This Halloween season we must be aware of the enemy’s schemes. 

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When planting our first church in one of America’s darkest regions, where witchcraft and paganism saturated the atmosphere, it took us three years to learn how to fight. We were not wiser than the witches.

Over the years in that Spirit-driven, prayer-fueled ministry, we experienced many supernatural attacks, visits from witches and organized efforts to stop us.

Shortly after we planted the church, our oldest son was admitted to the hospital with a severe asthma attack. It was October 31st. One year later, on Halloween, he was admitted again with yet another asthmatic episode. Finally, when he was rushed to the emergency room and admitted for a third straight year, on the 31st of October, it hit me. This is no coincidence. It was an organized, strategic, deliberate witchcraft attack.

SCHEMES AND OPEN DOORS

To be wiser than witches requires us to level up in our authority. 

Especially during the month of October, when the activity of the enemy is extreme, it’s imperative that we stay alert with our lamps filled with oil.

ONE. Christian Curses

If, according to Scripture, “the curse without cause shall not come,” when there is cause, we can be sure curses will hit with great and terrible force.

It’s possible Christians are hurling more curses into the atmosphere than all the witches in our nation.

Though we are commanded to bless and not curse, gossip is rampant. Shaming and cursing political opponents are non-stop. Villainizing all who disagree with our spiritualized opinions invigorates us. Speaking death over our own lives and the lives of others is common.

TWO. Celebrating Halloween

Dabble with the demonic, party like the pagans, dance with the dead and come dressed for the occasion.

The world’s largest coven meeting is about to commence, and shockingly many Christians will be in attendance. 

It’s stunning that blood-bought, Spirit-filled Christians would ever slap the label, “innocent fun” on this most wicked of days. Most would argue that we are saved, covered by the blood and that we have no fear regarding simple costumes, candy and parties.

However, the blood of Jesus doesn’t grant us immunity. It grants us authority. 

If we are participating in, enjoying and affirming death, demons, darkness and witchcraft, we have lost our authority against the wicked entities behind it all.

Evil isn’t innocent just because we invite children to the party.

THREE. Emotional Crisis

In nearly three decades of ministry, I’ve witnessed, time and again, solid, anointed, amazing people struggle emotionally. Feelings overwhelm and overtake them. Rejection, fear, depression and other emotions, at the least, can cause people to retreat into their caves.

We must be wiser than the witches, ready to go to war against the devil and discern the season we are in.

Instead of retreating into a cave, run to others who can stand with you, pray with you, love you, challenge you and, if necessary, cast some demons out.

FOUR. Prayerlessness

One of the greatest weapons against the schemes of the enemy is fiery, Spirit-filled, prophetic prayer. Tongues of fire will help fill lamps and strengthen us in ways that little else can.

Those who aren’t absolutely consumed with a spirit of prayer will typically struggle, especially during the month of October when the enemy is so active.

WE CANNOT TAKE THE ENEMY LIGHTLY

I’ve heard it said that we need to put on our armor every day. I disagree. I would question why they are taking it off every night. Put it on. Keep it on. Pray continually. Fight the devil. Close open doors.