I couldn’t resist. I HAD to share some additional information I’ve learned from Dr. Mark Virkler.
Some people believe that Christians can’t have demons. Let me assure you — THEY CAN. I can speak from personal experience, but here is something Dr. Virkler shared.
Luke 13:16 Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?
He pointed out that Jesus called the woman with the issue of blood a “daughter of Abraham.” Abraham was the father of faith, therefore she was a daughter or child of faith. Right? She was bound for 18 years by satan (I intentionally didn’t capitalize his name).
In every prayer team I have joined, I have seen people go through deliverance. Prayer team members are mostly full of people who are hungry for God — seeking His Will, His face. These are the people I saw go through deliverance.
Dr. Virkler gave an example of one of his deacons approaching him for prayer. This deacon battled with his eyes. Each time women walked into the church he would mentally undress them in his mind. He prayed about this, fasted, but nothing helped. Dr. Virkler called some of his elders together to pray for this brother in Christ. Eventually the demon manifested and they cast it out (along with several others). The deacon was healed.
Wouldn’t it be awesome if each of us received ministry and were set free from all demons before we joined a church?!?!? Think of how quickly Kingdom purposes would be accomplished. Trust me — I can’t imagine anyone who has gone through life without some need of deliverance. The enemy doesn’t play fair.
Here are 4 footholds that draw demons:
Continuous sin. If we continue to sin, demons are more than happy to join us.
Addictions.
Trauma. Demons take advantage when our defenses are down.
Faulty belief systems. Fears, phobias, false religions, ungodly soul ties, immorality, occult involvement, unforgiveness, pornography, self pronounced curses (“I’m so stupid”), etc …
After Dr. Virkler was thrust into this type of ministry by his deacon (ha), he decided to invite anyone interested in deliverance to set up an appointment for personal ministry. He said 2/3rd of his church came forward! He said they were the most spiritually mature people in his church. The people who were luke warm or cold didn’t even realize they needed deliverance!
People who are growing in the Lord are more aware of any darkness in them that must leave.
I thought this was interesting: Twelve of the forty-one recorded prayers of Jesus for healing were prayers of deliverance. Dr. Virkler pointed out that our prayers should pattern after Jesus’ prayers. If our prayers are more than 1/4 to 1/3 focused on deliverance then we could be out of balance. If we pray LESS than that, we are out of balance too. I’m concerned that most Christians fall in the LESS THAN side.
I have more to share, but I’ll keep this short for now.
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY HERE IN NC! It is 65, sunny and beautiful! This is such an exciting season in the spirit!
Isaiah 55:6
Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near.
Here is the prophesy bulletin for today:
SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by Marsha Burns — April 15, 2010:
I hear the cries of those who desire to have greater discernment and to hear My voice more clearly. And, I tell you, beloved, that it is not only desirable, but it is also possible. All you have to do is to clear your soul of all darkness so that only light and good and truth exist. You cannot hear clearly when you are conflicted or double-minded. You cannot hear when you are offended, critical or judgmental. You cannot hear when you are in any kind of sin. Return to Me, says the Lord, and be done with the works of the flesh and all darkness and let My light shine forth, says the Lord.
2 Corinthians 4:6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Amen. I can speak from experience as well. Well written. Thank you.
Hi Beth,
Loved your post today and s thought provoking! Prayer is so very powerful and God is good!
I have a daily blog now as well-please drop by! "Days Touched By Grace."
Have a great a blessed day!
Hugs
I am one who wondered about the demons possessing Christians. Thanks, Beth, for posting this.
Praying for GOD to pour out HIS wisdom, understanding, and discernment to each of our hearts.
Blessings, andrea
Lots to ponder again! Thank you for giving us these important info's that help us grow more when it comes to spiritual warfare because this is indeed very real and we are all in it as we become His child!
I am the one praying always for His discernment so I'm glad you added that prophecy at the end of your post! Thank you for this sister. God bless.
Hi Beth! Very thought provoking post today. I loved it! You share so much that is needed, & that cause one to seek HIM more. Have a lovely day! Hugs
P.S. It would be so nice if you were to change your comment form so that I could sign with my everyday blog url. I only use my blogger blog once weekly. So once again, I will type in my daily blog url –
http://homespunblessings.net/Gratefulheartblog.html
Great post, Beth!!
My prayer is that I am constantly growing and seeking Him! He who is in me is greater than he who is in this world!!
Amen, amen.
Amen & Blessings sweet Beth…Have so loved this series!!! (reading in Google Reader 🙁 sorry)(limited blogging at the moment)This was great insight and great sharing. Bring it to the Light woman! I love when you share your prophesy bulletins also because I know so few of the current prophecies or valid prophets and I always go check them out! Now I can add Marsha to my Prophecy bookmark! Thanks!
It was such a nice surprise to see you at my home blog!!! WOWSER! Come over to The Power of Your Love this weekend and share about Jesus as Your Best Friend Forever (link ups on Fri.-Sun.) Join us! You would like my WFW yesterday too…great song God led me to…while I was looking for another one! I'll be sharing it for TSMSS too!
Amen! So true….thanks for posting….
Oh wow! thanks for sharing Beth.
I read this same passage in my devotional this morning!!! I was taught a different meaning and from a different perspective, but this is also very insightful…
Yes its true, and hence we must always give ourselves a health check. It could be anything from disobedience to lazy to all sorts… ! We thank God for deliverance in the power of the blood of Jesus Christ. Amen
Have yourself a great weekend.much love