Overcoming the Darkness With True Spiritual Warfare and Biblical Victory

 Spiritual Warfare, Biblical Victory

There is a war going on while most people sleep.

For many, “spiritual warfare” is Hollywood horror, superstition, or a metaphor preachers use for hard times. But for some of us, it has been as real as waking up paralyzed in the night, feeling hands around your throat, hearing voices in the room when no one is there, or watching objects move with no natural explanation. That’s not fantasy. That’s not “just a dream.” That’s a war.

The Bible is not silent about this realm. It calls it what it is: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world…” (Ephesians 6:12, KJV). Scripture pulls back the curtain and tells us: there is an invisible kingdom of darkness, and an unshakable Kingdom of light—and you and I are in the middle of the conflict.

What I’m sharing in this post is not theory. It’s forged in personal experience, tested by Scripture, and confirmed by history. It’s a call to open your eyes, to stop treating the supernatural as the enemy’s playground, and to step into the kind of biblical, Jesus-centered authority that turns terror into testimony.

This is your invitation to dig deeper into truth, go higher in your walk with God, and overcome the darkness with real, biblical spiritual warfare.

The Reality of the Unseen

From my earliest days, the supernatural was not something I read about in a book—it was my normal.

I grew up seeing in the spirit, having out-of-body experiences, sensing presences in the room that others could not see, and feeling spiritual warfare manifest in very physical ways: sudden suffocation, terrifying paralysis, voices in the night, sinister shadows, and what most people would call “poltergeist activity.” Doors would open and shut, objects would move, atmospheres in rooms would shift from peaceful to oppressive in a moment.

At first, these things isolated me. When you start talking about demons, ghosts, leaving your body, or hearing voices, you quickly learn that even in the church, people can get uncomfortable. Some will label you as crazy. Others will quietly admit, “I’ve had things like that happen too… but I’ve never told anyone.”

That’s one reason I wrote “Open Your Eyes - My Supernatural Journey” and “Overcoming Night Terror—Making the Demons Leave.” I discovered that my story wasn’t rare; it was simply hidden. Many believers carry secret battles in the night, fights they can’t explain, manifestations they’re afraid to talk about. And yet, these very things are all over the Bible when you know where to look.

Everything changed when my focus shifted from studying the paranormal to pursuing the Person behind the supernatural—Jesus Christ. When I stopped chasing answers about the darkness and instead started running hard after the Light, the battle lines became clear, and the path to victory came into focus.

The point is not to become an expert in demons. The point is to become so anchored in Jesus and His word that the darkness loses its grip.

Night Terrors, Demonic Oppression, and the Roots of Bondage

If you’ve ever experienced night terrors, you know how real they feel:

• You wake up, but you can’t move.
• Something heavy sits on your chest.
• You try to say “Jesus,” but the words just won’t come out.
• The atmosphere in the room turns thick and evil.
• Sometimes you feel hands on your throat or hear mocking voices.

The world may call this “sleep paralysis,” but Scripture gives us a deeper language. These kinds of encounters line up with demonic oppression and spiritual attack. You can see echoes of it in the Bible—evil spirits tormenting Saul, the man in the tombs in Mark 5, the attacks on Job, and more.

Episodes like the famous Robbie Mannheim exorcism—the real case behind The Exorcist—draw headlines because of the dramatic manifestations: voices, levitation, physical attacks, violent resistance. But underneath the sensational surface, the roots of bondage are remarkably consistent with what the Bible has been saying for thousands of years.

Let’s lay out some of those roots plainly.

Open Doors

Demonic affliction rarely comes “out of nowhere.” The enemy looks for permission, for legal grounds, for open doors. These can include:

• Occult practices:

Things like Ouija boards, tarot cards, fortune-telling, “harmless” magic, witchcraft, New Age channeling, and psychic consultations. What the world markets as entertainment or “spiritual exploration” is, biblically, opening a door to the wrong kingdom.

• Cursed objects:

Items connected to idolatry, occult rituals, false religions, or explicitly dark themes can become spiritual access points into a home or life. In Scripture, God was very direct:

“Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a cursed thing like it…”

(Deuteronomy 7:26, KJV).

• Generational iniquity:

Scripture talks about the iniquity of the fathers affecting the children (Exodus 20:5). When parents, grandparents, or those in family authority walk in occult practices, idolatry, or deep rebellion, the enemy often claims a generational foothold—until it is exposed, renounced, and broken in Christ.

• Unconfessed sin and unforgiveness:

When we cling to sin and refuse repentance, we effectively give the enemy ground to harass us. Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant ends with the man being “delivered… to the tormentors”

(Matthew 18:34–35, KJV). Unforgiveness and rebellion are not “small things” in the spirit.

Authority Structure

The Bible shows that authority matters. The actions of those in positions of authority—parents, spiritual leaders, heads of households—can open or close doors in the spiritual realm.

• A father who invites occult practices into the home.
• A parent who knowingly keeps cursed objects.
• A family line steeped in idolatry or witchcraft.

All of these can create environments where demonic oppression becomes “normal” generation after generation, until someone stands up in the authority of Jesus and says, “It stops here.”

Temporary Relief vs. True Deliverance

There is a critical difference between using the name of Jesus as a formula and standing in the name of Jesus as a surrendered disciple.

In Acts 19, the sons of Sceva tried to cast out a demon by copying Paul’s words: “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.” The demon’s reply is chilling: “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?” (Acts 19:13–16, KJV). They had the right “phrase,” but no relationship, no real authority.

Today, the same thing happens. People may say “In Jesus’ name” like a magic spell, but if they are not submitted to Jesus as Lord, if there is no repentance, no real relationship, they may get temporary relief at best. True deliverance comes when the roots are addressed: sin is confessed, doors are closed, cursed things are destroyed, and the person comes under the Lordship of Christ.

Night terrors and demonic oppression are not random. They are symptoms of a deeper conflict that Scripture not only describes but also answers.

The Biblical Blueprint for Breakthrough

The Bible does not just describe the problem; it gives a blueprint for victory. These principles echo across both the pages of Scripture and the testimonies of countless believers set free from night terrors, demonic oppression, and long-standing bondage.

Let’s walk through the pattern.

1. Submit to God (James 4:7)

The verse most people quote about spiritual warfare actually starts with a condition:

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

We like the “resist the devil” part. But the power of resistance flows from the first command: submit yourselves therefore to God.

Submission means:

• Turning away from known sin.
• Making Jesus not just Savior, but Lord.
• Renouncing occult involvement, secret practices, and agreements with darkness.
• Saying, in your heart and your life, “Jesus, You get to be in charge now.”

True authority over demons is not earned by shouting louder; it flows from being under the authority of Christ.

A simple starting prayer could sound like this:

“Lord Jesus, I submit myself to You. I repent of my sins and of any way I have agreed with darkness. I renounce the works of the devil and every occult or unclean thing I have opened myself to. I ask You to be Lord over my life, my mind, my home, my sleep, and my future. I belong to You.”

2. Resist the Devil—In Christ’s Authority (Mark 16:17)

Jesus did not leave deliverance to a narrow group of religious specialists. He said:

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils…”

Casting out demons is part of the normal Christian life. It is not a show. It is not a ritual for an elite priesthood. It is a fruit of real faith in the real Jesus.

Resisting the devil looks like:

• Speaking directly to the spirit realm in the name of Jesus.
• Commanding demonic oppression to leave.
• Refusing to agree with lies, fear, or accusations.
• Declaring the truth of God’s word out loud.

There have been nights when the oppression was thick, when fear tried to choke out my faith. In those moments, the turning point came when I stopped being a victim and started standing in Christ’s authority:

“In the name of Jesus Christ, I command every unclean spirit harassing my sleep, my mind, and this room to leave right now. I belong to Jesus. My body and this house are under His blood. You have no more right here. Go, in Jesus’ name.”

The authority is not in the volume of your voice; it’s in the name and person of Jesus and your surrendered relationship to Him.

3. Seek Out and Destroy the Accursed Thing (Joshua 6–7; Acts 19:18–20)

In Joshua 7, Israel was defeated because of one man’s hidden disobedience. Achan took what God had called “accursed” and hid it in his tent. The result? Defeat, confusion, and loss—until the accursed thing was found and removed.

In the New Testament, when the gospel hit Ephesus, something powerful happened:

“Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men…”

They didn’t just “pray about it.” They burned the occult materials. They severed the ties. And “so mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.” (Acts 19:20, KJV)

Today, “accursed things” might look like:

• Ouija boards, tarot decks, spell books.
• Idols and artifacts linked to false gods.
• Media, music, or games explicitly built around occult themes.
• Objects used in actual rituals or consecrated to darkness.

The biblical pattern is not to store them in a box in the attic “just in case.” It is to destroy them and repent.

A practical step: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you anything in your life or home that grieves Him or gives the enemy ground. When He points something out, obey quickly. Remove it. Destroy it. And say: “Lord, I repent for allowing this in my life. I break agreement with anything connected to it, in Jesus’ name.”

4. Persistent Prayer and Fasting (Matthew 17:21; Mark 9:29)

Some battles go deeper than a quick prayer. Jesus told His disciples that there are certain kinds of demons that “goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”* (Matthew 17:21, KJV).

Fasting is not a way to twist God’s arm. It’s a way of humbling yourself, sharpening your spiritual focus, and weakening the grip of the flesh so that faith can rise.

If you are in a prolonged battle with night terrors, oppression, or recurring attacks, consider:

• Fasting one meal a day for a set period and using that time for prayer.
• Doing a 1–3 day liquid or Daniel-type fast (according to your health and conviction).
• Setting aside time each day to read and pray through Scriptures like Psalm 91, Ephesians 6, and the gospels’ accounts of Jesus’ authority over demons.

Persistent prayer and fasting do not make God “more willing” to help; they make you more aligned with the help He is already offering.

5. Stay Vigilant—Maintaining Victory (Matthew 12:43–45)

Deliverance is not just about what leaves; it is about Who moves in.

Jesus warned that when an unclean spirit leaves a person, it may try to return. If it finds the “house” empty, “swept, and garnished,” it can bring seven more spirits with it (Matthew 12:43–45, KJV). The answer is not fear—it is filling.

Maintain victory by:

• Filling your mind with Scripture daily.
• Inviting the Holy Spirit to fill you and lead you.
• Staying in Christian fellowship and accountability.
• Guarding your eyes, ears, and heart from fresh open doors.
• Continually practicing forgiveness, repentance, and obedience.

The same Jesus who sets you free will also keep you free as you walk with Him.

6. Live in Forgiveness and Repentance (Matthew 18:34–35)

Unforgiveness is not just an emotional burden; it can become a legal ground for torment.

In Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant, the man who refused to forgive his fellow servant was handed over to the tormentors “till he should pay all that was due unto him.” Jesus ends by saying, “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” (Matthew 18:34–35, KJV)

If you are battling torment, part of your warfare may be as simple—and as hard—as forgiveness.

A practical way to start:

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you anyone you are holding in unforgiveness.
2. For each name, say out loud:

"Lord, I forgive [name] for [what they did]. I release them to You. I let go of my desire for revenge. I ask You to heal my heart. Any torment connected to this unforgiveness, leave now, in Jesus' name."

If the pain resurfaces, bring it back to the cross again. Forgiveness is sometimes a process, but every time you choose it, you close a door to the enemy.

Personal Reflections

There was a clear turning point for me: when I finally understood and believed the authority Jesus gives His followers, the battle shifted—fast. What had felt like surviving attack to attack became standing and seeing the enemy back down. Fear lost its grip the moment I stopped pleading as a victim and began commanding as a disciple under Jesus’ Lordship.

I remember the first night this clicked. Instead of straining to get the name "Jesus" out through terror, I spoke with settled conviction: “In the name of Jesus Christ, leave now.” The atmosphere changed. Peace replaced panic. That wasn’t wishful thinking; it was authority rightly applied under submission to Him (James 4:7). From then on, I wasn’t wondering if freedom would come—I was walking in it and enforcing it.

This didn't mean I never faced attempts at harassment again. The Bible tells us that after Jesus was tempted in the wilderness, "the devil departed from him for a season" (Luke 4:13, KJV)—the enemy looks for opportune times to return. But here's the difference: those attempts are no more troubling now than a barking chihuahua. I know I have authority in Christ, so I simply tell it to leave—and it absolutely has to go. The outcome is settled. No more spirals of dread, no more questioning whether God would show up. Jesus had already given the authority; I simply began to use it (Luke 10:19; Mark 16:17).

That realization forged a new rhythm: submit to God, stand in Christ’s authority, speak the Word, keep the doors closed, and move on in peace. Demons and night terrors are real, but they are not to be feared by the child of God. “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4, KJV)

Biblical References

Here are some of the key Scriptures that form the backbone of everything we’ve been talking about:

• Spiritual Warfare Reality
  • Ephesians 6:12 – We wrestle not against flesh and blood.
  • 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 – Our weapons are mighty through God.
• Open Doors and Cursed Things
  • Deuteronomy 7:26 – Do not bring an abomination into your house lest you be a cursed thing like it.
  • Exodus 20:5 – The iniquity of the fathers upon the children.
  • Acts 19:18–20 – Believers burning occult books and “curious arts.”
• Authority and Deliverance
  • Mark 16:17 – “In my name shall they cast out devils…”
  • Luke 10:19 – Authority to tread on serpents and scorpions.
  • Acts 19:13–16 – The sons of Sceva and counterfeit authority.
• Submission, Resistance, and Vigilance
  • James 4:7 – Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee.
  • Matthew 12:43–45 – The unclean spirit returning to an empty house.
  • Matthew 17:21 / Mark 9:29 – This kind goes not out but by prayer and fasting.
• Forgiveness, Torment, and Freedom
  • Matthew 18:34–35 – The unforgiving servant and the tormentors.
  • 1 John 4:4 – Greater is He that is in you.

Each of these passages is not just theology; they are weapons in your hands when you believe them, speak them, and act on them.

Key Takeaways

• The supernatural is real, and it is biblical. Night terrors, demonic oppression, and spiritual warfare are not science-fiction—they line up with Scripture.
• Open doors matter. Occult involvement, cursed objects, generational iniquity, sin, and unforgiveness create legal grounds for torment. Close them through repentance and obedience.
• Authority comes from relationship, not ritual. Saying “in Jesus’ name” without submitting to Jesus as Lord is empty. True power flows from a surrendered, obedient life.
• Deliverance is both event and lifestyle. Casting out demons is real, but so is filling your life with the Holy Spirit, Scripture, prayer, and ongoing repentance and forgiveness.
• You do not have to live in fear. If you belong to Jesus, the One inside you is greater than any demonic force against you. You are called to live in victory, not terror.

Conclusion and Call to Action

You were not created to hide from the supernatural. You were created to walk in it—rightly, biblically, and victoriously—in Christ.

The enemy has worked hard to either normalize darkness (through media, games, and “harmless fun”) or to mock and silence those who encounter spiritual warfare, especially at night. But the word of God doesn’t mock this realm; it exposes it and then equips you to overcome.

If you are battling in the night, if your home feels spiritually heavy, if you have a history of occult involvement or generational patterns of oppression, you don’t have to stay there. Jesus has already paid the price for your freedom at the cross. His blood, His name, and His Spirit are more than enough.

This is your moment to dig deeper into truth, go higher into intimacy with Jesus, and step into the kind of spiritual warfare that is not rooted in fear, but in love, faith, and obedience.

Action Items

Here are some practical steps you can start today:

Surrender and Repent

• Pray: “Jesus, I submit myself to You as Lord. I repent of any sin, rebellion, or occult involvement. Forgive me, cleanse me, and take full Lordship over my life.”

Renounce and Remove Open Doors

• Ask the Holy Spirit to show you any occult objects, cursed items, or media in your life or home.
• Destroy them (don’t sell or give them away).
• Renounce any involvement connected to them in Jesus’ name.

Break Agreement and Command the Enemy to Leave

• Out loud, in your home and bedroom, say:

“In the name of Jesus Christ, I break every agreement I have made with darkness. I command every unclean spirit tormenting me or my family to leave now and never return. This house belongs to Jesus.”

Begin a Season of Focused Prayer and (If Possible) Fasting

• Set specific times each day to pray over your sleep, your home, and your family.
• Consider fasting a meal or a day each week and using that time for worship and Scripture.

Fill Your Nights With the Word and Worship

• Play audio Scripture or worship quietly in your room as you sleep.
• Read passages like Psalm 91 and Ephesians 6 before bed, declaring God’s promises over yourself.

Walk in Ongoing Forgiveness and Humility

• Make a list of anyone you need to forgive.
• Release them to God in prayer and ask Him to heal your heart.

Stay Connected and Share Your Story

• Don’t fight alone. Connect with solid, Bible-believing believers who understand spiritual warfare.
• As God delivers you and gives you victories, share your testimony—it will help set others free.

Your story is not meant to end in terror; it is meant to end in triumph.

Open your eyes. Burn the cursed thing. Close the door. Call on the name of Jesus. Be filled with the Holy Spirit. And then, having done all—stand.

Your victory is not based on your feelings. It is anchored in a Person: Jesus is Lord.

The Good Decision That Cost Everything

My Theology Got Cooked: The High Cost of a 'Good' Detour

The Danger of 'Good' Decisions

I've got something burning on my heart today, something the Lord won't let me shake until I share it with you.

Lately, as many of you know, Susan and I have been running hard for the Lord. We've seen His faithfulness on the streets of Troy and Daleville, Alabama. We've ministered in nursing homes and seen the peace of Jesus touch people. I've even had the privilege of leading worship for a men's fellowship. God is moving, and we are seeing real, tangible fruit. It's a blessed season.

But as I was praying about what to share, the Holy Spirit didn't bring up these recent victories. Instead, He brought back a powerful, painful memory from a few years ago. It was a moment that didn't just teach me a lesson... it completely cooked my theology. It exposed a massive flaw in my walk, and the price for learning it was steep. I believe the Lord wants me to share this with you, not just as a testimony, but as a sober, prophetic warning for every believer who is walking closely with Him in this hour.

We all want to do good things, right? As Christians, we're taught to be helpful, to bear one another's burdens, to have a servant's heart. But what happens when a "good" thing, a "helpful" act, is actually a spiritual detour? What happens when that "yes" you give to a friend is a "no" you're giving to a divine assignment? I learned firsthand that the consequences aren't just missed opportunities... they can be catastrophic, opening the door to spiritual backlash, demonic attack, and the complete abortion of a ministry assignment.

The Indianapolis Incident: A Commitment Without Counsel

The story begins a few years ago in Indianapolis. Susan and I had committed to a ministry we'd never worked with before to do a homeless outreach. Our time was set apart. We were prayed up, focused, and ready to serve. This was our assignment. 

Then the phone rang. It was a friend.

"Hey Conrad, could you do me a huge favor? I really need some help moving furniture."

Without a second thought, without a moment of prayer, I said, "Yes."

Why wouldn't I? It's just helping a friend. It's a "good" thing to do. I figured it would be a quick detour, a simple act of service, and then we'd get right back to the "real" ministry of the homeless outreach. It seemed harmless. It seemed right. It was, in fact, a devastating mistake.

The 'Quick' Detour That Changed Everything

I want you to pause and think about how often we do this. We have our God-given assignment... raising our kids, working our job as unto the Lord, preparing for a ministry, or even just our committed time of prayer and study. And then the phone rings. An email pops up. A "quick" request comes in. It seems good. It seems helpful. And just like me, we say "yes" without ever consulting the One who gave us our primary assignment.

My "yes" was a prayerless decision. I had already committed my time, energy, and spiritual focus to the Lord for the homeless outreach. This new "yes" was a violation of that prior commitment. I had, in effect, made a new covenant with a "side event" without seeking the counsel of my King. And the spiritual world, which operates on legal principles we often ignore, took notice immediately.

The Immediate Spiritual Backlash

Within one minute of hanging up that phone, I was hit. It wasn't a subtle feeling. It was two distinct, intense, agonizing pains in my body. It was so severe I could barely walk. This was not a pulled muscle. This was not a random cramp. This was pointed. It was precise. It was an attack.

That debilitating pain lingered all day and all through the night. I was mystified, confused, and in agony. I was trying to figure out what I had done, what door I had opened. But the connection wasn't clicking.

The 3:30 AM Wake-Up Call

Then, at 3:30 in the morning, the Lord woke me up. It wasn't a gentle nudge; it was an alarm. And His voice was perfectly clear in my spirit: "You know those are demons, don't you?"

In that instant, it all made sense. The phone call. The prayerless "yes." The immediate pain. My theology, which had been a bit fuzzy on this, was suddenly "cooked" into sharp focus. I had stepped out from under the Psalm 91 covering of my divine assignment. My disobedience, my presumption, had given the enemy a legal right to "buffet" me. This supernatural Christian life we're called to is real. The authority is real, the assignments are real, and the spiritual backlash is also very, very real.

Biblical Precedent: The Gibeonite Deception

As I was processing this, the Lord immediately brought a story to my mind, one that perfectly mirrored my own failure: Joshua and the Gibeonites.

Remember the context. God had given Joshua a crystal-clear mission. He had just told them: "Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, 'Prepare provisions for yourselves, for within three days you will cross over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land which the Lord your God is giving you to possess.'" (Joshua 1:11 KJV). The assignment was clear. The command from God was even more specific: "Observe what I command you this day. Behold, I am driving out from before you the Amorite and the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. Take heed to yourself, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be a snare in your midst." (Exodus 34:11-12 KJV).

No covenants. No side-deals. No mercy for the "inhabitants of the land." The mission was total possession.

Then, the Gibeonites show up. They're inhabitants of the land, but they're deceptive. They come with moldy bread, worn-out sacks, and old wine bottles. They look pitiful. They look harmless. They present a "good" reason to be spared. And what does Joshua do? Something along the lines of what I did.

"...and the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them." (Joshua 9:14-15 KJV).

They "asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD." That was the failure. They trusted their own eyes, their own logic, their own "good" intentions. And my "yes" to helping my friend move furniture? That was my Gibeonite deception. It was a "harmless" request that looked like the right thing to do. But I, too, "asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD." I made a covenant with a "side event," and in doing so, I had just allowed a "snare in the midst" of my primary, God-given mission.

Repentance, Warfare, and a Lingering Lesson

There at 3:30 in the morning, I repented. I got on my face and asked God to forgive me for my presumption, for my disobedience, for walking by my own "good" sense instead of by His Spirit. I confessed my sin of making a prayerless commitment that violated my assignment.

Then, I moved into authority. I wasn't just a victim; I was a disobedient son, but a son nonetheless, with the name of Jesus. I took authority over those two demonic spirits that were causing the pain, and I commanded them to leave. One left immediately. The other one, however, required me to stand firm. I had to press in, to stand on the word and the authority I have in Christ. Spiritual warfare isn't always a one-and-done "poof." Sometimes you have to stand your ground until the enemy fully yields. Finally, it too left.

I was reminded of Paul's words about his "thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure." (2 Corinthians 12:7 KJV). My prayerless pride, my "I got this" attitude, had invited a messenger of Satan to buffet me. But in my humility, as I repented, God's grace was right there. I was vividly reminded: "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV).

The Sobering Aftermath: When I Didn't Fully Learn

This is the part of the story that's hardest to tell. It's the most sobering part of all. You would think that after a night of demonic attack, divine correction, and spiritual warfare, I would have immediately called my friend and said, "I can't. I made a mistake. I have to stay on my assignment."

But I didn't. My flesh was still in the fight.

I still went to help move that furniture. I had repented for the disobedience that led to the attack, but I hadn't yet fully submitted to the original instruction. I still tried to do both. I tried to serve God and serve my "good intention."

And everything... everything... went wrong.

It was chaos. Absolute, complete chaos. We went to get food, and our bank cards wouldn't work. We tried to reach the person we were helping, and we couldn't get in touch with them on the phone. Every step was met with frustration and roadblocks. This wasn't just "one of those days." This was the hand of God not being upon our efforts. The hedge of protection was not on this activity. We were operating "outside the camp," and we were exposed.

Then the disaster hit. A super heavy piece of furniture we were moving fell. It didn't just tip over; it fell and completely crushed my friend's ankle.  

The True Cost of My 'Helpfulness'

In that moment, the full weight of my decision crashed down on me. But the crushed ankle and chaotic day weren't even the highest price. Here is the punchline, the part that should shake every one of us:

The entire homeless outreach was lost.

Because of my "quick detour," because of my prayerless "yes," the entire kingdom purpose for our trip in Indianapolis that day was aborted. We never made it. The ministry we were supposed to do, the people we were supposed to reach, the souls we were supposed to touch... it all evaporated. All because I thought I could fit in a "good" deed that God had not ordained.

Main Message: The Higher the Calling, the Stricter the Walk

This is the warning I feel so strongly for all of us. When we're casual believers, God's grace covers an amazing amount of our sloppy living. But when you press in, when you raise your hand and say, "Yes, Lord, use me. Send me. I'll go," the standard changes. The expectations are higher. The walk becomes stricter.

We are called to be living sacrifices. Paul begs us: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2 KJV).

A sacrifice does not get to choose where it goes. A sacrifice stays on the altar it was assigned to. My "yes" to my friend was me, the living sacrifice, crawling off God's altar to go jump onto a different one that looked "good" to me. I was conforming to the world's pattern of "being helpful" instead of being transformed to prove God's "perfect will."

We are meant to be led by the Spirit. "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:14 KJV). I was led by my good intentions. I was led by my fleshly desire to be seen as reliable. I was not, in that moment, being led by the Spirit of God.

More Biblical Warnings on 'Side Quests'

This principle is all over scripture. My failure wasn't unique. One of my Inner Circle subscribers, responding to this story, pointed out another terrifying example from 1 Kings 13.

The Man of God and the Lying Prophet (1 Kings 13)

This story is one of the most sobering in the whole Bible. A man of God is given a direct, specific command from the Lord. He is to go to Bethel, prophesy against the altar, and then leave. God's instructions were explicit: "...for it was said to me by the word of the Lord, 'You shall neither eat bread nor drink water there, nor return by the way that you came.'" (1 Kings 13:17 KJV). The mission was clear. The boundaries were set.

The man of God does his job! He prophesies, the king's hand withers and is restored... it's a successful supernatural mission.

But then, the "side quest" is offered. An old prophet comes to him and says, "...I also am a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, 'Bring him back with you into your house that he may eat bread and drink water.' But he lied to him. So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water." (1 Kings 13:18-19 KJV).

The man of God disobeyed the direct word of the Lord to follow a "word" from another man. It seemed spiritual. It came from another "prophet." It was a "good" offer of hospitality. But it was a lie, and it violated his primary command. The consequence? As he was leaving, a lion killed him on the road.

My friend's "harmless" request was my "lying prophet." in my particular scenario.  They are actually a good friend; I am just using this as an illustration.  It seemed like a good, godly thing to do. But it contradicted the mission God had already given me. I listened to it, and while a lion didn't eat me, my assignment was killed on the road.

The Internal Battle: Why Do We Still Do It?

It's easy to read this and think, "Conrad, how could you be so foolish? Especially after the demonic attack!" And that's a fair question. The answer is found in Romans 7, which another subscriber brought up.

We are still in this flesh. And the flesh is at war with the Spirit. Paul's struggle is our struggle.

"For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. ... For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me." (Romans 7:15, 18-20 KJV).

My spirit knew my assignment. But my flesh, my "good intentions," my desire to be helpful... that part of me that is sin that dwells within me... rose up and took the bait. The "good" I wanted to do (the outreach) was hijacked by the "evil" I didn't want to do (disobeying my assignment by taking a "good" detour).

This isn't an excuse for our sin, but it is a critical explanation of the battle. It's precisely why we cannot trust our "good intentions." We cannot trust our feelings. We cannot trust "what seems right." We MUST be Spirit-led. We must ask counsel at the mouth of the LORD.

Conclusion: A Call to Radical, Prayerful Obedience

My "yes" was a small word with massive, kingdom-altering consequences. The walk with Jesus is a supernatural one, and the stakes are higher than we think. The closer you get to Him and the more He entrusts you with, the more precise your obedience must be.

This isn't about legalism. This is about intimacy. This is about staying so close to the Shepherd that you hear His voice for every step. It's about recognizing that we are on a mission, in enemy territory, and detours are deadly. We are not our own; we were bought with a price.

The warning for the Church in this hour is this: Stop saying "yes" to things God hasn't told you to do. Stop letting "good" opportunities from men pull you away from the "God" assignment He has given you. Your time, your resources, and your "yes" belong to Him. Before you commit, before you take that "harmless" detour, before you agree to help move the furniture... ask counsel at the mouth of the LORD.

The cost of a prayerless "yes" is just too high.

We Want to Hear From You

What about you? Have you ever had a "Gibeonite" moment? Have you ever said "yes" to a "good" thing and watched it blow up in your face, only to realize you had stepped off your assignment? What has God taught you about this kind of obedience?

Please share your thoughts, stories, and any verses that have helped you in the comments below. We sharpen one another!

If this post blessed you, please share it. And be sure to connect with us in our other ministry outreaches.  If you feel led to support our ongoing street ministry and outreach work, you can check out our Ministry Wish List on Amazon.

Grace and peace, Team Jesus.

Conrad

Harold's Miraculous Jacket and the Unfolding Prophetic Truth

 The Deliverance Jacket!

Today, we're diving deep into a testimony that is going to absolutely rock your world. This isn't just a story; it's a supernatural encounter, a prophetic unfolding that speaks volumes about God's power to heal, deliver, and reveal truth in the most unexpected ways. I recently had the honor of interviewing my friend, Harold Vondenstein, on "Coffee with Conrad," and his journey is one that will inspire and challenge you. You can find more testimonies under the "Testimonies" label in the sidebar – stories of how Jesus heals, sets free, and delivers, even today. Harold's story is a powerful addition to that collection.

Harold shared an amazing testimony about a jacket – yes, a simple jacket – that became a canvas for divine revelation. This story has been unfolding for years, and the insights just keep pouring forth. So, buckle up, grab your coffee, and let's explore the incredible journey of Harold and his God-given jacket.

When God Speaks Through a Jacket

Boy, do I have a treat for you today! I've known Harold for a few years now. We first met at a music venue, became friends, and recently reconnected. And let me tell you, this man is on fire for God! At 72, overcoming physical difficulties, Harold is out there taking ground for Jesus, and he's a true inspiration. If he can do it, despite the challenges, what's stopping any of us?

What really captured me was his story about this jacket. He had a supernatural revelation, a direct word from the Lord about it. It’s a story of hitting rock bottom, encountering Jesus in a life-altering way, and receiving ongoing guidance that continues to amaze. Harold himself was wearing the "infamous jacket" during our interview, a tangible symbol of his incredible journey.

The Testimony of the Jacket – A Divine Blueprint

Harold's early life wasn't steeped in faith. He wasn't raised in a Christian family, never had a Bible, and spent most of his life struggling, with failed marriages, parenthood, and a general sense of things just not working. As he put it, his life was "crashing... all full of junk."

The Turning Point: A Cry in the Dark

It all came to a head on September 2nd, 2012. After 60 years of what felt like constant failure, Harold found himself in a fetal position, crying out to the Lord, begging for his life to end. But instead of an end, he found a new beginning. He sincerely prayed, "Lord, please, please just take over my life."

And Jesus answered. "It was just boom," Harold described. "He stepped in like a lightning bolt and he broke that spirit of death that was on me." In that moment, he heard a clear instruction: "Get up and get on down to that church down the road that you've been looking at... it doesn't matter if you're late." He obeyed, walked into the middle of a sermon on Romans 8, and for the first time, heard about unconditional love. His life was miraculously changed. That, my friends, is a true Acts chapter 9, road to Damascus encounter! Your life is never the same after something like that.

The Prophetic Jacket Revelation

Two years later, around Thanksgiving 2014, after a period of healing, Harold asked the Lord, "You've got to tell me what was wrong with my life. What was it that happened to me?" Again, God spoke. He told Harold to get a white jacket from his closet. He laid it on a table, and the Lord said, "Just start writing."

Words started pouring out of him onto that jacket. For about 20-25 minutes, he wrote like crazy, front and back. When he was done, the jacket was covered in words. The Lord told him, "This is what happened in your life."

Initially, Harold understood it as a representation of his sins, generational curses, trauma – everything that had opened doors for demonic infiltration in his life. He'd come to realize that demons were real and had been influencing him.

Unfolding Layers of Meaning

But the revelation didn't stop there. Years later, especially after a trip to Pennsylvania for intensive training with a minister named Kevin Riordan (whom I had the privilege of introducing him to), Harold gained a deeper understanding.

   The Front of the Jacket: This represented all the sins, the open doors – things he had done, generational curses, traumas inflicted upon him. These were the entry points for the enemy.

   The Back of the Jacket: This depicted the fruits of sin – poverty, bondage, bitterness, pornography addiction, infirmities, and afflictions.

Harold marveled, "There was no way I could have known that back then when I was writing." Even more astoundingly, he later realized the words were written in a pattern resembling crosses! This is so deeply biblical. As Isaiah 53 tells us, Jesus "was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5, KJV). He bore not only our sins but also our infirmities on that cross. Harold's jacket was a supernatural, visual testament to this profound truth.

Personal Reflections: When God Gets Personal

What I love about Harold's testimony is the raw honesty and the clear, direct way God communicated with him. He had no theological paradigms to filter it through; he was just hearing from God and then finding it confirmed in the Bible later. This is a beautiful example of how the Spirit and the Word agree!

It's also a powerful reminder that often, it's at our lowest point, our rock bottom, that we finally become open to encountering Jesus. My own journey has echoes of this. When you're stripped of everything, that's when His voice can become the clearest.

Harold's perseverance is another thing that deeply inspires me. Dealing with hearing issues and hip problems, relying on an e-bike to get around – many would use these as excuses to withdraw. But Harold? He's out there, sharing his faith, leading freedom nights at his church. He even traveled to Pennsylvania, overcoming significant obstacles, to seek deeper healing and understanding. That's faith in action!

His journey highlights the reality of spiritual warfare. The "open doors" he talked about – unsaved status, unrepented sin, disrespect, family involvement in witchcraft (Santoria), idolatry, unforgiveness – these are things that give the enemy legal ground. As Harold learned, these "allow the tormentors to come in."

Biblical References and Teachings: The Sword of the Spirit in Action

Harold's story is interwoven with powerful biblical truths. Understanding these scriptures is key to walking in the freedom he now experiences.

   Deliverance is Real: Harold's experience with a deliverance minister, Everett Cox, where around a hundred demons were reportedly cast out, might sound shocking to some. But Jesus Himself cast out demons, and He gave His disciples authority to do the same. "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils..." (Mark 16:17, KJV). Harold mentioned a list of 125 issues, which dropped to 59 after his initial encounter with Jesus, then to 12 after formal deliverance. This is the freedom Jesus promised when He said, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed." (John 8:36, KJV).

   Our Authority in Christ: One of the most empowering revelations for Harold was Luke 10:19 (KJV): "Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you." As children of God, once we accept Christ, we have this authority. We don't have to be victims of the enemy's schemes.

   The Importance of Renewing the Mind: Harold emphasized that deliverance is a process, a daily walk. A huge part of this is renewing your mind. As Paul writes in Romans 12:2 (KJV): "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God." We must replace the enemy's lies and ungodly belief systems with God's truth. Harold found that about 75% of deliverance is about this mental and spiritual renewal.

   The Father's Love: Despite all the hardship and the battles, the ultimate revelation for Harold was the Father's love. He used to think God was mad at him. But through his experiences, especially in Pennsylvania, he came to know God as "Abba Father," a loving Father who isn't angry but full of compassion. "He said, 'Look, son, I love you. Come, come sit here with me... There's some things that we need to work out... But you need to know that I love you.'" This echoes 1 John 4:16 (KJV): "And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." This love trumps everything.

   Soul Ties: Harold also touched on the concept of soul ties formed through sexual relationships outside of God's design for marriage. He explained how these ungodly connections can lead to taking on the other person's "demons" or baggage, emphasizing the need to break these ties in prayer. This aligns with the biblical principle of two becoming one flesh (1 Corinthians 6:16) and the spiritual implications of such unions.

The Ongoing Journey: "Are You Prepared?"

A particularly poignant moment in Harold's story came when his beloved wife, Paula, was passing away in January 2024 after a battle with cancer. As he held her hand, knowing she was going to be with the Lord, he heard three distinct words in his head: "Are you prepared?"

This wasn't about Paula's preparedness, but his own. It startled him and became a catalyst for deeper introspection. He realized he had backslidden in some areas and wasn't as ready as he thought. This divine question ignited a renewed hunger for God, for reading the Bible daily, for going deeper in his spiritual walk.

This reminds me of Matthew 24:44 (KJV): "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of Man cometh." It's a call to constant vigilance and wholehearted pursuit of God.

And look at what God has done since Harold recommitted himself! He was living on the second floor, struggling financially after Paula's passing. He asked the Lord for a nearby church and affordable housing. God led him to Crossroads Assembly of God, half a mile away, where he found fellowship and love. Then, through the pastor's wife, an affordable apartment became available right next door to the church! As Harold said, "Favor of God!" This is a testament to Hebrews 11:6 (KJV): "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." If you're about God's business, He'll be about yours.

Now, Harold is leading "Freedom Night" at his church, sharing about deliverance and dispelling ungodly belief systems. He's even playing his "Bible Belt Blues" for Jesus at ministry gatherings. From a supernatural encounter with a jacket to a thriving ministry, God's hand is evident.

AUDIO PODCAST HERE

What's On Your Jacket? Are You Prepared?

Harold's incredible testimony – from the prophetic jacket to the deep understanding of deliverance and the Father's love, all punctuated by the piercing question, "Are you prepared?" – serves as a powerful wake-up call for all of us.

His journey from brokenness to a life empowered by the Holy Spirit shows that no one is beyond God's reach. The supernatural isn't just for Bible times; it's for today, for you and me.

So, I encourage you to reflect:

   What's on your "jacket"? Are there areas in your life, past hurts, sins, or generational patterns that have opened doors to the enemy and are hindering your walk with Jesus?

   Are you walking in the freedom Christ purchased for you? Deliverance isn't a scary word; it's about stepping into the liberty God intends for His children.

   Do you truly know the Father's love? It's a love that casts out all fear and empowers you to overcome.

   Are you prepared? Are you diligently seeking God, renewing your mind with His Word, and living each day with eternity in view?

This isn't about condemnation, but about invitation – an invitation to go deeper with Jesus, to experience His healing, His freedom, and His incredible love.

Friends, if Harold's story has touched you, I urge you to take action:

1.  Examine Your Life: Prayerfully ask God to show you any "open doors." Confess any known sin. As 1 John 1:9 (KJV) says, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

2.  Seek Freedom: If you're struggling, seek help. Check out Harold's website, Deliverance101.com, for resources. Remember, "If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed" (John 8:36, KJV).

3.  Receive the Father's Love: Actively pursue an understanding of God's profound love for you.

4.  Renew Your Mind: Immerse yourself in God's Word daily. Let it transform your thinking (Romans 12:2).

5.  Walk in Authority: Understand and exercise the authority you have in Jesus over the enemy (Luke 10:19). Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee (James 4:7, KJV).

6.  Live Prepared: Cultivate a deep hunger for God (Matthew 24:44).

7.  Share This Message: If this post has blessed you, please share it with your friends, family, and on social media. Others need to hear this message of hope and freedom!

8.  Engage with Us:

       Leave a comment below! What part of Harold's testimony resonated with you the most?

    

Harold's Links:

https://deliverance101.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@mydailywalkindeliverance

https://www.youtube.com/@DemonsDontRule

newharold744@gmail.com

Tucker Carlson's Demonic Night Terror: A Biblical Perspective on Spiritual Warfare

Tucker Carlson's Night Terror: A Biblical Analysis of Demonic Attacks

Hey there, fellow seekers of truth! It's Conrad from ConradRocks.Net, and today we're diving into a topic that's been making waves in the mainstream media - Tucker Carlson's encounter with a demonic night terror. As someone who's experienced and studied supernatural phenomena for years, I'm here to shed some light on this eye-opening event and offer a biblical perspective on spiritual warfare.

The Shocking Revelation: Tucker Carlson's Demonic Encounter

When I first heard about Tucker Carlson's interview regarding his demonic night terror experience, I was both intrigued and concerned. It's not every day that a prominent public figure openly discusses such a deeply personal and supernatural encounter. Let's break down what happened and why it matters.

Tucker described waking up in the middle of the night, unable to breathe and feeling like he was being suffocated. When he finally managed to turn on the lights, he discovered claw marks on his body - physical evidence of a spiritual attack. This, my friends, is a classic case of a demonic night terror, distinct from the more common sleep paralysis.

What's particularly striking about Tucker's experience is that his wife and dogs, who were in the bed with him, didn't wake up during the attack. This phenomenon of others remaining asleep during supernatural encounters is something I've observed in many cases, and it raises questions about how the enemy operates during these attacks.

Demonic Night Terrors vs. Sleep Paralysis: Understanding the Difference

As someone who's dealt with demonic attacks and helps others overcome them, I can tell you that there's a crucial difference between demonic night terrors and sleep paralysis. While sleep paralysis is a physiological phenomenon that affects about 8% of the population, demonic night terrors are spiritual attacks that often leave physical marks - just like in Tucker's case.

Sleep paralysis typically involves:

Temporary inability to move or speak

Feeling of pressure on the chest

Hallucinations or sensing a presence in the room

Demonic night terrors, on the other hand, can include:

Physical marks or injuries

Intense feelings of evil or oppression

Supernatural phenomena (like objects moving)

A clear sense of a malevolent presence

In my book, "Overcoming Night Terror: Making the Demons Leave," I dive deep into these differences and provide biblical strategies for protection and deliverance. It's essential to understand that these attacks are real and can happen to anyone, regardless of their fame or status.

Historical Context of Demonic Attacks

Tucker's experience isn't an isolated incident. Throughout history, there have been documented cases of similar supernatural attacks. Let me share a few notable examples:

Clarita Villa Nueva (1953): This 17-year-old girl in Manila experienced terrifying demonic attacks that left physical bite marks on her body. These marks were witnessed by medical specialists and even the mayor of Manila.

Doris Bither Case (1974): This case, which inspired the movie "The Entity," involved a woman who experienced physical attacks, including bruises and scratches. Researchers even witnessed her levitate during poltergeist activity.

Roland Doe Case (1940s): This is the case that inspired "The Exorcist." The young boy experienced various supernatural phenomena, including levitation and physical marks on his body.

These historical cases remind us that what Tucker experienced is part of a long-standing spiritual battle that has been going on for centuries.

Biblical Insights on Spiritual Warfare

Now, let's look at what the Bible says about these kinds of attacks and how we can protect ourselves:

Psalm 91:5 assures us, "You will not fear the terror of night." This verse directly addresses the issue of night terrors and promises God's protection.

James 4:7-8 instructs us to "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." This is a powerful strategy for dealing with demonic attacks.

Ephesians 6:10-18 talks about putting on the full armor of God to stand against the schemes of the devil. This passage gives us a detailed breakdown of our spiritual armor:

Belt of truth

Breastplate of righteousness

Feet fitted with the readiness of the gospel of peace

Shield of faith

Helmet of salvation

Sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God)

1 Peter 5:8-9 warns us to "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith."

These scriptures remind us that we're not powerless against spiritual attacks. As believers, we have the authority of Jesus Christ to command these entities to leave.

Personal Reflections: My Journey with Demonic Attacks

I remember when I first started experiencing demonic attacks. Like Tucker, I was confused and terrified. I didn't have the biblical knowledge or spiritual maturity to understand what was happening. This led me to explore New Age practices, searching for answers in all the wrong places.

It wasn't until I had a powerful encounter with Jesus in 1995 that things changed. God gave me an intense desire to read the Bible, and as I immersed myself in His Word, I found the answers and protection I'd been seeking all along.

My experiences taught me several crucial lessons:

The importance of biblical literacy in spiritual warfare

The power of the name of Jesus in confronting demonic forces

The necessity of a personal relationship with Christ for true protection

The role of community in overcoming spiritual attacks

These lessons have shaped my ministry and my approach to helping others who face similar struggles.

The Church's Role in Spiritual Warfare

One thing that struck me about Tucker's story was his distrust of Christian pastors and his desire to read the Bible for himself. This highlights a significant issue in many churches today - a lack of biblical literacy when it comes to spiritual warfare.

As a body of believers, we need to reclaim the power and authority that Jesus gave us. The early church, as described in the book of Acts, was full of supernatural manifestations. We need to return to that level of faith and expectancy, equipping believers to stand firm against spiritual attacks.

Here are some ways the church can step up:

Provide solid biblical teaching on spiritual warfare

Create safe spaces for people to share their supernatural experiences

Offer prayer and deliverance ministries

Encourage personal Bible study and application

Foster a culture of spiritual growth and maturity

Practical Steps for Overcoming Demonic Night Terrors

If you're struggling with demonic night terrors, here are some practical steps you can take:

Immerse yourself in God's Word. Like Tucker, develop a hunger for the Bible. 

Pray for protection, using scriptures like Psalm 91. Personalize these verses and declare them over your life and home.

Exercise your authority in Christ. Command the demons to leave in Jesus' name. Remember, they must obey the name of Jesus when spoken with faith and authority.

Seek support from mature believers who understand spiritual warfare. Don't try to fight this battle alone.

Cleanse your home and life of any objects or practices that might be giving the enemy a foothold. This could include occult items, certain types of music, or unhealthy relationships.

Develop a consistent prayer and worship routine. Creating an atmosphere of praise can be a powerful deterrent to demonic activity.

Consider reading resources like my books "Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey" and "Overcoming Night Terror: Making the Demons Leave" for more in-depth strategies.

If the attacks persist, consider seeking help from a deliverance ministry or a pastor experienced in spiritual warfare.

The Bigger Picture: What Tucker's Experience Teaches Us

Tucker Carlson's experience brings the reality of spiritual warfare into the mainstream conversation. It's a wake-up call for the church and an opportunity for believers to step up and offer biblical solutions to those experiencing similar attacks.

Moreover, it reminds us that God can use even negative experiences to draw people closer to Him. Tucker's encounter led him to read the Bible intensively for a year and a half, transforming his spiritual life. This aligns with Romans 8:28, which tells us that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

The Importance of Discernment

While it's crucial to take spiritual warfare seriously, it's equally important to exercise discernment. Not every strange experience is a demonic attack, and not every problem has a spiritual root. We need to balance our awareness of the supernatural with wisdom and sound judgment.

Here are some tips for developing spiritual discernment:

Study the Bible regularly to understand God's character and ways

Pray for wisdom and discernment (James 1:5)

Seek counsel from mature believers

Test everything against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21)

Be aware of your own biases and preconceptions

The Power of Testimony

Tucker Carlson's willingness to share his experience publicly is a powerful reminder of the impact of personal testimony. In Revelation 12:11, we're told that believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony.

By sharing our experiences with demonic attacks and how God delivered us, we can:

Encourage others who may be suffering in silence

Bring awareness to the reality of spiritual warfare

Point people towards the power and protection found in Christ

Break the stigma surrounding supernatural experiences in the church

Standing Firm in Spiritual Battles

As we wrap up, remember that demonic night terrors, while terrifying, are not insurmountable. With the power of God's Word and the authority we have in Christ, we can overcome these attacks and help others do the same.

If Tucker Carlson's story resonates with you, or if you've had similar experiences, I encourage you to dive deeper into God's Word and seek His protection. Don't let fear paralyze you - instead, let it propel you towards a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Remember these key points:

Demonic attacks are real, but so is God's protection

The Bible is our ultimate guide for understanding and overcoming spiritual warfare

We have authority in Christ to resist the enemy

Personal testimony is a powerful tool in helping others and glorifying God

The church needs to reclaim its role in equipping believers for spiritual battles

Final Thoughts

As we navigate this complex spiritual landscape, let's remain grounded in God's Word and open to His supernatural power. Whether you're a skeptic, a curious seeker, or someone who has experienced demonic attacks firsthand, I encourage you to approach this topic with an open mind and a seeking heart.

Tucker Carlson's experience has opened up a crucial conversation about the reality of spiritual warfare in our modern world. Let's use this opportunity to deepen our understanding, strengthen our faith, and reach out to those who may be struggling with similar experiences.

Please share this post to spread awareness about spiritual warfare and offer hope to those who might be suffering in silence.

Check out my books "Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey" and "Overcoming Night Terror: Making the Demons Leave" for more insights and strategies.

Leave a comment below sharing your thoughts or experiences. Let's create a community of support and prayer for those facing spiritual battles.

If you're struggling with demonic attacks, reach out for help. You're not alone in this fight.

Consider starting a Bible study or prayer group focused on spiritual warfare in your local community.

Remember, you're not alone in this fight. Together, with Jesus on our side, we can overcome any demonic attack and walk in the freedom and power that God intends for us. Stay strong, stay in the Word, and keep seeking the supernatural presence of God in your life!

May the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). God bless you all, and stay supernaturally empowered!

Overcoming Spiritual Warfare: My Journey of Faith and Resilience

A Terrifying Night from My Childhood

Today, I want to take you on a journey back to a night that changed my life forever. It’s a night that I can never forget, filled with fear, confusion, and a supernatural encounter that left an indelible mark on my soul. As a child, I faced an experience so terrifying that it still sends shivers down my spine. This encounter taught me invaluable lessons about spiritual warfare, the power of Jesus, and the importance of being vigilant against the forces of darkness.

 A Night of Supernatural Encounter

I was only five years old, sound asleep in my room in Houston, Texas. My father and stepmom were still awake in another room. Suddenly, an unseen assailant entered my room. He put his hand over my mouth and nose, suffocating me as I slept. In my deep slumber, I sensed something was wrong. I couldn’t breathe and struggled to wake up, but it felt like I was trapped underwater, unable to reach the surface.

As I fought to wake up, I was paralyzed with fear, unable to move or cry out for help. The assailant pressed my head down into the pillow with increasing force. I managed to rock my head slightly and, with great effort, gained control of my right arm. But when I finally opened my eyes, I saw that the assailant was not a man—it was my own left hand, possessed by a malevolent entity.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

This terrifying experience was not an isolated incident. Throughout my life, I have had numerous out-of-body experiences and encounters with the supernatural. These experiences have deepened my understanding of spiritual warfare and the reality of demonic attacks. Later, I realized that the entity that took control of my hand was a demon.

This experience taught me the importance of being vigilant against the forces of darkness. It also highlighted the power of Jesus' name in overcoming these attacks. As a Christian, I have learned that spiritual warfare is a constant battle, and we must always be prepared to stand firm in our faith.

Biblical References: Understanding Spiritual Warfare

The Bible provides numerous insights into the nature of spiritual warfare. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." This verse underscores the reality that our battles are not just physical but spiritual.

In John 9:2-3, the disciples asked Jesus about a man born blind, "Who sinned, this man or his parents?" Jesus answered, "Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." This passage reminds us that not all suffering is a result of personal sin; sometimes, it is an opportunity for God's power to be revealed.

Exploring Open Doors to the Demonic

One crucial lesson I've learned is the importance of closing any open doors that may invite demonic influence into our lives. These open doors can include sins within the family, involvement in occult practices, sexual immorality, unforgiveness, and bringing cursed objects into our homes. Deuteronomy 7:26 warns us, "Do not bring a detestable thing into your house or you, like it, will be set apart for destruction."

Generational Sins

The Bible speaks about generational sins, where the iniquities of the fathers are visited upon their children. This concept can be found in several passages, including Exodus 20:5, where it states, "You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me." In my own life, my father’s involvement with psychics and saints opened a door for the demonic to enter our home. This highlights the importance of parents being vigilant in their spiritual lives to protect their children.

Occult Practices

Involvement in occult practices is a significant open door for demonic influence. Practices such as divination, witchcraft, and consulting psychics are explicitly condemned in the Bible. Deuteronomy 18:10-12 warns, "There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord." Engaging in such practices invites demonic entities into our lives and homes.

Sexual Immorality

Sexual immorality is another significant open door for demonic influence. 1 Corinthians 6:18 states, "Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body." Sexual sins create spiritual bonds that can allow demonic entities to gain a foothold in our lives. It is crucial to maintain sexual purity to safeguard ourselves from these influences.

Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness is a less obvious but equally dangerous open door for demonic influence. Holding onto grudges and refusing to forgive others creates bitterness in our hearts, which can be exploited by demonic forces. Matthew 18:34-35 explains, "And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." Forgiveness is essential for maintaining spiritual health and protection.

Cursed Objects

Bringing cursed objects into our homes can also invite demonic influence. These objects can include items associated with occult practices, idolatry, or sinful activities. Deuteronomy 7:26 warns, "And you shall not bring an abominable thing into your house and become devoted to destruction like it. You shall utterly detest and abhor it, for it is devoted to destruction." It is essential to cleanse our homes of any objects that may have spiritual significance contrary to God's will.

The Power of Jesus in Spiritual Warfare

Friends, I want to leave you with this: there is incredible power in the name of Jesus. This power is not a mere incantation but flows from His nature, character, and authority. James 4:7 instructs us, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." Submission to God and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit are critical in overcoming demonic attacks.

If you’ve resonated with my story and want to learn more, I encourage you to read my books, "Open Your Eyes: My Supernatural Journey" and "Overcoming Night Terror: Making the Demons Leave." These books delve deeper into the topics discussed today and offer practical advice for dealing with spiritual warfare.

Thank you for joining me today. If this  has touched you, please let me know. Connect with me on social media or join my email Inner Circle subscriber list. Until we meet again, dig deeper and go higher. God bless you.

Navigating Spiritual Warfare: Distinguishing Demons from Principalities

Unlocking Secrets of Spiritual Warfare

Today, we're going to explore one of the most fundamental aspects of Christianity: the understanding of the reality of demons, principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Many Christians fail to distinguish between these entities, but understanding the distinctions between them can have a huge impact on our relationship with God and our ability to engage in spiritual warfare. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of the spiritual realm and learn how to effectively fight against the forces of darkness? Tune in now to find out more!

Christians Need to Know the Difference

One of the fundamental aspects of Christianity is the understanding of the reality of demons, principalities, powers, and spiritual wickedness in high places. Unfortunately, it has been observed that many Christians fail to distinguish between principalities and demons, and as a result, approach spiritual warfare in an incorrect manner.

This lack of understanding can lead to problematic consequences in our relationship with God. In today's episode, we will explore the origins and beliefs surrounding these entities and how they are perceived and understood within the context of Christianity. We will also delve into the implications of not understanding the distinctions between them and how it can impact spiritual warfare. Additionally, we will examine the use of the term "demon" in the King James Bible and how it is often used interchangeably with "devil," which is not entirely accurate.

Principalities and Power Hierarchy

In Christianity, "devils" or fallen angels are considered low-level demonic beings, while principalities can be either good or bad, depending on their purpose in the spiritual order of things. The key difference between them lies in the power and authority they wield, as principalities possess greater authority and can influence larger groups of people.

Just as on earth, there are hierarchies of power among individuals, such as presidents, generals, colonels, and lieutenants, in the spirit world, there are also hierarchies among different types of entities such as demons and principalities. Recall that there are Archangels like Gabriel, Michael, and Lucifer, who are rulers over other angels. Remember that a third of the angels rebelled with Lucifer, and he became a Prince over them. The word "prince" comes from "principality."

Think of how the Archangel Michael battled against the Prince of Persia, as mentioned in the Book of Daniel. This was an archangel fighting against a principality. The word "prince" is derived from the Latin word "Princeps," which means first or chief. The word "principality" is also derived from the same Latin root and refers to a territory ruled by a prince, or to the rank or office of a prince. In this sense, a principality is a small sovereign state or territory ruled by a prince, who is usually a member of a royal family or a member of nobility.

The word "principality" can also be used more broadly to refer to any territory, region, or domain ruled by a leader or authority, such as the Kingdom or Domain of the King. Principalities can be thought of as generals in this hierarchy. God actually sets up and overthrows principalities as He sees fit, as mentioned in Daniel 2:21. The people of God are to be subject to them, even though they may not enjoy it, as stated in Romans 13.

Keep in mind that God even called Nebuchadnezzar the King of Babylon, his servant, as mentioned in Jeremiah 27:6, while the Israelites were forced to be subject to him. The Prince of Persia was not defeated until the Archangel Michael defeated him in the spirit world and he was replaced with the Prince of Greece, Alexander the Great, as mentioned in Daniel chapter 10. This came about at the time of Daniel's 21-day fast.

Demons and Principalities Distinction

Demons are underlings that do the bidding of the principalities. The word "demon" is derived from the Greek word "daimon" which means deity or divine power. The word "devil" is derived from the Greek word "Diablos," which means slander or accuser.

When Jesus tells his disciples that they can cast out devils in Mark 16, the Greek word for demon is used. Paul could cast out demons, as seen when he cast out the python spirit in the lady that practiced divination in Acts 16. The disciples could also cast out demons, but they did not bring down the principalities behind Nero or the Caesars, which God actually sets up.

The Bible makes a distinction between demons and principalities, although the precise nature of this distinction is not always clear. Demons are often depicted as evil spirits or fallen angels, while principalities are spiritual beings or forces that exercise some level of authority or control over a particular region or sphere of influence. It is important to understand the difference between the two, as this can affect spiritual warfare and our relationship with God.

Types of Demons

The Bible mentions various types of demons, each associated with specific forms of evil or temptation. For example, familiar spirits, which are believed to be able to communicate with the spirits of the dead and are often consulted by those seeking to know the future or communicate with their ancestors. Another example is evil spirits which are often depicted as causing various forms of trouble or disruption, such as possession, illness, and insanity. The term "devils" is also used to refer to demons in general or Satan in particular. These entities are depicted as being opposed to God and seeking to lead human beings astray.

Hierarchy of Spiritual Entities in Warfare

It is important to note that the Bible makes a distinction between demons and principalities, with principalities having a higher level of authority and the ability to influence larger groups of people. As seen in Ephesians 6:11-12, Paul speaks of the need to stand against the "wiles of the devil" and the importance of spiritual warfare against "principalities, powers, rulers of darkness, and spiritual wickedness in high places." This passage highlights the hierarchy of these entities and the specific nature of their influence. It is important for Christians to understand the distinctions between these entities in order to effectively engage in spiritual warfare.

The Nephilim-Demon Origin Belief

The belief that demons are descendants of the Nephilim is an idea that appears in some ancient Jewish and Christian texts, such as the Book of Enoch and the Book of Jubilees. According to this belief, the Nephilim were a race of giant beings or the offspring of angels and human women. These texts claim that these beings were born as a result of angels taking human wives and that these Nephilim were considered to be demons as they were not completely human or divine.

This belief is rooted in the passage from Genesis 6 that states "The Sons of God saw that the daughters of humans were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose." Some interpret this passage to mean that the "Sons of God" are angels and the "daughters of humans" are human women, and that this union led to the creation of the Nephilim.

It should be noted, however, that these texts are not considered scriptural canon by most of Christianity and the interpretation of the nephilim is disputed and not widely accepted. The Nephilim as well as the origin of demons is not widely accepted as a biblical fact, it is also important to consider that this interpretation is not proven by the scriptural canon.

Principalities have a Large Sphere of Influence

The term "principalities" in the Bible refers to spiritual beings or forces that are associated with a particular sphere of influence or level of authority in the spiritual realm. These beings or forces are often depicted as exercising control over the world and its inhabitants, and they may be either good or evil in nature. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul often speaks of principalities and powers in his letters, and these terms are used to refer to the spiritual powers behind rulers and nations. Additionally, passages such as Ezekiel 28 suggest that certain principalities have a direct influence on certain individuals, such as the Prince of Tyre. It's important to note that the nature and the exact function of these principalities may not always be clear in the Bible, and different interpretations exist.

The term "principalities" or "principalities and powers," "rulers," "authorities," etc. is often used to refer to spiritual beings or forces that are associated with a particular sphere of influence or level of authority in the spiritual realm. These beings or forces are often depicted as exerting some degree of control over the world and its inhabitants, and they can be either good or evil, or on God's side or opposed to God.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently references principalities and powers in his letters. For example, in Ephesians 3:10, he states that "to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God." Here, Paul is emphasizing how the Church reveals the wisdom of God to the spiritual forces of the heavenly realm.

In Colossians 1:16, Paul states that "Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him, all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities, as all things were created through Him and for Him." This passage highlights that Jesus is the creator of all things, including the spiritual beings or forces known as principalities, powers, and authorities.

Principalities: Spiritual Powers Behind Rulers

Principalities are often referred to in Scripture as the spiritual powers behind rulers in nations. In Ezekiel 28, for example, God speaks to the Prince of Tyre, but then directly addresses the principality that governs him. The belief that principalities are wicked spiritual entities that are interlinked with actual people on earth, is an interesting and fascinating concept.

Principalities in Spiritual Warfare: Caution Needed

When it comes to spiritual warfare, it is important to note that we do not cast out principalities as we could be challenging the will of God. Principalities and powers are spiritual beings or entities that have been established by God and are operating within the boundaries set for them by God. Therefore, attempting to cast out a principality without receiving clear guidance from God can be dangerous. Jesus states in Mark 16 that we can cast out demons, but only God has the authority to remove or change spiritual powers such as principalities over cities and regions. It is crucial to have a humble, unselfish relationship with the Holy Spirit, and be certain that we are being led by God before taking any action.

The Bible makes a distinction between demons and principalities. The precise nature of this distinction is not always clear, but some ways they may be distinguished is through their hierarchy, nature and their roles. Demons are often depicted as evil spirits or fallen angels and are associated with specific forms of evil or temptation, while principalities are often depicted as spiritual beings or forces that exercise a level of authority or control over a particular sphere of influence. It is important to approach the subject of spiritual warfare with caution and seek clear guidance from God before taking any action.

Digging Deeper

If you're interested in delving further into the topic of spiritual warfare and the distinctions between demons, principalities, and powers, I would highly recommend the book "Needless Casualties of War" by John Paul Jackson. This book provides valuable insight and guidance on the topic and is worth reading if you're considering taking on a principality or spiritual force without first seeking guidance from God. It's important to remember that principalities and powers are spiritual beings or entities that have been established by God and it is essential to have a humble, unselfish relationship with the Holy Spirit in order to be certain that we are being led by God when engaging in spiritual warfare.

Additionally, I would recommend joining the conversation by checking out the linked Facebook post in the show notes for more perspectives and thoughts on the topic.

Links:

Needless Casualties of War 

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