Hindrances to Your Prayer Closet

The Bible says to examine ourselves to see if we be of the faith. With this statement in mind, we should also examine our prayer lives to see if there are things that may be stopping us from spending quality time with the Lord. Everything that we do that keeps us from time with the Lord may not be sin, however, these things may consume our time and keep us from our prayer closets either totally or where we will spend very little time with the Lord.

There are many activities in this life that are required for those that have a family. Some of these activities include: Taking care of a family but going to a nine to five job and maintaining a home. These activities are very important but should not stand in the way of our spending time with the Lord in prayer.

Samuel Chadwick once said: The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil mocks at our wisdom, but he trembles when we pray.

A Christian in order to be successful and at peace with himself must seek the Lord in prayer. The things of this world have such a powerful pull on most people and even believer’s that go to church every Sunday. There is a race to see who can buy the next newest car or to have the nicest clothes, phone, house etc. There is nothing wrong with having nice things. Nonetheless, when this desire takes precedence over our seeking the Lord in prayer they will become hindrances to your relationship with the Lord.

2 Timothy 2:4:No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

There has to be a time of separation from the ways of the world and come apart with the Lord for a fresh outlook and a fresh vision for our spiritual lives.

Jesus said in Matthew 6:21: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Questions that you might want to ponder:

Is there someone or something in this life that means more to you than Jesus Christ?
Is there anything in this life that you possess that you just cannot or refuse to live without?
Are you more interested in the things of this world than the things of God?
If Jesus came to take you today would you be ready to meet Him?
There are questions that we need to ask ourselves in examination of our spiritual lives and relationship with the Lord.

Yes, this world offers things that are good and in some cases it is not a sin to participate. We commit sin when we permit the things of this world to pull us away from prayer and our relationship with Jesus. When we do this we could be placing an “idol” above the Lord.

Let’s worship and serve the Creator above His Creation and avoid

Hindrances to Your Prayer Closet

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Use Caution when Interpreting the Bible

There are basic principles that can be used when interpreting the Bible. One important issue is staying clear of false interpretations that will twist the Word to mean something that is not true. The Bible says to rightly divide the Word of Truth. Some Bible scholars and Bible students have come up with several ways to assist in this interpretation. Remember you may use a commentary in your study of the Word of God; however, caution must be used due to the fact that a group of theologians contributed to the compilation of the commentary. The Holy Spirit is the final authority in the Bible.

2 Peter 3:16: As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
2 Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

A Literal Translation of the Bible

A literal translation is a natural or correct way of translation. The Bible should not be figured out using codes. When we see a verb or noun in the Bible they are still verbs and nouns. We should use the normal rules of grammar and not some special types of coded interpretation. When the Bible states things like: Mary was possessed by seven devils or Jesus multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed the multitudes, this is the Word that should be received.

The use of metaphors and figures of speech can be accepted also in the literal translation of the Bible. For example: Jesus spoke of Himself in the Bible as “the door”. We know that through reading the scriptures that Jesus meant that He was the way to eternal life.
The Bible will also use “symbolisms” to convey a message. In Revelations 1: Jesus speaks of holding seven stars in His hand which are the seven churches. However when we study these scriptures we see that they were the angels of the seven churches. In these scriptures the Bible explained the use of the symbolism of the stars.

Revelation 1:16-20: And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. 17 And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: 18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. 19 Write the things which thou hast seen, and the things which are, and the things which shall be hereafter; 20 the mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.

Again, use extreme caution in the interpretation of the Bible. Many people have been led astray through false teaching and by following the wrong “spirit” when interpreting the Bible. Open up your Bible studies with prayer.

Use Caution when Interpreting the Bible

A Christian Bible Study

Christians have a wonderful privilege of being able to study the Scriptures. The possibilities are endless because we have the Holy Spirit as our teacher. The Holy Spirit shines light on the scriptures and supernaturally gives the believer the ability to understand the scriptures. We see scriptures in the Bible that illustrate this truth.

1 Corinthians 2:14: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
John 16:13: Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Matthew 16:17: And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Christians must yield themselves to the Holy Spirit in order for Him to be the teacher of the scriptures to them. The scriptures can be understood by all Christians because the Holy Spirit is there to make the scriptures simple for them. When a Christian first reads the scriptures, they may not make much sense yet. However, as the Christian prayerfully and daily yields to the Holy Spirit and willingly picks up the Bible and reads, there will be more clarity day by day.

Be diligent and persistent in Christian Bible Study

One of the biggest challenges for a Christian Bible study is to be faithful in their study of the Bible. Every Christian should attempt to read a measure of the Bible on a daily basis. The Bible is considered to be a source of spiritual food for a Christian. When a Christian starts to feel “spiritually starved”, neglect in the study of the scriptures may be the issue. Study of the scriptures cause a victory to come in a Christian’s life and neglect will cause defeat to come. A Christian cannot survive spiritually on yesterday’s Bible studies; the study of the Word of God must always be fresh in a Christian’s life.

Assuredly there will be days that one may not “feel like” reading the Bible or may even be too tired to read the Bible. These are times when we can just listen the Bible. This can be done over the internet or one may prefer to listen to another source of media i.e. CD or DVD. This form of reception of the Word of God is popular for those that have a 40 hour work week or a very busy schedule. Moreover, when a Christian is persistent and consistent in receiving the truth of the Word of God into their spirits, the rewards will be great in the physical and spirit realm.

Be Faithful in your Christian Bible Study and God will reward you!

Hebrews 11:6: 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.

Once Delivered You Can Remain Free

Since I have been in the deliverance ministry I have seen many Christians obtain deliverance from evil spirits then lose this deliverance. This can come from being careless in their Christian walk, prayer life and Bible studies.

The Christian that receives deliverance must not become a demon hunter. If a Christian that has gone through deliverance stays away from unclean living, fear, and participation in activities that were identified in their initial deliverance there will be no fear of getting repossessed. When a person initially receives deliverance they see the power of God operating against the power of the devil and they may become so overwhelmed with the power of the enemy that they will not fully acknowledge the power of God. To remain free the Christian must always acknowledge the fact that the power of God will always be superior to the power of the enemy in every single case.

When we look at deliverance from evil spirits we see different levels of demonic influence. Some people were deeper into the clutches of the enemy than others. This means that every case of deliverance is different. What worked for one person may not work for another and each individual “walking out” of the deliverance will be different. The “walking out “of deliverance describes the aftercare and the way that the Christian adjusts to the freedom that has been experienced through the liberation of evil spirits. During this period the deliverance candidate must follow the instructions of the person that has administered deliverance to them. This is a period where the person that has just received deliverance is the most vulnerable. The new candidate must learn how to defend themselves through binding and loosing and other spiritual warfare prayers.

Ephesians 6:11-13: Put on the whole armour of God that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For 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. 13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

A Christian must learn to protect themselves through prayer and the Word of God. Another way is for the Christian to always be joined in with someone that has an understanding of the Deliverance ministry. The best place for that new deliverance candidate is with the ministry that administered deliverance to them in the first place. A person that is seeking deliverance must be very prayerful and fasted in seeking deliverance. This is due to the fact that there are many false ministries that do not know what they are doing in this ministry. When a deliverance candidate gets involved with these types of ministries there will be more harm than good caused. The person will leave confused, frustrated and in worse shape than before.

The new deliverance candidate must know in their own heart that they can be free and remain free by staying close to Jesus and the people that the Lord has placed around them.

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Who Has the Power to Cast out Demons

There are people that traffic in the powers of the occult that claim to have the power to cast out demons. For example some spiritists claim to having the power to cast out demons. This is simply not true. The demons know that the only name that they have to obey is the name of Jesus Christ. The demon will just hide and then manifest themselves again. The Bible shows that no other name or power is able to drive away evil spirits except the name of Jesus. Furthermore, there is great danger in attempting to cast out demons without using the authority of the name of Jesus. There were certain men in the Bible that attempted to do the same and found themselves in trouble.

Acts 19:13-15: Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. 14And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

If you are not a true follower of Jesus Christ , do yourself a favor and do not attempt to cast out demons. As the scriptures show above, the demons know who has and who does not have the authority to cast them out.The next verses show that the demons retaliated in a manner the was not expected by these men.

Acts 19:16: And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

The Bible shows that these men were physically attacked when attempting to cast out these demons. One thing for sure, “Never close your eyes when you are attempting to cast out a demon”. This statement is advice for the believer that HAS the authority to cast out demons. When casting out demons you must always be guard physically and spiritually.

Rest assured to know that there is nothing at all to be afraid if when you do this ministry in the name of Jesus and by the power of His Word. No one has the power to do anything in the spirit realm “legally” without the name of Jesus. The Bible says that we are more than conquerors in Jesus Christ when we abide in His Word and do the things of God according to the Word of God.

James 2:19:Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Romans 8:37:Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

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How to Defeat Demons

When Jesus came to this earth as a man being 100 percent man and 100 percent God, He operated under the power of the Holy Spirit. We as Born again believers operate under that same power as New Testament Christians.

Matthew 12:28: Jesus said But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Luke 4:18:The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised

The Word of God shows that Jesus used the scriptures to defeat the devil. The Born again Christian that has been taught to use the Word of God can do the same. Some Christians are not using the Word of God because they have not been taught how to use the Word of God in prayer and in supernatural spiritual warfare. Yes the Holy Spirit is our teacher; however, the Bible shows that the Lord uses people as Pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc.

When the enemy tries to ensnare us we must use the Word of God against him.

Isaiah 54:17:No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.
The works when the enemy comes to put a spirit of fear on us. We can quote 2 Timothy 1:7.

2 Timothy 1:7:For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

We can not fight the devil with our bare fists (although at times we wished that we could) nor can we just scream at him at the top of our voices in anger (although at times we do).The enemy can also defeat us if we allow him to bring up our past sins and past life and put us under condemnation. When this happens he will torment us in the mind and thought life and cause us much torment and defeat. We are overcomers only by the cross of Jesus Christ and the Word of God that we speak and by taking dominion over our minds in Jesus name.

Revelation 12:11:And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: 4(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

If we begin and end with the Word of God we will be successful in our warfare against the powers of the demonic realm of Satan.

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Guard Against a Wounded Spirit

“a wounded spirit… who can bear.. Proverbs 18:14

There are many Christians that have been hurt by Christians in the Body of Christ. This hurt has come sometimes unknowingly by the party that did the hurting. With this being said, however, the results are still the same for the person that is hurting (in most cases). This hurt has caused some Christians to leave churches, backslide, and just give up on the Lord. So what is the remedy for this you might ask? The only remedy for anything of a spiritual nature (which is what this is) is Jesus Christ. Most Christians, believe it or not are not even taught the principles of spiritual warfare so the blame is normally placed on the party or parties that they feel hurt them or attacked them. Yes, we all live in the physical realm, however, the one lesson that every born-again Christian must learn is that there is a spiritual realm that is just as real as the physical realm. We must not be ignorant of Satan’s devices or He will get an advantage over us . I would like to share briefly some solutions that will help a Christian that feel that they have been wounded by their Church, Pastor, family member, or close friend.

You must know who your enemy is. This knowledge is based on the Word of God that says : For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities powers rulers of darkness of this world and spiritual wickedness in heavenly places. Yes, we have heard this scripture over and over , however in order to overcome we must get this scripture deep into our spirits. This is the main reason that we allow the enemy to come in and put bitterness, anger, forgiveness, rejection, isolation and a whole myriad of spirits that He uses to defeat us. Yes we will be defeated if we do not stand against the powers of demonic entities.

Develop a prayer life:This is the other most essential part of being a prayer warrior. Without a prayer life you will not have a line of communication with the Lord. In this case, everything that you think of will be coming from either your own mind or mostly the mind of the enemy. The enemy will use your mind to get into you and cause a lot of damage. This is the beginning of the wounded spirit is the warfare of the mind. Most Christians go to all sorts of counseling sessions for help and do not realize that the basic foundation of the help starts with YOU. The more we let the enemy talk to use or use other people’s lips to talk to use then the more we will sink into our hurt and woundedness.

Always seek to have a forgiving and repentant spirit:This is another basic “hook” to walking in freedom. The enemy has so many people (Christians and non-Christians) bound with a spirit of unforgiveness. Unforgiveness will thwart your Christian growth and cause you to feel stagnant and unproductive as a Christian.

The above listed items are just a couple of basics that you need to know. The other real basic item is “time”. Growth in the Lord takes time. Part of our spiritual growth is learning to take authority in the spirit realm on a daily basis and standing for Jesus. If we do not know or even attempt to know the principals of spiritual warfare , then we will walk in a lot of depression , discouragement and defeat. Yes we are in a battle so we must Put on the whole armor of God so that we will be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.

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Romans 12:2 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.

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When you become born again, allow the Holy Spirit to transform us into the person that Jesus wants us to be. When we submit to the Holy Spirit and to the Word of God we will reflect the Glory of God in our lives and draw others to Jesus.

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Requirements for Keeping Your Deliverance

1. Every area of the believer’s life must be yielded to the Lordship of Christ.

John 1:11-12: He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Matthew 7:21-23: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

2. The Believer must continue to be filled with the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 5:18: And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Romans 8:13: For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

3. Line your life up to the Word of God

Luke 11:13: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Matt 4:4: But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Matt 4:7,11: Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him.

Ephesians 6:17: And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God

4. Put on the Whole Armor of God

Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.5. Renew your mind through the Word 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 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. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Romans 12:1-2: 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.2 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.

2 Cor 10:3-5 or though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)5Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

Romans 8:5-7 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

Col 3:1-2: If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

5. Always pray in the Spirit

Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

1 Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.

1 Cor 14:14,15: For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

6. Be in an attitude of praise daily

Isaiah 61:3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Isaiah 60:18 Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

7. Cultivate relationships that are Godly

Matthew 18:15-20 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 18 Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
1John 1:7:But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

1 John 2:9-11 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. 10 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. 11 But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.

8. Cultivate a faith that is dynamic and strong

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Mark 4:24 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

Luke 8:18 Take heed therefore how ye hear: for whosoever hath, to him shall be given; and whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he seemeth to have.

9. Speak the Word of God daily (out loud)

Heb 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

Heb 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

Heb 10:23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

10. Make obedience to the Lord a top priority of your Christian walk. If you fail confess to Jesus and ask Him to make you stronger.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Don’t fall under condemnation but stay under the conviction of the Holy Ghost

11. Jesus Christ has to be the center of your life

John 12:31-32 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

12. Crucify the flesh, resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Romans 6:6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.

Romans 6:11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

13. Avoid bad influences in your life, especially those from the past.

James 4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

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