Intercessors and Soldiers

Authority Over Demons

2007-06-17T17:13:00.000-07:00

Authority Over Demons: (Rick Joyner)
Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name."And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven" (Luke 10:17-20 NKJV).''
Christians have been given authority over demons, yet very few even understand it, much less use it. There are even sincere Christians who believe that demons or the devil do not really exist, but are metaphors for serious human problems. Though one does not have to believe in the devil to be saved, such beliefs which are in direct conflict with the Scriptures have to be one of the devil's most effective deceptions. The devil dwells in darkness or hiddenness. If he can make Christians believe that he does not exist, he has certainly been successful at hiding himself. Other Christians believe that demons existed in biblical times, but think that they just disappeared somehow after the first century. Others think they are still here, but are all in Africa or the South American jungles. Still others think that they are not only still here, but have been having babies and multiplying since the first century! These tend to see demons behind everything. What is the truth about this, and how can knowing the truth affect our lives?As is often the case, the truth is found between the extremes. Demonic forces are a much bigger problem than many suppose, and the ignorance of those who do not know how they operate or the authority we have been given over them, are far more vulnerable to the schemes of the devil. Of course, there are some who go too far, believing that the devil or demons are the cause of every human problem. It is going to be increasingly important for us to understand this issue and walk in the authority we have been given over the powers of evil.
Our Authority
True spiritual authority comes from abiding in the King. We have authority "in His name," which implies that we have His authority when we are on a mission for Him. There is a general assignment that we all have as Christians, which gives us general authority in that area. There are also specific assignments that we are given individually or as groups which give us more specific authority in areas. There is a reason why the Lord told His followers that He was sending them out to heal the sick and cast out devils. When you are sent out by Him to do His work, you will stir up the evil one and you will need to deal with him.Even though we would do well to spend much more time seeking to understand the Lord and His ways than the devil and his ways, we are commanded not to be ignorant of the devil's schemes. Those who are ignorant of them are going to be paying an increasingly high price for that ignorance. We must know and learn to use the authority that we have over the powers of evil. The discerning know that we have as serious a demonic problem in the West as anywhere else in the world. Some forms of civilization enable demonic forces to be more easily disguised. Some demonic forces are simply more socially acceptable, but the good side of the Tree of Knowledge is just as deadly as the evil side. In relation to demonic powers, this means that seemingly "nice" demons, or to use the biblical term, "angels of light" (see II Corinthians 11:14), that are in fact fallen angels, are just as evil, and result in just as much bondage and death.When an angel of light is de-masked, it will show itself as hideously evil and cruel as any released by the witchcraft practiced by even the most uncivilized tribes in the Southern hemispheres. This is what the world found out through Nazi Germany, one of the most cultured and civilized nations in the world when it fell under the spell of the Nazis. Even Winston Churchill stated that had Hitler died before 1938 he would have been considered one of the greatest leaders in world history because of all that he had accomplished in rebuilding Germany. But the true nature of this diabolical leader was revealed, and many today still have trouble believing such a brilliant and cultured people as the Germans could have fallen to such depravity. The truth is that the same thing could happen at almost any time to any nation that remains ignorant of the enemy's schemes.What does this have to do with us now? In 1990, several prophetic friends and myself all received the same revelation that the very demonic powers that had seduced Germany had been sent to the United States to seduce our country. Because of this revelation, I have spent a considerable amount of time trying to understand what happened in Nazi Germany. I have been astonished by what I have learned and how true this revelation was. I will be writing a lot about this in the future, but it is my basic belief that when we are shown the schemes of the enemy, it is so we can thwart them. This will not be done just by writing articles or books. The church must begin to walk in the authority that we have been given over demonic forces on every level.There is another great awakening coming to America. It is right at the door. With this outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the disguises of the evil one which are gripping so many in America and Europe, are going to be stripped away. As we read in the Book of Revelation, when the devil was cast out of heaven, his high place, he came to the earth with great wrath. This is going to stir up a lot of things we need to be prepared to deal with.
A Lesson From Katrina
Katrina means "cleansing" or "to cleanse," and this hurricane was named right. It began a great spiritual cleansing of the Gulf Coast region. Though New Orleans has become known as "sin city" to many, we should not overlook that New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region have some great Christians, great churches, many great businesses, and great communities. We do tend to judge people and things by their most extreme elements, which is a basic deception. Even so, though they themselves may still have a hard time understanding it, Katrina was the answer to the prayers of many Christians to clean up their region.Though there were many upstanding people and churches there, New Orleans was a center for the occult and sexual perversion. When the people were scattered from New Orleans, there were reports of crime rising dramatically in places where the refugees went. Suddenly, there was an almost instant increase in demonic assaults on churches and church members. We ourselves had things happen that we had never experienced before, and it got our attention when those who were causing the problems were from New Orleans. Some of those causing problems may have been involved in that kind of behavior before, but not necessarily. One basic thing we must learn about the schemes of the devil is that he uses traumatic experiences to gain entry into people's lives. Traumatized people do things that they would not normally do. Traumatized people can be much more open and subject to demonic control. As trauma increases around the world, this is something we must come to understand, and know how to take authority over. We need to also keep in mind that after the people were scattered from New Orleans, many communities were blessed with great people who quickly became a blessing instead of a burden. This disaster brought out the best in some and the worst in others. That is what we can expect in every catastrophe. We need to also understand that those who may be temporarily overcome with evil are not really that way, and will not be that way for very long. We need to learn to overcome evil with good.Even so, I know many felt that the devil had sent those with serious problems to attack their churches and people, and in fact the devil himself may have felt that he was doing this, but the Lord was sending them to us to get set free. Some of those who may at first behave very badly can become some of the best neighbors and church members. However, we do need to know how to set them free from the things that may have a grip on them when they come.The Lord's Best Friends
Here is the shocker-some of those who had the biggest problems, and maybe even were the most perverted, were sent to us to become pillars in our churches. Who was it that gathered around the Lord when He walked the earth, and who did He choose to be the future leaders of His church? He has not changed, and He is still building His church with the same kind of people. The truly wise and experienced are more comfortable around those who are in the grip of demonic oppression than around those with a self-righteous religious spirit. The demonically-oppressed are probably much safer to be around spiritually and have in our churches than someone with a religious spirit. The demon-possessed would fall down at Jesus' feet and beg for mercy, but the religious crucified Him. Those who were set free from their bondage, and who were forgiven of much tended to love Him much. Likewise, those who were forgiven of little, tended to love Him little.The people who come to us with serious problems, even demonic problems, can be far more beneficial to us and our churches in the long run than the prosperous, conservative, mature believers, who we usually tend to put our hope in. It will be the conservative and mature who are the most prone to become lukewarm, and then they are a much more serious problem than those who are presently cold toward the Lord.Of course, this does not mean that those who are conservative and mature are all lukewarm. There are conservative, mature Christians who maintain their passion and fire for the Lord their entire lives, and can be pillars in the church. However, this is rare. This is why studies have shown that 98 percent of the Christians who lead others to the Lord do so in the first two years of their Christian walk. After two years in the faith, the overwhelming majority of Christians do not lead anyone else to the Lord.This is because after a couple of years most Christians begin losing their passion for the Lord, and therefore lose their passion for the lost that He gave His life to save.Our goal should be maturity without losing the fire. However, the mature who are repelled by those in darkness instead of being devoted to liberating them are a worse enemy of the Gospel than those in blatant sin. Lukewarmness is the worst state that any Christian could ever fall into, and even the Lord said that it would be better for one to be hot or cold, but the lukewarm He would spew out of His mouth (see Revelation 3:15-16). New believers coming into our churches, especially those who have been delivered out of great darkness, can help to stir up the fires again in a way that no amount of preaching and teaching can.
Buy Low, Sell High
We invest ourselves in people. If you want a good return on your investment with people, like any other investment, buy low and sell high. If you give yourself to helping those who are down, they will be your friends for life, but when you give yourself to someone who is already doing well, what reward should you expect for that?Consider King David and his mighty men. The disgruntled, in debt, and other misfits were the ones who joined him when he was fleeing from Saul. However, these became the mighty men of Israel, the key leaders in the kingdom, and the king's friends for life, who loved David so much that some of them would even risk their lives just to get him a drink of water.It is our basic mandate to help set the captives free. This is what we do.This is not just about investing in those who can benefit us or our churches, but for those whom the Lord so valued that He paid the highest price that could be paid for them-His own Son. Whether we even see a person again or not, we should treat them as this valuable.Those in the grip of demonic bondage are loved so much by God that He gave His own Son for them, and these are the ones who will tend to love Him the most when they are set free. We must not see these people as problems sent to us by the devil, but as treasures sent to us by the Lord. When converted and set free, these will also tend to be the most faithful and fruitful. Therefore, we need to view the situation, such as the many from New Orleans who had serious problems being scattered abroad, as an opportunity if they come to us. However, if we do not know our authority over demonic powers and use it, we are going to be in for some difficult times ahead.Every Christian has authority over demons. No Christian should be intimidated by demons or demon-possessed people. If we run from this calling to set the captives free, we will soon be running all of the time. If this is something you do not want to get involved in, and have resolved not to, you may as well change this mindset now because you will not escape the confrontation with demonic powers for much longer.Give Them Their WeaponsThe newest Christian who has been given the Holy Spirit has more power and more spiritual authority in them than all of the power of the enemy. We have been given divinely powerful weapons. However, few understand them and few have been equipped to use them. This must change. Those who do not understand and walk in this authority, and know how to use these divinely powerful weapons, will find themselves in increasingly difficult situations, and even jeopardy. The Lord gave us the armor and the weapons of our warfare because we need them.Equipping comes after training. Training comes after teaching. Soldiers have to be taught about their weapons and then trained to use them before they are trusted with them. In general, the church has been stuck in the teaching mode, and we must go on to training and then equipping the saints to do the work of the ministry.There are many conferences and churches that are teaching, training, and equipping their people to walk in the authority over the evil one that we are called to walk in. If you feel that this is something the Lord is calling you to do, go to where the seeds He has planted in your heart can be watered. All that I can do in a Bulletin such as this is try to impart vision for it, and stir up those whom the Lord is already speaking to so that they go forward. Those who hear and go forward will soon be very thankful that they obeyed. Those who heard, but did not respond will soon be very sorry they did not. Just as deliverance was a large part of the Lord's own ministry, it will be for His people too, and we will only neglect it to our own peril. We have been given this authority for a reason, and we must walk in it. Go forward.
Special Bulletin - 2006: Authority Over Demons by Rick Joyner March 29, 2006

15 Ways to Remove the Enemies Covering

2007-06-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

15 Ways To Remove The Enemies Covering: (Chuck D. Pierce)
We are finishing the first phase or quarter of this year. We need to be sure that we have closed doors that would hinder us in our future, so we can move forward into a new dimension of prosperity. This is a time that we must look past what appears to be an issue and really see the problem or hindrance that is stopping us from moving and advancing through into the blessings that the Lord has for us this season. Satan Forms an OCCULT Covering that Hides his Ways .We must look past the visible to see the invisible and any supernatural force that would trap us from accomplishing the Lord's will. Let me describe Lucifer, the devil, from Ezekiel 28. This chapter says: "He was the model of perfection and covered and adorned with every type of jewel ... He was anointed as a guardian cherub and overshadowed or covered every place he walked ... until wickedness was found in him. Then he was filled with violence. His heart became proud on account of his beauty. He corrupted wisdom and through the abundance of commerce was filled with lawlessness and violence. Through this, he desecrated sanctuaries (paraphrased)."We must address this covering in prayer. This is related to occult spirits. Occult means: to conceal or cause to disappear from view; secret, mysterious, and supernatural. God is giving us access to revelation that will uncover that which is secret. Satan hides his ways from the eye of our understanding. Therefore, our eye must be filled with Light. He creates occult lines (geometric lines throughout the earth), qualities, and uses magic and devious words to hide from sight his place. He uses the atmosphere around us to conceal his plan. He creates a veil. Other ways of looking at this is that he hides, conceals, secretes, caches, screens, buries, cloaks, masks and disguises his plan so he can keep us from uncovering God's fullness in the earth. Another synonym is block; he will use deceptive methods to block our path. He has ways to watch after his iniquitous streams in the earth. Remove the Evil One's Veil You need to break anything that the enemy creates to hinder your ability to discern. He hides his way from us. The enemy plots and plans on our path to develop a strategy to divert us from accomplishing God's will and entering into His blessings. Many of us have a hard time seeing the enemy's snare that has been strategically planted on our path of life. Therefore, we step in this tangled web and spend much of our time struggling to free ourselves from his distractions and plan of conforming. To conform means to develop a blueprint that will mold us into the way of the world, instead of us staying free to think God's way and walking in the present truth of this age. Since Satan forms a covering that hides his ways, we must look past the visible to see the invisible and any supernatural force that would trap us, keeping us from accomplishing the Lord's will. We must enter into a new realm of worship and remove his veil. The Body of Christ cannot afford to stand still and embrace any passivity this year. Dr. Frank Hammond, a dear friend, says this about passivity: "One of the biggest challenges confronting a deliverance ministry is passivity in the person to whom I am ministering. Unless the will is activated, failure is certain. Active faith is essential in receiving anything from God, and this includes deliverance."'What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save [Greek sozo, deliver] him? ... faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead.' (James 2:14,17). When a person accepts Christ as Savior he immediately becomes a Christian soldier. He has entered warfare against Satan and his host of evil spirits. In order to defeat the devil's wiles we must 'put on the whole armor of God,' 'wrestle against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places,' 'resist the devil,' and employ spiritual weapons which are 'mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.' In the name of Jesus we are commissioned to 'cast out demons.' All this requires commitment and total aggressiveness against Satan's kingdom. Without aggressiveness, one automatically falls into passivity and becomes open prey to the devil for, 'The devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.' Therefore, we must 'resist him, steadfast in the faith' (I Peter 5:8,9). Always remember: The enemy wants to block your path. If he can tempt and divert you from your course, he can stop you from entering into the full portion (inheritance) that God has for you. He will develop strategies against you to bring deception and then division. He develops ways to accuse you so he can hold you in condemnation. He wants to block your supply and release a spirit of infirmity or weakness against you. Do not be ignorant of his wiles.
15 Ways to Remove the Enemy's Covering
1. The enemy has a voice to bring deception into our life. Ask God to show you any deception or lie he has brought into your life.
2. Satan is the father of lies and can only work with any resource that we give him. Cut ties with anything in your soulish nature that is holding you captive.
3. Ask the Lord to fill you with His love so that you can break any sin strategy in your life and destroy the devil's work.
4. Jesus resisted the voice of the enemy. Ask the Lord to fill you with the Spirit in the midst of your wilderness so you can resist and receive new power.
5. Do not be ignorant. Let God reveal to you the supernatural qualities that the enemy possesses. Continue to allow revelation to come into you on Lucifer's hidden characteristics.
6. Be sure you are operating in submission so you can resist effectively.
7. Satan wants you to believe that God is not directing you. He also wants you to think that God is holding out on you. This is what he did to the woman in the garden as he manipulated her desires. Ask God to break any manipulation that is aligned with your desires.
8. Be sure your desires are aligned correctly. Temptation is linked to desires that are not within God's boundaries.
9. Ask the Lord to deliver you from temptation.
10. Change your mind or redevelop your thought process (repent). Renounce the act linked with your wrong thinking. Forgive yourself for falling into the enemy's plan. Forgive others who have seduced and led you astray.
11. Ask God for increase. Ask Him to give you a mind for increase. Ask Him to open your heart to any prophetic word that will bring you success and cause you to be able to rake in the spoils that the enemy is holding.
12. Declare deliverance from the hand of the wicked who has tied up any of your provision and health.
13. Declare that the generational curse of "GOD ROBBING" will be broken out of your bloodline. This is one of the four major generational curses. Tear down mindsets of poverty. Poverty has a voice which says, "God is not able." There are philosophies in your life that have developed wrong mindsets.
14. Dismantle unbelief over provision. "Prove Me NOW," says the Lord! Look up and see the windows of blessings that He wants to open up. Watch Him overcome your devourer.
15. Rejoice that you are free from the enemy's plans and purposes! Let your eye be filled with Light, and may the Holy Spirit direct every step of your path. "The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of the dawn shining ever brighter until the full break of day" (Proverbs. 4:18).

Chuck D. Pierce - President, Glory of Zion International, Inc. Vice President, Global Harvest Ministries Note by Steve Shultz: There is awesome wisdom and understanding coming from Chuck Pierce in this prophetic article. Please don't assume that this is just "interesting" reading, but rather a highly strategic fighting strategy to help your life, family, and ministry take a stand against the devil. I would print this out and read it often. It will not go out of date!
In the Battle Together,Steve Shultz - THE ELIJAH LIST www.elijahlist.com

2007-06-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Attack of Jezebel: (Rev Rodney Mullins)
Is the church you lead or attend characterized by all or some of the following?
A passion to press into God and know Him more.
A heart for worship.
A love for the Word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Open to the flow and ministry of the Holy Spirit.
Led by godly, spirit filled leadership.
A heart for the Kingdom of God not merely focused on local issues.
Passionate for world missionary enterprise.
Moving in intercessory ministry.
Open to and exploring prophetic ministry.
Seeking to speak into your community in ways that will make an impact.
Then beware! That church is a target for the attack of the spirit of Jezebel. The following is three years of study and preparation. Many people and mentors have spoken into my life and many teachers have given these insights. I take no credit for these revelations I just know that they are factual and have been life saving to me. Let me share them with you.....The spirit of Jezebel is a name given to the demonic personality or personalities whose role is to neutralize 'life giving churches'. These churches are not satisfied to go on doing their own religious thing for their own benefit. They are churches committed to serving the cause of Christ locally and more widely in any way the Lord leads them. A 'life giving' church takes seriously Jesus' command to, "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness". They are churches with an outward focus and for this reason they represent a thorn in the enemy's side. He has effective strategies to bring about their downfall.Biblical Foundations.In the last chapters of 1 Kings we read of the encounters between Elijah, the Prophet of God, and Queen Jezebel, wife of King Ahab. Ahab had married the Sidonian princess and priestess, Jezebel who brought the worship of Baal Malquat, the fertility deity of the Sidonians, to her new homeland. A group of several hundred "prophets of Baal" accompanied her. The wickedness and evil associated with the worship of this powerful demonic deity soon swept the land. Under the influence of Jezebel, "Ahab . did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel , to anger than did all the kings of Israel before him." (1 Kings 16:33 NIV)As always at such times, God had preserved a remnant who refused to follow the ways of wickedness and idolatry. Elijah, the Prophet of Fire, was sent by God to call the nation to repentance and back to worship of the true and living God; Yahweh, the God of Israel. The stage was set for a series of dramatic battles between Elijah, servant of God and Jezebel, servant of Satan.Ultimately, the battle was for the hearts and minds of the people of Israel . Various skirmishes were played out at such places as Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:16 -40) where Elijah dramatically demonstrated the power of God by calling fire from heaven. But always the motivating principle was God's passionate love for His people and His desire for them to live in righteousness and enjoy the benefits of His favor.In Revelation 2:18-28 we read Jesus' letter to the church in Thyatira. This church was clearly a 'life-giving church'. The Lord Jesus commends them with these words; "I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first." ( Rev 2:19 ). But there is a problem. The enemy had planted in this church a subversive agent who was causing significant disruption to the life of thebody.In verse 20 the Master speaks of ".that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess." Does this verse speak of a specific woman named Jezebel or an otherwise unnamed person who is manifesting the spiritual characteristics of the Jezebel spirit? Opinion is divided. Whatever the answer to the debate, the following verses give some very clear pointers to the character and operation of one manifesting this very destructive spirit.".calls herself a prophetess." Note the personal claim to a position of status, influence and authority. There is an arrogance and pride which demands recognition not the quiet humble spirit which waits for godliness and gifting to be recognized and affirmed by the body."By her teaching she misleads my servants." Note the impact of 'Jezebel's' teaching. Does it glorify Christ by promoting righteousness, holiness and unity? No! Rather it lays the foundations for immorality, idolatry, relationship break down and party spirit. This person's operation was clearly very subtle for many of the Lord's people were deceived. ".into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols." There was a patently fleshly element to this influence in the life of the church.These words speak of spiritual and moral compromise. Jesus requires the highest standards of spiritual and moral integrity among His people. The enemy seeks to undermine these in any way possible."I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling."Do you see the pride and arrogance demonstrated here? Those deceived by this spiritual entity are blind to their own error and deception. Therefore they see no need to express repentance or apology?
The Spirit of Jezebel Today.
Some who study the life of the Church today have become aware that the same destructive spirit which challenged the spirit of prophecy in the time of Elijah and in the church at Thyatira, is very much at work today. The human personalities have changed, but the demonic entities that inspired Jezebel of old, are still the same. There are a series of very discernable characteristics which define an attack of the spirit of Jezebel upon a community of God's people. While the attack will generally be ersonified in one or two people, they may be the unwitting agents in a far more wide ranging strategy to neutralize a 'life giving' church. Here are some of the characteristics of Jezebellic agents one might expect to observe and identify through such an attack.Disguise. The enemy often chooses people who have a thorough knowledge of spiritual issues but wrong motivations to become his instruments in destruction. To many they appear to be very genuine, spiritual people. They use the 'right' words and attend the right meetings. However the outward displays of sincerity and commitment may be a cover for wrong motivations or some other sin issue that has allowed the enemy access. The disguise is so good that even the most discerning leaders can miss it completely.Deception. Relationships are the key to the operation of this spiritual subterfuge. The agent seeks to develop webs of relationships which position them in a place to influence others and ultimately to exercise considerable power over the life of the church. There is often an element of deception and manipulation in these relationships. The pastor is often the point of first approach. To many overstretched pastors, the arrival of a seemingly spiritual and willing worker or couple seems to be an answer to prayer. The tell tale signal is the way in which these individuals seek to position themselves close to the pastor and spouse. A variety of strategies are applied. Personal friendship, financial assistance, support and encouragement, access to confidential information are just some of the baits in the enemy's tackle bag. In order to secure the confidence of the pastor in his agent, the enemy may even use this plant to reveal seemingly important aspects of his strategy.And should the pastor's discernment warn him of the danger to the extent that he puts barriers in the way, the deception simply changes focus to other people of influence. An elder or spouse, leader of a significant ministry, a home group or indeed any network of relationships that delivers the much sought after influence and ultimately power. The pastor who seeks to warn his leadership team of the danger is often chided for having an overactive imagination. In the meantime the agent is working underground to establish a power base from which to operate. It all appears so genuine that most are deceived until it is too late.3. Division. It should not surprise us that the church's unity is the enemy's favorite place of attack. Clearly Jesus placed great importance on our unity. Unity among His followers is a principle theme in the great high priestly prayer of John 17: 20-26. Likewise, the enemy knows that if he can destroy the unity of a church family, bring them to conflict, distrust and suspicion, he has taken a major step to neutralizing them as effective instruments in the Lord's hands.People operating under the influence of the spirit of Jezebel will cause division. A favorite target is the unity between the pastor and his wife. Comments like, "I can see your wife does not really understand you," or "I understand the things that are on your heart and I am not sure your wife does," are quite common especially when the agent is of the opposite sex.But if that line of attack is unsuccessful the next may well be to generate division in the senior leadership of the church. The eldership or spiritual oversight, worship department or prayer ministry are favorite places for attack. The goal is to drive divisive wedges into crucial relationships. From the enemy's perspective, the wider the division and accompanying distrust, the more effective the strategy.4. Manipulation. The spirit of Jezebel is incredibly manipulative. The agent seems to know instinctively, who are the vulnerable people in the life of a church. Relationships with these people are nurtured. The agent uses information, shared confidences, obligation; indeed any strategy to endear themselves to those who they feel may be useful in their purposes. Truth is often a victim. One favorite strategy is allowing people to believe things the agent knows to be untrue. One leader calls these people 'traders'. They will trade anything necessary to gain a position of influence from which they can manipulate. Sadly, few people recognize what is happening. They become victims of a very skilful manipulator.5. Arrogance. True spirituality is characterized by humility, gentleness and spiritual authority that come from a close walk with God. The godly person recognizes their humanity and sinfulness. Confession, repentance and apology are characteristic of the godly person. Those through whom the Jezebel spirit operates are very different. Whilst they may appear to be self effacing at times, one rarely hears them acknowledge that they could be wrong. There is a subtle arrogance and pride which sees their point of view as the only one possible. They will accept the apologies of others with apparent humility but rarely will one hear such apology from them. They may use tears or other emotional outbursts. But one will wait in vain for the agent to acknowledge that they could possibly be at fault.6. Destruction. The operation of the Jezebel spirit is incredibly destructive. It is destructive in the life of the agent. It is destructive in the lives of those who come under their deception. People once characterized by godliness begin to behave in ways that are totally out of character. Foul language, anger, rage, bitterness, ungodly actions and more are the impact of this deception in the lives of others. Once supportive elders and co-leaders turn on those with whom they have formerly prayed and journeyed. Once trusted relationships are shattered, often never to be healed. People turn on those who have been their spiritual mentors and pastors to the extent that they become cold and uncommunicative. Vicious, slanderous attacks on pastors and elders are quite common. Whole church families can change from a happy, united fellowship to a divided entity in a matter of weeks. All of this has tragic consequences for everyone caught up in the cycle.Dealing with the Attack of Jezebel.It must be acknowledged from the outset that this demonic attack is incredibly difficult to deal with because of the manner in which it undermines leadership and builds networks of personally supportive relationships. For congregationally governed churches, it is almost impossible to confront this form of attack without substantial division or even a church 'split'. In apostolically or eldership governed churches, the task is a little easier because the leadership have authority to confront and, if necessary expel, without reference to the body at large. However a degree of loss is highly probably because of the personal loyalties developed by the Jezebellic agent. With all of this in mind, what can leaders do to both guard against such attack and to deal with it should it become necessary?Awareness. At least part of the problem with the destruction caused by people under the influence of the spirit of Jezebel is that they become deeply entrenched before the leadership is even aware of their operation. Most church leadership teams are totally unprepared for and unaware of thisform of demonic attack. They are reluctant to 'name it' even if there is a suspicion. After all, the people concerned often appear to be so 'spiritual' . By the time the attack is identified, huge and often irreparable damage has already been done.It is critically important for pastors and leaders of 'life-giving' churches to become aware of this satanic strategy, to be alert to such forms of attack and to confront them early if such attack begins to manifest. Awareness and watchfulness are two key words.
Intercessory Covering.
When a pastor or leaders become aware of possible attack, the mobilization of increased intercessory covering is essential. If the church's own intercessory team has been compromised, it may be necessary to draw on intercessors from external networks, being careful not to give them too much information. Integrity on the part of the leadership team is a critical factor. Godly leaders must not stoop to the same tactics as the Jezebellic agents employ.Outside Consultants. Tragically, by the time leaders become aware of the attack, their own standing in the body may well have been compromised. This is part of the enemy strategy. As a result they may well lack the confidence of the body to act in ways that will deal with the problem. This is especially acute in congregationally governed churches where the spiritual oversight depends on the confidence of the people to exercise their leadership. In such cases a vote of the membership is required to finally resolve the issues. Securing such a decision may be almost impossible without significant fall out or even division.One way through this impasse may be to bring in an outside consultant who appears to be neutral. This may well be a very risky strategy but it may be the only one available. The difficulty is finding people with the necessary skills and spiritual insights to deal with this kind of spiritual attack.Mediation is not an option. The enemy and his agents never keep their agreements. They don't fight fair. The use of a consultant can sometimes help. Regardless of the above, there is no future in living with such an agent of the enemy in the Body. Unless there is clear acknowledgement of the problem accompanied by public confession, repentance, reconciliation and restoration, the agent must be expelled. Experience shows that such restoration rarely happens.
Confrontation.
The struggle for most pastors is their own nature - they are pastoral. By nature and calling they believe in restoration. They see any individual as one for whom Christ died and therefore valuable to the Master. The hope of restoration is a major chain within the pastoral DNA. It is this fundamental hope which leaves many churches open to be ravaged by theJezebel spirit.One of the only courses of action available to pastors and spiritual oversight is to confront the agent of attack at the earliest possible moment. Once leaders have discerned the nature of the attack, they must prayerfully confront the agent, reveal their actions and call them to repentance and restoration. If this approach fails to bring the desired results, leaders are left with no alternative but to expel the agent from the fellowship. They then face the challenge to pastor the Body through the inevitable fallout. The longer leaders put off the confrontation the greaterwill be the fallout. These are serious issues. The implications are significant no matter whichway a leaders move. The potential for serious spiritual damage to people is a major cause of concern. The life and health of the Body is at risk. But we are dealing with a vicious enemy of whom Peter wrote, "Be clear minded and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8 ISV). As shepherds of the sheep we are called to confront and deal with any attack which threatens their welfare. Such is the challenge of leadership. One Teacher writes the following....This is his story... I have decided to document my journey in discovering and overcoming the spiritual entity documented in the Bible, (God's word), as the spirit of Jezebel. I was not aware that I had spent most of my life under the control or influence of this insidious personality. You see, Jezebel was part of my psyche, my world, my upbringing. I was "nurtured" in the womb of Jezebel. Like Pavlov's' dog, I was trained from an early age to respond to her whims and demands. No, I have not had a conscious awareness, or a any type of conversation with this spirit being. Through some circumstance or condition in my family psychology, Jezebel was given free reign to make me her disciple.THE GENERATIONAL CURSE, AND THE MOLDING PROCESS"At this point I will have to reveal some personal facts. I will be brief and will not go into great detail in this public forum. Regarding my families upbringing, when it came to spiritual matters my mother was in charge. My father grew up in the depression in Mississippi, the son of a Baptist preacher. Dirt poor, and constrained by legalistic "bible belt" theology, my father grew to resent controlling religion. When my Dad was 18, my grandfather committed a serious breach of trust with my father. My father spent the rest of his life shunning organized religion. On my mothers' side, my grandmother, as a child, was abandoned by her father. She married a man that committed a serious breach of abandonment, by moving from Puerto Rico to New York City, and not calling back for his wife and three kids. She eventually located my grandfather. The seed was planted,that men cannot be trusted to do the right thing, so to be in control was a woman's only protection. Growing up in New York City, my mother continued to feed off this philosophy. My grandfather worked the night shift at the Post Office, and slept during the days. He was, like my father on down the road, a non-factor in family matters, in particular spiritual matters. My grandmother, and mother were Catholic, and both married Protestants. Thus, the male members posed no threat to this cherished family spiritual headship position. As a very young child I experienced vivid absurd dreams of a sexual nature. The dreams were directing my young spirit to worship the female form. In addition, a monopolistic attachment developed with my mother. I do not recall, though old pictures provide some sense of relationship, that I had a relationship with my father. I recall very little of my catholic upbringing, suffice it to say, that Mary was given equal status with Jesus, "after all she was the mother of God". My mother buffered me from the need to have a father figure. My father, fearing that he would place constraints on me similar to those placed on him by his preacher Dad, left me to run my own race. A truce was at work, and both my father and mother were happy with the arrangement. From all outward appearances I lived a very happy childhood. All my physical needs were met. I had three younger sisters, and lived apart from their world. I wasinterested in playing sports, and watching television. The television became my chief source of emotional numbing. I suppressed the pain of a fatherless, maleless existence. Later in life, I would "graduate" from television to playboy magazine as my chief source of desensitizing. Yes, I would have to learn on my own about becoming a man".Now, lets now move past his psychological profile. I'm sure many can relate to parts or all of this profile. The point I am getting to is that the stage was clearly set for the spirit of Jezebel to operate freely.
EXACTLY WHAT IS THE SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL?
Some will mistake this testimony as a strike against womanhood. A misguided "Pauline" attack against the feminist movement, or a call to return women to a past repressed state. Some might question my motives.... Is he trying to minimize a woman's' role in the church, or in ministry? Is this another macho drum beating exercise? For those that ask these types of questions, I can only emphatically retort, NOT TRUE! I know my own experience, and I know the battle I have fought. I also know the victory I have tasted by the grace of God. I know the forces that were allayed against me. I have looked beyond the personalities of man, to see the true enemy of the human soul. Jezebel is both a human figure in scripture, and a spiritual entity that embodies the characteristics that are part and parcel with the human figure Jezebel. The Bible calls this relationship between historical figure and spiritual entity "a shadow". God often describes spiritual forces by referring back to their historical human prototype. Thus, Sodom and Gomorra becomes a spiritual prototype of an immoral God rejecting society. Lots' wife and her pillar of salt end, becomes the standard for those who look back to the world longing for worldly pleasures. Such is the case with Jezebel. Her historical likeness embodies the characteristics that will shed the clear, exposing light of illumination on the insidious work of the spirit entity the historical Jezebel modeled.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HISTORIC JEZEBEL
1. Failing in the test of male spiritual leadership, Ahab married a woman not of his faith, who would lead Him to worship "serve Baal". Her first line of business was to move Ahab away from the worship of the true Almighty God. She attacked his affections. 1 Kings 16:31 And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Zidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshipped him.
2. Although Jezebel was NOT a delegated authority in Israel, she exercised great authority, and used that authority to hinder, intimidate and destroy Gods' servants. Ahab refused to hinder her in the exercise of this stolen authority. Ahab worshipped the creature rather than the creator. He allowed Jezebel to "stir him up" to do evil. Jezebel targeted in particular those called to the prophetic ministry. Her assignment was to stop or hinder the revelation of God's plans and purposes for Israel. 1 Kings 18:4For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the LORD, that Obadiah took an hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.) 1 Kings 18:13Was it not told my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the LORD, how I hid an hundred men of the Lord's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?1 Kings 19:1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slainall the prophets with the sword. 1 Kings 19:2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time. 1 Kings 21:5 But Jezebel his wife came to him, and said unto him, Why is thy spirit so sad, that thou eatest no bread? 1 Kings 21:7 And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. 1 Kings 21:11 And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them. 1 Kings 21:14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead. 1 Kings 21:15 And it came to pass, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give thee for money: for Nabothis not alive, but dead. 1 Kings 21:23 And of Jezebel also spake the LORD, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel. 1 Kings 21:25 But there was none like unto Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up.
3. GOD JUDGED JEZEBEL FOR THE UNLEASHING OF HER DECEPTIVE WITCHCRAFT.
UNFORTUNATELY THIS DID NOT OCCUR UNTIL SHE HAD DONE GREAT DAMAGE.
2 Kings 9:7 And thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of the LORD, at the hand of Jezebel.2 Kings 9:10 And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door, and fled. 2 Kings 9:22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many? 2 Kings 9:30 And when Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. 2 Kings 9:36 Wherefore they came again, and told him. And he said, This is the word ofthe LORD, which he spake by his servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel: 2 Kings 9:37 And the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SPIRITUAL JEZEBEL
1. The nature of this demonic force focuses on wearing men down spiritually: "thou sufferest the woman Jezebel...". Revelation 2:20 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. 2:21 And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. 2:22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
2. She seeks to get legitimate born again servants of God to worship the female body. She is the master of sensuality and the art of seduction. She indwells movie stars, models, and everyday women. She does not come as the stereotypical feminist. She pulls at you to commit forbidden acts. She is relentless, and will strike during your weakest moments. She is a master of glamour make-up, and enticement. She creates spiritual Sampson's; spiritual eyes plucked out, void of supernatural power, and the moral conviction to perform acts of judgment on the earth. God's male servants cease to become men of conviction.
3. She will cause men and even God's servants to fall into a bed of sickness because of their deeds. HIV, all STD's (sexually transmitted diseases) and cervical and prostrate cancers are byproducts of Jezebel's association. We can't faith are way around the fact that God says that "I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation....".The fear of God should be upon us all!Again she leads God's servants to worship the creation over the Creator. She creates in their hearts an addiction to sensual things... a heart filled with greed for carnal knowledge and pleasure. The "eye gate" is destroyed, and the "flood of filth" begins.
Symptoms of a Jezebelian Man. (THE NAIVE MALE)
1. Naiveté when relating to women in an emotional or non-sexual format. It is this naiveté that allows Jezebel to gain her major inroad.
2. Some form of sexual addiction (pornography, perversion, fantasy etc.)
3. Easily yields leadership role to a "nurturing" female figure (wife, mother or girlfriend).
4. Uncomfortable with acknowledgment of male emotions.
5. Overlooks his "gut feel" and ends up making decisions that will please his Jezebelian stand-in.
6. Mistakes emotional pity for genuine love. (Why else would one fall in love with a Jezebel controlled personality seeking to destroy and hinder Gods' work of discipleship to him?)
Tactics of a Jezebelian Controlled Woman. (THE MAGIC LADY)
1. Able to grab "the guilt handles" of the controlled male. Guilt becomes a subtle but powerful tool for control and manipulation.
2. Continues to encourage attitudes and actions that promote shame. When she is losing control, will do things to embarrass the male counterpart. Because she is threatened by male authority, the Jezebelian woman will undermine verbally, and undercut emotionally. The man is beat down by this constant under-tow. He becomes indecisive and confused.
3. Able to grab onto the handles of the males sexual addiction(s). The mans' love interest will exercise a magical charm, and will generate a lot of sexual energy in the controlled male.
4. Like Delilah, she could be herself emotionally un-predictable and un-stable.This continual state of uncertainty will add to the male codependent bondage.
5. Any gap in male authority or leadership will be usurped. Absence of authority is seen as a green light to exercise ungodly authority in the form of control.
6. Men must be kept in an emotionally weakened state so that they do not pose a threat.[NOTE: The Jezebelian controlled woman, is every bit a victim of the spirit of Jezebel's influence as the Jezebelian controlled male]. Most women are not in this category. But one Jezebelian controlled woman can set a 100 men to flight spiritually. Believe me, I've seen a spiritual Jezebel have the whole church walking on egg shells
.A PRESCRIPTION TO DEFEATING JEZEBEL IN YOUR LIFE.
1. Allow God to bring to you your chosen mate. Patience is a virtue in this matter. It takes great faith to wait!
2. Decide that in this day and age you will not be influenced by the political correctness movement. Treat all people with respect, but do not "cow-tow" to anyone. Remember you are a servant of the Living God.
3. In conjunction with point two, learn to live a life free from the fear of man, in particular the fear of displeasing relatives.
4. Remember that the Good is the Greatest enemy of the Best, because people are willing to settle for the good and stop growing spiritually.
5. Exercise your authority in Jesus over Jezebel by name. Learn to discern her plots and manipulations before they happen.
6. See pornography and sensuality for what they are, a device that the Jezebel spirit uses to weaken and control men. Its O.K. to hate all forms of sex addiction.
7. If you are one that has already suffered at Jezebels' hand, then I would recommend that you expose your life to pastoral counseling. Although I had most of this revelation years ago, until I was willing to bring my whole existence into the light of another human being, I was not able to get free from her grip. Once you have exposed her dark ways, you will find a renewed strength for resisting future onslaughts. Jezebel dwells in the realm of darkness, and partial disclosure. Like the horror movie Dracula, she cannot dwell in the light which exposes her dark deeds. God was gracious to lead me to a 80 year old christian man who had spent 50 years in the pastoralministry, and was very experienced in the counseling ministry. Yes, I paid a fee for his services. For six months I exposed my darkest areas to this trusted servant of God. After these weekly sessions, I noticed a marked increased in my ability to keep Jezebel away from my emotional life.
8. Avoid relationships with woman that bring you quickly to great emotional highs. This is the primary symptom of Jezebelian influence. Nurture relationships that are founded on genuine spirituality in Jesus.
9. Some look at actions, others look at words, but God looks at motives. Examine you motives in all that you do. Are your motives pleasing God? Once you have learned to process your motives prior to taking action, or speaking words, you will then begin to discern the ill motives of others that you come in contact with. Your discernment will grow as you begin to judge yourself.
10. Continue to resist all forms of human control. Control is a form of witchcraft. We are all called to serve each other. Receive servants, reject controllers. Recently in our town a prophetic figure tried to start a church by prophesying to believers from other churches about their role in his future church. He played on peoples personal ambitions and even their legitimate callings and desires. People relocated to be part of this churches establishment. The end result, the church lasted four months, and the ministry had to leave town. The foundation was built on the spirit of control and not the spirit of God. All of us who seek to exercise spiritual gifts need to withhold the gift if there is any element which could be interpreted as controlling. This is not from God! Jesus is the one we follow. Some are so used to controlling leadership that they are terrified of being labeled as rebels. Those in this position need to establish a secure relationship with Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. You will then find the grace to speak your conscience in all circumstances.Its never too late to resist the Jezebel and her many minions. If you are in a marriage to a Jezebelian influenced woman, you face a difficult emotional crisis. You must be willing to accept the repercussions of your actions as you begin to exercise your rightful spiritual authority in Christ. Some who do so will lose their marriages. The unbeliever will depart. If we walk in love at the same time that we begin to exercise headship, God will be with us throughout the whole process. I know these are hard words. Pray and fast for your wife that she escapes the power of darkness ("these come not out but by prayer and fasting"). Tread carefully, and listen for the Holy Spirit's leading every step of the way, and you will be walking in God's perfect will. Genuine love never fails.
SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL
This Spirit disguises itself, it is very destructive in many churches, it hates repentance, it causes people to eat things sacrificed to Idols, and it brings false witness against God's people and the prophetic.It uses seduction and flattery, it manipulates, brings confusion, and bewitches people so that they operate out of the flesh.In churches it's main target's are the Pastor, the worship and the prophetic voice.This spirit has it's own counterfeit , Jezebel is the Mother queen of heaven, it promotes Baal worship and teaches whoever is under it to eat things sacrificed to Idols.In 1 kings 1:21 we see read about Naboth who was murdered for his vineyard, Ahab wanted Naboth's inheritance and tried to intimidate Naboth, and Naboth refused to hand over what was given to him as a family inheritance, so Ahab the king went home sulking and his wife Jezebel saw him sulking and he explained the problem with Naboth and his vineyard, so Jezebel who wasreally carrying Ahabs authority on her own shoulders, (Isn't this so true, we have Ahab's as leaders in the body of Christ in western society today and although they are leaders, they are only figureheads as this spirit is really in control). Any way Jezebel wrote letters in Ahabs name and sealed them with his seal, she wrote letters saying "Proclaim a fast and seat Naboth with honor among the people, and seat two scoundrels before him to bear witness against him saying, "you have blasphemed God and the king, then take him out and stone him that he may die. (there is jezebels false witness against a man of God who wanted to obey and keep his Fathers inheritance, I am keeping my Fathers inheritance, don't sell your birth right to the spirit of harlotry).This spirit brings fear and confusion, Elijah in great boldness slaughtered all the prophets of Baal and when Jezebel sent a demonic messenger to tell him that he was going to kill him, he ran very far in confusion and fear for his life, and he told the Lord he is very zealous for the Lord God, andproceeded to tell the Lord that he was the only one left, but the Lord said he has reserved 7000 for himself that have not bowed the knee to Baal, are you reserved in this hour? or have you already bowed the knee baal?We read 1 kings 17 where Obadiah told Elijah that he had hidden 100 of the Lord's prophets 50 to a cave from Jezebel, (these prophets have their prophetic voices shut down and they hid in a cave in fear from this spirit) The very next day Elijah went up onto Mt Carmel and challenged the Prophets of Baal and said that he ALONE am left a prophet of the Lord.So obviously the spirit of fear had effectively shut down God's prophets. This spirit will disguise itself it will look for a prominent position in the body of Christ, and will usually bring great flatteries to the Pastor. This spirit will teach the younger ones to eat things sacrificed to Idols as we read in revelation 2 the corrupt church of Thyatira.This spirit hates repentance, making bland statements like don't worry about it, it's under the blood, and all the while going up on every hill playing the Harlot with other lovers.This spirit will seek your submission to it's harlotries and it's idolatries instead of godly submission, it will get you to fear man instead of God, it will try to intimidate you. It will stifle a move of God, and eventually if not dealt with, will kill the church that it is allowed to take root in.In Isaiah 47 is where the Lord first gave me a true revelation of this spirit at workIsaiah 47:7 says I shall be a lady forever, you who are given to pleasures who dwell securely, who say in your heart, I am and there is no one else besides me; I shall not sit as a widow, nor shall I know the Loss of children; but (I love this bit) these two things shall come to you in a moment in one day; the loss of children and widowhood. They shall come upon you in their fulness because of the multitude of your sorceries.People think witchcraft is something that some african witch doctor does or some witch in the western world does, but things are more subtle than that.Look at what Paul said to the Galatian church in Galatians 3, O foolish Galatians who has bewitched you, this church started in the spirit of God but ended up in a work of the flesh, and the spirit behind it was Jezebel.Rev 17 Mystery Babylon the great the mother of harlots and of the abonimations of the earth.I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus.We need to come out of the Harlot, not the church, but the spirit that has control over many churches, come out of her my people, this spirit has many people bound with false repentance, and are caught up in flatteries and the praises of man.Jezebel was a seductress right up to her very death, for she painted her eyes hoping to seduce Jehu the conqueror, but Jehu was a man of God who would not be seduced and he set had her killed and set the Eunechs free too, there are many men in the body of Christ in this hour who have been made Eunechs to this spirit, too afraid to rock the boat, but God is looking for a people who will worship in spirit and truth, people who desire true worship not music that is more self focused instead of Christ focused.Many churches in this hour wonder why there is minimal anointing in their worship services, when much of the worship is about me, instead of about worshipping the Lord.This spirit has done a number on many, and people cannot see it. It's time to have this spirits wings clipped and for it to be exposed in the body of Christ.This principality is really after Godly leadership especially the Pastor and she will use seduction in the church to gain strategic advantage.This spirit will affect spiritual babies being birthed, because the sword will also go out against them.anyone who fights this spirit will be bombarded with discouragement and depression against their minds.ignorance of strongholds is Satan's secret weapon against the church. If he can keep us ignorant, he can keep us bound.Deception, the god of this world has blinded the eye's of man, Jezebel disguises herself, Isaiah 47:10 "YOU HAVE SAID NO ONE SEES ME"The woman Jezebel, actually controls a city. The city is babylon. on her forehead is mystery Babylon the great. this is the mystery of iniquity. This city is really a religious city, under this queens government and control. Until she is broken, she binds the church. This bound city cannot come into revival.The city of Babylon is a religious city, it is also political and economic, in order for this spirits hold to be broken over a church, the spirit of Babylon needs to repented of, people need to get the babylon out of their lives as God is telling his people to come out of her, as Babylon is about to be judged, the very foundations of Babylon are, PRIDE, AMBITION, RIVALRY, BABEL IS WHERE THE STRONGHOLD OF CONFUSION BEGAN.This spirit in it's lust for power has become viscious knowing that the time is short, Jezebel is coming down, and babylon is about to be judged, don't be caught in the religious system, repent of this and get around hungry on fire Christians, people who know their God so as you can learn and grow in wisdom and a passionate love affair with the Lord Jesus Christ. How many people battle for years with secret hidden sins, only because they have not understood the princiaplities that have been hiding in their lives, remember in Isaiah 47 the queen of heaven (Jezebel) says no one sees me.In the book of Revelation, the Lord speaks to the church at Thyatira "Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols." (Rev 2:20) At first glance we might ask "What? Jezebel? Didn't she die back in Second Kings? How can Jezebel be threatening the church in Asia?" Obviously, the literal person of Jezebel was not present in Thyatira. The reference is a prophetic parallel. Just as John the Baptist was "Elijah"because he came in the spirit and power of Elijah, this person or influence in Thyatira was under the spiritual control of the same demonic influences that controlled Jezebel of old.Thus, there is a type of demonic influence in society and the church that can rightly be called by the name Jezebel. This spirit obviously existed long before Queen Jezebel, but she was so totally controlled by its nature that she has become its namesake. In scripture, Herodias is also a type of this force. As Jezebel opposed Elijah, so Herodias opposed John the Baptist. A third example is found here in Revelation 2:20 Queen Jezebel Jezebel, the Biblical character, first appears in First Kings 16, when she marries Ahab, king of Israel. Jezebel was the daughter of Ethbaal, the king and high priest of the Baal worshipping Sidonians. Baal worship was closelyassociated with obsessive sensuality and often involved sex acts. Jezebel, as a daughter of this perverse kingdom, was raised in an atmosphere where sex was a path to power and influence.Ahab, King of Israel, was completely subdued and dominated by Jezebel. Jezebel then introduced the worship of Ashtoroth to Israel. This goddess, represented in Canaanite culture by the moon, was a power-hungry goddess of love and sensuality. Priestess-prostitutes filled her shrines and serviced her worshippers. The lure of these legal, readily available erotic encounters was more than the men of Israel would resist. By Jezebel's influence, 10 million Israelites left the worship of God for Baal and Ashtoroth. Only 7000 people in the entire nation were not swayed by her control.
The Characteristics of the Jezebel Spirit
A Jezebel spirit seeks control through manipulation. It has a deep hatred of true spiritual authority, and uses emotional pressure, witchcraft and obsessive sensuality in its pursuit of power. It uses subtle persuasion to gain influence and get close to those in control. It then uses this position to gradually dominate.In the Hebrew, the name Jezebel means literally "without cohabitation". She will not live or "cohabit" with those she cannot dominate and control. She will have no equals. Control is what Jezebel wants more than anything. Even when Jezebel appears to be submissive, it is usually out of a carefully wrought plan to gain influence. Although it may be common to refer to Jezebel as "she", we obviously must conclude that as a spirit, Jezebel is gender neutral. Jezebel certainly has as many male slaves as female. However, since Jezebel initially tends toestablish control without the actual use of physical force, she is more easily associated with classic feminine persuasion techniques.Jezebel likes to appear close to leaders, and use their influence. She likes to use the power and influence of others to accomplish her goals and control her environment. In 1 Kings 21:8 we read " Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab's name and sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles of the city." This is typical of Jezebel. She prefers to remain concealed in the background, while she manipulates situations and leaders.Jezebel is often associated with pleasure, especially sexual pleasure. She will use any form of sensuality at her disposal to gain influence and control. Jezebel uses sensuality, but make no mistake, Jezebel is seeking CONTROL. Lusts are merely tools used to weaken others in order for her to accomplish her goal of control. In many cases sex is not involved at all.Jezebel's greatest enemy is true spiritual authority. As Jezebel opposed Elijah and Herodias opposed John the Baptist, so Jezebel today opposes righteous authority. In her heart, she despises all moral authority. .Jezebel in SocietyIn America today, Jezebel is the arrogant, angry spirit behind abortion, crying out "It's MY choice! Don't tell me what to do!" She has cleverly manipulated debate and positioned herself behind seats of power. She is the power behind the rebirth of witchcraft in our culture. She calls to millions of teenagers via popular music and movies, telling them that new age witchcraft will give them power. She is the force behind the psychic hotlines, which control and manipulate millions.She is also the spirit at the center of Hollywood. Jezebel is the reason so many homosexuals are drawn to the entertainment industry, desperately seeking recognition and acceptance.In an attempt to weaken righteous leadership, Jezebel is the force that draws millions of Christian men into hours of television. She is behind the explosion of Internet pornography. Today she is luring men of God into secret lives of bondage and condemnation. Some leaders, once powerful men of prayer, are now too ashamed to even sneak into the throne room. They are wracked with condemnation. They have been reduced to being mere eunuchs of Jezebel. Men with the calling of David have become pleasure shackled Ahabs. (God still wants to free these!)Jezebel in the ChurchJezebel is not only visible in society. Jezebel is quite at home in the church pew.1 Kings 21:9 In those letters she wrote: "Proclaim a day of fasting and seat Naboth in a prominent place among the people. But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify that he has cursed both God and the king. Then take him out and stone him to death."With a heart of ice, Jezebel gained control of Naboth's vineyard under the pretense of a FAST. She suddenly got religion when she needed it. Remember the adulterous woman in Proverbs 7? She first lured the foolish young man with, "I've just finished making my peace offerings, and have come looking for you." She made sure he knew she was a good religious woman before she seduced him! Likewise, Jezebel doesn't let her sin keep her from church.Jezebel often manifests within the most "spiritual" people you will ever meet. In the Church, Jezebel will first attempt to get close to the pastor or other leaders with flattery. She will attempt to gain his confidence. She "calls herself a prophetess" and often manipulates others with herspirituality. Her deep "truths" usually result in condemnation and burdens for those in her care.If the pastor, like Elijah, sees and opposes her deceptions, he will find himself in a fight for his life! He may find himself unemployed! Many a man of God has unwittingly had this spirit of control drive out his godly leadership.While Jezebel often claims to have inspired messages, (she "calls herself a prophetess" according to Rev 2:20), she usually discourages other prophetic voices unless they are under her control. She will attempt to cause leaders to be suspicious of true prophetic messengers, which bear the testimony of Jesus (Rev. 19:10)This same controlling spirit may manifest in very different, even opposite ways. For example, a controlling, super-spiritual, self righteous, manipulative mother (the kind that wants to run the church), will often be horrified when her daughter grows up to be sexually immoral. Little does she know that she released that very spirit into her child's life!Demonic Depression and Loss of Vision For seven years, God had carefully protected Elijah. God fed him in the wilderness. When Ahab's armies sought to kill Elijah, they were unable to lay a finger on him.Finally, in a showdown at Mt. Carmel, Elijah called down fire from heaven and resoundingly defeated and killed the priests of Baal. All Israel fell at his feet in repentance, worshipping the true God. Elijah was the man of the hour. He was vindicated, victorious, and clearly in charge.Nevertheless, when Jezebel sent Elijah a single threat, he suddenly turned coward and fled to the desert. Anxious, depressed, and miserable, he begged God to kill him!Think about this. It makes NO sense. Elijah enjoyed supernatural protection for seven years. He watched fire fall from heaven and defeat his enemies, yet when a single angry woman threatened him one time, he lost every shred of vision and ran away. He moaned in self-pity and depression, begging God to kill him!This is a great example of Jezebel's powerful demonic "anointing" to intimidate, create fear, and cause men of God to withdraw. Jezebel steals your vision. Jezebel will even make you depressed and anxious when there is nothing significantly different in your circumstances. If there are difficult circumstances, this spirit will tell you they are insurmountable, impossible, and overwhelming. Jezebel will make you feel like dying when in reality, you are God's man of the hour.Jezebel's witchcraft will attack key leaders in her targeted area through intimidation. Those under attack may awaken one morning to find it takes effort just to breathe. All joy seems to depart. Spiritual life seems irrelevant. Demonic voices will echo in their minds "something's wrong with you!" They may suddenly find themselves in unreasonable anxiety, fearing tragedy or death. Much of what is called "depression" in the ministry is simply Jezebel!Jezebel wants to paralyze with fear, condemnation, depression, apathy or whatever it takes until we withdraw. The only answer for those under Jezebel 's attack is perseverance in battle. We must remain on course no matter how long it takes! This is WarThe war continues today between Jezebel and Elijah. Like all wars, there are casualties. Leaders sometimes fall. Soldiers sometimes withdraw. Jezebel wants to keep the church within its present boundaries. She claims to decide the extent of the church locally. We must not tolerate this.
A Victory for Jezebel
The Welsh ExampleThe great Welsh revival of 1904 is a shining example of a true move of God. It has been called the "pentecost greater than Pentecost." Sadly, the revival's demise is also an excellent example of how Jezebel works against the church. In just two years, over 100,000 people were saved. Welsh society was revolutionized. Entire towns recorded no arrests for over a year. Places that formerly were hotbeds of vice suddenly became transformed. Police departments were forced to lay off idle officers. Professional sports teams disbanded because no one was willing to miss church for a game. Services continued virtually around the clock and there were demonstrations of God'spresence and power. When God begins a work, he usually begins with a man. During the Welsh revival that man was Evans Roberts. Evans was only 26 years old at the time. Most of his leaders were only in their late teens and twenties. Evans was deeply devoted to the Lord, and his devotion to wait upon the Lord released a shower of blessings that was a marvel to the Church. Pastors and leaders from around the world streamed to Wales to behold it.Many people became associated with the revival as it grew. Among these was a well-to-do woman named Jessie Penn-Lewis. For years Penn-Lewis had considered herself a Bible teacher, but she had never found a broad acceptance for her teachings. She had largely been rejected or ignored by most church leaders in Wales. At first, Jessie Penn-Lewis appeared as a friend and financial supporter to Evans Roberts. She gained his confidence, and began speaking into his life.Long time friends of Evans Roberts expressed concerns that she appeared to isolate Roberts too much, but Roberts trusted Penn-Lewis completely. She began to minister certain messages to Roberts, which appeared to him to be rofound corrections from the Lord. These filled him with condemnation. He was convinced her deep "truths" were things he needed to hear. Mrs. Penn-Lewis began to express her "concern" to Evans that with the revival's great success, perhaps too much glory was going to Evans Roberts instead of to God. The thought of stealing God's glory horrified the sincere young man. He began to think that perhaps others should lead for a while.Penn-Lewis convinced Evans Roberts to withdraw from public ministry, and to move into the Penn-Lewis home. Evans Roberts never returned to the ministry. The Welsh revival ended quickly and quietly. After a short time in the Penn-Lewis home, Evans Roberts began experiencing severe bouts of depression. Often he was unable to leave the bed for days at a time. He appeared nervous and anxious. By today's standards he was in severe clinical depression. It took a toll on his health. Meanwhile, Penn-Lewis began writing articles and letters in Evans Roberts' name, and on his behalf. These were published in both Roberts and Penn-Lewis ' name, and eventually, in her name alone. According to many former close associates of Evans Roberts, some of the works attributed to him could not possibly have had his approval. Certain publications were highly critical of other movements, especially the newly emerging Pentecostals. Unfortunately,few people were able to see or speak with Evans Roberts. He was kept guarded in the Penn-Lewis home. He was completely dominated. Evans Roberts spent many dark years of depression in the house of Jezebel. Mercifully, he eventually broke all ties with Penn-Lewis, but not until his health was broken and his ministry just a shadow of its former glory. Evans Roberts made contributions in two years of ministry, that most never see in a lifetime. His memory should be honored. Nevertheless, he is a sad reminder of the old proverb "Age and treachery will always defeat youth and enthusiasm." A revival that in 24 months saw 100,000 salvations and a glory some called greater than Pentecost, was destroyed by a single unwitting servant of Jezebel, seeking control in order to gain recognition and acceptance.
Trampling Jezebel
First, we must rid ourselves of Jezebel's ways. We can not cast out lust when we harbor lust in our lives. We can not bring down a spirit of control if we use manipulation and hype to control our congregations. We must examine our own ways, and repent of Jezebel.Second, it takes Jehu. Although Elijah was Jezebel's enemy, it took JEHU to trample Jezebel.Jehu took no prisoners and showed no mercy to Jezebel. He had singleness of purpose and was driven. As he approached Jezreel those who saw his chariot noted he "drives furiously" (2 Ki 9:20) When others offered peace and compromise, Jehu responded "How can there be peace as long as the harlotries and witchcrafts of Jezebel are many?" (2 Ki 9:22)Jehu would not rest until Jezebel was dead. Her pleasures could not attract him. Her threats did not deter him. He would not tolerate Jezebel. Jesus says we too can not TOLERATE Jezebel. (Revelation 2:20) We must learn the prophetic power of the word "No!" We must give no ground! When Jezebel attempted to captivate Jehu, he did not even allow himself to be drawn into conversation with her. Instead, he called on her eunuchs to cast her down from her balcony. Those with the Jehu anointing will call to Jezebel's emasculated slaves, and they too will cast her down!JEZEBEL IS A MASTER MANIPULATOR who uses flattering words and smooth sayingsto seduce you. She likes to birth her own spiritual children as she flows in false spiritual governments.The Bible speaks of a woman known as Jezebel who attacked and killed the prophets of God in the Old Testament (1 Kings 18:4). Then we see Jezebel's name mentioned again in the New Testament (Revelation 2:20). Obviously this cannot be the same woman that the Old Testament spoke of, but rather is the same spirit of Jezebel.We can conclude from this, that the same spirit of Jezebel can live on, influence, and operate through others. When Jesus spoke to the church of Thyatira he specifically rebuked them for suffering (allowing) that woman Jezebel, "which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce" the servants of God (Revelation 2:20). Even in our day Jezebel is attempting to cut off the true voice of God's prophetic word as she contends with those in true spiritual authority. Let's take a look at some characteristics of Jezebel.
MASTER MANIPULATOR
Jezebel is a warring, contending principality who works out of a spirit of controlling manipulation as she attacks those in true spiritual authority. Jezebel will dispatch her servants and spiritual children to attack you with demonic prophetic messages of fear, just as she did Elijah (1 Kings 19:2).She is a master manipulator who uses 'flattering words and smooth sayings' to seduce you. Jezebel cannot control you until she first seduces you. Beware of flattery, smooth prophetic sayings, and seducing tears from this spirit.Jezebel likes to raise up her own spiritual children, she loves false spiritual government, and she knows how to create, flow and operate in it.She views children as tools and weapons to manipulate your heart and advance her goals.Jezebel is like a shark, she is most vicious and dangerous. She circles the lives of others while prowling for teachable, seducible, controllable, disciples of her own. Jezebel likes to birth spiritual children of her own as she looks for disciples to eat (feed) from her own table (1 Kings 18:19).She will look for those who are in rebellion, those who are weak, wounded, or those who are contending with, bucking, and fighting spiritual authority.She knows how to use deep emotional hurts and wounds to manipulate and control as she creates soul ties with you. Jezebel loves to pull people to herself and away from those who can truly speak into their lives. She understands thoroughly the power of isolation. She may say things like, "It is a shame that the pastors do not recognize your gifting. God showed me that you are a prophet and that I am to disciple you. The pastors just do not understand how gifted you are."Jezebel will feed her victims with spiritual pride to create a soul tie and gain their confidence. Once she has them eating at her table, she will undermine their ability to discern or hear from God without her confirmation.Jezebel knows how to stir you up because she likes to flow in the whirlwind of confusion and turmoil. She knows how to probe your soul, as she looks for any weakness you may have. She is the master at developing soul ties. "No," is an assaulting word to Jezebel.When those in spiritual authority say "No" to her, she is ready for war.Remember, Jezebel is a warring spirit who is always dressed for battle.
JEZEBEL'S REALM OF INSECURITIES
Have you ever felt insecure? Jezebel loves to flow in the realm of insecurities. She will continually challenge God's Word in your life in an effort to dislodge you from your faith. Jezebel can carry and flow well in an atmosphere of fear, insecurity, frustration, and confusion. Jezebel is very possessive and domineering; she wants to control you. Jezebel loves power, "Give me, give me, and give me." You see, money is not really the issue with this spirit; it's power and authority that she's after. She likes to be in control of your life because she draws her strength from controlling you. That's why you feel spiritually drained after contending with her.Jezebel wants to control you, she'll let you have church as long as she can control it. She wants to control what songs you sing, how loud you pray, what you preach with and whom you fellowship. That's what she likes - controlling power. Jezebel is a master manipulator, no one is better at itthan her.
JEZEBEL'S PROPHETIC CONTROL
The spirit of Jezebel views personal prophecy as a controlling tool. Some personal prophecy in the church today is nothing more than Jezebel's controlling spiritual utterances. Just because the delivery has a spiritual sound or a spiritual punch with it, doesn't mean that it should not be judged, examined thoroughly, and submitted to your pastor (1 John 4:1, Hebrews 13:17). In the wake of every Jezebel spirit is...a life of chaos.confusion.instability.broken relationships.destruction.Every person that ever came into close contact with the spirit of Jezebel has seen it attempt to divide their relationships with those who can truly provide solid spiritual wisdom.The only path of recovery for those influenced by Jezebel is repentance and submission to true spiritual authority within God's local church. Being teachable and submissive will bring back spiritual stability into their lives and allow them to fulfill their God-given destiny in Christ. Yet forthose who choose not to turn from the spiritual operations of Jezebel, - "Great will be her tribulation" (Revelation 2:22). The word tribulation is the Greek word thlipsis meaning...affliction,trouble,anguish,persecution,burden,pressure,oppression.It is time for the spirit of Jezebel to be exposed and resisted in our generation. We cannot continue to allow her to seduce, teach, prophesy, or control the church unchallenged. It was not Elijah the prophet that God used to defeat Jezebel, it was Jehu an apostolic conqueror. We need that same conquering spirit today.
SUMMARY:
JEZEBEL AND HER SEDUCTIONS
Jezebel is a warring, contending spirit who works out of a spirit of controlling manipulation as she attacks those in true spiritual authority.She knows how to use deep emotional hurts and wounds to manipulate and control individuals as she creates soul ties with them.The spirit of Jezebel views personal prophecy as a tool to control The only path of recovery for those influenced by Jezebel is repentance and submission to true spiritual authority within God's local visible church. Jezebel uses the seduction of flattering words and smooth sayings to gain entrance into one's soulish emotions.
After three years of praying and studying the spirit of Jezebel I have concluded the following....
1. Seek strong council before obligating your church or ministry to a large amount of money. Needing money will always make you subject to the attack of the Jezebel spirit. You will placate in order to pay the bills. You will need some "helpful" and "understanding" people to help you carry the burden. The pressure to pay the bills will make you vulnerable to controlling and manipulative people.
2. Most if not all of us are effected by this spirit. It may be in our society, government, church, leadership, home, or personal life.
3. The Ahab (placating leaders) are allowing this spirits control in order to facilitate their agenda. Jezebel and Ahab use and need each other.
The following are my suggestions to having victory over this spirit in your church....
1. Repentance - Ask God to forgive you for any soul ties or un healthy relationships that you have allowed. Also have a solemn assembly and ask for forgiveness for allowing this spirit in your church.
2. Establish structure - This spirit operates in confusion. Everyone should have no doubt who's in charge.
3. Establish various levels of accountability - No single ministry or person should have free reign. Everyone should be accountable to someone else.
4. Spiritual Authority - Learn and then teach spiritual authority. Have a good understanding of leadership.
5. Stay on guard - Through prayer and discernment watch for the signs that Jezebel has returned.
6. Finally, Remember Jezebel is not a person but a spirit. It is an influence that could be generations strong. It hides and sometimes for years before it appears. Never underestimate the strongholds Jezebel has.I pray that you will find these lessons helpful. Stay humble and seek God and he will help you overcome Americas greatest stronghold. Jezebel has been released because Satan fears you and your anointing. I declare the Jehu anointing upon you in Christ name.
Dr. Rodney Mullins