We often come across opportunities to become critical, self-righteous, and not extend grace to others including ourselves. However, when we encounter the love of God, we will start to view things differently and demonstrate love-more than causing division and focusing on “works”. We will also allow the Holy Spirit to lead in all situations despite our fear/comfort levels and desires to fit in the norms of our culture, tradition, and man-focused expectations.

Having a relationship with Jesus will help us to feel secure and confident in Him despite our efforts. We will feel free to love Him and be led by the Holy Spirit without feeling condemned by our mistakes or the criticism of others.

This authentic relationship with Jesus helps us to not compare and think of ourselves as better than others, but to exude humility. When our identity and security are in Jesus, we can easily discern when the spirit of “religion” is impacting our lives and when we should guard our hearts from pride so that love and God’s will are always at the center.

“Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.” 2Timothy‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭

“Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body. So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” Colossians‬ ‭2:8-10‬ ‭

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2Timothy‬ ‭1:7‬ ‭

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭

We often believe that God can do supernatural things in our lives, but there are times that we try to use logic and then become discouraged when the situation appears extreme or very difficult. God wants us to trust Him in all situations, even the things that we have been waiting on and/or have been struggling with for years. Our unbelief can increase to faith when we consistently renew our mind on the supernatural power of God who can do the impossible.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews‬ ‭11:1‬ ‭

“How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark‬ ‭9:21-24‬ ‭

Our Spiritual growth is not dependent upon a person. However, others can impact how much growth we experience if they are used as a distraction. God has given us liberty to grow as much as He desires for us with no limitations. He wants us to transition from milk to solid food that will bring about change and purpose in our lives.

“There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.” Hebrews‬ ‭5:11-14‬ ‭

As followers of Christ, we should desire to be delivered from any evil spirit causing destruction in our lives. We should not ignore or minimize the importance of deliverance. We are called to be free from these spirits as well as cast them out as the Holy Spirit leads. Deliverance is often downplayed and not addressed due to lack of complete understanding and uneasiness with the topic which is exactly what the enemy wants. The spirit of religion will also cause us to deny the necessity of deliverance. When we are consistently filled with the Holy Spirit, our eyes become more opened to the spiritual realm and we desire all that Jesus wants for us.

“But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:14‬ ‭

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10

“Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?” Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer. ”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭9:28-29‬ ‭

Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:1‬ ‭ *If you are needing deliverance from demonic oppression beyond mental strongholds, there are individuals who are available to assist you with being delivered in your area. Deliverance Map- https://www.isaiahsaldivar.com/deliverance - If you want to learn more about deliverance including testimonies, please read: When Pigs Move In-How to Sweep Clean the Demonic Influences Impacting Your Life and the Lives of Others

By Don Dickerman

Whenever we experience negative events and live contrary to the things of God, this is a result of works of darkness. The enemy will use anyone and anything to accomplish his daily destructive agendas for our lives. However, we have authority over him by putting on the armor of God, living filled with the Holy Spirit, and closing doors that will allow the enemy’s tactics to manifest in our lives. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians‬ ‭6:12‬ ‭”Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.” I Peter‬ ‭5:8-9‬ ‭

Being in God’s will is success. A person can be successful for the kingdom of God and have minimal material possessions or popularity. When we are identified by Christ, He determines success and allows His will to prevail according to His purpose and plans. “We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” Proverbs‬ ‭16:1-3‬ ‭

Lordship redirects all of our decisions. It is a consistent surrendering of our will to Jesus. It prompts us to renew our minds to properly make His will the priority in our lives.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew‬ ‭6:33‬.

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians‬ ‭2:3-4‬ ‭

Because of the sin of one man, we need a savior to redeem us from our past, present, and future sins. No person could fulfill the wages of sin except Jesus.

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans‬ ‭6:23‬

God has given us spiritual gifts to build the body of Christ and to ultimately bring Him glory. Holy Spirit fuels these gifts to allow them to uniquely impact others. “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.”I Corinthians‬ ‭12:4-6‬ ‭ “Even so you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel.” I Corinthians‬ ‭14:12

Worship allows us to be in God’s presence and to be filled with the Holy Spirit as we focus our attention on Him. So much can happen in our lives through worship. This includes freedom from strongholds and healing. It also glorifies God because worship places the focus on Him. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”John‬ ‭4:24‬ ‭

✔️A Few Worship Songs:

- https://youtu.be/y40mxCF3PLM

- https://youtu.be/HAIdo707Sac

- https://youtu.be/BOK8F9caDic

- https://youtu.be/k6pGwktal_E