Where the Enemy Walks

1 Timothy 4:1-5 MKJV
(1) But the Spirit expressly says that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and teachings of demons,
(2) speaking lies in hypocrisy, being seared in their own conscience,
(3) forbidding to marry, saying to abstain from foods which God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
(4) For every creation of God is good, and nothing to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving.
(5) For it is sanctified through the Word of God and prayer.

Did you know that demons teach? Isn't that an interesting verse? If you were a demon (stretch here) what would you teach? What kind of people would you target? Would they be people of influence or common folk? Do you think they would get into the political affairs of men, or perhaps sit in the elementary classrooms of our children? Maybe both...

The Spirit expressly says that in the last days, some shall depart from the FAITH. Aha! So we at least know the demons are teaching in the 'church' arena. They are working to destroy the testimonies and faith of believers, or at least people who claimed at one time to believe. If there were a demon at work in your church, what kind of mischief would he create? Internal strife? Jealousy? Unforgiveness amongst the brethren? Unbelief?

Pray that God's light would shine in your church over the dark places. Yes, the enemy can stand a lot more scripture reading and praise music than a lot of Christians think. But what he cannot stand is the Presence of God. What he cannot tolerate is Love. Truth sickens and infuriates him. Make sure your church is saturated with these.

Maintaining Ownership

Have you ever bought a new car? Fresh off the lot... new car smell... gleaming paint job you could swim laps in... Maybe you haven't but imagine you have. What was it like to park that car in the driveway for the first time? When little Joey came out of the house with the ball bat and started swinging at rocks in the driveway, did you encourage him to GO SOMEWHERE ELSE?

What about after that new car has been sitting in the driveway for 7 years. It has been hailed on, dented, scratched... are you as protective?

It is a little bit hard to draw the line, but bear with me. Spiritually speaking, we can easily become like the man with the 7-year old Oldsmobile in the driveway. When the Spirit of the Lord is heavy upon us, we claim and we declare the blood of Jesus over our families, homes, or churches. We war continually against spirits, powers, and principalities. But as life goes by and we get beaten up a little, we might relax our guard.

The enemy does respect the authority of the child of God. However we must maintain the watch. We must be continually vigilant.

(1Pe 5:8 KJV) Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

If we concede our duty as God-ordained protector of our homes - even for a season - we open the door to the enemy that once was shut. Re-claim. Re-assert. Recover.