Valentine is coming! Beware of wicked spirits that appear harmless!
The realm of the spirit is as real and even more real than the world we live in. Spiritual activities are taking place all the time. There are good spirits and there are bad spirits. The good spirits are referred to as angels, while the bad spirits are referred to as demons.
The bad spirits always want to do harm and cause havoc upon humans, God’s creatures, while the good spirits would stop them.
These bad spirits are not nice at all. They are wicked and the scriptures referred to them as wicked!
Eph 6:12 (KJV) For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
The word wicked was also used further down:
Eph 6:16 (KJV) Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
So we understand that these spirits are wicked. They don’t like your face neither do they like your soul. If they had their way, they would kill you right this moment! Thank God for His protection and for the blood of Jesus that was shed not just for our sins but also for our protection.
Now, there are wicked spirits that appear harmless. We see an example of such here:
Act 16:16-18 (KJV) And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: [17] The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. [18] And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
Notice this is a wicked spirit of divination. But the spirit was helping to “advertise” the work of the apostles! It appeared harmless and was able to deceive the apostles for many days!
What do you do with such spirits? Cast them out. Judge them in the name of Jesus! You have authority over them!
As Valentine’s Day approaches, beware of wicked spirits operating through those around you, and appear harmless. Be sensitive and don’t lose your testimony over what is fleeting and passing! May God protect you!
Do you have a problem you are bothered about? Do you have an issue that has constantly unsettled you? Are you troubled?
Here is what Jesus Christ said about troubles.
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 KJV)
How I love this scripture! There will be tribulation, but be of good cheer because I have already overcome on your behalf. Then He said you can have peace during any trouble when you learn to heed what He has spoken unto you!
Here are three things concerning anything you are going through.
1. Your problem cannot last forever That is the number one problem of any problem. They don’t have a forever status. Listen to me, the problem you see today, the issues you see as grave today, that make you cry and weep, will not be there tomorrow. Egyptians were a generational problem to the Israelites, but one day, God said to the Israelites, the Egyptians you see today, you shall see no more! I feel you should start taking a last look at your problems because very soon, you shall see them no more! That is the word of the Lord unto you!
Problems are fickle, they are temporary, and they cannot last forever! The fruitful man has not always been fruitful, he was once barren, but today, he hardly remembers, because when God visits you, He will cause you to forget the shame of your youth!
This year, God will visit you! This year, God will turn His countenance upon you and cause it to shine endlessly upon you!
Covenants can often last a long time, but you see you were not covenanted into troubles and problems, you were covenanted into peace, and shalom, nothing missing, nothing broken, and that will be your experience in Jesus’ name! I speak peace into every storm now in Jesus’ name!
2. Your problem has an expiry date! One of my favorite scriptural phrases is “And it came to pass!” It is a remembrance and a pointer to the Almightiness of God, that what you are going through will soon become a thing of the past!
You cannot be single for life unless you so choose. But if you didn’t choose to be a nun, that singleness status will soon pass. Believe it, embrace it because that is the truth. The devil cannot overrule God’s timetable for your life. In God, your wedding will never be late; it can only be the latest in town!
3. Your problem has a name! The last problem that your problem has is that it has a name! Your problem made the mistake of having a name! If it is a sickness, it has a name. If it is a status, it has a name. If it is an emotional issue, it has a name! No form of affliction or oppression doesn’t have a nomenclature! And that is a mistake! Because the scripture says: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth (Philippians 2:9-10 KJV)
There is a name ABOVE every other name! The source of the problem can choose to be from anywhere, in the sky where the prince of this world lives, in the earth where fellow men live, or beneath the earth where demonic powers often operate, all those are non-issues because, at the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow! Every trouble bows!
I challenge you today, to ignore that which you call a problem, and rejoice in the Lord your God who will soon fill your mouth with laughter!
You will soon share your testimony! It is our year of Boundless Opportunities on KHC, you will not miss them in Jesus’ name! I am so persuaded, I am so sure, that you will soon rejoice because this is a word of the Lord unto you this day!
What to do when you find yourself weak, down and out
Never Compromise! Delays can often make a person vulnerable. The pressures from people, friends, family, and the environment can create unbelievable pressures that quickly increase vulnerabilities to temptations. Now, I speak to you this morning, as by the Spirit of God, don’t compromise!
You see, never allow pressures to push into the “whoever-comes-corner! That is not your portion! You cannot end up with a wife-beater because of pressure! You cannot end up hooking up with a son of Belial because of pressures. You cannot dine with an adulterer because of pressure.
Listen to me, you have waited a while, your waiting will not be in vain! Your waiting will not culminate in shame! Your waiting will not be a ‘waste!”
God has you in mind and He will not fail you.
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. (Isaiah 40:29 KJV)
When you are down and out, rather than turn to compromise, turn to God. He will lift you in that weak moment. It is not a sin to become weak, it only becomes a problem when you try to feed your weaknesses by compromise rather than turn to God. God is waiting to give power to the faint and increase in strength when you turn to him.
So, my dear, when you are so down and discouraged, when you are so weak and feel like crying all day, go back to God in that moment! He will speak to you and assure you of what He will do in your life.
When you feel like going back to the world, go to the throne of grace lest you become like the proverbial dog that went back to its vomit!
That will never be your portion. Continuing from the verse above
Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: (Isaiah 40:30 KJV)
Many people will fall around you. Many will go back and compromise and for a while, it would seem to be working for them. It would be like they are smart while you are so foolish! You cannot follow people; you are to follow God. Why? You’ll see it in the next verse.
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)
Let your waiting be a ‘waiting upon the Lord.” It will change your level, it will bring speed into your life, and you will be able to do a lot without getting tired.
It will all end in a testimony when you refuse to compromise in those vulnerable moments!
For those who are married and experiencing delay, in finances or particularly in childbirth, fill yourself with God’s word and never doubt God that He will do it this year! There is nothing wrong in going for a medical test and it doesn’t disturb your faith. It helps you to focus on the issues and be able to channel your spiritual energy to deal specifically with the situation.
All in all, be in agreement with your spouse. Avoid any form of hate that may lead to bitterness, for such can dissipate the anointing quickly. Don’t allow concerned family members to push into compromise of any sort, focus on God and you will surely see His salvation!
I pray for you this morning, that God will open your womb in Jesus’ name! Whatever could be the hindrance, low sperm count, blocked tubes, abnormal hormonal level, or whatever it is, by the anointing of God upon this ministry, we put a stop to it in Jesus’ name. Take a moment to pray in the Spirit for all waiting in God in this regard that God should visit them this year unfailingly in Jesus’ name!
3. Physical Attraction: A Balance of Spirituality and Reality
While spirituality holds significant weight, physical attraction should not be overlooked. Marrying someone you find attractive contributes to long-term happiness. Avoid the pitfall of spending decades with a partner solely for financial stability. Don’t marry somebody you are not attracted to physically, only because you are attracted to his or her money! Choose someone who brings joy and contentment to your life.
Balancing Spirituality and Attraction
Acknowledging the importance of physical attraction doesn’t diminish the spiritual aspects of a union. Strive for a balance that ensures both spiritual fulfillment and a genuine appreciation for your partner’s appearance.
Don’t come around and say God forced you to marry somebody you are not attracted to! God is an intelligent God and would not lead you into such afflictions!
4. Mutual Love and Romance: Nurturing the Connection
Love and romance form the bedrock of a successful marriage. Proverbs 5:19 emphasizes the significance of cherishing one another. Never take love for granted, and make a conscious effort to fill your heart with thoughts of your spouse.
Nurturing Love and Romance
Delight in your partner’s presence, appreciate their qualities and nurture a connection filled with love and romantic gestures. Cultivate an environment where both partners continuously express affection.
Don’t be too spiritual to the point of being insensitive to your spouse!
5. Purpose and Destiny Alignment: Ensuring a Fulfilling Union
Above all, aligning with your partner’s purpose and destiny is paramount. Marriage should enhance, not overshadow, your love for God. Discussing life’s purpose, dreams, and alignment of minds becomes crucial.
Singles, discover “purpose” before the “propose!”
Fulfillment Beyond Marriage
Guard against losing fulfillment in God’s purpose due to the demands of marriage. If already married and feeling adrift, turn to prayer for guidance. Just as Joseph dreamt another dream, God can provide a new vision and heart fulfillment.
Sube is a church girl. She goes to church regularly, belongs to the choir, and serves God passionately, but she is also caught up with some habitual sins, which she has not been able to confront for a long time.
Bro. Zeru is the fellowship head of his campus fellowship but has sexual relationships with some of the flock he is supposed to keep. He knows his lifestyle doesn’t please God, but he would find himself from time to time doing what he preaches against.
Mr & Mrs Balley want to serve God and they are doing all they can. It is just that they are both compromisers, they are seeing someone else. They know it is wrong, but they continue, thinking that somehow, things will just work out.
What is common with these people?
They are all involved with what is not going to work. They all hope God’s mercy will work for them, and it will work for a while.
Let’s take a look at the scriptures and see some principles.
Thirst Quenched by the Waters of God’s Word
In Isaiah 55:1 (KJV), God extends an invitation to everyone: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
This invitation beckons individuals to seek sustenance that goes beyond material wealth. The “waters” symbolize God’s word, emphasizing the importance of acquiring spiritual insight through a dedicated heart and time investment.
Your legitimate thirst for a fulfilling life, successful marriage, and overall prosperity can only be quenched through genuine devotion and regular immersion in God’s word. Contrary invitations, often enticing but leading to compromise and spiritual apathy, must be declined.
Discerning the Right Invitation
Every life-altering decision stems from an invitation. Whether it’s the pressure to engage in premarital relations or succumbing to compromise, the consequences lie not in the allure of the invitation but in the character of the inviter.
Proverbs 7 vividly portrays the consequences of honoring the wrong invitation, cautioning against being led astray by enticing offers. The invitation may seem appealing, but the aftermath can be agonizing, akin to a calf led to the butcher or a bird ensnared in a net.
Choosing Wisely: Refusing Wrong Invitations
Today, a challenge is to steadfastly refuse every wrong invitation. Your choices dictate your destiny, and embracing God’s invitation leads to the fulfillment of your deepest desires.
Start your day with God’s word, steering clear of sin, and commit to living for God by rejecting compromise. Success is not a result of chance; it is an outcome of intentional actions and choices.
The Ultimate Invitation
As we conclude, consider the unparalleled invitation extended by Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 (KJV): “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This divine invitation promises rest for the weary and a yoke that is easy to bear.
In the Message translation, the depth of this invitation becomes even more apparent: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.” Jesus invites you to walk with Him, learn from Him, and experience the unforced rhythms of grace.
Embracing the Divine Love
In a world filled with conflicting invitations, choosing to accept the invitation from the lover of your soul—Jesus Christ—leads to the embrace of the love of your life. Refuse all other invitations that may lead you astray and embark on a journey guided by the timeless principles found in God’s word.
