Breaking

Christian

Curses

Finding Freedom from Destructive Prayers

Dedication

I gratefully dedicate this book to the person of the Holy Spirit who wonderfully and powerfully delivered me from a "Christian" curse! May He use this real-life story to literally "set all the (Christian) captives free."

Thank you, Holy Spirit!

Contents

Foreword

Preface

Introduction: What is a Curse?

Christian Cursing Christian?

How a "Christian" Curse Begins

Licensed to Curse?

Church Leaders — At Greater Risk?

Leadership: A Matter of the Heart

The Stuff of Which "Christian" Curses Are Made

How Do Christians Curse?

Can a Christian Be Cursed?

Battling a "Christian" Curse

Freed From a "Christian" Curse!

Breaking Your Personal Curse

Foreword

When I read Breaking Christian Curses, my first thought was every church should have this information. If it is true, that life and death are in the power of the tongue, then it is also true that we have been too tolerant of slander, backbiting, and gossip. Indeed, I also pondered the possibility that, for this very reason, the Lord of the harvest has not added large numbers of converts to the church. In His love for the sheep, perhaps the Lord is keeping the unsaved away until Christians learn to pray for one another instead of preying on one another.

Over the years I have realized that a great many Christians think fault finding is a spiritual gift. It is not. One does not even need to be a Christian to see what is lacking in another individual. God's goal for us is not simply that we see what is wrong in others, but that we are equipped spiritually to make things right.

I have found Denny Cramer to be a man who is not just talking the talk, but he is living the wisdom he has put in this book. He speaks the truth in love. He isn't afraid of speaking a hard word, but he continually seeks to reveal the grace and truth of Jesus Christ. He is anointed as a New Testament prophet to build up the body of Christ. As such, he caries a "prophet's reward." Those who receive what he has to say will receive the prophet's reward and become more Christlike as a result.

Francis Frangipane

Preface

As far as I know, I have never read a single book or booklet on the general subject of "Christian" or personal curses. To the best of my recollection, I have never even heard a sermon on the subject. Based on this history, I am probably the least qualified to write on the subject of "Christian" or personal curses. Why then am I undertaking to educate others? Why should I be heard?

Ironically, I believe God kept me "ignorant" — unaware and uninformed — concerning the theology of curses so I could write credibly on this subject from my personal experience. By isolating me from the information of others on the subject of curses, I believe God has kept my message uncontaminated and unbiased. I have no other perspective except the one unique to my experience. My attempt to write on this delicate subject may not be perfect, but it will be an honest one. Why? Because I was the victim of a personal curse perpetrated by other Christians.

Consequently, the reader of this book will get a first-hand, eyewitness account with no hearsay, no second-hand information, no exaggerations, and no borrowed history. I have used no fictitious details. This book is as factual as I can make it. The story is mine and the theology is Bible-based. Although both the story and the theology may be hard to accept, one fact remains: This is what happened to me.

As the saying goes, "A man with an experience is not at the mercy of the man with an argument." Argue as some may, I experienced a "Christian" or personal curse! In this 21st century, enlightened, sophisticated, educated, westernized, and de-supernaturalized society, something very ancient, something very spiritual, and something very evil nearly destroyed my life.

Just Another Book?

More than an accumulation of information on the subject of curses, this book details my journey, my struggles — the nightmare I lived for thirteen long years. My perspective may disagree with other books on the subject of curses. While I do not claim to be an authority on the subject, I have sincerely attempted to explain the unexplainable, define the undefinable, and confront the unthinkable.

Something very ancient, something very spiritual, and something very evil nearly destroyed my life.

No doubt, you will find some of the material alarming. Such is the response an expose frequently generates. Since the very nature of an expose is volatile, strong responses are common even among the most educated, experienced, and otherwise well read. I can do little to soften the blow or impact this book could have on you, the reader. My intention is not to shock or entertain but rather to educate. My purpose is to give facts, pure and true. A sanitized version would serve merely to "bleach out" the stark realism of this story. I trust you will respect me for my honesty and openness.

Another Perspective

Your present theology may be seriously challenged by this real-life story concerning curses. Although I am not trying to impose anything on you, I am offering a possible alternative. This, I assume, is why you chose to read the book in the first place — to gain another perspective of the subject of curses. For some, Breaking Christian Curses may even permanently change your thinking about curses. I trust that any change this book produces will be edifying, healing, liberating, and ongoing. If this message releases just one reader from the death grip of a curse in his or her life, then I have succeeded in reaching my initial goal — which is to permanently "set the captive free."

The fact remains that I experienced something so "nightmarish" that it affected my ability to serve the Lord Jesus Christ and required the omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit to destroy it. That alone merited some measure of investigation into the possibility of curses and how they may or may not affect Christians. Yes, mine is a highly subjective viewpoint. This is the nature of all testimonial books. Nevertheless, I will also attempt to offer a solid biblical theology on the topic of curses as well. I will prove my experience by my theology, not prove my theology by my experience.

Christians everywhere are struggling because of the effects of curses.

Both old and New Testaments deal with the subject of curses. Even Jesus referenced their reality. James went to some length to discuss the existence of this evil. Make no mistake about it, personal curses are evil. They are not from God.

Yes, Christians can be cursed. Yes, Christians can curse others. Yes, Christians can even curse other Christians. In fact, Christians everywhere are struggling because of the debilitating, crippling, paralyzing, hypnotic effects of personal curses. How do I know? I meet them everywhere I go across America. In this book, I offer you a theology and a practical application for that theology. I also give a plausible explanation for some of the hellish circumstances you may have experienced and a permanent, life-changing solution designed to set you free.

The Most Difficult Part

Writing has always been difficult for me. Yet, I knew that God was leading me to write a fourth book. In fact, my wife Diane knew it before I did. She even knew what I would write about before I did! The most difficult aspect of the book, however, was not the physical and mental effort required to complete such a project nor the inevitable backlash I knew would come once the book was distributed. The most difficult part was making sure my heart was right.

I had to ask myself: Is my heart sufficiently healed to provide an unbiased account, or am I still too wounded? On occasion, I have heard sermons and read certain Christian authors who have spoken or written out of a wound-edness that negatively affected their respective subject matter. Clearly, their motivation was to "get back" at whomever or whatever hurt them. These speakers and authors seldom ministered any life in their messages or writings; their wound would not allow it. It is almost impossible for a wounded individual to give out life, peace, love, joy, forgiveness, reconciliation, and wholeness when he has none himself.

I wanted to write out of healing, not woundedness, enabling me to minister life to others.

When I initially decided to write this book, it was my intention that these very pages would judge me in this regard. If there remains any woundedness in me, I am not aware of it. I believe my convalescence is complete.

In fact, I re-lived this Christian catastrophe a thousand times, searching my heart to make sure I was right before God. The wound closed slowly, and my emotions healed over a prolonged period of time. This process was anything but quick and easy. Actually, it took years! I'm sure anyone experiencing this kind of trauma would have wrestled with the same feelings I did. Those closest to me, those who know me intimately, will make the same assessment. My family, my friends, and my peers all agree — I am healed!

If reading this book produces the same fruit in you, it only affirms my personal experience. I believe both this book and my life confirm my healing. You be the judge. My life has been full of the power and fruit of the Holy Spirit. That should be proof enough of God's healing in my life. Only Jesus Christ can put back together a life destroyed by a curse. This author can attest to that. Jesus is a healer and a deliverer — and He has healed me and set me free! Thank you, Jesus!

Forward Not Backward

I believe this to be an honest assessment of my life at the time of this writing. I did not write this book to vindicate or exonerate myself. That lust died in me long ago. I want no retribution and have no desire to retaliate. I do not need to be right. I did not write this book to justify or excuse myself in any way. After all, I made my share of mistakes, too. Initially, during this ordeal, I was anything but the perfect Christian. Frequently, my reactions toward others were sinful, and I had to repent many times.

The "bottom line" is I have no need or desire to expose another Christian brother or sister. This is why all the principal characters in this book (excluding the author) will remain nameless and why all dates have been omitted. I wrote this book both to free the thousands of Christians who daily fight the effects of very real and powerful curses as well as to prevent believers from participating in "Christian" cursing. I simply want to liberate as many Christians as possible to better serve the Lord Jesus Christ! That is my motivation, and hopefully that is the "spirit" of this book. In a word, this book's focus is forward not backward; it is filled with promise for all who read it.

Introduction

What Is a Curse?

When you hear the word "curse," do you think of profanity or superstition? Many people do. In the context of this book, "cursing" does not mean profanity. Although profane language is forbidden by the Bible (Eph. 4:29), the use of expletives, no matter how filthy, does not constitute a true curse. There is nothing inherently supernatural or intrinsically evil about foul language. It is just coarse and crass and should be avoided.

Similarly, the term "cursing" should not be understood to mean mere superstition. Frequently associated with magic or chance, a superstition is a belief, practice, or rite seldom based on actual fact. Relegating cursing to a mere superstition would detract from the very real danger it poses to all Christians.

Appealing to a Supernatural Power

Cursing is more than some wild tale conjured up by alarmists and reactionaries. Cursing is a fact, a biblical fact. The dictionary defines curse as "an appeal to a supernatural power for evil to befall someone or something." Roget's Thesaurus suggests these synonyms for the term curse: poison, vex, afflict, wound, trouble, plague, torment, and torture. "To curse" means: To damn, denounce, and slander.

Cursing is malicious, spiteful, hateful, venomous, malevolent, begrudging, vicious, hostile, and evil. It contains threatening, endangers the one being cursed, and is a menace to one's spiritual, mental, and physical safety and well-being. Indeed, to be cursed is a frightening, terrifying, even paralyzing experience.

In ancient thought, the belief existed that curses carried an intrinsic power to accomplish their intended goal. The speaking forth of the particular curse somehow released this evil power. Thus, the person or persons who were "cursed" came under those words and under the power released when they were uttered. The curse was in effect until all the attached power was spent.

Cursing poses a very real danger to all Christians.

Words that brought blessing and words that brought evil were viewed as very real and their individual effects lasting. For centuries, blessing (benedictions) and cursing (maledictions) were an accepted part of numerous cultures including many found in the Bible.

Only until recently has America and other westernized cultures demoted blessing and cursing to a generic status, robbing both of their true identity and obscuring their power and prominence in history. Modern man fails to realize that nations have risen or fallen because of blessings and cursings. Throughout human history virtually all generations, cultures, societies, and civilizations have viewed curses as evil. Since the dawn of time, man has recorded his innate loathing of them.

Intrinsically, man was made to despise curses. Consequently, innumerable feeble attempts have been made to neutralize them. From lucky rabbits' feet to garlic bags, from potions to animal sacrifice, from wives' tales to religious rituals — all have tried and failed to remove the role of curses. They are part of the landscape of humanity and always will be until there is a new heaven and a new earth.

Since creation, people have known tremendous success or dismal failure because of blessing or cursing — outcomes that cannot be underestimated. Especially for the Bible-believing Christian, the subject of blessing and cursing merits a careful and current investigation.

What Is God's Opinion?

What does the Bible, God's Word, say about cursing? Is the concept of cursing even biblical? Should it be considered part of any orthodox theology? How does the Bible approach the volatile subject, and is there a legitimate application for us today? Is cursing just an antiquated eastern "myth"?

Since creation, people have known tremendous success or dismal failure because of blessing or cursing.

Has our modern western version of Christianity blinded us to the reality of cursing? What is God's opinion? The most fundamental question must be asked: Is it in the Bible? If so, what then?

The Bible has much to say about curses, but it is beyond the scope of this book to cover the entire subject. In the first four chapters of the Bible, however, no less than three major curses are recorded:

►    Satan was cursed for deceiving man (Gen. 3:14-15).

►    Adam and Eve were cursed for their act of high treason in selling out to Satan (Gen. 3:16-19).

►    In what was the first recorded murder in the Bible, Cain was cursed for killing his brother Abel (Gen. 4:11-12).

Both the old and New Testaments teach the same basic theology of cursing. Essentially, from Genesis to Revelation, "to curse" meant to curse, "to be cursed" meant to be cursed. That makes it easy for us to define. In the old Testament, "to curse" meant to vilify, denigrate, abhor, execrate, denounce, and despise. In the New Testament, there are at least four Greek nouns, four verbs, and two adjectives for the word "curse," and these all agree with the Old Testament's understanding of curses.

I find no biblical references that suggest curses are the product of our imagination. No biblical character ever treated a curse like a harmless prank or an empty threat. The Bible and its main characters viewed curses as a very real and dangerous reality. We must ask ourselves: Are these curses any less dangerous or less real today? The Bible seems to support the potential existence of contemporary curses even in our so-called enlightened society. The logic is quite simple: If evil still exists, curses still exist. I find at least three categories of curses in the Bible:

1-The historical curse.

2-The modern curse.

3-The personal (Christian) curse.

Historical Curses

This book is not about historical curses, which occurred when God punished a specific person (historic figure) at a specific (historic) period because of a specific (historic) sin. Many of the curses in the Bible were restricted to a particular historical context. As God's plan advanced through the ages, these curses no longer applied.

If evil still exists, curses still exist.

Cain, who was cursed by God, eventually died. Consequently, the curse on his life became null and void because it was limited to his natural life span. This curse "fit" into a certain time slot in history and applied only to a certain historical (biblical) figure, namely Cain. What are the unique characteristics of a historical curse?

1 A historical curse was suitable, even appropriate, to a single circumstance and individual.

Historical curses did not pertain to a general or universal setting. As with Cain, God placed certain curses on certain people at certain times because of certain sins. These curses were locked into a historical setting with a historical character or characters to make a historical point: to punish the errant person or persons involved.

2 The main character or characters suffered under the imposed curse, died, and the curse "died” with them.

Historically, the curse ended with their death. The curse "ran its course" and achieved its purpose, determined by God who originally imposed it.

3 A historical curse was the result of man forsaking God - the classic cause and effect scenario.

Man would cause the curse through various disobedient acts, and God would reluctantly punish him (the effect) as a result of his sin. For example, Adam and Eve were cursed by God because of their sin (Gen. 3:17). Cain was cursed by God because of his sin (Gen. 4:11). The children of Israel were cursed by God a number of times because of their corporate sin. Later, the nation of Israel was cursed because of their unrepentant sins.

Without exception, all of the above were cursed because of specific acts of spiritual treason, blatant disobedience, calculated betrayal, and open rebellion. In each instance, God had given them individual instructions on what to do and what not to do. Their defiance of Almighty God led to the inevitable outcome of a curse and they "reaped what they had sown."

4 A historical curse no longer has a literal, direct, or personal application today.

These curses were restricted by God and applied only to a unique time, a specific character, a single circumstance, a personal sinful act, or a particular ungodly decision. Yet, historical curses can still have a meaningful symbolic application for us today.

The biblical accounts of curses have a very relevant and sobering message for Christians living at this time in history. Indeed, all serious students of the Bible should glean the wisdom and heed the warning found in them. In fact, all of these real life events were recorded for our admonition. (See 1 Cor. 10:11.)

This book, however, is not about God cursing man at specific historical

periods because of specific sinful acts committed by an individual or a nation. This book is not about a mere symbolic application of one understanding of historical curses.

Modern Curses

A modern curse is any curse still in effect today between God and man. In contrast to historical curses, modern curses pertain to a general or universal setting. Their application is much broader. Not purely historical, modern curses cannot be dismissed as having ancient relevance, that is, being relevant and fulfilled in a past time. These curses are current and contemporary, active and "alive."

Modern curses are as true and binding and worthy of respect today as when God first decided to implement them. But they are not symbolic just because they reference events that took place thousands of years ago.

The Bible and its main characters viewed curses as a very real and dangerous reality.

Two such modern curses stand out as being particularly deserving of our investigation. Like all modern curses, both of these directly affect us today. The two are very different topics with very similar warnings:

1 The Nation of Israel

God said, regarding Israel (Abraham's seed): "I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee” (Gen. 12:3). The promise of blessing was never lifted by God. Today, thousands of years later, this modern blessing still stands. It is still in effect. Likewise, whoever curses Israel, God will curse. That part of God's oath to Abraham is also still in effect today. This curse has a modern application just as potent now as the day it was first spoken by God.

2 Tithing

If you do not honor God with your finances, the Bible says you are cursed with a curse. (See Malachi 3:8-12.)

Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, 'How do we rob you?' In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse — the whole nation of you — because you are robbing me (v. 8-9, NIV).

This portion of the Bible teaches the principle of tithing: the systematic giving of 10 percent of a Christian's income to God. It also teaches the addition of an offering to the tithe.

The prophet Malachi made it very clear: Pay your tithe and give your offering to God and receive God's blessing. Neglect the tithe and offering, and you come under a curse from God.

Many believe, as I do, that this curse applies today just as much as it did thousands of years ago — as does the promise of blessing if we obey God in our giving. Quite amazing, isn't it? All this theology from a prophecy thousands of years old. Many still take seriously God's words recorded in Malachi and faithfully give a tithe and offering to God to avoid the curse and realize the blessing of God. I know I do!

The present-day application of these verses in our lives qualifies it as a modern blessing — or a modern curse — depending on our response. The principle of honoring God with our personal finances transcends time, culture, and circumstances. Malachi teaches that it is always appropriate to give to God. The promise of blessing or the subsequent loss because of the curse is true even today.

Malachi's prophecy should not be limited to a mere historical context. God's oath to Abraham and Malachi's prophecy to ancient Israel served as vehicles for God's will to be known. Both can be either a modern curse (warning) or a modern blessing depending on our response today. As in historical curses, a modern curse carries with it all of God's judgment for gross disobedience but with one main difference. Modern curses have a contemporary application — that is, their effects can be realized up to and including the present time for those who walk in defiance to God's perfect ways.

Personal Curses

In sharp contrast to historical and modern curses, where God curses man, this book's focus is on personal curses — where man curses man. It is about "brother" cursing "brother." What is a personal or Christian curse?

1 A personal curse is a conscious, willful attempt to invoke a higher spiritual power against an individual to wish him harm if not actually destroy him.

Specifically, this book is about Christian cursing Christian, or the "Christian" version and application of a personal curse. Webster's Dictionary defines a personal curse as: "An appeal to a supernatural power for evil to befall someone or something. It is a scourge, a profane oath." The American College Dictionary gives this definition of a personal curse: "The heartfelt invoking or violent or angry calling down of evil on another."

2 A personal curse does not represent the God of the Bible or His righteous judgments in any way.

A personal curse only proves that power can be both perverted and diverted. That is, power can be perverted from something essentially godly and healing and diverted to something essentially ungodly and wounding in nature. A personal curse is never a statement of God's righteous judgments against an individual. Instead, a personal curse is a revealing commentary on the evil nature of man's heart and his attempts to misappropriate spiritual power against another for selfish purposes in the name of God — yet without God's cooperation.

3 There is no such thing as a "justified”personal curse, especially between Christians.

If you have cursed another Christian — no matter how justified you may think you are, no matter how long your list of reasons may be, no matter to what degree you think you have been wronged — if you return a curse for that wrong, you have sinned. It is that simple. Every time you curse, you sin — end of story! Any rationalization that justifies cursing is evil rationalization. Jesus said it best when He told His disciples, "Bless those who curse you" (Luke 6:28, NIV). That is pretty clear. Are there exceptions to this rule? No.

The Christian Curse

The personal curse takes a different course when it is used by Christians.

To differentiate this type of cursing, I have labeled it "Christian” cursing. The use of the term "Christian” when describing cursing among Christians is merely to help the reader understand the potential misuse of spiritual power among all Christians.

"Christian" cursing best explains the potential misuse of spiritual power by any Christian.

Using the definitions of a personal curse mentioned in the previous section, I describe a "Christian” curse as:

►    A conscious, willful attempt by a Christian to invoke a higher spiritual power against another Christian to at least wish him harm if not actually destroy him.

►    An appeal by a Christian to a supernatural power for evil to befall another Christian. It is a scourge, a profane oath by one Christian against another.

►    The heartfelt invoking or violent or angry calling down of evil by one Christian on another Christian.

Sadly, "Christian” curses exist, and as Christians we must attempt to understand them, expose them, disarm them — and defeat or break them. This book will thoroughly investigate this third possibility of curses as it applies to Christians. These personal curses among Christians take on two forms:

1—"Christian" witchcraft: the spiritual manipulation and control of other Christians.

2—"Christian" cannibalism: the spiritual devouring of other Christians.

Both must be stopped.

Let us journey now into this evil world of "Christian” witchcraft, "Christian” cannibalism, and "Christian” curses in order to bring to light this terrible darkness.

Chapter 1

Christian Cursing Christian?

One Saturday morning in April, I was sitting at my kitchen table with three fellow ministers. One of the men had recently been appointed as an assistant to me. The second, a pastor friend from a nearby city, had also joined us. The third was a visiting minister from England whom I had just met several hours earlier. It was one of those low-keyed meetings that seemed more like relaxation than work. In this friendly and informal atmosphere, we sipped tea and coffee as we conducted church business.

As is customary with pastors, we agreed to close the meeting in prayer. Honestly, I expected a short generic prayer, followed by some socializing. Little did I know that the Holy Spirit was about to intervene! With grateful hearts we each offered our thanks to God for one another and for God's plan and purpose in our lives. The American pastors prayed in turn, asking the Lord's blessing on our upcoming meetings. Wanting to be a good host,

I waited patiently for the English pastor to pray. In what I would describe as an apologetic tone, the minister from England began to speak.

At first, I was not sure whether he was praying or talking. His voice sounded natural, calm, even monotone. He didn't sound like he had gone into any type of praying mode so customary with many pastors in this country. His tone was soft and his volume low. Yet, every single word caught my ear in a way that I can only describe as magnetic. I was being drawn to his words not because they were loud or overpowering but because they were from God.

Very softly, almost whispering, he said, "Denny, I see a group.... I see a group of Christians." He hesitated for just a few seconds. Speaking slowly, articulating his words as only the English can, he said, "I see them close

together." He paused again, "They are in close unity." He seemed displeased with his choice of words, especially the word unity. In an attempt to clarify, he gestured with both hands as if to compact something together in a very small, tight space. It was the kind of gesture you would use to make a snowball. His gesture was slow and mechanical, obviously wanting us to grasp his meaning more than his actual words. Cautiously, he continued, "I see this Christian group in close, close unity.... I see them all praying.... They are praying against you, Denny.... They are cursing you."

With incredible detail this Englishman described a situation of which he had no natural knowledge.

Speaking with an authority that seemed to build with each word, he concluded, ". . . and he — the pastor of this group — will try to sweep this all under the carpet.... But you are not to allow this." His words were abrupt but accurate. He had no idea who "they" were nor who this "group" was. He did not know the pastor and had never been in his church. He had no concept of how incredible his vision was nor how much impact he was having on me.

God, the Devil, or Man?

At my kitchen table that April day, we had not been discussing curses, my former church, or any subject even remotely associated to the idea of a personal curse. Yet, with incredible detail this Englishman described a situation of which he had no natural knowledge. In my opinion, his lack of awareness to my situation only added validity and credibility to his prophetic message.

Like all visions, however, the English pastor's vision was a highly subjective form of spiritual "proof." Yes, it could have originated from several sources: God, the devil, or him.

Yet, there was something clean, innocent, unspoiled about his vision. It was accurate and precise, describing in some detail an actual situation that existed — one which he personally knew nothing about. He was not asked to give it; he was not expected to say anything. I was not looking for allies, and I was not soliciting for proof.

For years I had an unconscious suspicion that there was something very wrong, but I just could not put my finger on it. On that day, however, my greatest ally, the Holy Spirit, came forward and spoke clearly, succinctly, and authoritatively on my behalf. In my opinion, the vision was unequivocal proof that Christians could, in fact, curse other Christians and try to hide the entire attempt. This vision, a spontaneous manifestation of the Holy Spirit, was something sovereign, unplanned, unsolicited, and designed by God to expose this specific personal curse.

God Was Speaking to Me!

A vision is defined as something perceived through unusual means, a supernatural sight. Both the Hebrew and Greek words for vision have to do with "seeing." God uses visions to reveal truth often in pictorial form otherwise known as word pictures. A vision could come during waking hours (Dan. 10:7) or at night (Gen. 46:2). Visions were equally embraced in both the Old and New Testaments as legitimate forms of spiritual guidance.

This particular vision had an instant and lasting impact on me. This was no ordinary, vague, abstract "dark saying" without clear meaning or practical application. Indeed, God Himself was speaking to me! Unlike any vision or prophecy I had ever been given previous to that day, this one was uniquely powerful. An obvious clarity — a real sense of "thus says the Lord"—and a measurable authority or "anointing" rested on this vision. At the

same time it was incredibly lucid and easy to embrace with a very personal feel to it. After all, it was a message just for me.

It "fit" my personal situation perfectly — a "now word" with a clear sense of immediacy and urgency for my life. I took it very seriously. It required little proving, testing, or judging to quickly determine this vision was of God. Immediately I bore witness to it, and my fellow pastors agreed. God had indeed spoken!

Shocked and Relieved!

When this minister from England, a man whom I had just met and barely knew, spoke that prophetic message to me, I immediately knew to what he was referring. On the other hand, I had never thought of the attack against me by this group as a curse. I was keenly aware of their pride, arrogance,

and vindictiveness. It never occurred to me that their corporate self-righteousness could escalate to the point where I was being actively victimized by a demonic power they released against me. In my natural mind, I was totally unprepared for what I had just heard; yet in my spirit I knew it was long overdue.

God's perspective is always the first step toward finding God's solution to a problem

At least initially, I had mixed emotions concerning this vision. I was glad to learn what had been affecting me — a personal curse — but was devastated to learn who was affecting me — a Christian group I had known and loved for years. Still, the vision and accompanying explanation served its purpose, which was to reveal God's perspective of the situation. I was learning that seeing God's perspective is always the first step toward finding God's solution to a problem.

While I was shocked to learn that Christians would do such a thing to another Christian, I was relieved to have a reason for the spiritual heaviness I had been under for years. Still, a few more years would pass before I grasped the full understanding and significance of this initial revelation from God. Slowly but surely, over time, God would make His case, speaking in different ways and using different people. In the end, God would leave no doubt. One of His servants had been cursed, but God would have the final say.

Where Is That in the Bible?

I can hear the saints decrying, "Incongruous! Inappropriate! Incompatible! Inconsistent with Scripture! Come on, Christian cursing Christian?" I understand the expressions of disbelief and skepticism this book will solicit. Dare we believe that curses are real? Some would even charge, "Unrealistic, reactionary, beyond the scope of New Testament doctrine! The harmony of Scripture has been violated!" Some may dutifully inquire, "Where is that in the Bible?" Others may be more direct in their investigation and ask, "Where do we see a Christian cursing a Christian? Give me chapter and verse." Some may even go so far as to accuse me of heresy!

To me, however, the issue of curses among Christians is unquestionable, and I can thoroughly prove this claim from the Word of God. Is there an actual example of a Christian cursing a Christian in the Bible? No, because Christians are not supposed to be cursing other Christians! The Bible does not teach that a Christian cannot curse another Christian; it teaches he should not!

The inception of a curse may be initiated with some common fleshly attitudes and "minor" sinful thoughts, but that is only the beginning. Do not be fooled into thinking a curse is merely sinful flesh manifesting itself. Demonic and spiritual, a curse takes on a personality and power straight from the pit of hell. It may start with the flesh, but it quickly escalates into a living, breathing, demonic tool, custom made for any Christian who wants to wield its deadly power against another Christian. Satan does not care who uses a curse as long as someone employs it for its intended destructive and demonic purpose.

Does the New Testament address this problem? Indeed it does! Paul issued a stern warning about this very possibility and the consequences of such behavior among Christians. He wrote:

If you [the Christians of Galatia] are continually wounding and preying, attacking, tearing, and fighting one another, take care that you are not mutually destroyed by one another (Gal. 5:15).

Webster defines the word "war" as "a state of open, armed conflict between two parties." The fact remains: a Christian can war against another Christian. This "civil war" scenario, where spiritual brother is pitted against spiritual brother, is all too familiar in the body of Christ.

Set on Fire by Hell

Another New Testament writer, James, wrote to Christians about the "unruly evil" of their tongues. He warned the Christian concerning the hellish fire of the tongue, the bitter water (poison) of the tongue, and the salt (killing qualities) of the tongue.

The tongue can no man tame, it is an unruly evil, full of [charged with] deadly poison. With it we bless God, even the Father; and then we curse men... out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be. Does a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter water?... No fountain can yield both salt and fresh water (James 3:8-12).

According to James and various Bible translations, the tongue is described as:

►    a restless evil (RSV)

►    a restless mischief (ALF)

►    an irreconcilable evil (Gdsp)

►    an intractable evil (NEB)

►    an evil incapable of being quieted (WMS)

All these obvious negative analogies are applied to the Christian tongue and mouth! James said to "bridle" the tongue and warns the Christian that our tongue can actually be inspired by hell itself! "The tongue is a fire . . . and is set on fire by hell" (James 3:6). This is not an exaggeration or overreaction by James. Even a Christian's tongue can be demonically inspired!

James wrote that the tongue is untamable without God. In speaking blessing or cursing, the tongue releases one of two spiritual forces by bringing either the power of God to bear on any given situation or the power of hell. Like a key, the tongue can open one of two worlds — the world of light or the world of darkness. The tongue can release:

►    Blessing, or it can release cursing.

►    God, or it can release the devil.

►    Good, or it can release evil.

►    Life, or it can release death.

►    Healing, or it can release hurt.

►    Angels (the messengers of blessing), or demons (the messengers of cursing).

Our tongue has the potential to do great things for God or great things for the devil! The choice of who our tongue helps — God or the devil — is ours! The tongue acts like a magnet, drawing good or evil — attracting God or the devil. Who and what we attract with our tongue depends on the condition of our hearts.

Our tongue has the potential to do great things for God or great things for the devil!

According to the Bible, the tongue and the heart are inseparable friends or violent foes. If our heart is right, our words are right; and if our heart is evil, our words will be evil.

Clearly, Paul and James were aware of the devastating consequences of "Christian" cannibalism. That is, the symbolic devouring of Christian flesh often in the name of Jesus Christ. Peter said to "refrain your tongue from evil and your lips that they speak no guile" (1 Peter 3:10).

Blessing or Cursing?

Many years ago, I was prophesied over concerning the prophetic ministry to which God had called me. One particular portion of this prophecy became very significant to me. Along with other affirming statements, God said, ". . . and you never used your gift to curse, only to bless." Only recently have I begun to understand the import of this prophetic statement. Apparently, Almighty God was saying that the potential to misuse spiritual power exists in all His children. A great blessing awaits those who will resist the temptation to pervert or prostitute their gift or ministry.

The Psalmist said, "Keep your tongue from evil [cursing]" (Ps. 34:13). The book of Proverbs also addresses the subject of benedictions (blessings) and maledictions (cursings): "The power of life and death [blessing and cursing] are in the tongue" (Prov. 18:21). The Bible teaches that Christians have a supernatural ability to bless others — a genuine gift from God. We say and do it everyday, and so we should. The Bible also teaches that Christians can curse one another. Sadly, we have access to that supernatural ability as well.

We can access blessing, and we can access cursing. Unfortunately, this reality seems to have eluded much of the church. We do not understand this negative side to the power of our tongue as we should. The tongue, even the Christian tongue, can kill! It's that simple. If there is a heavenly power released when we bless — and there is — then a hellish power is released when we curse.

►    If blessing adds to a life, cursing takes away from a life.

►    If blessing builds up a life, cursing tears down a life.

►    If blessing gets the attention of heaven to bring only good into a Christian's life, then cursing gets the attention of hell to bring only evil into the life of another Christian.

A good man's speech reveals the rich treasures within him. An evil-hearted man is filled with venom, and his speech reveals it.... You must give account... for every idle word you speak. Either you will be justified by them or you will be condemned (Matt. 12:35-37, TLB).

For the Christian, there is no such thing as a neutral spoken word. His words carry life or death, blessing or cursing, good or evil.

Getting Personal

The general Bible definition of the word "curse," gleaned from both Old and New Testaments, is best understood by an antonym or a word that expresses the opposite meaning of a word. To curse is the direct opposite of "to bless." When we bless, we wish good on another person. We speak words of benevolence, directing God's loving grace and power toward a person's life. The intention of a blessing is to see the person's life improve, increase, and develop positively since a blessing is always progressive in nature. When we bless a person, we "fill that person up" with good things, literally heaping God's goodness on them! Indeed, it is a blessing in itself to bless another.

In contrast to this, to curse means to wish harm or catastrophe. It means malevolent speech, to speak evil of another. The intention of a curse is regressive in nature, that is, to bring about a backward motion, to deteriorate, to decrease, and to develop that which is negative in a person's life. When we curse a person we effectively empty, drain, and exhaust all that is good from that person's life.

A curse is a conscious, willful attempt to invoke a higher spiritual power against an individual to at least wish him harm if not actually destroy him.

To curse means to displace a person's sense of well-being, to dislodge blessing, to disrupt, to unsettle, to confuse, and to ignite evil against that person. In the New Testament, there are at least four Greek nouns, four verbs, and two adjectives for the word "curse," and all these agree with the Old Testament understanding of curses.

Opposite Yet Similar

Although they remain complete opposites, many similarities exist between blessing and cursing — literally opposing one another diametrically. Some of the similarities of blessing and cursing are:

►    Both are activated (initiated) and imparted (transferred) through human beings.

►    Both believers and unbelievers seem to have this "ability."

►    Both use various forms of the spoken word to convey their intentions, whether good or evil.

►    Both call upon a supernatural power, a form of spiritual solicitation — one legitimate (blessing), the other illegitimate (cursing).

►    Both remain active and alive, searching for their intended candidate or victim until the blessing or curse is expended or consumed on that person.

►    As a blessing is "sent out" for another, a curse can be "sent out" against another.

►    Both look for a home, a residence, a place to call their own.

A curse by nature is a selfish thing; whereas a blessing by its very nature is totally unselfish in purpose and fulfillment. A blessing unselfishly wants to impact a life for good, and a curse only wants to impact a life for an evil and selfish end — which is usually, if not always, the destruction of the individual.

An Evil Focus

To "curse" is to be devoted — to give oneself to — the destruction of something or someone. To pray against, to oppose without righteous grounds, to wish evil against a person is to "curse" that person. It is an evil focus. Planned, calculated, and contrived, a curse does not happen by accident. A curse is not an innocent, unsuspecting act; forethought is always involved. A curse is a shrewd, scheming, conniving conclusion to a series of sinful attitudes, words, and actions. To curse someone takes real effort, determination, will power, and desire.

Without exception the Bible views a curse as a damnable thing worthy of its evil reputation. Curses are never viewed as harmless or trivial. The Bible neither relegates curses to a mere historical context or dismisses them as irrelevant to today's Christian experience.

Our modernistic views may try and subjugate curses simply to a shell of their original significance throughout history, but the Word of God will not allow this. The Bible does not say that curses have diminished in any way. The Bible believes curses are real—very real. They were real thousands of years ago, and they are real today. Just ask a Christian who has experienced a personal curse, and he will tell you just how real they are!

Precursors to Cursing

What is a precursor? A forerunner — someone or something that comes before or precedes another person or thing. Before actual cursing takes place, even Christians can speak preliminary words of death against other Christians. There can be words "under our tongue" of "mischief and vanity" (Ps. 10:7) and "iniquity and deceit" (Ps. 36:3). Psalm 5:9 warns that the mouth, throat, and flattering tongue can be a wicked, open sepulcher. Like a sepulcher, the mouth of a Christian can be a place of death. Solomon said, "There are those who speak rashly like the piercing of a sword" (Prov.

12:18). The poison of asps can be under their lips. The mouth can be full of cursing and bitterness (Rom. 3: 13-14).

When a Christian curses another Christian, he is speaking nothing short of death over him. Curses take no prisoners!

Here is a partial list of precursors to cursing mentioned in the Bible. Remember, these sins of speech take place even in Christians and often lead to cursing:

►    Clamor and evil speaking against other Christians (Eph. 4:31; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 3:10)

►    Backbiting by Christians (Ps. 15:3; 2 Cor. 12:20)

►    Slander against your brother (Ps. 50:20)

►    Debates, (verbal contentions), backbitings, whisperings, swellings (gossip) and tumults among Christians (2 Cor. 12:20).

Other precursors to cursing may include: vain talkers, babblers, lying lips, talebearers, busybodies, hypocrites, false accusers, and false witnesses

— all of which are terms taken from the Bible. These various kinds of verbal sins set the stage for cursing by the Christian.

The Point of No Return

The prophet Jeremiah warned us well about the destructive power of words from unsuspecting sources when he said: "Everyone take heed to his neighbor, and do not trust any brother; for every brother will utterly supplant [trip up] and every neighbor will walk with slanderers" (Jer. 9:4). A slanderer is a scandal-monger, a tale-carrier — one who destroys with words.

Jeremiah was warning us about the same precursors to cursing listed above. The potential to curse increases if we have lived a life full of these sins of the mouth and tongue. The treachery, betrayal, and verbal conspiracies that we enter into against another Christian are nothing short of sin and become the seedbed for spiritually destructive curses. Sins of the tongue — such as slander and tale carrying — make cursing an easy next step.

Jeremiah continued his warning when he said, "They will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies" (Jer. 9:5). Think about that concept for just a minute. If we as Christians persist in these verbal sins, we teach and train our mouths to sin to such a degree that we can no longer tell the truth! We condition ourselves to lie with our words and do not even realize we have grieved the Holy Spirit and brought evil upon our brother or sister in Christ. Jeremiah warns us that we as Christians can get to the point where we are out of control with our words. A point of no return may exist where we are literally slaves to our own words at the expense of other Christian lives.

Like a Misguided Missile

As long as Christians walk in the flesh — our lower nature — (Gal. 5:16-21), harboring sinful ways against each other (hatred, strife, divisions), there will be cursing in the church. The flesh (even Christian flesh) provides a fertile soil in which curses may grow. Paul wrote, "For I know that in me, that is in my flesh, dwells no good thing" (Rom. 7:18). As long as the soul (mind, intellect, will, emotion) of a Christian entertains evil thoughts, destructive feelings — and exercises its will against others in an ungodly manner — there will be curses by Christians against other Christians. Paul wrote, "To be carnally [soul] minded is death" (Rom. 7:18).

The soul is an eager partner to cursing because cursing somehow empowers the soul, appealing to its drive for recognition, prestige, and control. Cursing feeds the soul, giving it a false spiritual status — but a status nonetheless. A curse entices the soul, making the soul a close ally in the cursing process because both the curse and the soul benefit. First, the curse benefits by using the soul as a vehicle to inflict its death blow. Second, the soul benefits by gaining an outlet or a vent for the pent up, festering, negative, sinful emotions and thoughts it has stifled rather than confessed as sin to God. As long as Christians have wicked hearts and are not willing to walk in the love of God, there will be curses. Jesus said:

Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth will speak. A good man brings forth good things out of the goodness stored in his heart . . . an evil man brings forth what evil he has accumulated from his heart (Matt. 12:34-35).

The flesh, the soul, and the heart (spirit) can all cooperate with a curse, providing a vehicle through which it reaches out and destroys. Paul wrote this stern warning about Christian flesh, the Christian soul, and the Christian spirit (heart):

Let us [Christians] purify, purge, and cleanse ourselves from everything [every stain] that pollutes, contaminates, and defiles either body or spirit (2 Cor. 7:1).

Yes, there is such a thing as a filth of the flesh and the spirit! This filth or contamination of the flesh and spirit of a Christian is where cursing lives. Yes, a Christian whose flesh is not crucified (Gal. 2:20), whose mind is not sanctified (1 Thess. 5:23), and whose spirit is not filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18) — like a misguided missile — can become a delivery system for a warhead-like curse.

As a Christian, do you desire to remain free from cursing? What can you do? Keep your flesh on the cross where it belongs; keep your thoughts on the Lord where they belong; and keep your spirit filled with His Holy Spirit, which is where it belongs. It's that simple!

Chapter 2

How a "Christian" Curse Begins

For years the high point of my week was attending Sunday morning services. If the doors were open, I was there. I could not wait! My entire Christian life was centered around the church. Like any honeymoon experience, it was as blissful a time in my spiritual life as any Christian could have known. I will always have fond memories of those early years.

For an entire decade, this church was my spiritual home, the place where I had been born again, baptized in water, and received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this nurturing environment, I had grown from spiritual infant to spiritual adolescent to spiritual adult. Finally, I was one of two men ordained into the ministry — the first such ordinations in the church's history.

Over time, however, I grew increasingly distressed about the spiritual condition of my home church. I knew something was seriously wrong, and my heart was sick over it. Reluctant at first, I kept my concerns to myself.

Although confident of my discernment, I still tried to deny the evidence I was seeing and feeling. Yet, to continue to reject my suspicions would have been the same as denying God. Many years later, however, these same suspicions would be confirmed.

Am I the Problem?

Initially, I thought I was the problem. I nearly drove myself mad trying to find something wrong inside me. This unhealthy introspection was brought on more by a fear of man than by the love of God. Then I realized the problem. It was not something inside me that had changed but something around me. It was "in the air" — a spiritual "atmospheric transformation" of sorts.

At first, the change was subtle and almost indistinguishable. Somehow the spirit of the church had taken on a new temperament, mood, and tone. A shift had occurred. The established pattern — the original spiritual dynamic of this church — had been altered. The structure, appearance, and character of the church and its members were different. A new but dangerous spiritual dynamic had been introduced almost clandestinely. Deep inside my spirit I knew something was definitely wrong. I could feel it.

It was not a good transformation nor a change for the better. The new spiritual dynamic that was emerging left me spiritually and physically ill. I felt drawn and quartered, torn to pieces on the inside. For me, church became an indefinable battle — but a battle nevertheless. For myself and many others attendance became a struggle, an unpleasant requirement — something mandatory and external like going into battle. I did not want to go to church anymore, but I had to attend. It was no longer a privilege but a pressure. Although I loved the worship and the people of this flock, a sly but serious reversal had taken place.

I Chose to Be a Slave

The emphasis was now on leadership "rights" not leadership responsibilities. The focus was on rank, a military term not normally used to describe belonging to a family of believers in a church setting.

Common questions of this time were:

"Who are you under-who's over you?"

"Who is 'discipling' you?"

"Who is your shepherd?"

"Who are you submitted to?"

These were the dark days of extreme discipleship, dictatorial shepherding, and abusive applications of submission and spiritual authority. It was not a good time to ask questions, to think independently, or to be your own person. Robotic religious conformity was in vogue. Like many other Christians of this time period, I failed to guard myself against a sense of ownership by my spiritual leader. In fact, I rather liked the idea! It was expected of me, and I readily complied. In one sense, I volunteered for it. I chose to be a slave.

Biblical and balanced relationships should benefit both parties — and ultimately the kingdom of God.

Here was a man who would run my life for me, make my decisions, do my thinking. But I was soon to learn no one man owns another, no matter how personal the relationship. It was a painful lesson indeed. The fact is, I never saw balanced spiritual relationships modeled. It would be years later, after leaving this church, that I witnessed normal relationships within a church setting. When I finally experienced firsthand how believers relate to one another in a healthy church environment, I was shocked.

I soon learned that all godly relationships — ones that are biblical and balanced — thrive on mutual submission, mutual honor, mutual respect, mutual dignity, mutual love, and mutual commitment to each other in Christ. The key word is mutual. All such relationships should benefit both parties — and ultimately the kingdom of God. Slavery in any form is wrong, especially spiritual slavery.

I Was Wrong!

What did I do wrong during this time? I made a number of critical mistakes that I cannot blame on anyone else. Like the church at Galatia, I, too, was guilty of legalism, revisionism, and formalism. The apostle Paul wrote,

"Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh?" (Gal. 3:3). Like the foolish Galatians, mine was a subtle downward trend from spirit to flesh. But, it was still downward, and it was still flesh, and I was fully responsible for my actions.

1 Theologically, I was hopelessly man-centered.

I had started my walk with God in the Spirit but erred in trying to perfect it by following the commandments of men. My faith was in man and not in the God who had saved me.

2 I was "works" oriented and "works" justified.

Bewitched away from a life of justification by faith in Jesus Christ, I had become a "man pleaser" at the expense of being a "God pleaser." An unwritten, unspoken, yet rigid code existed that demanded a heavily lopsided allegiance to this particular church system. Cleverly concealed in genuine Christian expressions of doctrine and practice, this code — although not all bad — was definitely man-made. Most notably, it far exceeded the biblical requirements of obedience to spiritual leaders.

3 I chose to be governed by the code.

I gladly gave the church that lopsided allegiance. I was wrong! I eagerly satisfied the man-made requirements. I was wrong! I gave them the virtual control they demanded. I was wrong! To subscribe to this code we had to voluntarily give our spiritual leaders nearly virtual control of our lives — or at least give them control of any area they wanted. Refuse, and we risked being called a rebel. These leaders expected near pontifical status, and usually we gave it to them.

So subtle were these man-made demands we could easily have believed they were in the Bible. We were expected to obey every man-made edict and follow every man-made command. We were expected to comply totally with the decisions of the church. Most alarming was the fact that these man-made requirements were strictly enforced by man-made means: fear, intimidation, manipulation, and control.

4 1 identified more with the church than I did with Jesus Christ.

I was wrong! I was more devoted to impressing the pastor than I was in pleasing the Good Shepherd. I was wrong! I wanted a religious system more than a love relationship with Jesus Christ. I was wrong, dead wrong!

5 1 was not honest with God nor honest with myself.

I was a proud, impatient, overly ambitious, self-centered, and hypocritical young man. I sold out to man because I saw something in it for me. I was wrong!

Growing Suspicions

Although I was a very trusting individual and loyal to the core, I was not stupid. As a born-again Christian since the age of nineteen, I read and studied my Bible daily, having access to the same Scriptures everyone else did. Contradictions emerged in my mind as the Holy Spirit tried to reveal truth to me through God's Word. I attempted to quell my suspicions, but they grew worse by the day. More and more, I saw that:

►    The Bible was being compromised through religious extremism and bigotry.

►    We grew less and less tolerant of anyone different from us and our beliefs.

►    Spiritual pride — the worst kind — permeated the atmosphere of the church.

Doctrines that I had been spoon-fed from my spiritual infancy were now leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. Like any spiritual adolescent, I began to question things. The answers I discovered frightened me. What I once assumed were biblical truths were, in fact, half-truths. Since I unwittingly had believed most, if not all, of these half-truths, I dethroned Jesus Christ with a man-made religious system!

In theological terms, neo-Pentecostal dogma had ousted sound biblical doctrine. I felt I was living a theological lie that forced me to carefully reevaluate my entire theology. It was a healthy reevaluation, but not one that I volunteered to do. God was literally forcing me to ask questions I never thought I would have to ask.

Professional "Performance-ism"

Occasionally, a few others saw and felt what I did, but they were quickly dismissed by the leadership as "disloyal." Tragically, too few in the church realized anything. Services continued, people attended, and the system persisted.

Any departure from the Bible — the typical route all (Christian) cults eventually take — means something has to take its place to fill the void. The obvious substitute is religious performance. This was certainly the case in this church. Frankly, we had become idolaters, worshiping our experience and our leader instead of our Lord. Experts at entertaining ourselves, we were riveted by our own weekly services, becoming skilled religious performers enthralled by our own abilities. We were all great actors — myself included.

Sunday morning had become an opportunity to impress one another with our own brand of pseudospirituality. We knew how to "have" church but had ceased functioning as the church. Consequently, the pressure to perform increased more and more until it became insufferable. Mournfully "doing" clearly overshadowed "being." Unconsciously, I began to grieve the death of my own relationship with God! Something had died around me — the church — and something had died in me — my relationship with Jesus Christ.

Religious performance replaced a vital relationship with Jesus Christ.

As a result, our days of innocence, spontaneity, and spiritual freshness that an unrehearsed and humble response to God brings were lost. The original spiritual atmosphere of genuine love, joy, and peace, which permeated everything we did, had been replaced by professional "performance-ism" — the same spirit that had entrapped the Pharisees of Jesus' day. Our focus had changed, compromising our purpose. We had deviated from the original course that I had embraced — which was to build our fellowship around the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We Had Arrived!

The church quickly became more influential than Jesus. The body became more preeminent than the head. Who we were became an object of our own worship! Over the years, we had built an idol. We had become grotesquely introverted, only thinking of ourselves. Having an exaggerated sense of self-importance, we were ego-centric. We had mutated from being essentially outward and evangelistic in nature to being inward and self-promoting. Our spiritual personality experienced a radical change for the worse. We were just another typical, cloistered religious community focused more on our own existence than on the dying world in which God had placed us as His ambassadors. As a church:

►    We were proud of our humility.

►    We were pleased with our performance.

►    We belittled all the other "less spiritual" churches in our area.

►    We masked our hypocrisy in a false love, always willing to produce the phony Christian smile.

►    We were judgmental and critical.

We saw ourselves as the preeminent church in our city and relished our position and prestige. We knew better than to say it, but inside we thought we "had arrived." We were "it," or so we thought. Our love had grown ice cold, and we were essentially a self-consumed, self-contained, religious club. Drunk on our own success, we did not honestly care about anyone else, sinner or saved!

It is with genuine shame and heartfelt contrition, I admit that I, too, was guilty of all these sins. I liked thinking I was part of the biggest and the best. I liked thinking I was climbing the ladder to success and recognition.

I liked being in the inner circle. I liked being important. I liked it all!

When the Head Is Severed

In my heart I knew the church was unhealthy. "Death" seemed imminent. Yet, it would not be a physical cessation of activities or death in terms of the church closing its doors. In fact, by all outward appearances, the church looked the opposite — healthy, vibrant, alive. Difficult to distinguish at first, this kind of spiritual death was incredibly subtle in its advance, yet insidious in its determination and ruthlessly effective in achieving its goal. You see, death can be a patient and persistent predator. It does not care how it wins or when it wins as long as it wins. The end result, however, is always the same. No matter what the type, no matter what the method, no matter how long it takes — death is death. It is irreversible and quite final.

Then it hit me! I knew what was missing. I identified the change. We were no longer simply enjoying and loving Jesus Christ. Somewhere along our path to spiritual stardom, our "first love" died. (See Rev. 2:4.) As a church we were no longer in love with Jesus Christ. With great personal remorse, I observed that we had inadvertently surrendered our lives to a religious system and turned from Jesus Christ. The totality of our Christianity was no longer "Christ in us the hope of glory." (See Col. 1:27.) The attention was now on the system and its success — and not on the person of Jesus.

We had gained notoriety with man and a certain measure of prestige among other churches, but we lost our corporate intimacy with Jesus Christ. It was an exorbitant price to pay for our so-called "success." Love for God and one another was replaced with performance, power, position, plaudits, and prestige. To this day, everything in this church appears outwardly to be well, even blessed by God. As with the human body, however, death is inevitable when the head is severed.

For the church, the head is Jesus. He is the life source. (See Eph. 1:2223.) Personal intimacy with Jesus Christ is what makes and keeps the church alive. When the head of the church is severed from the body, the church dies. How do we cut off the life source? How do we sever the head? Through religion. We replace Jesus with a corrupt man-made system.

Ripe for Deception

One definition of religion is "an adherence to a system." Remove Jesus Christ, the life source, from any church and what remains is religion — a dead system. Whether charismatic or non-charismatic religion, it is religion nonetheless. A system exists, but it does not have life. The original Pharisees succeeded in proving this point all too well. When intimacy with Jesus is removed, all that remains is contemporary "Phariseeism." Admittedly, we had become a church of Pharisee-like people. Like the first Pharisees, we emphasized strict interpretation and external observance of the law. Unfortunately, we observed the law of one man, our leader, and not the internal law of God.

We had lost our intimacy with Jesus and our agape love for one another.

Sadly, my home church had become a headless body — a church without intimacy with Jesus and without agape love for one another. We were ripe for deception. The apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, giving him the "warning signs" of deception:

Now the Spirit expressly declares that certain people will fall away from, desert, abandon, revolt, and turn from the faith [or from Christ], giving heed, paying attention, give their minds, will yield to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. (1 Tim. 4:1, various translations).

This warning is written directly to Christians. It addresses the reality of this deadly and demented form of sin called deception. Why is deception so destructive? Here are two frightening reasons:

1 Deception can evolve from a mere state of mind and condition of the heart to an actual demonized situation.

This condition is not something occasional, transient, or temporary but something chronic, resident, and even permanent. Note that Paul's comments were directed to Christians about other Christians: "Some [Christians] will depart from the faith." These same Christians will follow,

give heed, pay attention, devote themselves, and give their minds to seducing spirits and their accompanying doctrine.

2 All forms of deception harbor the presence of actual evil, that is, lying demons or false spirits.

These demons have a particular message, belief, or doctrine. The nature of these particular demons reveals the message they will proclaim. These demonic entities are one part of a host of seducing spirits. Therefore, they will seduce, allure, entice, corrupt, and otherwise lead away Christians from true faith in Jesus Christ with their demonic doctrine.

Paul wrote to Timothy that these spirits were deceitful, deceiving, misleading, subversive, and deluding in nature. I maintain that the underlying host of evil spirits that launches all curses perpetrated on Christians by other Christians is this same group of seducing spirits of which the apostle Paul warns us.

Christians Doing Hell's Work

What do these seducing spirits say? What is their message or proclamation? In a word, deception. Christians curse other Christians because they become seduced to do so. They yield to deception; they listen to the voice of seducing spirits.

To what group was this warning directed? Who was the target audience? Paul said that Christians in the latter times would listen to these very spirits. The warning was for and to Christians! The apostle then points out that the result of this deception is the hardening, cauterizing, and searing of the Christian's conscience. It is a tragic scenario. Paul writes that these same spirits will lie to the Christian, speaking hypocritical words, falsehoods, and teaching their brand of hell-inspired doctrine.

It only makes sense that any weapon one Christian uses against another Christian must be demonic in nature. No matter how right the Christian may think he is, he is still aiding and abetting evil. He is in partnership with the devil. He shares a common activity with hell, which is the destruction of another Christian. Hell rejoices every time this is repeated.

Christians doing hell's work is a despicable indictment against all of us. Imagine, cooperating with hell! Lord Jesus, forgive us!

Based on Timothy's warning, the question must be asked: Are these seduced, indoctrinated individuals still Christians? I don't know. But I do know they have at least listened to wrong spirits and released wrong intentions against other Christians. Clearly, this can't be God. This is the stuff of which actual cursing is made.

The Where and the How

We have already learned that a Christian can introduce a curse into another Christian's life, but how is this done? How does a Christian — a Christ-like one — curse another Christ-like one? First, we must understand where this cursing is often done before we can determine how it is done. The Bible describes the church as:

►    "The pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15)

►    A holy place, a place of God's presence and power (1 Cor. 3:16)

►    The bride of Christ, the Lamb's wife (Rev. 21:9)

►    The house of God (Heb. 10:21)

Can cursing actually occur in the church, the assembly of the upright? (Ps. 111:1). Is it conceivable that in this sacred setting a Christian could curse another Christian? Apparently, according to the Bible, the answer is yes. How do we know? Because of Paul's warning to one of the New Testament churches:

Hell rejoices when Christians destroy one another.

"To the churches of Galatia.... If you bite and devour one another, be careful that you are not consumed by one another"

(Gal. 1:2, 5:15). Paul issued this stern warning to Christians in a New Testament church setting. Did the Holy Spirit choose to warn the Christians at Galatia concerning a situation that did not exist? Of course not! Was the Holy Spirit "crying wolf"? I think not! His was a legitimate warning meant to address a very real and present danger in the Christian church of Galatia. The Spirit of God was warning Christians about curses in the church.

Christian Cannibalism

This very real and ever present first step toward Christian cursing has a contemporary application in our lives. Today, all Christians need to consider this same warning. Regrettably, "Christian" cannibalism, the precursor to "Christian" cursing, is alive and well in the church! In fact, you or I could be another Christian's next meal! You could be the main course!

What is Christian cannibalism? Similar to Christian cursing, it contains many of the same elements. Christian cannibalism is the willful, conscience devouring and consuming of another Christian by a Christian. Christian cannibalism uses — actually misuses — supernatural power in a destructive manner against another Christian. But it is not God's power they are using! Christian cannibalism is symbolic of character assassination against another Christian. How is this done? By:

►    Bearing false witness against another Christian.

►    Vicious backbiting between Christians.

►    Malicious gossip against those you are opposed to for one reason or another.

►    Rumor spreading for the express purpose of putting that Christian in a "bad light" and damaging his/her reputation.

►    Self-righteous dismantling of another Christian through the misuse of harmful words and sinful attitudes.

Some examples of Christian cannibalism are:

►    Hearing half the story and then spreading the information around like "you were there" — when, in fact, your information was only hearsay, second-hand information.

►    Disseminating harmful information by the use of negative innuendoes, implications, inferences, and suggestions.

►    Spreading your personal, negative opinions of another Christian as if your "precious" opinions were actual fact.

►    Gaining allies at the expense of any relationship you may have with that other Christian.

►    Being two-faced, talking out of both sides of your mouth.

►    Being a hypocrite.

This cannibalism might be initiated by one person or corporately with the participation of other Christians. It could be described as a sort of Christian "feeding frenzy."

It might even be encouraged with the passive approval of the pastor, but it is still cannibalism. It is still savage, and it is still sin! It is a disgusting practice that turns the stomach of Almighty God, and it is common to many Christians.

Tearing People Apart

For some Christians, cannibalism has become a way of life, an identity. What they do (cannibalize) has become who they are — cannibals! It is a sad commentary on the church today. Christian cannibalism is any destructive assault — usually verbal — but it can be an action against another Christian through an inappropriate use of evil speech, including cursing. Christian cannibals eat the "flesh" of other Christians — who they are, their identity, their personage — using destructive words and sinful attitudes. Cannibals devour the good names of other Christians and destroy hard-earned reputations that have taken years to build.

Consequently, a cannibalistic attack can greatly undermine one's own sense of dignity, self-confidence, and authority in God. Canine-like, these spiritual cannibals voraciously consume anything good about the person. Christian cannibals hunt using two techniques:

1-They    can act independent of other cannibals, hunting alone, literally tearing people apart.

2-They    can congregate, hunting in packs, often concealing their hunting parties inside the walls of churches.

These cannibals effectively eliminate individuals or other churches with a single gulp. Like wolves, they leave no waste and are usually hungry again in a few hours. Like a marauding war party, they seek and destroy anything living that is in their path. They are all murderers who must kill again and again.

I realize this is a volatile and highly inflammatory description to apply to a Christian. In fact, some would ask whether these individuals could be Christians in the first place. I believe the answer is yes. Although someone may be a genuine Christian, he still can have a cannibalistic side to his nature. I repeat the words of Paul to the church of Galatia, "If you bite and devour one another, be careful that you do not consume one another" (Gal. 5:15).

Remember, I did not create this Christian cannibal scenario, I am just describing it.

A Deadly Addiction

Cannibalism is addictive. You must have more and more of the same diet in order to remain a cannibal. Once you have cannibalized another Christian, it is very difficult to break free from this addiction. God has

given us easy access to words, and it is words that we use to cannibalize other Christians with deadly accuracy and finality. Curse-like words in the mouth of an experienced cannibal seldom take any prisoners. All forms of cannibalism, either literal or spiritual, prefer their victims fully dead before eating them. It is one of the points of "proper etiquette" among all cannibals, even Christian cannibals!

Vicious gossips make the best cursers!

Words used with evil supernatural intent can effectively kill a person so that he may be successfully cannibalized. Even the strongest of Christians can be adversely affected by such curse-like, cannibalistic words. Once the jaw of a Christian cannibal is locked onto your life, he usually won't let go. It takes the Holy Spirit to pry his mouth open and disengage that power off you. To a cannibal, eating is no hobby. It's a devotion, a lifestyle — and he is usually very good at it! In fact, for some Christians, cannibalism is their religion!

Where Does it Start?

I have never known a Christian or a group of Christians who didn't first cultivate vicious gossip skills before they quickly and rather effortlessly moved right into cannibalism and cursing. In fact, it seems to be a natural progression, something inevitable for the chronic gossip or backbiter. A chronic, vicious gossip will "graduate" into the realm of cursing and usually doesn't even realize he's earned his "degree." That is the problem with cursing. Once you've begun to operate in that realm, you are usually so deceived you don't recognize it. Unfortunately, the church is filled with too many of these graduates.

Ultimately, that person will be caught in his or her own web. The curses released will come back to haunt him or her. We always reap what we sow, whether it is good seed or bad. There will be a crop!

My rather extensive investigation into cursing among Christians led me to ask many probing questions:

►    What is the engine that drives a Christian to curse?

►    What sin inflames his heart?

►    Why does he entertain such destructive mental attitudes?

►    How do an inflamed heart and a destructive mental attitude escalate into Christian cursing?

►    How does a Christian cross over into such occult-like behavior?

►    What goes on behind the scenes?

►    What drives or powers a Christian to do this?

►    Does all this happen unexpectedly, by accident, or are there reasons why Christians curse other Christians?

Regrettably, I discovered it is not an accident when cursing occurs in the church.

How to Spot a Cannibal

Cannibalistic tribes have one common denominator: They do not get along with any other tribes around them. After all, who in their right mind would want to make friends with cannibals? They are independent, self-sustaining, isolated, and above all war-like. They tend to isolate themselves because they only see other tribes as one thing — a good meal. All cannibals want to do is eat! Their entire lifestyle, culture, even their religion, is centered around eating! They are always on the hunt! How can we identify Christian cannibals?

►    They do not want peer relationships.

►    They do not want to contribute to any sense of Christian community.

►    They do not want to cooperate in the spirit of friendship or share common interests or goals.

►    They do not want reconciliation, and to them unity means doing everything their way or not at all.

Churches all over the world are filled with these cannibals, and it is easy to spot them. They are the ones carrying the trophies of past conquests with them. Their favorite pastime is talking about brother or sister so-and-so who had such and such a problem. They are more than willing to share with anyone who inquires about the bones of dead victims worn around their necks — the symbols of conquest for the cannibal. "This bone belonged to Pastor Smith. These remains came from Sister Jones or Brother Doe."

Your bones might be their next trophy. Christian cannibals must always be prospecting for new food sources. If you are a Christian, then you are fair game for a Christian cannibal. Watch out! Remember, we are not warning you about cannibals somewhere in New Guinea, or the man-eating caribs that once lived in what is now Cuba and Haiti. No, this particular tribe member might be sitting next to you on Sunday morning! You might be spiritually related to a cannibal and not even know it! Check your arms and legs next time you go to church. Make sure they are all intact. Listen for any chewing sounds! A Christian cannibal might have his or her eye on you. Be careful who asks you over for supper. You could be the main entree!

Cursing—More Than...

In cursing, both the mind and heart cooperate in the process. On one hand, a curse is something cerebral, something conceived in the mind, something intellectual. In other words, something you think. A curse begins as an activity of the brain. Likewise, a curse is something you feel, something in the heart of a person. A curse is also an activity of the heart. Cursing another individual involves rational thinking — the brain — and irrational feeling — the heart. To curse is:

►    More than just a bad reaction to someone you don't like.

►    More than mere personality conflicts.

►    More than simple disagreements that get blown out of proportion.

►    More than over-reacting to unpleasant events and harboring ill will toward a person or group.

►    More serious than simply experiencing sinful attitudes such as unforgiveness, bitterness, or resentment toward your perceived enemies.

►    More than strong emotions that entertain vengeance or harm on another.

►    More than verbalizing strong, malignant opinions about people who are very different from you, and who might not rate your personal approval.

It takes more than all these to curse someone, but all these heart issues and thought patterns can play a part in cursing. If not dealt with through repentance, washed in the blood of Jesus Christ to receive forgiveness, and submitted to the Holy Spirit — resulting in restoration — the groundwork for a curse has already been laid.

Sticks and Stones

Remember the old children's rhyme, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me"? According to the Bible, this statement is not true. Words, like weapons, can maim, disable, wound, even destroy another Christian. Proverbs 25:18 says, "False words [lies] are as harmful as hitting a man with an axe, or wounding him with a sword, or shooting him with a sharp arrow."

Far too often the weapon of choice among Christians is the spoken word. Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-22 that when words are used in an unrighteous manner, they are actual weapons capable of death. Jesus was warning Christians concerning judgmental, critical, destructive, negative, evil words. In this passage, Jesus commented on the spoken word and twice referred to speaking against a brother. In fact, Jesus issued an extremely stern warning about our words in general and specifically about cursing:

You have heard that it was said to the people of long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment: Again, anyone who says [the inappropriate use of regular speech] to his brother, 'Raca' [literally: empty-head] is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell" (NIV).

These two terms, "Raca" (empty-head) and "fool," were everyday terms of serious verbal abuse prevalent in Jesus' time. In these verses, Jesus was addressing the sins of thought and tongue and comparing them to the sin of actual physical murder. Was Jesus over-reacting? Of course not. Not once but twice Jesus referenced the harmful, destructive, even cataclysmic misuse of words. He said, "Anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca' and "Anyone who says, 'You fool!'" Truly, angry and abusive speech can literally kill.

The "Raca" Spirit

What is the "raca" spirit?

►    It is murder by word of mouth.

►    It is verbal cannibalism — witchcraft expressed in speech.

►    It is the misuse of power by means of the tongue.

►    It is nothing short of cursing.

Have you spoken against a brother or sister in Christ, in effect saying "raca" over his or her life? Are you a Christian murderer?

Your anger and bitter name calling are as dangerous and lethal as murder. This is not my declaration; it is Jesus'. He warned us of this temptation. We place ourselves in a very precarious position with God when we yield to the "raca" spirit. God said, "You shall not commit murder" — in any form! Jesus elaborated on this commandment when He said if we are angry, hate, damn, or otherwise pass unrighteous judgment on another Christian brother or sister with our words — which is the very essence of a curse — this action has the same effect as physical murder! Cursing another Christian carries with it the same strength, ability, and determination as murder. Both cursing and murder would accomplish the same objective — death!

Is there an arsenal of angry words stored up in your heart?

The arsenal of angry words stored up in our hearts and spoken with malice are powerful enough to insure the destruction of another Christian. Therefore, to curse another Christian, through the misuse of words, places us, like any murderer, under the punishment of God. Is it an exaggeration to compare anger and hate with murder? Have we gone too far in trying to make this analogy work? Can a mere coupling of negative emotions be that destructive to another person? Can a Christian unleash these same negative emotions through malicious speech against another Christian, causing him mental, emotional, and spiritual harm? According to the Bible, it is no exaggeration or inappropriate analogy comparing anger and hate to murder. Anger and hate are killers. Especially when verbalized, anger and hate become the very essence of a curse. Therefore, to curse is to kill.

Weapons of a Killer

As with all emotions, anger and hate stem from a highly subjective criteria and can be set off by a million different stimuli, ranging from circumstances to people. These subjective feelings proceed from an individual's own mind and are greatly influenced by personal opinion, bias, prejudices, slants, and blurs. Eventually, these same unredeemed emotions serve to deceive the person, creating a belief that his anger and hate are somehow acceptable, that his vengeful ways are justifiable, or that his retaliatory response is approved by God. Cursing is inevitable for this type of Christian; it is merely a matter of time.

Although cleverly concealed inside the heart and mind of a Christian, anger and hate are still potent, deadly weapons. A Christian can direct this same anger and hate in such a way that it can actually kill another Christian. First John 3:10-12, 15 says:

In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who

does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his words were evil and his brother's righteous...Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.

The word "hate" in this verse means to detest, to persecute, to love less than you should! When a Christian detests, persecutes, and loves another Christian less than he should, he effectively murders that Christian! It is more a matter of not doing the right thing (loving) than doing certain wrong things. In other words, it is a sin of omission. Not loving your brother is just as much a murderous act as actually plotting his demise. That is what the Bible says.

Identifying the "Cain Spirit"

Cain violated the most sacred of trusts. He did not kill some distant stranger or avowed enemy. He ruthlessly and unashamedly killed his own brother. Exactly what are the components of the Cain spirit described in 1 John 3? Like the original Cain, the Cain spirit:

►    Primarily sheds innocent (righteous) blood just like the original Cain shed the righteous blood of his innocent brother Abel. (See Matt. 23:25.)

►    Prefers unsuspecting and vulnerable victims, taking deadly advantage of established trusts and intimate relationships — like the blood relationship between brothers.

►    Finds its origins in hatred, envy, anger, jealousy, disobedience, vengeance, competition, pride, lying, and — worst of all — acute selfishness, i.e. "Am I my brother's keeper?" (Gen. 4:9).

►    Will kill the closest of Christian relationships.

►    Is a two-faced, cowardly, gutless, "bushwhacking" spirit.

►    May appear to be your closest supporter, friend, even brother, but will stab you in the back if given the opportunity.

►    Will ambush you before you know what hit you.

Just ask the original Abel. What he least expected was perpetrated upon him. Waylaid, he died at the hands of his own brother. This same Cain spirit can and will cause a Christian to curse another Christian. Rather than go out and commit physical murder, the Cain spirit accomplishes the same deadly act without shedding a single drop of real blood. The end result, however, is the same. When we curse another Christian through a Cain-like anger, hatred, jealousy, or pride, we effectively murder that Christian.

Dressing Up "Cain"

Conveniently shrouded in hypocrisy, the Christianized version of anger and hatred finds its strength in spiritual pride, cloaking itself in an air of religious superiority. An example of the classic "religious" spirit, it outwardly looks one way but inwardly acts another. It is anger and hate in the guise of pious (solemnly hypocritical) Christianity but with a religious twist to it. Still, it is anger and hate. If we are honest with ourselves, we will admit we all have a little bit of Cain in us.

Those who have embraced a Cain spirit seem to have one common trait— they all love to fight! The greater the challenge to their perceived position in God or prestige in the church, the fiercer their reaction — and the greater their retaliatory response. Like Cain who hated his brother Abel, the exposure of their own pride results in outbursts of anger and the release of deeply ingrained hatred! To get even, to right the perceived wrong, they murder. (See Gen. 4:1-8.)

Cain ruthlessly and unashamedly killed his own brother.

Some Christians "dress up" the Cain spirit in them and take it to church every Sunday, in some cases showing it off proudly! They act very religiously, but like the Pharisees of Jesus' time, they are just "whited sepulchers" full of "dead men's bones" (Matt. 23:27). They are the height of superficiality, shallowness, pettiness, and religious performance! What justification can there be for such unchristian behavior among Christians? None!

Catch Me if You Can

It is extremely difficult to corner someone operating under a Cain spirit. Why? Because such a spirit:

►    Refuses to accept responsibility for its own sinful actions.

►    Lives in denial, always looking to skirt the issue.

►    Depends on incredible rationalization skills and self-justification, always looking to explain away its actions.

The Cain spirit is nearly indomitable. It took God Himself to finally corner the original Cain and force a confession out of him. Today, those influenced by this same Cain spirit will not "fess up" easily. They, too, must be caught by God and confess their murderous ways.

To curse is to hate; to hate is to murder!

How can we identify a person operating under a Cain spirit? Apply this simple test: See how many dead Christians are

lying around that person. The Cain spirit is measured in the number of corpses it produces — by how many spiritual fatalities it generates over time. Beware of the Cain spirit. Ask yourself these hard questions:

►    Have I gone the way of Cain?

►    Have I in effect murdered my (Christian) brother?

If so, repent now before you reap the same tragic end as did Cain. The Bible warns us about those who followed in his footsteps: "Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain" (Jude 11). The way of Cain is death.

Chapter 3

Licensed to Curse?

When any church is steeped in self-righteousness and spiritual pride, it invites deception and spiritual blindness. When a church becomes a law unto itself and excludes anyone with a dissenting viewpoint, it sets itself up for long-term problems. That church becomes a mutual admiration society and ceases to be a true expression of the body of Christ. Like a spiritual prosthesis (an artificial replacement for a body part), such a church:

1 Lacks any real connection with the body of Christ.

It appears to have genuine spiritual life flowing through it until you get up close and feel the cold, lifeless texture of the artificial limb. Then you realize it is only a manufactured substitute for the real thing. It looks good but has no warmth, pulse, or ability to regenerate itself. When any church no longer sees its deep need for other churches, that church effectively dies.

2 Takes the place of something that has been lost.

The original condition of the body has been radically altered by a former trauma and can never be truly whole again. While able to function on a mechanical level, it can never be what it was originally created to be. It can never be truly natural or uniquely beautiful again.

When any church — and especially its leadership — lacks a clear and honest understanding of God's love, they will inevitably fail at properly expressing that love. Its members will grow up abnormally, being dwarfed spiritually because of the lack of God's love in their every day church life. It will be only a matter of time before that church promotes performance over relationship, legalism over grace, all-controlling authoritarian rule over individual responsibility to God, and a paranoid-like perspective of anybody who questions any of the above.

Creating a Curse-like Environment

Regrettably, my home church became such a church. A spiritual atmosphere eventually developed that led to the deployment of personal Christian curses against their own fellow members — including myself. Key individuals in leadership refused the loving challenges and supportive inquiries into some of their positions and practices. Rather than be adjusted by those of us who knew them and loved them, they became a law unto themselves.

Before I was aware of it, I was labeled and ostracized by my own spiritual family.

Ignoring or disqualifying some of their most faithful and loyal members, they solicited support from those who agreed with them. They eliminated all dissent and tolerated no disagreement. They effectively ran a one-candidate election. How could they lose?

They hand picked allies from within the church who were not aware of our concerns and who only heard the opposing side of the story. Often, if not always, this is how religious hatred, prejudice, and judgmentalism begin. Often, Christians listen to one side of a story and make a judgment.

Before I was aware of it, I was labeled and ostracized by my own spiritual family. Their thoughts toward me turned negative; their words became critical of me; and their actions toward me grew abusive. This was all a precursor to the eventual personal curse levied against me.

Within the environment this church created, cursing was inevitable, the natural outcome of a twisted spiritual atmosphere—the result of a spiritual dynamic gone wrong. The accumulation of their negative words (sermons included), judgmental attitudes, critical spirits, and an overall Pharisee-like superiority grew and grew. How did those in positions of power justify their curse-like words and behavior? By twisting Scripture.

What Motivates Christian Cursing?

Ironically, when a Christian uses a Christian curse against another Christian, he usually does so in the name of God. Why? The Christian mistakenly believes he is:

1-Defending God.

2-Defending a truth from the Word of God.

3-Defending himself.

Most often, it is number three that motivates cursing. Most Christian curses are launched in the name of God against others by what is misidentified as righteous "self-defense." In other words, the old "I better get him before he gets me" mentality.

Here is how it works: A self-righteous Christian piously defends his actions, seeing himself as a servant of God to whom the right and privilege of punishing another Christian has been somehow granted him by God, which, of course, is never true. In his mind such "punishment" is somehow merited and justified.

A curse is highly opportunistic. It will "play off" or take advantage of imagined injustices one may perceive. For example, if an individual perceives disrespectful behavior or acts of rebellion by a spiritual subordinate, pride can raise its ugly head and a curse is conceived. In other words, if God will not "get" the offender by judging him harshly, the person will use any alternative power available.

Often, when a Christian cannot use God's power to control, manipulate, intimidate, or dominate another Christian — since it is not available for such purposes — he will use other power sources — soulish or demonic. If, as a Christian, you have a habit of twisting people's arms to get your own way, remember, God did not give you that talent. He did not give you that power. That quality of your personality is either soulish or demonic in nature, but it is definitely not godly.

Did the Apostle Paul Curse?

Some justify their curses against other Christians by pointing to the apostle Paul's words in Galatians 1:8 and what appears to be a curse that he directs against others.

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed (Gal. 1:8).

Does this particular verse license Christians to curse other Christians? Was Paul issuing or using a personal or Christian curse? Did he direct a supernatural power other than God's against an individual or group of individuals? Did he misuse, misdirect, or pervert his apostolic authority? Did he act in a selfish or vindictive manner, operating in a retaliatory mode? Was Paul an abuser? Was Paul the victimizer of innocent people? Let's analyze the meaning of the verse:

1 Paul was declaring a modern curse exists against anyone who promotes any other gospel than the message of Jesus Christ.

A modern curse is any curse still in effect today between God and man. Modern curses involve God cursing man and carry all of God's judgment for gross disobedience up to and including the present time for those in defiance to God's ways.

2 Paul was exercising valid divine authority.

Paul was addressing the permanent excommunication (cursing) of zealous Judaizers from the body of Christ who were perverting the gospel.

As the apostle to the Gentiles, he had every right to proclaim the reality of this modern curse. He was not improperly directing a supernatural power other than God's against anyone or anything.

3 Paul was declaring that if anybody (including himself) preached any other gospel, that individual would experience the curse of permanent separation from God.

He was explaining that the very power of God, the Holy Spirit Himself, is in direct and total opposition to all who advance any false message about man's redemption. The original Greek meaning for this verse indicates these false preachers (Judaizers) were "to be set forth" or banned from the early church since they were preaching another gospel.

Paul was explaining the position in which those who reject the good news of Jesus Christ place themselves.

In fact, Paul uses the same Greek word in Romans 9:3, when he says of himself:

I wish that I myself were accursed [cast out, banished, sentenced to separation] from Christ for my kinsmen according to the flesh.

Certainly, in this case, Paul was not wishing a curse on himself. Galatians 1:8 cannot be used to support the misuse of divine power to target and destroy another brother or sister in Christ. This curse had nothing to do with Christians cursing Christians, and it had nothing to do with evil supernatural power being released. Paul said God will curse those who preach any other gospel.

"Christian" curses always depend on occult power supplied by hell.

Christian or personal curses do not rely on the power of Almighty God to do their dirty work. They always depend on evil power — occult power supplied by hell.

A Legitimate Modern Curse

In contrast to Christian or personal curses, the modern curse in Galatians 1:8 was a legitimate curse placed by God on all unbelievers promoting any false information contrary to the good news of Jesus Christ. All such individuals were and are cursed to this day.

Indeed, Paul's very words on the subject became part of the canon of Scripture. His words were God's words on the subject; therefore, there can be no argument. Paul was defending the purity and "perfectness" of the gospel. He did not originate this penalty; he just defined it more clearly to the Galatians. There remains an anathema penalty or curse on all those who defile the gospel even to this day. There is only one true gospel. All others are indeed accursed by God.

Let's summarize the points concerning this verse from Galatians and how it applies to us as Christians today:

1 This was not a personal or Christian curse.

Paul did not unleash any demonic power against anyone; he simply stated a fact. The fact is, God Himself resists all who resist Him and His eternal gospel. This was an example of a modern curse, a curse in effect today against the enemies of the gospel. A curse where God curses man.

2 You are not Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles.

Your attempts to curse other Christians cannot be supported by this example.

3 You are not defending the gospel when you curse another Christian.

In most cases, curses spring from a selfish motivation.

4 If you have cursed another Christian, you need to repent.

You have not unleashed the power of God; instead, you have unleashed the power of hell against another Christian. You have not been given that right. Paul did not do it, and you should not do it. Galatians 1:8 does not support Christian or personal curses in any way, shape, or form.

Elisha and the Historical Curse

In an effort to lambaste anyone who disagrees with them, some Christians like to use the example of the prophet Elisha. Did he use a curse? Absolutely! As in the example of Paul, Elisha directed God's power against an avowed enemy in a very unique setting. In Elisha's case, the enemy was a group of heathen or infidel young men.

In 2 Kings chapter 2, Elisha was traveling to Bethel. A group of youths came out from the city and mocked him, saying, "Go up, you baldhead!" (v. 23). In response to their mocking, Elisha cursed them.

He turned around, looked on them and called down a curse on them in the name of the Lord. Then two bears came out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the youths (v. 24, NIV).

Keep in mind, these were not innocent toddlers. The Hebrew language used here indicates they were young men, fully grown and fully responsible for their actions against God's prophet. They were a gang of urchins, troublemakers, infidels, lying in wait for their prey. After Elisha passed by them, they came out from hiding and began to verbally abuse the prophet of God. This was a planned attack, a calculated affront by these men.

Using sarcastic comments, these hoodlums openly and viciously derided the prophet, showing unabashed contempt for God's servant. Their coarse abuse of God's prophet was mean-spirited and unjustifiable. These young men had crossed the line. By speaking against God's man, they had spoken against God. These evil scorners of God's prophet were challenging God's servant, and in so doing they were challenging God Himself. They would pay a severe penalty for their lack of respect to both.

Elisha did not implement a Christian or personal curse. Acting within the approved parameters of the divine will, he issued a historical curse. Like Paul's example, he was not defending himself as much as he was defending the integrity of his God.

Divine Retaliation

A historical curse existed when God cursed a specific person or persons at a specific historical period because of specific sinful acts. In historical curses, God curses man. These curses were just and deserving, the punishment fitting the crime. These curses were true, righteous acts of divine retribution by a holy and perfect God for some very unholy behavior.

With this definition in mind, let us look carefully at this example.

1 Who was Elisha?

Elisha was a highly esteemed prophet of the Old Testament, the double portion prophet, possessing twice the anointing Elijah did. He was a literal "man of God" speaking the very words of God. He was a larger than life figure, God's representative on earth. As a messenger of God, Elisha commanded great respect and demonstrated awesome power, displaying many mighty miracles and prophesying over kings, even entire nations. He killed many false prophets and even raised the dead. He was one of a rare breed. In terms of rank in the Old Testament, there was no higher order than that of prophet, and Elisha was one of this group's senior leaders!

2 Why did God institute Elisha's curse?

First and foremost, the appalling judgment that befell these youths was in direct proportion to the importance of the victim, namely, Elisha. God would not allow His man to suffer such humiliation from infidels. As God's newly appointed prophet, God was establishing a precedence for future generations. God was making it known that Elisha and others like him would not be so abused without divine retaliation. Elisha would be a force to be reckoned with for many years. God would tolerate no interference against him.

A License to Curse?

How can we relate this information to our subject, namely, Christian curses? Does this example license us to do the same? These are the facts:

1 We do not live in Old Testament times or under Old Testament rules.

Thank God for the new covenant we have with Him. What may have been endorsed by God once in the "Old" may be disallowed in the "New." As Christians, we no longer stone prophets; instead, we judge prophecy. We don't stone disobedient and disrespectful children like they did under the Old Testament; instead, we train them. The New Testament clearly instructs all Christians to "bless and not curse . . . to bless those who curse you."

2 You are not Elisha!

You are not a renowned Old Testament prophet of God. You are not the chosen successor to the prophet Elijah; you do not possess the same status. You have no permission to injure or kill another by means of a curse. You are licensed only to love — even your enemies.

3 You are not God!

These assailants were fully accountable before God. As infidels, they were out of covenant with God and had no religious beliefs. God has the right to do what He wants to whom He wants. You are not God! As a Christian, you have not been granted permission to destroy anybody, especially another Christian.

4 This was an example of a historical curse - a curse where God curses man. (See Introduction.)

Can we justify cursing by using the examples of Paul the apostle and Elisha the prophet? No, we cannot!

A Deadly Combination

Like the disciple Peter, we, as Christians, risk operating out of selfish ignorance and spiritual pride. You may recall that Peter, in his deceived state of mind, rebuked Jesus (Matt. 16:22). Imagine that, actually rebuking the

Son of God! When Jesus unveiled the plan of God for His upcoming crucifixion in Jerusalem, Peter responded, "God forbid, Lord! This shall never happen to You!" What was the basis for Peter's deception? It was a deadly combination of willful ignorance and consuming spiritual pride. His actions were completely self-serving, and Jesus knew that.

Countering this, Jesus said to Peter, "You are not mindful of the things of God." Jesus immediately addressed Peter's willful and stubborn ignorance. Why? Because this severe form of ignorance often leads to deception. Instead of a pat on the back, Jesus effectively gave Peter a kick in the pants! Why? Peter choose deception over the known and revealed will of God.

Willful ignorance and spiritual pride often lead to deception.

This is why God holds all Christians responsible for their deceptions. Deception begins with a decision to resist and eventually repulse the will of God. Deception precedes cursing 99 percent of the time. It is an essential ingredient to the recipe of cursing, even among Christians. Later in Matthew 16:24-26, Jesus got to the root of Peter's spiritual pride. Immediately after rebuking Peter, Jesus pointed out three truths:

1 The need for self-denial:

"If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself."

2 The need to take up one's cross:

". . . and take up his cross and follow Me."

3 The need to lose one's life:

"For whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it."

Jesus knew a spiritually proud Christian would never embrace selfdenial, the crucified life, or the giving up of his or her "rights." Peter thought only of his loss. Peter saw his hopes and dreams vanish in an

instant. What about all his plans for the future? After all, he was Jesus' right-hand man. He was the "golden boy," the heir apparent to this kingdom Jesus was building. Peter was thinking only of himself.

How does this apply to a Christian cursing a Christian? Let's examine Peter's downward progression, which culminated in his public rebuke. Let's see if there is a parallel between Peter's behavior and the behavior of a Christian guilty of cursing another Christian. I think there is!

Are You Like Peter?

Like Peter, we ignorantly interpret God's will for another Christian. We pompously impose our opinion on him and state it so freely, even publicly, hoping to solicit the support of others. It never occurs to us that we may be wrong, that we need a rebuke, that we might not know as much as we think we know. It never dawns on us that we may be the problem.

The thought never enters our minds that we have missed the will of God for ourselves and for others around us. Yet, we plow ahead in our selfrighteousness assuming God is on our side — just like Peter.

1 Like Peter, we are so rooted in spiritual pride that we believe we are absolutely right.

Our twisted doctrines and self-serving half-truths only lend support to our confidence that another Christian obviously needs the "dealings" — punishment, sentencing, penalizing, castigating — of God. Think about it. Peter thought Jesus was wrong! He thought Jesus had missed it! "Not so!" Peter exclaimed. "I won't let You die. I won't let You miss God. I know what's best for You, Jesus, and one way or another I will see to it that my plan works out. So what if there just happens to be a position in it for me? So what if I will probably be Your second in command? What's wrong with a few perks anyway? After all, I'm worth it."

2 Like Peter, we try to control another's life and assume the role of God for that person.

Jesus was not going to allow Peter to be God in His life. Let me give you some shocking news. You are not God! Remember, pride and a haughty spirit always lead to personal destruction. (See Prov. 16:18.) Just look at Peter.

3 Like Peter, we fail to see the condition of our own hearts.

The real issues are our own self-will and self-love. We conveniently overlook the required denial of self, the taking up of our cross, and the losing of our lives for Jesus. Often our "authority," which we falsely assume comes from God, is only a combination of our lust for power, the need to be in control, and a fleshly attempt to conceal our deep sinful insecurities. We forget about sins such as pride, ego, and ambition. Our eyes are so focused on being first, best, tops, and in charge, that we forget we are just clay. Our pursuit of preeminence, position, promotion, and popularity often turns on us, and we find ourselves in partnership with Satan, just like Peter!

4 As with Peter, we fall into the trap of believing our own "press. "

Remember, the combination of willful, spiritual ignorance and consuming, spiritual pride, which produces deception, is part of the foundation upon which a curse is built. "We can always prove that we are right, but is the Lord convinced?" (Prov. 16:2).

Calling Down Fire

Luke 9:51-56 provides another example of this type of deception at work. In fact, James and John go even further in the downward progression than did Peter. Their own spiritual ignorance and pride actually motivated them to attempt a curse on an entire region. Incredibly, they thought Jesus would bless it!

Apparently, Jesus had been mistreated by the Samaritans, and His disciples had witnessed this. Two of them, James and John, over-reacted and proposed their "final solution" to Jesus. They said, "Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?" (v. 54). Jesus rebuked them and said, "You do not know what spirit you are of" (v. 55). Then Jesus gave them the reason for His rebuke.

"For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives but to save them" (v. 54). What was Jesus' point?

1 A Christian can be motivated by a "spirit" other than the Holy Spirit.

Any time a Christian operates in a destructive mode through thought, attitude, word, or deed toward another person, that Christian risks operating in a "spirit" other than the Holy Spirit. Jesus said it was a wrong "spirit." A wrong "spirit" is any practice, mind-set, mentality, motivation, conviction, goal, belief, theology, or doctrine that wants to destroy in the name of Jesus.

2 There is never any justification for destroying a person's emotional, mental, or spiritual life.

No matter how strong the impulse to achieve vindication at the expense of another, that impulse is wrong. Jesus would not allow the misuse of power under any circumstances, especially if that misuse was measured in the actual loss of human life. Any power that diminishes a human life is not of God. He called this a destructive spirit as compared to a constructive spirit.

3 Jesus came to save.

Even when treated improperly, we return blessing for cursing.

As the Savior, Jesus was and is the giver of life personified. He restricted the use of His power to that end and rebuked any act that detracted from the mission He was sent to earth to fulfill. Jesus clarified His decision and wanted no part of any spiritual "fireworks display" on His behalf. He would have nothing to do with a situation where His holy name would forever be associated with destroying lives with fire from heaven.

If Jesus restricted Himself to saving men's lives, blessing those who cursed Him, and loving His enemies, then who are we to do otherwise? Jesus refused to participate in such practices, and so should we. He knew it was a wrong spirit. If it was a wrong spirit then, it is a wrong spirit now.

Unfortunately, like the disciples, we do not always know what "spirit" we are of. Instead of blessing, we curse. James said, "These things ought not to be." Cursing was and is a misuse of the power dynamic of Christianity. Jesus said, "Bless those who curse you." That is a proper use of God's power. Even when treated improperly, we return blessing for cursing. There can be no exceptions. The Bible is clear: Christians are to bless!

Christians in Serious Error

Since this entire account is documented in the Bible for our benefit, let's take a closer look at these two disciples. James and John:

►    Were Christians (followers of Jesus Christ).

►Evaluated a situation they personally witnessed. (The Samaritan's mistreatment of Jesus.)

►    Wanted vindication, specifically for Jesus.

►    Over-reacted — for Jesus sake, of course.

►    Yielded to a wrong spirit and didn't know it.

Remember, James and John thought they were right. They would not have asked Jesus for His okay if they thought they were in error. How do we know they thought they were right?

►    They assumed that heaven would comply and Jesus would commend.

►    They quoted Scripture — referring to the example of Elijah.

►    They were sure Jesus would approve of their religious zeal, stout-hearted devotion, unwavering loyalty, and warrior-like courage.

►    They expected fire! (They had tremendous faith!) They believed heaven would supply the fire on their command! James and John were in serious error.

Have You Ever...?

Take a moment to examine your own heart:

►    Have you, like James and John, ever thought you were right and later discovered you were dead wrong?

►    Have you ever expected Jesus' approval to destroy someone, and then been shocked when He failed to approve you but instead rebuked you?

►    Have you quoted Scripture against another individual, and God did not do your bidding?

►    Has fire from heaven failed to do your dirty work (in Jesus' name, of course)?

►    Have you found that the "spirit you are of" was in direct conflict with the Spirit of Christ?

Let me assure you, there will be no commendation from Jesus when you — like James and John — operate in a destructive spirit toward another person, especially another Christian! What did James and John do wrong?

►    They assumed they had properly evaluated the situation, when they had not!

►    They assumed they were rightly motivated, when they were not!

►    They assumed they had the authority to call down heavenly fire, when they did not!

►    They assumed Jesus would give His permission, which He did not!

►    They assumed the destruction of the Samaritans was imminent, which it was not!

►    They assumed heaven would provide the fire, when it would not! Allow me to draw some conclusions from this example.

►    Christians can be wrong when they think they are right.

►    Christians can over-react and not know it.

►    Christians can be deceived and not know it.

►    Christians can operate in a spirit other then the Holy Spirit and never realize it.

►    Christians can incorrectly evaluate a situation.

►    Their spiritual perception can be in error — even much error!

Cooperating with Jesus

Although this particular attempt to "call down fire" was foiled by Jesus, today the potential to effect a curse still exists in all of us. If James and John had not cooperated with Jesus and had instead rebelled against Him, they would have initiated a curse through the power of Satan. The Bible, however, makes it clear that Christians are to avoid any and all vindictive, retaliatory tactics. God's Word says:

►    Turn the other cheek.

►    Love your enemies.

►    Bless those who curse you.

►    Do good to those who hate you.

►    Pray for those who spitefully use you.

►    Overcome evil with good.

The Bible does not say, "Vengeance is ours, we will repay." The Bible says, "'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord" (Rom. 12:19). Avenging is God's business not ours! In fact, it's more likely God will never avenge us like we think He should. More often than not we are called to suffer for Him. As unpopular as this truth may seem, it is still an honor to suffer righteously for God.

Heaven forgives and loves; hell remembers and hates.

When a Christian becomes consumed with a lust for self-vindication at the expense of another Christian, he enters a partnership with hell. Remember, heaven forgives and loves; hell remembers and hates. It always takes "two to tango." If there is a need to contend with your enemies, let God do it. "For I will contend with those who contend with you" (Is. 49:25). To contend means to grapple, to wrangle, to enter a controversy, to defend, and to strive. Christians are to contend only for the faith (Jude 3) — not their personal or selfish rights.

Preventing a Spiritual Feud

The church of Jesus Christ is no place for a spiritual family feud. Unfortunately, feuds do occur, sometimes with ferociousness. Probably most of us at one time or another have found ourselves embroiled in just such a mess. What is a spiritual feud? It is a protracted quarrel against another Christian. A feud is a vendetta, an act of conscious vengeance.

When we quarrel or feud long term with our spiritual brothers and sisters, we release these spiritual vendettas, words that actually have an intrinsic life. Such words become capable of doing great harm since they carry with them demonic authority that can easily ruin a brother or sister with whom you can't seem to get along. What do we wrongly call these people with whom we have conflict? Enemies — and all of us have them. Spiritual feuds against our enemies, if not repented of, can quickly evolve into curses. Paul wrote to the Ephesians:

Do not let the sun go down upon your wrath, give no place to the devil, let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.... Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.... Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you (Eph. 4:26-32).

The progression is clear. Anger can lead to demonic activity, which can lead to grieving the Holy Spirit. The solution is just as obvious:

►    Deal quickly and biblically with your anger.

►    Watch what you say. Love and forgive, and you'll have no problem with cursing.

►    Be on your guard against self-righteous anger — the kind you think you are justified having, but really are not.

►    Be on your guard against unresolved conflict within the church family. This is usually the result of your pride and stubbornness because you think you are better than someone else.

►    Be on your guard against bitterness toward another spiritual family member. This occurs when you refuse to forgive and forget.

The list goes on and on: resentment, violent temper, vindictiveness, retaliation, jealousy, competition, pride, and all forms of harmful, destructive words. All these give the devil a foothold in the church. They give him the advantage. These attitudes and actions, if not properly adjusted in you by the Holy Spirit, lead to demonic influence and contamination of you and the church you attend.

Ultimately, such attitudes will take on a spiritual dimension, quickly becoming self-sustaining and alive. All these sinful, covert attitudes can convert to evil, overt influences against others when the Christian allows them to exist outside of heartfelt repentance before God. You can effectively devour other Christians with these potent, sinful attitudes. These same heart attitudes will eventually consume you! They become nothing short of curses.

What is our definition of a curse? A personal curse is a conscience, willful attempt to invoke a higher spiritual power against an individual to at least wish him harm if not actually destroy him. We risk cursing that person when:

►    We want to get back at someone.

►    We want to destroy another with words.

For the Christian there can be no middle ground, no compromise in this area. We must watch what we release from our hearts, and we must watch what we release with our words. We must bless and curse not. As Christians, we have been given no license to curse.

Chapter 4

Church Leaders —at Greater Risk?

Fear, suspicion, and mistrust exploded in the church. Friendships faded, confidences were broken. What I had falsely assumed to be solid personal relationships, on which I had depended for years, began to disintegrate before my eyes. The pulpit became a place where the most intimate of secrets were publicly shared to bolster the pastor's position. Clearly, sides were being drawn.

A Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde kind of metamorphosis started to affect the highest spiritual authority in the church — namely the pastor. Almost overnight his long-held fears and lifelong insecurities erupted into brutal retaliatory accusations, charges, and threats. He lashed out against members of the church with no regard for their personal well-being. His behavior reflected the heart of a hireling, not a true shepherd. A rampage of terror not unlike the original Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde scenario took over this once beloved leader. A cleverly disguised but deadly assailant wreaked

havoc on an unsuspecting church population, taking a number of lives in the process.

I became a prime target. He came after me with a vengeance both privately and now publicly. A man who had been a dear friend, an older brother, a predecessor, even a spiritual father to me, now treated me like his arch enemy. Typical of his overall defensive demeanor, he acted like a threatened man.

In my excessive desire to serve God, I had unwittingly given my soul to a man — and now he was rejecting me. Characteristic of any good son, however, I still grieved deeply at the loss of this spiritual leader, even father, in my life. I would understand too late that the first step in Christian cursing is to make an enemy out of a friend. You see, it is much easier to curse an enemy than a friend or a brother. Regrettably, as a result of a series of unwise and unscriptural decisions made by the pastor, I knew I could no longer support him.

The first step in Christian cursing is to make an enemy out of a friend.

For years I had questioned his specific brand of authoritarian leadership but was "assured" through the teachings of the church that they were biblical. For years I had questioned numerous false teachings, which had become an increasingly normative part of the overall theology of the church, but was assured they were all quite biblical. In truth, the pastor's slanted, unscriptural decisions and doctrines were essentially self-serving — only increasing his spiritual stranglehold over God's people.

By now, I had counted too many spiritual casualties simply to ignore what was going on in the church. Trusted members, faithful people, loyal followers who had unselfishly given their all to this man and church, were leaving en masse. A spiritual family was breaking up.

The Curse Is Launched

Soon, I would become a child of a spiritual divorce. The twist in this divorce was that the parents would divorce the child. Suddenly, tragically, I, too, would be forced to start over. Where would I find a new spiritual family? Where would I find another spiritual father and mother? Could I survive without them? Reluctantly, like an orphan, I had to begin my search for a new spiritual home and family. Sadly, my beloved home church, the church of those wonderful early years as a newborn Christian, was no longer a safe place.

Like an orphan, I battled with feelings of betrayal, abandonment, and loneliness. No one ever asks to be an orphan, and I was no exception; but an orphan I would become. My family and I decided we had no other recourse but to leave. Within six months of our departure from the church, we — along with thirty other families — were publicly excommunicated. Were disagreement, diversity, and differences sin let alone grounds for excommunication? I didn't think so. But I soon learned the leadership of my former church did.

During this public, Sunday morning event, the curse-like decree to "note those who cause division . . . and avoid them" (Rom. 16:17) was publicly issued from the pulpit. Within this context, a deadly Christian curse, led by my former pastor, was eventually launched against me by my former church. On one hand, it was a miscarriage of justice and a misinterpretation of Scripture. On the other hand, it was the best thing that ever happened to me! Through this public excommunication, I would die that day to everything I had become.

Watch Out!

A closer look at Romans 16:17-18 — the passage so often used against me — reveals some interesting points.

I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people (NIV).

1 Who was causing division?

Paul was writing about Judaizers and their attempts to pervert the gospel

of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was not talking about disagreements among Christians or about church members disagreeing with Christian leaders. In verse 17, Paul identifies these individuals as those who "cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned."

2 To what doctrine was Paul referring?

He was referring to the doctrine of orthodox New Testament Christianity and not to a difference of opinion among Christians. He was not licensing leaders to excommunicate other Christians because someone disagreed with them. He was not referring to a list of homemade, arbitrary rules and regulations that found their origin in a single man or church. Paul was defending the gospel of Jesus Christ — not himself!

3 Who was "not serving our Lord Jesus Christ"?

Paul was not warning one church about those who may have disagreed with their pastor and decided to attend another church. Paul was warning Christians about non-Christians. These individuals whom Paul noted and avoided were "not serving the Lord Jesus Christ" and were causing others to forsake the teachings of Paul.

This convenient misuse of the Bible was characteristic of my original church's methods. Whenever it served them, they used the Bible for their own end. When the Bible did not support their practices, they easily misinterpreted it to suit themselves. Romans 16:17-18 is an example of this distorting of Scripture to their own destruction. The apostle Peter wrote that this tendency is a sign of instability and ignorance. Peter said that those who distort the proper interpretation and application of the Bible do so "to their own undoing, to their own ruin" (2 Pet. 3:16).

Ironically, the only division in this whole tragic episode was caused by the leadership of the church. They publicly demanded that people with a dissenting viewpoint leave. To make matters worse, they received accusations against me from others without ever checking on the reliability of the information. Biblical "due process" was never followed.

The Battle Lines Are Drawn

The church leadership initially drew the battle lines by forcing people to choose sides. If there was a battle, they fired the first shot. I never wanted a fight, and I certainly never wanted a war. I knew how David must have felt when he wrote, "I am for peace: but when I speak, they are for war" (Ps. 120:7). If there was any division, clearly the church leaders created it. I always wanted as good a relationship as any two disagreeing parties could have. In my wildest imaginations, I never dreamed anything as vengeful and vindictive could come from fellow believers. Their retaliatory behavior caught me completely off guard. I had never expected to witness such dissension, prejudice, and bigotry among Christians. Jesus said that sometimes your enemies "would be those of your own household." He was right, and it hurt deeply.

God frustrated every attempt I made at trying to survive the assassination of my character, reputation, and ministry.

The temptation for me to strike back in retaliation was tremendous. More than once my flesh wanted to get even. During this period, however, an important death took place that had a profound effect on my life. It was a death that took place inside of me — I was the host. All my attempts at self-justification had failed. My efforts to explain my rightness were futile. Everything I did in my flesh to rescue my good name, Christian reputation, and leadership profile backfired miserably. As important to God as these things are, they were the "Isaacs" that I needed to place on my altar of sacrifice. These were the things I held dearly that God required of me to sacrifice back to Him. All this had to die.

I had no permission then — and I have been given no permission at present — to allow even a hint of retaliation, retribution, or revenge on these pages. This is how God has worked His will in my life. It is how He has kept contamination off these pages. He killed everything in me that was not of Him. He did not vindicate me when I wanted Him to or the way

I wanted Him to. God frustrated every attempt I made at trying to survive the assassination of my character, reputation, and ministry. The Lord wasted no time in crucifying everything in me, effectively destroying my kingdom and releasing His kingdom in me. "I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me" (Ps. 119:75). Infinitely more important to God — and immeasurably more beneficial to me — was the suffering, persecution, and the "valley of the shadow of death" God had prepared for me. It was years before I understood this and finally embraced it as the will of God. In other words, I was resisting what I should have been embracing!

Proper Biblical Protocol?

Before, during, and after my public excommunication, the pastor never once attempted to discuss my so-called sin with me in person. In fact, this whole tragic episode took place without this pastor ever once talking to me! Along with others, I was publicly excommunicated by my former pastor, who had the support of his entire congregation. These former "brothers and sisters" never once raised any questions as to his actions. Such a lack of proper biblical protocol is hard to believe, but this is exactly how it happened.

As the years went on, numerous attempts were made on my part to discuss the issues. I made phone calls and left messages — all to no avail. I wrote letters and even involved two other pastors in an attempt to bring some closure to this ugly wound. Sadly, nothing has worked.

My former pastor never once approached me personally to bring healing to this terrible wound. He never once communicated to me what the issue or issues were that (in his mind) merited excommunication and public disfellowship. Excommunication is one of the most severe forms of church discipline one Christian could ever bring against another, yet no explanation occurred. He never told me what I had done and never revealed — even to this day — what my alleged gross sin was.

I had to assume the charges he levied against me were of a serious nature because of the penalty he demanded I pay. If the sentence always fits the crime, in his eyes I must have committed the spiritual crime of the century! To the pastor, this was about sin and punishment.

Sin is the worst charge you can bring against a Christian. To say someone has sinned is to condemn that person. It is the most severe form of judgment. If this judgment had been a righteous judgment (which it was not), based on the written Word of God (which it was not), with collaborating witnesses and ample evidence (which it was not), then the pastor would have been just in his judgment of me.

These charges were little more than one man's self-righteous personal vendetta. How do I know? Because of the facts: there was no sin worthy of excommunication; no biblical support for his actions; the absence of unbiased, impartial witnesses; and the nonexistence of even the most minute bit of evidence or proof.

Narcissism Exposed

My public excommunication was not an issue of church discipline nor about administering correction. The pastor was not concerned about restoring a fallen comrade in the "spirit of meekness" — as Galatians 6:1 suggests. How do I know? Because my spiritual welfare was never considered. This was about one man's insatiable appetite to be preeminent, predominant, and premier. This entire episode was, in fact, an attempt by the Holy Spirit of God to expose a deeply entrenched narcissistic personality in the pastor. His excessive admiration of himself and his overtly self-important spirit were the real issues.

It was God who decided — long before I knew what He was doing — to use me as the catalyst to bring this exposure to the forefront. In my mind this attempt failed, but that is the Holy Spirit's concern. My place is to love those who mistreat me and pray that God's mercies would be extended to them. I continually reminded myself of Solomon's words:

Rejoice not when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles or is overthrown; lest the Lord see it, and it be evil in His eyes and displeases Him, and He turn away His wrath from him to expend it upon you, the worse offender (Prov. 24:17-18).

The pastor made his predacious climb to the top of the ministry ladder at the expense of far too many Christian lives. He became a sort of predator, destroying and devouring those he perceived as opponents. Whatever God had intended as a source of adjustment in this man's life was viewed as life-threatening. In fact, these God-ordained adjustments were meant to be life-saving. If only they had been seen as such and embraced.

The extremes that caused this mess in the first place were the very issues these adjustments could have remedied. The very areas of personal weakness that produced this ministry's erratic behavior could have been balanced through humility and submission to God's Word. The pastor's life and ministry would have vastly improved, and the kingdom of God would have benefited. His ministry could have been measured in numbers of spiritual children growing to full maturity instead of numbers of spiritual casualties.

Leaders—Exempt from Cursing?

Are Christian leaders — those who guard, feed, and guide the sheep — exempt from the temptation to curse just because they occupy a position of spiritual authority, trust, and influence in the church? Does their level of spiritual maturity guarantee that they will never participate in any curse or curse-like activity? Are these leaders somehow above cursing because they have obviously been promoted by God to positions of oversight, representing God's government in the church? I wish I could answer yes to these questions, but I cannot. In fact, the opposite may be true of leaders. They may face greater temptation to use cursing as a manipulative spiritual weapon.

We are told by God's Word to follow, obey, submit, honor, and support our spiritual leaders. We all should be grateful for our church leaders and thank God for them daily. Indeed, our spiritual leaders are gifts to the church. But they certainly are not above the temptation to curse — no matter how gifted! No one — lay person or leader — is ever immune from the potential to curse another. A leader may be successful in God, possessing a high level of gifting with an apparent anointing by God on his life. He may pastor a large thriving church. Yet, no matter how prominent a profile he may seem to have, any leader can yield to the temptation to curse.

In fact, Christian leaders may be especially vulnerable to temptation when discussing the potential to curse other Christians! I did not say they are necessarily more vicious or that they actually do more cursing than others, or that they do any cursing at all. I simply stated that a leader faces a greater temptation to curse. Why is this temptation to curse especially true among leaders? The explanation to this bold statement lies in understanding the very make up of a leader.

The Saul Syndrome

The same spiritual skills that make a person a leader can be either his greatest asset or his greatest liability depending on how he uses them. I call this "the Saul syndrome." The spiritual pendulum of intent can swing both ways, and a leader must choose daily exactly how he will be a "steward of the mysteries of God" (1 Cor. 4:1). He has two decisions he must constantly make:

1 A leader must realize that how he does his job may not be as important as why he does his job.

A leader can perform his appointed function for the glory of God, or he can relegate his ministry to a self-promoted, self-serving, self-important showcase of his pseudo-spirituality and soulish charisma as King Saul did.

2 Like Saul, a leader can draw attention to himself or to the God who made him.

This is a hard choice; but a choice a leader must make daily. Why?

A leader faces a greater temptation to curse.

Because so much of what a leader does is a matter of the heart. As long as Saul "remained small in his own eyes," there was no problem. The prophet Samuel even pointedly asked the king, "When you were little in your own eyes, were you not head of the tribes of Israel? And did not the Lord anoint you king over Israel?" (1 Sam. 15:17). The minute King Saul's heart was filled with pride, self-will, and self-love, it was not long until the kingdom was literally ripped from him. "Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you from being king" (v. 23), Samuel prophesied. The example of King Saul teaches us two facts:

1 Leadership in God is a position of incredible responsibility.

Why? If for no other reason than God Himself has called that person to be a leader.

2 This leader called by God is caring for God's most prized possession.

And what is that? His sheep. His people!

Because of these two facts, God equips His leaders with supernatural tools to do the job He has called them to do. How a leader uses these tools is the point I am trying to make. By virtue of a leader's position, God has taught him how to direct God's power, release God's influence, bring about the change God desires, and literally revolutionize a person's life under that leader's spiritual care.

The potential always exists to abuse power — no matter what arena we are discussing — whether political, military, financial, or spiritual. As long as spiritual power can be abused, the potential for curses will exist; and as long as leaders are entrusted with this power, leaders will face a greater temptation to misuse their power in order to curse. King Saul fell into the power trap, and in the process shot himself in the foot.

The Dangerous Saul Spirit

I believe Saul and David would have made a great team if Saul had viewed his protege as an asset instead of a threat. (See 1 Sam. 18:1-12.) In the beginning, the king promoted the young warrior for his valiant deeds: "Whatever Saul sent him to do, David did it so successfully that Saul gave him a high rank in the army" (v. 5). Yet, no matter what David did, and no matter how hard he tried, something in Saul was never satisfied. Then one day, jealousy, based on Saul's deep sense of inadequacy, insecurity, and guilt, overcame the king.

During a victory dance, the Israelites sang and compared Saul's "thousands" to David's "ten thousands." From that day on, "Saul kept a jealous eye on David" (v. 9). As a faithful, loyal servant, David was simply doing his duty. He had no intention of trying to usurp the king's position. Nevertheless, from that day forward Saul, possessed by an evil spirit, began to target David. At one point, the king tried to pin David against the wall with a spear!

This same "Saul spirit" dangerously motivates Christian leaders today through jealousy, anger, and pride — not to mention fear: "Saul was afraid of David" (v. 12). When these emotions create a perceived threat to the leader's own kingdom, he often responds with rejection, retaliation, and finally annihilation. In other words: Eliminate the competition! David must be killed.

Finally, Saul became the avowed enemy of David, the exact opposite purpose God had intended. "So Saul became David's enemy continually" (v. 29). In fact, Saul's failure or refusal to acknowledge David's anointing from God sped up the king's own fall from grace and cost him the kingdom. Although David was an asset, Saul viewed him as a liability. Countless leaders today make the same mistake. I wonder how many leaders have rejected the "Davids" God has sent them.

Driven by Fear

Sadly, my former pastor acted selfishly and vindictively out of a Saul spirit of personal vengeance. Driven by fear of losing the dominance and control over his flock, which he so desperately needed to fill the emotional cavity in his own person, he made me his enemy. What Jesus wanted to heal in him (like Saul), the pastor filled with performance, position, and personal power. His emotional emptiness and instability, coupled with an inability to grasp the love of God for himself, had been compensated by a lifelong history of doctrinal and practical extremism. Everything he believed (his doctrine) was formed and influenced by this extremist "spirit."

In many areas this extremist approach in doctrine and practice served the pastor well by providing him with success in the ministry, a following of people, and at least the appearance of true spiritual authority. What looked good on the outside, however, was wrongly motivated on the inside. His own self-importance, self-righteousness, self-promotion, and selfpreservation were the real reasons he acted against me the way he did.

This absurd incident was not about defending God or Jesus, the Bible, the church, or a particular theology or creed. This calculated assault on me resulted from the pastor's personal paranoia. He thought I wanted to take over his church. He thought I wanted to be the pastor. How do I know this? How can I make this accusation? He told me so. Several years earlier, while I was still attending the church in question, he confronted me with his fears.

Being the senior pastor of that church, however, was the farthest thing from my mind. The threat I posed to him was imagined on his part. I loved him and supported him. I laid my life down for him. Like David, there was no more faithful servant or disciple than I. Even after giving him my all, he still wrestled with the fear that something would be taken from him. I was not the first he had accused and was not to be the last.

Spiritual Tyrants

Suspecting, accusing, demeaning, and belittling others (both individuals and churches) became the spark that fired the engine of the pastor's justification. By putting down others, he falsely assumed he was elevating his own life and ministry.

It is a sad day when we have to live our lives in fear that what God has given us man can take away. Pride has a way of blinding us to the hideous nature of sin. Yet, sin is sin. Our faith slips from its foundation, and we find ourselves sinking in the stench of religious hypocrisy. What is the criteria for hypocrisy? Saying we love God while hating our brother.

He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness until now. He who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.

Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?... He who loves God must love his brother also "(1 John 2:9-11; 3:14-15; 4:20-21).

When we destroy other lives without a hint of remorse or a single pang of guilt, we have crossed over a very serious line. No longer Christ-like, we become Christian butchers, carving up others and serving them on trays of hatred and egocentric pride. We lose — sometimes permanently — the love of God, becoming loveless, useless, meaningless beings and not followers of Jesus Christ and His example.

Tyrants tyrannize.

Servants serve; they do not curse.

Cursing is a tool of spiritual tyranny — a weapon only a cowardly tyrant would use. A tyrant is one who rules with harshness, cruelty, and oppression— a despotic monster of sorts. Human history is full of them: the Caesars of Rome, Mao Se Tung, Stalin, Mussolini, Hitler, Sadam Hussain, etc.

Are You at Risk?

Are there spiritual tyrants in the church? As long as the potential to misuse power exists, tyrants will continue to abuse others — even in the church. When a Christian leader exercises spiritual power unjustly, selfishly, or cruelly, a curse risks being implemented by that Christian. If you or anyone you know has ever used spiritual skills, talents, or intentions in a decisively destructive manner, you or he risks becoming just such a spiritual tyrant. Take this test to see if you are at risk:

►    Have you ever prayed against someone, especially another Christian?

►    Have you ever punished people with your speech, through gossip and slander, or controlled or manipulated another through your prayers?

►    Have you ever used the Bible in a self-serving way, quoting Scripture against another in a destructive manner?

Such actions do not necessarily mean you are not saved, but it does mean you are greatly misled. Obviously, you need to repent!

Identifying Those at Risk

What is the basis for this potential abuse by leaders? It is the same with all those who possess any measure of power or authority. The problem is basic human nature.

1 Selfishness.

As long as leaders harbor attitudes of self-seeking, bitter envy, jealousy, pride, competition, contention, rivalry, stubbornness, and unbridled ambition, there exists the opportunity for personal curses to form and be unleashed in the church by these same leaders.

2 Unbroken ego.

As long as church leaders possess unbroken egos and abusive understandings of spiritual authority, they risk becoming spiritual despots. The symptoms manifest themselves in the need to retaliate and an addiction to spiritually control others. When this kind of behavior is present, there will be curses in the church. Since such temptations are faced more by leaders than lay people, the potential to curse is increased among leaders. God has called leaders to a higher level of accountability, integrity, and honor.

Does your leader need to retaliate or spiritually control others?

3 Misuse of ministry.

When leaders break the trust given them by God through a misuse of their ministries, gifts, abilities, talents, and "anointings," they risk perverting their "call" and potentially misdirecting any spiritual skills they may possess. God may allow them to retain the gift or ability He gave them, but these same God-given gifts or abilities can function out of His perfect will and specific design. When this happens, a leader's ministry will achieve less than optimum results. At most, he can trespass into an area of spiritual activity that relies on demonic soul power and borders on Christian witchcraft — if not actual witchcraft! A leader may even end up like Samson who did not know that the Lord had left him until after it was too late! (See Judges 16:20.)

Giving Birth to Extremism

How does a leader misdirect his God-given spiritual skills? By what means can a leader renege on the standards imposed on him by God and direct these skills in a destructive direction? How does a leader become counterproductive to God's purpose for his life and a detriment to the kingdom of God — although genuinely called and gifted by God? Is this even possible? Can such a thing actually happen? As with most all leadership issues, the underlying symptoms for abuse seem to be a matter of the leader's heart. What are the warning signs that a leader may be a risk?

1 A lack of clear biblical objectivity becomes evident.

No matter how seemingly insignificant at first, this tendency can give birth to extremism, fanaticism, and heresy.

2 The Word of God is relegated to a subservient role.

Instead of preeminent, the Scriptures become subordinate to the whims, opinions, feelings, and judgments of a particular theological prejudice or dogma, and further tainted by the leader's inevitable fallibility.

3 The leader's opinions become deified in the minds of his followers.

His words are raised to near divine rank. Gradually, the leader's words become "God's" words whether or not the Bible agrees! This deification of both doctrine and leader creates the same self-deception that is characteristic of all Christian cults. This is why cults equate leaving their group with leaving God. To those faithful to the cult, the cult is God and the leader the clear object of their worship!

God's warnings and disciplines are rejected.

When any church ignores the changes required of a loving God and circumvents His timely adjustments, they are asking for trouble. Either that church allows Jesus to prune them, thus producing better fruit, or He takes the next more severe step: He "lays the ax to the root" and starts over by planting a new tree.

A third possibility also exists. When the tree dies, sometimes those around it leave it standing and ornate it with artificial fruit. Some even begin to love the withered tree more than the fruit it is supposed to produce. Make no mistake about it, the tree is dead and the fruit is artificial.

At Greater Risk

A greater temptation to use cursing can exist among leaders. Why? Here are a few reasons:

1 Leaders have been called to a higher level of accountability.

If this higher level of accountability is denied, refused, or ignored, deception results. Their own disobedience exposes them to greater risk as far as keeping their individual anointing pure and uncontaminated.

2 Leaders have been entrusted with incredible spiritual power.

If this power is prostituted, greater spiritual abuse results. An abuse of supernatural power always precedes cursing.

3 Leaders possess a highly refined skill level, which they use to access this awesome spiritual power.

This skill is what makes them leaders in the first place. As leaders they can effectively release either the power of God and heaven — or the power of Satan and hell — depending on the condition of their own lives! A leader's misuse of spiritual skills, governed by a heart that has not been kept pure, always precedes cursing. How can a leader avoid falling into the curse trap? A true leader must:

►    Always be honestly accountable to others — especially peers.

►    Never abuse his ability or privilege to access supernatural power.

►    Constantly guard the condition of his heart — his source of motivation.

Actually, this is good advice for any Christian who wants to avoid participating in curse-like activity.

A Dangerous Man

If a leader thinks he cannot be replaced, he will go to any length to keep himself indispensable, even to the extreme of eliminating any and all dissent. Dictators, despots, and generals have done this for centuries, but it is not supposed to be this way among Christian brothers! The pastor of my former church had no real charges, no real evidence, and no real witnesses against me. Most alarming of all, he had no biblical support. All he had was his fear, insecurities, and a twisted sense of self-importance.

The spiritual atmosphere of long-term, unchallenged, spiritual absolutism in the church produced the inevitable results. Spiritual fatalities were strewn everywhere, attesting to the abuse of power vested in one man. Unfortunately, the old adage is true even in spiritual matters: "Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely." To determine which power a Christian leader releases, answer the following three questions:

►    What is the general condition of his own heart? Is he moldable, flexible, and pliable? Is he genuinely teachable?

►    Has he responded to God's dealings in his life in a positive, humble manner; or is he obstinate, arrogant, proud, and unyielding to others — especially his peers?

► Does he personally operate under spiritual authority?

If a leader is inflexible, arrogant, and rebellious, he cannot help but direct curse-like power against others. Why? The sin-stained condition of his hardened heart, his refusal to submit to the correction and adjustments of his loving heavenly Father, and his independent spirit make cursing almost second nature.

I have a warning for the perceived enemies of a leader like this: Watch out! This type of leader will eventually unleash this evil power against you. He will curse you without blinking an eye and all the while think he is doing a truly righteous thing! Truly, a leader possessing these qualities is a dangerous man, both to others and to himself. And I dare say, such leaders are resident in the church. How do I know? Because I was the victim of a pastor's curse.

Chapter 5

Leadership: A Matter of the Heart

When I found myself victimized by self-deluded people who just months earlier were my closest friends, questions bombarded my mind. I asked my accusers to clarify what I had done. They refused. What had I done? What was my crime? What was my sin? Was there sin at all? I agonized for months and even years over these same questions.

Sadly, after numerous attempts on my part spanning many years, these questions were never answered. All I knew was I had been cut off from the people I had loved and respected but I could no longer support. All I did was leave! I simply left one church and began to attend another. This, however, was viewed as an act of tyranny, rebellion, and betrayal. I was treated like a criminal by a group of people whom I innocently had thought demonstrated the love of God during my early years at this church. Sadly, I began to recognize the subtle but effective domination and manipulation of my friends' lives:

►    What I had mistakenly identified as order was actually control.

►    What I had mistakenly identified as biblical discipline was actually spiritual abuse.

►    What I had mistakenly identified as the kingdom of God was just another kingdom of man.

Originally, what may have been honest and sincere pastoral care of the sheep subtly changed. Stewardship of the flock had evolved to signify ownership of the flock. No man, church, or denomination owns God's sheep. They are God's and God's alone.

Mindless Puppets

Even more alarming to me was the apparent compliance — if not blatant cooperation — on the part of otherwise normal people to further this corrupt, toxic religious system. It appeared that many of my spiritual brothers and sisters enjoyed being controlled, dominated, and even manipulated! I began to understand how abused people first resist, then tolerate, then finally embrace their abusers as long as the abused person receives his identity, security, affirmation, and direction from the person abusing him. To the rational mind this trade off appears ludicrous, but to the "conditioned" and controlled person — one who is living his Christianity in an abusive, cloistered environment—this trade off is made to seem like God's best.

If you can successfully convince a people that they deserve the abuse — that what is done to them is "good" for them and that it is even biblical — you have created an incredible opportunity to influence their lives to the point of literal control. You can make all their decisions for them, and they will thank you in the process!

As long as no one escapes from this system and has no opportunity to compare it to other systems, all is well. This is why absolute control is necessary in such a system. Without absolute control, people begin to think for themselves. When independent thought occurs, the very foundation upon which the system was founded (control, manipulation, fear) is threatened. This is why puppets do not need brains. Puppets are not expected to do any thinking. They are expected to simply mimic the words and actions of the puppeteer.

My People Love to Have It So!

As I pondered how intelligent Christians could submit themselves to such manipulation, I remembered the cautionary words of Jeremiah.

An astonishing and horrible thing has been committed in the land: the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their own power; and my people love to have it so. But what will you do in the end?

(Jer. 5:30-31).

Imagine, some of God's people love to be ruled by priests wielding their own power! God help us! Some of God's people love to hear the false prophetic voice! God help us! This was true during Jeremiah's day, and it was true during my ordeal. If you want to be ruled by another authority other than Jesus Christ, there are always plenty of "false prophets and self-ruling priests." God said this spiritual adultery is an "astonishing and horrible thing."

Deception always precedes cursing.

Jeremiah warned us that some Christian leaders have encased their gifts and callings with an unbroken soul life. Much of their authority and power is earthly, sensual, and demonic. (See James 3:14-15.) They rule by their own (soul) power, and some of God's people prefer this form of spiritual leadership!

Initially, as a member of this church, I too participated in this same spiritual mob mentality. Figuratively, I gave myself to "false prophets and self-ruling priests" because there was something in it for me. I was taught and trained to go along with the crowd, and I did just that. I allowed it, and

I encouraged it by embracing it. I saw early on in this system that total compliance and all out conformity to the leader translated into promotion and popularity. As Jeremiah said: Denny loved to have it so.

The "Us Versus Them" Mentality

A Christian — even a leader — can be so deceived concerning his own selfrighteousness and self-importance that he develops a false belief system based on self-worship. Let's look at what characterizes this kind of system:

1 He believes all opposing opinions or viewpoints must be evil and that they cannot be of God.

This person actually believes that his personal beliefs and private opinions are truly pure and unquestionably holy. Ultimately, he becomes inordinately convinced — sometimes to the point of fanaticism — that God will "back him" against any who disagree with him.

2 He sees those who disagree as his enemies and the enemies of God simultaneously.

It is the typical "us versus them" mentality — the beginning of all forms of paranoia. What others would label narrow minded, bigoted, and intolerant behavior, the deceived Christian perceives as "suffering for righteousness' sake." It is a form of manufactured martyrdom — something of which he can be proud.

3 His own delusion begins to convince him he is irreplaceable to God.

As a result, his will must prevail and he must not yield to the attack he perceives as evil. A real "defender of the faith," standing alone against his evil opposition, he is motivated by what he thinks are godly thoughts and a heavenly calling to defend the truth.

4 He defends a small part of the truth as if it is the entire truth.

Of course, it is truth as he perceives it. It may not necessarily be biblical truth, or even the whole truth on any one issue, but his version and his portion of the truth. Nevertheless, in his mind he is indomitable.

5 He considers those who disagree with him to be worthy of God's judgment, even to the point of cursing them.

Such a leader does not think twice about judging his opponent. He does not think twice about punishing his enemy. He might not actually use the word curse, but the intent is the same. He will speak maliciously against his Christian opponents and revel in it since he believes his disdain for them is to the glory of God.

A Dozen "Heart" Reasons

No doubt, there are dozens of reasons why Christians, both leaders and laity, curse other Christians. Here is just one dozen for your consideration. Can you name more? All or some — or even one — of these heart issues can result in a leader using his position to curse others. A Christian may curse another Christian because his heart harbors a spirit of:

1 Rivalry: Shows evidence of being jealous, petty, and uppity. Flaunts one-upmanship.

2 Competition: Vies for profit, prize, or position. Thrives on being better than others. Will not be outdone.

3 Disharmony: Discourages or destroys cooperation. Will not fit in unless he is at the top. Must be seen as first. Loves attention. Hides behind false spirituality to avoid accountability.

4 Rebellion: Shows defiance against authority, especially peer authority. Disqualifies others to excuse his own sin.

5 Contempt: Reveals bitter scorn and open disrespect for others. Appears suspicious and innately fearful.

6 Exclusivity: Refuses to share with others. Admits only certain people. Has a one-way, independent attitude. Is sectarian and exclusive. Despises unity. Theme song is, "It's hard to be humble when you're perfect in every way."

7 Critical spirit: Acts in a Pharisee-like manner - blind, arrogant, spiritually dead. Uses abusive criticism to tear down all others.

8 Superior mind-set: Frequently has illusions of personal grandeur or of becoming a legend in his own mind. Believes he is irreplaceable and that no one else is spiritual enough for him to fellowship with.

9  Deep-seated insecurity: Appears unstable and shaky with a low selfimage. Over compensates with vindictiveness and control. Retaliates with blood-thirsty viciousness. Driven by the need to be preeminent.

10 Strict performance mentality: Appeals to an audience. Is vain, carnal, worldly, and a man pleaser. Overly preoccupied with outward appearances. Knows little of the love of God.

11 Works-oriented theology: Is legalistic and self-righteous and expects others to conform to his man-made laws and regulations.

12 Isolationist spirituality: Remains uninvolved, separate from the mainstream, and aloof from perceived entanglements with others. Is a manipulator.

When these characteristics are present, the atmosphere that most facilitates cursing exists. Such attitudes and behavior set the stage for cursing and make cursing easier rather than more difficult. Why? Because they cause the heart of a leader to sin, and sin is the platform upon which all curses stand.

Sin is the platform upon which all curses stand.

A Religious Ego-maniac

One of the greatest vehicles of Christian cursing is the "spirit of Diotrephes" — and it is alive and well in the church today. The apostle John, in writing his third letter, warned his friend Gaius about this man named Diotrephes. (See 3 John 9-10.) The original Diotrephes was a spiritual leader, a church figure, apparently well known since he was referenced by name in John's letter. His name actually meant "ambitious of distinction, fond of being first."

Today, we would call him a religious ego-maniac. Diotrephes was not a political, military, or economic leader but, perhaps, a bishop of some reputation. In fact, the Diotrephes spirit has always been in the church, manifesting through church leaders and spreading from one church to another.

The Diotrephes spirit can affect individual Christians and specific churches, but it often goes far beyond that to affect and infect entire cities

— and even larger geographical regions. The Bible indicates the original Diotrephes had a substantial influence over a wide geographical area. Like the original Diotrephes, this same spirit today is not satisfied with "pocket change" or with affecting just a few Christians here and there. This spirit looks for big game. A Diotrephes spirit seeks to demonically control whole regions through the use of spiritually dictatorial tactics demonstrated through the Christian churches of that region.

This spiritual abuse — usually the chronic misuse of otherwise God-given authority — often manifests through Christian leaders in that particular area. If anyone is susceptible to a Diotrephes spirit, it is the Christian leadership of that one area. At the same time, the church and her leaders are often the vehicle for this type of controlling spirit.

Ambition on a Grand Scale

Broad in its damaging influence and widespread in its design, the Diotrephes spirit thrives on ambition and bigotry on a grand scale. A Diotrephes spirit will attach itself to any Christian who has less than pure motives, taking full advantage of any opportunity to pit Christian against Christian. Potentially, any Christian can succumb to the power and influence of this demonic Diotrephes mentality, influence, or temperament. The characteristics of a Diotrephes spirit are:

1 A deep-rooted spiritual pride and inordinate love of preeminence.

The original Diotrephes "loved to be first" (3 John 9). His lust was not for gold or glory. His lust was for leadership. His idol was position and power. Even Diotrephes' name revealed his lust for preeminence. Diotrephes meant "nurtured by Zeus." Zeus was the chief or leader of all Greek gods.

Like Zeus, Diotrephes aspired to be "chief" among church leaders in his region. Mythologically speaking, Zeus was supreme, and Diotrephes walked in this same spiritual arrogance, flaunting his authority and renown. Spiritual pride and a love (lust) of preeminence breeds cursing.

2 A sectarian attitude - exclusive, heterodoxical, dissident, lacking hospitality.

Diotrephes separated himself from other Christians, both spiritually and physically. "He [Diotrephes] . . . will have nothing to do with us" (3 John 9), meaning he detached himself and his followers from the mainstream of Christianity in that region. The apostle also wrote, "He refuses to welcome the brothers" (v. 10), meaning he rejected the other Christian leaders. He demonstrated the "big fish in a little bowl mentality." By isolating himself and his followers, Diotrephes kept himself larger than life. He imposed strict exclusionary standards on those under him, which only served to keep him in tighter control. He made sure he had a captive audience. Anyone outside of his own group was simply not worthy of their approval, cooperation, or fellowship. If he could not be in charge, he was not interested in joining anything. Sectarianism breeds cursing.

3 A controller and a manipulator of Christians.

Diotrephes blatantly displayed Christian witchcraft qualities. When other Christians in this region wanted to receive John and company, Diotrephes would not permit it. He abused his authority, going far beyond accepted parameters of leadership behavior: "He [Diotrephes] also stops those [the other Christians in that region] who want to do so" [to fellowship with other Christians] (3 John 10).

Diotrephes clearly ran believers' lives, dictating quite arbitrarily who could fellowship with whom. He effectively stacked the deck in his own favor and was a master manipulator and controller. Diotrephes could pretty much get people to do anything he wanted, including influencing whole churches to mistreat and reject other Christians. A controlling spirit and manipulative ways breed cursing.

4 An abuser of power and authority within the church.

Diotrephes went one step further. Not only did he refuse to stand in unity with other Christians, he excommunicated them! "And [Diotrephes] puts them out of the church" (3 John 10).

Both manipulation and control are at the very heart of "Christian" cursing.

He was a spiritual bully, playing the part of God in Christians' lives. He made up his own rules as he went along, changing these same rules to suit himself. In this stated case, he simply excommunicated anyone with a dissenting view. Although obviously abusive in nature, his authority was a convenient and effective control mechanism that kept Diotrephes preeminent among his followers. An abuse of spiritual power and authority breeds cursing.

5 A devilish ambition.

What is ambition? The opposite of unselfish humility. I maintain Diotrephes was deeply insecure and driven by devilish ambition. (See James 3:14-16.) This eager desire for power and success, left unchecked, breeds cursing.

A Skilled Manipulator

It would be irresponsible to relegate Diotrephes to some extinct, obscure, remote, outdated example of a Christian leader. Sadly, he was not the last of his breed. Proud, isolationist, Diotrephes-like leaders exist in the church today.

The apostle John in warning Gaius, the church leader, against the use of weapon-like words, said that Diotrephes:

Ridiculed us with his wicked tongue, he maliciously accused us, he spoke mischievous words against us, he laid baseless and spiteful charges [words] against us, and finally, he maligned us with his foolish gossip (3 John 10, various translations).

An arrogant Diotrephes had attacked the Christian community with his words, using his skills as a manipulator and controller. Coincidentally, both manipulation and control are at the very heart of Christian cursing. In fact, Diotrephes illustrates how a New Testament Christian can progressively deteriorate into a Christian cannibal, using Christian witchcraft, specializing in Christian cursing.

Could wicked Diotrephes be a New Testament counterpart to the Old Testament examples of master cursers, namely, Jezebel and Goliath? Yes, in some ways, but there is one significant difference: Jezebel and Goliath were heathens, steeped in demon worship, and both were murderers. Diotrephes was a Christian, a leader in the early church!

If Diotrephes Were Around Today

If Diotrephes were around today, I think he would impress many of us. He would be a Christian guy — friendly, influential, gifted, with a special ability to lead. No doubt, to some, he would appear to be a real success story. Probably, some Christians would feel quite secure under his leadership philosophy and even privileged to be in his church. The price tag, however, for following such a man would be dangerously high, even astronomical; and it would be a price tag hidden from view at first.

Exactly what is this price tag? By following him, some would lose their individuality and God-given uniqueness in the process. It would be a slow, painless progression that would probably go unnoticed at first. Eventually, the followers (victims) become unwitting slaves, oblivious clones, ignorant miniature Diotrephes. His list of spoken and unspoken expectations would grow and grow, and followers would be pressured to conform or suffer the consequences. Sadly, many would enthusiastically embrace his decisions and decrees, categorically aligning themselves with all his opinions, feelings, leadings, etc. In the process they would pick up his same spirit, becoming spiritually proud, exclusive, overly demanding of others, arrogant, controlling, manipulative, even spiritually abusive and destructive. Often these followers do not even realize what they have become. Be careful whom you follow!

Where Are My Servants?

I hear the Lord saying to the church, "Where are the broken, the contrite, those who have emptied themselves of self? Who among My leaders has My Spirit, the Spirit of Christ? Where are My servants, My slaves, the humble, those willing to be defrauded, accused, persecuted, and maligned for Me? Where are those among My leaders who have returned blessing for cursing?" Paul wrote to the church at Rome:

If someone mistreats you... don't curse him: pray that God will bless him… Never pay back evil for evil.... Never avenge yourself, leave that to God.... Don't take the law into your own hands.... Don't let evil get the upper hand but conquer evil by doing good (Rom. 12:14-21).

I believe this is the word of the Lord to all church leaders today —

Christianity is a power religion packed with power dynamics.

"bless and do not curse!" As Christians we have the power and authority to bless and to curse.

Otherwise, why would Paul have instructed the Christians at Rome to do the one (bless) and clearly not do the other (curse)? Because Christians possess that very power. This power to bless and curse comes with the territory of Christianity.

Christianity is a power religion packed with power dynamics. These unlimited supernatural resources — when used by those whose hearts are right with God — can be a tremendous blessing to others. As with any power source — like water or electricity — that power can be misused if not channeled properly.

The Pagan Pattern

I find it fascinating that in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus' most important teaching, He includes instruction on the subject of cursing. Addressing His disciples, Jesus speaks on blessing those who curse you. Again, the use of cursing by Christians is forbidden. Jesus did not say Christians could not curse; He said they should not curse! He taught the proper response from a Christian is to bless the one cursing you.

In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus said:

. . . the gentiles [pagans] lord it over, exercise despotic rule, are heavy handed.... They exercise great [abusive] authority, vaunt their [personal] power, oppress, and rule like dictators over their people. Yet it shall not be so among you; you must be different.... You must be a servant... You must become a willing slave... Do not expect to be served but serve others… and give out.

Jesus referred to any tyrannical scenario as a "Gentile" or heathen misunderstanding of genuine spiritual authority. Tyranny, however, is never birthed from a legitimate covenant relationship with God. Theologically, such thinking is a bastard-based idea, something not fathered by God. Like most bastard children, it is an unwanted accident, a "mis-birth." Jesus said cursing has no rightful place in His kingdom among leaders. Often, this same Gentile, heavy-handed spiritual atmosphere is what produces curselike behavior among Christian leaders.

Certain main ingredients constitute the particular spiritual atmosphere that specifically promotes cursing. What is one possible recipe or formula that prepares a Christian leader to curse another Christian leader? Let's analyze a few of the ingredients that can lead to cursing by a Christian leader:

►    Upside-down doctrine

►    Role reversal

►    Inappropriate use of power

►    Dictator-like attitude

Upside-down Doctrine

Too numerous to mention individually, these false doctrines cover the full range of "Christian" theology. Take your pick as to which are most frequently violated, but often it is the "power" doctrines — those that enable leaders to control people. The role of spiritual authority, submission to that authority, and spiritual discipleship are just a few of these volatile doctrines. These doctrines are all good and proper in their place. When overextended beyond the biblical role for which they were designed, however, they can produce widespread spiritual abuse as occurred during the 1970s and 1980s in many Christian churches.

Some of these unorthodox beliefs and outright heresies may be many years old, and very much ingrained in the hearts and minds of leaders, but they are still wrong beliefs, even heretical, unscriptural, and in some cases clearly evil. Three clear warning signs that a leader may be promoting false doctrines are:

1 He "privately interprets" the Bible.

Even a leader can twist the Scriptures, misinterpreting their original meaning, and apply them to suit his situation. Whenever an interpretation of the Bible suits our human nature and not the fruit of the Spirit, we have likely misinterpreted that particular portion of Scripture. The Bible calls this "privately interpreting" the Bible and forbids us from doing that. (See

2 Pet. 1:20.) Paul told Timothy to "rightly divide the word of truth" (2 Tim. 2:15).

2 He ignores the "spirit" of God's Word.

Cursing is facilitated by leaders more through an ignorance of the "spirit of the law" than the "letter of the law." Many leaders will interpret the Bible so literally that they fail to consider the "spirit" through which their interpretation comes. They justify their harsh, unloving, unmerciful, mean-spirited interpretations by announcing, "That's what the Bible says!" What they should really say is, "That's the way I interpret the Bible because it suits me and my personal beliefs and because I can use this interpretation to best serve my purpose."

The leader who replaces the Word of God as his objective standard with a highly subjective form of self-serving spiritual guidance swims in dangerous waters. If he allows himself to do what he "feels" rather than respond to the inerrant, objective Word of God, both in letter and spirit, he is setting himself to drown in massive deception. This same deception always precedes the possible misuses of power and invites curse-like behavior.

3 He emphasizes "feelings" instead of accountability.

In other words, leaders who curse are frequently living in a kind of spiritual Disneyland. They get to think, feel, say, and do anything they want — no questions asked. In this spiritual atmosphere there is no reality, no accountability, and no responsibility — as in Disneyland. So what if the Bible disagrees with them? It is their feelings and their need to be justified or in control that counts. It is their feelings or "witness" about a situation that takes precedence even over the objective Word of God, which would promote love, servanthood, and humility. All deception begins with forsaking the Bible's truth. Cursing is an outcropping of this departure from God's written and revealed truth. Thus, theological ignorance — either willful or, at times, accidental — prepares leaders to curse.

Role Reversal

Some leaders may curse because of an insufficient number of Christ-like "working models" of leadership in the body of Christ. In fact, the church seems to have a high incidence of role reversals not role models. These role reversals of genuine servanthood, so prevalent in the church today, are more than sufficient fuel to light the hell-like fire of curses.

How does this happen? Curses can result from our own egocentric interpretations of Scripture and self-important images. Some leaders, driven by a lust for preeminence in the church, have become enamored with themselves, drunk on their own success. Often, when their perceived pathway to personal greatness is interfered with by another Christian, a resulting curse can be implemented. The attitudes, actions, and words directed toward the offending brother or sister may be initially intended as a "harmless" attempt to simply discredit him or her. At first what seems to be mere pompous spouting off of the mouth, quickly deteriorates into a groundless spiritual indictment carrying with it an evil intention straight from hell itself.

The military planners of the day call this a retaliatory strike — the returning of equal or superior force against a perceived enemy. When a leader "returns fire" in an equal or greater force, he is:

►    Disobeying the Scriptures.

►    Not conforming to the role model of true leadership.

►    Possibly implementing a curse.

Unfortunately, hell and destruction are never satisfied and neither is a curse! (See Prov. 27:20.) Leaders must be especially careful what attitudes they allow into their hearts and what words they permit to come out of their mouths! Both can be highly destructive, even deadly weapons used against another Christian. And as long as a curse-filled environment exists, that environment will want to be fed. A Christian leader must never allow his life or ministry to be a food source for a curse.

Inappropriate Use of Power

The more the Lord promotes a Christian leader, the more that leader's words can affect lives either for good or evil. Christian leaders who have experienced power and have learned how to wield the power of God in a legitimate, scriptural, and healing manner must always be careful not to exercise soulish power in an ungodly manner — thus, becoming channels not of God's Holy Spirit but channels of evil spirits!

Promotion increases the effect a leader's words can have on others for good or evil.

Such a scenario is not as unusual as one may think, and the two dynamics are not as far removed from one another as they may first appear. In fact, the spiritual principles and subsequent spiritual tools are quite similar if not the same. Allow me to explain.

A Christian leader can direct God's power toward a certain situation or individual using the tools of:

►    Intent

►    Words

►    Actions

In other words, the nature of the leader's intentions, words, and corresponding actions determines which power is released into that situation or individual. Godly intent, words, and actions will attract the power of God and release the same. Ungodly intent, words, and actions will attract just the opposite — the power of hell. Evil intentions can and will release evil power just as much as godly intent, words, and actions release godly power.

This is the very premise upon which both the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness are built. Both kingdoms practice this principle with successful results. Of course, the major difference is that one produces a righteous, godly, healing release of the Holy Spirit and the other produces an unrighteous, ungodly, deadly release of evil spirits.

Christian leaders and laity alike can potentially access this evil dimension. Hopefully, both leaders and laity will freely access the power of God and use it to edify, encourage, and strengthen the church. Jesus said any inappropriate use of power was contrary to the example He Himself set for all Christian leaders:

"For the Son of man came not to be ministered to [a self-serving misuse of God's power] but to minister [the proper use of God's power directed in humble service to others]" (Matt. 20:2).

Jesus fully expected His leaders to follow His humble example. When any Christian leader exercises authority unnecessarily, vaunts his power, oppresses his opponents, or tyrannizes with his influence, he ceases to be a leader and becomes dictatorial, like the Gentile rulers of Jesus' day. These particular actions:

►    Abusing spiritual authority;

►    Vaunting personal power by pulling rank;

►    Oppressing perceived opponents;

►    Tyrannizing others through the use of fear tactics are often hidden attempts to remove any challenges to a leader's perceived position or authority. All such behavior is sin.

A Dictator-like Attitude

If, as a Christian leader, you have created the classic one-man-rule spiritual environment in your local church, you are headed for trouble. A dictatorial spiritual atmosphere, where one man is arbitrarily allowed to "call all the shots" in the running of that particular ministry, is the perfect setting for cursing. Why? Because all the appropriate checks and balances have long ago been removed before any cursing actually takes place.

Often the seed of cursing was planted years earlier through selfishness, fear of losing power, self-importance, self-exultation, or self-righteousness. The actual curse results when that same seed finally breaks through the soil, sprouts with life, and grows into something definable and recognizable — namely, a curse. Once the curse breaks ground and begins to shoot up, it will grow like a weed at an incredible pace — and sometimes even out of control.

If a curse has invaded your life, the only effective method for destroying it is to kill the root. Like all living things, a curse has roots, a point of origin. Find this point of origin, and you can effectively destroy the curse. I found the source (root) of a personal curse directed against me by a church leader, and, with God's help, I successfully defeated it — and so can you!

Evil Intent, Evil Words, Evil Actions

The false prophetess Jezebel was the original serial curser. As an evil mistress, Jezebel used her position and authority to control others and tried relentlessly to "own" or dominate everything and everyone around her. She did this through various means, such as using her sexual charms, issuing verbal threats, contracting murder, lying, and cursing. As a master of cursing, she used her high level of evil spiritual expertise against Elijah, the prophet of God, who had just killed all her pagan priests. (See 1 Kings 19.) In her confrontation with Elijah, she wasted no time in bringing out the "heavy guns" to express the loathing she had in her heart toward Elijah.

Like all maledictions, Jezebel's curse was knowingly plotted and performed. Full of evil intent, it was something she consciously directed toward Elijah. Like all curses, Jezebel was using it as a vehicle to express and direct her wish for harm to befall the intended victim.

In 1 Kings 19, Jezebel said, "So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them [the dead prophets of Baal] by tomorrow about this time" (v. 1).

What was the content of Jezebel's very real curse?

►    She pronounced a negative outcome (death) on the prophet of God.

►    She proclaimed an unrighteous judgment on Elijah.

►    She spoke evil against him, declaring her evil intentions.

►    She was devoted in word and deed to his destruction.

The evil queen's words were more than a threat of physical injury or death — although on occasion there are elements of such threats in a curse. No, this was much more than a simple threat. This was a curse, an actual malediction intended to do real and permanent harm.

Elijah knew Jezebel's words carried a very real supernatural intent.

Invoking the Supernatural

Exactly what made Jezebel's curse a curse? What legitimized it? What made her words supernatural?

1 The evil intent of her heart and words.

These should never be underestimated when understanding a curse. To Jezebel — a skilled, experienced, and zealous worshiper of Baal — a curse was a tool she had wielded many times in her life. Cursing was part of her religion and her heritage. She was no novice. Jezebel knew her words, empowered by these demonic forces, could literally destroy Elijah to the point of death.

2 The introduction of her deity.

Notice that Jezebel referenced her demon gods as she cursed Elijah: "And so let the gods do to me, and more also." As a willful, conscious act on her part, this was a solicitation of sorts — a kind of invitation. She knew exactly what she was doing in asking her demon gods to validate her request for the prophet's death.

3 Confidence (faith) that her curse would come to pass.

She was so confident in her ability to curse the prophet that if her curse did not result in his death, she invited the curse to return to her! (Thanks to Jehu, who stood against Jezebel and refused to be subject to her evil ways, that is exactly what happened.) In fact, Jezebel stated how surprised she would be if her curse did not come to pass within twenty-four hours. She had faith in her curse and in her demon gods to "back her up." Even Elijah, a prophet of the most high God, initially reacted to her curse with fear, cowardice, and self-doubt — literally running for his life. At his lowest point, Elijah even cried out to God that he might die.

This was much more than a violent threat to which Elijah was reacting. He knew Jezebel's words carried a very real supernatural intent. She was cursing Elijah, speaking words with spiritual power in them, and he nearly "came under" her curse. Through Jezebel's example, we see the basic outline of all cursing: evil intent, evil words, and evil actions.

When Prayer Becomes a Curse

Revelation 2:20-23 issues a warning about the "spirit of Jezebel" that still exists in the church today. There has been much teaching on this portion of Scripture, which has served to warn the church against this evil spirit. Little, however, has been written or spoken on the aspects of cursing found within this Jezebel spirit.

I believe much of the errant cursing that takes place today among Christians is the product of the Jezebel spirit being tolerated by the church. The devil does not want attention brought to this fact because cursing can be such an effective tool against God's people. Hell rejoices when the devil can witness Christian cursing Christian through the use of this Jezebel spirit.

Cursing is nothing less than Jezebelic prayer. If we pray, "Lord, deal (a favorite Christian term always spoken in the negative) with my brother. Lord, straighten my brother out, punish him, chastise him." If we say, " Lord, get him," or use other self-serving religious terms, we are praying Jezebelic prayer.

Our intent is to bring a crippling effect into the life of that person, often for a purpose that will benefit or justify us. If we use prayer as a means by which we judge another Christian, we relegate that prayer to nothing more than passing sentence on him. That is a misuse of prayer, and that, in essence, is a curse!

Appealing to Demon Gods

Before any physical confrontation took place between David and Goliath, a spiritual battle was being waged. As in the story of Elijah and Jezebel, a real and potent curse was about to be unleashed against a servant of God. Remember, both Jezebel and Goliath used the same three basic components of all cursing: evil intent, evil words, and evil actions.

Every Sunday school student knows the basics of the story. The scene began on the battlefield with David facing off against Goliath. As David looked the giant in the eye, Goliath belittled David, disdaining him for his youthful appearance and obvious physical inferiority. What happened next is often overlooked, but it is a key element in this famous Bible story. What was the first truly offensive tactic Goliath employed? He cursed David.

Like Jezebel's curse over Elijah, Goliath's curse included the same two elements: a curse-like appeal to his demon gods and the threat of physical death:

And the Philistine cursed David by his gods.... "Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field"

(1 Sam. 17:43-44).

Goliath, like Jezebel, used the curse as part of his offensive strategy against the man of God. This battle was much more than flesh versus flesh; it was a battle of light versus darkness, good versus evil. David, however, recognized the giant's tactic and placed Goliath's curse right back on him! David said: "This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel" (v. 46). Wow! David was not intimidated at all by Goliath or his curse. David spoke for God, and evil was soundly defeated.

Do You Have the "Goliath Spirit"?

As Christian leaders, what can we learn from this classic Bible account? The Goliath spirit is alive and well today, attempting to intimidate or debilitate the servants of God through the use of the curse. As a Christian leader, are you:

►    Using words viciously and unjustly to disqualify other leaders?

►    Using words to undermine the success of other ministries?

►    Using words to issue threatening statements meant to intimidate?

►    Using words to create an adversarial relationship with other leaders through a refusal to cooperate?

If so, you may have come under the influence of a Goliath spirit. You may need to repent! Your words have become Goliath-like because your heart has become Goliath-like. To curse another Christian is to ally yourself with Goliath and his spirit. If, as a Christian, you have directed:

►    any evil intent that is injurious or harmful;

►    any evil words that cause misfortune, suffering, etc.;

►    and any evil, damaging actions against another Christian, you are in some pretty bad company:

1 Jezebel: an evil Baal worshiper, seductress, and murderess who met a violent death, was eaten by dogs, and was not even allowed a decent burial because she was so evil.

2 Goliath: a demon worshiper, mass murderer, enemy of Israel, and blasphemer who suffered the greatest humiliation of all warriors - being killed by a lesser opponent, having his head cut off, and being paraded around Israel because he openly defied Almighty God.

3 You. Ask yourself honestly if there is any warning for you in the examples of Jezebel and Goliath. Probably at times there has been a little Jezebel and Goliath in us all!

Check Your Attitude

Although both of these characters were obviously evil, as Christians, we can all learn from their example. Certain attitudes in our lives could facilitate Christian cursing another Christian. These evil attitudes emerge from, or are the offshoots of, Jezebelic and Goliath-like attitudes in our hearts. As you read the summaries listed here, ask yourself: Are any of these same evil qualities in me? If so, you must repent. Both Jezebel and Goliath were:

►    Ungodly, evil characters: self-willed, obstinate, stubborn, independent, proud, with hidden (secret) sin; without love.

►    Power-wielding leaders: self-made, self-promoting, egotistical, full of selfish ambition; without love.

►    Devoted worshippers of false gods (demons): sorcerers, idolaters, humanistic, spiritually corrupt, carnal, religious; without love.

►    Open enemies of God and His servants: rebellious, unsubmitted, jealous; without love.

All theses negative character traits correspond to the works of the flesh that Paul warned us about in Galatians 5:19-21. This is serious business. Christians who act in this way risk losing their inheritance in the kingdom of God:

The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God (NIV).

Jezebel and Goliath exhibited the same evil behavior when they:

►    Confidently challenged and defied God's servant: were quarrelsome, antagonistic, and needed preeminence; showed no love.

►    Used intimidation and fear: were contentious; threatened physical violence; emitted hatred and outbursts of wrath; spoke no love.

►    Demanded death of God's servants: were murderers; perpetrated dissensions, heresies, envy; revealed no love.

►    Brazenly cursed God's servants: showed lack of respect, honor, and loyalty to leadership; possessed no love.

►    Met violent deaths at the hands of God's servants: reaped what they had sown when God turned the exact curse back on them.

Where the Line Is Drawn

In both examples of cursing perpetrated by Jezebel and Goliath, the target was a godly individual behaving in a godly manner. With that in mind, here are some similarities between Elijah and David that range from the obvious to the not so obvious. Concerning Elijah and David — the targets of demonic curses — both men were:

►    Made after the likeness and image of God.

►    Prominent or soon to be prominent leaders.

►    Prophets, oracles of God, each obviously anointed.

►    Obedient, doing the will of God at the time of the personal curse.

►    Innocent, completely undeserving of any curse.

►    Unsuccessfully cursed; the curse tried but failed.

►    Went on to live victorious lives and did great things for God.

The contrast is obvious. Wouldn't you rather be among the Elijahs and the Davids instead of the Goliaths and the Jezebels? Where is the dividing line drawn? In your heart.

Chapter 6

The Stuff of Which "Christian" Curses Are Made

Wear by year the curse-like environment grew worse and worse against me. Even after I left the church, I continued to receive unsolicited reports of their concerted efforts to discredit and disqualify me on a regular basis. Information would filter back, suggesting a continued stream of sermons, prophecies, and visions coming from all their trusted sources. It was the old "snowball" effect.

The Christian curse placed on me by other Christians occupied some thirteen years of my life. Though I continued on, walking with God, searching His Word, and even entering the ministry, I literally fought for my spiritual life. I struggled with all kinds of self-doubt and frustration. The two most powerful demonic forces involved in this curse were fear and control. Inevitably, fear and control are at the heart of all Christian curses.

Fear is the vehicle or conveyance of curses — the medium through which a curse is expressed. Control is the destination or ultimate goal of all

curses — the real purpose of a curse. In other words, a curse uses fear to gain control. This is why Christians curse. In fact, some Christians are compelled to control other Christians. Frequently, these attempts to dominate other people are simply an over-compensation for the deep, unmet needs in their own hearts. They begin to believe that by controlling others they somehow gain control of their own defects and deficiencies. They take control of their own life by controlling others' lives.

Some Christians, who are otherwise quite sincere, cross over into cursing out of a survivalist mentality. They actually think they are fighting for their lives and will do anything to protect themselves. Ironically, they are actually shielding themselves from God's protection and exposing themselves to even deeper deception. Rather than trust in the Lord to fight their battles, they rely on their own strength, wisdom, position, and success. They take matters into their own hands. They refuse to humble themselves. They, in essence, defy God in their hearts.

A curse uses fear to gain control.

Identifying the Enemy

To make war successfully you need a clear and definable:

1-Enemy - who must be killed.

2-Battle    plan - how we will kill that enemy.

3-Battlefield    - where we will execute the battle plan to kill that enemy.

To curse another Christian you must make him your enemy. You must create the threat. You must sell yourself on the ideology of war, which says that the mere existence of an enemy (either real or imagined) justifies any and all attempts to destroy him. Why? You convince yourself that if you don't take out this imagined enemy, he might take you out! This logic is what makes war work, and it's what causes Christians to curse.

A consenting Christian who launches a curse against another Christian has no idea what he has done. He cannot possibly understand the gravity and severity of his choice to curse another Christian. By targeting that person with a deadly curse-filled warhead, he has effectively rained down untold sorrow, misery, suffering, and pain of the worst variety.

Cursing is a self-centered, self-serving, narcissistic, over-reaction against another Christian but with a more serious spiritual twist to it. Worst of all, the spiritual fallout from a curse lingers long after the initial blast subsides.

The "Friendly Fire" Battle Plan

Logically, if you perceive someone to be an enemy, you must have a battle plan to destroy that enemy. This represents the "how to" of cursing among Christians. In other words, how do we destroy this perceived enemy? By what means? What are our resources? With whom will we ally ourselves to accomplish this? What strategy will we follow?

Most cursing among Christians follows the same general battle plan. Essentially, it is the use of truth in reverse. Christians attempt to use the Word of God, prayer, fellowship, etc. They engage in literal spiritual warfare against one another! They destroy each other with "friendly" fire! What a dichotomy! Cursing among Christians is the antithesis of all that is Christianity in the name of Christianity. We curse in the name of God against God's children.

Most cursing among Christians is the use of truth in reverse.

Often when implementing a Christian curse, a Christian will use the spiritual weaponry on another Christian that God gave him to use on the devil! Since we are all one body, I would call that rather suicidal, wouldn't you? Be warned and informed! A battle plan of this nature is demonic. It is the wisdom from below. It is a wisdom from hell! The Bible says:

But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing will be there (James 3:14-16).

Bitter envy and self-seeking are major root causes for Christian curses. Within the church, Christians can curse other Christians with precision and skill. I should know, for I was a victim of such a Christian curse perpetrated by a group of Christians in a church setting.

Where the War Takes Place

The battlefield is perhaps the most critical phase of how Christian curses Christian. Again, the use of the military metaphor helps us to understand a curse. Like any battlefield, this is where the sometimes sincere but misguided Christian:

1-Locates    and identifies his alleged enemy.

2-Decides    and implements the appropriate battle plan.

The battlefield is where the war takes place, where the enemy is engaged, where strategies are acted out. And — like all battlefields — it is a place of suffering and death.

Tragically, the battlefield for Christian cursing Christian is not like real war. Real war is more open and honest, the enemy more easily identified, and the battle lines more clearly defined. The Christian does not go to a certain geographical location to engage his foe. He does not use guns, ships, and planes to carry out his attack.

So then, where does a Christian go to war against another Christian? The local church. Sadly, the local church a Christian attends can be the battlefield for his attempted conquest of another Christian. Yes, the church can become a place of conflict, suffering, and death. Much like any battlefield, the church is where we go to war against one another. Gossip, backbiting, slander, and other forms of malicious speech set the stage for cursing in the church. In rare cases (as in this book) whole churches can effect a curse on anyone they do not approve or perceive as a threat.

Cursing—a Process Not an Act

Cursing is more a process than a single, solitary, isolated act or event. In other words, cursing may not be something a Christian necessarily intends to do on a given day, but it may be something he or she can eventually yield to over time. Cursing begins as a series of sinful attitudes and actions in the

Christian's heart and mind that brings about a particular evil result.

A Christian curse "builds up" in the heart and mind of a Christian against another Christian. As it continually rolls over and over in the curs-er's mind and heart, it gains momentum. The curse evolves, almost mutating inside the cursing Christian. Something that started out as flesh alters itself into something spiritual. Like a mutant, it differs from that which originally formed it — sinful thoughts, words, and actions — and changes its nature into a purely spiritual "life form." This mutation takes place inside the Christian's heart and mind—the "womb" — where this mutant evil is conceived.

This desire to curse may come in increments so small it goes unnoticed by the Christian doing the cursing.

Ongoing and progressive, cursing moves ahead in stages proceeding to the next level of influence and effect — unless it is stopped. Like a slow burner, it may not readily erupt into flame but will smolder indefinitely.

Cursing—a Matter of Choice

To curse someone, a Christian gradually relinquishes his will to be a vehicle of cursing. Although it is a process, cursing still results from a very purposeful decision. When a Christian curses another Christian, it is his choice to do so. As with any choice, accountability and responsibility are involved. Therefore, a Christian who chooses to curse another Christian is accountable before God for his actions. Choice also carries with it either reward or penalty, depending on which side of righteousness we make our decisions.

A Christian cannot say, "Oops! I didn't mean to curse you." Cursing does not just happen; it is caused. It is volitional behavior issued by a sinful heart. Cursing may be a slow, cunning compromise on the part of the Christian, but the curser must be held responsible. He is the one who yielded and relinquished control of his life to the curse. He ignored his godly nature and cooperated fully with his lower or ungodly nature.

The selling-out process to the lower nature can be so anesthetic that a Christian hardly notices it. Hiding behind a cloak of self-righteousness, arrogance, and pride, he subtly begins to wish and invoke upon the other Christian harm, injury, damage, wrong, loss, judgment, and punishment. This desire to curse may come in increments so small it goes unnoticed by the Christian doing the cursing. Nevertheless, the desire is there, and the Christian must be held responsible for his evil desire to curse. He cannot blame God, the devil, or anyone else.

Cursing—Silent and Deadly

Cursing is a subtle act, something not easily recognized even by the Christian who is initiating the curse. This is why curses are so diabolical, demented, and devious. They can be very silent — and very deadly. Even for the consenting, participating Christian, curses often begin in darkness and obscurity, hidden from full view and difficult to pinpoint. Yet, they are extremely toxic and venomous.

The perfect spy, a curse never gives itself away and never reveals its location or mission. A curse wants you to believe it does not even exist, that it is the figment of someone's imagination or paranoia. What more could a curse want than totally anonymity? If no one even suspects a curse, it is highly unlikely a curse will be "found out." It is an ingenious evil to be sure.

Misinformed proponents of the "a Christian cannot be cursed" school of thought need to face reality. The fact is: serious spiritual problems in a Christian's life can be the result of a Christian curse, along with many other types of spiritual bondages. Certainly, as Christians, we must at least consider this possibility.

Curses—of the Devil!

Some Christian curses are no less evil than the standard occult variety of curses. In fact, they are more than sufficiently wicked, fiendish, and cruel. Like a two-headed monster — one flesh, the other spiritual — cursing has both a carnal nature and a spiritual nature. The nature of a curse and the behavior of the devil are very similar. In fact, Satan uses curses perpetrated by Christians against other Christians to execute his diabolical work. A curse takes on a satanic nature to accomplish the devil's plan. Satan will use Christian curses:

1 To come between a Christian and God, to separate and divide him from his inheritance.

After all, the devil came "to steal, kill, and destroy" (John 10:10). Using curses, Satan wants to lure the Christian into his bloodsucking, life-draining black hole, where the victim, like the devil, will never be satisfied, never full.

2 To cause the Christian to question God or, better yet, deny God.

Satan said to Jesus, "If You are the Son of God . . ." (Luke 4:3). A curse will tempt a person to doubt God and doubt himself.

3 To divert the Christian from God's will.

The devil seeks to disrupt a Christian's focus and center his attention on something or someone else. "The devil took Him [Jesus] up to a high mountain . . . and showed Him all the kingdoms . . . in a moment of time. And the devil said, . . . all this power I will give You" (Luke 4:6).

4 To issue the Christian's death sentence.

Curses do not primarily produce physical death but rather spiritual death. They kill you from the inside out!

Satan said to Jesus, "If You will worship me, all this is Yours" (Luke 4:7). If Jesus had yielded to the devil, at that moment He would have died spiritually. He would have sold out to the devil and ceased to be the Son of God. Satan offered the ultimate bribe and the biggest lie ever told. Thank God, Jesus didn't fall for it! Like Satan, curses are relentless in their attempts to destroy as many people as they can. They are tireless in their pursuit of surpassing all previous evil successes.

Only a Breath Away

If a Christian only knew what he was unleashing when he cursed another Christian, he would never do it! Each and every time a Christian speaks vindictively with bitterness, revenge, unforgiveness, even pride, his words become carriers of death. Filled with wrong intentions, his words birth a curse. Intention has force and can start the wheel of cursing rolling. Often a curse will go far beyond the original intent and result in disaster. Frequently, it does not know when to stop.

Any Christian who is willing can decide that he wants less than God's best for that other Christian. That same Christian can easily cross over the line from backbiting to cursing simply by speaking or praying the evil intent of his heart against the other Christian. Remember, curses start very subtly in the misguided hearts of otherwise genuinely saved Christians.

Since a curse is a highly motivated and persistent thing, it will finesse itself into a situation, using its stealthy, insidious power to do its work even if the one who releases it is a Christian. When does a Christian risk cursing another Christian? When he purposefully speaks or acts with insolence in his heart. Each time a Christian arrogantly insults, speaks callously or contemptuously, making offensive remarks meant to harm another Christian's name, the inception of a curse may be only a breath away.

Curses start very subtly in the misguided hearts of otherwise genuinely saved Christians.

No Conviction?

Since cursing is sin, it shares the same essential nature of all sin. As a Christian persists in any sin, his heart becomes hardened, cold, calloused, and unfeeling. (See Heb. 3:13.) In one sense, he sins without feeling it. His conscience becomes "seared with a hot iron," without feeling, conviction, guilt, remorse, or sorrow of any kind (1 Tim. 4:2). The Christian effectively cauterizes his heart from being able to feel any conviction of the Holy Spirit. It is very possible, even probable, that a believer can curse his brother in Christ and never feel an ounce of convicting pain from the Holy Spirit. A seared conscience or heart simply cannot feel this conviction.

If a Christian does not believe it is wrong when he speaks maliciously against another Christian, he assumes it is a permissible and even a justifiable act. Literally, this Christian has been tricked by the curse, and he has fallen victim himself. The deceitfulness of sin has won again. Is cursing always conscious, willful, purposeful, and malicious? Is there ever an exception to this rule? Probably not. Is it possible that in some isolated cases cursing may be an unconscious act, something not completely innocent but not necessarily overt and vicious? Probably not. The process of cursing another Christian begins with the same basis for all sin: self-deception and self-rationalization. Both are choices. It is the same type of selfdeception and self-rationalization to which the apostle Peter yielded and nearly succumbed.

Peter Versus Jesus

Poor Peter. He was so typical of many Christians today. One minute he was boldly, honestly, and sincerely confessing the revelation of Jesus Christ, and the next minute he was listening to the influence of a demon spirit, possibly Satan himself! Peter, speaking of Jesus by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (Matt. 16:16). Then Peter rebuked Christ to His face, attempting to "straighten out" Jesus, the Son of the Living God!

Then Peter took Him [Jesus] aside and began to rebuke Him (v. 22).

Since Peter believed the death of Jesus Christ to be a mistake, he tried unsuccessfully to talk Jesus out of going to Jerusalem. He even rebuked Jesus and said that if he could help it, Jesus' death would not take place anywhere, at anytime, under any circumstances. (See Matt. 16:21-22.)

Jesus loved Peter, but it was time to "play hardball." Addressing a clearly deceived Peter, Jesus said to him, "Satan, get behind Me! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men" (v. 23). Peter was deceived, and Jesus publicly rebuked him! As vehemently as Peter opposed the death of Jesus and rebuked Him, Jesus turned to Peter and "out rebuked" him! Jesus fought deception with truth. Jesus was nobody's fool. He knew precisely what Satan was conspiring to do. When Jesus turned to Peter and said, "Satan, get behind me," what was He saying?

Peter had just given his ear to a satanic influence contrary to the revealed will of God. Satan himself had inspired Peter to make these comments and take this stand against Jesus. This use of Jesus' right-hand man was a major attempt by Satan to thwart the plan of Almighty God, which was to redeem all of mankind through the predetermined death of His Son, Jesus Christ.

How sweet Satan's victory would have been! Not only would Satan have prevailed over his arch enemy Jesus, but he would have used someone in Jesus' own camp to do it. Hell would have reveled in this irony and would have forever damned the human race to agony, torment, excruciating pain, and eternal separation from God in utter darkness — "where there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Matt. 13:42). It would have been one of Satan's crowning moments in all of human history.

The Classic Mistake

Peter, one of the twelve hand picked by Jesus, made the classic mistake. He mistook satanic things for the things of God! Satan did not want Jesus to go to the cross. Satan did not want the will of God to be carried out in Jerusalem. He knew what was next. Satan knew that Sunday morning was on its way!

As an instrument of Satan, and as a result of his own deception, Peter was representing hell by not having the mind of God. The connection to

cursing is obvious — deception darkens the mind and blinds the eye of a Christian. It fills the heart with misinformation and motivates one to act disobediently, selfishly, even self-destructively. Deception is Satan's ally, his friend. It makes his job so much easier.

Deception darkens the mind and blinds the eye of a Christian.

Every time a Christian, driven by his own deception, curses another Christian, he, too, represents hell. He becomes an ambassador of evil, an instrument of chaos. Cursing is as counterproductive to the cause of Christ as you can get. The effects can be so debilitating as to render the cursed person spiritually dead. You can't get much worse than that. Even for the Christian, the root of all deception is ultimately satanic. It was certainly true with Peter, and it is true with many Christians today. How can we spot the satanic nature in a deceived Christian? He is one who:

►    Does not have the mind of God and does not want the mind of God

►    Is a carnal thinker, yielding to his lower nature

►    Does not grasp or comprehend spiritual truths

►    Has warped spiritual perception

►    Cannot see "straight ahead"

Notice, Jesus didn't rebuke Peter in Peter; He rebuked Satan in Peter! If it can happen to Peter, it can certainly happen to you or me. I'm convinced that the sin of deception outweighs all other sins. I believe it is the number one killer in the church today — and deception just happens to be what initially births or launches a curse.

When Man and Evil Combine Forces

Notice that Jesus held Peter fully responsible for his self-deception. Jesus understood that Peter must be accountable for his words. Why? For the Christian, as with Peter, deception is a choice. We, like Peter, become deceived because we want to be deceived! Peter wanted something for himself. He was thinking only of himself and his desires. It was Peter's pride, ambition, and ego that were the basis for his deception. It was not Peter's great love for the Savior that so resisted Jesus' decision to go to Jerusalem; it was Peter's great love of himself. Jesus identified this selfishness as demonic — or, literally, of the devil!

It is precisely this same kind of self-love and self-worship that spawns Christian cursing in the church. Some Christians have too high an opinion of themselves. Like Peter, they think they can boss God around! That is what Peter tried to do. He tried to boss Jesus around! Consequently, Jesus had to take the drastic step of rebuking Satan in Peter! Why? Jesus knew Peter's deception was a cooperative measure between him and Satan. Therein lies the secret of all deception.

The strength and core of deception is essentially man and evil willingly combining "forces" for a common goal or selfish end. It is an evil, perverse partnership to be sure, but a partnership nonetheless. All deception reeks of hell's stench, for it is dug from the same cesspool as hell. Self-love, self-exaltation, and self-rule govern hell, and these same three qualities are the stuff of which curses are made. As with Peter, once the deception is recognized, it may take the direct intervention of God to free you from it.

To reverse these effects can be a very difficult but not an impossible process. One of the strengths of deception is that the host person, the one deceived, does not initially or easily recognize he is deceived. If he did recognize he was deceived, he would no longer be deceived. Only the power of God can break the demonic hold of deception. God is a loving God, and He will deliver those who hunger for truth. Deception can be overcome. Peter eventually responded properly and so can a Christian today.

Self-love and self-worship spawn Christian cursing in the church.

A Den of Thieves?

The church is the last place most Christians would expect a curse to exist. Yet, Christian cursing in the church is not as great a contradiction as it may first appear. The church is God's showpiece on earth — His pride and joy. By the term "church," I refer to the body of Christ, the universal relationship of the saints, the global gathering of God's people to accomplish His purposes.

Some two thousand years ago, the church of the Lord Jesus Christ was turned into something Jesus vehemently opposed then as He does now. Jesus said, "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves" (Matt. 21:13). Jesus opposed — to the point of physical violence — the misuse of God's place of worship.

Jesus "cleaned house" once before, and I believe He is getting ready to do it again! All destructive curse-like attitudes and actions must be removed. Both the "temple" known as the corporate church, and the individual "temple," the church that each believer helps to form by the proper expression of Christ in him, must be presentable before Jesus Christ.

The dichotomy does exist. The church has become another "den of thieves," yet with a new, more sadistic twist. Now it is Christian cursing Christian that must be "driven from the temple." Today the "tables and seats" of spiritual retribution, retaliation, and vindictiveness must be overturned. What was once a den of thieves is today a platform for Christian curses. It is time for the church to become what she once was. Her original purpose must be restored — as a house of prayer and a place of blessing. His church must become that glorious church Paul wrote about in Ephesians 5:27:

That He might present her [the church] to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

For the church to become all that Jesus wants her to become, Christian cursing, Christian cannibalism, and Christian witchcraft must be purged from her midst. Check your own heart right now. Does your "temple" need to have anything driven from it?

Your Best Defense

In the model prayer that Jesus gave His disciples, He said, "Forgive us our debts as we forgive others." Prayer should primarily be a means of communicating forgiveness, mercy, kindness, and love — not judgment, retaliation, or punishment. Jesus said the perfect prayer should contain the deliverance from evil — not an invitation for evil to enter the person's life.

When we pray prayers that are rooted in less than the love of God for the other person, we risk cooperating with the devil. Our prayers deliver that person over to evil, not deliver him from it. Contrary to what Jesus said prayer should accomplish, we risk leading that person into temptation instead of away from it! Jesus said, "Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil." We should all pray more like Jesus.

If you are not blessing those who curse you, you are disobeying God's Word. To be a son of God, you must bless those who curse you. Jesus laid out the criteria, "Bless those who curse you . . . that you may be sons of your Father in heaven" (Matt. 5:44-45). For the Christian, there can be no other option. We must actively, consistently, and sincerely — even enthusiastically — bless those who curse us. In fact, the more you bless those who curse you, the more you stay free from the effects of their cursings. Whenever you get the chance — go ahead and truly bless those who curse you. After all, the best defense is a good offense.

Chapter 7

How Do Christians Curse?

Although I had been attending another church for several years, nevertheless, the intensity of curse-like activity against me seemed to increase. I became more and more uncomfortable with certain basic Christian statements that my former church brothers and sisters would make to me as we met at the mall or grocery store. On the surface these statements seemed harmless, even edifying, as they carefully selected the proper Christian terminology. "We love you and are praying for you," they told me.

Yet, something righteously violent would rise up in my spirit when I heard these words. I felt more as if I were being preyed upon rather than being prayed for! Was there a basis for my suspicions? Did I have the right to feel so violent on the inside of me? What could possibly be wrong with their efforts to pray for me? I wondered. Then it hit me. Were they really praying for me? I was to discover later that their prayers were anything but for me.

Prayer is merely a means of communication. The intentions spoken determine if that prayer is for or against the individual. David said:

The words of his [enemy's] mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords (Ps. 55:21).

Christians can pray the right words but with war in their hearts. Their words may appear smooth but will in fact be sharp, deadly, and destructive like a drawn sword.

Taking Its Toll on Me

It was a very sad time for me. I had known and loved this church for ten years. They had been my family and my closest friends. In my "born-again" life, this was the only real church I had ever known. Literally, it had been my world and my life — which were both my mistakes.

Needless to say, their vicious attacks left me physically ill and deeply depressed. Indeed, Christian was devouring Christian. It took several long years for me to mentally and spiritually recuperate. After all, very few people ever recover from a cannibalistic attack. Cannibals, even the Christian variety, do not take prisoners; they devour them.

Those who remained in this church were arbitrarily "commanded" not to keep company with any of us who had, in the previous year, left to attend other churches. The pastor called this "marking those who walk disorderly." Of course he determined, again quite arbitrarily, what "disorderly" was and was not. I saw it as ostracizing anyone who disagreed with him and eliminating any dissent.

►    What he called insubordination, I called the strength of our God-given individuality and uniqueness.

►    What he called division, I called diversity.

►    What he tried to claim and maintain as unity, I saw as a forced attempt at "sameness." Jesus never called the church to be the same. He called us to be in unity while we embraced our diversity.

What Is Christian Witchcraft?

Christian witchcraft is the misuse of supernatural power for the purpose of manipulating, controlling, and destroying another Christian. It is often rooted in self-rule, self-will, self-love, and self-importance. It is a selfish, satanic attitude. Satan, who wanted to be like the most high God, and the Christian who uses Christian witchcraft to get his own way have one terrible trait in common. Both think they qualify to be as God!

When a Christian attempts to impose his will on another Christian, he is practicing Christian witchcraft.

The goal of all forms of witchcraft, Christian or otherwise, is the same—to get or have its own way; to impose one's will over another. At least initially, Christian witchcraft is "fleshly," an outcropping or extension of one's own sinful mind and unbroken will. That's what Paul meant when he called witchcraft a "work of the flesh." Frequently, however, it evolves from mere flesh to a truly spiritual activity, drawing on actual demonic power. (See James 3:14-15.) How is that accomplished? By using Christian "tools of the trade" that are otherwise good and proper.

For example, dreams, visions, and prophecies are all very appropriate when received from the Spirit of God and used properly — which is to build up other Christians. When we pervert their use, drawing upon a spirit other than the Holy Spirit — such as the human spirit or an evil spirit — we then misapply them in a destructive manner. At that point, we have crossed the line from hearing God to hearing from self or, worse yet, the devil.

In Christian witchcraft, all spiritual activity (dreams, visions, prophecies, etc.) appears the same outwardly, but the source from which we draw is no longer God. Instead, we use our Christian weapons to destroy each other and deceive ourselves into thinking that God is giving us these varied forms of revelation. In fact, our false dreams, visions, prophecies, and even certain doctrines are based in a witchcraft spirit because they originate not in God but in the flesh. Anything that is essentially destructive when directed against another Christian, anything that takes away from that life, is of a witchcraft spirit.

Many Christians are unaware they are operating in a pure witchcraft spirit, devoid of any Holy Spirit activity or influence. They become Christian witches, accomplished poisoners of other Christians! Call it what you will, but a spell is still a spell even if it involves Christian doing it to Christian! Like any spell:

►    The spirit (point of origin) of a Christian curse is wrong.

►    The cooperating human motivation of the one doing the cursing is wrong.

►    The actual practice (the physical follow-up of words and actions) is wrong.

►    The intended destructive result anticipated against the potential victim is wrong.

Any variety of witchcraft is wrong. It is evil and it is sin. When a Christian attempts to impose his will on another Christian, he is practicing Christian witchcraft. Remember, Paul was warning Christians — not witches — to avoid all "such activity." (See Gal. 5.)

Me—the Common Enemy

The ensuing years saw a literal deluge of false dreams, visions, prophecies, "discernments," etc. all with the same damning theme. The real Christian witchcraft had begun! This deluge filled the corporate mind and heart of this church group, and the spilling out of their united prejudice and pride was inevitable, even predictable.

The floodgates opened and out poured the poison of which Christian witchcraft is made. I was the target. A steady stream of damning innuendoes, subtle but deadly inferences, opinions born out of spiritual pride and arrogance, and a hypnotic-like expectation from the pastor to the church to support his ruinous effort against me rained down day after day, week after week, month after month. I was the victim of a rising tide of spiritually destructive intent, words, and actions. I was drowning under their corporate Christian curse. It was unbearable.

Suddenly, everybody in this church had a prophetic "word from the Lord" about me and against me. Almost miraculously, everybody had the same feeling, sense, and leading from God. This simultaneous collective hysteria is common among cults. Why? Because battling a common enemy serves to bring a cult closer together. The common denominator was evident, and the common enemy easily distinguished. In this case, I was the common enemy, the common denominator, the bad guy, and collectively they were the good guys.

Don't Trust Your Soul!

It was clear to me, however, that the unrestrained "power of the soul" was in full force. Yes, the soul can appear to produce its own form of pseudospirituality. This "soulish spirituality," however, has no connection with the Holy Spirit at all! Soulish spirituality is based on deception, rationalization, and pride. The source of this power of the unrestrained soul, however, is extrinsic in nature — it originates outside itself. This demonic power, external at first, quickly internalizes in the soul and energizes it, thus giving the soul the appearance of life in itself.

Remember, the Christian soul (mind, will, intellect, emotions) is not yet fully saved, redeemed, sanctified, or holy. It is not something a Christian should trust. The Bible teaches that God is still refining and perfecting that part of the Christian known as the soul. Our soul is being saved, but it is a life-long process. (See Heb. 10:39.) We are told that the Word of God divides the soul from the spirit for our own protection. (See Heb. 4:12.) James 1:21 says, "Receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your soul."

Many times our so-called "leadings and promptings" can originate in our soul and not our spirit. Essentially self-serving, our unrestrained soul is simply too vulnerable to ungodly influences to be reliable.This ability of the soul to manufacture a false spirituality is what makes a curse so diabolical and deadly. Let me explain.

Where Curses Grow

Like other forms of soulish activity, curses hide in the soul realm until they become an actual spiritual force, power, and reality. A curse often starts out as a mere "work of the flesh" (Gal. 5:19-20) but evolves into something with a demonized nature. Contrary to some teachings, the soul of man has no inherent or intrinsic power in itself but seems to be a "womb" for good or evil. At first, a curse will operate in a covert manner, hiding in the soul (womb) of the perpetrator. He carries the curse much like a newly conceived child in its mother's physical womb. In the soul, the curse grows in this concealed "behind closed doors" environment.

This surrogate situation — where one becomes the "womb" for the curse — provides the curse the necessary gestation period to develop. Without the cooperation of one's soul, a curse would have no place to live. The unrestrained soul harbors a curse, sheltering and nourishing it. At least initially, curses "live" in the soul (womb) but are then "delivered" (birthed) from the soul of the perpetrator/surrogate against others.

Any perpetrator — individual or church — could also be a soul "carrier" of a curse. That is, someone can transmit the deadly curse without being directly affected personally. This individual or church, a kind of soulish pathogen, becomes the agent who causes the curse to spread. Unfortunately, even the Christian soul is an available and too eager surrogate for such evil. Nowhere does the Bible teach that the Christian soul cannot potentially carry such a deadly "germ," even infecting other Christians.

Curses hide in the soul realm until they become an actual spiritual force, power, and reality.

A Christian perpetrator of a curse is still a perpetrator, thus violating the spiritual rights of others. A Christian surrogate of a curse is still a surrogate, thus providing the means by which the curse is carried to another. A Christian is fully capable of being a pathogenic agent of a curse — one responsible for causing great harm to another Christian by means of harmful intent, words, and actions.

Taking On a Life of Its Own

In contrast to the perpetrators/surrogates and soul carriers of curses are those who become victimized by the curse. Much like any animal of prey, a curse waits cunningly until the opportune moment to reveal its deadly attack on the victim. Often it is not until it is too late that a curse shows itself in an overt manner, baring its fangs to its victim just prior to the fatal bite.

The curse has been "birthed." What once operated in secret now shows itself openly, revealing its true intentions. All doubt is removed; a "delivery" has clearly taken place, and an actual living thing (the curse) exists. A very real "spirituality" has now attached itself to this curse as a genuine, although evil, spiritual power and presence exist. The curse has experienced a sort of metamorphosis, changing from something soulish to something distinctly spiritual and obviously evil. It now has a nature, a personality, unique characteristics, and a specific purpose of its own. What are the characteristics of the "demonized" curse?

►    The once "soul-based" curse can now draw upon its own power source to destroy its target and consume its prey.

►    It now has a recognized and distinguishable presence of living evil, i.e. an evil spirit or demon.

►    Now living, the curse has a ravenous, insatiable appetite. It must kill to survive. The curse must eat.

►    Its tentacles or roots grow deeper and deeper, but the victim is only remotely aware of it. No doubt, in some sad cases, the victim is totally ignorant of any curse (attack, assault, trap, deception) whatsoever.

►    A curse will not die easily.

Only the goodness of God, His unlimited love for us, and the ever-present power of the Holy Spirit can effectively break the curse's influence — thus "extracting" it from the Christian. To extirpate means to root up, destroy wholly, and exterminate. Curses must be plucked up by the roots and be destroyed! Without proper extirpation of the curse, it can grow back.

Danger: Human Soul at Work!

After some time, all kinds of activity — allegedly from the Holy Spirit — were being produced to discredit and destroy me. However, this was not "Holy Spirit" activity at all. The human soul (Greek: psyche), whether non-Christian or Christian, can conveniently produce all kinds of false information that does not come from God. It may look, sound, taste, feel, and smell as if it comes from God, but its origin is clearly soulish.

This unrestrained human soul (mind, intellect, will, emotions) seems to have the capacity for massive self-deception or delusion especially in spiritual matters. Even a Christian with an untrained and unrestrained soul can believe that which is proven to be false! (See Matt. 24:24.) In fact, he can believe a lie! Yes, the Christian mind, intellect, will, and emotions can be scary and even deadly! How does this happen?

►    Vain imaginations can run wild.

►    False dreams can be dreamt.

►    Counterfeit voices can be heard.

►    False visions can be seen.

►    A Christian can hallucinate!

This is why John counseled to "test the spirits to see whether or not they are of God" (1 John 4:1). He wrote this warning to Christians because some of our messages, thoughts, dreams, voices, and visions are not from God.

The collective, yet unrestrained, soul of my former church was working overtime to brand me a spiritual criminal and label me a spiritual rebel. Their corporate (soulish) thoughts and collective (soulish) imaginations, along with harmful (soulish) words from leaders and laity, and the overall lack of any godly love — a real trademark of the unrestrained soul — would give this Christian curse the impetus it needed. The soul of this church would be the launching pad, the point of origin for the deadly personal curse.

The Power of False Faith

When is the unrestrained soul of a Christian most dangerous? When it wants something so desperately and believes in something so strongly that it develops what I call "false faith" — faith in the wrong thing. At that point, the soul will fight to the death to get what it wants, what it believes it should have, or to own what it perceives as being rightfully its own. This unrestrained soul within each Christian contains incredible innate strength. Why? Because it contains:

►    The human will — plus or a minus depending on how you use it.

►    All the thought processes of the human mind

►    All the super-heated human emotions

Do you understand why Christian witchcraft is such a strong enemy to defeat? Because the human soul with all of its unrestrained tendencies has gone awry. Many Christians do not know how to separate soul from spirit, which, incidentally, is why we have the Bible.

For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Heb. 4:12).

A deceived Christian can use prayer as a destructive tool.

As we have discussed, the ideal climate for a curse is selfishness.

Like Satan and his kingdom, selfishness is at the heart of all cursing.

When a Christian selfishly imposes "his need to be right" to the point where he prays, talks, acts, even thinks evil and entertains any form of retribution against another Christian, a curse can result.

Giving "Power" to Our Words

Christians know there is something creative about the spoken word. Prayer, worship, confession, testimony, and cursing all revolve around the spoken word. Our words can contain life, or they can contain death. It is up to us to determine to which power our words align themselves — whether it is for good or evil. After deception has rooted itself in a Christian's life, the next step in this process of cursing by Christians involves the misuse of words. A deceived Christian speaking or praying with wrong motives against another Christian can cause that Christian actual spiritual harm. Yes, our words can unleash evil on one another.

I am referring here to more than mere casual criticism or disagreement. In the case of cursing, actual malignant speech, meant to literally destroy the other Christian, is spoken. As we verbalize these evil intentions, we empower these words and give them a curse-like status. Tragically, a deceived Christian can use prayer as a destructive tool. In a state of deception, a Christian can actually believe he or she is legitimately petitioning God. Heaven, however, never responds to this kind of destructive prayer.

The "How To" of Cursing

I've been asked many times, How do Christians curse? In terms of the "how to" of cursing, here are some devilish suggestions:

1 Use the best religious voice, with all the proper intonations and inflections.

This makes the prayer sounds religious, holy, and loving, even if the content is evil.

2 Throw in as many Bible verses as possible.

By mimicking or impersonating God by quoting His Word, this may secure His approval of evil intentions!

3 Add plenty of religious jargon, sprinkling the prayers with pious sounding phrases.

Devout colloquialisms and hypocritical injections show how much we "love" the person or persons over whom we are praying. Don't kid yourself! In reality, we are not praying for them at all! We are actually praying against them. That type of prayer becomes a curse, plain and simple. We may try to mix, blend, or even hide our evil purposes with all the right words. However, our own hearts expose us. If our hearts are evil, our prayers will be evil.

Sprucing up an evil prayer does not change the nature of that prayer. With great faith we actually expect God to answer our destructive, "humble cry." We then anticipate God ruthlessly and mercilessly punishing those who have disagreed with us, wronged us, or — worse yet — exposed us. We feel justified in our vindictive, mean-spirited tactics because we think we are so important to God. We believe that He will gladly wipe somebody else out just for us! Of course, we do all this in "Christian love" and in the name of Jesus! A Christian must never misuse prayer in such a devilish manner. But, I am sad to report, it is probably done every day.

If a Christian...

If a Christian, through prayer, attempts to solicit spiritual influence and action from an unseen higher power against another Christian to experience:

►    Destruction: a desire for his or her personal downfall

►    Harm: injury, damage, hurt, ruin

►    Failure: defeat, any area of deficiency or inadequacy

►    Sickness: affliction, disorder

►    Punishment: divine or otherwise

►    Death: spiritual or physical

If a Christian, while praying against another Christian, harbors any unsubstantiated:

►    Charges or offenses

►    Accusations or suspicions

►    Mistrust, skepticism, doubts

►    Fears, warnings about the person, which imply fault or guilt

If a Christian, by praying against another Christian, speaks words of:

►    Slander, fault finding

►    Backbiting, gossip

►    Innuendoes, rumor, evil report

►    Any and all forms of malicious, malignant speech

. . . then in effect, that Christian has set the stage for cursing the other Christian. Jesus said, "Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account in the day of judgment. For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned" (Matt. 12:36-37). Why such an emphasis on mere words? Words reveal what is in the heart. Jesus said, "Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matt. 12:34).

Can a Christian "Pray" a Curse?

The condition of our heart is always reflected in the spirit of our prayers. Prayer can become a solicitous attempt to prostitute God to do our dirty work and at the same time keep our self-righteous hands "clean" in the process. Even prayer can become an instrument of cursing — if our hearts are not right with God. A Christian with evil intent toward another Christian can, in prayer, invoke a higher power other than God, thus risking the birthing of a curse. The nature of his prayer determines whether God or the devil answers it! Does Almighty God answer such prayer requests to curse another Christian? The answer is clear: absolutely not! This type of prayer is demonic; and only a demon — not a loving God — will answer a demonic prayer.

With what intent do you pray for other Christians? What is the nature of your prayers? Who answers your prayers? Christian, beware! If you witness answers to your demonic prayers against another Christian, remember, you were the one who opened the door of hell and invited evil to come against that Christian. You have just become a murderer in the eyes of God. This kind of hate-filled prayer solicits a standing ovation in hell every time a Christian prays one. So church, stop praying against your brother or sister! You do not know what you are doing!

Who Prays Demonic Prayers?

A Christian can "give place to the devil" (Eph. 4:27) in any number of ways. One way is through the misuse of prayer. We know that God answers prayer. Can the devil answer prayer in the life of a Christian as well? Absolutely! The misuse of prayer by a Christian represents a serious breach of contract made between that Christian and God. How a Christian succumbs to this misuse of prayer is nearly identical to how adherents to occult practices misuse prayer in their "religion." This "dark side" — the kingdom of hell, i.e. Satan's domain — depends on answered prayer much like Christians do in the kingdom of God.

In this evil kingdom, virtually thousands of psychics, astrologers, witches, and Satan worshippers rely on Satan answering their prayers. In fact, the daily horoscopes — which some Christians read — are nothing less than a demonic substitute for godly prayer.

What is a demonic prayer? A demonic prayer is any petition that embodies the nature and personality of Satan. Any prayer that is self-serving, self-promoting, self-loving, self-ruling, self-righteous, unloving, uncaring, vengeful, vindictive, hateful, proud, and arrogant is of the devil. Any such prayer is anti-God, anti-Christ, anti-love, and is of the devil. Can a Christian pray a demonic prayer? I have a simple answer: Why not? James wrote:

What is the cause of fighting and quarreling among you? [feuds, struggles, conflicts] Is it not the passions which are ever at war in you?

You kill, covet, crave, murder, and rage. You fight and war and yet do not obtain because you ask it with wrong motives, because you ask for it with ill intent, because you pray wrongly. Your object being to waste on your own pleasures what you acquire (James 4:1-3).

This passage clearly establishes that there is a power, evil in nature, that Christians can "tap" into when they pray. The obvious danger is that someone, somewhere will hear and respond to this type of prayer. The question remains who? Keep in mind that:

A demonic prayer is any petition that embodies the nature and personality of Satan.

►    Both God and the devil want to answer prayer.

►    Both God's kingdom and the devil's kingdom depend on prayers being offered for the advancement of their respective purposes.

►    Both God and the devil are "restricted" by the nature, intent, motivation, and incentive behind our prayers.

Remember, through our misguided prayers, we can direct evil influences upon another Christian whom we are commanded to love. If this were not true, then the Bible would not warn Christians to refrain from cursing — which is essentially praying a demonic prayer.

Who's Answering Your Prayers?

Since Almighty God does not and will not answer a request to curse another Christian, then it stands to reason that an evil spirit will fulfill the curse. If there is no evil source of power to tap into, then cursing would be not only impossible but nonexistent — and there would be no need for the Bible to warn Christians about using cursing. Yet, the Bible clearly and repeatedly warns Christians not to curse.

Satan does not care who prays demonic prayers as long as someone does. Even if a Christian prays these types of evil prayers, the devil is more than willing and able to answer them. Your state of mind toward another Christian will affect your prayers either for or against that brother or sister. There is no such thing as a neutral or dormant prayer. All godly prayer is answered by God, and all ungodly, demonic prayer is answered by the devil. Both types of prayer get answered. Just as God "jumps at an opportunity" to answer a prayer that reflects His will for a Christian's life, the devil equally anticipates answering any evil petition so he may covertly impose his will on his unsuspecting victims.

Both godly and demonic prayers get answered.

Where There Is No Love

The Bible teaches that whatever is not done in love is demonic:

In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother (1 John 3:10).

There is no love in a curse. Curses are the antithesis of godly love. Therefore, a Christian curse cannot be of God, ever! And, if you are praying such prayers, you are not of God! The strength of a curse is the absence of agape love.

One of the basic laws of physics is that two objects cannot occupy the same space at the same time. It is the same with a curse and the love of God. One will drive away the other. Both must have their own space and their own expression. When one expresses itself, it will drive away the other. A personal curse, which epitomizes the absence of love, and the wonderful love of God — which is "shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit" (Rom. 5:5) — cannot co-exist. One will replace the other.

The Bible teaches that agape love, God's perfect love, is kind, does not seek its own, thinks no evil, etc. When a Christian's motives, words, and actions contradict the godly principles of 1 Corinthians 13 (the famous love chapter), that Christian is operating without love. Perhaps, that Christian is even operating under a demonic influence. Too strong a statement? I think not. Wherever and whenever there is no love, beware.

The strength of a curse is the absence of agape love.

Remember, first and foremost, God is love. Where there is no agape love, there is the potential for great evil to exist. Remove love, and you remove God. Remove God, and somebody or something will fill the void.

Loveless Christians

Some of the most dangerous citizens in the kingdom of God are Christians who do not know or practice the love of God. How can we identify them?

►    They emphasize their rights and privileges but seldom remember their responsibilities and duties.

►    They wield their citizenship with arrogance and pride instead of humility and love.

►    When threatened, they will strike out with a voracity and a vengeance against anything or anyone that challenges their own emptiness and depravity.

Using Christian curses becomes nearly inevitable for loveless Christians. A curse is often the tool of cowards who cannot fight their own battles.

►    They defend their self-righteous spirit by eliminating the opposition.

►    They create an artificial environment, lacking any real love, peace, or joy.

►    Rather than reconcile, they curse.

►    Rather than embrace healing, they curse.

►    Rather than stand for forgiveness and unity, they curse to preserve their own elevated view of themselves.

Only a spiritual coward would use a curse against another Christian. A curse is a wimp's weapon. Real Christians love one another; they do not curse one another. Sure, it is often much easier to curse than to love. It is far more rewarding, however, to obey God's Word and love one another than it is to suffer the consequences of disobedience when we curse our own brothers and sisters in Christ.

The Boomerang Effect

Another deadly aspect of Christian cursing often overlooked by those who carelessly but consciously curse others is "the boomerang effect." Webster defines a boomerang as "an action that rebounds detrimentally." James 5:9 says, "Grudge not [complain, murmur, speak hard sayings, blame your troubles, mutter against] another brother, lest you be condemned" or "lest judgment will be passed upon you."

The effects of cursing can and will return to the person or persons doing the cursing. Both the one being cursed and the one doing the cursing will be damaged. David, the great king, warrior, prophet, and psalmist knew full well the damage cursing could inflict to all involved. He especially understood how a curse could boomerang back on the one doing the cursing:

As he [David's enemy] loved cursing, so let it come to him; as he clothed himself with cursing as with his garment, so let it enter his body like water, and like oil into his bones (Ps. 109:17-18).

Ironically, the initiator of the curse eventually suffers the most — although all involved suffer tremendously. This is the real tragedy of cursing. No one wins. Peter wrote these words to Christians:

Finally,... love the brethren... do not revile, do not insult, do not use hard words, do not return a curse for a curse, do not return abuse for abuse.

On the contrary, return blessing. He that would enjoy life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile (1 Pet. 3:8-10).

The implication is clear. If a Christian wants to live a long and happy life, do not curse.

No Winners!

Everyone loses in a curse-filled environment. That is, everyone except the devil.

Jesus said, "And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand" (Mark 3:25). Church, be warned! Cursing is counter-productive to the plan and purpose of God and His church. Everybody, yes everybody, loses when cursing enters the house of God.

The devil knows nothing can destroy a house like cursing. Why? Because cursing provides the devil with the very ingredients he needs to bring division and ultimate destruction to that house. It may take years, but eventually a "house" — a church or an individual — with a history of using curse-like techniques against other Christians will fall as well.

Everybody loses when cursing enters the house of God.

Notice Jesus said they "could not stand." Jesus did not say they would not stand, which implies they may have a choice. Jesus said it was impossible for a house of cursing — those who bring division at the expense of others — to stand. It would be literally impossible for that type of church or individual to remain spiritually healthy, productive, unbiased, non-judgmental, and loving. A divided house speaks of disunity, disharmony, dissension, acute selfishness, personal ambition, pride, and spiritual turmoil.

All these characteristics will continually and cyclically reappear in a church or individual who has cursed others. Literally, cursing others will come back to pervade them! It is a classic case of reaping what you have sown. Sow a curse, and you will reap a curse or at least the consequences of cursing. A curse is not a biting indictment against the person being cursed but against the person doing the cursing! A curse reflects badly on the perpetrator of the curse not on the victim of the curse.

All Christians should have the same attitude as Balaam. He knew the power of cursing and the power of blessing. When asked to misuse his position and prostitute his gift, he replied:

How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? And how shall I denounce whom the Lord has not denounced?... behold, I have received a command to bless; God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it (Num. 23:8, 20).

If you sow a curse, you will eventually reap that very same curse! If that scares you, good; it's supposed to scare you! Cursing is a deadly game, and no Christian can afford to play it because there are never, never, never any winners!

Questions and Answers

Here are some answers to the who, what, where, when, why, and how of Christian cursing among Christians.

Q. Who does the cursing?

A. Tragically, Christians often curse one another. The effects of this ongoing spiritual "civil war" are devastating to the church family, pitting brother against brother, thus destroying the community of the church.

Q. To what can curses be compared?

A. Curses are designed to produce death in one form or another. Cursing among Christians is a type of spiritual suicide. By Christian cursing Christian, the bride of Christ has suffered a near fatal blow by her own hand.

Q. Where do Christians curse?

A. Often, God's house (the church) is the arena for this spiritual savagery. It is no longer the Christians versus the lions; instead, it is the Christians versus the Christians! We have enthusiastically devoured one another!

Q. When do Christians curse? Under what set of circumstances do they most often curse other Christians?

A. Usually Christians curse in retaliation. Cursing somehow legitimizes our actions by turning the attention to our perceived attacker. We are commanded to love and forgive, not defend and destroy. Cursing is always an offensive weapon, never a defensive tool of the Christian. When you curse another, it is always a sign of spiritual aggression, the commencement of spiritual hostilities. A curse is an assault on another, a hostile action against another Christian.

Q. Why do Christians curse in the first place?

A. Christians curse because they do not know or practice the love of God. They have substituted the "fruit of the spirit" with the "works" (manifestations) of the flesh, just like the church in Galatia.

Q. How do Christians curse?

A. They misuse and pervert the spiritual weaponry given them by God. What was meant to destroy the devil, they use to destroy each other.

Have You Been the Victim of a Curse?

My dear brother or sister in Christ, have you been a victim of another Christian's hate, pride, bigotry, and prejudice? Have you felt the damning effect of the "raca spirit" (Matt. 5:21-22)? Have any unrighteous judgments been passed against you by other Christians? Have destructive words been spoken against you? Have other Christians wanted your ruin? Have any Christians attempted to "pray down fire" on you? Do you have knowledge of such spiritual attacks?

If you do, this knowledge can be of great value. This knowledge, combined with the correct action, will produce for you total freedom and release from all curses. Be encouraged! God has an answer for you!

Chapter 8

Can a Christian Be Cursed?

The second time I heard the word curse used in reference to my life came six years after the Englishman's vision on that Saturday in April. I was invited to minister with two other prophets in northern New Jersey. The pastor of this particular church, himself a prophet, laid his hands on me and spoke these words: "I'm going to cause those who spoke against you to have their mouths shut; the Lord shall fight for you. I remove the stigma, the negativity, the doom, even the curse spoken over your ministry. I curse the curse this night and put it to flight that you may stand as a victorious man."

There it was again, another reference to a curse! This time the Lord added some clarity. He made reference to the "stigma," the "negativity," and the atmosphere of "doom" (failure) that existed over my life. No one, except God, could have described my life more accurately. Truly the Lord had spoken again! The prophecy was absolutely true.

A cloud had settled over my life and ministry that I had been resisting for years. I had been warring against those very forces all along, and now I had more proof that I was not losing my mind. At the same time, I found this second prophecy very painful, and my emotions ran high.

It was not the sort of prophecy I wanted to hear. There was a bite to it because it was so true. It made me feel both happy and sad, high and low, vindicated but still a victim. According to this prophet from New Jersey, the source of the problem that had inhibited me spiritually for years was a curse!

The New Jersey Vessel

Dramatically, God had spoken to me again. He chose the prophetic vessel and the circumstances under which to speak. The first time God had spoken to me in a tiny kitchen with just four men praying quieting and privately at a table. The second time, God chose a public setting with many witnesses.

He was "turning up the volume," and I was listening! This time the prophecy was recorded and written out on paper. Again, God spoke through a man of spiritual integrity. Again, I was totally unprepared but greatly relieved. God was repeating Himself, clearly for my benefit.

A cloud had settled over my life and ministry that I had been resisting for years.

What about this particular spokesperson? Again, God used his best vessel — the successful pastor of a flourishing church in New Jersey who had an accepted and respected voice in the prophetic community. Well-known nationally for his accurate prophetic gift, he was an author as well as a popular conference speaker. I believe that a quality prophecy usually comes through a quality vessel. No one had conjured up anything or prompted anyone. Here was more unsolicited evidence. Here was another ally. Here was more unequivocal proof that personal curses were real.

Productive Yet Perplexed

Even after this second dramatic revelation concerning a curse, the magnitude of its impact on my life was still unclear. After all, the whole issue of curses was still relatively new territory for me. I was still learning how deep the roots of a curse could go and how far reaching its influence. Truthfully, I did not fully grasp the ramifications of this curse until after it was extracted from my life. Only then did I understand the true scope of its vexatious dominance. It was a weight, a pressure, a sort of evil leverage always at work against me, disrupting my spiritual balance.

Potent, with an authority all its own, this curse required the power of God to make it surrender. It tried to dominate and rule me, but its reign in my life was coming to an end. Another king was soon to overthrow the ascendancy of this curse in my life and reestablish the throne of His power in me.

God's grace was evident in my life despite this curse.

Because of the grace of God, and in spite of the curse, I was able to do well in ministry and by many standards experienced some success. The church I was pastoring at that time continued to improve in many areas. Like many churches in their embryonic stage, we had put out several fires but were still standing after the smoke cleared.

During these "cursed" years, I continued to travel to foreign countries— Canada, England, France, Russia, Spain, Trinidad — and across the United States. My prophetic office was endorsed by churches in many places. I also discovered I had a ministry with the written word. Several books and booklets I wrote received encouraging reviews and produced good fruit in the lives of the readers. I appeared on Christian television, taping programs on the prophetic. The feedback from my itinerant ministry was consistent. Pastors and churches affirmed that I came to them as an anointed man from God who positively effected radical change in peoples' lives. Thankfully, God's presence accompanied me wherever I went.

Can a Christian Be Cursed?

Hidden away in the book of Proverbs is a single verse that relates to the question: Can a Christian be cursed? Proverbs 26:2 says:

An undeserved [without cause] curse has no effect. Its intended victim will be no more harmed by it than by a sparrow or swallow flitting through the sky.

In many theological discussions in which I had participated over the years, the implication was that Christians cannot be cursed. If a Christian was cursed, it was assumed he must have done something terribly wrong and "deserved" what he got. This understanding of Proverbs 26:2 was both popular and convenient with some of my colleagues.

My personal experience with a curse, however, would not afford me the luxury of such carefree and careless interpretation. I knew in my heart I had done nothing remotely worthy of any type of curse, yet I was feeling very much like a cursed Christian. It was time for me to ask some hard questions about myself and my understanding of certain portions of the Bible.

Like many other doctrines that I embraced at that time, I had unknowingly "sanitized" my own understanding and application of curses. I had a nice, neat interpretation of exactly who could or could not be cursed. Certainly, I knew I couldn't be cursed. Why? Because I was spiritual, and I was relatively sure no other genuinely spiritual Christian could be cursed either. After all, Christians were above such things! We were immune!

Like many of my colleagues' attempted exegesis of this portion of Scripture, mine was a typically shallow and critical explanation of the text. In other words, I did not know completely what I was talking about. Oh, I thought I knew what it meant, but I soon learned there was more to understanding curses.

Gypsies and Voodoo?

To me Proverbs 26:2 was just an ancient reference to a lost superstition. Certainly, it had no relevance or application to me. Maybe some poor old gypsy somewhere could sink so low as to curse someone, but what was that to me? Maybe some voodoo high priest might dabble in such things, but I didn't live in Haiti and I wouldn't put up with some high priest messing with me anyway.

I had the power of God in my life and would have released that power against any obvious enemy of God. But gypsies and voodoo priests had nothing to do with my Christian experience as a Christian, or so I thought. I thought a curse involved little dolls with pins sticking out from them, stinking potions brewing in a pot, or magical spells by some imaginary witch. I had little time for winged fairies waving magic wands or princes turning into frogs.

Proudly, I believed myself to be a realist, a purist, established in my orthodoxy of Scripture and in the total relevance of my Christian experience. Confidentially, I believed I was "rooted and grounded in the truth" and protected from all evil. I simply had no time for fairy tales, wives' fables, or someone's outdated doctrine. I did not think curses were real. I did not think they were contemporary. And I did not think they could even remotely touch me!

Cursed? Not Me!

Soon, however, I was to be proven very wrong, even dangerously deceived, and nearly fatally naive. Looking back, I now see how unrealistic and spiritually adolescent my understanding of Christian curses really was. Like the proverbial sitting duck, I was blindsided by my own ignorance. Like many of my earlier untested, untried, "pie in the sky" doctrines, this one, too, would not pass the test of time or reality. Why? Because my doctrine concerning curses was dangerously and self-destructively unscriptural. Ignorance toward an enemy only strengthens that enemy. My acute ignorance almost gave this enemy an uncontested victory in my life because I did not believe this enemy even existed!

Yes, it is true that I read of mighty men of God like David and Elijah warring against curses. Still, I did not make the proper connection between them and me because I did not have the proper context experientially to do so. I had a certain intellectual understanding because I had read the accounts of these men many times. But "intellectual" understanding and "experiential" understanding cannot be compared.

Strong on theory but extremely vulnerable in practice, I was soon to learn that our biggest enemy can be our own homemade theology. I simply could not bring myself to accept that a curse had been unleashed against me. After all, I was a nice guy, a real boy scout! Cursed? Not me!

A further blow to my theology came when I realized that Christians had done this terrible thing to me. They had purposed upon me a curse that nearly destroyed my walk with Christ. I had thought Christian meant Christ-like. I had thought Christian meant love, forgiveness, reconciliation, etc.

My own errant, shallow, narrow-minded theology did not know as much as it thought but prided itself in thinking it knew everything. Okay, I admit it. I was a dreamer. As a result, I made this whole incident far more difficult and painful than it had to be.

Two Important Steps

In conjunction with examining, critiquing, and scrutinizing my theology, I took two important steps that literally saved my spiritual life — and probably my physical life as well.

1 I assumed I knew nothing - at least nothing about curses.

In fact, I probably knew little about God in general. This is a point we all need to come to periodically. In humility and great desperation of soul and spirit I asked the Holy Spirit to teach me. I decided to start from scratch theologically. This was the first really smart thing I did. I admitted my stupidity.

Suddenly, I was rethinking my entire theology. God had me in a theological corner and would not let me out. Either I would cling to my old interpretation — and deny my situation — or I would be open to the Holy

Spirit teaching me a new and more sensible understanding that would explain my present situation. The latter seemed the best choice.

Rethinking my entire theology ultimately changed my life forever.

Later, I would find out this new understanding would adhere to both the letter and the spirit of the Word of God. Ultimately, it would change my life forever. Gone were the days of my comfortable, westernized, "Christianized" theology.

2 I listened to my wife.

She had been telling me about this curse-like snare around my neck for years; I just didn't believe her. I accused her numerous times of over-reacting. I told her I just did not believe Christians would or could do this to other Christians.

Ironic isn't it? The very tool we use to understand God, namely our theology, was the very hindrance to my seeing the truth of God. I could not find the truth because of how I theologically interpreted the truth. Even when my wife — who has bailed me out of more potentially disastrous situations with her wisdom, common sense, and spiritual insight — warned me, I did not listen.

As soon as I began to take her warning to heart, and trust the Holy Spirit to teach me, my release was inevitable, imminent, and overdue. I give God and my wife credit. Both were instrumental in my theological and experiential deliverance. Yes, thanks to Jesus Christ and my wife Diane, I was set free!

Asking the Hard Questions

My personal journey into understanding curses was really something "imposed" upon me by God. My level and degree of inquiring was still in its infancy. Although I began to investigate Proverbs 26:2 carefully and accurately with the limited skills I had, I knew it was time to confront the possibility — if not the probability — that a very real curse existed in my life. Two questions had to be asked and answered quickly:

1 Does Proverbs 26:2 assume a Christian cannot be cursed?

Do Christians enjoy an automatic, preexisting immunity from such evil influences? After all, the verse says such curses will be powerless; they "will have no effect."

2 Does Proverbs 26:2 assume that a curse is a self-incriminating indicator of one's own guilt no matter what the circumstances?

In other words, is the cause of the curse the cursed person's own fault? Would there be no curse unless the cursed person himself provided the cause for it? If you think about it, that's pretty absurd! Yet, I admit I thought this way, too, until I found myself cursed! In desperation I hurriedly began to search for other possible interpretations. I began to re-think some of my self-righteous concepts about curses and prayed that I was mistaken in my understanding of curses. Well, thank God I was wrong!

The Bible never puts the responsibility of a Christian curse on the victim. It is always the fault of the perpetrator. Like many thousands of Christians, I also had a misconception about who is to blame for a Christian curse. I was asking hard theological questions for which I needed relevant, applicable, theological answers. This was no minor adjustment in my belief system. What I was about to experience was a major doctrinal overhaul — one that came at great expense to my theological pride and prowess.

Are Christians Immune from Curses?

A careless glance of the Bible seems to teach that Christians are somehow immune or exempt from curses. Somehow, God's children all enjoy a sort of automatic resistance to curses.

One of the most popular interpretations of this verse is a literal interpretation. Some people reason if the Bible teaches that a curse will have "no effect," it means literally and all inclusively "no effect" on any Christian at any time. Discerning curses is not a quick and easy task. It is especially difficult if you do not believe in them in the first place! Even if you believe in curses, they still require the light of God — His Holy Spirit's illumination—to "see," discern, or distinguish them.

Discerning curses is especially difficult if you do not believe in them in the first place!

Deliverance from curses requires the awesome power of God and the incredible perseverance that faith provides to identify and destroy (break) a personal curse. Often this battle can be a prolonged struggle during which the effects of these curses are reversed. Curses are not something a spiritual novice would want to tackle — and in many ways I was such a novice. I was an underexposed Christian, someone who thought he had more "light" than he actually did. The early days came back to haunt me.

A Lack of Faith?

Because of my early indoctrination in the so-called "word of faith" movement, I thought curses were the stuff of which fantasies were made. They were products of the imagination, illusions. It was not even conceivable to me that a "cursed" Christian could exist. Consequently, mine was a very biased view toward any verse in the Bible that spoke about curses. My limited understanding supported my viewpoint that Christians are protected from such evil things.

Curses, along with anything negative like sickness, poverty, personal problems, etc. were once thought by many, including me, to always be the result of a personal lack of faith. If you were sick, it was your fault because you did not have enough faith or the right kind of faith. If you were poor, it was your fault — the result of your lack of faith. If you had problems of any nature, it was always the result of your unbelief. There was nothing and no one to blame but yourself. All you needed was more faith, and instantly, dramatically, your problems would suddenly disappear! With this simplistic and erroneous theological background, you can see why I could never accept the fact that a "real" Christian could be cursed unless he did something so horribly wrong as to somehow deserve it.

A "real" Christian just needed to exercise more "real" faith. If his faith did not get the job done, then perhaps he had done something to "deserve" the personal curse. Otherwise, he would simply not have to deal with the possibility. Therefore, for the "real" Christian, curses would simply have no effect at all.

A "Rambo" for Jesus!

Like many "theologically sanitized" Christians, I had unwittingly bleached out any possibility that curses could even remotely affect me. In my error and pride, I reasoned I was literally immune, exempt, somehow "automatically" resistant. I was living in a theological fantasy world far from any reality the Bible teaches. This should have been my first clue. I just figured I was indestructible, immovable, unshakable, impervious to any harm or damage, a sort of spiritual "Rambo" for Jesus!

Like the Rambo movies, spiritual bullets were beginning to fly over me, around me, and right at me. At first I did not grasp what was really taking place. Ironically, it was this Hollywood theology of mine that deceived me. I thought the bullets were not real. I thought I was Rambo. I considered the idea of modern-day curses to be a myth. I thought I would come out of this struggle unscathed and make a sequel. I learned life isn't like the movies! I was a narrow-minded, idealistic, and overly simplistic Christian. I soon learned that the bullets we see in Hollywood movies and the bullets we experience in real life are very different.

This "Christian" curse targeted me like real bullets with my name on each one of them. I was a marked man. This was no movie, and I was no high-paid actor. Spiritually and emotionally, I was bleeding real blood, oozing from real wounds, the result of a real war. This war nearly cost me my spiritual life. After all, if you don't think an enemy can hurt you, you most likely won't put up any defense.

Deserved or Undeserved?

For many years I unknowingly cooperated with a curse on my life by believing there could not be a curse on my life. For years I ignored the mounting evidence. Ignorantly, I turned a deaf ear to the warnings of the Holy Spirit spoken to me through loved ones, colleagues, and even perfect strangers who were Christians. I personified stupidity by not responding to the vast amount of proof God had provided. God spared me because He is faithful and not because of any spiritual discernment on my part.

I had assumed Christians were immune to curses unless they "deserved" the curse! Erroneously, I always placed the cause for the curse on the one being cursed. This opened up for me a whole new can of theological worms and caused yet another problem for my poor interpretative skills. Notice that Proverbs 26:2 says, "An undeserved curse will have no effect." Some would say — as I did — this implies that if one "deserves" to be cursed he could be. I erroneously placed the blame or cause for the curse on the wrong person — me. I thought this to be a valid interpretation in view of my then current theology. Remember, I still didn't think a real Christian could be cursed.

Maybe there was an exception to the rule that Christians are immune to curses. Maybe there were Christians so depraved and so enslaved in gross sin that a curse was their "just desserts." I reasoned that a so-called "undeserved" ("causeless" — KJV) curse could not produce a victim because this type of curse could not exist. On the other hand, a "deserved" curse would produce a victim, and it would be the victim's own fault. Once again, the implication was that the victim of the curse caused his or her own curse. I asked myself if this was a substantive interpretation of the verse. Was this a biblically accurate and balanced understanding I could embrace? I wondered:

►    How did one "deserve" to be cursed?

►    Did any Christian ever "bring upon himself" a (personal) curse of this nature — that is, something perpetrated upon him by another?

►    If so, how did one become the cause for his own Christian curse? I needed to know.

Who Is to Blame?

Clearly, I was experiencing a real period of transition, both theologically and experientially. I knew one thing for sure: I was battling a very real Christian curse, and, as far as I could tell, I had done nothing to "deserve" it. I knew I was not the cause. At that time, I was still attributing the cause of the curse as being something related to the victim (me) not the perpetrator (them). Over and over I asked the same questions, trying to get a fix on this whole tragic mess. I inquired repeatedly:

►    If I didn't deserve it, why was I cursed?

►    Why did God allow it in the first place?

►    Did God do this to me or did I do this to me?

►    Did the devil do this to me or did someone else do this to me?

►    If there was no cause on my part for a curse, why did the crippling, debilitating, paralyzing effects of a curse evidence themselves repeatedly in my life?

►    Does a Christian who merely identifies a curse in his life somehow incriminate himself?

To identify a curse in your life means only one thing. It means you have recognized and located something very evil and destructive that is counter-productive to the will of God for your life. It does not mean you should take the blame for it, and it does not mean you deserved it! Does reporting a crime make you guilty of the crime? Of course not! Being cursed does not mean you are guilty before being proven innocent — although many of us have been taught this. Guilt or innocence has nothing to do with being the victim of a curse. I ask you, how do you attribute sufficient blame for such a demonic thing?

You can't blame the Jews for merely living in Europe, where six million of them died in the Holocaust. You can't blame millions of unborn babies for their own abortions because they "chose" to be conceived at an

A curse does not just happen; it is always caused.

inconvenient time. And you can't blame someone for suffering under a curse because they had the guts to admit being under one! Six million dead Jews and nearly thirty million

dead babies would cry out in support of anyone cursed, not in judgment of him. Where do you stand?

Questions Without Answers?

Even the most skeptical Christian would have to concede that something very evil was directed toward me. Of course, I maintain this evil was directed toward me by Christians. I know this is a hard theological and experiential "pill" for some to swallow. However, somebody, somewhere, unleashed an incredible amount of "evil energy" against me. After prayerful investigation, all the evidence pointed to Christians as the perpetrators — not witches or warlocks!

In any type of warfare, "intelligence operations" are crucial to success in battle. In this war for my soul, I developed my own method of interrogation. Once the source of the curse had been established, I began to ask lots of questions. These important questions became the basis for this book and for a radical revision of some of my theological views:

1 What about the leader of this group?

►    What was his level of involvement in this matter?

►    How responsible was he for what was done?

►    Was this curse something this leader masterminded, or was it something he inadvertently stumbled upon and ignorantly used without realizing it?

►    Was his use of cursing the inevitable outcome of a long-standing spiritual deception in him?

►    Was the curse simply a result of not having the proper checks and balances in the leadership of this church? Or, was it much deeper than that?

2 What about the people in this church?

►    Did they knowingly (directly) or unknowingly (indirectly) curse me?

►    Was this curse merely a huge spiritual accident and I the unfortunate victim?

►    Was I in the wrong place at the wrong time, a kind of innocent bystander, or was this a purposed and concerted effort to spiritually wound and destroy me?

►    Was this an actual witch hunt with my name on it?

►    How conscious an effort was it?

►    Did the church know what they were doing?

►    Did they like what they were doing? In other words, did they directly, openly, consciously, and viciously go out after me to curse me?

Probably God alone knows the answers to these questions. I may have my opinions and my suspicions, but I also believe the pastor and these people are still my brothers and sisters regardless of the deception they may embrace.

►    I believe that curses exist rather than not exist.

►    I believe that Christians can be cursed rather than not be cursed.

►    And I believe that Christians can even curse other Christians!

One thing I know. I have personally experienced the effects of a very real Christian curse. In some ways I was under a curse, and in other ways I lived above it.

Who Causes a Curse?

If a personal curse exists, there is a definite cause. Remember this: there is no such thing as a curse without a cause! This is the very point of Proverbs 26:2: A curse does not just happen; it is always caused.

The cause of a Christian curse, however, originates with the person doing the cursing, not with the victim of the curse! Let's get this straight once and for all. An "undeserved" or "causeless" curse will have no effect on a Christian because, without a cause, no curse exists in the first place. That is what the writer of Proverbs was trying to communicate. A curse must have a cause. That is, without a cause nothing has been "sent out" against that Christian, nothing has been perpetrated against him. There is no curse since there is no cause.

The cause of a curse does not originate with its victim!

Who supplies the cause for the curse? The perpetrator always provides the reason for the curse. If the perpetrator provides the cause, a curse will be generated and launched against the potential victim. If there is no cause, then there is no curse. But, if there is a cause (always provided by the perpetrator), then there will be a personal or Christian curse.

Final Answers

Earlier, I asked two questions. Let me propose them again but with their respective answers.

1 Does Proverbs 26:2 assume a Christian cannot be cursed?

Do Christians enjoy an automatic, preexisting immunity from such evil influences?

No! A Christian can be cursed. It is sad but true! Nothing is automatic in the Christian experience, and a Christian is definitely not immune from curses. If someone wants to curse you, that's all it takes. His intent, words, and corresponding actions will be sufficient cause to effect a curse. And yes, Christians can do this to other Christians.

2 Does Proverbs 26:2 assume that a curse is a self-incriminating indicator of one's own guilt no matter what the circumstances?

For years, Christians have been reading Proverbs 26:2 backwards. We have falsely assumed the "cursed" individual is the one who supplies the cause, the reason, or the "justification" for the curse he or she is suffering under. We have callously blamed the victim for the crime!

Elijah, David, and Me

Biblically, I knew Elijah and David to be righteous servants of the Lord. Both were clearly approved by God. Both were walking in the will of their God. Yet both faced major curses in their respective lives. David faced his in the field of battle against Goliath, and Elijah at the formidable hands of the seductress and murderess Jezebel. Admittedly, they both did much better against their respective curses than I did. Why?

►    They knew curses were real, and they dealt with them accordingly.

►    They did not have to defeat the enemies of ignorance and apathy first before they countered the curses directed against them.

►    They went on the offensive almost immediately.

►    They had nothing to unlearn, no theology to adjust, no experiential obstacles to hurdle.

►    Their culture, religion, and personal experience would all attest to the reality of personal curses.

Although it was little consolation, at least I found myself in some pretty good company with these other "cursed" men. Still, I had not made a clear connection. In contrast, I lacked the cultural, religious, and experiential context. When I read about these men in the Bible and when I tried to apply this to my life, it just did not "click." They were larger than life Bible characters living thousands of years ago in a different time and very different world. How could I relate to them? Everything was so vastly different: time, culture, circumstances, spiritual stature, even the dispensation they were under was unlike the one I knew.

They were who they were, and I was just a modern Christian living at the end of the 20th century. Even though I believed the Bible with all my heart, these men and their respective stories were still words on a page, far removed from my present Christian experience. As a self-professed "serious student of the Bible," I should have known better than to relegate any portion of Scripture to a mere historical context. In so doing, I nullified any lesson these men and their curses could have taught me. If God's servants in the Bible could be hit with a curse, who was I to think I could not?

Two Mistakes and Two Truths

I made two serious mistakes in my initial quest to understand personal curses:

1-I erroneously associated cursing only with Elijah the prophet and David the warrior and king. I thought curses were exclusive to their experience and their experience alone.

2-Because I identified curses only with these two characters, I was looking for the identical perpetrators, i.e. Jezebel and Goliath. Herein lay my mistake. God was trying to show me that my "Christian" brothers and sisters were the source of a satanic curse, but I was looking to blame an evil queen or a defiant giant!

Needless to say, my misguided search left me very frustrated, confused, and spiritually disoriented. Why? I was barking up the wrong family tree. I was sincerely searching the pages of the Old Testament, trying to comprehend this strange subject of personal curses. Yet, preceding this search of biblical history, a contemporary curse had been launched against me by other Christians — those of my own church family — and it was staring me in the face! I was about to learn Elijah and David were not the only ones who could be cursed, and I was about to learn it didn't take a physical, literal Jezebel or Goliath to do the cursing. God was trying to teach me two fundamental truths:

1-Curses were not and are not limited to the lives of Bible characters.

2-Curses can and will come from non-Christians (the expected source) and Christians (the unexpected source).

In fact, there are as many potential perpetrators of curses as there are people on this planet, and just as many potential victims as well. Limiting curses to the non-Christian population and assuming the remaining Christian population is somehow removed from cursing was my biggest error.

The Most Likely Perpetrator

Too many Christians suspect a Jezebel or a Goliath when, in reality, they may need to look inside the church! It is least likely that a curse will be perpetrated by an unsaved individual who does not attend church or pretend to be a Christian, and who doesn't have a clue who you are. It probably won't be someone with whom you don't have an intimate relationship! After all, why would someone who doesn't know you want to harm you?

A curse may originate from an offended brother who retaliates against you.

I believe that a curse can most likely originate from a fellow member of the church — someone you may have inadvertently offended, who then retaliates against you through a wrong spirit of unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment. That's why I call them "Christian" curses although they contain virtually no real Christian qualities at all.

These "Christian" curses originate from within the church, from among the brotherhood, from among family, from among your brothers and sisters in Christ. I know this is a harsh word to receive, but brother cursing brother is a more common scenario than some unbeliever cursing you. I am not trying to make you paranoid; I am trying to prepare you for the sneak attack.

Only Human?

If I have learned nothing else from my experience with curses, I have learned this: The main qualification necessary to either victimize someone with a curse or be the victim of a curse yourself is identical. All you must be is human. If you are a living, breathing human being, saved or unsaved, you can curse and be cursed. It is that simple and that sad. Just human.

Is it a legitimate excuse for sinning to say, "Well, we're only human"? Absolutely not! The fact remains that our humanity, whether saved or unsaved, can produce some pretty evil results for which all, saved or unsaved, are accountable before God. Jesus said, "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,

blasphemies: these are the things which defile a man" (Matt. 15:18-19).

As humans, especially saved humans, we are acutely responsible before God for all that "proceeds out of our hearts." Being human is no excuse! "And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" (1 Pet. 4:18). Do I believe one risks his or her salvation by carelessly cursing his brother or sister in Christ? All sin poses the risk of forfeiting our salvation in Christ. Although God and God alone judges such matters, the risk exists in us all. We must guard our hearts and watch our tongues. Both can be filled with evil or good, God or the devil. Both can be constructive or devilishly destructive in nature. May God help us to yield our heart and tongue to Him as righteous instruments.

Brother Against Brother

I was soon to learn that a very real curse had been directed toward me. It was not perpetrated by an Old Testament sorceress or ancient blasphemer. These foes would have been far easier to identify and resist. Any battle with them would have been far more open and honest. It would have been war as war was intended to be. If there is such a thing as etiquette in war, this would have been a fair fight, an acceptable engagement with well-defined rules and codes of conduct.

In my case, my accusers were a contemporary "Christian" group led by a typical "Christian" pastor. Both were relying heavily on several twisted yet contemporary — and to some, acceptable — "Christian" beliefs. Needless to say, it was one of the biggest shocks of my Christian life. Like any shock, this curse struck with great surprise and great agitation. It was a violent collision between light and darkness, and I was caught in the middle of this deadly crossfire. It was a titanic battle of good versus evil, and I was the battlefield.

I never expected other Christians to deliver the first salvo. I never thought a "brother" would do this to another "brother." It was a horrific shock to find myself the unwilling participant of a "civil war" being waged within the four walls of God's church. This curse was a spiritually violent act that jarred my mind, disrupted my spiritual thinking, and generally affected my entire spiritual equilibrium. This curse brought with it physiological reactions, a period of spiritual depression, and a season of halting re-evaluation. Truly, a curse can and will induce tremendous shock into a person's life. Like it or not, if you are cursed, it is war, pure and simple.

Chapter 9

Battling a "Christian" Curse

A curse shows no favoritism. It will seek to ruin your public life and your private life. I was no exception to this truth. Even my marriage and family came under the assault of this sometimes unendurable curse. Today, I thank God that my twenty-eight-year marriage remains solid. My three children, the fruit of that marriage, survived this difficult time and are normal American kids.

Fortunately, God gave me a strong, confident, secure woman as my wife. Not many women could have withstood what she endured. Although she was never the direct focus of this curse, hers was an even more difficult and precarious position. She had to live with the one targeted by the curse! When you have to live with the person whose life is under constant spiritual attack, things can go from unpleasant to unbearable at times. In many ways, my wife Diane suffered as much, if not more, than I did. She was a real trooper throughout this entire campaign, and I could not have made it without her.

In spite of God's obvious blessings, there continued to be a spiritual conflict over my life. I was not myself. At times, the energy needed to resist this supernatural power, this evil force, literally drained me of my spiritual strength.

No one will ever know the inner turmoil I went through. Call it an ugly, vicious dark cloud, a living blackness, a tangible heaviness, an enslaving yoke, an ominous feeling, or a foreboding sense. Whatever it was and no matter how you describe it, this curse was real. This "thing" was over me, around me, near me, and on me — and I desperately wanted to be free of it! Being under a curse is like living in a highly intensified, negatively charged spiritual environment ripe with the potential for death at any moment. A curse takes its toll, robbing you of any peaceful, quiet existence as it seeks to destroy any normalcy, spiritual or natural, in a Christian's life.

Living in a War Zone

Since I decided to stay in the same city as my former church, I could not escape the battlefield. I lived, ate, drank, and slept on the front lines, constantly fighting a spiritual battle! A state of war persisted twenty-four hours a day with no hope of R and R (a military term for rest and relaxation) in sight. My prolonged personal ordeal with a curse was nothing short of trench warfare. For thirteen years I had to "hunker down" daily,

relying on the presence of God to conceal and protect me. Like a soldier hiding from the constant onslaught of his enemy, I was trapped and unable to reach the potential God had planned for me. This curse swamped me, making me feel bogged down and unable to effectively maneuver. To a degree I was spiritually dysfunctional.

Being under a curse is like living in a highly intensified, negatively charged spiritual environment.

"Out-gunned" through ignorance and lack of experience in such matters, I was unable to keep my "opponent" off balance. My own naivete left me vulnerable and intimidated. Afraid to make a move, yet frustrated and desperate at the same time, I was far from a formidable foe. For a long time, I did not even know I was in a fight! A certified civilian in a military environment, I was mismatched and ill-equipped for war; but war it was, full blown and coming at me. I was so consumed by my defensive posture that any offensive policy against the devil never occurred to me. It was nearly eleven or twelve years into this curse period before I took offensive action against it. (Please note: My actions were against the curse and not against those who cursed me.) I was never one step ahead until the last and most deciding moment. But thank God, late is infinitely better than never.

Like a Mexican Stand Off

Unless you take offensive action and destroy a personal curse, it will wear you down through attrition. Like all forms of attrition (the gradual wearing down of something by friction) a curse's desire is to "rub you out." A curse will either discourage you to a point of giving up and quitting or relegate you to a sort of Mexican stand off where nobody wins and where both sides merely hold their ground. Ultimately, the curse has you where it wants you. In other words, you become a sterile, impotent, unproductive shell of a Christian with no real spiritual value to yourself or to others. God will love you, but your contribution to the kingdom of God will be lost forever. Finally, using the ultimate form of attrition to defeat you, its enemy, a personal curse will simply wait for you to die physically.

Unless you take offensive action and destroy a curse, it will wear you down through attrition.

Ephesians 6:13-17 describes the spiritual armor God has given us. Included is a "helmet of salvation" for us to wear to protect our head. That's the good news. A curse can strike a major blow against this armor and seriously dent the helmet of our salvation. One might be protected from a death blow to the head, but a curse will leave a definite ringing in the ears that can affect how and if a Christian hears from God. That's the bad news.

Identifying the Victims of a Curse

A curse does not care how it gets you as long as it gets you! A curse is not "choosy"! It just wants a victim. Someone to boast about, a trophy. Although

I survived and recovered, many others did not. Many fatalities resulted from the Christian curses perpetrated by my former pastor and church — and even more were left critically wounded and paralyzed. Who were they?

1 Those in Denial

Some who were cursed quit asking questions and lost their hope for answers. Many still find it hard, if not impossible, to accept the possibility of a Christian curse. Denial, however, never solved anything. In fact, denial always makes matters worse. I've found that those who continue to deny the truth are the same ones who continue to suffer because of the curse.

2 The Blindsided

I am sad to report that, to this day, some of the victims of this curse do not even know they were being targeted! They never knew what hit them. These are the ones who break my heart. Some have turned from God, forsaking their Savior and have "returned to their own vomit." Some have seen their marriages end in divorce and their spiritually and emotionally scarred children now living in rebellion to God. Let us not forget the children, the second generation of casualties. These, too, have suffered as a result of the damnable fallout of the curse.

3 The Wounded

Many adults and children alike have suffered physically and mentally, struggling to reconcile in their minds and bodies exactly what took place. In a few cases, their "sickness," caused by frustration and denial, still haunts these survivors. Many still ask the same question year after year: Could other Christians have done this to us? Were we cursed by our own brothers or sisters?

Today I feel genuine sorrow and remorse over the whole incident and deep regret for those brothers and sisters who never recovered from the hellish experience. Some were and are so deeply scarred by what was done to them in the name of God that they may never know wholeness again. I especially feel for those still trapped in the prisons of unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment that this situation created. All this mayhem resulted because a Christian curse went unchecked and ignored, released against them by fellow soldiers.

4 The Fatalities

Those "killed" attest to the deadly effects of this Christian curse. The obvious tragedy was that all the fatalities were Christians! The not so obvious tragedy was that other Christians did the killing! Sadly, too many of my brothers and sisters in Christ were dead before they hit the ground. Why?

Those who never fought back lost the most.

They were not experienced soldiers.

Too many never knew to put on God's armor and raise a standard against the enemy. They were unprepared and vulnerable. Spiritually, they died because they did not choose to — or did not know how to — resist the personal curse leveled against them.

5 The Pacifists

The most vulnerable of those affected by this Christian curse are those who have become "lukewarm." Indifference, passivity, and lethargy have become their legacy. These are the ones who have lost the most. Why? Because they never fought back. These are the ones who underestimated their enemy. They failed to fight the "good fight of faith" and caved in to spiritual compromise and religious convenience. These are the ones who are no longer pressing in to God. They have "left their first love."

Are these individuals still saved in the eyes of God? I pray they are. Only God knows. One thing is certain: their place in the kingdom has been jeopardized, compromised, and minimized. Most of them will never be all they could have been in God. I know many who seem to have gone beyond the point of recovery. They may make it to heaven, but here on earth they will live totally ambiguous lives, never "possessing" the kingdom of God on earth for themselves. These are Satan's grandest trophies.

6 The Walking Wounded

The curse-like activity from which I was delivered still actively targets some of my brothers and sisters to this day. They are still under attack, still in the trenches, still fair game.

Curses do not just quit. They are persistent, demonic fires that will burn until all the human fuel of hatred, jealousy, and self-righteousness feeding them is spent. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can a curse be extinguished. This must be done boldly, unapologetically, and forcibly — or it will smolder forever. To this day, many of these individuals are either wandering aimlessly from church to church or not going to any church. The majority of them are the walking wounded of Christian curses, and unfortunately their number is far too high.

7 The Survivors

Yes, some survived. But, to be totally honest, I do not know all the reasons why some survive and others do not. To be cursed was spiritually unpleasant to say the least, and outright life-threatening most of the time! This curse particularly threatened the abundant life Jesus had promised me. Unless I resisted, I knew I would succumb to this Christian curse. I knew inwardly that I was in the fight of my life and that this enemy would not surrender. I knew it would fight to the death. My foe was on a suicide mission where nothing would deter it from wiping me out at its earliest convenience. My goal was to get through the day, to survive personally. Fortunately, my experience has had a much happier ending than some. Although I had been deeply traumatized by the curse, I knew one day I would be free.

No Fighting Back

I almost forgot to mention one small detail. There was one catch to this battle for my life. God did not permit me to fire back! During this time, I often remembered the song David wrote about a similar experience of false accusation, persecution, and betrayal. Surrounded by personal enemies who had already written him off, David sang to the Lord this song:

Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! Many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, there is no help for him in God. But You, O Lord are a shield for me, the glory and the lifter of my head. I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill. I laid down and slept; I awaked, for the Lord sustained me. I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people, that have set themselves against me round about. Arise, O Lord; save me, O my God: for You have stricken all my enemies on the cheek bone; You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongs to the Lord: Your blessing is upon Your people (Ps. 3).

What was David's response to his enemies, in this case his own son Absalom? He prayed and went to bed! He refused to be afraid, and he allowed God to fight his battle. David did not fire back. You may think I am joking, but this is precisely what I have done for nineteen years: pray for those who have cursed me, let God fight the battle, and get a good night's sleep!

Turning the Curse Into a Blessing

My own former church had assumed the role of judge, jury, and hangman. I had been brought up on "trumped up" charges that were non-biblical. I had been found guilty of these charges and labeled a spiritual criminal. I was never told of the actual offense that I allegedly committed. My punishment, however, was a "Christian" curse from hell.

In addition to this flagrant breech of scriptural protocol, the "guilty verdict" was handed down in absentia, meaning I was not even present or even attending this church when they excommunicated me! The absurdity of the entire situation was obvious. It could have been almost laughable if it had not been so terribly, terribly painful.

►    Was I hurt? I was devastated!

►    Did I quit? Yes, and it's a miracle I came out of it at all!

►    Did I withdraw? As much as I possibly could.

►    Did I become bitter? A lot!

►    Did I harbor unforgiveness and resentment? Yes!

►    Did I survive? Thank God!

As one of the walking wounded, I was deeply affected spiritually, mentally, and physically, but I did survive! "In my distress I cried unto the Lord" (Ps. 120:1). I knew what David meant when he wrote, "The plowers plowed upon my back; they made long their furrows" (Ps. 129:3). Yet, David survived, and so did I! God said to Israel, "The Lord your God has

turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you" (Deut. 23:5). What began as the single most devastating experience of my Christian life was to become the single most liberating! Although struggling under a debilitating curse placed on me by other Christians, God was at work behind the scenes. Truly, "He that keeps us will neither slumber nor sleep" (Ps. 121:4).

What began as the single most devastating experience of my Christian life was to become the single most liberating!

Although now permanently divorced from my spiritual family, God was in control. As is His nature, God was about to redeem this entire horrific situation. Soon He would turn a catastrophic circumstance into a tremendous blessing just as He turned the potential cursing by the Moabite King Balak against Israel into a blessing.

Jesus Was Freeing Me

Jesus was and is the greatest teacher who ever taught. His style is stellar. His methods are unique. His results impeccable. The improvements He produces in a life are permanent. What was Jesus the teacher teaching me? That Jesus Christ alone is Lord! What was Jesus doing to me and more importantly in me at this time?

1 Jesus was freeing me from a religious system where He was not Lord in my life.

I had made man my lord. I had erected an idol in my life. Jesus was freeing me from a man-pleasing spirituality that was essentially humanistic in nature. Humanism is defined as a system of belief supporting the primacy of man. My Christianity was not Christ-centered; it was man-centered. My Christianity was humanistic, and it was idolatrous. Most importantly, it was my fault! I chose to worship man!

2 Jesus was freeing me from a system based on fear, intimidation, manipulation, and control.

I had been taught to be a performer for God, an employee of God, but not a son of God. I knew how to do the "stuff" of Christianity, but I did not know how to be a Christian.

3 Jesus was freeing me from the depravity of my own heart.

I could have blamed the church and the pastor. I could have found an excuse to hold someone else responsible. Jesus was freeing me from me! He was freeing me from a need for approval by man. He was showing me that I bought into the system because I saw the system would benefit me. He exposed my pride, selfishness, ego, ambition, hypocrisy, and insecurity.

4 Jesus was freeing me from revenge and unforgiveness.

In his faithfulness, God had prepared for me my Calvary, the predetermined place of my death. "I have been crucified with Christ: it is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me" (Gal. 2:20). At the cross "my need to be right" died. Self's rule and reign surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I gave up my hopes, dreams, aspirations, and ambitions and discovered the will of God. My need to explain my rightness subsided, and my original need for vindication died. What was His will? I was to die to any retaliation, retribution, or revenge! God asked me to go to the cross with only these words on my lips: "Father, forgive them. They do not know what they are doing."

This was not easy to do. It took me more than a few tries to get it right. Eventually, I was able to extend heartfelt forgiveness to those who "drove in the spikes." If I expected forgiveness, I first had to extend the same. Who was I to do less than Jesus who had forgiven His assailants? Forgiveness is a free gift, but it is also highly conditional. First we forgive, then, we ourselves are forgiven. Amen!

Working to My Advantage

Simultaneous to this hellish attack, I continued to experience the Spirit of God protecting me, guiding me, and fellowshipping with me. I was not alone. I still knew His great love for me. I knew I was His son and He was my heavenly Father and that nothing could separate me from His love. (See Rom. 8:39.) Because God's abiding love overshadowed me daily, I did more than merely survive this curse. In many ways, I thrived! David said, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies" (Ps. 23:5).

Even during this dark chapter of my life, God lavished His unconditional love upon me. At times it was God's love, and God's love alone that kept me going. When all seemed hopeless, God's love was there to give me hope for another day. When I felt abandoned and alone, God's love was there to let me know He cared. God marvelously used this whole ordeal to draw me ever closer to Him. The paradox of this Christian curse is clear:

►    What was meant to drive me away, drew me closer to my God!

►    What was meant to kill me, ultimately improved the quality of my spiritual life.

►    What was supposed to weaken me, God used to permanently strengthen me.

►    What was supposed to make me look stupid, made me wiser.

Why did this curse eventually work to my advantage? Why did it eventually serve for my good and for the glory of God?

►    I chose to do something about it. That's faith!

►    I chose not to let go of God. That's faith!

►    I prayed constantly and believed God consistently. That's faith too!

Therefore, what was designed to undermine and destroy me made me a better Christian, a stronger person, a more humble servant, a smarter soldier, and increased my capacity to love and forgive. Looking back, it was well worth the suffering.

"God Meant it for (My) Good"

Having spent many years in the dungeons of Pharaoh, Joseph had every right to be bitter. His years of turmoil and despair in Egypt should have made him hardened and cold, a vindictive man full of rage and violence. Yet, Joseph made an absolutely incredible statement to his brothers who were responsible for his slavery. Rather than blame them, blame God, or blame himself, he acknowledged that God — not any vehicle of evil — had placed him in Egypt!

Joseph attributed both his years of promotion and persecution to the sovereignty of his God!

Joseph said, "God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity." Wow! What a statement! He even told his brothers not to get angry with themselves over this matter. After all those years of suffering, Joseph was comforting his brothers! (See Gen. 45:5.) Then Joseph dropped the big bomb. "But as for you, you thought evil against me: but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as is this day, to save much people alive" (Gen. 50:20). Imagine, Joseph attributed both his years of promotion and persecution to the sovereignty of his God!

What a privilege to suffer in this manner. What an honor to know God in this way. Paul wrote, "That I may know him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His suffering, being made conformable to his death" (Phil. 3:10). Both Joseph and Paul saw beyond the immediate into the eternal and found God in their respective circumstances. I had to learn the same. Can you? What could be better for a Christian than to intimately know his or her God?

Moment by Moment

The entire time I battled this Christian curse, I was still anointed by God and productive in His kingdom. I traveled nationally and internationally, preaching, teaching, and prophesying. I successfully pastored a small rural church and wrote several books. Above all, I enjoyed the many blessings and benefits of a father-son relationship with my God! Yes, I was in a battle, even the battle of my life, but I was protected by God — in and during and through the battle. I can safely say, I was influenced but did not succumb to a curse. I can confidently declare Jesus was Lord of my life during this difficult time as I "walked through the valley of the shadow of death." Truly, "I feared no evil because He was with me." (See Ps. 23.) During my struggles with a curse, God was with me daily, moment by moment, intimately walking with me through it all. If you are facing a similar situation, He will be with you, too. God never leaves or abandons us; the Lord is our helper. (See Heb. 13:5-6.) Indeed, God is a sovereign God! He is in complete control!

Potential but not Successful

In my encounter with Christian curses, I was potentially cursed but, thank God, not successfully cursed. There is a big difference! Being "potentially" cursed meant that the ultimate purpose of this Christian curse failed. The full potential was not realized. Its evil capacity went unfulfilled, and it did not have its full impact on my life. The curse did not operate unencumbered or run roughshod over me. It was not permitted to rule and reign

unchallenged. What could have happened did not happen although the potential for a real spiritual disaster clearly existed; hence, the term potential curse.

This curse did not reach its full potential in my life.

For years I did not even realize the severity of the battle I was fighting against this potential curse. Yet, God defended me on a daily basis as I called upon His power. God knew exactly what was happening and answered my prayers for protection, deliverance, and strength against an enemy I had not yet identified or even located. Why did I survive this horrible, debilitating curse? Because God knew infinitely more about what was going on than I did! I may have been "in the dark" much of the time over the cause of the curse, but God was not! God is never in the dark about anything for "God is light" (1 John 1:5). However, it was not until the end of this very painful ordeal that God allowed me to "put the pieces together" and finally understand at least some of what this potential personal curse was about.

This potential curse would have easily become a successful one. It was ready to take full advantage of any opening I would have inadvertently provided. The curse was waiting to operate unencumbered, to rule and reign unchallenged in my life. For me, the difference between a potential curse and a successful curse was a matter of the timely release of God's omnipotent power.

No Lasting Effect

Thankfully, this personal curse did not succeed. In God's time and in His way, God destroyed the potential curse, attacking it at its very roots, at its core. What was destined by hell to succeed, failed. What was expected to devastate me was itself destroyed. Thank God!

Make no mistake about it, this curse was no mere random event, not something that happened by chance.

►    I was specifically and individually targeted by a Christian curse but not destroyed.

►    I was singled out but, by the grace of God, I overcame.

►    I battled and, because of the omnipotent power of the Holy Spirit, I won.

►    I was weary but, because of the faithfulness of God, I prevailed.

►    I was wounded but, because of the healing presence of Jesus Christ, I recovered.

Like any other Christian in a similar situation, I was never defenseless, just vulnerable. Was God with me? Yes! Did He protect me? Yes! Was I "more than a conqueror"? Yes! (See Rom. 8:37.) If you are cursed, will He do exactly the same for you? Yes, He will! Can you, like me, conquer the curse in your life? Yes, you can! Based on my personal experience, I believe a curse can and will be driven away eventually, ultimately, if the proper steps are taken. (We'll discuss these later.)

A curse will not successfully or permanently hit its mark. It will not hit the bull's eye. Instead, when a curse comes, it will have no solid ground to stand on and no roosting place to land. "Like wandering sparrows and flying birds" (Prov. 26:2), the final destination and ultimate resting place of a curse will fail. The evil intentions of the curse will tire and fall to the ground. The curse will miss its mark; it will be off target just enough. In this sense, the personal curse will have no lasting effect.

Let's Review

Even if you have been cursed, that curse does not have to succeed.

Before we move on, let's review some of the points we have learned about curses:

1 No curse should ever be allowed to occupy anything but a temporary place in a Christian's life.

2 If a curse is discerned, the proper steps must be taken to counter it. In other words, deal with it!

3 Proverbs 26:2 reveals:

►    A curse can have limited, not unlimited, influence.

►    A curse can be powerful but not all powerful.

►    A curse can have some very real, but not necessarily fatal, effects on a Christian's life.

4 The only time a curse succeeds is when we let it succeed.

If we yield to its limited power and allow it to affect our lives, it is more than sufficient to finish off its victim.

5 For the curse to take final control of your life, you must in some way cooperate with it.

6 Any resistance is good resistance when it comes to a curse.

I am living proof of this. Even when I didn't know what I was doing, I still resisted the feeling of evil around me. I steadfastly refused to go under. I stood my ground against the sense of doom, failure, sorrow, and fear.

7 Intimacy with Jesus Christ, the One who can destroy all curses with His mere presence, is the real secret to living free of a curse.

By maintaining my relationship with Jesus Christ, I was empowered to live above the ultimate purpose of this destructive Christian curse. Intimacy brings true lasting freedom! While battling this curse, I was both captive one day and free the next. I would feel both victimized, and then suddenly victorious. Yes, I was living a Christian life, but not the normal Christian life. You see, a battleground — even if it is a Christian battleground — is no place to live. It is not safe; it is not healthy; it is not friendly; and most of all, it is not natural.

Entering the Spirit Realm

As Christians we understand the spirit realm to be that spiritual dimension where God, angels, Satan, and the human spirit find existence and identity. Except in the case of God, who had no beginning, all these find their origin in this realm, too.

In the "spirit realm":

1 Physical laws are not in operation.

Since it is a spiritual dimension, it is invisible and intangible, and physical laws do not affect it. The spirit realm has no physical boundaries, no physical properties, and occupies no real space.

2 Human reasoning and the five senses become useless.

The spiritual realm is not a place of flesh and blood.

3 Assisted by the Holy Spirit, the redeemed human spirit can access and operate in this realm.

We understand this partnership according to 1 Corinthians 12. The redeemed human spirit is merely the vehicle or vessel through which the Holy Spirit manifests Himself. When this transformation from the natural to the spiritual takes place, we understand that individual to be "anointed."

4 The spirit realm defies human logic.

Although the Christian can operate (be anointed) in this realm, and frequently does, it is not a place of logic, earthly wisdom, or especially common sense. In this realm, ax heads float, mules talk, sickness is healed, demons flee, ordinary people walk on water, and the dead come back to life. It is not an intellectual, philosophical, or mathematical place.

5 God is spirit, and this spirit realm reflects His nature.

God is a spirit, not an intellect, not a philosophy, and not a mathematical formula.

6 Christians can access the spirit realm.

When a Christian enters this realm, we change to conform to God's nature—which is spirit. We take on His qualities thus accessing the spirit realm.

A Busy Place!

In every sense the spirit realm is more real than the physical world we see around us. Like the physical world in which we live, the spiritual world is also a busy place with much (spiritual) activity. The sheer volume of this activity is beyond human comprehension. What takes place in the spirit realm?

►    Petitioning prayer is asked and answered.

►    All forms of spiritual warfare take place.

►    Christians bind and loose in the spirit realm.

►    The ongoing battle between good and evil is waged daily.

►    This is where Satan accesses the throne of God. (See Job 1:6-7.)

►    From this realm, angels are sent on their missions to intervene in the affairs of men on earth.

►    In this realm, each passing second witnesses the eternities of countless souls determined.

Occasionally, this spiritual dimension wonderfully invades the natural, physical world in which we live. We call these invasions miracles. This occurs when one dimension overtakes another — when one set of laws (natural) is overridden by another set of laws (spiritual). Much of the activity in the Christian experience also takes place or is practiced in this spiritual realm.

►    God, who is (a) spirit, resides in this realm.

►    Christians worship in this realm (John 4:23).

►    The apostle John entered this realm when, on the Lord's Day, he was "in the spirit" and received the revelation of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1:10).

►    The apostle Paul was caught up into this realm, perhaps physically, when he visited the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:2).

►    The gift of speaking in tongues enables the Christian to pray "in the spirit" (1 Cor. 14:2, 14-15).

►    We are born again in the spirit (John 3:6).

►    When a Christian has a vision, he/she is really "seeing" (accessing) this realm.

►    The Bible says to walk in the spirit (Gal. 5:16) and not the flesh.

Yes, there is a very real dimension — a world, a kingdom — known as the spirit realm. Two distinct kingdoms exist in the spirit realm: heaven (including God's throne) and hell (the place of eternal punishment).

Where a Curse Exists

A curse is a living spiritual thing that exists in the spirit realm. It is a spiritual entity in and of itself. It has a spiritual nature. I do not mean to say that a curse is a living being; rather, a curse has existence, life, personality, characteristics, and certain other unique qualities that make it what it is. A curse is not a "who"; it is a "what." But it is a "what" with a life of its own:

1 A curse will have a personality and character all its own.

This personality is determined by the original purpose of the curse. For example, a curse of failure brings failure; a curse of infirmity brings sickness; a curse of spiritual blindness brings deception, etc. A curse is a spiritual weapon capable of inflicting a spiritual death blow. It is a spiritual force, very real and very deadly. Like a spiritual poison, virus, venom, or cancer, a curse can cripple and even kill!

A curse has a life of its own and exists in the spirit realm.

2 A curse is conceived, birthed, and directed at its intended victim in the spirit realm.

Although the curse is initiated against a person from the spirit realm, all other areas of that person's life are vulnerable. In fact, no part of a Christian's life — spiritual, mental, or physical — is immune to the effects of a curse. A curse will leave no rock unturned in its search for your weak point. It will search for any opening in your physical body, soul (mind, intellect, will, emotions), or worst of all your spirit.

3 If a curse lodges in your spirit, you are in serious trouble.

Most fatalities, in terms of the curse succeeding, take place when the curse ends up in a person's spirit. A Christian must identify and destroy any curse that may exist in his/her life, forbidding it to find a home in his/her spirit, soul, or body. The thirteen-year battle I fought with a curse took place in the spirit. Mine was a spiritual struggle with a spiritual enemy who used spiritual weapons against me to gain a spiritual victory over me.

4 You do not have to be in physical contact with those cursing you.

The entire time this curse was in effect against me, I attended church elsewhere. Again, the battle took place in the spirit realm not the physical realm. You do not have to be in relationship with whomever cursed you for the curse to affect you. I saw the people who perpetrated this Christian curse against me very seldom, perhaps five or six times in thirteen years. There was literally no relationship. Still, a very real curse was perpetrated on me by these same people to whom I had become estranged.

5 You do not have to do something wrong for a curse to affect you.

You can be physically separated from and have no personal contact with the individuals cursing you. You can be essentially innocent of all charges and accusations they bring against you. A substantial period of time could have elapsed since you had anything to do with them — and still you can fall prey to a curse. I did! A curse does not qualify its victim. It has a very liberal criteria for who it will target. It will indiscriminately attack the most innocent of victims. A curse has no conscience.

Reversing the Damage

God wants you to live a normal Christian life, full of the power of God, with no permanent hindrances and no chronic obstacles. Jesus called this the "abundant life" and personally promised this wonderful Spirit-filled life to all believers. (See John 10:10.) In contrast, a curse can be a terrible hindrance that can and will drain the power of God from you. Hopefully, this book will be a small part of your freedom from any curses directed toward you, your spouse, your children, and even your church. So, rejoice! There is total freedom for you in Jesus Christ!

The curse can be annulled, lifted, broken, destroyed, and eliminated. The breech can be filled. The walls can be rebuilt. The damage can be reversed. The wound can be healed. The joy can be restored. The peace will return. The captive can be set free. The prison doors can be opened. There is comfort and consolation for those who mourn. God will give you beauty for ashes. He has an ample supply of the oil of joy for mourning. He desires to clothe you in a garment of praise to replace the spirit of heaviness. (See Isaiah 61.) Together, you and I can break the personal curse in your life.

Chapter 10

Freed from a "Christian" Curse!

Three years after the New Jersey prophecy, a Christian couple from a nearby community decided to visit the church where I was pastor-ing. They did not know me, and I did not know them. After just their second visit, they approached me and asked if they could meet with me. I agreed. The following Sunday, we met for coffee at our local McDonald's. As we sat down at the table, I asked them what was on their minds, thinking they wanted to know more about our church. What happened next was another Holy Spirit "shocker"! They made a direct reference to an evil curse! This was no subtle hint. They did not imply or infer. They did not say I was sort of, kind of, or maybe cursed. They both spoke up and emphatically stated, "Pastor, you are cursed."

Immediately, this highly discerning couple began to list a number of revelations about me and my former church — all of which were true. It didn't take long to realize this couple operated in a powerful gift of discerning (distinguishing) of spirits. (See 1 Cor. 12:10.)

As I drank my coffee, the list grew longer and longer. I wrote down all the information until six specific revelations about me and the church were on paper. These were not generic observations that just anyone could have picked up by simply attending our services. These were legitimate revelations from the Spirit of God. Situations that they could not have had

any natural knowledge of were explained to me in great detail. They had discerned several spiritual situations and the spiritual cause of those situations. This discernment included "seeing" the existence of a personal curse on my life, "seeing" the activity of witches targeting the church, and "seeing" the presence of a powerful Jezebel spirit over the church as well. (See Rev. 2:20-23.)

This couple listed six specific revelations about me and my former church all of which were true.

Remember, this was the first time I had had a discussion with this couple. They knew absolutely nothing of my past or present circumstances. I was amazed at the accuracy of these insights and greatly encouraged, too. Again, a third time, I had been told I was under a curse!

Exposed!

Jesus said, "For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light" (Mark 4:22). In today's language, we would use the term expose to best understand this particular verse. Webster's Dictionary defines the term "expose" as "a public revelation of something discreditable, i.e. disgraceful, dishonoring." This is the purpose of an expose. It exposes, reveals, and uncovers something negative.

What was Jesus saying in Mark 4:22? That certain discreditable things must be exposed. Situations and circumstances that may have remained hidden for years must become public knowledge. Jesus also taught that all things spoken in darkness — including curses — will be brought to the light. "Whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light" (Luke 12:3). Not only will dark deeds be brought to the light but words as well.

This revealing of darkness, whether in word or deed, is inevitable. God must expose such pockets of darkness since darkness challenges and denies the fundamental nature of God, which is light. "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). Since God hates anything done or said in darkness, He exposes it. Jesus gave us a sad commentary on man when He said:

Men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God (John 3:19-21).

God's Choice, Not Mine

It was God's plan to reveal the Christian curse that was directed against me by other Christians. It was His choice. He blew the whistle! Upon His initiation, the curse was first identified, then clarified, and ultimately extracted. He illuminated the situation, bringing to light this terrible darkness. Over thirteen years, God sovereignly built a history of inarguable revelation that permitted me to see this awful Christian curse in my life.

I did not try to build a case. I did not go looking for this information. This entire revelation came "knocking on my door." It was brought to my attention by the Holy Spirit. I solicited nothing. I recruited no allies. I initiated no investigation. I did no plotting or planning. I manufactured nothing. God did it all. God put all the necessary components in place to release me from a curse. The preponderance of evidence is overwhelming.

►    He spoke to me prophetically numerous times concerning this curse.

►    He inspired visions that described the curse and provided witnesses to these events from beginning to end.

►    Apostles, prophets, and pastors from different parts of the world all contributed to the package of evidence — divinely ordained circumstances that only God could have created.

God's perfect timing brought all these aspects together for my deliverance from the curse. This is God's chronicle, His record of supernatural events, divinely ordained by Him personally. He could have ignored the curse. He could have dealt with it privately. Rather, He chose to expose it quite publicly and used a number of people to accomplish this. It must be acknowledged that this was God's expose.

Although a "Christian" curse existed in my life, God remained intimately involved in the entire thirteen-year saga. From beginning to end, God had everything under control. Exactly what am I saying? God allowed the curse, God used the curse, God exposed the curse, and God delivered me from the curse! God did it all!

Working Together for My Good

Some might ask, Why attempt to be free from a Christian curse if God is "using" it?

Why not let God alone deal with it? Merely because God uses something does not mean you do not responsibly handle the situation. In my case, this meant aggressively extracting the curse from my life. God is almighty and sovereign, and He uses all things for His purposes. This does not mean, however, that all things God uses are necessarily good or fun or easy or comfortable. Still, God uses unpleasant — as well as pleasant — circumstances in our lives.

God never said all "things" are good. He said all things "work together" for good.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God and to those called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).

This does not mean that we mindlessly accept every situation in a fatalistic manner. Our response can make a difference! If we can change things for the better, then we should. If we cannot change things, then God will use even the negative situations in our lives for our ultimate good.

Allowing the curse to continue to cripple me after it was exposed would have been like allowing a cancer to remain in my body after the doctor diagnosed it and scheduled me for surgery to remove it! Actually, God was dealing with the curse, but it was my responsibility to respond to what

He had exposed. After a point, God had done all He was going to do about the curse. At the appointed time, it became my responsibility as a Christian to personally confront the curse.

Like a Skilled Surgeon

Make no mistake about it, if you are cursed, you are wounded! But God is a great healer! He's the best in the business! Any skilled surgeon will tell you that many wounds must first be opened in order to facilitate healing. Before the surgeon can heal, he sometimes has to reveal. God heals much like a skilled surgeon. By His Spirit, and in a variety of ways, God will make known and unveil the wound of cursing. In my case He chose to use a vision, a prophecy, the gift of discerning of spirits, and a prophetic prayer to reveal the curse.

God will reveal to heal.

God sometimes reveals that which is repugnant, offensive,

distasteful, and repulsive to bring healing into our lives. As much as we must be delivered from the effects of a personal curse, we must also be healed. To be delivered often means a dramatic single event where the power of God literally extracts the curse from you. To be healed from a curse is the post-deliverance process. It is that period of time determined by God and by your individual response capabilities that results in wholeness of the total person — spirit, soul, and body. God will reveal to heal because He is perfect! He does all things well.

Time for Action

Over the years, I had been given three distinct revelations about this curse. It was now time for action, so I acted on what I knew, on the “light” I had.

1 I assembled our ministry's intercessors and directed them to pray for the church that was cursing me and against the curse itself.

I made a clear distinction not to reverse our strategy and pray against anyone. We were going to target the curse, not the people who did the cursing. We decided to hate the curse and love the “curser.”

2 As a church, we exercised corporate authority over any and all curses that might be directed at our church.

We did this on an "as needed basis" or when we felt the Holy Spirit leading us to do it. We always acted in love toward those who had cursed me, but we were ruthless toward their curse. We always separated the two.

3 I determined after this third warning to never underestimate my enemy again.

I then directed various members in the church to avoid contact with this group. My observation was that whoever had contact with them usually brought back an attitude or spirit contrary to what we were about as a church. They interjected division and discontentment into the church, and criticism and judgment against me.

Toronto

The fourth time I heard the word "curse" applied to my life was by far the most powerful and dramatic. In fact, this fourth reference to a curse was literally life-changing for me. Whereas the first three references made me aware of a curse, this fourth one did something about it. It was the beginning of the end of this demonic hold on my life. Unknown to me at the time, God was about to galvanize these first three references to the curse to a fourth more powerful deliverance from the curse. My release was imminent!

God brought me to this Canadian city to experience the power of His presence.

Shortly after hearing about the curse for the third time, I had the privilege of traveling to the Canadian city of Toronto. A group of men from my city had decided to attend revival meetings that had been going on for some eighteen months at what was then known as the Airport Vineyard Church. My plan was to experience for myself this wonderful move of God that I had heard so much about. My first night there in those powerful meetings certainly had an effect on me. There was no doubt God was visiting us.

After a typical time of worship and preaching, the "fireworks" began. In what I later learned is quite typical for these meetings, hundreds of people went forward for prayer. The manifestations occurring were so dramatic and frequent that a label known as "the Toronto Blessing" was being applied to those touched by the Spirit of God. Incredible things were happening to Christians from all walks of life, from all denominational backgrounds, and from all over the world. God was making His presence available for His people! It was an awesome visitation from on high.

After the invitation to come forward for prayer, I quickly found my way to the front. Like many others I, too, experienced a new measure of the power of God. Overwhelmed by the presence of God, I spent a good while on the carpet "frozen" under His power. Never before had I experienced such an anointing of God's Spirit. This, however, was only a foretaste of why God brought me to this Canadian city. Indeed, it was a holy place.

Where There Is "No Way"

The next day, several of us attended the morning session, where we received solid biblical teaching. Although I was informed and encouraged in the area of worship to God, no teaching could prepare me for what was ahead. We took our lunch break and returned in the afternoon to attend the intercessory prayer meeting. Two of us walked up to the doorway where the prayer meeting had gotten under way just fifteen minutes earlier.

A few years ago, I learned a song that went something like this: "Lord, do it again. Make a way where there's no way, Lord. I know You can. Manifest Your presence, manifest Your love. You did it before, Lord, do it again." Where there was no way, a "way" was about to be made for one of the most powerful experiences of my Christian life. Soon, God would manifest His presence and His love in a way I had never known before.

Standing rather sheepishly at the door to this large room, I looked in and saw approximately 350-400 people sitting quietly in a circle obviously in deep prayer. A heavy but holy silence filled the air. I had the sense that the business of the kingdom was being transacted. The people were petitioning, and God was answering. Intercessory prayer burdens were being distributed, and intercessory prayer breakthroughs were being prepared. I had absolutely no intention of going into this room for two reasons. First, there were no seats left anywhere. Second, we would be disrupting an obviously anointed gathering with our movements and noise. I decided to stand quietly just outside the doorway and see if anything would happen.

Probably two of the sweetest "little old ladies" I had ever seen were overseeing this meeting. With all due respect and affection, I did not expect this to be a meeting run by two tiny grandmothers! Just when I was certain I would stand back at a distance and observe, one of these little grandmothers glanced over in our direction and paused.

My first thought was, Why is she looking over at us? She should be paying attention to her meeting. Maybe I'm bothering her by standing in the doorway. Maybe she'll ask us to leave. Without saying a single word, she locked her eyes on us and gestured with her tiny outstretched hand for us to come immediately to the very front of the room. There was an authority about her gesture, and I decided immediately not to refuse her. She may have been little, and she may have been a grandmother, but one thing was clear — she was in charge! Then she pointed down near her feet to the only two empty chairs in the entire room. We hurriedly walked to the front, found our two empty seats, and sat down. I must confess I felt a little self-conscious, but the grandmother seemed pleased.

This woman gestured for us to come immediately to the very front of the room.

Sitting in the Presence of God

I never have considered myself an intercessor, so I really did not understand why I was escorted to the front by an obvious divine decision. Even after a number of intercessors came forward with their individual "prayer burdens," I still thought I was there simply to witness the proceedings. A clear and distinct power was present in the room, and a large group of attendees found themselves on the floor as a result of this power from on high. The presence of God was palatable! I was stimulated and refreshed just being in that room.

Although I was not participating in any prayer activities, the residual effects of this presence was still quite amazing. As far as I was concerned, the presence was reason enough to sit and observe what God was doing on and in my brothers and sisters there in Toronto.

About one hour had elapsed when suddenly something unusual happened. The other pastor who had accompanied me to this meeting had been sitting next to me enjoying himself. My concentration was on the various people sharing in front of me, and I had really forgotten about him. Suddenly, without any warning, he dropped his head on my right shoulder. I recognized that he had encountered the Spirit of God, so I remained in my chair knowing I was supporting his full weight! If I were to get up, he would have gone down.

Perhaps five minutes elapsed when suddenly my friend awkwardly fell to the floor. With barely enough time to grasp what the Spirit of God was doing to him, the Holy Spirit did the same thing to me! Suddenly, a heavy, heavy presence of the Lord (His glory!) fell on me, and I too was on the floor in front of those four hundred people. The power and presence of God had literally overwhelmed us both! On that floor in Toronto, God was setting the stage. He was about to set one of the captives free!

Bolts of Holy Spirit Lightning!

I was on the floor face down for probably five to ten minutes. All together there were probably eight to ten people spread out over the carpeted area in the center of this large room. I felt the power of God all over me, and I could not get up. Just when I assumed this was all that was going to happen to me, I felt a hand touch the small of my back. Instantly, a peace came over me. It was a gentle touch that I can only describe as compassionate and caring. I imagined this was how the hand of Jesus would feel. I felt the love of God in that hand.

I learned later that a member of my church, who was in this same meeting, had asked the leader to pray for me. As I lay face down on the carpet, the grandmother promptly sent one of the assisting pastors over to me to do just that. It was his hand I felt on the small of my back. With his hand touching me ever so softly, he began to pray. "Lord, I thank You for the prophetic gift in this man's life. I ask You to strengthen it and anoint it."

This first bit of prophetic information did two things. First, it encouraged me to continue in my prophetic ministry (a confirmation), and it told me I could trust this pastor's prayer because he was so accurate in identifying the prophetic ministry already resident in my life. Almost immediately, I was confident he was hearing from God.

Then he began to pray out loud over me. The power of God increased even more as he said these words: "Lord, I take authority over the words spoken over this brother. I take authority over all the harmful words spoken over and against this brother.... Lord, I take authority over the curse put on this brother. I take authority over the curse put on my brother by his predecessor!" With those words, it was as if lightning hit me!

My feet began to feel electrified with power. I physically felt an actual surge of power begin to travel up my legs. Simultaneously, that same sensation began in my head. That feeling of electricity then began to descend toward my midsection. Both of these "bolts" of Holy Spirit lightning then "joined" near my stomach area. I immediately went into a fetal position, grabbing myself in pain, but I would not describe it as physical pain at all. Instantly, I knew something was being wrenched from me. Something powerful was being extracted. A mighty battle was taking place in me, and I was the battlefield!

Instantly, I knew something was being wrenched from me.

A New Kind of Pain

Pain is a common part of life. Everyone has experienced various kinds of pain. I can only describe the pain I felt on that floor in Toronto as severe, spiritual pain. It hurt like pain hurts but in a different way. This pain hurt on the inside. I don't mean internal physical pain; I'm talking about internal spiritual pain. Because of this Christian curse, my spirit had been in pain for years. I literally ached in my spirit, suffering under a persistent, dull gnawing away of my spiritual well-being.

I was experiencing a new kind of pain — the kind that accompanies most radical surgeries. It was a good pain. The kind of pain athletes endure to improve, the kind mothers accept when giving birth. Still, it was definitely a painful experience. In one way it was the worst kind of pain I have ever experienced, and in another way the best kind. Although outwardly my physical body was reacting to the pain, the source of the pain was inside me, in my spirit.

With an eerie voice I started to agonize, screaming and groaning out loud, very loud! Something inside me was coming out! I was being delivered, released, set free, and spiritually liberated! After several minutes of manifesting a powerful release from this curse, I became calm and somewhat exhausted. It could be said that something came out of me or something came off me. I feel the curse was inside me. It was more than just "on" me. This curse was on me, in me, around me, underneath me, and over me. Then, thanks to the power of God, I was set free! The thirteen-year curse put on me by my spiritual predecessor and his church was literally extracted from my life by the power of the Holy Spirit! What a marvelous, awesome God we serve! A captive was permanently set free!

Only One "Predecessor"

In order to fully understand the import of this prophecy, allow me to explain the term "predecessor." Webster defines a predecessor as "one who precedes another in an office or position." Identifying this person referenced in the prophecy had been easy for me. There could be only one interpretation. Knowing the history I had encountered with my former pastor, and considering he was my only predecessor in any office or position, and remembering the evidence over the years about Christians cursing me, the conclusion was simple. My former self-appointed, spiritual father, pastor, friend, and brother was the source of a near deadly demonic Christian curse in my life! He was the only predecessor I ever had. The finger of God pointed to him!

He successfully rallied an entire church around a common cause, which was to witness my failure and ultimate destruction as a man, father, husband, and minister. His insecurities and inferiorities — mixed with pride, arrogance, and independence — produced a lethal mixture that fueled a near fatal Christian curse against me.

Four times I had been warned about Christians praying against me. This latest prophecy specifically stated that my predecessor cursed me! All of the available evidence covering a nine-year span of time supported the same shameful conclusion. My former spiritual father, mother, sisters, and brothers had cursed one of their own. Still Christian in many ways, they had chosen to be instruments of hell, literally doing the devil's work.

I Wonder...

Jesus said the time would come when "They [the religiously proud, those wielding religious power] will put you [the true followers of Jesus] out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you [by whatever means] will think he offers God service" (John 16:2). In the days ahead I wonder, What amount of Christian blood will be shed by other Christian hands? Will the days of hand-to-hand combat ever end in the church? I wonder how many wounds will be inflicted on our own troops by our own troops? Will this so-called "friendly fire" be as accidental as we would like to believe, or will it be purposeful and specific? I wonder how many casualties will be counted among us before we put a stop to this insanity?

I issue a call to the body of Christ everywhere: Let us put an end to the hostilities in the church. Let us lay down our arms. Let us pursue peace with one another. Let's end this infighting right now. Let's begin the healing by heaping blessings — not curses — on all our known enemies.

No Options

In critical areas of human behavior and Christian conduct, Jesus gave us no options. How a Christian responds to another Christian who sins against him is one such area. There is only one approved response for the Christian:

Then Peter came to Jesus and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus said to him,

"I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven" (Matt. 18:21-22).

That is a lot of forgiving! For me, the key to living above this ongoing spiritual trauma has been ongoing and unconditional forgiveness. Currently, I hold no animosity toward my predecessor or his church. I freely forgave them all many, many years ago. Bitterness, resentment, and unforgiveness are luxuries no Christian can or should afford.

How do I feel toward those who cursed me? I will gladly show any brother or sister in Christ forgiveness no matter what the offense. I will continue to love them fervently, to bless them profusely, and to do good to them repeatedly. I will welcome any and all who want reconciliation and who will facilitate healing to this terrible wound. I extend an open invitation to all who cursed me to work together to restore past relationships. I ask them to forgive me for any wrong I may have done to them.

In addition to forgiving those who have wronged us, we have the responsibility to speak out honestly and without fear. What was done to me and the others who left this church was inexcusable by any biblical standard. Christians must be responsible for their actions — both to God and to one another. I will hold any brother or sister in Christ responsible to the objective standards of conduct outlined in the Bible just as I would expect them to hold me responsible. I believe this is what God meant when He told me not to allow this critical issue to be "swept under the carpet" any longer.

Swept Under the Carpet?

That day in April when the Englishman spoke the first prophetic word over me concerning this curse, he said, "They are praying against you, Denny.... They are cursing you . . . and he — the pastor of this group — will try to sweep this all under the carpet.... But you are not to allow this." The expression "under the carpet" always intrigued me. Every time I would think of the pastor referenced in the vision, I pictured him next to a large, thick carpet doing his best to "hide the dirt." Yet, God did not allow me to address this particular point concerning the pastor sweeping this curse under the carpet.

Thirteen long, grueling, exhausting years elapsed before I was delivered from the curse they perpetrated on me and before God would permit me, if not instruct me, to write on my experience. It was a long time to wait! For approximately eight of those years, it looked as if everything this group and pastor did would be swept under the rug.

What was the "weave" of this carpet? It consisted of an intertwining of self-righteousness, convenient forgetfulness (Christian dementia), and outright denial. In other words, they had either justified their actions among themselves, forgotten altogether about the lives they damaged, or simply rationalized away the facts.

One truth remains — no one can change history or what has happened. No amount of self-justification, selective memory loss, or calloused rationalization on the part of this cult-like group can alter the past. There will be no revisionist pen retouching these events nor any alterations to this story. The Spirit of God has decided to lift the corner of that carpet and expose the dirt and debris that has been hiding there. Without sounding juvenile, we must love the "sweeper" but expose the "sweepings."

How Have I Changed?

Three specific areas of my life radically changed as a result of my deliverance in Toronto — authority, confidence, and love. A thirteen-year curse perpetrated on me by other Christians nearly destroyed these three necessary components of my Christian experience.

Constantly under an assault meant to minimize or eliminate them from my life, all three areas were fragile at best. What were the goals of this curse?

►    To undermine my spiritual authority, my self-confidence, and my love for God's people.

►    To turn me into a weak, insipid, fearful, insecure, skeptical, calloused, hardened, unloving individual.

►    To cause me to retreat, hibernate, disappear.

►    To make me become a spiritual recluse, forever isolating myself from God and His people.

►    To capture me dead or alive — but it would have preferred me dead!

Although all three areas continued to survive, my authority, confidence, and love clearly did not flourish during this time. They were somehow dormant, in a kind of spiritual hibernation, waiting to come to life again in God's timing. During this intense period, I expended tremendous amounts of spiritual and natural energy just keeping my head above water. Simply maintaining my authority, confidence, and love on this low-lying level came through much personal effort on my part.

A New Authority in God

As a consequence of the "Christian" curse being destroyed in my life, I have a new and much more powerful authority in God. I did not realize this until the following Sunday back in my home church in central Pennsylvania. Having recently returned from the Toronto experience, I naturally wanted to convey to the church all that God had done. I had no idea of the inward change that had taken place until I began to share with the church that Sunday morning. As I spoke, something was definitely different. I felt it on the inside of me. It was not something that I consciously tried to do or be. Outwardly, I was the same pastor who went to Toronto one week earlier. The other me, however, the one on the inside, was a liberated man!

No man could rob me again of what and who I was in God.

I noticed almost immediately that I had a new authority in what I said and how I acted. I knew the years of being on the defensive were gone. I knew the years of trying to prove myself had ended. I knew my authority had been suddenly energized by the Spirit of God and any resistance to that authority eliminated. I knew I no longer had to apologize for who I was. I was free!

I recognized the call of God in my life as something much more than I ever thought it was. The call of God did not merely occupy my life, it was my life! I knew God had made me what I was and am, and only God could take that from me. I knew for the first time in thirteen years that no man could rob me again of what and who I was in God. If God gave it to me, man could never again take it away — never!

This was not an arrogant declaration at all. I was simply becoming more like Jesus. I had gotten back on the right path and had been radically repositioned as a man of God. All that was taken from me was restored. Restitution had occurred. I was better off in every sense. I was whole.

A New Confidence

I experienced a new confidence in my role as husband, father, pastor, and, most importantly, as a son of God. I knew who I was again. Like a spring of fresh water, a restored sense of assurance sprang up in me. I had a new identity, or at least my old identity came back to me, powerfully restored by the Holy Spirit. There was no longer anything to argue about or anyone to convince. Now God would do all that. There was something irrefutable, undeniable, and incontestable about my new life. Once again I was sure, fixed, settled, and determined. A tremendous load had been lifted off me. I was who I was in God, and nobody could take this from me. I was secure, confident, with a new conviction about who and what God had called me to be.

My expectations tripled overnight. I began to believe God for bigger and better things. I began to dream again. I became a hopeful, optimistic, and inspired Christian again. I realized then that my call, my gifts, my security, my identity, and my future all come from God. I was once again confident in Him and certain that Jesus had set me free!

A New Love

The third and most important consequence of the curse being destroyed in my life is that I have a new love for the sheep. Now my focus can be on their needs. Now I can care for them properly. The shepherd can now do his job guided by the love and compassion Jesus has for His sheep. Paul said, "If I do not have love, I am nothing" (1 Cor. 13:2). I agree! This restoration of God's love to me and from me to others was life-changing. It is the stuff of which Christianity is made. "God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him" (1 John 4:16). How profound.

Chapter 11

Breaking Your Personal Curse

If you sense spiritual turmoil in your life, you may have concluded from our study that you are under a curse. Before making that assumption, you must first ask yourself: Have I disobeyed God? Sometimes our problems are our own fault — the result of simply not obeying God. You may incorrectly assume you have been cursed by someone, when you are actually reaping the inevitable outcome of disobedience. Remember, you "reap what you sow." To act without sufficient evidence that a curse has been targeted against you only generates greater confusion and prevents you from getting to the source of your problems.

Are You Under a Self Imposed Curse?

Deuteronomy chapter 28 vividly illustrates the blessings of obedience and the cursings of disobedience. In this case, the curses mentioned were understood to be "self-imposed" — the obvious result of blatantly and will-

fully breaking God's covenant. God never said He would curse His chosen people. Instead, His people would curse themselves through disobedience to God's laws.

All these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you (Deut. 28:45).

The only permanent solution for lifting the curse that disobedience brings is to repent unconditionally and obey God immediately! God said:

If all these things [curses] come upon you... and you return to the Lord your God and obey His voice... you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul... the Lord... will have compassion... He will prosper you and multiply you.... The Lord your God will put all these curses on your enemies... The Lord will make you abound in all the work of your hands, the fruit of your body, the increase of your livestock, and in the produce of your land. The Lord will rejoice over you... if you obey the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written (Deut. 30:1-10).

What a glorious promise for those who obey Him! In addition, Deuteronomy chapters 28-30 clearly state that each of us has a choice to make.

See, I have set before you today life and death, good and evil... [so] keep His commandments... His statutes... His judgments... that you may live and multiply, and the Lord your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess... I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live (Deut. 30:15-16, 19).

Each day every Christian must make a decision to obey God. When you obey God, you experience His blessings; when you disobey God, you cause your own suffering, misery, and pain. This is the self-imposed "curse" of disobedience.

Have You Robbed God?

Another example of the curse associated with disobedience is found in Malachi 3:8-12. God, speaking through the prophet Malachi, said that if a man withholds his finances from God, he in effect places a curse on himself. It is a case of willful negligence.

Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, in what way have we robbed You?In tithes and offerings. You are cursed with a curse... for you have robbed me (v. 8-9).

The message is very clear. If you disobey God in the area of giving (specifically, the giving of a tenth of your income to God), you perpetrate upon yourselves the curse of God.

When you disobey God, you cause your own suffering, misery, and pain. This is the "curse" of disobedience.

Malachi then spells out the particulars of the curse. The devourer is unleashed against you, and you become unfruitful in every area of your life. The reverse, however, is equally true. If you obey God in money matters, you will experience His generosity as He has promised:

►    You will have enough for yourself and plenty to give away!

"I will open the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it" (v. 10).

►    High inflation? Crippling debt? Insufficient income?

"I will rebuke the devourer" (v. 11).

►    Success and prosperity.

"Your ground will bear fruit" (v. 11).

►    Health: spiritual, mental, physical.

"Your vine will not fail" (v. 11).

►    It will be obvious! The blessing of God will be all over you.

"Everybody will call you blessed" (v. 12).

►    You will be a person full of God and His blessings.

"And you will be a delightful land" (v. 12).

People will want to be near you, and your life will bring further blessings on those around you. Yes, the blessing of the Lord will rub off onto others! Your life will overflow with blessing. You will have enough blessing for yourself and plenty left over to give to others. You will experience all this and more if you obey God. What a promise! It will and does work! You can know the ongoing blessing that the obedience of tithing brings. So, start today!

Remember, rob God and you end up in lack; honor and obey God by freely giving to Him, and He will pour all of heaven into your life. His blessings will overtake you in every area. He will bless you in ways you could not imagine. Clearly, you cannot outgive God!

Reversing the Curse of Disobedience

Is the curse that you are living under your own fault? Have you reaped what you have sown? You can fast and pray for weeks at a time. You can quote Scripture verses until you are blue in the face. You can cry on your pastor's shoulder. You can run to the altar every Sunday morning for the next ten years. You can blame God, your parents, your boss, your spouse, or your dog.

You can cast out every demon, real or imagined, that you can name. You can confess your faith promises until Jesus comes again. You can add

your name to prayer chains all over this nation. You can give up television and pizza. You can shave your head. You can try and impress your church, your neighbor, and your pastor with all your righteous deeds and good works. You can do all sorts of religious things, but there is nothing you can do to remove this type of curse from your life except repent and obey God. If disobedience caused a curse, only obedience can reverse it!

If disobedience caused a curse, only obedience can reverse it!

Because you did not serve the Lord your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things, you shall serve your enemies.

The Lord will send against you hunger, thirst, nakedness, the need of all things. He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you (Deut. 28:47-48).

Would you like to experience for yourself the only lasting solution for breaking any self-imposed or self-inflicted curse? Do you want to know true freedom from this curse? Are you willing right now to pay the price? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Are you ready to start living the blessed life God has planned for you to live? You can break the yoke off your neck. Obedience will lift the curse that disobedience has brought to your life. I guarantee it! The procedure to follow for breaking and destroying the curse from your life involves five simple steps:

1 Acknowledge your disobedience.

Begin with an honest self-appraisal of your life. Remember, you probably caused most of your own problems.

2 Confess your disobedience.

Go ahead and say, "Lord, I have been disobedient." Say it with deep remorse in your heart to God.

3 Repent of your disobedience.

This means do something different than you have been doing. Begin doing the right things and stop doing the wrong things. It is that simple. Don't make excuses, and don't cut any corners with God. Repent, turn around, and head back toward God and His Word. Obey Him!

4 Ask for forgiveness for your chronic disobedience.

Receive God's gift of total forgiveness right now. Receive gratefully. He is a forgiving Father, and He will forgive you the very second you ask Him to do so.

5 Obey God.

Replace chronic disobedience with fervent, radical, militant obedience.

Break the cycle. Establish a new precedent. Build a new history with God. The solution is simple: Obey God!

Has Someone Cursed You?

Be honest with yourself. Ask yourself again, Have I truly been victimized, or did I "shoot myself in the foot" with my own disobedience? Did someone do it to me, or did I do it to myself? This is a very important question to answer because it will help you to determine whether you caused your own problems or were truly victimized by another.

If you are the victim of a curse from an outside source, there must be proof. You must be sure! If you have gathered the evidence, clearly establishing beyond a reasonable doubt that a curse was perpetrated against you, you need to know what to do next. Very simply, continue reading this book to find out how Jesus is your answer and how He will come through for you. He loves you and wants you to be free more than you do! Keep reading. The answer lies ahead.

What About Your Spiritual Life?

God has intended His children to live like princes not paupers, to experience intimacy and relationship with the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Anything that disrupts this wonderful relationship must be removed.

If sin comes between you and God, that is your fault. You need to identify the sin, confess it to God, repent and turn away from your sin, and believe that God has forgiven you through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. (See 1 John 1:5-10.) In addition, you need to be living a victorious Christian life. These questions will help you gauge your spiritual progress:

1 Are you reading your Bible and praying every day?

2 Have you been filled and are you remaining filled with the Holy Spirit?

3 Are you building yourself up by using your spiritual prayer language (speaking in tongues) each and every day?

4 Are you interceding for the lost?

5 Are you witnessing to others of your faith in Christ?

6 Are you regularly attending a Bible-believing, Spirit-filled church?

7 Do you thank the Lord for your salvation and praise Him daily for His many spiritual and material blessings?

8 Are you tithing (giving a tenth of your income) to the Lord's work (your church)?

9 Are you walking in obedience to God's commands given in the Bible?

10 Are you holding any grudges or unforgiveness toward anyone?

None of us is perfect, of course, but we are all accountable to walk in the light that God has given us. If, overall, you feel that your Christian walk is in line with God's Word, yet your life lacks the peace and victory promised, a further examination may be necessary.

Am I—Do I?

The permanent solution to destroying all personal or Christian curses begins by taking an honest inventory of your spiritual, mental, and even your physical (natural) life. This will not be easy, but it is a necessary step in properly identifying the possible existence of a curse in your life. If you are robbed daily of the abundance that God offers you as His son or daughter, something is wrong somewhere. Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask yourself.

►    Am I inordinately fearful?

►    Am I often paralyzed in thought and action?

►    Am I unreasonably insecure?

►    Do I belittle myself and compare myself to others, all the while falling short of my own expectations?

►    Am I filled with crippling inhibitions, doubts, and depression?

►    Do I lack a balanced, godly understanding of my own self-esteem?

►    Do I feel dirty, unwanted, rejected, unworthy to God?

►    Am I riddled with unsubstantiated guilt?

►    Do I feel like a convicted criminal without any knowledge of having committed a crime?

►    Do I struggle with thoughts of chronic confusion and gnawing frustration in my public and personal life?

►    In my mind do I disqualify myself before I even attempt something?

►    Do I have greater faith I will fail rather than succeed?

►    Do I live a life of chronic defeat, being disproportionally pessimistic to my circumstances?

►    Generally speaking, am I a failure?

►    Do I have a history of physical or mental illness?

►    Does poverty plague me?

►    Do I have a history of marital or relational problems?

►    Do people avoid me?

►    Do I avoid people?

►    Do I do all the right things other Christians do yet never get ahead?

►    Do I sow but not reap?

►    Do I feel like a loser, a misfit, an outsider, a stranger to God and to His people?

►    Do I feel abandoned, orphaned, like I've just been hanged?

►    Do I feel like someone without spiritual roots, without a spiritual family, without a healthy spiritual history?

►    Do I feel completely isolated and alone, afraid to move beyond my own doubts and fears?

By asking questions like these, you may discover that the root cause of some of your problems is a curse — possibly even a Christian curse! The more questions to which you can answer "yes," the greater the possibility that you are cursed! It only makes sense.

Pinpointing the Problem

This is by no means meant to be a comprehensive list of questions but simply an effort to stimulate your mind and pinpoint your problem. Ask yourself:

►    As a Christian is there a serious lack of authentic Holy Spirit power at work in you?

►    Is there no genuine freedom in your Christian life?

►    Are you spiritually bound, unable to break away from a sense of little or no direction in your life?

►    Do you often ask yourself: Where is the joy, love, and peace of God in my life?

►    Could you classify yourself as essentially dysfunctional, especially in spiritual matters?

►    Is there a void of real victory in your life?

►    Would an honest appraisal of your life find you constantly unhappy, disenchanted with life, feeling disenfranchised with your surroundings?

►    Is your Christian testimony ineffective and your level of spirituality dangerously low?

►    As a Christian, do your prayers seem to go unanswered repeatedly?

►    Does the Bible seem like just another book with nothing to offer you in terms of spiritual food?

►    Has attending church become a struggle, even a painful experience?

►    As a Christian, are you generally productive for God or merely a disappointed spectator?

►    As a Christian, does it seem impossible to "keep your head above water"?

►    Do you have that "sinking" defeated feeling?

►    Is there something wrong somewhere?

►    Are things just too hard to be acceptable to your understanding of a love relationship with Jesus Christ?

►    Is being a Christian becoming a cruel hoax to you?

►    Are you ready to quit?

►    Have you come to the final conclusion that being a Christian is not worth the pain?

►    Are you a spiritual loser?

►    Do you feel lost, out of step with the rest of the body of Christ?

►    Would you rather die than live one more day in this kind of torturous and tormented existence others call Christianity?

If you are robbed daily of the abundance that God offers you as His son or daughter, something is wrong somewhere.

If you answered "yes" to many of these questions, your overall Christian experience may be hindered by unseen forces that make it difficult — if not impossible — for you to experience the abundant life Christ has promised. If so, you may be cursed.

Do You Want to Be Free?

If a personal curse comes between you and God, that may be someone else's fault — but you are still required to deal with it. A curse will ruin your life and relegate you to little more than a spiritual beggar. Hold on to your royal relationship with God. Guard your spiritual inheritance! Respond to your circumstances. Believe God for positive, permanent change. Break the curse now! You can be delivered, and you can overcome! "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith" (1 John 5:4).

►    Is there a cry deep within your heart for help?

►    Do you want to be free?

►    Do you want to feel loved again?

►    Do you want to feel as if you fit into God's plan for your life?

►    Do you long to be whole once again?

Extracting any curse from your life can and will accomplish just these results! You can be normal again. You can be free! You can once again breathe a sigh of relief from within your spirit. There is hope for you. New joy and peace awaits you. Together, we will break your curse!

How Do You Break a Personal Curse?

How do you render the effects of a curse harmless? How do you "deactivate" it? How do you extricate or disengage its entanglement from your life? It took me years to put together the pieces that allowed me to finally see the curse in my life. After the puzzle came together, however, I had to do my part. If I had sat by idly, nothing would have happened. Since curses are so subtle, so hard to distinguish, so cloaked in darkness, they must be brought out into the light. How do you do this?

1 Call it what it is!

Call a curse a curse! You can't disarm an enemy if you don't know he's your enemy. A curse is your enemy! "Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter" (Prov. 6:5).

2 Do your part.

Assuming you have identified a curse (Christian or otherwise) in your life, you may now effectively apply certain "self-help" or "self-deliverance" techniques. I use the term "self-help" to mean if you will do your part, then God will do His part. Remember, you must first do your part!

No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from me, says the Lord (Is. 54:17).

Yes, you can be permanently free from any and all curses, Christian or otherwise! Yes, you can effectively and permanently break the curse! Here is how you do that. The solution to effectively and successfully freeing yourself from a curse can be found in what I have labeled the seven "R's." Be assured, there is a permanent solution for you.

Step One: Reveal

To reveal means to make known, to show plainly. First and foremost, beyond any reasonable doubt in your mind, you need to know if a curse actually exists.

1 Humbly ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any curses spoken against you.

It is imperative that you act only on the divine information (revelation) the Holy Spirit provides. Ask for confirmations, collaborating evidence, even other witnesses to establish the presence of a curse. You do not want to merely imagine or suspect a curse may exist. Speculation will not do; you need hard, irrefutable evidence from God. Initiating a Christian witch hunt, using the excuse of a curse that may not even exist, is the last thing you want to do! At this stage be more concerned about the curse itself than about who may have cursed you. At least initially, the "what" is infinitely more important than the "who."

Remember, never attempt to attack the person or persons who may have cursed you. According to the Bible you are required to love, bless, pray for, and do good to those who have cursed you. (See Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.)

2 Attack the curse.

Once it is clearly established and confirmed by the Holy Spirit that a genuine curse exists, then move on to step two. Do it now! "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions[symbols of spiritual enemies and demonic power] and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you" (Luke 10:19).

Step Two: Respond

To respond means to reply; to react positively and cooperatively. Assuming the Holy Spirit has revealed that a curse exists (step one), how is the next step implemented? You must vigorously respond based on the knowledge the Holy Spirit has provided. You must respond with wisdom, boldness, confidence, and with complete dependence on the presence and power of the Spirit of God.

1 Go on the offensive!

You must act! You must break the curse! "The righteous are bold as a lion" (Prov. 28:1).

2 Do not underestimate this evil power.

Do not rationalize away the destructive potential of a curse. "Burying your head in the sand" will only make matters worse and add strength to the curse.

3 Aggressively respond to the curse!

Exercise your spiritual authority! You are dealing with a formidable foe. In many cases, you are dealing with forces so entrenched in your life that they may be difficult to recognize. However, they must go!

4 Do not delay.

Delaying the extraction of a curse from your life only strengthens it! Do not give the curse another minute to entrench itself deeper in your life, to "dig in" any more than it already has. Tell the curse it must come out in Jesus' name! Do it now!

Step Three: Resist

To resist means to withstand the force or effect of something; to fight against. We are told to "resist the devil and he will flee from you" (James 4:7). Since the devil is the power behind all curses, to resist the devil is to resist a curse. How then do you resist? To resist means to work against, to withstand, and to oppose. In relation to a curse, there are two different types of resisting.

1 Maintenance Resisting

This type of spiritual resistance will not produce real freedom for the Christian. Applying a maintenance resistance means you gained nothing. You merely continued, preserved, retained, and supported the spiritual status quo, but you certainly have not improved it. After all, it is your present spiritual status that you set out to change in the first place. So, maintaining means the devil wins and the Christian loses. Consequently, you are still under the curse.

This type of weak and insipid resistance only prolongs the spiritual chess match. As long as the devil can keep you in a spiritual stalemate, he

wins! A token maintenance or generic resistance will not do. Ultimately, spiritual impotence awaits those who only passively resist. The quality of your Christian experience will diminish to something abnormal, sub-par, and lifeless. You will become powerless and ineffectual. This anemic type of resistance allows the curse to trespass on your life, thus infringing on the life of God within you.

Spiritual impotence awaits those who only passively resist.

Those who give merely passive resistance to this invasion of their spiritual property — their life — will not survive. Many victims find out that their resisting was "too little too late." Do not be one of these victims! "Surely, He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler" (Ps. 91:3).

2 Militant Resisting

The second type of resisting can literally destroy a curse in your life. Why? Because it is bold, aggressive, and relentless in its pursuit of freedom and release for the Christian. This kind of active, not passive, resistance hates the evil status quo a curse imposes on a Christian. Instead of token resistance, it takes no prisoners and fights until the death if necessary. Such highly potent resistance is based on the power of God in the Christian.

Militant resistance:

►    Stands on the Word of God, literally depending on the delivering power of the Scriptures.

►    Prays in faith, taking full authority over the curse and disarming it in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ.

►    Worships God with all that is within you, in spirit and truth. Remember, God is enthroned in His praises. Praise releases His glory and allows you to fully access His presence. (See Ps. 22:3.)

These are the mighty weapons of our warfare. Neither anemic or insipid, this type of militant resistance hates anything or anybody who will trespass on God's property. Remember, you are that property! Militant resistance:

►    Will not give its consent to be violated in anyway.

►    Does not have a victim mentality.

►    Will be satisfied with nothing short of total victory for the Christian and total defeat for the enemy.

►    Is spiritually stubborn and even spiritually arrogant.

►    Is full of righteous indignation.

►    Produces results — eternal ones!

►    Is determined to overcome that which once overcame you.

►    Has a bulldog-like tenacity.

►    Is prepared to fight to the death in order to live.

This type of supernatural resistance is simply allowing the Holy Spirit to live His life through you. It is acting like Jesus would act.

Power is not power until you release it.

It is being a son of God, an heir, whose middle name is “freedom.”

Remember, power is not power until you release it — until you exercise it. Exercise your power and authority as a child of God. Remember, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7), and “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might” (Eph. 6:10). You must break the curse by the power of God within you!

The Lord shall cause your enemies that rise up against you to be defeated before your face; they shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways (Deut. 28:7).

I believe the curse brought against me did not have its intended way. I also believe any curse brought against you will not have its intended way — unless you allow it! So don't allow it! You may have to enter into a very real battle and experience spiritual warfare like you've never known before. You may find yourself literally warring in the heavenlies over your own spiritual life. But persevere — there will be a victory!

You won't be a victim of a “successful” curse unless you want to be a victim. The big difference between a potential curse and a successful curse in your life is found in three simple letters: Y-O-U! It's up to you to curse the curse and render it powerless in Jesus' name! You've been given the power of

attorney by Jesus Christ Himself to unleash His Holy Spirit against any spiritual force in your life that is not of God — and curses are not of God. Jesus has authorized you to “resist the devil, and he will flee from you!” So go ahead and break the personal curse right now! “Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken and we are escaped” (Ps. 124:7).

You don't have to be the victim of a curse!

Step Four: Release

To release means to free from confinement or oppression. You must release yourself from the influence of the curse. How is that accomplished? By using the ABC's of your victory over any and all curses.

A -Speak against the curse.

Release yourself from its clutches! The key word here is you.

►    “How forcible are right words!” (Job 6:25) You speak them!

►    “Pleasant words are as a honeycomb — sweet to the soul and health to the bones” (Prov. 16:24). You speak them!

►    "A wise man's words are gracious" (Eccl. 10:12). You speak them!

Counter the negative words (curse) with a powerful, positive (biblical) confession. Here's how:

►    Confess your release. Stake your claim to total freedom from all curses!

►    Quote Bible verses that equip you in destroying the effects of the curse. Stand on God's Word.

►    Sing praises to God for your release.

►    Pray this sample prayer. I know it will release you by breaking the neck of any personal curse in your life. Pray it right now. Pray it and mean it!

Father, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I thank You that I am free from any and all curses. I break their influence right now. I render them powerless right now. I absolutely refuse to allow them to occupy any place in my life. I command them to leave1 I break them off my life.

I thank You that the curse has now been broken. I thank You that my life will never be the same. I thank You that "whom the Son sets free is free indeed." I believe You love me and only want liberty in my life. You do not want my destruction. You want my joy to be full. I accept Your joy for my life, and I thank You for victory in all areas of my life. I am Your son or daughter, the love of Your life, and I receive my spiritual inheritance as a child of God. I know that nothing can separate me from You and Your love for me ever again. I thank You for the precious, all-powerful blood of Jesus, the omniscient power of the Holy Spirit, and the eternal truth of God's Word in my life. I thank You that "I am more than a conqueror"11 thank You that "greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world." I thank You that... (you can add more verses here). I thank You for hearing this prayer right now. In Jesus' most powerful name, amen1

As you earnestly and repeatedly pray God-led, faith-filled, authoritative prayers, I believe you will see a dramatic change in your spiritual life. As often as you confess — through prayer, song, or testimony — your spiritual release from all curses and their influences, you will become more and more free. Do it now! Break the curse! You must have no doubt that Jesus

Christ wants you totally free. How do you know? Here is your proof:

Jesus Christ gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God (Gal. 1:4).

Curses are a part of this present evil world. Jesus Christ gave Himself to deliver you from curses. Be free! Be delivered!

B -Cast down (mental) imaginations.

Although a curse is spiritual in nature, the strength of a curse often originates in the mind. You have been given power to control what thoughts you accept and what thoughts you reject. Begin to reject thoughts that disqualify you from your relationship with God. "The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds" (2 Cor. 10:5). Here's how to demolish those mental strongholds:

►    Identify any thoughts that disqualify you as God's child and recognize them for what they are, namely demonic.

►    Refuse any thoughts that try to convince you that God does not love you.

►    Reject all thoughts of rejection.

►    Doubt your thoughts of doubt.

►    Believe in your God!

►    Say to yourself, "I am my beloved's, and He is mine!" Amen!

►    Fill your mind with whatsoever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable. (See Phil. 4:8.)

C -Guard your spirit.

You must "keep your heart, for out of it come the issues of life" (Prov. 4:23). This means guarding your spirit from any and all spiritual contaminants such as unbelief, fear, and hopelessness. Why? The heart is the spiritual depository of one's life. It is the source of whatever affects your life and character.

►    Preserve your heart by giving no place for a curse to reside. Violently extract any vestiges of curse-like influences you may detect.

►    Allow only God's Spirit to fill your heart. Your heart is your key to being released from any curse. A released heart means a released life.

►    Keep your spirit in good condition, refraining from any sinful attitudes—bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness — that might make it difficult to maintain your release from a curse. If you can "keep your heart," your release is imminent. If your heart stays free, your life stays free.

D -Speak your own release, think your own release, believe your own release.

As you do this, call on the power of the Holy Spirit to set you free! You use your mouth (your confession), your mind (your thoughts and imaginations), and your heart (your spirit man) to release yourself. "And that they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will" (2 Tim. 2:26) Do it now! Break the curse!

E -Rely on the power of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God to assist you in this process.

Read the Bible daily; in fact, read it frequently! Pay close attention to verses that describe who you are in Christ; meditate on these verses. It may not happen quickly or easily, but you will get results. You need to re-discover who you are in Christ. Remember, "Jesus loves me this I know for the Bible tells me so." Amen! "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the Lord" (Prov. 21:30-31).

Step Five: Replace

To replace means to restore to a former position, to put something new in the place of something  else. Now you can begin to replace cursing with blessing.

1 Pray specifically over your life area by area.

Claim and confess all of God's blessings for your life, your family, your church, etc. This important step will take time, but you will reap the benefits of this effort. Remember, you are replenishing your life in areas that have been dry and barren for years. This process may take hours, days, even weeks to complete. Do not hurry!

2 Ask others to join you in faith-filled prayer.

You will benefit from the strength in numbers and the power of agreement in prayer. "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work" (Eccl. 4:9, NIV).

This is also true as others labor with you in prayer.

3 Receive the blessings others pray over you.

A blessing is not a blessing unless it is received. Drink in all of God's goodness and love that you have been denied because of the curse. "The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail" (Is. 58:11).

Step Six: Return

To return means to go or come back; to send back to an earlier state. Now you are ready to return blessing on all those who may have cursed you. "Bless those who curse you," and "overcome evil with good." In your mind and heart — and using your mouth — bless those who have cursed you.

Pray for them not against them. Let there be no vindictiveness in your prayers. This is only possible as you trust the Spirit of God within you, but it is possible. This exciting step will bring tremendous freedom and wholeness into your life. Why? You are acting like Jesus would act! Jesus taught and lived forgiveness. Jesus said, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we have forgiven those that trespass against us" (Matt. 6:12).

►    Pray God's love, mercy, kindness, patience, forgiveness, truth, and grace on those who have cursed you. Pray a godly prayer.

►    Pray from your heart.

►    Pray with the right motive.

►    Pray for them repeatedly.

Freedom from curses often comes in part from your own mouth as you bless those who have cursed you! Your words of blessing over them can break the curse they placed on you! The best defense is a good offense! "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer" (Ps. 19:14).

Step Seven: Restrain

To restrain means to limit or keep under control. Finally, you must restrain yourself from any unchristian thoughts or behaviors. Here is how to do that:

►    Walk in love toward those who may have cursed you. "Walk in the light" God has given you.

►    Pledge before God that you will stay free from any bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness that may try to enter your heart. Stay free!

►    Exercise restraint not revenge!

If God chooses to punish another Christian for his behavior, that is none of your business. Paul wrote, "Alexander the coppersmith did me great wrongs. The Lord will pay him back for his actions" (2 Tim. 4:14). Notice Paul left the punishment up to God. So should you! "Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the Lord see it, and it displeases Him" (Prov. 24:17).

A Review of the "Important Seven R's"

1 Reveal:

Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal clearly any and all personal curses.

2 Respond:

Respond to any curse with immediate boldness1

3 Resist:

Do not offer a mere token resistance. Resist actively and militantlyl

4 Release:

Break off any curse! Do it now! Follow the steps listed under A-E.

5 Replace:

Replenish your life by speaking blessing over it.

6 Return:

Return God's maximum blessing over your enemies.

7 Restrain:

Don't look back! Continue to walk in love and light. Stand watch over your mind, tongue, and heart.

Go To War!

Dear saint, it is now time for war. It is time for armed conflict against any curses in your life. Go to war now against any and all curses God reveals.

1 Exercise your faith.

Rise up in God, and free (deliver) yourself through the power of the Holy Spirit in you. Believe God for all His blessings. Do not settle for second best. Be a warrior! Break off any and all curses!

2 Enlist others.

If you feel you need the help of others to be free, go now and pray with

them. Combine your faith with theirs. Unite in prayer. Remember, "One can chase a thousand to flight, and two can put ten thousand to flight" (Deut. 32:30). Together, prayerfully pulverize the effects of any curse in your life. Trample it under foot. Get some help! Do it now! Together you can crush the curse's influence.

Now is the time for armed conflict against any curses in your life.

3 Have hands of blessing laid on you.

Have blessings spoken over you. Receive the blessing God has for you. Do it now! "For this purpose the son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8).

My Heartfelt Prayer for You

Dear reader, let me bless you with my personal prayer. Receive this blessing right now. It will change your life!

Father, in Jesus' name, I break the curse over this brother's or sister's life.

I replace all forms of cursing with Your powerful blessing. I speak over this life and impart Your goodness, grace, love, mercy, and total supply to meet his/her every need. I bless the individual, I bless any marriage,

I bless any children, I bless his/her work and I bless his/her ministry. I bless his/her spirit, soul, and body. I speak abundance, prosperity, health, and deliverance over him/her. Father, I thank You for his/her total release from all personal curses. I thank You for his/her new authority, confidence, and love for all God's people. Let him/her overflow with Your blessings that he/she might impart those same blessings to others. My brother or sister in Christ, I license you to go now and bless others, especially those who cursed you1 In Jesus' name, amenl

The Event of Deliverance

Two fundamental methods are used to solve 99 percent of all spiritual problems. Either the Christian is delivered from the problem, or the Christian overcomes the problem. Some problems in the Christian experience must be "cast out" while other problems can be overcome. These same two problem-solving techniques — casting out and overcoming — also apply to curses. To be truly free from a curse, there must be a combination of these two spiritual methods.

Deliverance means to be successfully freed from, permanently separated from, and fully released from the curse. It is a specific event, usually done once, at a specific time during which the cursed person is fully aware

of the deliverance. To secure his or her freedom and independence from the curse, the cursed person must fully cooperate. Deliverance is quicker and often more dramatic because the power of God is directed to a particular point in the Christian's life. When someone is “delivered” in this sense, he has been dramatically and usually instantly changed by this same supernatural power. The event of deliverance must come first. This means a curse usually has to be cast out of the person's life; something must be extracted. To have something cast out of your life is to be “delivered.”

To free a Christian from a curse, I first personally address the curse, identifying it as a curse. By calling it what it is, this isolates the curse in the person's life. Next, I exercise my spiritual authority over it, extracting it from the person in the name of Jesus. When possible, I suggest using the laying on of hands. Great spiritual power is released when a Christian lays hands on another Christian. Do not underestimate this powerful dynamic. Deliverance, healing, blessing, and all manner of impartation occur as we lay our hands on one another in faith. God will use your prayer and your hands to bring deliverance.

Deliverance and overcoming bring lasting release from curses.

The "Process" of Overcoming

After a successful deliverance has been carried out against a curse, a process of “overcoming” or maintaining the deliverance must follow. Together these two — deliverance and overcoming — will bring a lasting release from any and all effects of a curse. Remember, the sequence is important:

1 Deliverance

Freed, separated, released from the curse.

2 Overcoming

Maintaining the deliverance.

And they [God's people] overcame him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony"(Rev. 12:11).

The aspect of "overcoming" our problems through the fight of faith, however, is just as successful and as important to the final outcome. Often, both deliverance and overcoming faith are required to remain free. This is certainly the case with personal curses.

What do I mean by overcoming a curse? After you are delivered, you maintain your deliverance by applying faith. God's part is to deliver you from the curse. Your part is to stay free from the curse; this is the essence of overcoming. This particular method has evolved as a result of praying for hundreds of Christians who recognized a need to be delivered from a curse and has been very effective in securing their freedom.

God's part is to deliver you from the personal curse; your part is to stay free from the curse.

How To Live an Overcoming Life

How do you live the overcoming life as a Christian?

1 Thank God.

You stay free by praising Him continually every day for the deliverance He has brought about in your life.

2 Stand your ground.

Refuse any re-entry of a returning curse to occupy a place in your life again. Resist any counter-attack by remaining bold, confident, and in charge. We call this "exercising your faith."

3 Forgive those who may have cursed you and bless them daily.

Remember, no spiritual weapon formed against you will prosper — if you do your part. God does the delivering, and you do the overcoming. It is a proven partnership that will guarantee your freedom from any and all curses.

Biblical Blessings: Claim Them Right Now!

Here are some fantastic biblical blessings you can pray over your life and the lives of others around you. Do it now! Do it often! Be blessed!

►    "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace" (Num. 6:24-26).

►    "And you will serve the Lord your God, and He will bless your bread and your water; and He will take sickness away from you" (Lev. 26:4).

►    "However, the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam but turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loves you" (Deut. 23:5).

►    "Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in Your sight; for You, O Sovereign Lord have spoken and with Your blessing the house of Your servant will be blessed forever" (2 Sam. 7:29).

►    "From the Lord comes deliverance. May Your blessings be on Your people" (Ps. 3:8).

►    "The blessing of the Lord be upon you: We bless you in the name of the Lord" (Ps. 129:8).

►    "The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and He adds no trouble to it" (Prov. 10:22).

God Bless You!

Now that the personal curse has been broken off your life you can begin to live (again) the abundant life Jesus has promised all his children. The psalmist wrote, "Surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life; and you will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Ps. 23:6). God blessed:

►    Adam and Eve (Gen. 1:28)

►    Noah and his sons (Gen. 9:1)

►    Abraham (Gen. 12:2)

►    Ishmael (Gen. 17:20)

►    Jacob (Gen. 32:29)

►    Mary (Luke 1:28)

►    and God will bless you!

As Jesus Christ ascended into heaven, He did something quite incredible. This single act was to be His final earthly accomplishment, His crowning touch to a dynamic ministry.

What did Jesus do as He ascended? He blessed everyone present.

And Jesus led them out as far as Bethany, and He lifted up His hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was taken to heaven (Luke 24:50-51).

Child of God, be blessed in Jesus' name!