I just received a letter from a "prayer warrior" of a leading man in the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). It seems that Mr. and Mrs Wagner (I think he refers to himself as the "presiding apostle") have been experiencing some severe health issues. Doris has had knee surgery and it has become repeatedly infected and Peter has some heart issues. My heart truly goes out to these people. I know how scary these kinds of issues are - even to the point they are life threatening. I wish no harm to these folks.
BUT - O MY GOD. The letter that just went out yesterday getting people to pray is so much sadder than their physical conditions. They are essentially calling people to fast and pray for 40 days for the Wagners. No problem there. But the reason for the fasting and praying is this:
"(We) feel strongly that the warfare that is coming against Peter and Doris is a very high level of warfare. Especially, since Peter has been pulled into the public eye concerning the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR). Consequently, there are pagan websites that are speaking about and against the Wagners and those associated with them and their stance on spiritual warfare. We are also all aware that we are in a season of "demonic high worship/holy days." (emphasis mine)
These people feel that the problems the Wagners are having are directly related to demons and people's curses. What an awful thing to believe. Essentially they are saying that your (our) God is not big enough to protect you (us). We now have to unpack our bag full of charms and trinkets to ward off the evil of these evil people. And just what is a "very high level" even supposed to mean? Can we just make this stuff up? I guess because of the "high position" that Mr. Wagner holds then it takes "high level of warfare" to come against him.
(Funny that I have not read that there may be sin in their lives because this is the accusation that many make against those outside of their group when we get sick or are in financial trouble. Did Peter and Doris repent of anything they could think of before they allowed hundreds of people to go without their breakfast for the 40 days? Or maybe they are out from under "covering!" That must be it because when we walked out of our last 'church' that is what was promised to us and we know that this "covering" is supposed to keep evil away - Right?)
This woman goes on to say :
It is obvious that we need to increase intercession for the Wagners during this crucial time. As the word of God clearly shares, "This kind will only come out by prayer and fasting."
So she takes a phrase out of the Bible (which I might add is disputed to be in the very original text itself) of Jesus casting out a demon that his followers were not having any luck with and applies it to this situation. Again, OMG!!
So they call as many people as can possible be rounded up (because we all know it is the numbers that will overcome this evil that has beset the Wagners) to pray against the demons that they have - or are being allowed to afflict them - or are in their general vicinity. At least the ones sent by those very evil pagans and their very evil pagan websites. See I told you we needed to rule and reign on those 7 mountains so our leaders can live a life of true health till they pass on into eternity through a non-sickness or non-accidental caused death.
Now I have been a bit tongue-in-cheek about this but truly I am aghast at what I used to live under, participate in and even teach. We have been called OUT OF FEAR based living. Where there is love there is no fear. Quit fearing the enemy that has been defeated and only has a hold on you if you believe his lies.
Pray for the Wagners - Yes. I believe in prayer. I believe in healing. But leave all the witchcraft to the "pagans" that you think are so evil. And while you are praying for the healing of Doris' knee and Peter's heart would you also pray that they and their followers quit living in fear and find the faith in the Father's care for them.
Jesus won didn't he? Can we act like it?
4 comments:
I hear you. It's sickening, isn't it?!? I saw someone's Facebook post the other day... "I am TIRED of the crap we've been going through! I BIND those foul circumstances... I WILL NOT allow my family to be treated like... I COMMAND that... " and it went on and on and on and on. It made me sad - it sounded like a fussy toddler throwing a tantrum because the parent is hopping into line as desired. So presumptuous and bossy toward the demons, the angels, and God Himself! Gah. I used to be there. How awful and embarrassing.
I felt like a good Rant. Can you tell? :)
I'm so glad you're posting again Barb. I just love your writing voice.
Interesting how you pointed out the ways Satan's schemes can be interpreted in a variety of manipulative ways depending on one's agenda.
I do know that I've seen spiritual things that make me go hmmmm. Often the Lord gives us a sense when there is a spiritual oppression and gives discernment about how to pray. I have seen many people freed through prayer in this way.But I think you summed up the power of Satan in this:
"Quit fearing the enemy that has been defeated and only has a hold on you if you believe his lies."
Yes, Satan's power is all about the lies. But it's man who buys in.
Ruth, I to believe there are times to pray against specific things that we sense are in the enemy's plan for us. Thanks for the balance. It seems though when I walked out of that atmosphere where EVERYTHING was of the enemy that in reality most of it was in my head. But you are right. there have been times where I have prayed for the enemy's voice to be silenced and his actions to be negated and the prayer has worked to free or heal someone. Appreciate you having me remember that!
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