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Saved but Needing Deliverance!
Cont.
The demonic spirits would manifest when I was upset, offended, hurt, frightened and even excited.
I had been in and around church and church folk for the majority of my life. So when I actually became sincere about living a spiritual life I knew how to go through the motions. Let’s be real, I wanted to look “deep” and I might have fooled some or most people but God knew and so did I. My heart never felt fulfilled, I needed more but there was something always holding me back from being able to just let go and allow God to help me.
If I would try to get in the inner court of worship with God, I’d sometimes feel sick to my stomach or start to get distracted with thoughts that didn’t even pertain to where I was. There were also times when I was worshipping and I’d lose consciousness, (with alter workers thinking that I was slain in the spirit) and I’d awaken totally out of my own control with ear piercing screams (saints believing that I was rejoicing in God and unaware that the demonic spirits that dwelled in me were being manifested).
I’m sharing some of my experiences with you so that you can relate to how I felt. I thought denial kept me sane. But I must admit to you that accepting that I had a need for deliverance and that Jesus is the Deliverer, has set me free! No longer do I have to pretend that I am satisfied with my relationship with God or other people.
Before I was delivered I would intentionally ignore someone who I didn’t really like and sometimes just could not stand to be in the presence of. If he/she were to approach me to speak I’d lie and deny that I had even seen him/her. I’m free from envy and hate, there have been times when I now go out of my way to greet that same person that I once avoided and those who try to avoid me.
"But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you." Matthew 5:44.
Realizing that I am not perfect and there is room for me to improve, I no longer have to lash out and say hurtful words to family, friends or church family members because I didn’t like what they said and feel that they need to mind their own business. I can take constructive criticism without conviction or anger. (See my article “Free From Hurt." that explains my struggle with unforgiveness). God has set me free and no one has to “walk on egg shells” around me because they don’t know when I may “go off” in anger. I don’t have to walk around proclaiming how “saved” I am and trying to make others feel that they aren’t as spiritual as I. Pride is no longer a stronghold in my life, I want to go the alter, praise and worship God in spite of who’s watching me and what they may think.
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. James 4:10
My first step in deliverance was forgiveness. I had to forgive those no matter what they had done intentionally or not; for hurting me physically and mentally. If we do not forgive, then God does not forgive us.
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:14 & 15.
I truly had a hard time with this but once I began to allow forgiveness in my heart, hurt, anger and hate diminished. I also had spirits of fear that needed to be destroyed, faith in God helped me to be delivered from fears and presently to maintain freedom from the bondage.
For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. II Timothy 1:7.
I am no longer afraid to be in the dark, alone or to address a group of people. I know that with God I can do what I see as impossible. I’m not saying that satan doesn’t try to inject thoughts of fear in my mind when I’m confronted with being in the dark, alone or speaking in front of people. So when the enemy is doing his job, I must do mine and remind satan as well as myself with scripture that... “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13 This helps me to replace fear from satan with faith in God and His word.
Once delivered, we must maintain our deliverance because satan definitely tries to reestablish the demonic bondages in you that Jesus has you set free from and wants you to be in even worst state than you were before being delivered.
"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest and finds none. Then he say, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.'
And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first..." Matthew 12:43-45.
Memorizing scripture is the ultimate weapon! For when Jesus was tempted by satan He answered with scripture.
And Jesus answered and said to him, "Get behind Me Satan! For it is written, You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only you shall serve." Luke 4:8
Keep in mind that satan is defeated, as saints we have authority over him.
... And He said to them, ‘I saw satan fall like lightning from heaven. Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.’ Luke 10:18 &19
I pray that this article really blesses and helps you begin progression in the journey towards liberty in Jesus Christ! As I end this article I want to share with you one of my favorite, powerful and battling scriptures...
Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Please let me know if this has encouraged you to be saved and free!
All Scripture references from New King James Version.
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