“We demolish arguments and every false claim that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5
We’re told in Ephesians 6:10-20 that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities, and powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the Heavenly realms. In other words, we wrestle with demonic spirits daily and their access point into our day is our head. That’s why we’re instructed to put on the Helmet of Salvation while picking up our Sword of Truth, which is the Word of God, to cast down any vain imaginations.
Some of these demonic spirits are known as familiar spirits, which scripture describes as something that knows or watches from a spiritual realm. Not understanding these things can cause opposition and oppression in a Believer’s journey, stealing their peace and purpose. It’s not fantasy folks. It’s real and it’s demonic. But God gave us the weapons to destroy them! One of the most notable familiar spirits that we fight with daily is the spirit of fear. Yet, the Word of God states, “He did not give us the spirit of fear; but one of power, love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)
So, you must demolish fear-laden thoughts and take them captive to Jesus!
Every attack from a familiar spirit begins as a thought and then creates emotions that can rule you. Once the spirit of fear breaks in it creates room for the spirit of rejection to oppress you further. But the Word of God says, “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Psalm 118:6)
So, you must demolish thoughts of rejection and take them captive to Jesus!
Another lying familiar spirit is having a low value of your self-worth in this world. This also feeds into the spirits of insecurity and doubt. Oh, how the devil wants you in that place! But Beloved, know this please, Jesus took your place on the Cross. He bore all your oppressiveness and sicknesses and defeated them along with death, hell, and the grave. Surely there’s no greater love!
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces He was despised, and we held Him in low esteem. (Isaiah 53:3)
If Jesus found you valuable and worthy enough to go to the Cross and die to set you free, then you’re free indeed and no demons from hell can take that away from you unless you let them!
You were bought with a price [a precious price paid by Christ]; do not become slaves to men [but to Christ]. (1 Cor 7:23)
So, you must demolish all thoughts of worthlessness and take them captive to Jesus!
The Christian walk is about Christ in you. It’s about the great exchange: your old life for His new life. God never intended for you to go it alone which is why He sent Jesus and Holy Spirit to live it out with you. When you value your self-worth, you value others! And when you understand that God values you, that enables you to live out His greatest commandment of all! “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-40)
That’s why familiar spirits want you oppressed and insecure. Neither of those commands can be walked out if you allow thoughts like fear, worry, anxiety, rejection, insecurity, doubt, and unbelief to overtake you. And worse, it all leads to pride which we’re told always comes before the fall. (Proverbs 16:18)
I’ve said this before but it’s worth repeating. It’s bad enough to walk in pride when you think you’re something, but it’s even worse to stay focused on thinking you’re nothing — both are forms of pride because you’re focused on self.
So, you must demolish all forms of pride and take them captive to Jesus!
In Isaiah 61:3, God promises you the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. When you praise Him during times of trouble, He will give you a new sense of hope and joy.
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I AM gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
That, my Poiema friend, is the Great Exchange. God’s hope, joy and rest for your heaviness, weariness, and burdens.
Let’s come to Him together! Join me on the journey 💝
"You are God’s girl and He loves you! You sprinkle His seeds of love wherever you go!” Those words were spoken to me by my husband Joe many years ago. They came at a time when I was questioning my self-worth in God’s Kingdom, purposes, and plans. The Father made sure that in my darkest spiritual hour, I heard His Truth about my identity and self-worth. It has been my passion ever since to deliver that same message to any who may need to hear it. It is not about who we are, but Whose we are, and I am God’s girl!
