We had a great time in our Facebook Live Event with Dr. Ed Laymance last night as we dealt with Spiritual Warfare, or as Dr. Ed said “Spiritual Intrusion.”  I learned a lot personally & will go back to see him privately to talk through some of the things he shared that impacted me.  One of those things I want to talk with him about is related to the diagram he used that helped me see how the enemy builds spiritual strongholds in our lives, and how we can tear them down.  If you missed it, I hope you’ll find some time to watch it on the Grace Fellowship Facebook page; it’s long but very eye-opening. You can get free downloads & further helps from Dr. Laymance at http://Impactcounseling.com

One thing I realized is that I had a long-term relationship I needed to make right because I left the relationship and never told the person involved why.   Yeah – I was that guy.  I contacted them this morning and they were so grateful to know the reason and told me it meant a great deal to them for me to let them know. The break wasn’t over any offense or hurt and I don’t have room to explain; it was more of a business/friendship type relationship. However, I realized that when I leave a relationship (like this one) and don’t tell the person why I left, that opens a side door to the powers of darkness & those spiritual powers of darkness will exploit the situation in the other person, in me and sometimes in those we know. It’s not usually something we do intentionally, but I don’t think most of us realize how much this can be used against us and others in this spiritual war.  When there’s an offense or hurt involved it becomes even more ripe for the enemy to exploit because those involved need to have opportunity to ask for forgiveness or give it. Forgiveness is huge in shutting down the intrusions of the powers of darkness.   Forgiveness doesn’t mean trust or the relationship is always restored, but failure to deal with the hurt as Jesus outlined, opens the door for the enemy to intrude in the lives of those involved & in the lives of others.     BTW – When there’s an offense, we need to do what Jesus said in Mt. 18:15-18 and it starts by going to the person(s) involved privately.

Last night helped me see even more clearly how all of this is linked to this Invisible War we’re all engaged in.  Hope this provides some food for thought and is a reminder of how important it is to choose a life of humility and obedience to Christ, and do our part in forgiving and offering forgiveness in our relationships.  As Dr. Ed said last night – regardless of how the other parties respond, “forgiveness is for my benefit.”