us therefore be diligent to enter that rest, lest anyone fall according to the same example of disobedience.

12 For the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

There are two aspects of our salvation:  the gift (justification) and the expectation of rewards for our walk which is associated with sanctification.  We will give an account of what we did with our “talents”.

Jesus spoke in Luke chapter 13:

23  Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them,

24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.

25 When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’

26 then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’

27 But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’

28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out. 29 They will come from the east and the west, from the north and the south, and sit down in the kingdom of God.

30 And indeed there are last who will be first, and there are first who will be last.”

In other Words:

29 You will see people streaming from the four corners of the earth, accepting the invitation to feast in God’s kingdom realm, while you are outside looking in.

30 And take note of this: Some are despised and viewed as the least important now, but one day the master will place them at the head of the line. And some whom you view as ‘elite’ today will become the least important then.”

FATHER will not look at your status in the world, HE will look at your works to determine how close to HIS Throne you will be allowed to access.  Your righteous works will be the rewards and will be based on what you were given to work with.  Don’t compare yourself to others for their “talents” are specific to their purpose given to them by OUR LORD.  Strive to enter into HIS Rest.

Only those who obediently fulfill the conditions set down by the Father (obedience, faithfulness, and endurance) will be able to inherit the Kingdom from Heaven. And this will entail laboring, struggling, and striving. The “narrow” (strait) gate actually means a gate beset with difficulties.

What are the three most fundamental questions we should each answer?

Why am I here? Where am I going? How do I get there?—the question now becomes: how, then, should I live? What personal changes should I make in my life to fulfill my purpose? What should I focus my attention on first? What should be my priority?

Jesus spoke in Revelation chapter 3:

18  I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Jesus spoke this revelation to a church whom He described as being lukewarm.  Further, they thought they had their act together because they misperceived themselves as being rich and having become wealthy, with need of nothing.   He saw them as wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked!  This is what spiritual blindness will do to a person.

Jesus is exhorting us to do whatever is necessary to be prepared and to reflect Christ in all we do.  If we did not have the capacity to do what He directed, He would not have spoken those Words.  We must have faith in HIS Word rather than our past failings. 

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans 8:

28  And we know that all things work together for good to those who Love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

If we learn to stay clean, Holy, and righteous, by making “faith choices” to put off the sin and self, the rest will follow pretty easily. We’ll be able to partake of Christ’s Life, which will allow us to become overcomers and produce fruit that will eventually lead us to inheriting the Kingdom.  We will then walk in the Rest of GOD.

Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 11:

25  Then Jesus exclaimed, “Father, thank You, for You are Lord, the Supreme Ruler over Heaven and earth! And You have hidden the great revelation of Your authority from those who are proud and think they are wise and unveiled it instead to little children.

26 Yes, Father, You’ve chosen this gracious plan to extend your Kingdom.

27 You have entrusted Me with all that You are and all that You have. No one fully and intimately knows the Son except the Father. And no one fully and intimately knows the Father except the Son. But the Son is able to unveil the Father to anyone He chooses.

28 “Are you weary, carrying a heavy burden? Come to Me. I will refresh your life, for I am your oasis.

29 Simply join your life with Mine. Learn My ways and you’ll discover that I’m gentle, humble, easy to please. You will find refreshment and rest in Me.

30 For all that I require of you will be pleasant and easy to bear.”

There are two kinds of “rest”.  One type of rest refers to the present as in the above Matthew Scripture, and it means “to rest by allowing Christ to live his Life out through us.

However, there is another kind of rest that refers to the future. This rest implies participation with Christ in His Millennial Kingdom rule. This is where we truly will rest from all our labor. So, rest can point to a place as well as an experience.

Paul speaks of this rest as he wrote by The Holy Spirit in Hebrews chapter 3:

7  Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you will hear His Voice,

8 Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness, 9 Where your fathers tested Me, tried Me, And saw My works forty years.

10 Therefore I was angry with that generation, And said, ‘They always go astray in their heart, And they have not known My ways.’

11 So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest.'”

It is your choice as to which path you take but first, you should answer the questions above.

We have the capacity to personally reflect HIS Glory!

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans 8:

28  And we know that all things work together for good to those who Love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

Glory is the means FATHER uses to convey and reveal His Presence.  Part of the “sanctification process” is learning to be “conformed into Christ’s Image” so that we can reflect, glorify, and mirror Him in all we do. To mirror something means: to exhibit its likeness, its characteristics, and to physically declare it or manifest it; in essence, to set forth the same image.

Paul also wrote in 2^nd Corinthians chapter 3:

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the Glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from Glory to Glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

In other Words:

We can all draw close to Him without any hesitation. As we approach HIS Glory, we all become like mirrors who brightly reflect the Glory of the Lord Jesus. We are being transfigured into His very Image as we move from one brighter level of Glory to another. And this glorious transfiguration comes from the Lord, Who is the Spirit.

We are to be cleansed by The Word and allow ourselves to be refined by the Refiner’s Fire in whatever method FATHER ordains.  Yes, it is a process similar to gold being refined and the dross surfaces to the top for removal.  Let us embrace the removal rather than run from the corrective process.  Don’t let the natural man usurp this process!

Jesus knew that perfect balance between longsuffering Love and tough Love, between grace and righteousness and between mercy and judgment. He gave us an example of how we are to Love others and even how to Love our enemies. When we become partakers of His Life, we, too, will be able to Love wisely. And this is how the Gospel will be passed on.  There is a balance between Love and Justice and we must be equipped to walk in the same manner as Jesus.  This can only be accomplished by being led by THE SPIRIT in each encounter.

When Christ Jesus walked the earth, He was a “living illustration” of WHO FATHER is. By constantly Glorifying His and Our Father, He not only honored Him, He also gave the world a reason to believe in His reality. We are to do the same.  Our example should lead people to Christ, not exalt ourselves in any way, shape, or manner.  Actions speak louder than words.  However, be prepared to speak forth what THE SPIRIT communicates for the benefit of the listener.

When others experience Christ’s real Love through us, hear His Godly Wisdom, and see His divine power working in our lives, they are going to be drawn to the Lord through us. No illustration of Christ is as effectual as the lives of Spiritual Christians. It’s difficult for the Gospel to take real effect or be understood without a living illustration alongside.  Our lives should be our testimony for all to see!

People need to see the reality of Christ manifested in our lives… this is the real Gospel!  Nonbelievers have seen enough religion, rules, regulations, law, phoniness, and hypocrisy to turn them off. They want to see the real thing!  When the real thing shows up, the counterfeit is fully exposed.

Expect FATHER’S River of Life to flow out of you!

It was written by THE SPIRIT in Ezekiel chapter 9:

3   Now the Glory of the God of Israel had gone up from the cherub, where it had been, to the threshold of the temple. And He called to the man clothed with linen, who had the writer’s inkhorn at his side;

4 and the LORD said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.”

And in chapter 10:

3  Now the cherubim were standing on the south side of the temple when the man went in, and the cloud filled the inner court.

4 Then the Glory of the LORD went up from the cherub, and paused over the threshold of the temple; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of the LORD’s Glory.

5 And the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard even in the outer court, like the voice of Almighty God when He speaks.

18 Then the Glory of the LORD departed from the threshold of the temple and stood over the cherubim.

19 And the cherubim lifted their wings and mounted up from the earth in my sight. When they went out, the wheels were beside them; and they stood at the door of the east gate of the LORD’s house, and the Glory of the God of Israel was above them.

In Chapter 11:

22  So the cherubim lifted up their wings, with the wheels beside them, and the Glory of the God of Israel was high above them.

23 And the Glory of the LORD went up from the midst of the city and stood on the mountain, which is on the east side of the city.

FATHER’S Glory will not reside in a locale of unrighteousness where abominations occur!  As believers, however, we are promised that the Holy Spirit (God’s Glory) will never leave us, because we are stamped, sealed, and confirmed by Him  as Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2^nd Corinthians chapter 1:

20  For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the Glory of God through us.

21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God,

22 Who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

It is possible, however, to quench and block His Spirit from coming forth through us, which will then prevent the manifestation of the presence of God in our lives.

Peter wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Peter chapter 4:

7   But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers.

8 And above all things have fervent Love for one another, for “Love will cover a multitude of sins.”

9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11 If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the Glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

To glorify God means to personally reflect His Presence, to manifest and show forth His Life and His radiance. Glorifying God means displaying His Character and all the fruits of the Spirit to the world. God’s glory is seen by the transformation of a believer’s life. 

Each of us must make our own assessment of whether we are truly glorifying FATHER or promoting ourselves.  Let our Love for others be fervent and our focus is to allow HIS Glory to flow in a greater fashion in all that we say and do.

The seven “I Wills” form an unconditional Covenant by The Lord God Almighty to Abraham that is still in force today!

Moses recorded what FATHER said concerning Abraham and Israel in Genesis chapter 12:

1  Now the Lord had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and (I will) make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing (I will make thee a blessing):

3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and (I will) curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

FATHER does not forget HIS Word or commitments and HE is not restricted to time or events which would prevent the fulfillment of HIS Word or commitments.  HE exists outside of time.

It is difficult for us to understand such a reality since we have only observed four dimensions: length, width, depth, and time.  However, scientists have discovered that there are at least ten dimensions.  I believe there may be sixteen.  Angels operate in an interdimensional fashion as does Jesus.  The Word was given to the forty authors in an interdimensional fashion.  This explains how Jesus was able to walk through walls after His resurrection.  Angels appear and disappear as required.  Demons operate in a restricted area beyond the physical.  This explains the so-called UFO phenomena.

The devil and his demons have attempted to thwart FATHER’S plan over the millennia by killing children at an early age, even to the point of abortion.  Pharoah attempted to eliminate Moses and his calling.  Herod attempted to eliminate Jesus and His mission.  Hitler and other world leaders have attempted to snuff out the Jews, but all have failed.  FATHER will not be denied!

Where is America in Scripture and why has it not been judged, given the current societal issues?

In verse 3, can we conclude that the U.S. has deferred judgment because of its support of Israel?  Could it be that there is coming a time when the political leaders will no longer support Israel?  Could it be that the country will disintegrate from within just as Rome did?  Could it be that the politicians bring on a “hot” war with a formidable adversary who will “nuke” seven major cities as one global consultant predicts?

What are you and I to do?  We are to walk accordingly as The Holy Spirit leads us in all areas.  Jesus was not moved by the Roman occupation of Israel as He ministered throughout the land.  We must put our faith in GOD and not man.  FATHER will remove us in HIS timing.  In the meantime, let us each be a blessing as we reflect Jesus Christ in our lives.  Let us trust the seven “I Wills” to come to pass.

In the 1980’s, FATHER had my wife and me give into Lester Sumrall’s ministry for housing construction in Israel.  This Word made it quite clear to me that Israel has not been forsaken even though there are Bible teachers who claim that Israel has been replace by some other form of “spiritual Israel”.  Man’s opinion does not replace FATHER’S unconditional commitments.

Billy Graham was quoted:

If God doesn’t punish America, He’ll have to apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah.

Expect FATHER’S Glory in your life!

It was written by THE SPIRIT in Ezekiel chapter 2:

6  “And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house.

7 You shall speak My Words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse, for they are rebellious.

8 But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.”

Ezekiel was commanded to speak The Words FATHER gave him without exception!  You and I are to do the same, whether in mercy or corrective judgment.

In the last week of August 1996, I was operating in the “gift of Tongues” for the congregation we attended.  The pastor had been critical of my teaching on the topic “Sons of GOD” to the young married couples class.  FATHER told me through a prophecy that I would be leaving after certain events occurred.  The last message I gave in that church was actually directed toward the pastor even though he did not realize it.  A man in the front row gave the interpretation of the message in Tongues.  Afterward, FATHER told me I was released to leave.  I did.

You and I must not let FATHER’S Word be watered down even though it may be unpopular to the directed audience.  Let us not compromise when given a directive by The Holy Spirit.  In the end, it will be hope and encouragement to those who have ears to hear.

In Ezekiel, God’s Spirit returns to the temple only when its purification is completed then God’s Glory returns to Ezekiel’s Temple.  The glory of the Lord returns to this temple only after the separation between the sanctuary and the profane place is accomplished.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st Corinthians chapter 15:

20  But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.

23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.

24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the Kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power.

25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His Feet.

26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.

In other Words:

The final stage of completion comes when He will bring to an end every other rulership, authority, and power, and then He will hand over His Kingdom to Father God.

You and I have been given the opportunity to walk in His Power and Authority to produce fruit that will accomplish FATHER’S Divine Intent of bringing forth HIS Kingdom.  We are to walk in uncompromising Holiness and speak those Words given to us by The Holy Spirit.

Paul also wrote in Ephesians chapter 5:

18  And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,

19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and Spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord,

20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

21 submitting to one another in the Fear of God.

We serve THE ONE WHO has the ability and willingness to empower us in all areas so that HIS Glory will come forth.

Moving toward full maturity should be our goal!

Satan does not fear intellectual understanding of Spiritual things; what he does fear is a Christian overcomer. When our life begins to change from self-centeredness to other-centeredness, from human love to God’s Love, and from human understanding to God’s wisdom, the enemy becomes ferocious. He doesn’t fear doctrine; he fears Christ-likeness and the results of sanctification.

The victory of Christ is not only that He defeated and overcame Satan, but that He overcame the world and the power of sin as well. As believers, because Christ lives in us, we have that same personal authority and power to overcome.

Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 6:

9  In this manner, therefore, pray:

Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

10 Your Kingdom come. Your Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.

13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Why do you think that the adversary wanted this prayer out of the schools in The United States?  It ultimately brings forth accountability and a realization that there is a devil out there.  If we pray for FATHER’S Kingdom to come forth, then there must be a kingdom to overcome.

FATHER designed HIS plan by providing us access to exousia and kratos power in all three areas:

The Word of GOD brings forth faith that addresses the world.

The Cross addresses our flight from the flesh.

The Blood provides us the power to fight the devil.

The victory of Christ is not only that He defeated and overcame satan, but that He overcame the world and the power of sin as well. As believers, because Christ lives in us, we have that same personal authority and power to overcome. “For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He lives by the dunamis power of God. For we shall live with Him by the same dunamis power of God”.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2^nd Corinthians chapter 13:

4  For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.

5 Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?-unless indeed you are disqualified.

6 But I trust that you will know that we are not disqualified.

7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified.

8 For we can do nothing against the Truth, but for the Truth.

9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And this also we pray, that you may be made complete.

Walking in His power and authority is the key not only to our lives here on earth, but also the key to reigning with Him in the future Kingdom as well.

Jesus expressed this Truth in Luke chapter 12:

28  If God can clothe the fields and meadows with grass and flowers, can HE not clothe you as well, O struggling one with so many doubts?

29 I repeat: Don’t let worry enter your life. Live above the anxious cares about your personal needs.

30 People everywhere seem to worry about making a living, but your Heavenly Father knows your every need and will take care of you.

31 As you passionately seek His Kingdom, above all else, He will supply your needs.

32 So don’t ever be afraid, dearest friends! Your Loving Father joyously gives you His Kingdom with all Its promises!

33 “Now, go and sell what you have and give to those in need; you will be making deposits in your account in Heaven, an account that will never be taken from you. Your gifts will become a secure and unfailing treasure, deposited in Heaven forever.

34 Where you deposit your treasure, that is where you fix your thoughts—and your heart will long to be there also.”

There are two types of issues we must deal with: surface and root!

Christ has given us His supernatural authority and power not only to remove the surface issues in our lives, but also to remove the root issues. “Surface issues” are current thoughts, emotions, and desires that quench God’s Spirit.

“Root issues” are things that have occurred previously and that we have never dealt with but simply pushed down and buried, mainly because we didn’t know what else to do with them. They are issues that have not been dealt with, such as resentment, discouragement, and unforgiveness that have become root issues or strongholds of bitterness, depression, and hatred.

Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Hebrews chapter 12:

15 Watch over each other to make sure that no one misses the revelation of God’s grace. And make sure no one lives with a root of bitterness sprouting within them which will only cause trouble and poison the hearts of many.

If we don’t understand the power and authority that we have in Christ to dissolve these hideouts of the enemy and replace them with God’s Spirit, we become perfect targets for more of the enemy’s deceit, lies, and traps.

It is written by THE SPIRIT in Isaiah chapter 44:

20 A deceived heart has turned him aside; And he cannot deliver his soul, Nor say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?”

In other words, if our spirit is quenched and our heart covered, we’ll not be able to recognize the lies that are keeping us captive—meaning, we’ll continue to be open to deception!

The Beloved Disciple wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1^st John chapter 1:

6  If we claim that we share Life with Him, but keep walking in the realm of darkness, we’re fooling ourselves and not living the Truth.

7 But if we keep living in the pure Light that surrounds Him, we share unbroken fellowship with one another, and the Blood of Jesus, His Son, continually cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we boast that we have no sin, we’re only fooling ourselves and are strangers to the Truth.

9 But if we freely admit our sins when His Light uncovers them, He will be faithful to forgive us every time. God is just to forgive us our sins because of Christ, and He will continue to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

What often happens is that we erect our own “walls of protection,” our own “truth,” to cover our vulnerabilities. These self-erected defenses can actually assist the enemy, rather than defeating him.

Paul also wrote in 2^nd Timothy chapter 2:

24  For a true servant of our Lord Jesus will not be argumentative but gentle toward all and skilled in helping others see the Truth, having great patience toward the immature.

25 Then with meekness you’ll be able to carefully enlighten those who argue with you so they can see God’s gracious gift of repentance and be brought to the Truth. 26 This will cause them to rediscover themselves and escape from the snare of Satan who caught them in his trap so that they would carry out his purposes.

It is written by THE SPIRIT in Judges chapter 2:

1  Then the Angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said: “I led you up from Egypt and brought you to the land of which I swore to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you.

2 And you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed My Voice. Why have you done this? 3 Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; but they shall be thorns in your side, and their gods shall be a snare to you.‘”

4 So it was, when the Angel of the LORD spoke these Words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voices and wept.

It’s imperative that we surrender every negative emotion, every self- centered thought, every selfish desire, every attitude, every fear, and every stronghold––inside and out––that might create opportunities for the enemy. We do this by recognizing our sin, by confessing and repenting of it, by giving it to God, and by replacing it with the Word!