This may sound crazy. Still, if you have been a Christian for a long time, I would love for you to give me feedback and knowledge on this topic. I am confused, and somewhat frightened. This post may not have the poise of a beautifully constructed essay.
Every month or so, I will get a dream that shakes me to the core of my being – I had another one of these last night. In these dreams, unclean spirits attack me, and occasionally loved ones). It is incredibly difficult to explain how it feels (and I do feel it vividly, as real life); I am simply aware of their presence and filled with utter dread.
Last night I feel as though I was attacked as many as ten times throughout the night. What makes these dreams so interesting is that I always use my authourity in Christ in response. Every single time I feel this attack, I declare my position as a child of Christ, and demand the demon, by the blood of Jesus, to leave. Again, these are not simple scenes played out in my head, but lengthy, grueling battles: I am mentally and spiritually exhausted when I awake.
To someone who is not a Christian, I can imagine this sounding like nonsense. And in a way, I wish it was. When I first was saved, I started to read all sorts of “non-fiction” material written by people claiming to have been through demonic experiences. These were over the top, with werewolves and manifestations of Satan. I have since stopped thinking about the authenticity of these stories, but the existence and power of “the rulers . . . the authourities . . . the cosmic powers over this present darkness . . . the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places,” I cannot deny.
Not only do I experience this, but I think I know why I do more so than others. As I have confessed in an earlier post, I struggle greatly with lust and anger. These I have not yet overcome. Another reason is that I am too often alone in my Christian walk. Now I am not saying that I have no Christian community – there are many who care for me, and I am thankful – but it is my own fault that I spend so many troubled hours at home, alone. This is where Satan will attack.
I should stop and verify that I am not blaming my lust and anger on Satan. I’m perfectly capable of committing this blasphemy myself. But I have read, and believe, that when we know the will of God, and willingly go against it, we give the devil legal ground in our lives. This is why when we commit adultery, get drunk, or anything of the sort, we are met with a huge wave of condemnation.
* * * * *
Fortunately, this post does not start with Satan and end in despair. Every night in these dreams, when I am attacked, and actually have incredible difficulty even speaking one word, I shout out, “Don’t you know that I am God’s child? I have been washed by His blood!” It’s slow and hard to speak, but I repeat it as many times as I need to. I don’t even technically “cast it out;” I just affirm my place in God through Jesus Christ.
Thank you for reading this rant of mine. But, please – if you have any knowledge, experience, or even a Scripture passage I could learn from, please share it. Let’s just say I don’t learn about this stuff on the Miracle Channel!
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all.
Small Student, Big God 
You’re doing very well if in your dreams you are standing in your position in Christ. That should greatly encourage you. The first time this happened, I was awake, and lay simpering on my bed, weakly singing “Jesus Loves Me.” I’ve never been so terrified in my life. It was all I knew to do…no one ever taught us about spiritual warfare of this nature.
That you are being attacked means that you’re doing something right. Demons only bother those who are a threat. (Don’t get a big head about it – pride will not serve you well. ;))
You’re right – the anger and lust you confessed do indeed give the enemy legal right to you. They are the “opportunity” that Ephesians 4:26 speak of. If you want to talk privately about these things, you can e-mail me: batransformed1@yahoo.com. If you want our conversation recorded here for others to glean from, I’m fine with that. I had to work through a mountain of anger, bitterness, rage, and offense myself. It’s a process, but well worth it.
Anger means either hurt or fear. It’s a “safer” emotion for us to show, and we default to it quite easily. There were several ways I diffused my anger. I can share them with you if you like.
In the meantime, at bedtime, confess any unresolved anger and lust issues to the Lord. To confess means to agree with God that these are sin. Surrender those areas of your life to God and give Him full permission to change your character.
We pray nightly before going to sleep. One thing I frequently do is invite the Spirit to inhabit our dreams while we sleep. We’re feeling our way along this thing, just like you. The Lord honors our baby steps of faith.
Another thing we do on a regular basis is to prayerfully go through our belongings. Any books, music, games…even knick-knacks that we are not completely at peace about owning are destroyed…burned, broken, rendered useless. I wrote about our experience with this here: http://lessonsbyheart.wordpress.com/2013/07/01/dangerous-dragons/.
Most Christians will ridicule you…let them. For whatever reason, you’re in the thick of the battle. It’s easy for the “armchair Christians” to tell you how to play the game – kind of like football! 😉
I’ve also taken oil – salad oil, olive oil, bath oil…whatever is available, and placed a dab over ever entrance into our home – doors, windows, etc., as well as gates, and claimed my home for Jesus Christ. Some I know even go to the extent of anointing the “corners of their property.” In essence, it’s like Joshua 1:3: “Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, just as I promised Moses.” They didn’t walk around with a bottle of oil (I don’t think), but things that were consecrated to the Lord were anointed with oil. I follow their example!
Another thing you want to consider is to find someone who is familiar with Neil Anderson’s “Seven Steps to Freedom.” All of those things we did out of ignorance – horror flicks, Ouija boards, seances, etc. give the enemy license to plague us. The Seven Steps helps you uncover things you’ve completely forgotten about – or weren’t aware were an issue – so each one can be renounced and those doors closed permanently (unless you go back to dabbling in it again.). At my age (over 50), I’ve gone through this form of prayer counseling a few times. I’m always amazed at the things I end up confessing and renouncing every time. I know better. 😦
Again, you’ll find many, many Christians who will pooh-pooh all of this and tell you that you’re taking this to an extreme. Extreme Christianity…what a concept! Smile at them, and move on. Just know that should the day come when THEY are experiencing what you are right now, at least they’ll know who to come to for help!
I am not surprised to learn that you’re experiencing resistance. My first comments to you were very sincere. The Spirit is strong in you, and God is using you in ways you’re unaware of at this time. You’re a Joshua – and Joshuas are warriors. There’s not much point in being a warrior if you’re never in a battle! In fact, the book of Joshua would be a good one for you to thoroughly study and meditate on. Ask the Lord to teach you what you need to know through Josh’s book. Although it’s Old Testament, it has much that is applicable today.
Phew! You asked for input. I hope this was of some help.
I don’t know if you read the story that Gleaned Lessons came from. It was a real-life experience we had with demonization. The learning curve was steep – but Jesus directed and provided all we needed for victory throughout the entire event. You’re right – not the sort of thing you learn on the Miracle Channel! If you’re interested, the link is here: http://lessonsbyheart.wordpress.com/2013/08/27/you-need-to-read-this/. I will continue to give points worth noting tomorrow and probably Friday. Yesterday’s post just covered the first four parts of the story (there are ten in all).
Let me know if I can be of any assistance – recommend resources, etc. or answer any other questions.
Just so you know – this is not “where I live.” I attend a fairly conservative church and don’t go looking for this sort of thing! Jesus brought the “battle” to our home…we didn’t have much choice in the matter. 🙂
God bless you, Young Warrior. I can’t wait to sit around a campfire in heaven and hear all about your exploits. It’s going to be awesome!
Above all, remember this: Jesus is always victorious! (Colossians 2:13-15).
Love in Christ,
Tami
\o/
Praising Jesus who presents us as holy, blameless, and above reproach (Colossians 1:21-23)!
Now THAT’s good news! 😉
Thank you for your comment Tami, Very good …
Reblogged this on Lessons by Heart and commented:
If you have any experience with spiritual warfare – threats by the enemy, invasion of dreams, etc. Would you please take time to read Reilly’s post and give him some input? If this is not your thing – please pass. He needs help from those who’ve been in the trenches and can give him a few pointers. Thank you in advance for equipping this young saint. Read his blog, you’ll see that he is a Joshua in the making.
Your sister in Christ, Tami \o/ Praising Jesus who gave us the armor -and the authority over all the power of the evil one!
PS DO NOT FORGET THE LESSON OF AI! Having had a successful campaign, Joshua got cocky and thought he “had” the next battle in the bag. They got their butts kicked at Ai because they did not depend on God. We do not have the power to fight spiritual battles on our own. We need God’s help every step of the way. During our conflict, there was not an hour that we did not call on the Lord for help – and we called in back-ups as well. Our church’s intercessors were on the job. We’re a body; there are no Lone Rangers in the Lord’s army. 😉
\o/
Praying for you!
Haha, that’s a good lesson to remember. I learn every day I can’t win on my own (yet always forget the next morning). Thank you so much for your help. And yes, I did recently read your story about Brandon. What amazing stuff!
It seems people can either be obsessed with spiritual warfare or avoid it completely. Writing this post was totally out of the norm for me as well because I don’t really know more than one person who seems to accept this stuff as real life. I should probably find more people who do!
I have to thank you the most for the reminders to pray. Admittedly, I have been going through a dry-season, and my prayer life has suffered. I need to start getting up at 6 again and break out the worship music!
I will definitely email you as this develops. Sister in Christ, thanks so much! And as you said in your recent posts, let God alone get the glory!
Soli Deo Gloria –
Only for the Glory of God!
Amen.
\o/
The big part of the lesson of AI is that they got their butts kicked because one of them thought it was ok to disobey and KEEP in his tent gold that he took from the enemy’s camp. When we take and keep what God has said to destroy, we give the enemy legal right to come against us. If God has said to get rid of ______ then we need to get rid of it, even if we think it is harmless. If God has said not to allow ______ to be in our home, then we are not to allow it. Some people like to fill in the blanks for us. But I believe God is capable of showing each of us what it is we are not to have. I know people who have things in their home and do not seem to have any problems, where other people can not have the same things. Things like dreamcatchers, or little statues or even incense burners. Some seem ok and some are not. If I want to not engage the enemy in my home, then I need to not keep around anything that might be from his camp. Otherwise, he has a right to come for his things. that’s my understanding and what I have seen.
Elizabeth, you made some great points!
There are things that are a definite “no” for me, that aren’t a “no” to anyone else I know. I’ve learned that these things are between me and the Lord – and not for me to demand from anyone else. Isn’t it cool how the Lord personalizes our walk with Him, knowing what’s good for us and what’s not? He’s amazing!
Thanks for sharing!
\o/
Thank you for the advice! Fortunately I have a Christian mom, and together we keep most of that stuff out of our house. Still, there are definitely some traits and addictions and my life that I am not to keep, but must root out. God bless!
Oh, I think someone was most definitely praying for me! Perhaps a few.
As I have mentioned, I have been going through a severe dry patch for quite a while (whole summer, maybe). Too long for a 15-month Christian. But, boy… something was different this morning. I woke up at 5 45, soon had worship music playing with my hands lifted high! The presence of God was very real. Often, I will try, but be totally disengaged. This was a total miracle, and I KNOW I was being prayed for. (= What a thought that although us Christians connected online have never met each other, the Holy Spirit can connect us completely. How’s THAT for food for thought? (=
Amazed and blessed by your report, Reilly! Had the same thing happen to me at work today. God is so good to us!
\o/
I am in complete agreement with everything lessonsbyheart has said. There are spiritual gifts that make some people more likely to have these types of encounters. I suspect that you are one who is a seer – or has a sensitivity to the spirits and the spiritual realm. I have friends who have gone through what you have described. They have had to do all the things in the prior responses. Let me encourage you that It does get better! IF you will do these things.
there is another book, titled “Set Yourself Free” by Robert Heidler that may be of help to you.
Thank you very much! That sounds like a good book. Look’s like another big order from Christian Book Distributors is coming up!
God bless,
Reilly
Check out http://www.abebooks.com for your book purchases, if you don’t mind used books. Oftentimes I find the books I want for $1 each…plus $4.95 shipping 😉 .
While you’re there, get “What Demons Can Do To Saints” by Merle Unger (Author of the Unger’s Bible Handbook). It was an eye-opener…and flew in the face of everything I’d been taught in church concerning demons and saints.
Good I can! First of all..WOW!! So glad I came across this. I just finished my first experience of spiritual warfare for over a year. And Tami you’re so right. Lot of people either think you’re nuts, too imaginative or had a terrible dream. I was being chased by a sinister male character and it was not pleasant. And just like you, my loved ones were attacking me or were being attacked. It was nightmarish to say the least. It went on for over a year and I hated going to sleep. Because I would wake up scared, miserable and terrified of having more creepy dreams. What however this meant to me was that I was truly on the right path. Being a Christian is not easy. Nothing good ever is. But it is worth it in the end. Have faith, stay strong and fight as best as you can!! God is most certainly with you all the way through. Love you Jesus..:-)
Thank you so much for sharing. That reminds me of a guy at Teen Challenge (Christian rehabilitation) who told me that in a dream, HE was a demon running after a woman and her daughter. Scary stuff – seems we can be much more sensitive to the spiritual world at night.
“I checked the back of the book, and we win.” 😉
God bless you.
What lessonsbytheheart stated is excellent sound advice. Follow her instructions. Additionally, I would recommend the book, Protecting Your Home From Spiritual Darkness by Chuck Pierce and Rebecca Sytema. This book will help you spiritually clean your home. Before you go to sleep, besides confessing and repenting of your sins, dedicate your imagination as you sleep to the Lord Jesus, put the blood of Jesus over your imagination and dreams and ask God to give you Holy Spirit inspired dreams. Claim Psalm 91 as your inheritance from the Lord and especially note verse 5, “You will not fear the terror of night.” Job 33:14-15 “For God does speak-now one way, now another-though no one perceives it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on people as they slumber in their beds,” God wants to talk with you and gives his beloved sweet rest. You may want to see if there is any church in your area that offers Cleansing Streams, a discipleship and deliverance program, Theophostics another prayer and deliverance program or a church that is into deliverance. Jesus is our deliverer!
Wow, thank you for that advice. I so often feel guilty in the morning because in my dreams, I had unrestrained lust and rage. It would actually go far beyond anything I would actually feel or be like when awake. I’ll definitely offer myself to the Lord before bed from now on.
Also, thanks for the book suggestion. I usually only read books that have been recommended to me. I’ll be sure to check it out! (=
God bless,
Reilly
Reilly, Also dedicate your imagination and dreams to the Lord. Meditating on the goodness of the Lord as you fall asleep is also good. Glad the advise helped. Everything we need is found in the finished work of Jesus! He is so good.
God blesses your sleep with his peace and wholeness.
Pure Glory
I know that what you’ve written about is absolutely real – as real as the existence of the wonderful, magnificent sun, stars , grass – the air! For there is a wicked, evil prince of the air who is busily forming weapons specifically against each and every one of us. Unlike the living God, there is no mercy in him, no “give”. This was revealed to me during a time in my life when I was so plagued with anxiety, confusion and a fear of death that I, in my delusion, felt compelled to beg satan to stop. But the farther down we are, the harder he kicks. He is the complete opposite of Christ in character, method of operation and desires for our lives. He is out to steal – rob you of peace and thwart your purpose He is out to kill – first spiritually but then physically. He is out to destroy -dismantle your sound thinking, the plans God has for you Be careful not to get caught up in a ritualistic way of thinking whereby you feel you must do this or that to keep yourself safe or free from Satans clutches but rather, just as your dreams are showing you, that no matter how ferocious the enemy may appear and how gnashing his teeth, all you need do is remind him and more importantly, yourself, who you are in Christ. Music is a wonderful and very effective tool to use to keep the presence of The Lord and his truth stirred up in the atmosphere, as is prayer and conversing with our Heavenly Maker. Confessing His goodness and what He”s done for and doing in you is another tool. Going through a rather serious situation in my personal life at this time, it was recently revealed to me the importance of the balance between binding and loosing. Our battle or fight so to speak should become not only something that we rise and do during times of duress, but become a way of life. For example, maintaining a free flow of good, positive and true input into your life on a continual basis is, in essence, fighting the war against those dark forces. Not permitting them to inhabit your television, your electronic devices, your reading material, your conversations but then replacing them with the things of God will in time flush out those evil influences and result in a change in thought patterns and actions. I would also pray for The Lord to reveal the hidden root(s) behind you particular strongholds in order that you are able to effectively pray against the cause(s) rather than their symptoms, for that is like banging your head against a wall – believe me, I’ve done it! You want to be deliberate in all you do, for you were created by a God who was very deliberate when he intricately designed you. God bless you!
Tina, I appreciate that you pointed out that it’s not “rituals” that are effective; rather it’s our position in Christ, and our faith in Him. Thanks for the pointer of replacing the “wrong for us” with that which is good from the Lord. The enemy hates a void and will fill it with something worse, given half a chance. I try to remember to ask Jesus what He wants to give me in place of that which I’ve given up. He is faithful! 😉
I had just realized that i’dbeen so engaged in the fight that I lost sight of the fact that I must resume life in tandem with it! I appreciate your feedback, as I was not sure whether I had articulated effectively. You are a gem!
I liked your comments. They were of great significance. Otherwise we exchange one problem for a new religious “thing” to do.
Hey – don’t forget to laugh! This is where I mess up. ;
\o/
Very true! I tend to shut down until I “figure it out”…
I deeply appreciate your help. It’s true, I do tend to lean towards being “ritualistic” in my spiritual life. My Bible reading plan, for example, can unfortunately stir nothing inside of me because I just “have to get it done.”
God bless you in return!
You need to read my post entitled, “Barely Standing”. Nothing like being stripped down to really experience the unconditional, undeserved, unearned love of Christ!
My husband and I went through something similar, and I will tell you what happened to us was frightening beyond belief! We went to our Pastor, were prayed over and anointed with oil, and our Pastor came and blessed our home. We carried anointing oil with us at all times and used it when we felt threatened. I personally have my Bible on the bed almost every night and when I wake in the middle of the night, I read it and pray. A prayer cloth under your pillow might help as well. I would make a suggestion, don’t say, “Don’t you know”, when you do that you are giving the devil an opening to use against you. Be forceful with your denial, say “I am a child of God, He has forgiven me and forgot my sins, you no longer have any power over me, go away.” The begin praying and giving praise to the Lord. By phrasing your rebuttal as a question you are changing it to a statement of fact. God bless and I hope this is some help.
Thank you for sharing. All this has got me thinking quite a bit! Despite how rarely I even think about the spiritual war, it sure is real and constant! And yes, it is an absolute necessity to have a Bible beside my bed.
I’m glad God got you and your husband through the situation – I’m sure you two learned a lot in the process! I understand when you say it is frightening beyond belief – it’s so out of the ordinary, you almost don’t know what to do. A lot of people would tell me they’re just dreams, but I know they aren’t – my dreams are usually random, but like two nights ago in my sleep, I was just in a tiny room by myself, and I was being attacked by spirit after spirit. Totally makes no sense!
And you’re right, I need to be more absolute in my statements. “I AM a child of God.” Praise Him for that truth. I sure am learning a lot – I need to understand the gravity of the constant battle so I can be better equipped for evangelism. Thanks again for taking the time to share with me. (= God bless.
Tami has pretty much covered it. It’s great that you already have the insight you mentioned in the post. Problem with demons is that once you get rid of one, they bring back more in the hopes you give up. It’s just their job description 😀 Jesus will beat this for you – just fight, He’s right in front of ya! 😀
Amen! (= In Psalm 91:14, God says, “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows My name.” Let that verse bless you today!
God is bigger, yes he is.
The name of Jesus is stronger than any thing the Devil has to bring against us.
Occasionally I still wake up from a bad dream and I tell Satan to leave me alone in the Name Of Jesus. The Blood and the Name of Jesus. I Bind Satan and all of his activities regarding me and My family, in the authority of Jesus Name.
I came into my christian walk accepting Jesus as my Lord at 40 years old in a spiritual battle. That was 20 years ago. People told me that what I was going through at that time in my life was, just like the Book ” This Present Darkness ” By Frank Peretti. I had just started reading my Bible at the time. So it was a while before I ever read the book,then I read the sequel also.
Many sleepless nights I went through for months before I learned to Pray for myself. I did not grow up in church, and had very little knowledge of the word of God. It took me 13 weeks to read the new testament.
I also agree with others. Remove anything that brings in demonic activity through you Eye or Ear gates. PRAISE THE NAME OF JESUS.. 🙂 Praise his Holy Name… God Bless you!
And God will bless you in return! I praise God for your years growing and learning at His feet. What beautiful news, that He has overcome the world!
So much has already been covered, but I want to add a few other things. The law of substitution – two thoughts cannot inhabit the mind at the same time. You are banishing the enemy, but maybe consider instead filling your mind with the Word of God – Read a Bible passage OUTLOUD, or recite a verse you’ve remembered. Or, if all else falls say the name of Jesus – Just Jesus, or even the shortest Bible verse – Jesus wept. The enemy hates the Word of God. Also, one time I was not sleeping well, afraid to go to sleep and my pastor wrote me a prescription – before bed read Psalm 1, 2, 3, and 4 – those are psalms that help to bring sweet sleep. Keep spiritual music in the background. Don’t forget anointing your room, bed, and pillow. Pray a hedge of protection around you, and don’t forget the most important thing – Small student BIG GOD – God is bigger than anything that tries to attack. I spent years in the occult before I came to Christ. One teaching from the occult still works for Christianity – when in the throes of fear – find a good comedy or a funny book and get yourself laughing – the enemy hates laughter and then his fear can’t attach to you.
I hope these things help – Heather
The re-blog from Tami at Lessons from the Heart led me here. I actually thank you for your post & question since it brought so many comments & great spiritual advice. And I’ve never really had many to talk to about these experiences because when I shared with a few people, I got “the look” which made me feel like I was crazy. I have had dreams in the past that I knew were attacks. I’ve felt a presence over me that paralyzed me with fear. I felt pure evil. And quoting scripture was the only thing that could calm me down. Also had some dreams about fighting against satan where no one else realized that he WAS the evil one…everyone thought he (or in the case of one dream, SHE) was a nice person….his deception. In these dreams, I sang worship & praise songs & that was the key. Thankfully, it’s been a long time, BUT I am just starting something that I know the evil one does NOT want so I need to be prepared for some spiritual warfare. LOVED all the good advice for protection. Like Tami said, I had to rid my home of some books that I felt was an open door.
And I have to say, it’s hard to believe you’re still in high school & according to you, a fairly new Christian. God has some mighty plans for you….blessings!