Witchcraft in the pew?

In 23 years of ministry I would like to be able to say I have seen it all, but as you know, our journey with Christ has many layers always revealing & learning more. Not to go to deep but the following is of vital importance in the church world today, especially for every true believer.

The scripture teaches us in 2 Cor. 2:11 "that we are to not be ignorant of His devices, lest Satan should take advantage of us." If you're like me, when we think of "witchcraft" we think of a haggard old lady with big hat, broom & wart on her nose. But the Bible teaches about many forms of witchcraft all in relationship to the believer. Eph. 6:18 "For we do not wrestle against flesh & blood but against principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this age, spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places."

For the child of God witchcraft usually starts in the form of some type of rebellion, our old nature rising up becoming defensive, dissatisfied, disgruntled or more. 1 Sam. 15:23 says "for rebellion is as the sin of witch craft..." that's why we must not be ignorant of His devices. The spirit of Witchcraft comes in many forms in the church today ending with many results. For example, a Jezebel Spirit that goes against Godly authority & trys to ruin it's reputation, causing unnessary questioning in other people's mind. An undealt with "spirit of anger" causing hurt & offense with whoever it comes in contact with. The list can be long; unforgiveness, pride, arrogance, religious in nature but far from God & His true power! Remember the story of the girl in Acts 16:16, whose MOTIVES were impure & the disciples (who had God's authority) rebuked her & cast it out, read it & know your heart!

The following characteristics are some of the results of this Spirit operating or attacking you:

1. Isolation- to get you off the beaten path, away from others who can see & speak truth in your life, to separate you from what is right, even when justifiable. That's why the scripture says,"Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together." We need each other for iron to sharpen iron!

2. Chaos- lack of peace, questions, doubts, fears, confusion & turmoil. The Bible says, "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches." 1 Cor. 14:33

3. Flattery- one moment critical of someone, then the next, that fake flattery to get them in your grip. False praise with hypocrisy to get you on its side. " A flattering tongue works ruin." Prov. 26:28

4. Control- always having to be right, everyone on your side, building a case. This leads to manipulation of others to get your way! End results are envy, strife & disunity."Mark the man who causes division among you & have nothing to do with him." Rom. 16:17

5. False Humility- trying to get others to feel sorry for you, sulking, victim mentality & even turning on the tears to try & get pity. This is pride masked in spiritual immaturity! The end result, failure, shame & destruction! "Pride comes before a Fall." Prov. 11:2 & 16:18

6. Slander- talking about others, gossip, spreading lies, & speaking about other believers. Witchcraft always tears down, God always builds up! "Whoever spreads slander is a fool." Prov. 10:18b

Other results of this Spirit operative or evident in your life- continual sickness, emotionalism, super spiritual, personal agendas, fatigue, bondages, and the like. Check yourself & make sure you are not a part or a conduit for these things. "For in the last days even the elect will be deceived." The bottom line of all witchcraft- deception! What to do? Repent, renounce, bind, claim the blood of Jesus, walk in humility & get restored to Gods word, His house & His people, HIS WAY!!!

Gal. 5:1 (AMP) " In freedom Christ has made us free (& liberated us) stand fast then, not hampered and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery which you have once put off."