stolen property returned : your personal restoration mandate
TRANSCRIPT
Idedicatethisbooktomyson,JohnHowardAvanzini,whohasthepotentialtotakebackmuchofwhatthe
devilhasstolenfromtheChurch.
ContentsIntroduction1YouHaveBeenRippedOff2PreparetoTakeBackWhatSatanHasStolen3ThePowder-PuffLion4SatanExposedandDeposed5StepOne:RecognizeYourHeritage6StepTwo:AccusetheRealThief7StepThree:IssuetheRestrainingOrder8StepFour:MaketheThiefReturnItWithInterest9God'sTheft-ProtectionPolicy10WhoIsBehindYourTroubles11LetMeHelpYouFileYourClaim
IntroductionEvery minister of the gospel who has received a formal Bible school
educationhaslearnedabouttheLawofRetribution.Whiletheyhavealllearnedaboutit,fewifanyeverteachittoothers.
Now,don't let thebigname "LawofRetribution" throwyou. It is nothingmore than God's instructions on how to handle those who steal from you orcauseyouloss.Thisbookisaboutthatlaw.ItisthespiritualapplicationofGod'sinstructionstoIsrael.
No doubt you know we are to use everything that took place in the OldTestamentasanexampleforourinstruction.
Nowall these thingshappenedunto them for ensamples: and theyarewrittenforouradmonition,uponwhomtheendsoftheworldarecome.
1Corinthians10:11While the Old Testament deals primarily with natural events, each of its
examples has deep spiritual application aswell. TheLawofRetribution is noexception.Itdealswiththehandlingofrobberiesandlossesinthenaturalrealm.However,itsmeaninggoesmuchdeeper.ThisbooktakesyoupastthesurfaceoperationoftheMosaicLawtothespiritualrootofeveryrobbery.
TheBookofDaniel teaches that theheavens ruleover the things that takeplaceonearth(Daniel4:26).Fromthisweknowthattherealmotivationbehindevery robbery comes from the spiritworld. It is common knowledge that twodifferentpowersareatwarintheheavenlyrealm.OneofthemisthepowerofGod,andtheotheristhepowerofSatan.
Asyouknow,knowledgeandrevelationincreaseoveraperiodoftime.Forthatreason,Ihavecompletelyrevisedthisbookfromitsoriginal1984edition.Ihave also added two powerful chapters to it. I am convinced that with thisthoroughrevision,thebookisevenmorepotentthanitwasinitsoriginalform.Afterreadingit,youwillknowhowtodealeffectivelywitheveryrobberyatitspointoforigin,andhowtogetbackyourstolenpropertyfast.
Ihopeyouareready,foryouareabouttolayholdonsomehotinformation!This information will put the devil to flight and cause you to easily reclaimeverythinghehaseverstolenfromyou.
JohnAvanzini
1YouHaveBeenRippedOffThisbookexposesthemostsuccessfulthiefinthehistoryoftheuniverse.It
tellsyouhowtoovercomehim,andhowtomakehimpaybackeverythingheowesyou.
The thief I speak of is a deceptive, calculating plunderer who hasmovedfreely in andoutofour lives.This ruthlessdestroyerhasdefraudedor robbedeveryindividualonthefaceofthisplanet.Hisbagoftricksincludesafullarrayof temptations to lure people into his power. He tries not only to steal theirmoney,butalsotorobthemoftheirrelationships,peaceofmind,health,aswellasphysicalpossessions.
Because of his successful robberies, the wicked now control most of thewealth of theworld, and they are using it to finance thekingdomof darknessinsteadoftheKingdomofLight.RippedOffMeans"RippedOff"You may think I choose the term ripped off because I am trying to use
modern language. However, my choice of this phrase has nothing to do withmodern language.When someone steals your possessions, it causes a painful,rippingsensationthathurtsallthewaydownintothecoreofyourbeing.Thereisnobetterwaytoputit.Youhavebeenrippedoff!
Themostcommonreactionofrobberyvictims,particularlyifthetheftoccursin theirownhome, isoneofdisbelief, shock,and innerpain. It isa feelingofutterhopelessness.
Make nomistake about it.Robbery is a personal violation of your privatelife. When a thief deprives you of your goods by any means, forceful ordeceptive,hehasrippedyouoff.EveryoneIsaVictimBynowyoumaybewonderingwhat all this talkabout robberyandbeing
rippedoffhastodowithyou.Youmaysayyouhaveneverbeenrobbed.Well,letmeputitthisway.I'venevermetaChristianwhohasn'tbeenhitby
thisgangster.Hehasstolensomepossessionsfromeveryoneofus.Infact,Iamconvinced that most Christians have no idea of the magnitude of therobberiesthisrip-offartisthaspulledoff!It’stheDevil
I will not hold you in suspense any longer. No doubt you have alreadyguessedwhothismastercriminalis.Heisthedevilhimself!Hehastakenmorelootinhisreignofterrorthananycrookinhistory.
Satanhas stolenbillionsuponbillionsof dollars from the childrenofGodduring the past two thousand years. Worst of all, these robberies are stilloccurringeverywhereyoulook.
HowmanyChristianshavemadewhatseemedtobeagoodinvestment,onlytowatchitgobad?Howmanyhavegoneoffontheirowntoformsomesortofnewcompany,onlytoseeitfail?HowmanyhavedonewhattheybelievedtobeGod'swill, only to lose everything? Just in those three areas alone, I have nodoubtmentioned something that has affected your life or the life of someoneclosetoyou.GodDoesn’tWantYoutoLoseEverydayIhearstoriesoffinancialdisaster.HowoftenmywifeandIhave
helpedpiecebacktogethertheshatteredlivesoffamilieswhofacedthistypeoftrauma. We have spent many hours trying to help people who have losteverything—cars, homes, money, a good name. So often these bewilderedChristianswillsaysomethinglike,"MaybeGodwantedustoloseeverythingsothatwecouldlearntotrustHimmore."
Thatisaliestraightoutofhell!Youcanbesureofthisonething.Godwillnever rip off His beloved children just to make a point! A carefulexamination of their lives always reveals some lie the devil got these folks tobelieve,a lie thatopenedthedoorandallowedthethief tomakeoffwiththeirgoods.
AreyoubeginningtoseewhatSatanisdoing?Isitnowabiteasierforyoutounderstandthatheistheonewhohasrippedoffyourpossessions?TakeActionNowIt is time for you to serve notice on the devil. He has robbed you long
enough. For too long he has stripped and plundered your goods. Enough isenough!Don'tallowhimtodiminishyourqualityoflifeadaylonger.Youcanstopthedevilfromtakingyourbelongings,andyoucanstophimnow!It’stimeforyoutotakeastand!
Thenext fewchaptersof thisbookwill showyouhow touse theWordofGodtoputanimmediatestoptoalltherobberiesinyourlife.Iwantyoutosaythiswithme.Yes,Iwantyoutosayitoutloud."I'mmadatthedevil,andI'mnotgoingtotakeitanymore!FromthisdayonIwillstarttakingbackeverythinghehasstolenfromme!"
These choicewordswill start a righteous fire in your bones!Repeat them
severaltimesbeforegoingontothenextchapter.
2PreparetoTakeBackWhatSatanHasStolenWhenheispreparingforafight,aworld-classboxingchampionwillchoose
a sparring partner who uses the same style and techniques as his upcomingopponent. If his challenger leadswith his left hand, hewill choose a sparringpartnerwho leadswith his left.Awise fighter alwayswants the advantage ofbeingfamiliarwithhischallenger'smethodofattack.Championsneverwantanysurprisesoncethebattlehasbegun.
Intherealmofspiritualwarfare,itisevenmoreimportanttounderstandhowtheenemyisgoingtooperate.Whenyouknowhismethodofoperationandplanofattack,youimmediatelyhavetheadvantage.Withthisvitalinformation,youcaneasilybreakhisgriponyourpossessions.TheMethodofYourEnemyThemaintacticofthedevilisdeception.Themoreyouunderstandabout
thisstrategy,theeasieritwillbeforyoutoprotectyourself.TheBibletellsuswecanknowhistricks(devices).
...wearenotignorantofhisdevices.2Corinthians2:11Thefollowingscriptureswillhelpyouunderstandevenbetterhismethodof
operation.However,youmustbecarefulwhenreadingtheseverses.Alargepartof the truth they convey is hidden fromviewbecauseof theway the scholarstranslatedthemfromtheoriginallanguage.
AndthenshallthatWickedberevealed,whomtheLordshallconsumewith the spirit of hismouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of hiscoming:
Evenhim,whose coming is after theworking of Satanwith all powerandsignsandlyingwonders.
2Thessalonians2:8,9Throughout the King James Version of the New Testament, the writers
almost always translated the Greek word kai into the English word and.However, the Greek word kai has several meanings. Many times it is bettertranslatedasourEnglishwordeven.Intheprecedingverseswhereyouread"andsigns and lying wonders," the translation should have been "even signs, evenlying wonders." Furthermore, the proper translation of the words "with all
power"is"withallthepowerSatanhas."Theapostlewasn'ttryingtotellushowstrongthedevilis.Hewasexposing
the kind of power the wicked one will use when he reveals himself. He willoperate in the same way the devil does. He will use false signs and fakewonders.Paulissayingthesedeceptionsare"allthepowerSatanhas,"orbettersaid,thebestweaponhe'sgot.
If youwill allowme to paraphrase verse 9 for you, I believe the originalmeaningwill immediatelybecomeclear:"Evenhimwhosecoming isafter theworkingofSatan,withallthepowerSatanhas,even[kai]signs,even[kai]lyingwonders[nottruesignsandwonders,butdeceptiveorfakesignsandwonders]."
Icannotoveremphasizetheimportanceofyourgraspingthisnextstatement.SatanisnotthepowerfulprinceofdarknessthataquickreadingoftheseversesintheKingJamestranslationmightsuggest.Satandoesnothaveallpower.NothingtoFearPleasehearthistruthwiththeearsofunderstanding.Youhavenoreasonto
fearSatan’spower.JesusseverelylimitedhisabilitywhenHetriumphedoverhiminHisresurrectionfromthedead.Thedevilnowoperatesprimarilyinonlythreeareas.Hehasthepowertodeceive,thepowertoaccuse,andthepowertotempt.
WhenyoufearSatan'spower,youopenthedoortohim.Jobtellsushelosthisfamilyandfortunebecauseofthefearheallowedtoenterhismind.
... the thingwhich I greatly feared is comeuponme, and thatwhich Iwasafraidofiscomeuntome.
Job3:25If he can transfer even an ounce of fear into your mind, the devil
immediatelyhastheadvantageoveryou.However,it'sanedgethatyouandyoualonecangivehim.Hecannotcause
feartoremaininyourmind,becauseyoucaneasilycastitdownbythepoweryouhaveinthenameofJesus.
Whentheboxerknowshisopponentdropshislefthandeverytimehethrowshis right, that critical information is all he needs to knock the poor fellowsenseless.Satanwillusefearinthatsameway.Ifyouacceptit,youhavegivenhimtheadvantageheisseeking.
ChildofGod,youwillnotmoveinto thenextdimensionGodhasplannedfortheChurchuntilyoucomeintothefullrealizationofyourpoweroverSatan.You must become totally aware of your authority to take back, reclaim, andrestoreeverythingthedevilhastakenfromyou.
Letmenowsharewithyoutwopowerfulkeysthatwillgiveyouadistinct
advantageoverthedevil.Key#1—AbsolutePowerThe statement I am about to make is one of the most powerful keys for
overcoming the devil. If you are able to absorb the following truth into yourmind,youwilltakeagiantsteptowardrenderingSatanpowerlessagainstyou.
The only absolute power left on this earth is the power ofGodwhichnowdwellsinyou.WhentheChurchallowsthispowertoburstforth,wewillquickly change the kingdoms of this world into the Kingdom of our God.ObservecloselyhowtheApostlePauldescribedthispower.
. . . having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you canknowandunderstandthehopetowhichHehascalledyou,andhowrichisHisgloriousinheritanceinthesaints(Hisset-apartones),
And [so that you can know and understand] what is THEIMMEASURABLEANDUNLIMITEDANDSURPASSINGGREATNESSOFHIS POWER INAND FORUS who believe, as demonstrated in theworkingofHismightystrength,
Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead andseatedHimatHis[own]righthandintheheavenly[places].
Ephesians1:18-20,AmplifiedIhopeyouunderstandwhatyoujustread.TheFatherofGlorywantsyouto
becomefullyconsciousof theexceedinggreatnessofHispower.Pleasenoticethat it is the very same powerHe used to raise Jesus from the dead, andHewantstoreleasethatpowerinandthroughyou.
Paycloseattention.GodwantstoempoweryouwithHismightypower!WhenChristians fully realize this truth, theChurchwillquicklygrow into theovercomingforceGodhascalledittobe!
Thedayisnowuponuswhentheintimidationthataffectedpastgenerationsmustgo.Itisnowtimeforustostartintimidatingthedevil.Ourold,wornout,losermentalitymustbecomeathingof thepast.Whydon'twejust throwit inthegarbagecanwhereitbelongs?
WemustboldlybegintotakeholdofthepowerGodhasgivenus.Itistimetostopconfessingthedevil'sdominanceoverusandstarttellinghimtobackoff.Furthermore,wemustputhimonnoticethathispastvictoriesoverusaregoingtocosthimdearly.
God’s power is your power. Do not hesitate to use it on Satan and hisdemonhoard.Youhavenothingtofear,foryouknowthat"...greaterisHethatisinyouthanhethatisintheworld"(1John4:4)!Godhasgivenyouthepowerandauthoritytotakebackeverythingthedevilhasstolenfromyou.
Key#2-TheLawofRetributionOnceyouunderstand it, theLawofRetributionwillbecomeapowerful
weaponinyourhand.Itwillshowyouyourrighttoreclaimwhatthethiefhasstolenfromyou.Let'snowlookattheseimportantscripturesinGod'sWord.
Ifamanshallstealanox,orasheep,andkillit,orsellit;heshallrestorefiveoxenforanox,andfoursheepforasheep.
Ifathiefbefoundbreakingup,andbesmittenthathedie,thereshallnobloodbeshedforhim.
...forheshouldmakefullrestitution;ifhehavenothing,thenheshallbesoldforhistheft.
Ifthetheftbecertainlyfoundinhishandalive,whetheritbeox,orass,orsheep;heshallrestoredouble.
Ifamanshallcauseafieldorvineyardtobeeaten,andshallputinhisbeast,andshallfeedinanotherman’sfield;ofthebestofhisownfield,andofthebestofhisownvineyard,shallhemakerestitution.
Iffirebreakout,andcatchinthorns,sothatthestacksofcorn,orthestandingcorn,orthefield,beconsumedtherewith;hethatkindledthefireshallsurelymakerestitution.
Ifamanshalldeliveruntohisneighbormoneyorstufftokeep,anditbestolenoutoftheman’shouse;ifthethiefbefound,lethimpaydouble.
Ifthethiefbenotfound,thenthemasterofthehouseshallbebroughtunto the judges, to seewhether he have put his handunto his neighbor’sgoods.
Forallmanneroftrespass[embezzlement],whetheritbeforox,forass,for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which anotherchallengethtobehis,thecauseofbothpartiesshallcomebeforethejudges;andwhomthejudgesshallcondemn,heshallpaydoubleuntohisneighbor.
Exodus22:1-9It is absolutelynecessary tounderstand thesekeyverses. In themyouwill
find God's detailed instructions about taking back stolen property. I havepurposely placed themhere in their entirety so that you can absorb them intoyourthinkingprocess.TakeanextramomentandmarktheminyourownBible.Be sure to read them often so that they will go deep into your subconsciousmind.
EvenasIwriteIcanimaginethatyoumightbesaying,"BrotherJohn,whyare you using such an old passage of Scripture? Doesn't the Old Testamentpertain to Moses and the ancient people of the Bible? How can the Law ofRetributionpossiblyapplytomypresentsituation?Idon'tevenownavineyard,
andthecitywhereIlivewon'tallowmetokeepsheepinmybackyard."Pleasehearthiscarefully.TheLordneverchanges....Tillheavenandearthpass,onejotoronetittleshallinnowisepass
fromthelaw,tillallbefulfilled.Matthew5:18Remember, the New Testament states clearly that we are to use the Old
Testamentforourinstruction.Now these things befell them ... [as an example ... to us]; they were
writtento...fitusforrightactionbygoodinstruction....1Corinthians10:11,AmplifiedAs longas anyofyourpossessions remain in thehandsof the thief, these
restitutionverseswillhelpyougetthemback.Readthemoverandoveragain.They were powerful when they were first written, and they are just aspowerfultoday.TheWorldSystemHasStrangeWaysSomeofthewordinginGod'sLawofRetributionmaysoundstrangetoyou
inthesemoderntimes.Thereasonis thatweliveinasocietywhereit isoftenagainst the law to defend your own property. The situation has become soridiculousinsomeplaces,thatifyouhurtathiefwhileheisrobbingyourhouse,thereisagoodchanceyouwillbeheldresponsibleforhismedicalexpenses.Hemayevenbeabletosueyouinacourtoflaw.Inmostcasesthemoderncourtsystemseeksnorepaymentfordamagesvictimssuffer.Restitutionisathingofthepast.
Pleasedon'tdespair!Iamnotbeingnegative.Ifthedevilhasvictimizedyou,ahighercourt thanthecourtof thisworldisavailable toyou.God'scourtwillsympatheticallyhearyourappeal.Thepowerful truth inthisbookwillshowyouhowtosubpoenathedevilandfileanindictmentagainsthiminGod’scourt.Ifyoudoitright,itwillbringaverdictof"guiltyascharged."Rememberthis. When God declares Satan guilty, he will have to pay you backeverythinghehasstolenandmore.
ChildofGod,Ibelieveyouarebeginningtofeelnewhopespringupinside.YouarebeginningtolearnaboutSatan'smethodofoperation.Younowholdtwolife-changingkeysinyourhand.YouknowyoucanwalkintheverypowerofGod,andyouknowthatGod'sLawofRetributionprovides restitution.By thetime you finish this book, you will know how to use these powerful keys toreclaimyourstolenproperty.
3ThePowder-PuffLionIwant to start this chapter by challenging a traditional concept.TheBible
doesnotsaySatan isa roaring lion.Satanwould likeforyou tobelievehe is.However,thattraditionsimplyisnotthetruth.NoticecarefullythattheWordofGodactuallysayshegoesaboutasaroaringlion.
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, AS a roaringlion,walkethabout,seekingwhomhemaydevour.
1Peter5:8Oneoftheprimarygoalsof thedevil is tocauseyoutobelieveheisabig
andpowerfullion.Throughtricksanddeception,hecreatesfalseimagesofhispower.
EvenasIwritethis,Icanhearsomeofyousay,"BrotherJohn,don'ttellmethe devil isn't strong, for he has literally turnedmy life upside down.He hastaken many of my prized possessions. He's destroyed my finances, led mychildrenintosin,andtakentheveryjoyofmysalvationawayfromme.Howcanyoupossiblysayhedoesn'thaveanygreatpowerleft?"TheGardenSnakeIsNowaDragonPleasedonotmisunderstandme.Iamnotadvisingyoutoturnyourbackand
tell the devil to take his best shot. However, notice something strange. ThegardensnakeofGenesis3turnsintoadragonbythetimewegettotheBookofRevelation.
My,howbigandfierceheseemstohavebecome!Howintheworlddidhegrowsomuch?Thetruthis,someonehasbeenfeedinghim!Asstrangeasitmayseem,thesaintsofGodgivethedevilmostof thepowerhenowpossesses.Theydo thisby thewordsof theirmouths.Remember,God saysHischildrenwillhavewhatsoevertheysay.
ForverilyIsayuntoyou,Thatwhosoevershallsayuntothismountain,Bethouremoved,andbethoucast intothesea;andshallnotdoubtin
his heart, but shall believe that those thingswhich he saith shall come topass;HESHALLHAVEWHATSOEVERHESAITH.
Mark11:23Withoutmeaningtodoso,thesaintshavepouredaconstantstreamofpower
intothedevil'shandsoverthelasttwothousandyears.Theyhavegeneratedthis
powerwithwordstheyhaveignorantlyspoken.Thisunintentionalre-armingoftheenemyhasgivenhimtheabilitytodosomerealdamage.
Don'tletthesewordsalarmyou.Evenwiththisinfusionofpower,theWordofGodsaysyoucaneasilyputyourfootonSatan'sheadandholdhimdown.
AndtheGodofpeaceshallbruiseSatanunderyourfeetshortly....Romans16:20Yes, you will be able to hold him in check if you will justbelieve what
God’sWordsaysaboutyourpower insteadofwhatmisinformedpeople sayaboutthedevil'spower.TheBigTrickThe devil has pulled a big trick on the Church. Somehow he has caused
Bible teachers tomake a seriousmistake in theway they teach the followingverseofScripture.
Thethiefcomethnot,butfortosteal,andtokill,andtodestroy....John10:10It is ironic,but the same teacherswhoattempt to stop thedevil'sworkare
actuallybuildinghimupandgivinghimnewpower.Theydosobyteachingthatthe thiefofJohn10:10 is thedevil.Letmequicklysay that if the thiefof thisverse is the devil, thenhe does have the power to steal, kill, anddestroy, andeverything youwill read in this book iswrong.However, it is clear from thecontextofthisversethatJohn10:10doesnotevenmentionthedevil.
WhenwespeakofSatanashavingthepowertosteal,weactuallygivehimthepower (or authority) to steal fromus. Ifwe speakofhispower tokill,wegivehimthepowerheneedstotakeourverylives.Assoonaswesayhehasthepowertodestroy,allofourbelongingsbecomesubjecttodestruction.
Howcanall thispossiblybe?It issimple.Thepowerover lifeanddeathlivesinthewordsofourmouth.Wecantransferthispowertothedevilinthewordswespeakabouthim.
Deathandlifeareinthepowerofthetongue....Proverbs18:21When you read John 10:10 in its correct biblical context, the meaning is
different from the traditional explanation.The first thing thatbecomesclear isthatitspeaksabouthirelingshepherds,thosewhocomeintothesheepfoldwithwrongmotives. Jesus iswarning us that these hireling teachers, prophets, andpastorscausedangerandlosstothesheep.
Uponcloseobservation,wecanfindthedevilinthisparable.Heisthewolfofverse12.Thehirelingshepherdsaresupposedtobewatchingoutforthewolf(devil).Noticehowquicklytheyfleethescenewhenheappears.
IcanstatewithouthesitationthatJohn10:10doesnotdepictthedevilasthethief.Satanisnoneotherthanthewolfweseeinverse12.SatanAsaThiefInoneplaceScripturedoes refer toSatanasa thief.TheBible tellsus the
onlythinghecanstealfromusistheWordofGod.However,Imustonceagainemphasizethathecandothisonlyifwelethim.
Whenanyoneheareth thewordof thekingdom,andunderstandeth itnot,thencomeththewickedone,andcatchethawaythatwhichwassowninhisheart.
Thisishewhichreceivedseedbythewayside.Matthew13:19Pleasedon'tminimizetheresultsofallowinghimtostealtheWordfromyou.
Thistypeoftheftwouldmakeyouweak,andthenitwouldbeeasyforhimtotake the restofyourbelongings.However,becarefulabout theconceptof thethiefintheBible.Strangeasitmayseem,ScriptureevenusesittodescribeourLord.
TheWordplainlyteachesthatHewillcome".. .asathiefinthenight"(1Thessalonians5:2;2Peter3:10).SatanHadthePowerofDeathOneofthereasonstheChurchexperiencessomanyuntimelydeathsisthat
thesaintsbelieveJohn10:10isadescriptionofSatan'sunlimitedpowertokill,steal,anddestroy.IfonlywewouldspendmoretimeteachingthesaintsaboutthepowerGodhasgiventothem,howquicklythedevil'spowerwouldfade.
Behold, I GIVE UNTO YOU POWER to tread on serpents andscorpions,andOVERALLTHEPOWEROFTHEENEMY:andnothingshallbyanymeanshurtyou.
Luke10:19ThefollowingverseisproofpositivethatJohn10:10isnotspeakingofany
powerSatannowpossesses.Forasmuchthenasthechildrenarepartakersoffleshandblood,healso
himselflikewisetookpartofthesame;thatthroughdeathhemightdestroyhimthatHADthepowerofdeath,thatis,thedevil.
Hebrews2:14Paycloseattentiontowhatthisverseisactuallysayingtoyou.ItsaysGod
hastakenthepowerofdeathfromSatan.Itsaysplainlythatheusedtohavethepowerofdeath.However,since thedeath,burial,andresurrectionofJesusChrist,henolongerhasthatpower.Jesushastakenitawayfromhim.
WhenthechildrenofGodlearnjusthowseverelyGodhaslimitedthepower
ofthedevil,wewillforcehimtotakeuppermanentresidenceunderourfeet.OnlySixWaystoDieSatandoesnothavethepowertotakeyourlife.AsfarasIhavebeenableto
find,thereareonlysixwaysforahumanbeingtodie.1.Youcandiebyyourownhand.2.Youcandiebythehandofanotherhuman.3.Youcandiefromfearingdeath(Job3:25).4. Youcandiewhenyoubreaknatural laws(suchas the lawofgravity,
aerodynamics,etc.).5.Youcandiebybeingovercomebytheagingprocess.6.Youcandieasaresultofsicknessordisease.AgainImustsaythatinourday,thedeviloperatesprimarilyinthepowerwe
havegivenhimwithourwords.Remember,ifyoubelieveSatancankillyou,hewill. If you believe he can rob you, he will. If you believe he has power todestroyyou,hewill.Don’tKickaDeadDogWhen the children of God speak about the devil's power, it is just like
kickingadeaddog.Kickadeaddog,anditwillmove.However,itmovesonlythrough thepower it receives fromthekick. It isn't thepowerof thedeaddogthatmovesit;it'sthepoweroftheonewhokickedit.
Satanislikeadeaddog.Heisdefeatedandpowerless.However,whenyouspeak thathehaspoweroveryou,yourwordsenergizehim,andhe is able tomove against you. He actually absorbs the power of your words and turns itagainstyou.
Inmyyoungerdays,IwastedmuchofmyenergybybattlingwiththedevilbecauseIdidn'trealizemypoweroverhim.Iusedtogetinbigfightswithhim.Iwouldliterallyfightwithhisdemonsonthechurchplatform.Iwouldfightthemin thehomesofmycongregation,andevenout in thestreetsofourcity.ThenGodshowedmeabetterway.GodshowedmehowtouseHispoweragainstthedevil insteadofallowing thedevil tousemypoweragainstme.Here's anillustrationofthatbetterway.
OneSundayawomanescortedhersonwhowasabouttwenty-fiveyearsold,down the aisle of my church.When they got in front of me, the youngmanstarted slobbering and acting like a mad dog. Instead of openly rebuking thedemon, I quickly shut offmymicrophone and looked squarely into his dazedeyes. Then with the authority of Jesus Christ Himself, I commanded, "In thenameofJesus,shutyourmouth,youfouldevil!Comeoutofhim,anddon'tsayasingleword!"IttookonlyafewwordsinthenameofJesus,andimmediately
theyoungmanwascalmedandthedemonwasgone.As soonasyouputyour footdown in thenameof Jesus, thedevil cannot
continue with his plan. Just stop energizing him with your words about hisstrength,andstartrebukinghimwithGod'sWordaboutyourstrengthoverhim.
SaintofGod,wakeup!Jesushasgiventhedevilaknock-outpunch!Dropthatdefeatedmentalityyoupickedupbyspeakingofhowpowerfulthedevilis.Moveup to theovercomingmentalityandconfesshowmuchpoweryouhaveoverthedevil.SatanHasBeenCrushedLet's look at still another example fromGod'sWord of just how defeated
Satanreallyis.Andwhen[theHolyGhost]iscome,hewillreprove[convince]theworld
ofsin,andofrighteousness,andofjudgment:Ofjudgment,becauseTHEPRINCEOFTHISWORLDISJUDGED.John16:8,11Any good Greek dictionary will tell you that the word translated judged
actuallymeans"toseparateorputasunder."Toputasunder literallymeans"tobreakintopieces."Thatisnotsomevaguedefinitionoftheword.Itisthefirstandprimarydefinition.
JesussaystheHolyGhosthascometoconvinceusthatSatanisbrokenintopieces.Noticethegreatcontroversythatexists.WhiletheHolySpirit istellingus thatSatan isdefeated, literallybroken into littlepieces,well-meaningBibleteachers are telling us that the devil is alive and well, going about killing,stealing,anddestroying.
IfyoureadfromJohn16:11totheendoftheBible,youwillneveragainfindawordaboutthedevil'sjudgment.Thatis,untilyoureadofanangelwithabigchainandasetofkeysinonehandputtinghimintothebottomlesspit.Noticethatittakesonlyoneangel,andhedoesitwithonlyone,freehand(Revelation20:1-3).
There is just no better way to put it. The devil is a defeated foe! He'sdestroyed!He'sallwashedup!TheWordofGodsayshe'sbrokenintopieces!Jesus has so thoroughly defeated him that it takes only one angel, using onehand,tothrowhimintothebottomlesspit.
How in the world have we allowed ourselves to believe that this poor,pathetichas-beencanriseupagainstuswithanypoweratall?Assoonas theChurchseesthedevilashereallyis,wecanimmediatelystormthestrongholdsofhellandtaketheworldforJesus!
Icanhearsomeonesay,"BrotherJohn,ifthat'strue,whydoIstillfeelasif
thedevilhasapowerfulholdonme?"The reason is simple. It is deception.Remember, the devil operates in the
poweroflyingsignsandfakewonders.Youhavethepowertocastdownanyoftheseideashemighttrytoplaceinyourmind.
(Fortheweaponsofourwarfarearenotcarnal,butmightythroughGodtothepullingdownofstrongholds;)
CASTINGDOWNIMAGINATIONS,andeveryhighthingthatexaltethitself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity everythoughttotheobedienceofChrist.
2Corinthians10:4,5Itistimeforyoutorealizethatthedevilhasnorealpoweroveryou.Forasmuchthenasthechildrenarepartakersoffleshandblood,healso
himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he mightDESTROYHIMTHATHADTHEPOWERofdeath,thatis,thedevil.
Hebrews2:14The word destroy is translated several ways in the New Testament. It is
translatedwithouteffect,madevoid,madeofnoeffect,andabolish.IfthetruthwereknownandeveryChristianwalkedinit,thedevilwouldimmediatelyhavetogointointensivecare.Hey,heisinreallybadcondition!Thepowerheoncehad(pasttense)isgoneforever.Jesuswassenttodestroyallofhisworks,andHedid!
. . . For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he mightdestroytheworksofthedevil.
1John3:8TheGreekwordtranslatedhereasdestroyisluo.Strong'sConcordancesays
itmeans "to loosen,... break up,... unloose,melt, put off."Do you understandwhatyouarereading?Thedevilhasalreadybeendefeated!SomeNeedaStrongDevilLet'sgettotherootoftheproblem.Perhapsyoustillstrugglewithaccepting
thedevil'sdefeatbecauseyouaremorecomfortablewithastrongdevil.Itmaymakeyoufeelbetterifyoucanjustblameeverythingonhim.
Nowonderwearen't ruling and reigningonearth!TheChurch is eager tohear preaching about the gospel of the King (salvation), but most ChristiansneverhearmuchpreachingaboutthegospeloftheKingdom(dominion).
Isn'tittimewealllaidholdonthistruth?Theprimarythrustofouroutreachmustno longerbeonlygettingpeoplesaved.Wemustbegin to focuspeople'sattention on their true heritage. We must help them grow up into the ". • •measureof thestatureof thefullnessofChrist"(Ephesians4:13).Thispresent
generationof saints isanarmyofbabies.Wemustnow teach them the strongmeatoftheWordofGodandhelpthemgrowupintoanarmyofmaturesonsofGod.
TheChurchhasacceptedthedeceptionofSatanlongenough.Itistimetoreclaimeverythingthatliarhasstolen.Let'swalkinthefullrightswehaveassonsanddaughtersofGod!
Nowthatyouknowheisnottheroaringlionhewantseveryonetothinkheis, let's examine the threemost common lies people tend to believe about thedevil.
4SatanExposedandDeposedBynowIsupposeyouarebeginning to thinkIhavesomethingagainst the
devil.Youareright.Godhasshownmethatthedevilisabully.IamconvincedhehasruledoverChristianstoolong!ItishightimethesaintsofGodrecognizehehasnopowercomparedtothepowerGodhasgivenus.Wemustexposehimfortheliarheis.
God’sWord plainly tells us Satan is a defeated enemy.Yet people stillbelievesomanyliesabouthispower.
It is important to understand the three major lies folks most commonlybelieve about the devil.Your ability to recognize themwill greatly reduce hispoweroveryou.Lie#1:TheHollywoodHypeA few years ago, the entertainment industry made a decision to produce
moviesthatglorifythedevil'spower.OnemoviethatcomestomindwastitledRosemary'sBaby. It portrayedSatan's power as the ultimate power. It showedhumanstobevirtuallyhelplessagainsthim.BecauseofthegreatearningpowerofRosemary'sBaby,Hollywoodbegantomass-producemanyothermovieslikeitwiththehopethatthey,too,wouldmakeafastprofit.
One of the more popular follow-up movies was The Exorcist. Cleverpublicityagentsassociated itsproductionwithstoriesofmysterious things thatsupposedlytookplace.Theymadeouteveryaccident,sickness,orbrokenproptobeamanifestationofthedevil.Theyerroneouslywarnedprospectiveviewersto beware of themystical dangers thatmight befall them if theywatched themovie. At one point the hype was so high that theaters banned people withpacemakers from seeing it. With the aid of this publicity blitz, millions ofAmericans rushed intomovie theaters towatch the devil do terrible things topeoplewhowerepowerlesstoopposehim.
Overtheyears,Hollywoodhascontinuedtoproducemovieswiththissamefalsethemeofthedevil'sunlimitedpower.HollywoodVersustheHolyWordOneofthemajorproblemstheChurchfacesisthatmuchoftheirknowledge
aboutSatanandhispowerhascomefromHollywoodinsteadoftheHolyWord.Asmoviesshowedthedevilwagingwarwithpunypriestsandwimpypreachers,
HollywoodledpeopletobelieveGod'spowerwasinferiortothedevil's.TinselTown tried to teachanentiregenerationofChristians thatSatancanmake
themdowhateverhewantsthemtodo,andtheyarepowerlesstostophim.Ofcourse,theonewhohasbenefitedthemostfromthisdeceptionisSatan
himself. Without realizing it, many in the Church have subconsciouslysubmittedthemselvestobelievingHollywood’simpressionofSatan.DeceptionCanBePowerfulAfterhearingme teach that thedevil is adefeated foe, aChristianbrother
toldmethefollowingstory:"BrotherJohn,acouplecalleduponmywifeandmetoprayfortheirlittlegirl.Theparentstoldusshewasthevictimofsomeseveredemonicactivity.Theyfeltwehadtheanointingtorebukethedemonandseethechildsetfree.
"In preparation, we fasted and prayed for a period of time. When theappointeddayarrived,wewereanxiouslylookingforwardtoservingnoticeonthedevil.Weeagerlyawaitedtheopportunitytotellhimhisdaysoftormentingthechildwereover.However,aswewereleavingourhouse,Inoticedastrangethinggoingoninmymind.Iwasseeingvividimagesofachildfoamingatthemouth. I began to imagine her hurling knives atme through the power of hermind.Ipicturedherthrowingmearoundtheroomwiththestrengthoftenmen.Iliterallysawhertossingusbothoutthedoor.
"Whilethesethoughtsweregoingthroughmymind,Isuddenlyrememberedwhat you had taught us. 'One of the primary powers Satan has is deception.'InstantlyIrealizedthatdespitemystrongunderstandingoftheWord,thecasualviewing of some Hollywood movies had allowed the devil to influence mythinking process. I was subconsciously accepting what Hollywood had sovividlyshownmeaboutSatan.
"As soon as I realized the deception taking place, I cast down the evilimagination andwent boldly forth in faith.Mywife and I arrived at the girl'shouse, and just as the Bible promises, in the name of Jesus the victory camequickly.Godtotallydeliveredthelittlegirl!"
Seewhatthedevilisdoing?HeistryingtogetyousubconsciouslytoacceptHollywoodinsteadoftheHolyWord.Don'tallowhisevilimaginationstoenteryourmind.Justremember,thedevilhasnopoweroveryouexceptwhatyougivehim.
Behold,Igiveuntoyoupowerto treadonserpentsandscorpions,andoverallthepoweroftheenemy:andNOTHINGSHALLBYANYMEANSHURTYOU.
Luke10:19
ThereisnopossiblewaythatSatancancauseaknifetocomeoffatableandstabyou.Ifhemovestheknife,hemusthavehelp.Someonewhogiveshisorherpowerovertothedevilmustcontroltheknife,orSatancannotmoveit.
PleasebelievetheWordofGod.Byhimself,thedevilcan'tharmanyone.Hecan'tdoitalone.Hemustdeceivesomeoneintodoingitforhim.
Nowhereisaboldstatement.Withoutthehelpofawillinghuman,thedevilcan'tevenmakeafeathermove.Heispowerless.Lie#2:It’sJustforFunMostChristiansbelievethatiftheyhadbeentheonesintheGardenofEden,
Satanwouldneverhaveconvincedthemtoeatoftheforbiddenfruit.Theythinkthey would have been too clever for the devil to trick them. Just think for amoment.Haven't youever takenSatan'sbaitwithout even realizing it?Beforeyouanswer,youhadbetterreadthefollowingsixquestions.
1.Haveyoueverreadthehoroscopecolumninthenewspaper,justforfun?2.Haveyoueverstoppedinyourtrackstoavoidhavingablackcatcross
yourpath?Youknowit'sjustaharmlesssuperstition.3.Haveyoueverthrownsaltoveryourshoulder,justtomakesure?4.Haveyoueverhesitatedbeforewalkingunderaladder,eventhoughyou
knownothingwouldhappen?5. Do you allow your children to dress up as little devils or goblins at
Halloween?Afterall,it'sharmlessfun.6.Haveyouevergonetoafortuneteller,orplayedwithanOuijaboard?
It'snothingserious.It'sjustforkicks.Ifyouansweredno toall theabovequestions,congratulations!Letmesay
you are an exceptional person. If you answered yes to any of the abovequestions,itistimeforyoutoservenoticeonSatan.Eachofthesearefoolishanddangerousactivitiesthatarenothingmorethancleverlydisguisedtraps.
Thereshallnotbefoundamongyouanyonethatmakethhissonorhisdaughtertopassthroughthefire,orthatusethdivination[fortunetellers],oranobserveroftimes,oranenchanter,orawitch,
Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or anecromancer.
ForallthatdothesethingsareanabominationuntotheLord....Deuteronomy18:10-12Watchoutforsuperstitionsandoccultgames,fortheymostcertainlyarenot
just for fun. They are deadly serious and are for no other reason than to trappeople.Lie#3:YouCanAlwaysSpotEvil
ManyofGod'schildrentendtobecomeoverconfidentintheirwalkwiththeLord.Theycomeintoafalsesenseofsecurity,thinkingnoonewilleverbeabletodeceivethem.Theythinktheywillalwaysbeabletospotevil.However,thisattitudeiscontrarytosoundscripturalteaching.
...theyshalldeceivetheveryelectMatthew24:24I once heard a girl testify that a Sunday school teacher led her into
witchcraft. Satanically-inspired music lures many other young people frombiblicalChristianity. There are also so-calledministries that have developed aformofgodliness,butdemonsactuallycontroltheirleaders.(JimJoneswasoneexample.)TheApostlePaulwascarefultowarnusofsuchthings.
But I fear, lestbyanymeans, as the serpentbeguiledEve throughhissubtilty, so yourminds shouldbe corrupted from the simplicity that is inChrist.
Forsuchare falseapostles,deceitfulworkers, transformingthemselvesintotheapostlesofChrist.
Andnomarvel;forSatanhimselfistransformedintoanangeloflight.Therefore,itisnogreatthingifhisministersalsobetransformedasthe
ministersofrighteousness....2Corinthians113,13-15Paul thought it necessary towarn the early church to be on guard against
Satan's ministers disguised as God's messengers. How much more vigilantshouldwebeintoday'sdeceptivesociety?JesusHimselfwarnsustowatchoutfordeceivers.
...TAKEHEEDTHATNOMANDECEIVEYOU.Formanyshallcomeinmyname,saying,IamChrist,andshalldeceive
many.Matthew24:4,5Once again let me make it clear. One of the primary powers of Satan is
deception.Hewantsyou toaccept theHollywoodhypeandgoalongwith theastrologyandthefortunetellerjustforfun.Hewantsyoutothinkheistotallydifferent from howGod says he is. I hope you know better than that. If youdon't,he'llsnagyouforsure.
Don'tletthathappen!Remember,wearekingsandpriests.Jesussayswearelight.Weshouldneverallowdarkness toovercomelight.WehaveaguaranteefromGodthatSatancannotwinifwewalkinthefullnessofthepowerGodhasgivenus.
NowthatIhaveexposedhimforyou,it'stimetopulldownthestrongholdsthedevilhasbuiltagainstyou.Don'tallowhimtodeceiveyouanylonger.
Youarenowreadytolearnthefourimportantstepsyoumusttaketoreclaim
yourstolenproperty.
5StepOne:RecognizeYourHeritageFor many years I believed I was winning my war with Satan if the
Scoreboard read "John—51, Satan— 49. " However, that's not the way Godenvisionsthescore.Hehasmadeusmorethanconquerors(Romans8:37).Hewantsusalwaystotriumph.Thatmeanswearesupposedtowineverytime.
Now thanks be unto God, which ALWAYS CAUSETH US TOTRIUMPHinChrist....
2Corinthians2:14Aslongasheiswinninganythinginyourlife,SatanismovingagainstGod's
willforyou.Godcreatedyoutobethewinner.JesusTookHisWeaponsTheBibleplainlystatesthatJesusdisarmedSatanandallhisdemonhoards.[God]disarmedtheprincipalitiesandpowersthatwererangedagainst
usandmadeabolddisplayandpublicexampleofthem,intriumphingovertheminHimandinit[thecross].
Colossians2:15,AmplifiedRemember, theWordofGodsayswearealways supposed to triumph,not
just51percentofthetime,noteven85percentofthetime,butalways.HowmucheasierthissoundswhenwerealizeSatanhasnoweaponthatwill
workagainstus.Noweaponthatisformedagainsttheeshallprosper;andeverytongue
thatshallariseagainsttheeinjudgmentthoushaltcondemn....Isaiah54:17YouHaveaPartintheBattlePleasenoticethatthispassagedoesn'tsayGodwillcondemnthetonguesthat
riseupagainstyou.Itsaysyouwillcondemnthem.Misinformedteachershavebeentelling theBodyofChrist thatGodwillhandleeverythingfor them.Godhas no intention of fighting our battles for us. He has given us overcomingpowertouseontheenemy.Hearitagain.Godalwayscausesustotriumph.Godexpectsustotaketheoffensiveagainsttheenemyanddrivehimoutofhisstrongholds.
Don'tfeelbadifyouhavehadthisteachingallbackwards.ItiscommontofindGod'speoplewaiting forGod to fight theirbattles for them.Mosesmadethis samemistake.He told the children of Israel to stand still andwatchGod
fightforthem.AndMoses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the
salvationof theLord,whichhewill show toyou today: for theEgyptianswhomyehaveseentoday,yeshallseethemagainnomoreforever.
TheLordshallfightforyou,andyeshallholdyourpeace.Exodus14:13,14HearthesurprisingwayGodreactedtothepious-soundingwordsofMoses....WHEREFORECRIESTTHOUUNTOME?speakuntothechildren
ofIsrael,thattheygoforward:Butlift thouupthyrod,andstretchoutthinehandoverthesea,AND
[YOU] DIVIDE IT: and the children of Israel shall go on dry groundthroughthemidstofthesea.
Exodus14:15,16Notice that the childrenof Israelhadapart toplay in thevictoryover the
Egyptians.GodtoldMosestoinstructIsraeltomoveforwardinfaith.ThenHetoldMosestodividetheseahimself.
IfyouaregoingtohavevictorywithGod,youwillhavetoparticipateinthebattle.Youwillhavetofightthegoodfightoffaith.Youwillhavetoputyourfootdownonthedevil'shead.
Remember that your victory over him is not supposed to be a once-in-a-while event. God sees you winning every battle, every time. He sees you asinstantinseasonandoutofseason(2Timothy4:2).TheWordclearlysaystheconstantstateofvictoryisyourGod-givenheritage.Itisyourbirthright.
...wearemorethanconquerorsthroughhimthatlovedus.Romans8:37GodenvisionsyouspeakingforthHisWordandtreadingdowneveryenemy
thatopposesHiswill.LetthehighpraisesofGodbeintheirmouth,andatwoedgedswordin
theirhand;To execute vengeance upon the heathen, and punishments upon the
people;1bbindtheirkingswithchains,andtheirnobleswithfettersofiron;1bexecuteuponthemthejudgmentwritten:THISHONORHAVEALL
HISSAINTS.PraiseyetheLord.Psalm149:6-9ToooftenIhearmisinformedChristianssay,"IjustknowtheLordisgoing
totakecareofmyfinancialproblemsforme.""TheLordwilltakecareofmybackslidingwife.""TheLordwillseeaboutmychildwhoisondrugs."Howfulloffaiththesewordssound!However,whentheLorddoesn'ttakecareofthe
situation,whentheevildaycomesandgoesandnothingimproves, thesesamefolksimmediatelytrytopatchuptheirmisconceptionsbysaying,"Well,IguessGodwastryingtoteachmealesson."
Nonsense!Whenwedonotpulldowntheevil thoughtsandstrongholdsofthedevil,whenwejustleaveitalluptoGod,thenourignorancegivesoccasiontotheenemy.WearenotsupposedtobebasketcasesleftinGod'scare.WearetobeactivelyinvolvedwithGodinthebusinessoftheKingdom.OneoftheprimaryworksintheKingdomistocastdownanddestroyalltheworksofthedevil.
Wakeup!GodisyourFather,andHeisagoodone!Goodfathersdon'tteachtheirchildrenbyputtingthemthroughtrialsandtribulations.Goodfathersteachobedientchildrenby theirwords.He is teachingyoubyHisWordso thatyoucan riseupandbecome the strongwarriorGodenvisionsyou tobe, awarriorwhowillwalkinalltheauthorityHehasgivenyou.Itisyourheritagetobeanovercomer.
Forwhatsoever is born ofGod overcometh the world: and this is thevictorythatovercomeththeworld,evenourfaith.
1John5:4Hey,theseversesaretalkingaboutasurething!Goddoesn'tsayyoumight
overcometheworld.Hedoesn'tsayyoumayovercometheworld.Goddoesn'teven say you will overcome the worldmost of the time. He boldly says youovercome theworld,period. It's theendof thestatement.Godexpectsyoutowineverytime.AuthorityOutranksAbilityGodhasgivenyoutotalpoweroverthedevil.Behold,Igiveuntoyoupowerto treadonserpentsandscorpions,and
overallthepoweroftheenemy:andnothingshallbyanymeanshurtyou.Luke10:19The first word in this verse that is translated power is the Greek word
exousia. It means "delegated power" or better said, "authority. " The secondwordtranslatedpoweristheGreekworddunamis.Itmeans"ability."SonoticecarefullywhatGodisactuallysaying."Igiveyouauthorityoveralltheabilityofthedevil."
Areyougettingaholdofallofthis?Youhavetotalauthorityoveralltheabilityoftheenemy.
Remember,"...nothingshallbyanymeanshurtyou"(Luke10:19).It ispossibleyouhaveneverheardanything like thisbefore.Youmaynot
evenlikethesoundofit.However,IamdutyboundasamanofGodtoputthetruthbeforeyou.TheBibleliterallysaysnothingshallhurtyou.Italsosaysyouhave totalpower (authority)over thedevil.Youneverhave to loseagain.Youcanalwaysconquerandalwaystriumphinallthings.
Let'sjustgoaheadandadmitit.Satanhasdeceivedallofusatonetimeoranother.Hehas somehow tricked eachofus into thinkingGod'sWorddoesn'tmean exactly what it says. This, and this alone, is the reason we have notmanifestedtheovercominglifestylespokenofintheScriptures.
Pleasehearthesewords.Goddoesn'twanttheChurchtospendanothertwothousandyearsmakingexcuses.HewantsustobelieveHiminsteadofbelievingtraditionsandtheologies.ItistimetostopexplainingawaytheWordofGod.Wemust simply start believing it, declaring it, and best of all,manifesting it.Only thenwill thesaintsbeable tomanifest thegreaterworksJesuspromisedwewould.OnlythenwillwebeabletodospiritualwarfareinGod'spurepower.
Forthoughwewalkintheflesh,wedonotwaraftertheflesh:(Fortheweaponsofourwarfarearenotcarnal,butmightythroughGod
tothepullingdownofstrongholds).2Corinthians10:3,4When the deceptive attacks of Satan come against us, too oftenwe try to
defendourselveswithcarnalweapons.Whenwedo,wealwaysendupas therestoftheworlddoes.Youknowhowitworkswiththem.Whenthedevilsaysit's headache time, they simply obey and have a headache.When you operatewiththeworld'sweapons,youcannothelpbutendupwith theworld'sresults.You end up with whatever undesirable thing the devil can trick you intoreceiving.ExerciseYourFaithIknowyounowrealize it's time to riseup into thesupernatural realmand
takeafirmholdontheheritageJesushaspurchasedforyou.Goahead.Reachoutandtakeit.Assoonasyoudo,youwillriseabovetherealmwheretheworldchoosestolive.YouwillimmediatelybegintofeelGod'spower.ItwillhelpyoureclaimallthosethingsSatanhasstolen.
Begin to exercise your faith. Break down the strongholds the devil hasplacedonyourmind.Startwiththosethingsyoufindtobetheeasiesttohandle.Remember, your faith doesn't start out eleven feet tall. It begins as a grain ofmustardseed.Asyouexerciseit,itwillgrow.
BeginapplyingyourGod-given rights.Start takingauthorityover the littlethings.When you have conquered them, go on to the next challenge. Itwon'ttakemuchofthisnewmentalityuntilyoufindyourselfwalkingintotalvictory.
You will experience faith that is living and growing into dynamic newdimensions. You will actually marvel as you see how quickly the land ofimpossibilitybecomesoneofpossibility.RulingandReigningBeginsWithDominionDowninyourheartyoualreadyknowthatifyouaregoingtoruleandreign
with Jesus, you must begin to take dominion over the moves Satan makesagainstyou.Youknowifyoucannotdoasimplethinglikegettingridofanevilthought,youwillneverbeabletoruleandreignwithChrist.Onlyasyoulearntobringyourimmediatecircumstancesundercontrol,willyoubeabletocreatetheatmosphereyouneedtostopthedevil'sviolationsagainstyou.
Godisgatheringapeoplewhowillwalkintheirheritage,apeoplewhowillnotjusttalktheWord,butwillalsowalktheWord.
...faith,ifithathnotworks,isdead,beingalone.James2:17Jesus has purchased a victorious and triumphant life for you. It's
availabletoyoutoday.However,beforeyouwillbeabletoenjoyitfully,youmustputthedevilin
hisplace.Remember,hisplace isunderyour feet (Romans16:20).OnceyourealizeGodalwayscausesyoutotriumphoverSatan,youwillquicklybeabletoreclaimeverythinghehasstolenfromyou.
6StepTwo:AccusetheRealThiefIfyouaretoreceiverestitutionintheheavenlyjusticesystem,youmustmeet
an importantrequirement.Youmustdirectlychallenge theonewhocommittedthewrongfulact.Icannotemphasizethispointtoomuch.Youcannotbringthewrong party into the celestial court system and expect to receive back any ofyourstolenproperty.Youmustaccusethemastermindofthecrime.
MostofthetimethechildrenofGodbringchargesagainstthewrongparty.They blame lawyers, financial consultants, business partners, deceptivesalesmen,unsavedrelatives,andsoon.Theycontinuallyblamefleshandbloodbeingsfortheirlosses.
Pleasehearme. Ifyou insistonblamingyour lossonhumanbeings, therewillneverbeanyrestorationforyou.TheWordofGodclearly tellsuswearenottofightourbattlesagainstfleshandblood(Ephesians6:12).
Youmust remember that thedevil is the engineer of every robbery. Ifyou have suffered loss, it is because Satan has somehow gained the power tooperateinanotherperson'slife.However, thehumanbeinginvolvedisnothingmorethananinstrumentthedevilhasused.Aslongasyoukeepblamingyourcircumstances on the people Satan uses, youwill not be able to reclaim yourstolenproperty.
Getaholdofthefactthatitwasthedevilwhorippedyouoff,nomatterifhetookyourhealth,wealth,orlovedones.Fixitfirmlyinyourmind.Youarenotsupposedtowrestlewithfleshandbloodpeople.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, againstspiritualwickednessinhighplaces.
Ephesians6:12YourbattleiswithSatanandhisdemonhoards.Youmustfocusonthedevil
as the instigatorofeveryaction takenagainstyouandyourpossessions.He istheoneyoumustaccusebeforetheFather.Stoplettingtheactivitiesoffleshandbloodpeopledistract you.Remember,Godhasdivinely equippedyou to fightyourbattles inheavenlyplaces.Youhaveyourgreatestpowerwhenyou fightagainstSatan,forGodhasgivenyoutotalpoweroverhim(Luke10:19).
Remember,TheLawofRetribution says if youwill put the cuffs on therealculprit,hewillhavetopayyouatleastdouble,andpossiblyevenasmuch
asseventimestheamounthestole.PracticeMakesPerfectIfyouhavebeenblamingpeopleforyourlossesinsteadofblamingthedevil,
it may take a little while for you to learn to operate in this new mentality.However, themoreyoupractice confronting the true thief in every robbery,themorequicklyyouwillrecoveryourstolenproperty.
Butstrongmeatbelongethtothemthatareoffullage[maturity],eventhosewhobyreasonofuse[practice]havetheirsensesexercisedtodiscernbothgoodandevil.
Hebrews5:14Whenitspeaksoffullage,thisverseisspeakingofmaturity.Godissaying
thatexercisingyourGod-givenrightsandpowersspeedsyoutomaturity.Toputitintoacommonlyusedsaying,"practicemakesperfect."
Letmegivesomeexamplesfrommyownprocessofmaturity.TherecameatimewhenIdecidednot todrinkalcohol.ImadethisdecisionbecauseIfelt itwasGod'swillforme.Now,aftermanyyearsofnotdrinking,Idon'tevendesirestrongdrinkanymore.Byhabituallyabstainingfromalcohol,IhavedisciplinedmyselfuntilInolongerdesireit.Thepracticeofnotdrinkinghasmadeiteasyformenottodrink.
ManyyearsagoIquitsmokingcigarettesbecauseIknewtheywerehurtingmyChristiantestimony.Inowtravelextensively.NodoubtIcouldlockmyselfupinahotelroomandhaveasmoke.IamsurenoonewouldeverknowIhaddone it. However, my body no longer wants a cigarette. The practice of notsmokinghashelpedtobringadegreeofperfectionintomylife.NowInolongerdesire to smoke.Thatwhichwas difficultwhen Iwas immature is nowmucheasiersinceIhavematuredsome.
In the same way, each time you practice accusing Satan, each time youchoosetodobattlewithhiminsteadofwrestlingwithfleshandblood,yourskillintheLawofRetributionwillincrease.ConstantlybringingthedevilintoGod'scourtroomwill strengthen you andweaken him. Each time you accuse Satan,youwillbecomemoreskilledatgettingyourstolenpropertyback,andthedevilwillbecomeabitmorereluctantaboutstealingfromyouinthefuture.
7StepThree:IssuetheRestrainingOrderIn the court system of the world, there is a legal document called "a
restrainingorder." Itspurpose is to stop theperson itnames fromperformingcertainunwantedactionsagainstanother.
Acommonuseoftherestrainingorderistopreventonepersonfromdoingharmtoanotherpersonorhisproperty.Therestrainingorderlegallyforbidstheperson itnamesfromentering thepremisesorcomingnear thepropertyof theotherperson.Itmakesitpossibleforonepersontobindthepowerofanother.
Thisisalsotrueintheheavenlycourtsystem.Godhasprovidedamethodwhereby you can issue a restraining order against Satan. It is fullyenforceableandstopshimcoldinhisattemptstoharassorcauseyouloss.God'sownWordtellsushowtoissuethesebindingordersagainstthedevil.
VerilyIsayuntoyou,WHATSOEVERYESHALLBINDONEARTHSHALLBEBOUNDINHEAVEN:andwhatsoeveryeshall looseonearthshallbeloosedinheaven.
AgainIsayuntoyou,Thatiftwoofyoushallagreeonearthastouchinganythingthattheyshallask,itshallbedoneforthemofmyFatherwhichisinheaven.
Matthew18:18-19Yes,youhavetheGod-givenpowertorestrainSatan.Youcantiehimup
withstrongcords.Youcanliterallybindhimsothathecannolongertakeactionagainstyou.Bindinghimworksinyourfinances,job,businessaffairs,personallife,health,andinanyotherareaofyourlifehehasattacked.
Note carefully how God's Word puts it. The power of your heavenlyrestrainingordercomesfromakeyingredientcalled"agreement."
...IFTWOOFYOUSHALLAGREEonearthastouching[pertainingto]anythingthattheyshallask,itshallbedoneforthemofmyFather....
Matthew18:19ThinkbacktotheaccountintheBookofExoduswhentheAmalekitesand
theIsraelitesfoughtinthewilderness.MosesstoodonahillwiththerodofGodinhishands.Aslongashehelduphisarms,Israelwouldwin.However,whenhedroppedhishandsinfatigue,theenemywouldbegintoovercomeIsrael.
ThearmsofMosesgrewsowearyhecouldno longerhold themup.ThenhelpcamefromAaronandHur,whoheldupMoses'hands.
...AaronandHurstayeduphishands,theoneontheoneside,andtheotherontheotherside;andhishandsweresteadyuntilthegoingdownofthesun.
Exodus17:12BecauseAaronandHurstoodinagreementwithMoses, Israelhadaquick
victory.In accomplishing your victory over Satan, you must realize the value of
having someone stand in agreement with you. If Satan has robbed you ofprecious possessions, be it a child, treasure, relationship, or whatever, comequicklyintoagreementwithsomeonewhomyouknowhaspoweroverthedevil.TogetheryouwillbeabletobindSatanfromanyfurtherattacksonyourgoods.Agreethattherestrainingorderyouformwillquicklystopthedevilfromtakingadvantageofyou.Thenboldlybegintoreclaimthethinghehastaken.Prayinagreementthatheimmediatelyreturnsyourgoodsandbelongings.
Remember, you cannot retrieve your stolen property unless you takestrongaction.WhenthefivekingsinGenesis14tookLotandallofhisgoods,Abrahamdidn'tgotoretrievethemarmedwithonlya
Step Three: Issue the Restraining Order willow switch. He took a strongforceagainstthem.
AndwhenAbramheard thathisbrotherwas takencaptive,hearmedhis trained servants, born in his own house, three hundred and eighteen,andpursuedthemuntoDan.
Andhedividedhimselfagainstthem,heandhisservants,bynight,andsmote them, and pursued themuntoHobah,which is on the left hand ofDamascus.
Andhebroughtbackallthegoods,andalsobroughtagainhisbrotherLot,andhisgoods,andthewomenalso,andthepeople.
Genesis14:14-16Whenyougointotheenemy'scamptoretrieveyourstolenproperty,besure
to gowith strong agreement behind you.Come into agreementwith onewhofully understandswhat you are attempting to do. Remember, you are not justhaving a little prayer meeting.You are serving a restraining order on thedeceiver.Besureyougoinwithamaturesaint.Thentakeholdoftheultimateweapon, thenameofJesus.YouandyourqualifiedpartnermustbindSatan inthatstrongname.
Pleasedon't trytobindSatanjustbecauseIsaytodoit.BindhimbecausetheWordofGod tellsyou todo it. Ifyounotice the followingverse fromourLord'sownmouth,youwill seeHebelievesbinding theenemy tobe theonlywaytorepossessyourgoods.
No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods,EXCEPTHEWILLFIRSTBINDTHESTRONGMAN;andthenhewillspoilhishouse.
Mark3:27IWillHelpYouBeforeyoucantakebackyourgoods,youmustfirstrestrainthestrongman.
Almost every day I go into the strongman's (devil's) house to bind him. I gowithfolksjustlikeyou.Togetherwespeakstrongwordsofagreementandfaith.Wehavetakenbackmuchstolenpropertyinthisway.
Ifyouwishme to joinyou inbinding thestrongman, Iamready tocomeinto agreement with you. I will help you issue your restraining order on thedevil.(PleaseseeChapter11fordetails.)
8StepFour:MaketheThiefReturnItWithInterestGod expectsHis children to earn interest on theirmoney and goods. This
principleisevidentfromScripture.IntheBookofMatthew,weseethemastersternlyrebukeawickedservantforleavinghismoneydormant.Hetellshimtheleasthecouldhavedonewas toplace themoneywith themoneychangers sothathecouldhavedrawninterest.
His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothfulservant....
Thououghtest therefore tohaveputmymoney to theexchangers,andthenatmycomingIshouldhavereceivedmineownwithusury.
Matthew25:26,27God doesn't want you deprived of your goods without full
reimbursement,plusinterest.NoticecarefullythateachoftherobberiesorlossesmentionedintheLawof
Retribution(Exodus22:1-9)carrieswithitaheavypenalty.Foreachoxstolen,aman had to return five oxen.That amounts to 500 percent interest. Keep inmind that oxen were valuable in the economy of that time. An ox would becomparabletoafarmer'stractororamerchant'sdeliveryvaninourday.Almosteverythingwould stop functioning for the Israelitewhohad anox stolen.Thetheftwouldmeanfinancialdisaster.
If the thiefcouldn'tpay the fine,hewas sold into slavery.Thenhisvictimwouldreceivethemoneyfromthesale.
If aman's fieldburneddue tonegligenceon thepartofanother, theguiltypartywas togive thebestofhis field to thepersonwhohadsuffered the loss.Evenifhedidnotdeliberatelycausetheloss,hehadtoreplacethefield.Eveniftheburnedcropwasinferiororsubstandard,thenegligentpartyhadtoreplaceitwiththebesthehad.
Ifathiefstolemoney,hehadtorestoredoubletheamounthetook.Thelawdemandedanincreaseof100percent.
Bythe timewecometo theBookofProverbs, thepenalty isevenharsher.Therewe read thata thiefmustpayback seven timesasmuchashe stole.Thatamountstoawhopping700percentpenaltyforstealingmoney.
Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he ishungry;
Butifhebefound,HESHALLRESTORESEVENFOLD;heshallgiveallthesubstanceofhishouse.
Proverbs6:30,31Let me give a brief explanation of the increase of the penalty from 100
percentinExodus22:7to700percentinProverbs6:31.Muchtimehadpassedbetweenthesetwoverses.WhenMoseswrotetheBookofExodus,theIsraelitepopulation was primarily rural. Their ability to farm was the base of theirexistence.However, at the timeSolomonwrote theBookofProverbs, societyhadbeguntomovetothecities.Urbanlifemademoneymuchmoreimportanttodaily survival. Therefore, as the value of money increased, the penalty forstealingitalsoincreased.FileYourClaiminGod'sCourtMakenomistakeaboutit.Godoperateshisjusticesystemmuchdifferently
fromthewaytheworlddoes.TheUnitedStatessystemofjusticeisn'tinterestednearlysomuchinrestitutionforthevictimofacrimeasitisinfairtreatmentofthecriminal.Becauseof thisattitude, it is important to fileyour lawsuit in thecourthouseofGod,forGodwillserveyourbestinterest.
Iencourageyoutocalculatehowmuchthedevilhasstolenfromyou.Whenyouhavemadethiscalculation,don'tforgettoaddtheinterestheowesyou.Justmultiply the amount by seven. Then boldly proceed with your claim. (SeeChapter11fordetailsonhowtofileyourlawsuitagainstthedevil.)
9God’sTheft-ProtectionPolicyIhavegoodnewsforyou.NotonlydoesHewantyoutoreclaimyourstolen
property,butGodalsohasaspecialplanthatcanrenderyourlifeburglar-proof.Theconditionsofthisspiritualtheft-protectionpolicyareclearlygiventousintheWordofGod.
PutonthewholearmorofGod,thatyemaybeabletostandagainstthewilesofthedevil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, againstspiritualwickednessinhighplaces.
WhereforetakeuntoyouthewholearmorofGod,thatyemaybeabletowithstandintheevilday,andhavingdoneall,tostand.
Standtherefore,havingyourloinsgirtaboutwithtruth,andhavingonthebreastplateofrighteousness;
Andyourfeetshodwiththepreparationofthegospelofpeace;Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to
quenchallthefierydartsofthewicked.Andtakethehelmetofsalvation,andtheswordof theSpirit,which is
theWordofGod:PrayingalwayswithallprayerandsupplicationintheSpirit...Ephesians6:11-18Ihopeyouhavefiguredoutbynowthatyouareinaspiritualwar.Satanis
the enemy. Either you bring him into containment, or he will bring you intocontainment.YouwillbeabletoovercomehimifyouuseGod'splan.
By yourself you are no match for Satan. He will deceive you and takeeverythingfromyou.However,whenyouchoosetowalkinGod'sstrength,thedevilisnomatchforyou.NoticeGodtellsyoutoputonthewholearmor,notjustpartofit,butallofit.
Thinkaboutthis.Ifyourhouseburneddownbecauseyoubuiltabonfireinthelivingroom,youwouldbefoolishtoexpectyourhomeinsurancecarriertocoveryourlosses.Hewouldquicklytellyouthatyouractionswerenotthoseofarationalperson.Hewouldsaybuildingabonfireinyourhouseisafoolishact.Nocourtwould instructhim tocoveryour losses ifyouhadpurposelycausedthem.
It works the samewaywithGod. If you arm yourself according to God'spolicy, youwill beunder completeprotection. If you don't, therewill be nowaytoprotectyourselffromthedevil'sattacks.SixStepstoFullCoverageNoticethesixthingsGodsaysyoumustbedoinginyourlifeifyouwantto
enjoycompletecoverageunderhisprotection.1.Youmustwrapyourloinswithtruth.In the world system, men fight legal battles with lies, exaggerations,
evasions, and cover-ups. The main job of an attorney is not centered aroundtruth.Itcentersaroundtheprotectionofhisclient,evenifhehastosuppressthetruth.
In God’s courtroom, truth prevails. Your attorney is the incarnation oftruth.HeisnoneotherthantheLordJesusChristHimself.
...Iamtheway,thetruth,andthelife....John14:6Yes,theBibletellsusJesusisourattorney.... we have an advocate [attorney] with the Father, Jesus Christ the
righteous.1John2:1Your spiritual theft-protection policy will demand you to be truthful.
Disregardingthetruthwillcauseyoutoforfeitthebattletothefatheroflies.Ifyoudonotdeal in truth,you literallyopen thedoorsofyourhouseand inviteSatanintotakewhateverhewantsfromyou.
Truth is the foundationofGod's theft-protectionpolicy.Watchyourwordscarefully.Keepyourselfwrappedinthetruth.
2.Youmustwearthebreastplateofrighteousness.Ifyouwantprotectionfromthedevil,youmustalsostandbeforeGodintrue
righteousness.Don'tgetcaughtupinthefalserighteousnessmentrytocreatebytheirownworks.WehavenorighteousnessexceptwhatcomesthroughfaithinJesusChrist.
Butwe are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses areasfilthyrags....
Isaiah64:6If there is hidden sin in your life, Satanwill use it to overthrow you.
Hiddensinmakesiteasyforhimtotakeyourgoods.Whenyoufindsininyourlife,goimmediatelytoJesusandaskforforgiveness.Assoonasyoudothis,thedevilloseshisabilitytostealfromyou.
Ifweconfessoursins,heisfaithfulandjusttoforgiveusoursins,andto
cleanseusfromallunrighteousness.1John1:9ThemoreyoustandinGod'srighteousness,themorequicklyGodcanwork.
He saysHecan literally cut short the time itwill take todoHisworkagainstSatan,ifwehaverighteouslivesforHimtoworkinandthrough.
Forhewillfinishthework,andcutitshortinrighteousness....Romans9:283.Youmustcoveryourfeetwiththegospelofpeace.This requirement simplymeans youmust always be about the business of
tellingtheworldaboutthePrinceofPeace.Youmustbesharingthegoodnewsthat Jesus lived, died, rose again, and is alive today at the right hand of theFather.Remember,Scripture looksuponyour feetas thevehiclewhichcarriesthegospelmessagetoothers.
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringethgoodtidings,thatpublishethpeace;thatbringethgoodtidingsofgood,thatpublishethsalvation;thatsaithuntoZion,
ThyGodreigneth!Isaiah52:7ManyChristianslimitGod'spowerintheirlivesbynotgoingdailyintothe
world with the message about the Prince of Peace. Please remember, worldevangelismisnotoptional.It'smandatory.
...Goyeintoalltheworld,andpreachthegospeltoeverycreature.Mark16:15Child of God, He did not limit this command to the missionaries and
evangelists.GodgavethiscommandtoeveryonewhoclaimsJesusasLordandSavior.HetoldustotelleveryonethatJesusistheChrist,theSavioroftheworld.
Asyourfeettakeyoufromoneplacetoanother,sharethegospelofpeaceasyougo.Each timeyoudo,youwillbe fulfillingoneof theconditionsofyourspiritualtheft-protectionpolicy.
4.Youmustcarrytheshieldoffaith.Christiansaredoingsomanyreligiousworks, things theysincerelybelieve
are pleasing God. However, one basic ingredient must be present with everyworkwedoforGodifwearetopleaseHim.Thatingredientisfaith!
Butwithoutfaithitisimpossibletopleasehim....Hebrews11:6Faithiscrucialtoyourtheft-protectionplan.Notonlyisit"... thesubstance
ofthingshopedfor,..."itisalsothepartofyourarmorthatquenchesthefierydartsofthedevil.Itiswhatmakesyoustrongandthedevilweak.
TheWordofGodclearlystatesitisourfaiththatovercomestheworld.ForwhatsoeverisbornofGodovercomeththeworld:andTHISISTHE
VICTORYTHATOVERCOMETHTHEWORLD,EVENOURFAITH.1John5:4Because somany wonderful teachings on faith are available to Christians
today, I will not spend time on this subject in this book. However, I dorecommend that you regularly increase your understanding of it. Faith isprobablythemostvitalelementofyourChristiangrowth.Itisakeypartofyourtheft-protectionpolicy.
5.Youmustwearthehelmetofsalvation.Salvation is more than just asking Jesus to forgive you of your sins.
SalvationisadailywalkwithHim.Itisalifestyle.Itisaprogressivewalkoutofthe old nature into the divine nature.Wearing the helmet of salvation meansconstantlyseekingtomaketheLord'smindyourmind.
Letthismindbeinyou,whichwasalsoinChristJesus.Philippians2:5Footballplayerswearhelmetsforagoodreason.Thehelmetactsasashock
absorber. No matter how severe the impact of a tackle might be, the helmetprotects the head. This protection allows the player to continue the contestwithoutbeingdisorientedeachtimehisopponentblockshim.
Inthesameway,thehelmetofsalvationwillprotectyourmind.Lettherebenodoubtaboutit.WhenyoumeetSatan,itwillbeonthebattlefieldofyourmind.Whenheassaultsyou,hispowerfulblowscoulddisorientyou.However,ifyouknowwhoyouareinChrist,youwillbeabletogoontovictorywithoutbeingstunnedandconfused.Thiskindofprogresswillbepossibleonlyifyouarewearingthehelmetofsalvation.
6.YoumustutilizetheWordofGod.No true soldier would think of going into a battle unarmed. The enemy
would delight in such a foolish move. Yet so many Christians try to wagespiritualwarfarewithoutproperlyusingthemainweaponGodhasgiventhem.TheWordofGodisamightyoffensiveweapon.Itcancutdowneverydeceptionandlietheenemysendsyourway.
Noweaponthatisformedagainsttheeshallprosper....Isaiah54:17ThinkabouthowseldommostChristianscomeintocontactwiththeWordof
God.Numerouschildrenineverychurchcongregationcaneasilyrecitethelatesthamburgercommercial,buttheymayhavenevermemorizedevenoneverseofScripture. Iknowadultswhocanquote thestockmarketby thehour,yet theyhaven'tcommittedanyappreciableamountofScripturetomemory.
Howwill you ever fight a spiritualwar if you don't even have aworkingknowledgeofyourweapon?Hamburgercommercialswillcomeandgo.Stockmarketpriceswillriseandfall,buttheWordofGodwillneverchange.
Heavenandearthshallpassaway:butmywordsshallnotpassaway.Mark13:31Satan cannot prevail against you if you are armedwith theWord ofGod.
NoticewhenIsay"armedwith theWordofGod," Idon'tmean justhaving ittuckedneatlyunderyourarm.Imeanfaithfullycommittingittoyourmindandunderstanding.TheWordofGodwillalwaysserveyouifyouknowwhatitsays.
... the word of the Lord is tried: he is a buckler [defender, shield,protector]toallthosethattrustinhim.
Psalm18:30IfweputonGod'sfullsuitofarmor,Hepromiseswewillstandvictoriousin
theevilday.Witheverypartinplace,wewilleasilywin.God'stheft-protectionplanwillworkforthosewhoworkit.
So use every piece of God’s armor to resist the enemy whenever heattacks,andwhenitisallover,youwillstillbestandingup.
Ephesians6:13,TLB
10WhoIsBehindYourTroublesIf there is a key thought in this book, it has to be this:The devil is the
mastermindbehindeveryevilact that takesplaceonthisearth.TheBibleaboundswithevidencethatheisthevillainbehindallthetrouble.Whetheritbesickness,disappointment,robbery,orwhathaveyou,thesourceoftheproblemisthesame.Itisthedevil.GodMadeaGoodUniverseThingsdonottendtowardevilbecauseGodplannedthemthatway.Evilis
anunnaturalintruderinGod'screation.Itcameintothehumanracewiththefall,notwith the creation. The truth is, even Satan himselfwas perfectwhenGodcreatedhim.Godlaterfoundevilinhim.
Thouarttheanointedcherubthatcovereth....Thouwastperfectinthywaysfromthedaythatthouwastcreated, till
iniquitywasfoundinthee.Ezekiel28:14,15SatanCausedtheFallWhoisguiltyforthefallofman?TheBookofGenesisgivesustheanswer
tothisquestion.NoticethatAdambeganbyblamingEve.And theman said, Thewomanwhom thou gavest to bewithme, she
gavemeofthetree,andIdideatGenesis3:12However,itwasEvewhoputtheblamewhereitbelonged.ShenamedSatan
astheevilforcebehindthefall....Andthewomansaid,Theserpentbeguiledme,andIdideatGenesis
3:13Notice that as soonasEvenamed the true thief,God immediatelybrought
theLawofRetributionintoactionagainstSatan.... Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle... and
dustshaltthoueatallthedaysofthylife:And Iwill put enmity between thee and thewoman, and between thy
seedandherseed;itshallbruisethyhead,andthoushaltbruisehisheel.Genesis3:14,15As soon as she accused the true thief, swift judgment came.BecauseEve
refused to wrestle with flesh and blood, God was able to bring speedyrestoration.SatanCausedJob’sProblemsLet's look at another biblical example. In the Book of Job we find the
accountofoneofthegreatestrobberiesthathasevertakenplace.JustlookattheinventoryofgoodsstolenfromJob.
... seven thousandsheep,and three thousandcamels,and fivehundredyokeofoxen,andfivehundredsheasses,andaverygreathousehold....
Job1:3FromallacrossJob'svastempire theevil reportsstartedpouring in.Allof
his oxen, donkeys, sheep, and camels were stolen. All his children died. Allexceptthreeofhisservantswereslain.Jobsufferedtremendouslossinjustoneday.However,IwantyoutotakecarefulnoticeofwhoreceivedtheblameforthistheftinthefirstchapterofJob.
Verse 15 tells us that the Sabeans took the oxen and donkeys, and killedsomeoftheservants.Verse16blamesGodforburningupthesheepandotherservants.(Ihopeyougraspthesignificanceofthisaccusation.Manypeoplearestill blaming God today when they suffer loss. Insurance policies commonlyallow for so-called "acts of God, " which they always interpret to be thingsdestructiveandharmfultoman.)
Verse17accuses theChaldeansof takingthecamelsandslayingstillmoreservants. Verses 18 and 19 blame the wind for the deaths of the children.However, verses 6-12 show us clearlywhowas actually responsible for Job'sloss.GodspoketoSatanandsaid:
Behold,allthat[Job]hathisinthypower....Job1:12Scripture identifies the real thief to be Satan. He was the one who
mastermindedalltherobberiesandkillings,forGodgaveeverythinginJob'slifeover to his power. The Sabeans didn't mastermind the losses. The Chaldeansweren'ttheculprits.Thewindwasn'ttoblame.God,mostassuredly,didn'tcausethem.Itwasnoneotherthanouroldenemy,thedevil!JesusUsedThisPrincipleGodhas always recognized the true culprit. In theBookofMark,we find
that justprior to thecrucifixion,SimonPeter tried tostopJesusfromgoing toJerusalem.Tothecasualobserverthisattemptwasnothingmorethanadevoteddisciple's desire to keep hismaster from being killed. However, Jesus alwayswalked with His spiritual eyes open. He knew Peter was receiving outsideinterference. Jesus immediately brought charges against the deceptive force
behindPeter'sseemingconcern.NoticecarefullywhomJesusaccused....Gettheebehindme,Satan:forthousavorestnotthethingsthatbeof
God,butthethingsthatbeofmen.Mark8:33Jesus understood that Peter was allowing the devil to use him. He knew
Satan was the motivating force behind the rebuke Peter had given Him. Asalways,thedevilwasattherootoftheproblem.
There isnothingunusualaboutwhat Iamdescribing toyou.This scenariotakes place every day in the courts of our land.When someone gets shot, thepolicedon'tfilechargesagainstthegun.Thegunthatdidtheshootingwasonlytheinstrument.Theguiltypartyistheonewhohadcontrolofthegunandpulledthetrigger.ASpiritualProblemAsyoureadthefollowingscriptures,allowyourmindtofocusonaprinciple
thatwillsetyoufree.Whenyouunderstandit, therealthiefwillhavetomakefullrestitution.
Andhewasteachinginoneofthesynagoguesonthesabbath.And,behold,therewasawomanwhichhadASPIRITOFINFIRMITY
eighteenyears,andwasbowedtogether,andcouldinnowiseliftupherself.And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her,
Woman,thouartloosedfromthineinfirmity.Andhe laidhishandsonher:andimmediatelyshewasmadestraight,
andglorifiedGod.Andtherulerofthesynagogueansweredwithindignation,becausethat
Jesushadhealedonthesabbathday,andsaiduntothepeople,Therearesixdays inwhichmenought towork: in themthereforecomeandbehealed,andnotonthesabbathday.
TheLordthenansweredhim,andsaid,Thouhypocrite,dothnoteachoneofyouonthesabbathloosehisoxorhisassfromthestall,andleadhimawaytowatering?
And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, WHOMSATANHATHBOUND,lo,theseeighteenyears,beloosedfromthisbondonthesabbathday?
Andwhenhehad said these things, all his adversarieswere ashamed:andallthepeoplerejoicedforallthegloriousthingsthatweredonebyhim.
Luke13:10-17Inthispassage,weseeawomanwhowasbowedover,unabletostraighten
up.The rulers thought she had a physical problem, one Jesus should not deal
withontheSabbathday.Therulersblamedherhealth,butJesussawwhatwasreally happening. Satan, not paralysis, not an irregular spine, but Satan, hadboundthewoman.
NoticethatassoonasJesusnamedtherealculprit,twothingshappened.Joycametothemultitudesandshametotheadversary.
Yousee, thereligious leadersof thatdaysawherasasickwoman.If theyhadtriedtohelpher,theywouldhavebeenwrestlingwithfleshandblood,fortheysawonlythephysicalproblem.
Jesussawherasawomanboundbythedevil.Hesawaspiritualproblem,one that was fair game for the Sabbath. In naming the true thief, Jesusimmediately brought the woman into full restitution and restored her body'smobility. Satan had robbed this woman for eighteen years.Then on the dayJesusidentifiedthetruevillainandtookhimtocourt,Godsetherfree.
Jesusalwayssawwho the trueculpritwas.He immediately identifiedhim,evenamonghisownhand-pickeddisciples.
...HavenotIchosenyoutwelve,andoneofyouisadevil?John6:70Judaswasadisciplefromthebeginning.Hehadpersonallywitnessedmany
miracles.Heevenperformedmiracles.Andwhenhehadcalleduntohimhistwelvedisciples[Judasincluded],
hegavethempoweragainstuncleanspirits,tocastthemout,andtohealallmannerofsicknessandallmannerofdisease.
Matthew10:1Yet even with this first-hand knowledge of our Lord, Judas allowed the
enemytomotivatehim.JesuswasneverinthedarkaboutthestrangebehaviorofJudas.Heknewfullwellthathisunfaithfulnesswasthemanifestationofafargreaterproblem.ItwasSatanatwork.PeterReceivedRestorationPlease notice that if Satan has deceived you, you are not permanently
disqualified from servingGod.Even after hedenied theLord three times in arow,Peterwaslaterabletoidentifythedevilatworkinthelivesofothers.WehaveproofintheaccountofAnaniasandSapphira.
Asyouprobablyknow,AnaniasandSapphirasecretlydevisedaplottogainprestigeintheBodyofChristthroughdeception.TheyhadseenBarnabasgainapprovalfromthepeoplewhenhegavetheChurchallthemoneyfromthesaleof a piece of property. They decided they would gain that same approval.However, Satan convinced them to do it at a reduced rate. The result of thisdeceptionwasdeath.
SimonPeterimmediatelyrecognizedthetrueculpritbehindtheirdeception.It was Satan himself. Notice that he didn’t hesitate to expose the devil’sundercovertactics.
...Ananias,whybathSatanfilledthinehearttolie...?Acts5:3PaulUsedThisPrincipleTheApostlePaulwasalwaysawareofwhohistrueenemywas.Heopenly
statedmen did not cause his problems, but they came from amessenger thatSatansent.
...therewasgiventomeathornintheflesh,themessengerofSatantobuffetme....
2Corinthians12:7ThismessengerbuffetedPaulusinganumberofpeopleagainsthim.These
werefalsebrothers,evilmagistrates,andvariousinquisitors.However,nomatterwhat form the opposition took, Paul always understood they were onlyinstrumentsSatanused.Healwayslaidtheaxtotherootoftheproblem.NoticewhomheblamedforhisfailuretovisitThessalonica.
...wewouldhavecomeuntoyou,evenIPaul,onceandagain;butSatanhinderedus.
1Thessalonians2:18When he suspected trouble among the Thessalonian saints, Paul didn't
wrestlewithfleshandblood.HeimmediatelysentTimothytofindoutwherethedevilhadattackedthem.
...lestbysomemeansthetempterhavetemptedyou.1Thessalonians3:5PaulidentifiedtherootofthetroublethatthewidowsintheChurchseemed
tohavecaused....theylearntobeidle...speakingthingswhichtheyoughtnot...givenoneoccasiontotheadversarytospeakreproachfully.ForsomearealreadyturnedasideafterSatan.1Timothy5:13-15To sum it up, the Bible lays the blame for the entire sin problem at
Satan’sfeet.He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the
beginning....1John3:8Thedevilistherootofsin.Ifyouareevergoingtoputyourlifeinorder,you
must realize that Satan is the real source of any problem. Just say it boldly.
Accuse himout loud. "Satan, you are at the bottomof allmyproblems."Assoonasyoulearntoaccusehim,thedoorsoftotalrestorationwillbegintoopen.Thethingsthedevilhasstolenfromyouwillimmediatelybegintoreturn.SalvationIstheBeginningofRetributionIfyouarenotsaved,getsavedtoday.Thenumberonewaytostartreceiving
the benefits of the Law of Retribution is by accepting Jesus as your Savior.Whenyouchangefromservingthegodofthisworld(Satan)totheGodoftheWord,restorationbegins.
Wherein in timepast yewalkedaccording to the courseof thisworld,accordingtotheprinceofthepoweroftheair,thespiritthatnowworkethinthechildrenofdisobedience.
ButGod,whoisrichinmercy,......hathquickenedustogetherwithChrist,(bygraceyearesaved;)And hath raised us up together, andmade us sit together in heavenly
placesinChristJesus.Ephesians2:2,4-6After conversion, faithfully apply the principles in this book, and full
restorationwillbeyours.Remember,youmuststopaccusingmenandcircumstances.For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities,
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, againstspiritualwickednessinhighplaces.
Ephesians6:12StartaccusingSatan,forheistherealthief.TheLawofRetributionisreal,
anditisreadytogotoworkforyou.Godwantstohelpyoureclaimeverythingthedevilhasrippedoff.Heiswaitingforyoutofileyourlawsuit.
Remember,theWordsaysthatwhenyoucatchhim,thethiefmustpay.ABoldConfessionSaythisoutloud:"Devil,Iputyouonnotice.Thisisthelastdayyouwillstealfromme.Your
days of ripping me off are over. I now have advanced knowledge. Thisknowledgewillknockyououtandputmeontop.Itwillputyouundermyfeetandforceyoutogivebacktomeeverythingyouhaveeverstolenfromme.
"Oh,yes.Thereisjustonemorething,Mr.Devil.Youwillalsohavetopaymeinterest,seventimestheamountyoustole.
Getready,forIamfilingalawsuitagainstyou,andIamnotfilingitinyourearthlycourtsystem.IamfilingitinmyGod'sheavenlycourthouse."
11LetMeHelpYouFileYourClaim"Brother John, your book has opened my eyes. I want to take back
everythingthedevilhasstolenfromme.""IfeelbetternowthatIknowthetruth,butI'mnotgoingtofeelreallygood
untilIgeteverythingback,plusinterest."If these are your sincere feelings, I will commit myself to help you.
Following this chapter, you will find a brief form. I call it "The RestorationMandateandRestrainingOrder."
Prayerfully and carefully fill it out. Then quickly send it to me. I willpersonallyhold itupbeforeGodandstand inagreementwithyouaswebringchargesagainst thedevil. Iwill thenput it inaspecialplacewheremyfamilyandIwillprayoveritforatleastthirtydays.WewillbespecificinaskingGodforquickactiononyourrequest.
PleasenoticethatIdonotextendthisofferofagreementlightly.IknowthatwhenyouandIagreetogether,wewillgenerategreatspiritualpower.
VerilyIsayuntoyou,Whatsoeveryeshallbindonearthshallbeboundinheaven:andwhatsoeveryeshalllooseonearthshallbeloosedinheaven.
AgainIsayuntoyou,Thatiftwoofyoushallagreeonearthastouchinganythingthattheyshallask,itshallbedoneforthemofmyFatherwhichisinheaven.
Matthew18:18,19PleasebeassincereinthisasIam,foronlyinthatwaywillweforceSatan
toloosehisgripfromthethingshehasstolenfromyou.Assoonasyoureceiveyourpropertyback,pleasewriteandgivemeallthe
details.Allofushereatmyministryheadquartersareeagertohearaboutyourvictoryoverthedevil.Wealsowanttoknowexactlyhowmuchdamagewehavehelpedyoutocauseagainstthekingdomofdarkness.
Please fill out one of the restoration mandates that follows. As you willnotice,Ihaveplacedseveraloftheseformsinyourbook.Ihopeyouwillbeabletohelpotherstakebackthethingsthedevilhasstolenfromthem.Iwillgladlyjoin with anyone you recommend to our ministry, for agreement in filing aRestorationMandateandPermanentRestrainingOrder.
Rippedoff?Robbed?StolenFrom?WhereDoYouGo
forHelp?TheBibleAlwaysHasanAnswerGuaranteedtoGetResults!
Every one of us has had something of value stolen. It may have been inbusiness;itmayhavebeenafamilyrelationship,awaywardchild,apromotionon the job, or even large sumsofmoney. In themidst of terrible assaults likethesewemaythinkwearepowerlesstorecoverourlosses,
Inthispowerfulbook,JohnAvanziniclearlyteachestheBiblicalwaytogetourproperlyback.Heguidesusthroughthemostcomprehensiveandthoroughlawbookeverwritten—theHolyBible.
Youwilllearn:Howtoidentifyanddefeattherealthief,Satan,inallsituationsHow to put a restraining order on Satan and keep him away from your
propertyHow to takeoutGod's ‘personal theft protectionpolicy"onyouandyour
propertyHowtotakeSatantothecourtofheavenandtakebackwhathestolefrom
youGodhasaway—STOLENPROPERTYRETURNED.