Question: What is the spirit of poverty, how does it operate, and how can it leave a person?
The “spirit of poverty” refers to a spiritual force or influence that keeps a person in a state of lack and financial struggle, hindering them from achieving their God-given potential. Biblically, poverty can be both a result of spiritual forces at work in a person’s life, or it can be a temporary season of testing by God.
When this spirit takes hold, it can lead to continual need, deep debt, and a lack of progress. In some cases, the spirit of poverty is linked to generational curses (see Exodus 20:5), or it may be the result of a lack of spiritual knowledge and wisdom to thrive in life.
From a Christian perspective, God does not intend for His people to live in permanent poverty. Though God may allow seasons of lack for purposes of spiritual growth and character development (see James 1:2-4), He desires for His people to be prosperous in all areas of life spiritually, emotionally, and financially. This aligns with the promise found in 3 John 1:2, which says,
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”
While there are times when God allows His children to experience financial difficulty, this is not meant to be a permanent condition. In fact, the Bible speaks to the fact that God desires His people to be the head and not the tail, to be lenders and not borrowers (Deuteronomy 28:12, 13). However, Christians are also taught that wealth and prosperity should not become an idol or a source of pride (1 Timothy 6:9-10).
Jesus Christ: Jesus, though He was rich in glory, chose to live a life of humility and poverty for the sake of His mission to redeem humanity. 2 Corinthians 8:9 tells us,
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.”
His poverty was voluntary and for the sake of others, not a permanent condition.
John the Baptist: John also lived a simple, ascetic lifestyle, renouncing material wealth to fully devote himself to preparing the way for Jesus. His lifestyle was a choice of humility, not an outcome of financial hardship forced upon him by God.
Abraham and Job: Both Abraham and Job, in contrast, were rich and remained prosperous throughout their lives. Genesis 13:2 tells us,
“Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver and in gold,” and Job 42:10 says, “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.”
These men were blessed by God not only spiritually but also materially.
While God is the ultimate provider, Hosea 4:6 says,
“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
This suggests that a lack of understanding in God’s principles particularly in areas like financial stewardship and hard work can contribute to ongoing poverty. It’s important for believers to gain knowledge, both spiritually and practically, to thrive in life.
Get Saved (Spiritual Rebirth)The first step in breaking the spirit of poverty is salvation through Jesus Christ. When a person accepts Christ as Lord and Savior, they are delivered from the spiritual forces of darkness, including the spirit of poverty. Colossians 1:13 states,
“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”
Salvation brings freedom from the bondage of sin, which can include poverty.
Pray and Break StrongholdsPrayer is a powerful tool for breaking spiritual strongholds, including the spirit of poverty. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 teaches us that,
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.”
Through prayer, you can rebuke any demonic influence that seeks to block your financial progress.
Seek Knowledge and WisdomIn addition to prayer, believers are instructed to seek wisdom and knowledge to prosper in life. Proverbs 24:3-4 says,
“Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.”
As Christians, we are called to apply biblical principles of stewardship, hard work, and integrity in our daily lives. This is how we unlock the doors to financial prosperity.
Stewardship and GenerosityGod blesses those who are good stewards of the resources He has given them and those who are generous toward others. Luke 6:38 says,
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Generosity and wise stewardship are keys to financial breakthroughs.
The spirit of poverty can affect believers in various ways, but God does not want His people to live in a state of lack. Through salvation, prayer, seeking wisdom, and applying biblical principles of financial stewardship, believers can break free from the spirit of poverty and step into the abundance that God has promised. Remember, Philippians 4:19 assures us,
“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
May you walk in the fullness of God’s provision and live a prosperous life, both spiritually and materially.
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If you believe these are not the times to live carelessly, how do you feel when you see people dying in sin and heading to hell without knowing Christ? How do you feel when you see Satan’s work flourishing and destroying people? How does that make you feel deep in your heart?
The Bible emphasizes that the mission of the church is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations, as commanded in Matthew 28:19–20. The eternal destiny of souls depends on whether they hear the gospel and respond to it in faith. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 10:14–15:“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”This highlights the urgency of the mission to preach the gospel, and as believers, we are called to be proactive in reaching out to the lost.
What can we learn from Samson’s anger? When he saw that his wife had been given to strangers by her father, did he stay calm and say, “Well, this is just my fate”? No! Instead, he rose up in anger and said, “I will take revenge on the Philistines.”
In Judges 15:3-5, Samson’s anger leads him to take drastic action:“Samson said, ‘This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them.’ Samson went out and caught 300 foxes, tied them tail to tail in pairs, and fastened a torch to every pair. He lit the torches and let the foxes loose in the standing grain of the Philistines, burning up the shocks and standing grain, together with the vineyards and olive groves.”Samson’s act of destroying the Philistines’ crops was not just personal revenge, but an act of judgment against Israel’s enemies who were oppressing God’s people. This destruction symbolizes God’s justice against the wickedness of the Philistines.
Samson’s act of vengeance is a shadow of God’s justice in the world. Romans 12:19 tells us, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”God’s judgment is just and will come in His timing. Samson’s actions were a reflection of God’s eventual judgment upon evil.
Who is Samson pointing to? It’s Jesus Christ.
When the Lord saw that Satan’s works needed to be destroyed in Israel, what did He do? He took His disciples, sent them two by two, and gave them the power to cast out demons, heal the sick, and preach the good news. And what happened after they returned?
In Luke 10:17-19, we read:“The seventy returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’ He replied, ‘I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions, and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.'”
This passage reveals the authority Christ grants to His followers to fight against the works of darkness. Just as Samson fought the Philistines, Christians are called to wage spiritual warfare against the forces of evil, with the authority of Jesus.
Jesus’ statement, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven,” refers to His victory over Satan’s kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection. In Luke 11:20, Jesus says, “But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can confront and defeat demonic forces. This victory over Satan is secured by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, as noted in Colossians 2:15:“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
And now, for those of us who are saved, if you’ve been filled with the Holy Spirit, you are already a wolf of Christ. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to destroy Satan’s works by preaching Christ and His salvation. What are you waiting for, my friend?
The Bible teaches that we, as believers, are called to proclaim the gospel to the world. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gives the Great Commission:“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'”
When the Holy Spirit fills believers, He empowers them to be effective witnesses. Jesus told His disciples in Acts 1:8:“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”This empowerment enables us to preach the gospel boldly and destroy the works of Satan, just as the disciples did in Luke 10.
Look at what Jesus said in Luke 12:49:“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”
The fire of the Holy Spirit has already been placed on your tail! Be careful not to let it go out before it has done its work. This fire symbolizes the passion and power of the Spirit, urging believers to spread the gospel and bring others into the kingdom of God.
The fire that Jesus refers to is not just a metaphor for passion, but for the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us to spread the message of salvation. In Jeremiah 20:9, the prophet Jeremiah said, “But if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”This burning desire to share the gospel is the fire that every believer should have within them. It is the Holy Spirit’s power working in us, compelling us to take action.
Together, we can turn the world upside down. Let’s preach Christ, for that is the great command for all humanity. Each of us is a wolf of Christ. Stand up, receive courage, and preach Christ so that people may be saved.
May the Lord bless you!
This version provides a deeper theological understanding of the message, incorporating Bible verses that align with the concepts of judgment, authority over Satan, the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, and the Great Commission.
The Bible emphasizes that the mission of the church is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to all nations, as commanded in Matthew 28:19–20. The eternal destiny of souls depends on whether they hear the gospel and respond to it in faith. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 10:14–15:
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?”
This highlights the urgency of the mission to preach the gospel, and as believers, we are called to be proactive in reaching out to the lost.
In Judges 15:3-5, Samson’s anger leads him to take drastic action:
“Samson said, ‘This time I have a right to get even with the Philistines; I will really harm them.’ Samson went out and caught 300 foxes, tied them tail to tail in pairs, and fastened a torch to every pair. He lit the torches and let the foxes loose in the standing grain of the Philistines, burning up the shocks and standing grain, together with the vineyards and olive groves.”Samson’s act of destroying the Philistines’ crops was not just personal revenge, but an act of judgment against Israel’s enemies who were oppressing God’s people. This destruction symbolizes God’s justice against the wickedness of the Philistines.
Samson’s act of vengeance is a shadow of God’s justice in the world. Romans 12:19 tells us,
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
God’s judgment is just and will come in His timing. Samson’s actions were a reflection of God’s eventual judgment upon evil.
Jesus’ statement, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven,” refers to His victory over Satan’s kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection. In Luke 11:20, Jesus says,
“But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.”
Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can confront and defeat demonic forces. This victory over Satan is secured by Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, as noted in Colossians 2:15:
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
The Bible teaches that we, as believers, are called to proclaim the gospel to the world. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus gives the Great Commission:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.'”
When the Holy Spirit fills believers, He empowers them to be effective witnesses. Jesus told His disciples in Acts 1:8:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This empowerment enables us to preach the gospel boldly and destroy the works of Satan, just as the disciples did in Luke 10.
The fire that Jesus refers to is not just a metaphor for passion, but for the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us to spread the message of salvation. In Jeremiah 20:9, the prophet Jeremiah said, “
But if I say, ‘I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,’ his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”
This burning desire to share the gospel is the fire that every believer should have within them. It is the Holy Spirit’s power working in us, compelling us to take action.
Question: Why should we give offerings? Is it mandatory? And if someone doesn’t give, is it a sin?
Answer: Giving whether through offerings, tithes, or acts of generosity is an essential part of the Christian life. It reflects the heart of a true believer. A person who continually withholds and refuses to give demonstrates a lack of transformation, because the Spirit of God, which leads us into the likeness of Christ, is generous by nature.
God is the ultimate giver. From the beginning, everything we have life, breath, provision, salvation comes from His generous hand. He gives without expecting repayment. This is seen most clearly in the gift of Jesus Christ:
John 3:16 (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
As believers, we are created in God’s image and called to reflect His character:
Genesis 1:26 (ESV): “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…'”
If God is generous, and we are made in His image, then we too are designed to be givers.
Giving is not merely a financial transaction it is an act of worship. It shows gratitude, trust, and surrender to God. In the Old Testament, offerings were required as part of covenant obedience (see Leviticus 27:30, Malachi 3:10). But even in the New Testament, the spirit of generous giving continues not as law, but as love and devotion:
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV): “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Proverbs 3:9 (NIV): “Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops.”
The story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4) teaches us that God does not just look at what we give, but how and why we give. Abel gave his best, and God accepted his offering. Cain gave without faith or reverence, and God rejected it.
Genesis 4:4-5 (ESV): “And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard.”
This shows that giving should come from a willing and faithful heart. When giving feels like a burden or a loss, it reveals a spiritual issue that needs correction. That spirit of reluctance and resentment is what led Cain down a destructive path.
We don’t give because we’re forced to. We give because we understand it’s our responsibility and privilege. True generosity flows from a heart changed by the Gospel. Jesus calls us to be perfect as our Father is perfect:
Matthew 5:48 (NIV): “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
And perfection, in this sense, includes walking in the fullness of God’s love and generosity.
Jesus teaches that neglecting to care for others or refusing to be generous has eternal implications. In Matthew 25:41–46, He warns that those who fail to show compassion and generosity are separating themselves from Him.
Matthew 25:45-46 (NIV): “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”
Ask yourself: if God gives you air to breathe, ground to walk on, sunshine to enjoy, all for free, why is it painful to give back even a small portion? We easily pay for utilities, food, and entertainment, yet struggle to give to the One who gives us everything. That reveals a deeper issue of the heart, not of the wallet.
Don’t run from your responsibility to give. Don’t wait for a command embrace it as part of your new identity in Christ. When we give cheerfully and generously, we not only bless others but align ourselves with God’s nature.
(Based on Genesis 4:3–5, ESV*)
Background
Cain (the farmer) brought “some of the fruits of the soil” as an offering to the Lord (Gen 4:3 ESV).
Abel (the shepherd) brought “fat portions from some of the firstborn of his flock” (Gen 4:4 ESV).
“The Lord looked with favor on Abel and his offering, but on Cain and his offering he did not look with favor” (Gen 4:4–5 ESV).
Levitical Context (later codified in Leviticus):
Animal sacrifices (Le 1–3) pointed forward to atonement through the shedding of blood (Heb 9:22 NIV).
The blood principle: Sheep/goat sacrifices anticipated the necessity of “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22 NIV).
Theological note: Abel’s offering foreshadows the greater “Lamb of God” (John 1:29 ESV), whose “firstborn” status (Ex 13:2 NIV) and perfect sacrifice reconcile sinners to God.
Quality of Gift
Abel: Gave the firstborn (Hebrew bikkurim) and the fat—the choicest parts (Gen 4:4 ESV).
Cain: Brought an unspecified portion of his crops—implying leftovers or second-best (Gen 4:3 ESV).
Attitude Behind Gift
Abel’s offering was rooted in faith: “By faith Abel… offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain” (Heb 11:4 ESV).
Cain’s offering revealed self-interest—holding the best back from the Lord.
Theological note: True worship demands “first fruits” (Prov 3:9 NIV)—our best and earliest—to acknowledge God’s ownership of all (Ps 24:1 ESV).
Before judgment, God said to Cain:
“Why are you angry?… If you do well, will you not be accepted?… but if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door… you must rule over it” (Gen 4:6–7 ESV).
Opportunity for repentance: God’s question “Will you not be accepted?” underscores His desire for restoration, not mere ritual.
Theological note: Scripture repeatedly shows God’s patience: “The Lord is… patient, not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance” (2 Pet 3:9 ESV).
In resentment, Cain “lured Abel… and killed him” (Gen 4:8 ESV).
Moral slip: A heart hardened against God quickly turns against neighbor (1 John 3:12 NIV).
Theological note: Sin’s progression—from neglect (offering second-best) to murder illustrates James’s warning: “Each person is tempted… by his own evil desire… and desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14–15 ESV).
God examines the heart, not just the ritual (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV).
Our giving reveals priorities: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt 6:21 NIV).
Firstfruits theology: Offering the first and best signifies trust that God will provide the rest (Deut 26:2–4 ESV).
Repentance invitation: God’s warnings are rooted in mercy—calling us back to right worship.
Give first, not leftover: Bring your best time, resources, and talents.
Examine motives: Before you give, ask, “Am I honoring God or preserving my comfort?”
Embrace Christ: Jesus, the perfect “firstborn” and ultimate sacrifice (Col 1:18 ESV), secures our acceptance when we trust in Him.
Question: Why did God reject King Saul, and what lesson do we learn from his downfall?
Answer:
God rejected Saul because of two major sins:
These are the two areas in which Saul failed, and the Bible explains them clearly.
1 Samuel 15:22–23 And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.”
1 Samuel 15:22–23
And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices,
as in obeying the voice of the LORD?
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice,
and to listen than the fat of rams.
For rebellion is as the sin of divination,
and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry.
Because you have rejected the word of the LORD,
he has also rejected you from being king.”
1. Rebellion
Rebellion means turning away from the right path and becoming an enemy to that path. This is exactly what happened to Saul. His heart slowly turned away from God, and he knowingly began to go against God’s commands even though he fully understood that what he was doing was wrong.
2. Stubbornness
Saul’s second sin was stubbornness.
A stubborn person is someone who cannot be corrected, refuses advice, and will not change his mind—whatever he has decided, he holds onto firmly.
King Saul was stubborn before the LORD.
When he committed his first sin by offering a sacrifice unlawfully (against God’s command) in 1 Samuel 13:8–14, he was rebuked. Yet, despite this warning, he later repeated a similar sin in 1 Samuel 15:14–15, when he brought forbidden offerings from the Amalekites and claimed he wanted to sacrifice them to the LORD.
He brought the best sheep and oxen from the Amalekites to offer to God. At first glance, it may appear like a wise or spiritual action, but in reality, Saul committed a great offense.
Taking animals belonging to idol worshipers—animals likely used or dedicated to their gods, with unknown spiritual histories—and presenting them to Yahweh simply because they looked “fat and healthy” was a serious act of disrespect (1 Samuel 15:14–15).
This is just like taking a prostitute’s earnings and offering them to the LORD, something God strictly forbids.
Deuteronomy 23:18 You shall not bring the fee of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of the LORD your God in payment for any vow, for both of these are an abomination to the LORD your God.
Deuteronomy 23:18
You shall not bring the fee of a prostitute or the wages of a dog into the house of the LORD your God in payment for any vow, for both of these are an abomination to the LORD your God.
The law also says God must not be offered any animal that is blemished or tainted (Deut. 17:1). Yet Saul brought animals full of the wickedness and defilement of the Amalekites as sacrifices to God. This was extreme stubbornness.
These Same Two Sins Still Displease God Today: Rebellion and Stubbornness
Jeremiah 5:22–25 Do you not fear me? declares the LORD. Do you not tremble before me? I placed the sand as the boundary for the sea, a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass; though the waves toss, they cannot prevail; though they roar, they cannot pass over it. But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart; they have turned aside and gone away. They do not say in their hearts, ‘Let us fear the LORD our God, who gives the rain in its season, the autumn rain and the spring rain, and keeps for us the weeks appointed for the harvest.’ Your iniquities have turned these away, and your sins have kept good from you.
Jeremiah 5:22–25
Do you not fear me? declares the LORD.
Do you not tremble before me?
I placed the sand as the boundary for the sea,
a perpetual barrier that it cannot pass;
though the waves toss, they cannot prevail;
though they roar, they cannot pass over it.
But this people has a stubborn and rebellious heart;
they have turned aside and gone away.
They do not say in their hearts,
‘Let us fear the LORD our God,
who gives the rain in its season,
the autumn rain and the spring rain,
and keeps for us the weeks appointed for the harvest.’
Your iniquities have turned these away,
and your sins have kept good from you.
Maranatha!
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Question: Why did God create us? What is the purpose of our existence? And why is one person created this way and another in a different way? In general, why did God create the world?
God created us because of His own love and His own will—so that He would delight in being with us, and that we would delight in being with Him.
Revelation 4:11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Revelation 4:11
“Worthy are you, our Lord and God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things,
and by your will they existed and were created.”
Our creation is a great advantage to us, because there is no benefit in not existing. Imagine you did not exist—or none of us existed. What benefit would that bring?
But if we exist and we are given eternal life and joy, then that is a great blessing!
And God Himself has promised us eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,
that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
However, if a person refuses life—if he does not want life at all—then the only path that leads to loss is rejecting Jesus.
1 John 5:12 “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
1 John 5:12
“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
Second Question: Why is one person created this way and another differently?
The simple answer:
Because that is what pleased God, so that we would be different from one another.
(He did not desire that we all look identical like ants.)
Beyond that, we cannot question Him further.
Romans 9:20–21 “But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?’ Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?”
Romans 9:20–21
“But who are you, O man, to answer back to God?
Will what is molded say to its molder, ‘Why have you made me like this?’
Has the potter no right over the clay,
to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use
and another for dishonorable use?”
Regardless of how we were created, our responsibility is to seek eternal life. And it is important to understand that God shows no favoritism—no one is valued more than another.
Before Him, we are all equal:
not judged by appearance, or height, or age, or gender.
We are all equally loved and equally measured by His standard.
Do you have eternal life within you?
Remember: eternal life is found in one Person only—Jesus Christ.
If you have not yet received Him and you need help, you may contact us through our numbers below.
May the Lord bless you.
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Every time I sleep, I feel something choking my throat, making it hard to breathe. It feels like something is pressing down on me, and I sometimes feel like I’m going to die. Other times, I feel completely stuck and can’t move for a long time. Even when I try to fight it off, it takes a lot of effort, but eventually, it lets go. Is this a nightmare? This has been happening repeatedly. I’ve tried fasting and praying, and it sometimes stops for a few days, but then it returns. What should I do?
ANSWER:
What you’re experiencing is likely a form of spiritual attack in your dreams. The Bible tells us that our struggle is not only against physical forces but also against spiritual powers (Ephesians 6:12). The enemy often uses dreams to torment believers and distract them from their peace in Christ. Spiritual attacks in dreams can manifest in various ways: suffocating feelings, being unable to move, or facing disturbing and oppressive images. These are tactics of the enemy to instill fear, doubt, and helplessness.
Ephesians 6:12 (NIV): “
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
If you are facing such experiences, it’s crucial to know that there is a solution, and that solution is Jesus Christ. The Bible offers clear instructions on how to stand firm in the face of these attacks.
Here are three biblical principles that can help you overcome spiritual attacks in your sleep:
When you encounter spiritual attacks, do not remain silent. The Bible teaches us that we have been given authority over all the power of the enemy through Jesus Christ. His name is a powerful weapon in spiritual warfare.
Matthew 10:19-20 (NIV):
“Do not be afraid of them. For there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.”
Luke 10:19 (NIV): “
I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”
Jesus gave us authority to confront the forces of darkness. When you are under attack, speak the name of Jesus with authority, rebuking the evil forces and commanding them to leave. By invoking the name of Jesus, you align yourself with His divine power and dominion over all things, including the spiritual realm.
Before you go to bed, make it a habit to pray and surrender your night to God. This spiritual discipline helps you to establish a shield of protection over your life. The Bible warns us to guard our hearts and ensure that we are not giving the devil any foothold in our lives.
Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV):
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.”
Spiritual attacks can be more frequent when there are unresolved issues in your heart, such as anger, unforgiveness, or bitterness. These emotions open doors for the enemy to exploit. Therefore, it’s essential to keep your heart clean before the Lord, asking for forgiveness and making sure there’s no resentment before you sleep.
Psalm 4:8 (NIV):
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
God promises to provide peace and safety as you trust in Him, making it essential to release your anxieties and fears to God before sleeping.
If you are already using the name of Jesus and are praying before sleep but still experiencing attacks, the issue might lie in your faith. Faith is critical in spiritual warfare, and the Bible shows us that lack of faith can hinder our victory over the enemy.
Matthew 17:19-20 (NIV): “
Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, ‘Why couldn’t we drive it out?’ He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.'”
Jesus said that even faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains. If you’re facing recurring spiritual attacks, it may be because your faith needs strengthening. You must trust that the power of Jesus’ name is greater than any spiritual force and that He has already won the victory for you through His death and resurrection.
Romans 8:37 (NIV):
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
As a believer, you are already victorious in Christ. Strengthening your faith in the promises of God will give you the boldness to confront these attacks without fear. The power of the Holy Spirit within you is greater than any demon or evil spirit that comes against you.
1 John 4:4 (NIV): “
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
Remember, just as Samson overcame the lion with the strength God had given him (Judges 14:5-6), you too can overcome any spiritual attack by trusting in the power that is already within you—through the Holy Spirit. Demons are powerless against you when you stand firm in faith, knowing that Jesus has already defeated them on the cross.
John 16:33 (NIV): “
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
You are not alone in this battle. The Lord is with you, and He will give you the strength to overcome.
2 Corinthians 10:4 (NIV): “
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.”
Use the spiritual weapons God has given you: prayer, the name of Jesus, and unwavering faith. Rebuke the enemy with authority, and trust that God will fight on your behalf.
God bless you.
Shalom.
Normally, God does answer prayers, but His timing is often different from ours. We tend to want immediate answers the moment we pray. That may happen if the request aligns perfectly with God’s timing.
However, if it is not God’s will for you to receive what you asked for at that moment, you must wait for His timing. This does not mean God has ignored your prayer—He has answered; it’s just that your answer may come tomorrow, next month, next year, or even years later. Some answers require preparation before we are ready to receive them.
It is impossible for a child who has not even started school to ask his father for a car and drive it the very same day, even if the father has the means to provide it. A wise parent would store the gift until the child is mature and ready to handle it. The same principle applies to God. Some prayers are answered immediately, while others require time until we are ready.
That’s why, after praying, it is wise to allow God’s will to be fulfilled, as David said:
Psalm 69:13–14 “But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD, at an acceptable time; O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me in your saving faithfulness. Deliver me from the mire; do not let me sink; let me be delivered from those who hate me and out of the deep waters.”
Psalm 69:13–14
“But as for me, my prayer is to you, O LORD, at an acceptable time; O God, in the abundance of your steadfast love, answer me in your saving faithfulness. Deliver me from the mire; do not let me sink; let me be delivered from those who hate me and out of the deep waters.”
However, there are prayers that God does not answer at all. These often fall into the following categories:
1. Prayers of Lust or Greed
These are requests made not out of need, but for pleasure, competition, or display.
For example, someone may pray for money, not to solve a genuine problem, but to show off to others or indulge in luxury. Such prayers are not answered because the heart’s intention is wrong.
James 4:3 “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”
James 4:3
“You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”
It is crucial to examine the motivation of our prayers. Are we asking for a genuine need, or out of selfish desire?
2. Prayers of the Wicked
Those who do not love God in their hearts but still want His blessings will not have their prayers answered.
A murderer who refuses to repent, a thief who continues stealing, or an adulterer who does not intend to change—even if they hear sermons every day—their prayers are not answered.
Isaiah 1:15–17 “When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
Isaiah 1:15–17
“When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.”
3. Prayers of Complaining and Grumbling
Prayers filled with complaints or a sense of being wronged often receive the opposite of what is desired. Instead of receiving blessings, one may lose even the little they have.
1 Corinthians 10:10–11 “Do not complain, as some of them did and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened as an example for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.”
1 Corinthians 10:10–11
“Do not complain, as some of them did and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened as an example for us, that we might not desire evil as they did.”
Avoid grumbling in prayer. Instead, pray with thankfulness, humility, and respect.
4. Prayers that Test God
This includes prayers that challenge God, like the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness.
Luke 4:9–12 “He led him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ …Jesus answered, ‘It is said, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Luke 4:9–12
“He led him to Jerusalem and set him on the pinnacle of the temple and said to him, ‘If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, for it is written, He will command his angels concerning you, to guard you,’ …Jesus answered, ‘It is said, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”
Do not pray to “see what God will do.” Such prayers do not receive answers and may instead bring discipline rather than blessing.
1 Corinthians 10:9 “We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents.”
1 Corinthians 10:9
“We must not put Christ to the test, as some of them did and were destroyed by serpents.”
Conclusion
Be mindful of these four types of prayers:
Guard your heart and your intentions so that your prayers are answered according to God’s will.
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The principle of fasting and prayer can be compared to the way a hen sits on her eggs until they hatch.
For the eggs to produce chicks, the hen must sit on them for about 21 days. During that time, she must keep them warm, which means she has to deny herself food for long periods so she does not lose the necessary heat. You will notice that she only leaves the nest briefly to find a little food before returning to the eggs and she keeps doing this faithfully for all 21 days.
In other words, if the hen refuses to endure that sacrifice denying herself comfort and food she will never see her chicks hatch!
In the same way, there are certain things in life that require spiritual heat a deep, sustained period of fasting, prayer, and self denial before they can happen. Otherwise, no matter how much we desire them, they will never come to pass.
The Lord Jesus said:
Matthew 17:21 “But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.”
Matthew 17:21
“But this kind never comes out except by prayer and fasting.”
So then:
If you have sought something and have not found it enter into fasting!
If you have prayed and still have not received add fasting to your prayer!
If you have searched and still have not succeeded combine your seeking with prayer and fasting!
If you long for peace, joy, or strength to move forward do not avoid fasting!
A person who prays and fasts will experience both spiritual and physical breakthroughs. They will “hatch” many things at the right time.
But someone who avoids fasting will struggle greatly to achieve even small victories.
We see this example in the life of Daniel:
Daniel 9:2–3, 21–23 “In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking Him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. …While I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice. He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, ‘O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding. At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.’”
Daniel 9:2–3, 21–23
“In the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years.
Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking Him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.
…While I was speaking in prayer, the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the first, came to me in swift flight at the time of the evening sacrifice.
He made me understand, speaking with me and saying, ‘O Daniel, I have now come out to give you insight and understanding.
At the beginning of your pleas for mercy a word went out, and I have come to tell it to you, for you are greatly loved. Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.’”
There are also repentances that require fasting before a person can be set free.
Joel 2:12–13 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.”
Joel 2:12–13
“Yet even now,” declares the Lord, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;
and rend your hearts and not your garments.”
Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and He relents over disaster.”
So, do not avoid fasting!
It is a powerful key to spiritual renewal, deliverance, and divine breakthrough.
Question: Who lived the longest in the Bible? And who is the person who lived the longest on earth?
According to the Bible, the person who lived the longest was Methuselah, the son of Enoch, who was taken up by God. The Bible records that Methuselah lived 969 years, and no one else is recorded to have lived longer than him.
Genesis 5:25–27 (ESV) “When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he fathered Lamech.
Genesis 5:25–27 (ESV)
“When Methuselah had lived 187 years, he fathered Lamech.
Methuselah lived after he fathered Lamech 782 years and had other sons and daughters.
Thus all the days of Methuselah were 969 years, and he died.”
Other people who lived long lives in the Bible include:
After the Flood of Noah, human lifespan was reduced to 120 years, and even then, very few lived that long most lived far less.
Genesis 6:3 (ESV) “Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.’”
Genesis 6:3 (ESV)
“Then the Lord said, ‘My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.’”
As time went on, human life expectancy continued to decrease from 120 years down to about 80 years.
Psalm 90:9–10 (ESV) “For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
Psalm 90:9–10 (ESV)
“For all our days pass away under your wrath; we bring our years to an end like a sigh.
The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty;
yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.”
Why Has the Human Lifespan Continued to Decrease?
Is it because of climate change or changes in food?
The simple answer is: because of sin. Not the weather or diet but sin itself.
The very first thing that shortened human life from living forever to living 930 years was sin, beginning with Adam and Eve. It was not because they lacked a healthy diet or didn’t exercise. It was because of disobedience to God.
That same principle continues today. As sin increases, human life continues to shorten. Meanwhile, Satan tries to deceive people into thinking that long life comes only from healthy eating or exercise such as avoiding meat, fats, or following perfect fitness routines.
While those practices are good and beneficial for health, they do not guarantee long life. Many people who live very healthily die young, and others who do not follow those routines live long lives.
The true secret to a long and blessed life is to fear God and turn away from evil.
Keep His commandments and do His will then your life will be long, both in this world and in the one to come.
Exodus 20:12 (ESV) “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
Exodus 20:12 (ESV)
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”
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