A demon is believed to be a force that can be conjured and controlled. They are also believed to have the ability to possess or inhabit the body of humans and the only way to rid the person of them is to conduct deliverance and/or Exorcism. Demons are portrayed differently in different cultures. Some believe demons to be actual physical beings that can take the form of anything, including animals. Others consider the real demons as more of a spiritual force of evil battling for one's soul. They have been feared and written about in almost every culture in one form or another.
One way Satan gains control of the mind is when we place our trust in what many Christians mistakenly call the Holy Spirit. What I mean is "God told me to do this. . ." However, what God told them to do is completely contrary to God’s word. Jesus said in John 8:47 "He who is of God hears the words of God." God never, ever, ever leads us contrary to the Word of God. So when we receive anything we think is the Holy Spirit, the first question we must ask is "Does God’s word agree with what I believe is the Holy Spirit speaking to me?" Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:14 "And no wonder for Satan transforms himself into an angel of light."
Familiar spirits are known as demons who will present themselves to look like a loved one or someone who may have passed away in the house..... or even present themself as a helpless dead child in order to draw you in. They want to gain any kind of sympathy from mimicking a child or even somebody who's lost and stuck and can't cross over as they call it. These vile creatures will do whatever it takes. They want your SOUL! They operate under their master, Satan. They influence people to create hate and hurt. Basically, they raise hell and torment us relentlessly. They spew lies and make a person believe such horrible things of others and ourselves. To knowingly open oneself to the work of demons is an evil act: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in a fire, who practices divination or sorcery." To knowingly open yourself up to these demons and their tasks is considered a sin. They are very evil spirits. They are very convincing to make you believe it's a passed loved one making contact. Test the spirit each time. Ask if he/it believes Jesus Christ is the Son of Man and does it worship Jesus Christ? You'll know real quick then if it's real and not eyes playing tricks on you or a person seeking attention.
Demons are more familiar with your mental archives than you are. They will replay all the nasty and mean words your friends said to you in the past. You must always test any spirit or "guide" by asking if they believe Jesus is the son of God and if they were sent from God. You'll hear replays of all the hurtful things that any ex or current spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend has said to you no matter how many years have passed. Demons always remind us of anything that causes us real emotional pain. Ever wonder why you have such a hard time forgetting those heartbreaking words that someone you loved said to you as a child? Demons are helping it stay very fresh in your mind. They will always make sure those painful memories creep up at the worst possible times. This includes tough times like depression or a loved one passing away, or a broken heart. It could also be someone very close to us that we thought we trusted ending up betraying us.
Demons will attack your emotions and body at any chance they can get. They are very patient. As I have said before, they will wait till the worst possible time in your life and then attack when you are at the breaking point and can't take anymore. If they can oppress you (get you to feel emotionally depressed) they can get you to believe it’s a sign that you've done something wrong or you're not worthy of God's love for mercy. Your mind is one of the main things they attack. Satan is the father of all lies and we must always remember this. All of the horrifying conclusions we draw during the dark night as we try to fall asleep causes us to start feeling that the Lord has abandoned us, are really misinterpretations of the very real emotional and past physical and psychological events we've gone through. Due to their patience they always know when to strike -- they have perfect timing.
As humans, we are easy to deceive. It is so very vital that we learn how to discern between God and demons. It is so very important that we find a way to become familiar and admit our own weaknesses. We all fall for the negative mental flashbacks. Understand that it takes a lot of time and discomfort to learn how to catch demons in the act of deceiving you. When they see you start to make strides in this area, they will instantly react with a new strategy that is much more invasive and intense.
You will never win this spiritual battle in your own strength. You will only be successful when you draw your strength from the power base, God Himself. There you will find the strength and stamina to "stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11). Satan's nature is the nature of a man that causes him to act as he does. The same principle exists as we try to better understand Satan. John identified the devil as the originator and chief practitioner of sin (1 John 3:8). He further described Satan as “that wicked one” (1 John 5:18). Jesus called Satan a liar (John 8:44) and thief (John 10:10).
We need to put the focus on the Lord's Angels! Who are 100 times more powerful than any demon or devil, I can tell you that right now. Why not put the word out on these good angels and not just fallen angels? There is so much comfort and solace there, no fear.
Angels bring assistance in times of need.
The LORD, the God of heaven, brought me from the home of my father and from the land of my relatives, and he solemnly promised me that he would give this land to my descendants. He will send his angel before you, so that you can get a wife there for my son. (Gen 24:7).
If you feel the Devil is attacking your mind with fears, worries, anxiety etc., you can pray in the Name of Jesus and resist and overcome him!--Jesus said, "Behold, I give you power over all the power of the Enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."-Luke 10:19. This power is YOURS if you believe His Word, claim His promises and pray in the Name of Jesus! In fact, if you are filled with faith and His Holy Spirit, you have the authority to resist the Devil directly, just like Jesus and His early disciples did. Remember we do NOT have to be in bondage to Satan and his army of demons.
Written By Biblical Demonologist Jennifer L Auld
Originally published on July 11, 2015 under the title Discerning The Holy Spirit Verses Demons.
