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Explore Doug’s revelatory teachings on Biblical truth and the Spirit-filled life.
Christian Living
In the timeless account of Jesus’ temptation in Luke 4:1–13, we find profound truths about the battles we face daily—battles fought not with swords or fists, but with words and thoughts. This “mind war” is where the enemy attacks, where we are most vulnerable, and where victory is both possible and powerful. The Mindshift Moment Erwin McManus, in his book Mindshift , puts it this way: “Mental health, mental clarity, mental toughness, and mental agility all have one thing in common. The journey begins in our minds. This is where the battle is fought—and where the battle is won.” The transformation of our lives begins with a transformation of our minds. But the truth is, no mental breakthrough can occur without anchoring that transformation in the truth of God’s Word. The Missing 5% While McManus’ insight is invaluable, there’s a critical 5% that makes the other 95% possible: the Word of God. Without the foundation of Scripture, our mindshift is incomplete and vulnerable to attack. Jesus demonstrated this vividly during His time of testing in the wilderness. The Temptation of Jesus: A Blueprint for Winning Luke 4 recounts the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness, fasting and praying. The devil tempted Him with three key attacks, each aimed at His identity and mission. These temptations mirror the mind wars we face daily. 1. The Attack on Identity The enemy began with the subtle phrase:
“If you are the Son of God…”
Satan knew who Jesus was, but he sought to undermine Jesus’ confidence in His identity, freshly affirmed by the Father at His baptism. Likewise, our identity is often the first casualty in the mind war. The enemy whispers lies like, “You’re not enough,” or “Who do you think you are?” 2. The Lure of Instant Gratification Satan tempted Jesus to turn stones into bread to satisfy His hunger. But Jesus refused, declaring, “Man shall not live by bread alone” (Luke 4:4). When we face moments of weakness, the enemy tempts us to settle for quick fixes and temporary solutions. Instead, we must lean on God’s eternal truth. 3. The Trap of Performance In the final temptation, the enemy suggested Jesus prove Himself by leaping from the temple, manipulating God’s promises for protection. Jesus responded, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Luke 4:12). Too often, we fall into the trap of performing for others, seeking validation. Jesus reminds us that our worth isn’t tied to public approval but rooted in God’s unchanging love. How to Fight and Win the Mind War Jesus’ response to each temptation was simple yet profound: He declared the Word of God. This is our ultimate weapon in the mind war. 1. Recognize the Power of Words From creation itself ( “And God said…” Genesis 1) to Jesus’ rebuttal of Satan, words shape reality. The enemy knows this, using words to distort and divide. He doesn’t always present outright lies but often offers half-truths that sound almost right. To combat this, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing God’s words to reshape our thinking. 2. Remove and Replace Winning the mind war requires intentional action: Remove Toxic Lies: Identify and reject the lies the enemy whispers. Replace with Truth: Memorize and declare Scripture to counter those lies. Jesus didn’t just think the Word; He spoke it out loud. If Jesus needed the Word to fight back, so do we. 3. Transform Your Thinking, Transform Your Life Romans 12:2 reminds us:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Renewal happens when we saturate our thoughts with God’s truth. It’s not enough to rely on meditation, self-help books, or coping mechanisms. We must memorize, meditate on, and declare Scripture daily. Practical Steps for Victory Scripture Memory: Your Secret Weapon Memorizing Scripture isn’t just a spiritual discipline—it’s a lifeline. Here’s why: It Honors God: Memorizing His Word demonstrates dependence and love. It Changes Your Thinking: Replacing toxic thoughts with God’s truth renews your mind. It Equips You for Battle: When the enemy attacks, Scripture becomes your sword. How to Memorize Scripture Write It: Handwriting Scripture engages your brain differently. See It: Keep verses visible—on mirrors, dashboards, or phone wallpapers. Say It: Speaking Scripture out loud improves memory retention by 50%. Conclusion: The Final Word The enemy is relentless in his attempts to pull us off course, but the Word of God is our unshakable foundation. Just as Jesus relied on Scripture to combat temptation, so must we. Victory in the mind war isn’t achieved through willpower or self-help alone. It’s won by anchoring ourselves in God’s truth and declaring His Word boldly. The power of life and death is in the tongue. Speak life. Speak truth. Win the mind war. Challenge: This week, commit to memorizing one verse of Scripture. Write it, see it, say it—and watch as God transforms your thinking and your life.
Imagine being part of a Navy SEAL team—trained, disciplined, and unified—only to discover someone within your ranks is sabotaging the mission. One mole can jeopardize the entire mission! But what if I told you that the mission of your life has a mole? The Bible tells us, "For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches” (James 3:2-5). In other words, what we declare with our words can sabotage our future—or steer us toward God’s purpose. This is why your declaration determines your destination. In order to steer your life into the destiny that God has for you, it is imperative that we align our words with the Word of God. The prophet Ezekiel tells us how. 1) See in the Spirit In Ezekiel 37:1-3, the prophet is taken by the Spirit to a valley of dry bones. It’s a grim scene: lifeless, barren, and hopeless. But then God asks a profound question: “Son of man, can these bones live?” The obvious answer, looking at the surface, is no. The bones are dry, scattered, and devoid of life. But faith requires us to look beneath the surface. What do you see in your life, your nation, or your relationships? Are you viewing them with physical eyes, or are you asking, “God, how do You see this?” We live in a world obsessed with surface-level living: Surface observations of politics. Surface posts on social media. Surface relationships. God is calling us deeper. He’s asking us to drill beneath the surface. Like a drill bit boring through hard rock, we must dig deeper into His Word and Spirit to uncover His perspective. Only then can we truly see the potential for life amidst the dry bones. 2) Speak in the Spirit When Ezekiel acknowledges that only God knows whether the bones can live, God gives him an extraordinary command: “Prophesy over these bones, and say to them, O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:4) Not every believer is a prophet, and not every believer has the gift of prophecy, but every believer can and should speak prophetically, declaring God’s Word over lifeless situations. Speak the truth of Scripture into our circumstances. Declare God’s promises over our families, communities, and nations. Pray with authority, trusting that His Word will not return void. If you see dry bones in your life—be it a failing relationship, a troubled workplace, or a weary heart—it’s time to speak God’s Word. Say, “Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” 3. (Sometimes) Things Begin to Shake in the Spirit When Ezekiel obeys and prophesies as commanded, something extraordinary happens: “As I prophesied, there was a sound, and behold, a rattling, and the bones came together, bone to its bone.” (Ezekiel 37:7) Do you remember your first car? Maybe it rattled as it moved down the road. In the natural, rattling often signals a problem. But in the Spirit, rattling means things are coming together. When you hear a rattle, don’t run. Don’t misinterpret the sound. It’s not a sign of things falling apart; it’s the sound of things coming together! Your Words Have Power Just as a small rudder steers a massive ship, your words determine your direction. Speak life, not death. Speak unity, not division. Speak hope, not despair. Your declaration determines your destination. What are the dry bones in your life? It’s time to see them in the Spirit, speak God’s Word over them, and trust that He’s bringing things together. The rattling may feel unsettling, but it’s the prelude to resurrection. Declare today: “Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord.” Discover and unleash your prophetic voice and learn how to declare direction and destiny over your life by listening to the message series here.
Have you ever stopped to consider how much power agreement holds in your life? What you attend to, the voices you listen to, and the words you accept all shape your experience. The principle of agreement is woven throughout Scripture, and it’s a tool God has given us to align our lives with His truth—or to break free from lies. The Story of Rehoboam: A Cautionary Tale
In 2 Chronicles 10, we find the story of Rehoboam, Solomon’s son, who stood at the threshold of power but stumbled because of misplaced agreement. Facing a pivotal decision, he sought advice on how to govern. The older counselors , seasoned in wisdom, advised him to serve the people with kindness, promising loyalty in return. The younger advisers , his peers, urged him to assert dominance and increase burdens, speaking harshly to those he was meant to lead. Rehoboam agreed with the wrong voices, rejecting wisdom in favor of popularity. His decision fractured the kingdom, leaving a legacy of division. This story serves as a reminder: What voices are you living in agreement with? Recognizing the Right Words Words From the Enemy
The enemy often whispers words of: Disapproval: “You’re not good enough. Do better.” Punishment: “You deserve this pain.” Heavy Burdens: “You’ll never get out from under this.” These words bring fear, shame, and discouragement, misrepresenting the heart of God. Words From God
God’s words, however, align with His character: Goodness: “I am good to you.” Light Burdens: “My yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Favor and Loyalty: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice.” Recognizing His voice is key to living in agreement with truth. Wisdom vs. Popularity Rehoboam’s failure highlights the danger of mistaking popular opinion for godly wisdom. Wisdom often comes from life experience, humility, and the fear of the Lord. Popularity appeals to our pride and the desire to fit in, but it rarely leads to lasting fruit. In today’s culture, where youth and coolness are often elevated over wisdom, we must intentionally seek counsel from those with proven character and godly discernment. Advice vs. Opinion There’s a critical difference between advice and opinion: Advice considers your best interests. Opinion often reflects someone else’s agenda. Rehoboam’s young advisers were peers, not mentors. They lacked the maturity and selflessness needed to guide him well. When choosing whose words to agree with, look for wisdom rooted in God’s truth, not personal bias or fleeting trends. The Principle of Agreement Scripture establishes a powerful principle: Nothing is established without agreement. Deuteronomy 19:15: “A matter must be established by two or three witnesses.” 2 Corinthians 13:1: “Every matter must be established by two or three witnesses.” Whether it’s an accusation, a promise, or a word spoken over your life, agreement determines its power. You have the authority to: Reject Negative Words: Just because someone speaks it doesn’t mean you have to agree with it. If your spirit doesn’t bear witness to a word, don’t accept it. 2. Break Harmful Agreements: Through repentance, you can sever ties with lies you’ve agreed to in the past. 3. Establish God’s Word in Your Life: Speak and agree with God’s promises to see them fulfilled. Living in Agreement With God’s Word Luke 1:38 gives us a beautiful example of agreement: Mary, the mother of Jesus, responded to the angel’s word by saying, “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Her agreement with God’s promise brought forth the Savior of the world. How to Live in Agreement With God’s Word: Read the Word: Biblical literacy transforms your thinking and helps you recognize God’s voice. 2. Memorize the Word: Hide it in your heart so it becomes your default response to life’s challenges. 3. Declare the Word: Align your confession with God’s truth. What you speak, you reinforce. 4. Live the Word: Let Scripture guide your decisions, attitudes, and actions. Break Free and Step Forward What words have you been living under? Words of fear, shame, or defeat? It’s time to break agreement with those lies and step into the freedom of God’s truth. Declare His promises over your life: “I am chosen and loved.” “God’s plans for me are good.” “His grace is sufficient.” Choose today to align your thoughts, words, and actions with the character and promises of God. There’s power in agreement—make sure you’re agreeing with the right things. What will you agree with today? Discover and unleash your prophetic voice and learn how to declare direction and destiny over your life by listening to the message series here.
Theology
Okay, confession time: the title is a little clickbaity. But I also really do mean it. And I think it matters. Here’s why. First off, let’s clarify: the word eschatology is not in the Bible. That’s not necessarily a problem. After all, neither is the word Trinity , and that doctrine is foundational to the Christian faith. And just because Christmas trees don’t appear in Scripture doesn’t mean having one in your living room is wrong. (Unless it’s February. Then it’s very wrong. Take it down. Seriously.) But back to the point — eschatology , as a term, didn’t exist in the vocabulary of early Christians. It wasn’t introduced until around the 17th century , during the rise of post-Reformation theology in Europe. The word gained real traction in the 19th century , especially among Protestant systematic theologians. Again, the problem isn’t the word’s late arrival. The issue is the meaning it carries. Eschatology = “The Study of the End” The word combines: Eschatos = last, final -logy = the study of So, eschatology quite literally means “the study of last things” or “the end times.” But here’s where I push back: Revelation isn’t the end. It’s not a wrap-up or a closing chapter. It’s a re-beginning. It’s Eden restored. The garden becoming a garden-city. The curse removed. Heaven and earth reunited. It’s not the end — it’s the again . And sure, I realize this might sound like a matter of semantics. But let’s not forget: semantics shape theology, and theology shapes how we live. If my framework is built around endings , I live clinging to this world. I fear death. I avoid Revelation because it seems scary and unfamiliar.
But if my theology is rooted in re-beginnings , then I’m filled with hope. I long for a better land. I ache — in the best way — for the ultimate homecoming. A Better Word and a Better Way: Palingenesiology Let me humbly propose an alternative: palingenesiology. It's built on the Greek word παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia), meaning rebirth or regeneration . Palin = again Genesia = birth or genesis It appears in Matthew 19:28 , where Jesus promises “the renewal of all things.” This word captures not just the personal transformation of salvation, but a cosmic one — the full-scale renewal of everything broken. Palingenesiology = the study of new beginnings.
The study of Genesis again .
The study of Eden again . The study of a restored world where Christ is King, the curse is no more, and all things are made new. So Let Me Ask You: Would you rather study a theology of endings that feels fearful and heavy?
Or a theology of re-beginnings that breathes life and hope into every part of your soul? Me?
I’ll take palingenesiology — every time. Why I Don’t Believe in Eschatology Okay. Admission: the title is a bit click-bait-esque. But also, I really do mean it. And I think it’s significant. Here’s why. First, remember that the term eschatology is not in the Bible. Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with that. The word trinity isn’t in the Bible either. But the concept certainly is. And Christmas trees aren’t in the Bible. But that doesn’t mean having one in your living room is wrong. Unless it’s February. Then it’s very wrong. Take down your Christmas tree! But I digress. All that I mean by that is to say the term eschatology didn't exist in early Christian writings — it came into formal theological use in the 17th century. The first recorded use in this form is traced to Christian theologians in post-Reformation Europe, particularly in German and Latin scholarship. It appears in theological systems around the late 1600s, but it really took root in the 19th century, especially among Protestant systematic theologians. But even then, I don’t have a problem with its later introduction into our theological vocabulary. What I have a problem with is the meaning of the word itself. The word itself is a combination of ology meaning study of and eschatos meaning last or ending, i.e. “The study of end times.” But Revelation isn’t the last. It isn’t the end. It’s the re-beginning— the re-beginning of Eden, the re I realize that in some ways its a matter of semantics, but semantics are important. Language creates theology. And our theological vocabulary influences the way that we live. If my theology says that everything is going to “end” then I live like this is the world that matters. I don’t want to die. I’m afraid to read the book of Revelation because it sounds so scary. But if my language and theology are a study of re-beginnings, then I am filled with hope, I long for a better land, and I ache (in a good way) for the ultimate homecoming. So, may I humbly suggest a replacement— palingenesiology Palingenesia is a very rich and rare word meaning “Rebirth” or “Regeneration.” It stems from the root words Pálin = again Genesia = birth or genesis Found in Matthew 19:28 when Jesus speaks of the “renewal of all things” speaks to a complete renewal or fresh start, either cosmically or personally. Palingenesiology—the study of new beginnings. The study of Genesis, again. The study of a land where Christ is King, the curse is removed, and all things become new. Which would you rather study? The study of endings which is fearful and depressing Or the study of new beginnings which is hopeful and life-giving? Palingenesia (Genesis Again) Our Longing for Eden and our Long Journey Home 🌱 1. Ἀρχή (archē) – “Beginning” or “Origin” Root word for archangel, archetype, etc. Used in Genesis 1:1 (LXX) and John 1:1:
“In the beginning (ἐν ἀρχῇ)…” It refers to the starting point of something, often used philosophically and theologically to describe first principles. 🌄 2. Καινὴ κτίσις (kainē ktisis) – “New Creation” 2 Corinthians 5:17:
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation (καινὴ κτίσις); the old has passed away…” Kainos (καινός) = new in kind or quality Ktisis (κτίσις) = creation or created thing This phrase beautifully captures spiritual rebirth or a new beginning in Christ. 🔄 3. Παλιγγενεσία (palingenesia) – “Rebirth” or “Regeneration” A very rich and rare word: Pálin = again Genesia = birth or genesis Found in Matthew 19:28 when Jesus speaks of the “renewal of all things” and in Titus 3:5 regarding the “washing of regeneration.” Speaks to a complete renewal or fresh start , either cosmically or personally.
Revival
The Backstory I recently received communication from a family telling me that they were moving and asking if I would be interested in the husband’s father’s library. Before his passing, he had been a revivalist preacher in Texas and avid book collector. I was absolutely thrilled to be the recipient of this collection. As I took the boxes and boxes of books into my office and opened the first case, I was drawn to a small volume entitled Revival: The Need and Possibilities, and started to read. [1] As I began to read this treatise on revival by British clergyman Cyril C.B. Bardsley, the words began to resonate. Although the words were penned 99 years ago in the U.K., it is though they were written last week in the U.S. I’m not saying I stumbled across the Qumran scrolls or the Holy Grail, but I do believe the Lord in his sovereignty led me to this book and I do believe that its pages contain powerful truths for us today. [4] Our hesitancy with Revival: What exactly am I praying for? I think some of our hesitancy to seek revival is that we’re not sure what we’re seeking. Do we mean a week of “special services”? Do we mean a temporary emotional stirring? Do we mean seeing some strange behavior? If we’re gut-level honest, that’s what some people may have in mind when they think of “revival.” And thus, the (understood) hesitancy to ask God for it. But that’s not what revival is! This small book that I came across has the most complete and powerful definition of revival that I have ever seen. So I want to do two things: First, I will summarize some of the important parts of the first chapter and second, I will include a PDF of the first chapter for you to download and read for yourself. [5] For ease of the flow of thought, I have broken Bardsley's thoughts into headings. The headings are mine, but I have included Bardsley’s words underneath verbatim. I will begin with the foreword written by the Bishop of Liverpool which describes the state of the nation and then proceed to Bardsley’s treatise. The State of Our Nation and Need for Renewal Throughout the world there is distress of nations with perplexity. Men’s hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth. All the foundations of human society seem out of course. … [The church] is filled with divine dissatisfaction. They are looking for, longing for, and praying for a revival of true religion. Everywhere the prayer is going up, “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain that they may live.” The history of Christianity from its earliest days until now unfolds the conditions of a great spiritual awakening. When the dissatisfaction which possesses us has found a voice in more fervent and united prayer and has led us to a deeper penitence and renewed trust in God; when self-surrender takes the place of self-will; and prejudice, and suspicion, and jealousy, are lost in love; when we are ready, like Saul of Tarsus, to ask, with heartfelt submission, “What shall I do, Lord?” then the long looked-for revival will come. God will send a gracious rain upon his inheritance and refresh it when it is weary. There will be “showers of blessing,” and a revived Church will awaken the world (7-9). F.J. Liverpool Bishop of Liverpool March 1916
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Christmas, Easter, & Pentecost: Why Speaking in Tongues Christmas, Easter, Pentecost—A Foundation of Faith Imagine a church that doesn’t believe in Christmas. Hard to fathom, isn’t it? No celebration of the miraculous virgin birth, no acknowledgment of the Incarnation—God taking on flesh to dwell among us. Now imagine a church that doesn’t believe in Easter. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, the event that gives us hope for eternal life. Finally, imagine a church that doesn’t believe in Pentecost. It seems almost unthinkable, yet many Christians stop short of embracing the full power and purpose of Pentecost. When it comes to the doctrine of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, some believers hesitate. "That’s not for me," they say. "It seems strange." But let’s take a moment to reflect: You already believe that a virgin gave birth to the Son of God. You already believe that the Son of God was crucified and rose from the dead. But you struggle to believe that God can empower you with a new language? Not fully embracing Pentecost and the empowering of the Holy Spirit is like celebrating Christmas without the virgin birth or Easter without the resurrection. Yet many Christians celebrate Pentecost—the birth of the Church—without embracing the gift of speaking in tongues. Why Speaking in Tongues? The question often arises: Why tongues? What is the significance of speaking in another language? The answer lies in the nature of God and His work in the world. When God initiates something new, He often uses language. 1. God Formed the World Through the Word and the Spirit
In Genesis 1, the creation story begins with God speaking the universe into existence.
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth... And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:1-3). The Word of God, combined with the hovering Spirit, brought forth order from chaos. The enemy, however, cannot create; he can only distort. This is evident in Genesis 3, where Satan’s deception begins with a question: “Did God really say…?” The enemy uses distorted words to disrupt God’s order and identity in our lives. 2. The People of God Reform the World Through the Word and Spirit
In John 1:1, Jesus is identified as the Word made flesh. After His resurrection, Jesus breathed on His disciples and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (John 20:22). Then, in Acts 2, the Holy Spirit empowered the early Church at Pentecost.
“All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4). Language was central to this moment. Speaking in tongues signified the restoration of unity and the empowerment to declare God’s works across cultural and linguistic barriers. 3. Restoration at Pentecost: Reversing Babel In Genesis 11, humanity’s unity in language at the Tower of Babel led to pride and rebellion. God responded by confusing their language and scattering them. At Pentecost, this fragmentation was reversed:
“Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken” (Acts 2:5-6). What was broken at Babel was restored in Jerusalem. God’s people were unified by the Holy Spirit, speaking a heavenly language that signified the restoration of divine power and purpose. Language Shapes Culture Babylon’s agenda often begins with changing language. In today’s world, we see this principle in action: Sin is rebranded as “choice.” Confusion is cloaked in euphemisms like “dysphoria.” Confusing language creates a confused culture. However, God empowers His people to reclaim and reshape culture through the heavenly language of the Spirit. Whoever controls the language controls the culture. Speaking in Tongues: Gateway to the Supernatural James 3:2 says, “If we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.” When we surrender our tongues to the Holy Spirit, we invite His power into our lives. Speaking in tongues is more than a spiritual exercise; it’s an act of submission that unlocks the supernatural. A Powerful Illustration Imagine using an old leaf blower to clear a yard filled with oak leaves. It gets the job done, but barely. Then, you discover a high-powered leaf blower with the strength to move mountains of leaves effortlessly. Similarly, many Christians operate with limited spiritual power because they haven’t tapped into the full potential of the Holy Spirit. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you” (Acts 1:8). The gift of tongues isn’t just about language; it’s about accessing the power to witness, to work miracles, and to live in the fullness of God’s purpose. Conclusion Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost are three pillars of the Christian faith. While most believers embrace the miraculous aspects of Christmas and Easter, Pentecost often remains underexplored. Speaking in tongues is not just an optional add-on; it’s a divine gift that empowers us to live victoriously and change the world. By embracing this gift, we fully participate in the restoration God initiated through Jesus Christ and continues through the Holy Spirit. Let us not celebrate Pentecost without embracing its power. Surrender your tongue to the Holy Spirit and discover the extraordinary power of a heavenly language. The world is waiting for a Church empowered by the Spirit, united in purpose, and bold in proclamation.
Prophetic Words
Hiddenness (Part 2): The Spotlight of Heaven is Shifting
What If the Stories Are True?
On the Monday prior to the 2024 Presidential election, our church gathered for a day of prayer and fasting. In the middle of prayer, I saw the number “312”. I had no idea what it meant, but I wrote it down in my journal with a “?” beside it. Then the Lord started sharing with me the rest of what I will share in this blog. A few days later, I realized what the “312” meant. (It was the number of electoral votes President Trump ended up getting.) I believe the Lord showed me that number as a confirmation that I was hearing Him correctly and that I needed to share the rest of what He was telling me. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. We do not wrestle against personalities, but against principalities. Daniel 10:13 But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Daniel tells us that some of these principalities and strongholds are established over nations, cities, and regions through the vehicle of governmental systems (“Kingdom”) through the leadership of that government (“prince”). The stronghold was in place, in part, because of its alignment with systems that the government invited in, which allowed partnership, and therefore the establishment of the particular principality. Strongholds Are Established Through: Invitation Permission Agreement Patterns Principalities and strongholds can attach themselves to policy. Policy either evokes evil or evicts evil. (“Evoke” means to “invoke a spirit or deity”) For example, policy has invited in and agreed with strongholds of: Abortion Chronic Disease/Healthcare Lawlessness But when laws/policies are changed, they serve as eviction notices for strongholds. But Wait! Before We Celebrate Too Quickly... There is both a great danger and a great opportunity . Luke 11 14 Now Jesus was casting out a demon that was mute. When the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke, and the people marveled. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebub, the prince of demons.” When strongholds start to break, not everyone is happy. 17 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.” When strongholds start to break, it stirs up division . 20 But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. When strongholds start to break, it is a sign that God’s kingdom is among us. Now Jesus transitions to a metaphor, but keep in mind the context. The context is demonic activity and strongholds. 21 When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are safe; 22 but when one stronger than he attacks him and overcomes him, he takes away his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoil. 23 Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. 24 When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none, it says, “I will return to my house from which I came.” 25 And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. 26 Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there. And the last state of the person is worse than the first. Here is the Word to the American Church After the Election: It is not enough for strongholds to be torn down. It is not enough to ‘clean house and restore order.’ When strongholds start to break, our work is JUST BEGINNING! We must put our foot on the gas! What I Believe the Lord is Calling the American Church to Do: Be aware of the enemy’s strategy of division and pursue unity. Establish altars of God’s Presence through prayer and worship. Establish cities of revival and renewal by taking the fire of the altar to the gates (major areas of influence) of the city. Be personally committed to the greatest soul-winning effort of the generation. A Lesson from The Black Widow In the film, The Black Widow, it follows the storyline of Natasha Romanov and her sister, Yelena Belova. Yelena has been under the stronghold of General Dreykov, who has hijacked the minds of young women and formed them into an evil army. As Yelena is exposed to a red dust, it breaks the power of mind control, in a sense setting her “free” from the stronghold. But she is still in a state of hurt, confusion, loneliness, and is desperately searching for connection, family, and purpose. There is something wrong with me. An emptiness. I'm just... drifting. And I don't have purpose. —Yelena Belova Church, this is our greatest threat and greatest opportunity in the coming days. Strongholds are being broken! People will be set “free” from lies of deception and manipulation that they have been under for years. But just because they have been set free doesn’t mean they are saved. This is our opportunity to step in and lead people to JESUS and to finding the life, family, freedom, and purpose that only He can give. These have the potential to be the greatest years of harvest for the church. But if we do not respond, it opens up potential for the enemy to come back in, seven times stronger. The Choice is Ours.
I hear the Lord saying, “I am calling you to attention.”
Holistic Living
What If the Stories Are True?
3 Levels of Guarding We All Need Around Our Heart
How God Designed Your Body to Heal, Thrive, and Glorify Him
Free Devotional:
21-Day Prayer Journey
Discover the joy of freedom, enrich your faith with the fullness of Christ, and learn how to hear God’s voice in your daily life.
