Taking up serpents

[Scooby_Snacks]

Thanks xIRoyal KnightIx for taking time to discuss these things with me.
In coming back to the O.P. of the thread, it is the kind of faith that knows I have authority to cast out demons, to trample on serpents and scorpions and how that might play out in my life, without explaining a whole lot, one of the things I question regarding my faith, or the amount of faith I do or do not have.
He will prepare me, for whatever task He has for me, and then enable me to do it, I know.


I think about Job, and how Satan was allowed to touch his life, and that there would have been nothing he could do to stop this.
It was God's will that he be tested.
This was O.T. and so in the New Covenant, Jesus brings a different perspective to that issue. Perhaps the Book fo Job is more along the same lines as Luke 22.

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me.”

(Luke 22:31-34 ESV)

Obedience is better than sacrifice. No amount of trying to be Godly through "doing" or "being" religious will help me obtain the prize of being made more like Him.

So maybe, the way I see disrupting of deceptions and spiritual principalities has more to do with the unseen, prayer-- And ones testimony: Overcoming.

Hoping to get back into the O.P. a little more.

[Slug1]

Thanks xIRoyal KnightIx for taking time to discuss these things with me.
In coming back to the O.P. of the thread, it is the kind of faith that knows I have authority to cast out demons, to trample on serpents and scorpions and how that might play out in my life, without explaining a whole lot, one of the things I question regarding my faith, or the amount of faith I do or do not have.
He will prepare me, for whatever task He has for me, and then enable me to do it, I know.

He will and I can testify to this... when God was moving me to be a part of a deliverance ministry I lost ALL doubt this was what God's will was for me the day I witnessed a demon manifest through a person who we were praying over. It was the very FIRST demon I both physically and spiritually experienced.

My flesh instantly tensed and I have never felt fear on that level... I recognized this fleshly fear because I felt the same each and every time I placed myself in harms way due to my job in the military and I was on the receiving end of trading bullets with insurgents. Also, multiply that fear when you are face to face with an explosive device along side a road while out on patrol and you are within the 100% death zone when you discover it. This previous fleshly fear was not as strong as it was in that instant the demon manifested. I also realize the REASON for the fear being so MUCH stronger when the demon manifested is because it IS on a level that is both physical and spiritual... plus emotion can compound this is a very negative way as well.

HOWEVER... in the instant that fear HIT me when that demon manifested, I then also felt a calm come over me that was ONLY God and this was FIRST on a spiritual level and then physical... even thought it happened so quick it seemed like both at the same time. It is difficult to really describe because when it comes to such spiritual experiences, sometimes there IS no way to truly describe it. Thus the reason UNTIL a person experiences for themselves, they won't understand because words can't describe it properly. Anyway... once that calm came over me, prayer was even easier, bolder, more direct... sometimes knowledge of exactly WHAT kind of demon is given and naming it makes it leave right quick in the name of Jesus.

So, YES... God WILL enable and empower as needed for Him to glorify Himself.

Also, in relation to this topic when God uses servants who are obedient in such ways as this... the whole "serpents" scriptures DO take on a spiritual as well as a physical aspect and meaning.

[Slug1]

Obedience is better than sacrifice. No amount of trying to be Godly through "doing" or "being" religious will help me obtain the prize of being made more like Him.

So maybe, the way I see disrupting of deceptions and spiritual principalities has more to do with the unseen, prayer-- And ones testimony: Overcoming.

This overcoming of "religion" is what has allowed me to KNOW God. I only knew God on a level that religion provided due to my upbringing in church. Relationship was by specific rituals and traditions, only through the denominational doctrine no matter HOW misaligned or countering with scripture. Once this was overcome I KNEW the difference of knowing "about" God (through all that religion does) compared to "knowing" God.

So for me... yes, religion is a "serpent" that is held under my foot.

[Scooby_Snacks]

Scooby... what is your understanding of a "stronghold"?

A deception set up inside of the mind that keeps a person from what is needed, God.
It is a pattern of thought, a distortion of the truth?

The stronghold is an area of darkness that keeps a person from being able to see, and so they may not even know it exists.
It takes illuminating light from Him directly or through others by His Word and His Spirit to open their eyes?

Some walls are known about, so I think that might be something different, like taking obedient action?
But God will send helps to break them down, and if that doesn't work, He might allow a person to get in so much pain they seek the help needed?

When I asked is a wall a stronghold, I was thinking that I believe His Word and His Spirit can pull em down, He has to, or else the stronghold remains. I question you what comes first, the goodness of God getting through (turning on the lights) or the belief in Him in faith. (trust)

I believe God through His Spirit, His Word, prayer and His people in Him that tear down the walls.

For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
(2 Corinthians 10:4-6 ESV)

I also have faith in His plan to do the following, but He knows the variables of that plan. He does not force and He does not let go.
He is faithful to His children. He will finish what He has started.

And He will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. (Psalm 130:8 ESV)

If held captive for a time, He can use that time to Glorify Himself in a current state (faithful through persecution) or in a future state (testimony of liberation)
That is why I was reading in every gospel, the story of Jesus in his hometown.

Gods Word is truth.

And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.
(Luke 4:24 ESV)

I believe Jesus discussion at the synagogue that day, revealed more than what His own Words were tellling the people there concerning their lack of belief in Him as the One (Himself) quoted by Him in Isaiah.
I believe He was also foreshadowing God's chosen people rejecting Him, to in turn be received by the gentiles.
But that is what I got out of that, so far, to take or leave.

The portion that I bold/underlined... for a person who is faithful to God, FULLY trusting and due to this, God doesn't ALLOW them to "tap" into His power.

The tapping into part was what I experienced. It wasn't God, but they thought it was, sorry not to clarify.
I dont know why they couldnt have the real thing, but I believe that desire for His Power and wonders was ahead of knowing Him, ALL of Him. They were lead astray and tapped into sorceries instead of God.
So the seducing spirits work in that area of flesh like desires for giftings and , rather than humble service.

He is simply providing them empowerment because through them... they are in a position to be used in a miraculous way. Such empowerment will happen ONLY when God's will is to do something miraculous to glorify Himself. Miracles don't happen because man WANTS to glorify Him... empowerment to do miracles ONLY happens when HE wants to glorify Himself.

I agree, but ask..how is it satan will perform miracles and lead many astray?
We must be able to discern, and be willing to be taught this discernment that we too, are worshiping Him in Spirit and in Truth.

Many churches have never experienced God move in a miraculous way to glorify Himself and on the flip side, some churches are claiming God moves in a miraculous way each and every service... BOTH of these examples are dangerous.

Yes.

I have to believe God does work in nearly all churches, but the level of His works may vary?

Obtaining funds to send missionaries out can be a miracle too.
I do understand what you are saying, just trying to not negate what is working.
In Revelation, the different issues in the churches shows that there are more that are only good in one area, and not good in others, with only 2 without correction.

So whomever has an ear.....

[Scooby_Snacks]

He will and I can testify to this... when God was moving me to be a part of a deliverance ministry I lost ALL doubt this was what God's will was for me the day I witnessed a demon manifest through a person who we were praying over. It was the very FIRST demon I both physically and spiritually experienced.

My flesh instantly tensed and I have never felt fear on that level... I recognized this fleshly fear because I felt the same each and every time I placed myself in harms way due to my job in the military and I was on the receiving end of trading bullets with insurgents. Also, multiply that fear when you are face to face with an explosive device along side a road while out on patrol and you are within the 100% death zone when you discover it. This previous fleshly fear was not as strong as it was in that instant the demon manifested. I also realize the REASON for the fear being so MUCH stronger when the demon manifested is because it IS on a level that is both physical and spiritual... plus emotion can compound this is a very negative way as well.

HOWEVER... in the instant that fear HIT me when that demon manifested, I then also felt a calm come over me that was ONLY God and this was FIRST on a spiritual level and then physical... even thought it happened so quick it seemed like both at the same time. It is difficult to really describe because when it comes to such spiritual experiences, sometimes there IS no way to truly describe it. Thus the reason UNTIL a person experiences for themselves, they won't understand because words can't describe it properly. Anyway... once that calm came over me, prayer was even easier, bolder, more direct... sometimes knowledge of exactly WHAT kind of demon is given and naming it makes it leave right quick in the name of Jesus.

So, YES... God WILL enable and empower as needed for Him to glorify Himself.

Also, in relation to this topic when God uses servants who are obedient in such ways as this... the whole "serpents" scriptures DO take on a spiritual as well as a physical aspect and meaning.

Your testimony here reminds me of my initial thoughts...that even though you did feel lead into deliverance ministry, the initial confirmation and how God took over was surprising.

P.S. I couldnt edit my last post, so Im changing Miracles to signs concerning AC. I am willing to be corrected if need be, Ill try not to be too defensive...LOL

[Slug1]

Your testimony here reminds me of my initial thoughts...that even though you did feel lead into deliverance ministry, the initial confirmation and how God took over was surprising.

P.S. I couldnt edit my last post, so Im changing Miracles to signs concerning AC. I am willing to be corrected if need be, Ill try not to be too defensive...LOL

I've read both your posts and will address some areas in more detail later.

As for a stronghold... more like a prison then "a" wall. Unless there are four walls. Anyway... a stronghold is most likely a "belief" in a person (which can be a "belief" that causes a person NOT to believe properly) so yes, trust and faith can tear this down in a moment once the belief of proven false, thus exposed for what it is and any "effects/symptoms" resulting from that stronghold are also torn down. Now the person is "able" to believe properly.

Sure, a period of healing and/or adjustment still may need to happen but NOW, the healing and adjusting CAN begin due to the removal of the stronghold.

Pming you some info concerning a book that you will want to read about this.