How’s Your Perception?

Have you ever heard anyone say, “perception is the only thing that counts”?
There is a large grain of truth in this. It’s their perception that people present on the witness stand. Different people will see the same traffic accident but their versions are different. Is someone lying? Is someone mistaken? Not necessarily. It all depends on each individual’s perception of the incident.

perception

perception

Dictionary Reference.com defines perception this way: the act or faculty of perceiving, or apprehending by means of the senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding. In other words, whatever you see, hear, feel, or sense is subject to the interpretation of your mind. Your experiences and history enter into the process, and you make a decision based on all those factors.spirit world

So, when you discern or perceive a spirit, what happens? Instantly your senses send a message to your mind which then sorts through the pertinent information (past and present) and makes a decision. You pause to verify with God that your decision is in line with His mind and heart, and then you proceed to action.

Asking questions of angels is fine; they are messengers of heaven and are often sent to reveal God’s heart to His children. Never ask a demon a question unless you are specifically guided to do that by God. Demons are of Satan, the father of lies, and they lie. That’s why I don’t ask their name; it’s a good way to invite confusion.

stained glass angelGiving an angel a command under God’s direction is warfare, or bringing heaven to earth.

Giving a demon a warfare command is only to rebuke, silence, bind, and send them to the feet of Jesus for Him to deal with. We have authority over the demons, given by Jesus’ name, blood, and power, but I disagree with the practice of sending them to “dry places” or anywhere else. I want them to be where I know Jesus will dispense justice to them. It also bugs me when people act like they have to yell at a demon for it to obey (I think the spirit enjoys the show!) It’s Jesus’ authority given to us and properly utilized that does the job, not theatrics.

It’s not a problem if you sense a dark spirit and simply can’t speak anything aloud at the time. For example, what can you do if someone is talking and you realize his words are powered by a demon? Since God hears our thoughts, you can ask that He dispatch angels to bind and silence it. The demon won’t be able to hear your silent prayer, but it will realize that authority and power is in the room.

I never want to give glory to the enemy, but I also want us to be prepared for action when the gift is activated and we discern spirits, either good or evil.footprints in sand

And I want to reassure you that God will not give you a gift without preparing you for the task ahead of time. You may not feel ready to do warfare in this manner, but He knows you better than you know yourself. Trust Him and His wisdom. He loves you with a deep and everlasting love that I still struggle to comprehend at times.

God is good and His mercy endures forever.

this is part 12 of a series on warfare

part 1| This Means War!

part 2|The Big “D” of Warfare

part 3|Charge!

part 4|Swing That Sword!

part 5|Worship IS Warfare

part 6|Warring Through Worship

part 7|Fight With Powerful Gifts

part 8|Prophetic Swords

part 9|Comfort, Encourage, Strengthen

part 10|“Extra Special Perception”

part 11|Perfect Love Casts Out Fear

all illustrations courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net