Spiritual Entanglement Strategies

Please note that this is Part II of a message on Spiritual Entanglements. Be sure to pray the prayer that concludes this message.

Laced with hidden, layered deceptions and deceit, spiritual entanglements demand spiritual strategies. More of the same harder is no longer enough. There was a time when determination, genuine talent, coupled with the zeal of a “wing and a prayer” would yield results that overcame such devilish obstacles. The bar has been raised.

The model triggering entrance for the move of God seen in the early 1970s is no longer enough. The standard now required to accomplish the same purposes is not a new one. It’s the one Jesus spoke about again and again during His earthly ministry, but one unfortunately today that too often is replaced with great zeal and human effort. It is the Kingdom model.

The Kingdom model is a paradox to the natural order of things. Jesus said: “The Son can do nothing by Himself. He can do only what He sees the Father doing, for whatever the Father does, the Son does also.” “Yet to your amazement, I will show you greater things than these. I am the vine and you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these because I am going to the Father.” John 5:19,20; John 15:5,7

Holding to the standard of the Kingdom model in these perilous days begins by embracing the cloak of humility. It recognizes that to accomplish spiritual results, human effort falls short. Spiritual pride and over-confident presumption are snares that distort and undermine the best of intentions. Rather than the after-thought of the wing and a prayer, the core to our modus operandi must follow a path of entering and abiding in His presence to maintain steps that flow in His Spirit.

Spiritual entanglement strategies infiltrating Kingdom circles require nothing less. These are high-level, deadly strategies targeting leaders and initiatives within the Body, which with great subtlety, reshape valid priorities into paths of destruction. Implanted with threads of deceit, they seductively have the appearance of innocence, as they are activated with links that spread their vile intent to other situations and unsuspecting victims.

When entanglements are identified, caution needs to be heeded in not reacting to cursory evaluations, especially those of pat answers and superficial renderings. Entanglement strategies DEMAND a spiritual solution. Being right is not enough. Without a spiritual solution, efforts to disengage from the entanglement snares, like an insect’s struggle to escape from a spider’s web, will only compound the problem and make it worse.

Responding to Multi-Layered Entanglements. So, when spiritual entanglements come, great discernment, wisdom and Spirit-led self-control are needed. Not unlike the computer Love Virus in year 2000, over-reactions to these entanglements can prove very damaging. These multi-layered strategies of the enemy parallel the subtle, dormant viruses which are activated after the “mainstream” virus has been identified and eliminated.

When entanglements are identified, it is a time to pause and press into the Lord. It is a time to ask for His Light, to not only shine on the situation, but to penetrate into the “layers of the enemy’s schemes.” Identifying the surface level of a particular entanglement may only be a preliminary step or even a trap.

One of the most important responses to the confusion and illusiveness of entanglements is outlined in the story of Job. Scripture indicates that the Lord considered Job as a righteous man. Yet, in a series of sudden mishaps, Job lost his wealth, his health and his family. As Job was experiencing an all-time low in his life and was grasping for meaning to it all, a group of “friends” paid him a visit. His friends were of the ilk who sought to identify the flaws in Job, in order to explain his circumstance.

The glib pontifications of Job’s friends took a horrible situation and made it worse. Giving focus to the enemy’s intent, they were blind to what God was doing. Because Job was a righteous man, the Lord was bringing Job into a new season and new level of him knowing Him. So, the judgment they had condemned Job with came upon them. The Lord then put their future into Job’s hands: to pray for his friends. Not unlike Jesus’ wisdom to pray for those who curse us, when Job did, it became the key to the multiplied restoration of all that he had lost.

Untenable situations designed by Satan for our destruction are being compounded and extended by pontificators whose spiritual maturity is likened to the reckless judgment of Job’s friends. Many among the righteous have become bound by entanglements perpetuated by finger-pointers. The gateway for release is first to maintain a focus on God and second by praying FOR those who have condemned and spoken matters of which they don’t understand; an exercise that an unregenerate spirit is not particularly inclined to do.

The Kingdom is based on what seem as paradoxes. We live by dying. We advance by yielding. We bless those who curse us and pray for our enemies. The pathway into holiness is discerning God’s voice in applying these seeming contradictions and sometimes taking the course that appears like walking into the fire.

Holiness is not a Christian self-improvement program, but the interactive connection we have with the Lord that enables entrance into the secret places of His presence and rest. It was through this gateway, that Job transcended his reversals and moved into an entirely new dimension in His knowledge of God and the role God had for the latter days of his life.

Waiting on God’s Revelation and Timing. In discerning the voice of the Lord, we need to be willing to wait before the Lord for His “full revelation,” which may include multiple layers as well, and then His release, and then — His strategies before moving against the enemy’s schemes. The temptation is to move too quickly after receiving only a “preliminary layer” to the revelation required. This is the temptation to move prematurely before getting the Lord’s full strategy for the situation, or simply to be blind to his timing and release to move.

Waiting on the precision of God’s timing to move will bring awesome results. We have entered a time in which the execution of God’s strategies — especially the dismantling of deep-seated enemy emplacements — will have a suddenness to it. It will be a suddenness, precision and power that are preceded by the Terror of the Lord. It will be a suddenness and precision and power that the enemy cannot gainsay nor resist.

However, that “suddenness” will always follow a high-level type of preparation and waiting on the Lord. Presumption which typically is accompanied by a near-magic forcing of solutions can never take the place of the supernatural power and authority that operates when God is fully embraced and the solution comes as the result of His clear guidance.

Maintaining the Sphere of the Calling. The Lord has prepared and continues to prepare segments of the Body in different spheres, as those who bypass the enemy’s entrapments and entanglements begin taking dominion. However, stepping outside that sphere can be unnecessarily costly. The key is to understand and operate within the sphere and authority of the calling, as well as the strategies needed to avoid the enemy’s snares. Those who avoid presumption and maintain the position of their sphere can count on the power and presence of the Lord being with them as they advance past enemy-held gates to take dominion, just as the Angel of the Lord preceded Joshua into the Promised Land.

Discerning Strategic Alliances versus Unholy Alliances. Entanglements have been designed to undermine genuine strategic alliances. Especially targeted are alliances associated with the transfer of resources destined to undergird the Lord’s initiatives in the restoration of Israel; in His compassion to touch the oppressed, hungry and afflicted; and as the Lord sovereignly brings forth a mighty spiritual awakening across the earth.

Many powerful, strategic Kingdom initiatives are being released in this day. Yet the enemy is also defensively attempting to implant entanglements. Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s day illustrates this. As Nehemiah mobilized God’s people and the work began, Scripture tells us that Sanballat and his cohorts were extremely angry and began plotting with compromise, deceit and treachery.

So it was and now is that deceit and treachery not only will be in evidence in the enemy’s schemes against the Lord’s agendas, but will be a pattern manifested in the counterfeits to the God-ordained alliances of our day. These counterfeit alliances or unholy alliances will be found embedded with infiltrators within ministry circles. Unholy alliances initially appear good on the surface, but will be discerned by the devastating results of their fruit.

The alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahab is just such an example. The initial result of this alliance reflected the appearance of benefit to both kingdoms. Years of conflict between Judah and Israel had come to an end and both kingdoms were strengthened. However, the alliance involved a marriage between Jehoshaphat’s son Jehoram and Ahab’s daughter Athaliah. Athaliah’s influence in Judah proved to be horrific. Entanglements are the enemy’s strategies to create smokescreens that mask and diffuse God-ordained purposes, with the enemy’s long range plans implanted for unexpected devastation to undermine God’s purposes.

There is no question of the delicacy in discerning between unholy and holy alliances. Again and again, the Lord has birthed strategic alliances for His redemptive purposes. The Lord continues to use Pharaohs and King Cyruses in critical, redemptive alliances to harness resources and open gateways for His people.

Yet, far too many well intentioned believers tend to misinterpret alliances with modern-day Cyruses and Pharaohs as being the result of being unequally yoked with non-believers. Joseph’s role with Pharaoh was certainly completely unorthodox according to the religious tradition of his day. Yet, they are key in penetrating worldly settings. Discerning their intent is gleaned from the response of the Cyruses and Pharaohs to the Lord and to righteous power.

Unveiling Kingdom Strategies and the Power of God. In the days before us, standalone responses to the complex, multi-layered spiritual atmosphere around us will fall short. Alliances, coalitions and cooperatives will emerge among those with clearly defined spheres. Collaborations between ministries, between businesses and ministries, as well as between education, governmental entities and business-ministries will mark the advance of the Kingdom. While such efforts will not go unopposed, their result will be confrontations that unseat and defrock those opposing Kingdom purposes.
“Then Saul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at the sorcerer and said: ‘You who are full of all deceit and all fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now, indeed, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you shall be blind, not seeing for a time.’” Acts 13:6

On Paul’s first missionary journey in Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas were called to minister to a high-level official open to the truth. However, a man in an equally high position with this proconsul opposed their efforts. He was described as both a false prophet and a sorcerer. Yet his reception by the naive proconsul was as a powerful religious man. Not unlike the enemy’s gatekeepers today, the sorcerer Elymas’ devious work was embedded in this seat of power.

Paul’s response to Elymas’ attempt to impede the work of the Lord was to unmask him for what he was and was doing: as a son of the devil, perverting the straight ways of the Lord through fraud and deceit. Paul then immobilized him through the demonstration of the power of God. It was a confrontation employing the power of God not unlike the encounter Elijah had with the prophets of Baal and Asherah.

Just as the Lord did with the Israelites of old with His presence, so it will be as He precedes those moving past enemy gatekeepers to advance His Kingdom purposes to possess the land. For those called to penetrate these lairs of darkness, He is sending “His terror before them, and throwing into confusion all those they encounter, and making all their foes to turn from them in flight.” (Exodus 23.27)

These encounters will require discernment and preparation, but will yield opportunity, as the Lord soars on the wings of the wind and paves the way to set in motion the enemy’s defeat as when the wind of His Spirit was heard in the treetops in 2 Samuel 15. “As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the enemy.”

The Prayer: Releasing God’s Power
Let’s pray. God Almighty, in the mighty Name of Jesus, Your Word says that although the wicked may draw their swords and bend their bows to bring down and slay those whose ways are upright, that their bows will be broken and their swords will pierce their own hearts. Lord, Your power and Your strategies are awesome. As we move forward, we praise You Lord, that You will foil the signs of false prophets and make fools of diviners; You will confirm the word of Your servants and perform the counsel of Your messengers. Lord God, give each of us called as mighty warriors the grace to speak truth in our own hearts as we proceed under Your direction. Give us clarity of vision and strategic insight at each juncture. Enable us to see through and stay above the smokescreens and diversions — and operate with Your wisdom as we keep our eyes on You and discern the revelation, then the illumination and then direction, release and strategies within our appointed spheres.

Precious Lord, grant us a level playing field as the anointing breaks the yokes. Expose the surreptitious, behind-the-scenes manipulations designed not only to entice and divert us, but to undermine our genuine callings. Let strongholds and networks of strongholds be exposed and torn down. Father God, may there be an uncovering of the hidden agendas. Grant us unusual spiritual vision into the situations we are facing. Lord, may You uncover what needs to be uncovered and may unadulterated truth overshadow the lies and presumptions sent to undermine Your agendas. Lord as Your Light and Truth is brought to bear in these entanglements, may the wicked see it and be vexed, turning from their wicked schemes and slinking away with their hopes being thwarted.

Father, we thank You for equipping us as mighty warriors with every good thing to do Your will, working that which is pleasing in Your sight. Lord, grant us the eye of the eagle. Provide us with a discernment and spiritual alertness that transcends human abilities.

Lord, thank You for releasing us into a much deeper awareness of the mantle of authority you’ve placed upon us — and with that awareness, may there be a wisdom and boldness along with a knowing of what to do. Father, we know that those who are moving past enemy-held gates are reclaiming that which is rightfully Yours. May there be restoration and fullness as You touch and set free the multitudes bound by the enemy’s schemes. Lord, grant us as Your mighty warriors the Power and the strategies to break down the gates of iron; to cause the walls of the enemy’s fortresses to come down; and to plunder his camps.

And Lord, we lay an axe to the root of the entanglements the enemy has used to entrap and enshroud members of Your Body. Lord, let Your light shine on these situations and unravel and disentangle the bondages that have resulted. Reveal the roots to these entanglements and may the bondages be broken. Lord, thank You for preceding us with Your presence; preceding us with the Terror of the Lord. May the enemy be thrown into confusion.

Lord, we thank You for closing the mouths of lions; those speaking and fostering intrigue, deceit and lies. Father, we thank You for ridding Yourself of this constant grumbling and scheming against us. Father, silence the misguided, loose tongues, we pray. And Father, we thank You for unraveling unholy alliances. Expose them Lord. Rout out the infiltrators, imposters, compromisers and the deceived. Bring cleansing to Your Body and sensitize, strengthen and give wisdom to the gatekeepers.

Father, the battle is Yours and we will be strong and courageous. Thank You O God, for what You are releasing in terms of our equipping and Your initiatives. Thank You Lord, that Your purposes will be accomplished; fully and without delay. Adonai, You are awesome and we love You!! Thank You Lord, that the victory is Yours and You are with us with each step.

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Morris Ruddick has been a forerunner of the Joseph-calling and God’s economy message and is an international voice for the higher dimensions of spiritual game-changers and intercessors since the mid-90s. As founder of Global Initiatives Foundation, the Strategic Intercession Global Network [SIGN] and designer of the God’s Economy Entrepreneurial Equippers Program and the Jewish Business Secrets YouTube series, Mr. Ruddick’s messages equip leaders and economic community builders with strategy where God’s light is dim in diverse regions around the globe.

He is author of “The Joseph-Daniel Calling;” “Gods Economy, Israel and the Nations;” “The Heart of a King;” “Something More;” “Righteous Power in a Corrupt World;” “Leadership by Anointing;” and “Mantle of Fire,” which address the mobilization of business and governmental leaders with destinies to impact their communities. They are available in print and e-versions from www.Amazon.com, www.apple.com/ibooks and www.BarnesandNoble.com.

Global Initiatives Foundation (www.strategic-initiatives.org) is a tax-exempt 501 (c) 3 non-profit whose efforts mobilize economic community builders imparting influence and the blessings of God. Checks on US banks should be made out to Global Initiatives and mailed to 3838 South Wabash Street, Denver CO 80237 or by credit card at https://strategic-initiatives.org/donate/

Since early 1996, the Strategic Intercession Global Network (SIGN) has mobilized prophetic intercessors and leaders committed to targeting strategic-level issues impacting the Body on a global basis. For more information go to https://strategic-initiatives.org

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