The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. —Proverbs 9:10, KJV

Because the Bible is telling us that wisdom starts here—with the fear of the Lord—then I believe that it should be our starting place as well in this book. Not to mention, the fear of the Lord is also my favorite topic.

Holiness Is Still the Battle Cry of My Heart

This topic is quite personal to me. For the breadth of my whole Christian experience, I have tried to embody this “fear of the Lord” because I have a healthy fear of eternity. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I am one of the few fire-and-brimstone preachers remaining. Why? Because I ain’t going to hell for nobody. I know that’s not proper English or grammar, but its sentiment remains true.

The wisdom that we seek can be found only by first having a healthy fear of the Lord. What is this “fear of the Lord”?

In most Jewish and Christian contexts, the “fear of God” does not primarily mean being terrified of God in the sense that we would be terrified of heights, snakes, or public speaking. Rather, it indicates a deep, reverent awe that leads to humility, trust, and obedience—recognizing God’s holiness, authority, and moral reality.

The fear of God means to have deep reverence and respect. So the beginning of wisdom is an attitude of respect. It all starts with that. When a believer begins to respect God, they are ready to begin receiving His wisdom. There is no impartation of wisdom without this. And without God’s wisdom, our discernment will become unclear, and we will find ourselves in the lap of sin—in compromising situations that dishonor the Lord. If there is one thing I have trained myself not to lose, it is a healthy respect for the Lord. If I think the Lord might not like it, I won’t do it. And yes, there are times when I may have exaggerated this respect by displaying some mild forms of legalism, but my intention has always been to honor the Lord in all my behavior.

The early church in the Book of Acts had a healthy fear of the Lord. Even the people of the greater community had a reverence for God because of the church’s piety toward Him.

Great fear gripped the entire church and everyone else who heard what had happened. —Acts 5:11

With this fear the church understood that God was not playing around. He demanded that the church move in reverence toward Him, especially since the church had just begun. Why did God move like this? Because demons live in the realm of compromise. The church that dabbles in compromise or becomes even slightly tolerant of what heaven deems abominable will open wide the door to the demonic. And they may become unable to discern when demonic activity is taking place. It is my fundamental belief that the early church moved in such great fear of the Lord that there was no room for demons in their midst. This is why we don’t find many recorded incidents of demons being cast out of those within the church body—because the church had zero tolerance for demons. When you have a militant approach against the demonic, you won’t find yourself in the red-light district.

Order Alexander Pagani’s New Book, “Discerning the Demonic” on Amazon.com!

The Red-Light District

What is the red-light district? Every city has a district where there seems to be a little more openness and freedom to express lawlessness than in other parts of the city. These are the areas we were warned never to go to alone or at night because sin is more rampant in these places. When the fear of the Lord is present in the life of the believer, the wisdom of God won’t allow them to be tempted to go to those parts of town—especially not for evangelism purposes. I am amazed at how so many well-meaning believers go to red-light districts to evangelize without taking precautions against the temptations that permeate these areas. Without proper safe-guards and accountability, they can easily end up falling from grace.

The fear of the Lord is your inner alarm. It will start buzzing when you disrespect the Lord by violating it. This is exactly what happened to the sons of Eli. At some point in their lives, they strayed from having respect for the Lord and began pursuing unauthorized behaviors. Once they did, the wisdom of God stopped manifesting in their lives as priests in the temple, and they began disrespecting the Lord’s method of worship there.

Sons of Eli’s Sin

Now the sons of Eli were scoundrels who had no respect for the Lord or for their duties as priests. Whenever anyone offered a sacrifice, Eli’s sons would send over a servant with a three-pronged fork. While the meat of the sacrificed animal was still boiling, the servant would stick the fork into the pot and demand that whatever it brought up be given to Eli’s sons. All the Israelites who came to worship at Shiloh were treated this way. Sometimes the servant would come even before the animal’s fat had been burned on the altar. He would demand raw meat before it had been boiled so that it could be used for roasting. The man offering the sacrifice might reply, “Take as much as you want, but the fat must be burned first.” Then the servant would demand, “No, give it to me now, or I’ll take it by force.” So the sin of these young men was very serious in the Lord’s sight, for they treated the Lord’s offerings with contempt. —1 Samuel 2:12–17

The sons of Eli had lost the fear of the Lord, and this dishonor of their sacred duties soon spread to their father, Eli. As much as Eli tried to warn his sons, his office as high priest was eventually so compromised that he lost credibility with them, and they refused to listen to him. It would take a lot to be so compromised that even your own sons disrespect your office and will not listen to you.

The sins of Eli and his sons were so great before the Lord that heaven determined to cut off Eli from the land of the living by judging his entire bloodline. All this happened because they lost their fear of the Lord. Eventually, God allowed the Philistine army to capture the ark of the covenant and kill Eli’s sons. When Eli heard his sons were dead, he fell and broke his neck. All three died by the judgment of the Lord.

Not walking in the fear of the Lord is deadly. And demons love this. If they can get an influential believer to stray from their God-given assignment and become swallowed up in carnality, then it fosters a breeding ground for demons.

The best way to become completely demon-proof is to walk in the fear of the Lord. If you do not, however, then you will live in the realm of Ichabod. What is “Ichabod”? When Eli and his sons died, the daughter-in-law of Eli was with child, and when the baby was born, she named him “Ichabod,” which means “the glory has departed” (1 Sam. 4:21).

When a Christian habitually lives in a state of lukewarm unrepentance, the glory of God departs from them. Their discernment becomes clouded, and they fall into a state of delusion, just like the sons of Eli did. Had they known they would die that very day, they would not have gone out with their army. The wisdom and discernment of God would have prompted them to repent before their demise. Sometimes I wonder whether they are in hell right now, awaiting the final judgment.

On a side note, my heart aches for many of my preacher friends who started out in ministry strong but who were lost to the deceitfulness of riches or sexual perversion along the way. Many of them have been exposed recently, and while I tried to talk with them in private about turning from their evil ways, many either sneered at me or genuinely were so deceived that they told me to my face that they were not doing anything wrong. And then, not long after my private correction, they were publicly exposed. Sadly, even after public exposure, many of them have still not repented.

Pure and Clean

The fear of the Lord is beautiful, and it’s clean. That means it is pure and a pleasure to obey. Demons are dirty, and anything demonic—no matter how pure we think it is—will always be inherently unclean. This is why they are called “unclean spirits,” because at their core, they are filthy. The fear of the Lord is the opposite of demons. Let’s read:

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. —Psalm 19:9, KJV

When something is clean, we revere it and treat it with care because we do not want to contaminate it. Whenever my mom cleaned the house, the respect level for me and my little brother was upgraded. We knew that all forms of rebellion and lawlessness needed to be stopped. Well, at least for a short while—but the analogy is there. When something is pure and clean, it causes a change in behavior among those in proximity. I am reminded of when Moses approached the burning bush. The Bible records that Moses was fearful, and God told him, “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground” (Exod. 3:5, NIV). The same is true when we have a reverential fear of the Lord: Our behavior must match the level of purity we are beholding.

When we are not in His presence or in proximity to the Lord through prayer, then we are not beholding His purity, so our behavior remains unchanged. I know without a doubt that if the ministers who are being exposed were asked what had happened, each of them would say that they lost their quality time with God and thus began entertaining demons. This is why once we acquire the fear of the Lord, we must cultivate it through consistent choices of walking in it. When we do, we will begin to perfect it.

Perfecting Holiness

The Bible says that we are to perfect holiness in the fear of God. What does this mean? We must learn to make all the right choices so that we can grow in our holiness, and so it will become a lifestyle and a culture for us. It is not just walking in fear of the Lord on a surface level that matters; we are to create a culture of the fear of the Lord. Everyone who knows me knows that I walk in a no-nonsense culture. No one in their right mind would dare offer me the opportunity to sin against the Lord. Why? Because I have created a culture of the fear of the Lord in my life that everyone can see, and I continuously perfect it through the help of the Holy Spirit.

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. —2 Corinthians 7:1, KJV

This verse tells us of something we must do—and it is not optional. That word perfect means “to mature.” We are to grow up in the fear of the Lord. I am not talking about stifling legalism or obeying a heavy set of rules and regulations. No, I am talking about growing in our reverence of the Lord, which will then cause us to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. The fear of the Lord is always required. Many times, we may not know whether something honors God, but the fear of the Lord will guard our ignorance when we are not sure—and when we should know better.

Here are some examples of what can contaminate our flesh and spirit:

1. Secular music that does not honor Christ
2. Movies that are questionable
3. Clothing that moves beyond the parameters of modesty
4. Mixture with witchcraft, New Age practices, burning sage,
   horoscopes, and so on
5. Forming an alliance or agreeing with questionable
   ministries
6. An unhealthy view of money, finances, and wealth
7. A preoccupation with titles and influence
8. The abuse of your authority (even if it’s mild)

Yes, these things can corrupt our flesh and our spirit. This is why the apostle Paul encouraged us to cleanse ourselves from these things by maturing in our holiness and departing from these things. Now, what if you are struggling to embrace the list I just wrote? Be honest with yourself about why. Is it because you have not perfected your fear of the Lord? Each of these practices can contaminate the believer, just like Eli’s sons were corrupted. The sons of Eli serve as a sobering reminder that anyone can fall victim to losing the fear of the Lord—even those of us in the house of God.

This article is an excerpt from Alexander Pagani’s new book, “Discerning the Demonic” available on Amazon.com.

Alexander Pagani dropped out of high school in the South Bronx, joined a gang, and served a three-to-nine-year sentence in prison. He came to faith behind bars, earned his GED in a prison program, and entered ministry in 1995, the same year he was released. He planted a church in 2007 with seventeen people meeting in a living room in the Bronx; by 2015, the congregation had grown enough to rebuild an abandoned nightclub into a building. In 2026, he and his wife Ibelize relocated to the Atlanta area to launch Amazing Church Global ― a transition he describes in this book without softening the difficulty of it, which is consistent with how he writes about everything else.

He has conducted more than four hundred documented deliverance sessions, has taught at Princeton University, and has appeared on TBN and The Word Network. His four previous books ― The Secrets to Deliverance, The Secrets to Generational Curses, The Secrets to Maintaining Your Deliverance, and Manipulated: The Ten Toxic Traits of Legalism ― moved progressively from the mechanics of individual deliverance to the conditions that make deliverance necessary. This book is where that progression lands: not how to cast out a demon, but how to build a life that is not structurally vulnerable to the thing that invited it in.

His oldest son, Apollos, is an ordained pastor now running the ministry’s overseas work. His youngest son, Xavier, works in media production for the ministry. The chapter in this book about the power of words in a family was written by someone who made deliberate, daily decisions about the atmosphere in his home and watched those decisions produce something over twenty years that he considers worth writing about.

The main battlefield for most people is not in the spiritual realm but in the mind. The danger of this war that takes place in the mind is that it is easy to hide from the people around you.

When you’re fighting addiction, most of the people around you know it; when you’re fighting demonic spirits, most of the people
around you know it. Exterior struggles are easy to discern, but this battle is much different, as it takes place in an area that’s easy to hide from others. The battle that goes on in the mind is a very complex thing, a labyrinth of thoughts and emotions that is often misunderstood and underestimated. People often battle in their minds for years before having a breakdown, and then the people around them say, “I didn’t even realize they were going through this!” That’s because the battle was happening in secret.

Mental Fortresses

Mental strongholds are fortresses the enemy builds in our minds to keep us trapped in cycles of sin and wrong thinking patterns. These strongholds are often easy to identify, as they manifest as persistent issues or thoughts we can’t seem to overcome. Even after experiencing deliverance from a demon, being born again, and serving God passionately, we may still struggle with these mental barriers. These lingering struggles are what we refer to as strongholds.

Another way to think about it is that the devil has a stronghold on you. It may feel as if anxiety is gripping you, and you succumb to it. Maybe it’s fear; maybe it’s depression; maybe it’s irrational thoughts. These are mental strongholds. It all starts with lies that Satan plants in our minds, which we believe as truth, even though they are not. When we listen to these lies and accept them as reality, a stronghold is established. These strongholds are usually built over time, but they can also arise from traumatic experiences.

I began learning about mental strongholds when I encountered people who believed they had demons. They would go through deliverance, but nothing would manifest. I found myself puzzled, thinking, “If this isn’t a demon, what is it?” The problem was that they continued in wrong thinking patterns, remaining bound by toxic emotions and mindsets. I realized that something deeper
was at play—something that wasn’t a demon, a curse, or merely a battle with the flesh. For many their thought life was something
they would be horrified for others to know about. If our thoughts were projected onto a screen for all to see, it would be shocking.
Thankfully, we are not judged by our thoughts alone but by our actions. However, our thoughts often turn into actions, and many
people give in to their thoughts because they don’t understand how to find mental freedom. God desires that we be free not just
spiritually but also mentally.

Strongholds are often issues we’ve struggled with for years, and the longer they’ve been there, the harder they seem to be to destroy because they’ve been built up over time. It’s like a castle that someone adds bricks to every week; after several years (or
even decades) it becomes massive and difficult to demolish. To tear it down, you’d need some powerful equipment. Thankfully,
we have the most powerful weapons in existence: God’s Word and God’s power. Second Corinthians 10:3–6 (NKJV) says,

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. 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, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled.

Although we walk in the flesh, we go to war in the spirit. The good news is that in this war we have weapons—powerful spiritual weapons—at our disposal.

Order Isaiah Saldivar’s Book, “How to Cast Out Demons” on Amazon.com!

The first thing Paul charges us to do is cast down our imaginations. Imagination involves forming new ideas, concepts, and principles. We get in trouble when we create doctrines or ideas in our minds that violate God’s Word but accept them as right.
For example, we may think, “I can do this wrong thing but still serve God,” or, “I can watch this but still be holy,” or, “I can serve God on Sundays, live carnally all week, and still be faithful,” or, “I can pick and choose from God’s Word.” These are all imaginations we’ve created. Recognizing their error is the first step. Then we must cast these things down. Part of this process is repenting, which is changing the way we think and turning from our sinful ways.

Next we must destroy arguments and opinions against the knowledge of God and take every thought captive. This speaks directly to the mind. Be cautious not to go down rabbit holes, learning about demonic doctrines that create strongholds. Taking thoughts captive is essential. I will discuss later how to consecrate and purify our thoughts, but for now, notice the language Paul uses: Take the thoughts captive, bind the thoughts, arrest the thoughts. These thoughts are like wild animals that must be caged and tied up. If you don’t, they will run wild and cause damage to your life.

Psalm 94:19 (AMP) says, “When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, your comforts delight me.” Can anyone relate to what David is talking about? We all experience those loops of thought where the more you think about something, the more anxious you become. You might start with a small concern, like noticing a spot on your body, and ten minutes later you’re worrying if it’s cancer and if you’re going to die. Or you might start thinking about the economy, and before you know it, you’re worried about
losing your job, your home, and everything you’ve worked so hard for. The longer you dwell on these thoughts, the more they
multiply. That’s why it’s crucial to bind them and capture them before they get out of control.

All of us are made of three parts: our physical bodies, our spirits, and our souls. Our physical bodies are what other people see when they look at us. Our spirits are where God dwells when we repent and are born again. Our souls comprise our minds, wills, and emotions. When we are born again, God breathes His Spirit—the Holy Spirit—into us, and our spirits become alive. We were created to then “walk in the Spirit,” meaning we submit our bodies, minds, wills, and emotions to the Spirit of God, who is now alive in us. The more we allow the Holy Spirit to move in our lives, the more our minds, wills, and emotions are transformed.

Suddenly, I want to do things for God—that’s my will being renewed and changed by God’s power. My mind no longer dwells on earthly things but on things above. I stop thinking of lustful things and plotting against people, and instead of seeing the worst in people, I begin to see the best in them—that’s my mind being renewed. Emotions are a huge area of transformation because many of us have damaged emotions from childhood trauma, life experiences, letdowns, and toxic relationships.

I remember not crying for nearly ten years. My heart was so hard, and my emotions were so messed up. But when I encountered God, I bawled like a baby. Now I can be in prayer, start crying, and not even know why. This is God restoring and renewing my emotions.

First Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV) explains this beautifully: “May the very God of peace sanctify you completely. And I pray to God that your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The Greek word trans-
lated as “completely” in this verse is holoteles, meaning “perfect, complete in all respects.” Think about this: Paul is praying that
we reach a point where our souls are undamaged and perfect, complete and whole through and through. This is God’s will for our lives, or Paul wouldn’t be praying it. God doesn’t want you to be damaged; you’re not damaged goods. You might say, “Isaiah,
I’m emotionally damaged from a relationship.” You’re in a perfect position for God to heal you. He wants you to be undamaged.
This is the God we serve—He is a God who makes all things new.

Ephesians 4:22–24 (AMP) illustrates Paul’s powerful message:

Strip yourselves of your former nature [put off and discard your old unrenewed self] which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from delusion; and be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], and put on the new nature (the regenerate self) created in God’s image, [Godlike] in true righteousness and holiness.

To walk in personal victory over mental strongholds, we must lay down our old selves, strip off our sinful nature, and disarm the evil lusts, desires, and thoughts of the flesh. Paul emphasizes that we must actively participate in this process; we can’t just sit back and expect it to happen automatically. You may think, “Well, this is God’s will.” But the truth is, you need to put effort into
stripping off the old sinful nature.

The world continually tries to impose its ways on us while God calls us to keep stripping them off. It’s not a one-time event; it’s a constant process of shedding the influences the world tries to impose on us. God wants to restore, renew, and cleanse your thought life completely. To get more specific, let me outline a few mental strongholds that are most prevalent in this generation.

The stronghold of anxiety and fear

Anxiety, by definition, is the body’s response to stress and fear. With so many of us juggling a multitude of responsibilities, there’s always something to worry about. What if things go wrong? What if they don’t go as planned? What if this? What if that? Worry only serves to fuel the flames of anxiety. Interestingly, the word worry stems from an Old English term meaning strangle. It’s an apt description, as many of us have felt as though the worries of life have choked the passion, vitality, time, and energy out of us. Those bound by fear often find themselves living to please others, unable to fulfill the unique destiny God has designed for them.

Freedom from this cycle only comes when we shift our focus from worrying about people’s opinions to caring about what God thinks. As 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) says, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Fear and anxiety create noise and chaos in the mind, but God desires to bring peace and clarity. One strategy that has helped me overcome anxiety is to focus solely on today. Jesus speaks to this in Matthew 6:34 (BSB): “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Today has enough trouble of its own.” It’s important to understand that most of the things you’re afraid of happening will never actually happen. When you come to this realization and allow the peace of God to flood your mind, you will begin to get freedom from this stronghold.

I want you to know today that no matter what trauma you have experienced, Christ wants to bring healing and wholeness to your mind. Despite the plans, schemes, and traps of Satan, the finished work of the cross has the power to remove and eradicate every tormenting thought and traumatic stronghold completely. God is fighting for you and is ready to wash and cleanse your mind. Let me give you some practical steps to demolish mental strongholds.

1. Spend time with the Holy Spirit.

You become like those you spend time with. When you spend time with the Holy Spirit, He goes in and destroys strongholds in your life. Conversely, the less time you spend with Him, the less like Him you will be. You are who you hang out with, and if you
want to see your future, look at the people you surround yourself with. As you spend time in prayer, you will—often without real-
izing it—take on the mind of Christ. The only way to know His mind is to hear His voice, which happens in prayer. Your old patterns of thinking will be replaced by God’s thoughts. The longer you spend with someone, the more you start thinking like them, talking like them, and acting like them.

Many of us spend little to no time with the Holy Spirit and then wonder why we aren’t more like Him. Schedule time if you have to; get alone with Him. Invite Him into the activities of your day. The Holy Spirit likes to be invited. Jesus went to the wedding banquet because He was invited—don’t expect Him to come without an invitation. If you are going to work, say, “Holy Spirit, I invite You.” If you are going to school, say, “Holy Spirit, I invite You.” In your home invite Him in. Make it a practice in your life to invite and host the presence of God. Be aware of Him throughout the day. Acknowledge His presence by saying, “I recognize You are here,” or, “I appreciate Your presence.” You don’t have to pray in tongues all day—this is a relationship. Sometimes just sitting in someone’s presence is enough because you love them.

It’s impossible to spend time with Him and not change. You might find yourself saying, “I don’t want to watch porn anymore,” or, “I don’t want to be angry anymore.” You may no longer feel anxious, depressed, bitter, or resentful. We have access to someone the world does not have access to—He is our peace, our helper, our rest, our refuge in the storm. Don’t limit your encounters with Him to Sundays. If that’s the only time you seek Him, you’re missing out on the richness of a daily relationship with the Holy Spirit. Make a habit of seeking Him every day, inviting Him into every part of your life, and watch as He transforms you from the inside out.

2. Speak and listen to God’s Word.

The only way to undo wrong thinking is to cultivate right thinking. Jesus fought the devil with “It is written,” wielding the sword of the Spirit with His words. We need to do the same by memorizing Scripture so that when the enemy comes, we can defeat him quickly. You won’t always have time to look things up.

Romans 12:2 (NASB) says, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” Strongholds exist in the mind, and the renewing of the mind breaks them. What does it mean to be transformed? It means to be changed into the likeness of Christ. This transformation doesn’t occur in our physical appearance. God isn’t trying to make us look physically like Jesus; He is working to change our inner character and life into the likeness of Christ. How does this happen? Through the renewing of our minds changing our way of thinking. God makes us think the way He thinks through His Word.

The Bible reveals God’s way of thinking. If you want to know God’s perspective on money, adultery, theft, cheating, jealousy, selfishness, humility, pride, or any other matter, read the Bible. The answers are there. When Jesus came to earth, He was called
the Word of God. We are told that the Word became flesh. This means that if you want to know what God thinks about anything,
look at the life of Jesus, and you will have the answer.

God wants us to embody His Word so that others can see it in us. Second Corinthians 3:2–3 (AMP) says,

You are our letter [of recommendation], written in our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

People are reading our lives!

To break strongholds, listen to the Word of God. Practically speaking, turn on an audio Bible or listen to sermons. Many people have said, “Isaiah, your sermons have completely changed the way I think.” They say, “So many strongholds in my mind have been broken through listening to God’s Word preached.” By immersing yourself in God’s Word—both speaking and listening—
you will begin to see a transformation in your life. Your thoughts will align more with God’s thoughts, and the strongholds that
once held you captive will be destroyed.

3. Confess your sins to God and others.

First John 1:9 (NKJV) says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” The condition for forgiveness is first confessing our sins, admitting they’re wrong, acknowledging our need for
forgiveness, and deciding not to continue with them. So why wouldn’t we just confess? The main reason is pride. Many people don’t believe they are wrong or are unwilling to confront the fact that they are in sin. Most people could be instantly forgiven if they recognized their true state. Unfortunately, the “American cupcake gospel” often fails to show us our true state of sin and depravity.

The Holy Spirit brings illumination and conviction, making us feel the weight of our sin. This conviction draws us to Christ, not away from Him.

Confession is not merely admission or saying, “I’m sorry.” The original word for confess means “to say the same thing” or “agree.” This means that confession is me agreeing with God, seeing my actions, my sins, and my compromises the way God sees them. It involves viewing everything—movies, music, relationships—the way God sees it. In confession I align my perspective with God’s perspective on my actions. James 5:16 (NIV) instructs, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and
pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” The devil thrives
in the darkness. When you expose him by confessing your sins to others, he loses his ability to continue building that specific
stronghold in your life.

By confessing our sins to God and others, we bring light to the darkness and dismantle the enemy’s strongholds. This practice of confession helps us receive forgiveness, healing, and ultimately freedom from the bondage of sin.

4. Make fasting a part of your life.

The Old Testament word for fast is tsuwm, which literally means to cover the mouth. This implies that no food is consumed during a fast. Think about it: Nothing can go in if you cover your mouth. Similarly, when you fast, nothing should enter your mouth. This act of abstaining from food is a physical expression of seeking spiritual nourishment and cleansing.

In Matthew 6 Jesus names three practices that believers should engage in: “When you pray…when you give…when you fast” (Matt. 6:2, 5, 16, NIV). Notice He says “when,” not “if.” This signifies that every believer is called to pray, give, and fast. Fasting brings numerous spiritual benefits. It is an act of setting ourselves aside solely for the Lord and teaches us to deny our flesh so we can receive more of God. Fasting empowers our prayers and increases our spiritual discernment. It positions us to hear and recognize God’s heart, voice, and timing more clearly. By denying our flesh, fasting brings us to a greater level of humility. Our faith is increased as we discover that we do not live by bread alone. Fasting positions us to see victory in battles and in seemingly impossible situations. When we fast, we experience breakthroughs against darkness.

One of the physical benefits of fasting is that it helps remove toxins and impurities from the body. When you stop eating, your body starts to look for food from within, consuming toxins and stored waste accumulated from unhealthy eating habits. This is why even people who are not religious will fast for health reasons. But fasting does more than cleanse your body; it also purifies you spiritually. When you fast, God begins to clear out all the spiritual toxins that have entered your life through movies, music, culture, and various experiences. He cleanses and washes you during fasting. As you deny your flesh, your spirit gains strength and begins to take control.

The Bible provides various examples of fasting durations:

One-day or partial-day fasts: Judges 20:26; 1 Samuel 7:6; 2 Samuel 1:12; 3:35; Nehemiah 9:1; Jeremiah 36:6
A one-night fast: Daniel 6:18–24
Three-day fasts: Esther 4:16; Acts 9:9
Seven-day fasts: 1 Samuel 31:13; 2 Samuel 12:16–23
A fourteen-day fast: Acts 27:33–34
A twenty-one-day fast: Daniel 10:3–13
Forty-day fasts: Deuteronomy 9:9; 1 Kings 19:8; Matthew 4:2
Fasts of unspecified lengths: Matthew 9:14; Luke 2:37; Acts 13:2; 14:23

These examples show that fasting can vary in length, and you can choose a duration that aligns with your spiritual goals and convictions.

Start small, but be intentional. Fasting may begin with a single meal or a day, but the impact it has on your spiritual life can be profound. Make fasting a regular part of your walk with God, and watch as He brings transformation and victory into your life.

5. Spend time thinking about good things.

Philippians 4:8 encourages us: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honest, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things.” What are we thinking about? We need to think about good things intentionally. The Greek word for think here implies a concentrated, focused effort. Paul is telling us to fix our minds on things that reflect and reveal the nature of God.

Don’t let your mind wander aimlessly. Notice that the first thing Paul says to think about is what is true. The Greek word for true is alēthēs, which means real, truthful, honest, and having integrity. The problem is that many of us focus not on what is true, real, and honest but on things that worry and concern us. To experience peace and reflect God’s character, we must make a concentrated effort to focus our thoughts on what is true and positive, aligning our minds with God’s truth.

Second Corinthians 10:4–5 tells us, “The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.” By consistently applying these spiritual principles, we can align our thoughts with God’s truth, break free from the enemy’s lies, and walk in the freedom and authority Christ has given us. True transformation begins in the mind, and with God’s help you can live a life of lasting freedom and victory. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—God is with you every step of the way, ready to help you break down these strongholds and live a life full of His peace and joy.

This article was excerpted from Isaiah Saldivar’s book, “How to Cast Out Demons” available on Amazon.com!

Isaiah Saldivar preaches a message of revival and repentance. His ministry reaches 6 to 8 million people each week through his social media platforms including his YouTube channel with over 1 million subscribers. He also hosts a weekly podcast called “Revival Lifestyle,” currently in the top 1% of podcasts in the world. Isaiah and his wife, Alyssa, have five daughters and reside in central California. His book, “How to Cast Out Demons,” is available now.

The attack we fail to recognize may be the one that gains the most ground.

John Ramirez knows what it means to search for an opening. Before coming to Christ, he practiced witchcraft. Spiritual warfare, from that side of his former life, was a struggle for dominion, influence and leverage over other people. Today, the man who once sought those openings warns that the church has left too many of them unguarded.

“I call it the blind spot. You can’t see us coming because you have no discernment,” Ramirez told Charisma Media in a recent interview.

We know the story of David facing Goliath. The giant stood where everyone could see him. Ramirez pointed instead to Saul, the king who later pursued David. The danger closest to David was far less obvious than the giant across the valley.

That is the warning at the center of Ramirez’s message. Spiritual warfare is not limited to a dramatic confrontation at an altar. It reaches into our habits, our priorities and our readiness to respond when someone needs help. While Christians debate the signs of a changing world, we can neglect the prayer and discipleship that prepare us to stand.

The signs are already here. Ramirez compared them to previews before a movie: glimpses of what is still to come. “Look at the news media, look what Hollywood’s doing, look at what the music industry’s doing,” he said. Our response cannot begin when the full force of a battle is upon us. The time to seek God, learn His Word and strengthen the church is now.

The enemy’s blind spot

In his former life, Ramirez understood spiritual conflict as a contest for leverage. “If you don’t have leverage and you have no victory, you can’t conquer nothing without leverage,” he said. Those words describe the way he once sought influence over other people. The church often expects the enemy to approach head-on. A threat can be close enough to seem familiar before anyone recognizes it.

“It’s demonic, but we have normalized it,” he said of things he believes Christians have learned to accept.

That warning extends beyond the stories of alleged manifestations that make headlines or circulate online. An entire congregation can become accustomed to shallow prayer. Believers can attend services for years without learning to recognize the Holy Spirit’s leading. A need can arise right in front of us, and we may have no idea how to respond.

Public incidents Ramirez identified as spiritual manifestations have convinced him that believers must be ready to minister beyond church walls. When an encounter unfolds outside the sanctuary, there may be no prayer team waiting nearby. Yet the authority Christians rely on does not depend on the setting. “Whether I’m 30,000 feet or I’m underground. The authority of Jesus Christ work in both places.”

“Don’t walk away from it. God put you in that place, God put you in that moment, God put you in that time, God put you on that plane,” Ramirez said. “God put you in that territory. God put you in that job.”

Not every unexpected encounter calls for the same response. The person before us matters more than any desire to prove we are bold. Someone in distress may need urgent medical attention, a listening ear, prayer or several forms of help together. A Christian who wants to minister well must first pay attention. Discernment starts there.

Discernment also means refusing to identify every mental health crisis or emotional outburst as demonic. The distinction is essential when spiritual warfare moves from an idea in a sermon to a person standing before us.

“I don’t believe everybody got a demon. I mean, let’s be real, you know,” Ramirez answered.

People can have health conditions, and spiritual oppression is real. Neither a diagnosis nor a deliverance claim should become an excuse to stop seeing the person. We can take spiritual warfare seriously and respond to immediate human needs with care. Prayer is central to that response, and so is the humility to recognize what we do not know. The Holy Spirit’s power is not limited to people who share a particular testimony: “We can minister to all people because we have the Holy Spirit.”

Ramirez wants discernment shaped by an ongoing relationship with God. Time in Scripture and prayer makes a difference before a crisis appears. When pressure comes, the habits we have practiced are the ones we will reach for.

“So are we spending time with the Word of God or we just hanging out with social media?” he asked.

The question cuts through the noise. We can devote hours to watching strangers argue about spiritual matters while giving little time to the Lord. Then we wonder why we cannot hear Him clearly. The blind spot is not always something hidden in another person. Sometimes it is the part of our own lives we have stopped examining.

Order John Ramirez’s Book, “Exposing the Devil’s Playbook” on Amazon.com!

A church equipped for the fight

Why do so many Christians seem unprepared when spiritual opposition becomes visible? Ramirez’s answer was direct.

“How could you be ready for a fight if you’re not trained? If you’re not a disciple.”

A full sanctuary is a gift. So is a well-run service. But a crowd and a schedule cannot replace discipleship. Ramirez painted a familiar picture: “We got services, we got a Starbucks in the back of the church and people drinking their lattes and sitting there and no one wants to raise hand and no one wants to get real with God anymore.” We need to know the Scriptures, learn to pray and grow in our understanding of the authority of Jesus Christ. If that work is postponed until an emergency, the church has waited too long.

Ramirez challenged ministers who use artificial intelligence to prepare messages while neglecting prayer. The deeper issue for him is dependence: What happens when the work of seeking God gives way to the fastest way to fill a pulpit?

“I’m not a communicator and I don’t need AI. I got the Holy Spirit. I bend my knee, pray, and God will give me a word,” he said.

His criticism does not stop with pastors. “Christians play on Sunday. We pray on Sundays, we worship on Sunday, we raise hands on Sundays, and we go to church on Sunday.” When our phones command our attention from morning to night, prayer can become whatever time remains. Scripture is reduced to a verse glanced at between notifications. We still speak the language of faith, but the daily practice that strengthens it grows thin.

“If you don’t have a prayer life, if you don’t have a prayer, who you hearing from? Who you hearing from?” Ramirez asked.

The question is uncomfortable because it asks us to examine the source of our confidence. Strong words are easy to deliver on a stage or in a video. Spiritual authority is lived out when no audience is watching. It appears in the patient work of loving a neighbor, sharing the gospel, praying for the hurting and obeying God when doing so costs us something.

Ramirez contrasted accounts of two people who shared their faith aboard airplanes. He viewed one as acting from conviction and the other as seeking an audience. “One is doing it for YouTube and the other one doing for heaven,” he said.

That distinction belongs in any discussion of public deliverance or evangelism. A camera can document an encounter, but it cannot tell us whether the person at its center is being loved. We must guard against making another person’s suffering a stage for our ministry. Boldness without discernment can draw attention to us when our purpose is to point people to Christ.

The same temptation appears in the way Christians treat one another online. Ramirez criticized channels devoted to exposing other believers while giving little attention to Scripture, salvation or discipleship. Sin and misconduct require honest accountability. Gossip dressed as ministry still damages the body.

“We’re not the Holy Spirit police,” he said. A channel built chiefly on exposing others is a poor substitute for the work of ministry. “You’re not leading people to the Lord. You’re not teaching. You’re not discipling. You’re not preaching the word of God.”

We can spend our energy watching believers tear one another down and call it vigilance. Meanwhile, a neighbor needs prayer. A new Christian needs someone to open the Bible with them. A family needs a church willing to walk alongside them. These are not small tasks set aside while the real battle happens elsewhere. They are part of how we stand firm.

Discipleship also prepares us for suffering that cannot be explained away. Ramirez has struggled with his eyesight since 2024. His mother died after a battle with stomach cancer. He prayed over her, anointed her and read Scripture to her, yet he still had to face the grief of losing her.

Do believers belong on offense or defense in spiritual warfare? “We’re in both,” Ramirez answered. “We’re gonna go to trials and tribulations. We’re gonna go to testing.”

We pray for healing and keep trusting God when healing does not come as we hoped. We resist the enemy and endure trials without pretending they do not hurt. Spiritual warfare is more than confronting a manifestation. It also includes the determination to remain faithful when suffering tests everything we have preached.

“I don’t quit, I don’t give up, I don’t surrender, I don’t wave a white flag,” Ramirez said. “The devil never have the last laugh. We do.”

Watchmen in our own communities

The battle Ramirez describes has a local address. He called Christians to pray for their neighborhoods, cities and regions. Before thinking about a distant spiritual conflict, we can look at the people and places God has already entrusted to us.

“I pray for my community,” he said. “I’m the watchman at war.”

The statement is simple. Its implications are demanding. What would change if we regularly brought our streets before the Lord? If we knew the names of families nearby, asked where people were hurting and prayed for open doors to share Christ? A watchman pays attention because the place and its people matter.

Too often, “they’re not crying out for the souls, they’re not crying out for the communities,” Ramirez said. A new house, a better car and an easier life cannot be the whole horizon of our prayer lives. Our communities need the gospel. Our churches need strength. People need freedom, comfort and the hope found in Jesus Christ.

“Christians don’t pray outside of the box anymore. We don’t pray outside of the box,” he said. “Seek the kingdom of heaven first.”

Prayer also asks something of us. Ramirez told the story of a woman who traveled from Switzerland to a ministry meeting in Miami seeking deliverance. He believes she received freedom there. Her willingness to cross an ocean moved him because it showed how deeply she wanted God to intervene.

“Christians are not going the extra mile anymore for nothing. They want convenience. They want comfortability,” he said.

We do not need to travel across an ocean to show that hunger. We can make time to seek God where we are. We can return to Scripture when other voices are louder. We can step forward to pray with someone and remain with them when an easy answer does not appear. The sacrifice may be quiet, but it is real.

“When you sacrifice something, you get God’s attention,” Ramirez said. “Jesus will always do his part, but he’ll never do yours.”

His warning carries a sense of urgency. He believes the incidents we see today are a preview of greater spiritual pressure. He also pointed to Christians facing persecution in other parts of the world and warned against assuming that we will never face trials of our own.

“A storm is coming.”

Fear is not preparation. Isolation is not strength. We prepare by drawing near to Jesus, growing together as His church and learning to care for people when the battle reaches their lives. The authority Christians claim must be joined to the character of the One whose name we speak.

“I think it’s time that we wake up and be the church. I think it’s time that we wake up and rise and let the world know that we here and we’re here to stay,” Ramirez said.

His closing image was a torch. Light is visible because darkness surrounds it, and a torch is meant to be carried. Our calling is to take the light of Christ into the places where He has put us.

“We need to be a torch,” Ramirez said. “We don’t have to be aggressive or mean or nasty. Or we don’t have to be pushy or anything like that. We don’t have to be that because that’s not Christ.”

That conviction gives the warning its purpose. Spiritual warfare is real, and people are worth fighting for. We can refuse to surrender ground to fear, distraction or complacency. We can pray for our communities and disciple believers who will stand firm long after a powerful service ends. We can speak truth without making the people we are called to reach into our enemies.

The preview is before us. “We need to take authority back,” Ramirez said. Now is the time to open the Word, bend our knees and take our place.

Prepared by Charisma Media Staff.

“What’s your sign?” has become such a common question in today’s culture that many people don’t even think twice about it. Even those who claim not to believe in astrology still use zodiac signs to describe themselves, explain their personalities, or justify certain traits or behaviors—often without realizing the spiritual implications behind such harmful activities. Because this practice has been so normalized, it’s important that we take a step back and ask: Where did this come from? What are its origins? Is it truly harmless, or are there deeper, more dangerous spiritual roots tied to it?

We can trace the zodiac system all the way back to its roots in the culture of the ancient Babylonians. The early astronomers of this period observed the movements of the stars and noticed certain constellations followed predictable patterns throughout the year. To make sense of these patterns, they divided the sky into twelve sections, each associated with a constellation, and assigned a symbolic name, such as Aries (the ram), Leo (the lion), and so on.

Chinese astrology is an ancient system of divination that dates back thousands of years and is deeply rooted in traditional Chinese philosophy, astronomy, and culture. It is based on a twelve-year lunar cycle, with each year represented by a different animal sign. Chinese astrology teaches that each animal has specific traits and characteristics that influence the personalities, behaviors, strengths, and weaknesses of individuals born in that year. For example, someone born in the Year of the Dragon is thought to be confident and ambitious, while someone born in the Year of the Rabbit is often seen as gentle and compassionate.

It is troubling that such a strong emphasis is placed on an animal ruling over a human, so much so that it influences every aspect of their lives, including their personalities. In the Bible, God’s set order for His creation was for humans to rule over animals, subdue them, have dominion over them, and name them. It certainly was not the other way around, with animal signs ruling over us along with the planets. Ask yourself this: Am I OK with a mere animal dictating who I am and what I will do in my life?

In simplest terms, astrology is a form of fortune-telling, a practice the Bible warns against and strictly forbids. It usually starts off in a seemingly innocent manner: People are bored and take a fun personality test to try to figure out which animal best describes them, but the reality is that astrology has deep roots in the occult. Once people begin to engage with the zodiac signs, they often move beyond just reading a horoscope, incorporating astrology into their lives through tarot card readings, spellwork, energy rituals, and other demonic, occult-related practices. That begins a domino effect of consulting birth charts or performing rituals based on the planetary alignments and using zodiac-based spells to attract love, luck, or money. All these are doors to the demonic realm.

Some may ask, “If God created the stars, and the wise men followed a star to find Jesus, why can’t Christians follow the stars too?” That’s a valid question, but there’s a vital distinction between astrology and what the wise men did. The star of Bethlehem that guided the wise men was not based in astrology; it was a divine, supernatural sign orchestrated by God Himself to fulfill prophecy and lead people to the Savior (Matt. 2:1–12).

The wise men were not using zodiac charts or seeking hidden knowledge through the constellations. They were responding to a God-given sign that pointed directly to Jesus. This was a one-time, miraculous event used by God to reveal His Son. God can and does use His creation to speak, but He never calls us to worship the stars, follow them, or seek knowledge through them. Instead, He calls us to trust in His Word, His Spirit, and His Son.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I come before You with a heart full of repentance and surrender. I acknowledge You as the one true God, Creator of the heavens and the earth. I confess and renounce all involvement—past or present—with astrology, horoscopes, and the zodiac system. I reject every lie, false identity, and spiritual influence tied to these practices. I declare that my identity is found in Christ alone, not in the stars, not in personality traits assigned by my birth month, and not in any demonic system of spiritual deception.

I renounce and break all ties with every zodiac sign and the spirits behind them. I renounce Aries—the ram—and every spirit of pride, aggression, and impulsivity. I renounce Taurus—the bull—and all stubbornness, materialism, and idolatry. I renounce Gemini—the twins—and all double-mindedness, confusion, and deception. I renounce Cancer—the crab—and the spirits of emotional bondage, fear, and control. I renounce Leo—the lion—and every spirit of vanity, self-exaltation, and dominance. I renounce Virgo—the virgin maiden—and all spirits of perfectionism, criticism, and legalism. I renounce Libra—the scales—and every spirit of compromise, indecision, and people-pleasing. I renounce Scorpio—the scorpion—and the spirits of lust, secrecy, vengeance, and manipulation. I renounce Sagittarius—the archer—half-man/half-animal creature, and the spirits of rebellion, recklessness, and false freedom. I renounce Capricorn—the goat—and all spirits of ambition, pride, coldness, and self-reliance. I renounce Aquarius—the water bearer—and every spirit of rebellion, false wisdom, and New Age thinking. I renounce Pisces—the fish—and all spirits of deception, escapism, mysticism, emotional instability, and codependency.

Thank You, Father, for setting me free. I give You all the glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

Word Curses

Words carry spiritual weight. When you identify with a star sign, you might be thinking of only the positive descriptions, but unfortunately, it doesn’t work like that. As you do this, you also automatically come in alignment with all the negative curses that are declared and have been declared for centuries over that particular zodiac sign. I’ve discovered through my research that those steeped in the zodiac community believe that certain demons are attached to certain zodiac signs, and they even name them. This is serious. We cannot afford any longer to dabble with horoscopes, zodiac signs, star signs, Chinese astrology, or anything similar.

Just as blessings can be spoken over someone, words of demonic curses can also have an effect, especially if they are spoken with authority or by someone involved in the occult. James 3:9–10 lets us know that the tongue can be used for both blessing and cursing. This means that when you say, “I am a [fill in star sign here],” you are automatically declaring that identity and its demonic practices over your life again and again.

Many people rely on their zodiac sign to define who they are, instead of looking to God’s Word. This can lead to a false sense of identity, and people begin to believe their personality, success, or relationships are all controlled by the stars. It’s all a big lie! Once people start dabbling in astrology, their use of it often becomes more frequent. Some people become deeply obsessed with astrology, constantly checking horoscopes, compatibility charts, and planetary alignments before making any life decisions. This is idolatry!

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I believe each star sign has word curses implanted in them, and I want to expose those word curses so you can fully renounce, repent of, and break the curse of these words off your life and the lives of your children in Jesus’ name.

When people say, “I’m a [astrological sign], so I’m just like that,” they are coming into agreement with a false identity, often rooted in demonic influence. This opens the door for all kinds of demonic spirits to operate in their lives. Instead of allowing God’s Word to define their identity, people begin to live under the weight of astrological labels, which are often reinforced by culture, horoscopes, and repeated self-proclamations. These word curses can shape how a person sees themselves, relates to others, and responds to God—ultimately keeping them in bondage.

In the realm of the spirit, word curses are negative, destructive words spoken over our lives—by others, by ourselves, or even generationally—that carry spiritual weight when they align with the lies of the enemy. For example, those with a Capricorn label are said to be too serious, cold, emotionally distant, controlling, obsessed with work, and burdened by perfectionism. While this could just seem as though they are regular personality traits, they can become spiritual strongholds when someone repeatedly declares or accepts statements such as “I can’t trust anyone,” “I have to do everything myself,” “I don’t have time for emotions,” or “I’ll never be good enough unless I succeed.” These kinds of statements are word curses that reinforce fear, pride, isolation, and self-reliance.

This is why it is vital for you to break all word curses associated with the astrological sign labels. God never said you were a certain astrological sign, and you need to come out of that deception. Your true identity is found in Christ, not in the stars. God calls you to align with His Word, which brings clarity, stability, and your true identity in Christ.

Prayer

In the name of Jesus, I break and cancel every word curse spoken over me—by myself or by others—such as “That’s just how I am because I’m a [sign]” or “You’ll never change—you’re a typical [sign].” I declare that these words are lies and have no authority in my life. I cancel every demonic assignment connected to these curses and command all unclean spirits associated with the zodiac and astrology to leave me now, in the name of Jesus. I sever every generational tie, soul tie, and spiritual inheritance connected to these systems from both sides of my family line. I close every door and seal it shut with the blood of Jesus Christ.

I declare the truth: I am a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). I have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God’s Son, Jesus Christ (Col. 1:13). I am no longer under any curse, deception, or spiritual bondage. I am sealed with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:13), and my identity is rooted in the Word of God. I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14), chosen, redeemed, and called for such a time as this.

Holy Spirit, I invite You now to fill every space in my life where deception, confusion, and demonic influence once dwelled. Purify me, restore me, and renew my mind with Your truth. Let the fire of God burn away every residue of false identity and spiritual bondage. I receive Your freedom, peace, and clarity. I walk forward in victory, covered by the blood of Jesus and led by the Spirit of truth. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

Tarot Cards

Tarot is associated with occult-related practices, mysticism, and fortune-telling, often used by those claiming to have spiritual gifts or psychic abilities. Each tarot deck typically contains seventy-eight cards, divided into the “Major Arcana” and the “Minor Arcana.” Each card is filled with symbolic images believed to carry specific meanings.

When someone performs a tarot reading, they shuffle the cards and then lay them out in a certain pattern, claiming that the images and their placement reveal truths about a person’s life, relationships, or future. This is not just a fun activity; it is a form of divination, which is strictly forbidden in Scripture.

So why are tarot card readings so popular today? In our day and age, so many people feel disconnected from God, turned off by religion, or uncertain about their future. Life can seem out of control at times, and divination offers the temptation to regain some of that control by looking into the future.

The real questions everyone obviously asks about tarot card readings are “Is it real? Does it really work?” This is the same question people who walk into a church ask about God: “Is what you have here real? How can this Jesus you talk about really change my life?” Unfortunately, most of the time, they are presented with a dry, religious version of Jesus by lukewarm believers. It lacks the full power of the Holy Spirit, the passionate heart of the Father, and the truth of the gospel, and that is why many turn away and walk out of the church, never to return. Later, when they are scrolling on TikTok and see someone conducting a tarot card reading, those same questions arise inside them: “Does that really work? Is that real?” What the enemy is presenting to them is a false reality of the truth of the gospel. The tarot card readings work to create an illusion that it is real, giving people false hope.

The danger of tarot card readings—and divination, in general—lies not in the physical objects used but in the dark spirit realm they connect people to. When someone uses tarot cards to discern the future, they are consulting spirits that are not from God. These spirits may offer accurate information or provide temporary emotional comfort, but they are doing so only to gain ultimate control, bring about confusion, and eventually separate the person from God’s truth.

When you look to tarot cards for guidance instead of looking to God, you are unknowingly inviting spiritual forces of darkness into your life. These demonic spirits may pretend to help you at first, but they have come to deceive, control, and destroy. Demons operate through tarot cards and divination, including the spirit of divination, the spirit of witchcraft, the spirit of Jezebel, the spirit of fear, and the spirit of rebellion. When these demons are working together, they can bring oppression, depression, addiction, and even suicidal thoughts.

The good news is that Jesus came to set the captives free (Luke 4:18)! No matter how deep someone has delved into tarot cards or other forms of divination, full forgiveness and freedom are available through the blood of Jesus.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I come before You with a repentant heart. I confess and renounce every involvement I’ve had with tarot cards and anything connected to them. I acknowledge that using tarot cards was a sin and an act of rebellion against Your Word. I now recognize that tarot card readings open the door to deception, confusion, and demonic influence. Father, I ask You to forgive me for trusting in symbols, cards, or spiritual forces that are not from You. Forgive me for seeking answers from the cards instead of seeking wisdom and truth from Your Holy Spirit and Your Word. Wash me clean by the blood of Jesus and sanctify my spirit, soul, and body.

Right now, in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I break every tie, spiritual agreement, and connection I have made—intentionally or unintentionally—with the spirits behind tarot cards. I sever all relationships with the imagery, meanings, archetypes, symbols, or spirits that operate through the tarot deck, including the Major Arcana and the Minor Arcana. I break every soul tie and every word spoken during any reading. I renounce any identity, destiny, or label that was placed on me through a reading. I cancel every curse, assignment, and demonic influence that came upon my life through those cards, and I declare that they hold no power over me. In the name and authority of Jesus Christ, I command every unclean spirit that entered my life through tarot to leave me now. I bind you in the name of Jesus and command you to go to the feet of Jesus Christ for judgment.

Holy Spirit, I invite You to come and fill every space that was once occupied by darkness. Cleanse my heart and renew my mind. Teach me to discern truth from lies and to follow Your voice alone. Fill me with Your peace and power as I walk in freedom. I thank You, Lord, that through the cross of Jesus Christ, I am no longer bound to the occult. I ask You to consecrate me fully to Your will and protect me from any future deception. Thank You for delivering me, loving me, and setting me free. I declare that I belong to Jesus Christ alone, and I will never return to the bondage of tarot cards or any form of divination. In Jesus’ mighty name, amen.

Crystals

Crystal healing is a form of alternative spirituality that claims crystals and gemstones carry vibrational energies that can influence a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. At first glance, it may appear harmless or purely aesthetic, but crystal healing is deeply rooted in occult traditions, New Age beliefs, and pagan spiritual systems. Practitioners believe that different crystals have specific metaphysical properties, and they use them in rituals, meditation, energy work, and even psychic practices to align or manipulate what they refer to as a person’s “energy field” or “aura.”

The popularity of crystal healing is on the rise, especially because of the trendy “wellness movement.” Many people follow the practice of placing crystals on their bodies to align their chakras. They create crystal grids in geometric patterns to manifest their desires, use crystals while they’re meditating to raise their vibrations, or use pendulums made of crystals to receive answers from spirits. Some believe that crystals can be “cleansed” using moonlight, salt water, or incense to wipe their energy; they then “program” a cleansed crystal by speaking affirmations into it, treating it as if it has a spiritual consciousness or some sort of power. But people don’t have to believe in any of these practices to invite the spirits behind crystal healing into their lives. Many people wear these crystals as jewelry or keep them in their homes as an amulet meant to attract protection, love, and prosperity.

Crystal healing is a form of idolatry, and it brings about spiritual deception. The use of crystals invites uninformed people to explore their inner power or practice self-healing rather than turn to prayer and faith in God to meet their needs. It replaces the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit with a reliance on created objects and false spiritual systems. The Bible clearly warns against divination, sorcery, and the use of objects believed to carry supernatural power. The Bible also warns about worshipping and serving created things instead of the Creator (Rom. 1:25).

Within the New Age movement today, occult systems have taken these natural elements of God’s creation and repurposed them for spiritual manipulation, self-healing, and divination. These practitioners believe crystals can influence a person’s aura, chakras, emotions, or even personal destiny. In essence, they are saying, “We put our trust in the stones rather than the God who created the stones.”

The key difference here lies in who is being glorified and what type of spiritual power is being invoked. In the Bible, gemstones are kept in their proper place as part of God’s creation, used to reflect His beauty and holiness; they are never used as objects of power or as conduits of energy.

The moment a person begins to rely on a crystal to heal, protect, or guide them, they have stepped into the realm of witchcraft and spiritual deception, and demons are ready to pounce. As 2 Corinthians 11:14 reminds us, “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” What seems like light in crystal healing is a spiritual counterfeit, designed to draw people away from the true Light—Jesus Christ.

The good news is that Jesus Christ offers complete deliverance and freedom from every form of occult involvement. When a person repents, renounces these practices, and breaks agreement with every demonic spirit connected to crystal or energy healing, the power of God sets them free. Through the blood of Jesus, the curses are broken, and every unclean spirit must leave. But deliverance also requires further, intentional steps—confession, repentance, renunciation, and the destruction of occult objects (Acts 19:19). Once the legal rights of the enemy are canceled, the Holy Spirit can fill those areas with truth, healing, and lasting peace.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus. I humble myself before Your throne, and I acknowledge that You are the only source of healing, truth, and life. Lord, I confess and repent of any and all involvement I have had with crystal healing, energy healing, or any use of crystals for spiritual, magical, or mystical purposes. I acknowledge that these practices are not of You and that I have placed my trust in created things rather than in You, the Creator. I renounce all beliefs that crystals carry healing power, energy, or vibrations, and I reject the lie that they can bring protection, love, peace, or guidance. I declare that Jesus Christ alone is my healer, my refuge, my source, and my Lord.

In the name of Jesus, I now renounce every ritual, intention, affirmation, and spiritual agreement I made while using crystals for healing, chakra alignment, energy work, or manifestation. I break every soul tie, spiritual tie, and generational tie that connects me to these practices. I sever all connections to New Age teachings, reiki, Eastern mysticism, witchcraft, divination, and any false light associated with these things. I cancel every assignment of the enemy that came into my life through these open doors, and I break every curse, hex, or spiritual contract that was formed, knowingly or unknowingly, through my involvement. By the power of the blood of Jesus Christ, I command every unclean spirit that entered my life through crystal or energy healing to leave me now. You have no legal right over me. I belong to Jesus, and I am covered by His blood.

Lord Jesus, I ask You to cleanse me from all defilement with Your precious blood. I ask You to heal every place in my heart, soul, and body that was wounded or made ill through these practices. Fill me now with Your Holy Spirit. Restore my discernment, my peace, and my intimacy with You. I surrender all spiritual authority to You, Jesus. You are my Deliverer, my truth, and my healer. I choose to walk in Your light, obey Your Word, and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit alone. In Jesus’ powerful and holy name, I pray—amen.

Jenny Weaver is a devoted wife and mom, as well as a passionate leader in the world of revival, working alongside her husband, Stephen Weaver, at the Core Revival Center in Tampa, Florida. She has written more than 10 books and has appeared on popular shows like The 700 Club, Sid Roth’s It’s Supernatural! and Fox News nationwide. Her new book, Break the Spell, is available for pre-order on Amazon.com.

New Age spirituality, the twin sister of occult practices, has taken center stage. Its customization and nondogmatic approach make it highly attractive to a generation that seeks a spiritual reality that is outside of Scripture and shaped to individual preferences. Rather than calling people to submit to the Creator God whose image they bear, the New Age offers a god made in the customizable image of each human being.

In rejecting a “religion of rules,” many seekers desire all-inclusive, self-empowering spiritualities that validate and legitimize every spiritual endeavor, regardless of what Scripture teaches. Unfortunately, the New Age emphasis on healing, miracles, curse-breaking, and positive thinking that seems so appealing is polluted, contaminated, and impure. This counterfeit is seducing a generation thirsty for an encounter with the divine but giving seekers a demonic deception that poisons rather than satisfies the soul.

Americans are increasingly pursuing the occult and witchcraft as their presence becomes more pervasive in pop culture, social media, and entertainment platforms. Popular franchises have glamorized magic, witchcraft, and supernatural powers, presenting them as fun, empowering, and accessible rather than dangerous or taboo. TV shows and movies normalize witches and occult practices, even portraying practitioners in heroic roles. Disney has increasingly normalized witchcraft and occult themes in its kids’ shows and movies, featuring magical characters, spellcasting, and mystical storylines.

Mainstream artists incorporate occult imagery and symbolism into music videos, lyrics, and performances. Pentagrams, tarot cards, and allusions to spells or rituals often appear in visual presentations, making occult practices seem edgy and artistic. Some artists openly embrace New Age philosophies (including manifestation, energy healing, and spirit communication) and encourage their fans to explore them. TikTok has become a hub for “WitchTok” and “SpiritualTok” communities, where creators share content involving spells, tarot readings, astrology, and crystal healing.

Taboos once forbidden and associated with shamans have become trendy, comedic, and widely regarded as harmless. But poison is still poison, no matter how attractive the label seems. Witchcraft and demons are evil even when the culture celebrates them.

The rise in occult and witchcraft practices is not limited to the American youth culture. A significant resurgence is happening across age groups and across the globe, drawing a response.

I’ve sat up front in crowded stadiums as demons are cast out. I’ve seen massive tents packed to overflowing where deliverance breaks out even before services begin. In movie theaters, popcorn buckets have been used as vomit trays as deliverance sweeps through screenings. Thousands have shared testimonies of watching YouTube videos and experiencing demons departing as they watched.

Some people ride the deliverance wave because it’s trendy or makes good clickbait. Others see it as an opportunity to attack the ministry of deliverance. I often say that some are focused on delivering the demonized, while others are busy demonizing those who deliver. Nevertheless, some real generals and soldiers are courageously fighting to set the captives free.

Two Dominant Worldviews

Before diving into the topic of deliverance, it’s crucial to address the worldview issue. I believe this is the root cause of why so many people struggle with the concept of deliverance.

Everyone has a worldview—a lens through which they perceive and interpret reality. Every worldview seeks to understand the world and answer the following major questions:

• Where did we come from?
• Why are we here?
• What is wrong with the world?
• What is the solution to the world’s problems?

The Christian worldview answers these questions while providing moral absolutes, affirming human dignity, and offering hope
for humanity’s most significant problem: sin. Yet many Christians struggle with multiple-worldview disorders. Because their beliefs are unclear, they allow conflicting ideas to coexist in their minds. This approach is dangerous because the enemy thrives where understanding is lacking.

Jesus affirms this danger in the parable of the sower, saying, “When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside” (Matt. 13:19). Despite our free access to Bibles and sermons, the enemy has sown seeds of confusion among believers. Barna’s research confirms this alarming trend among practicing Christians:

• 61 percent “agree with ideas rooted in New Age spirituality.”
• 54 percent “resonate with postmodernist views.”
• 36 percent accept Marxist ideas.
• 29 percent align with secularist principles.

This confusion confirms the urgent need for a clear, biblical worldview that equips believers to resist the enemy’s lies. Without it, Christians are vulnerable to deception, and the devil exploits their confusion.

To order Vlad Savchuk’s book, Make the Devil Homeless, visit Amazon.com.

What you believe determines how you live. Christianity is not only about living differently—it’s about thinking differently, which transforms how we live. A biblical worldview simplifies life by grounding us in eternal truths. As A. W. Tozer said, “The man who comes to a right belief about God is relieved of ten thousand temporal problems, for he sees at once that these have to do with matters which at the most cannot concern him for very long.”

Militant Mindset

It’s a militant mindset that leads believers to pray prayers of resistance where evil and suffering are concerned. We don’t just pray; we also use every tool and modern advancement available to alleviate pain and suffering, knowing that when God creates a new heaven and a new earth, He will obliterate all suffering.

Take sickness, for example. Some people may accept cancer as a gift from God. God can use evil circumstances to bring about growth in us, but our own bodies tell a different story about God’s intent. Without any theological training, the immune system God gave us automatically fights sickness. Perhaps the human immune system understands God’s will better than some of our minds do!

Whether healing comes immediately through a miracle, gradually through doctors, or ultimately in heaven, one thing is clear: Sickness is neither God’s will nor a gift to be embraced. We are called to resist sickness, trusting that God is always working for our good.

Jesus’ own life and character reinforce this view. He fed the hungry, calmed storms, healed the sick, and cast out demons. He didn’t promote suffering or destruction. God’s nature, revealed in Jesus, shows that He is not the author of evil; He is at war with evil.

For the first four centuries after the Ascension, the early church fathers embraced this militant mindset. They viewed all sickness as demonic and all natural disasters as the devil’s work. Their response was simply to wage war against these forces in Jesus’ name.

Dragon Slayer

From its beginning, the Bible reveals a cosmic conflict. In Genesis 3:15, after humanity fell, God spoke a prophetic word to the serpent, promising a Savior who would crush its head. This Savior would not escape suffering. The prophecy explained that His heel would be bruised. This first hint of the gospel pointed straight to Jesus.

Before there were any “demon slayers,” there was the true “Dragon Slayer.” Jesus’ mission was to destroy the works of the devil. (See 1 John 3:8.) At every turn, Jesus confronted the sickness, sin, and suffering that sprang from the serpent’s influence. His miracles, healings, and deliverances revealed His authority over Satan. (See Acts 10:38.)

The greatest battle took place at the cross. What seemed like a defeat was the serpent’s undoing. Jesus’ heel was bruised, but Satan’s head was crushed. As Colossians 2:15 attests, Christ disarmed and shamed the powers of darkness, turning death into victory for all who believe. This spiritual warfare reminds us that sin, sickness, and suffering were never God’s plan. They arose from rebellion and the enemy’s dark work. But through Jesus—the Dragon Slayer—the serpent’s power is broken, and its final defeat is assured.

Life is a Battlefield, Not a Vacation

Treating your life like a vacation instead of a war is not only naive—it’s immoral. Vacation mode is about approaching life with ease in mind, expecting only good things to happen. When you’re on vacation, challenges are unwelcome interruptions. But a warfare mentality expects suffering and is pleasantly surprised when good things occur. This mindset cultivates gratitude for even the most minor victories.

As Christians, a warfare worldview helps us make sense of suffering and evil without blaming God or ourselves. Jesus said, “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matt. 11:12). Jesus wasn’t advocating physical violence; He was urging spiritual awareness. We are in a war, so let’s wake up and realize that we’re on the battlefield.

Here’s how C. S. Lewis describes spiritual warfare and our role in it: “Enemy-occupied territory—that is what this world is. Christianity is the story of how the rightful king has landed- you might say, landed in disguise- and is calling us all to take part in a great campaign of sabotage.”

The Church is a Warship, Not a Cruise Ship

Jesus’ vision of the church was inherently militant, not in a physical sense but in its mission to oppose the forces of hell. His choice of location was strategic when He posed a famous question to His disciples during a field trip to Caesarea Philippi. There Jesus asked, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” (Matt. 16:13).

Caesarea Philippi was built on a massive rock at the base of Mount Hermon, a mountain with a dark spiritual history. The ancient city of Dan was located nearby. King Jeroboam established a place there to worship a golden calf, a horrible sin against the true God, YHWH. (See 1 Kings 12:28–30.)

In the Book of Enoch (a popular non-biblical book written 150 or more years before Jesus’ birth) this region was believed to be a stronghold of the Nephilim, the “giants” mentioned in Genesis 6. The late biblical scholar Michael Heiser notes Enoch 6:6, the story of two hundred angels who met on Mount Hermon to agree to disobey God and marry human women. Heiser points to this mountain as “ground zero” for that rebellion.

Caesarea Philippi had a lot of history. The Phoenicians considered Mount Hermon sacred to Baal and named nearby towns such as Baal Gad ( Josh. 11:17) and Baal Hermon ( Judg. 3:3) after him. Later, Herod the Great built a temple to honor his patron, Caesar Augustus, and established both the cult and worship of Augustus. An inscription from another Roman province calls Augustus “savior” (Greek, soter) and “god,” and says that his birthday was “good news” (Greek, evangelion) for the world. Herod’s great temple included many priests and probably administrative buildings, so a city was formed. After Herod’s death, his son Philip expanded the city, naming it Caesarea Philippi to honor both Caesar and himself. The worship of the pagan Roman emperor was strong on Israel’s northern border.

It is no wonder that Jesus brought His disciples to this literal gateway to the demonic world to ask them who people claimed He was. When Peter responded that Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of the living God, Jesus declared: “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). This was more than a statement; it was a battle cry. Caesar was neither a “god” nor a “savior.”

Only Jesus is the Messiah/Savior and Son of the living God. He alone will liberate His people from their demonic oppressors and turn the tide of battle against the spiritual enemy!

Jesus notified His disciples that “the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force” (Matt. 11:12). The church He continues building is no passive institution. It is strategically positioned to launch an assault on the gates of the underworld, tearing down strongholds and overcoming the darkness being unleashed on the world.

It’s essential to understand that Jesus’ call to action was not aimed at social work, though the church is called to help the poor and serve others. Jesus was pointing to the church’s ultimate mission: to storm the gates of hell. The church of Jesus Christ is not a cruise ship designed for pleasure but a warship piloted by the captain of our salvation, the King of kings and Lord of lords.

So at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus stood in enemy territory and declared that the gates of hell, the strongholds of darkness, could not prevail.

The church is not afraid of hell’s gates. The church is built to overcome them and win.

You might be wondering, “Didn’t Jesus already defeat the devil? Shouldn’t we simply live in that victory?”

The answer is yes! Jesus defeated the enemy through the cross, but the battle isn’t over. Acknowledging spiritual warfare does not give credit to the devil; it magnifies the power and victory of what Jesus accomplished. The church’s mission is to enforce that victory, pushing back the darkness and reclaiming what the enemy has stolen.

The War is Won, but the Battle Rages On

Hebrews 2:8 captures the seeming paradox of a war that continues after the battle is won, saying: “You have put all things in subjection under his feet. …But now we do not yet see all things put under him.” This concept, known in the theological world as “already, but not yet,” reflects our current reality.

Jesus has already defeated Satan, but His victory will fully manifest when He returns. Until then, we are soldiers in a spiritual war, spreading the gospel and resisting the enemy.

At the cross Jesus decisively defeated sin, death, and Satan, ensuring ultimate victory. The war is effectively won, but battles still rage because the enemy resists. We live in this “already, but not yet” reality—the kingdom of God has been inaugurated but not yet fully realized.

Like the Allies who fought the enemy with hope and determination after D-Day, we fight against sin and dark spiritual forces, knowing that Christ’s second coming will be our spiritual V-Day. Then He will fully eradicate evil, judge the wicked, and establish His eternal kingdom. The victory He secured on the cross will be fully manifested.

Until that day, every Christian is called to live as a soldier, remembering that for every Pharaoh, God raised a Moses. For every Goliath, God raised a David. And for every Jezebel, God raised an Elijah and a Jehu. I believe that amid the current chaos, God is raising an army of men and women who are breaking free from demonic bondage and are boldly entering the enemy’s camp to free others.

As Isaiah 59:19 declares, “When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.” No matter how relentless the storm or how many spiritual enemies flood in, the Holy Spirit raises a banner of victory against them. Will you be a courageous soldier on this battlefield? Or will you be a casualty of war? The choice is yours. Welcome to the battlefield!

This article was excerpted from Vladimir Savchuk‘s book, Make the Devil Homeless. Savchuk leads the HungryGen movement and pastors a multicultural church with a clear-cut, focused vision to see the salvation of souls, healing, deliverance and the raising of young leaders. He leads the annual Raised to Deliver conference. Vlad was born in the Ukraine into a Christian home, immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 13 and became a youth pastor at the age of 16. To order your copy of Make the Devil Homeless, visit Amazon.com.