Hello SUMites: 

Thank you for your grace as Dineen and I have been absent from our home here on the web in the last few days. Dineen is moving this week to Florida. I checked in with her today and she expects to land near San Antonio this evening. I have been fighting an ornery cold that has persisted for two weeks. And everyone in our house has come down with this beast. I’m feeling a bit better today. Thank you for your prayers. 

Thank you for praying and loving one another in our absence. Some of you, like Joanne and a few others, consistently step in and cover for us in the comments and on Facebook. THAT is what the body of Christ looks like in action. Neat. 

My friends, December is here. Say what? We are now entering into a very busy time of year. We are also in a special season. It’s this time of year that more people are open to the love and truth of Jesus Christ. So while Dineen is traveling and settling into her new place, I will try to write to cover two subjects close to my heart. On Mondays and Fridays I’m going to share my thoughts about some spiritual challenges that keep us from growing in our faith and also affect our marriage. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, time permitting, I want to talk about how the Christmas season is a season to share our faith with our spouse and our kids. 

How does that sound? Please be patient with me if I don’t hit the posting timeline perfectly. It’s a busy month and already I have commitments to attend a ton of events. And more than anything, as I tackle the series on the spiritual realms, I must, must, hear from the Lord. I only want to share what I’m hearing from the Father. 

Okay? 

Okay.. 

Let’s get started. 

The Spirit of Confusion 

As we delve into this study, I want to wrap my arms of love around you and tell you that you are here and part of this community because of divine destiny. You have been chosen by the very voice of God to be part of the discussion in the weeks ahead. Your name was spoken and one of two things is destined to be yours. One; freedom from oppression and two; the knowledge and anointing to help others to become free. 

Hallelujah! 

In this house there is NO judgment. If you see yourself in some of the scenarios or conditions I describe in this series, there is NO CONDEMNATION. Consider yourself touched by the Lord that He has decreed your freedom day. I will not judge. I will be absolutely open to your honest questions and your request for prayer if you find you need freedom from a certain demonic influence. 

Agreed? 

Agreed. 

With all of that stated as our ground rules, let me ask you a few questions.

Do you struggle to read the Bible? When you read the Word is it confusing to you and you grow frustrated and give up quickly? Does it seem to you that often your world is swirling around you? I mean by that, do you feel like everyone else “gets” what’s going on and you never do? Is your home chaotic? Is your job a constant upheaval and uncertainty? Do you feel like you are confused often? And does this confusion lead to fear? 

I know that many of us could answer yes to some of these questions during different seasons in our lives. But I want to speak to those of our House to seem to be continually in a swirling storm of confusion which leads to fear. I’m especially drawn to those who try to read God’s Word and it is always confusing thus that’s why you never read it. 

If anyone can answer yes to most of these questions, I want to let Jesus bring some clarity to your life today. I’ve come to realize that many times when you sit down to read the Bible and its confusing and you just can’t comprehend what its saying; you are likely dealing with a spirit of confusion. It’s a demonic spirit whose relentless assignment is to keep your life in a continual upheaval. Its mission is to leave you frustrated, uncertain and to muddle your thoughts. 

How many of you feel better already just knowing it’s not your brain. It’s not because you are stupid. Your confusion isn’t a permanent disability either.  

(I hear angels shouting right now over you: FREEDOM). Your freedom is here. 

In order to find freedom from this demonic influence and all others, we need to chat about how the demonic realm can bare influence in our lives. Can it have influence when we are Christians? Are we defenseless against a demonic power? How do we gain our freedom, specifically? 

Well I have the answers to these questions and more. And I have first-hand experience in dealing with the demonic and with deliverance. It’s strange but not scary. In fact, by the time we finish this series, you won’t be afraid of these petty evil spirits, you will be equipped and empowered to remove them from power. Hallelujah and amen. 

It’s imperative we understand fully the spiritual realms. If we are unaware of the devils schemes, we can’t pray against them. AND we must be equipped because we are the sole believer who must war for our spouse and children. I know you can war for your family and win. I know this because I have lived it. I have many stories to share that I pray will be more ammunition in your arsenal to defeat the devil and bring freedom and victory to your home. 

For today, I want to leave those who believe they are contending with a spirit of confusion a few words of love and freedom. One, purchase a Bible in a translation that is easy to understand, The New Living Bible, is a great choice. Stay out of the Old King James until you get the basics down. And two, believe this truth: You are destined to live a life of calm and live in wisdom not confusion. You are a child of God. Your birthright is righteousness, peace and joy. You are entitled as part of your Holy inheritance to walk in wisdom. 

THAT IS THE TRUTH. 

So beginning today, let these scriptures become your life’s cry: 

I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. —Ephesians 1:17 

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. —James 1:5 

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. —2 Corinthians 10:5 

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. —2 Timothy 1:7 

The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the LORD. —Isaiah 11:2 

My friends, do any of you need prayer is this area? Leave me a comment. Have any of you struggled with this spirit and found freedom, share how? Do any of you have more scripture verses that bring freedom from confusion, share them in the comments. 

Powerful Lord Jesus. You have given your followers, all of us, the power and authority to cast out evil spirits. (Luke 9:1&2) Lord, teach us. Equip us further and let us do Your work here on earth and bring freedom, wisdom, love and life to those around us who are suffering in the dark. In Your powerful name, Jesus. Amen. 

Watch this video and learn more about Luke 9:1&2.