Anointing Your Home

I certainly have input on this subject, but again, it is controversial, but I am willing to go out on a limb.I will first seek the Lord though.

1 John 2:27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. Now, I am not speaking of those who you have discussed this with. This is only my opinion... I too was told of such things, when I was with those who follow another gospel. They told me just the same but refused to hear how that, For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8I had an old friend once and I mean old :-) she said the devil can't come anear the blood of Jesus. We know that that blood is applied to our hearts, just as the anointing in 1 John. Now anointing people that is different. So my point is the applied blood of Jesus that runs off the enemy of our souls. Keep all focus on God through Jesus, not tongues, not evil spirits. not gifts ect.1 Peter 3:11Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.Eschew can mean: to turn around and run in the opposite direction. OrMerriam dictionarymore at SHY: to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds : SHUNAgain it can mean: verb: avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of I may be totally wrong here and welcome any rebuke, or correction.The Holy Spirit surrounds us on everyside to warn, protect. just my opinionI would like to add, that until the first battle is fought and lost, that, being the self life within our hearts. There shall never be any victories won in the second battle which is against: principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ephesians 6Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

QuoteAn encounter with a spirit of witchcraft, a number of years ago, underscores this point. I was the keynote speaker at a Christian camp for a week during which I stayed at a bed-and-breakfast in a nearby town, since there was insufficient accommodation at the camp. At the end of the week, one of the staff members of the camp asked me if I slept well at the bed-and-breakfast. I answered that I had experienced no difficulties, except for the fact that the train whistle would wake me every night. This surprised the staff member, since he had stayed at the same establishment for several months. He asked me if I had heard the footsteps in the halls at night, and if the door to my room had been opened, even though no one would be there. I told him that I had made it a habit already years before, to pray in each hotel or motel room where I would spend the night. The first thing I did, when I had entered my room, was to go on my knees and pray. I asked God’s forgiveness for all sins committed in the room and on the premises. I then spoke the cleansing of the blood of Jesus over all implements, walls, floors, and ceiling in my room. I continued and rebuked all powers of darkness and at this point I discerned a spirit of witchcraft: Then a spirit passed by my face; The hair of my flesh bristled up (Job 4:15). After about fifteen minutes of rebuking it and commanding it to leave in Jesus’ name, it did. I learned later that groups held séances and Halloween parties at this establishment. How many of us pray in the rooms of the hotels where we stay? Even though we do not have all the insights of the effects of the spiritual realm around us, we have been given a lot of warnings in the Bible. I do not want to sleep in a room where a spirit of witchcraft, or any other wicked spirit for that matter, has made its abode. A more pointed question is: how many Christians believe the possibility that an unclean spirit shares the house (room) they live in? Judging from the reactions and comments from Christians, I have talked to through the years, along with many Christian books I have read, even to consider the influence of demonic powers in the personal lives of Christians, is heresy. Most Christians do not want to discuss or consider this possibility, or even worse - most do not believe it to be true. unquoteQuoted with permission.

Dear Pij,When I first posted this I didn't fully share my thoughts on this subject. I wanted to see what others would say.I am a bit disappointed that you just wrote this to see what the reactions would be. I trust the Lord to use this for someone who may benefit from this thread.Matthew 1243 When the unclean [or foul] spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh [or pass through, journey] through dry places [or room, quarter], seeking rest, and findeth none.44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.Where do you think this spirit that was journeying through the dry places found these seven other spirits? Do you think that they were in other people and the first spirit asked the other spirits to come out of them so they could then inhabit the first person? What do you think happened to the evil spirits that entered the herd of pigs – a legion, this would about 6,000 some tell me – when they asked Jesus? (Mark 5:13) I don’t believe that spirits drown, so they must have been somewhere. Maybe waiting for other victims?Revelation 18:2And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon [not a person] the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the HABITATION [or abode] of DEVILS, and the HOLD [or prison, cage] of every FOUL [or unclean] SPIRIT, and a CAGE [or hold, prison] of every unclean and hateful bird.Only if this Babylon is a physical person holds your understanding of wicked spirits true, otherwise you should accept the fact that some people have different experiences in Christ than others and that those experiences maybe valid. In the mean time, keep on praying or declaring Psalm 91. I speak it out loud or recite it as a prayer in the first person; it is a most effective “weapon” Christ has given us to withstand attacks from the evil one, including oppression from “stuff,” that the evil one throws at us all the time.I continue to be deeply saddened by the very unkind things some “brothers and sisters” in Christ say about these things. If you want to be popular and accepted, don’t get involved with this. Maybe if you asked The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the gift of discerning of spirits, and you received it, your perspective may change. I am 100% convinced it will.God bless you Pij.

I don't know of any specific scriptures on this, although it seems like I have read somewhere in the OT of anointing a house with leprosy. Not sure, I don't have time to look it up right now. I have anointed my house and prayed over it though. There are other family members who participate in things they should not and since I can't actually lay hands on them and anoint them, I anoint the house and other particular objects. I figure it's not going to hurt at least.Hope

Dear Hope,You wrote:I have anointed my house and prayed over it though. There are other family members who participate in things they should not and since I can't actually lay hands on them and anoint them, I anoint the house and other particular objects. I figure it's not going to hurt at least. Exodus 409 And thou shalt take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and all that is therein, and shalt hallow it, and all the vessels thereof: and it shall be holy.10 And thou shalt anoint the altar of the burnt offering, and all his vessels, and sanctify the altar: and it shall be an altar most holy.11 And thou shalt anoint the laver and his foot, and sanctify it.I have done this in churches and also participated in this when the leadership felt led to do so. Opposite to the prayers I quoted in my earlier post, I have never seen any spiritual change as a result of this anointing as was commanded under the Old Testament Law. Our New Covenant is through the Blood of Christ. As I quoted earlier, I have seen spiritual manifestations in homes, etc., on a number of occasions which negatively affected the Christians living in these homes. No anointing with oil ever changed anything, prayers and the Name of Jesus certainly did. Lastly, when Christians who dabble in certain sins are being oppressed, no prayer or anointing will ever change a thing; if nothing else, things will get worse after “housecleaning” is done without repentance on the part of the people who live in the house. As a final note, if you are a Christian living with non-Christians, I believe that praying for them as Job prayed for his children – Job 1, substituting offerings with prayers for forgiveness – will certainly make a difference. Even Jesus asked His Father to forgive them for they didn’t know what they were doing (Luke 23:34). Jesus didn’t speak idly. I have written more regarding this on my website www.thefinalcall.net

I have seen spiritual manifestations in homes, etc., on a number of occasions which negatively affected the Christians living in these homes. No anointing with oil ever changed anything, prayers and the Name of Jesus certainly did.Yes, I believe prayer is the most effective weapon I have to combat this. The focus is always on the prayer, not the oil. I guess I just look at the oil as a tangible, symbol of faith on my part. It's like I am saying in my heart to God, "I believe your Holy Spirit is moving on and affecting this situation."when Christians who dabble in certain sins are being oppressed, no prayer or anointing will ever change a thing; if nothing else, things will get worse after “housecleaning” is done without repentance on the part of the people who live in the house. As a final note, if you are a Christian living with non-Christians, At this point, I am not sure if I am dealing with the former or the latter. If you asked them, they would confess Christ. But there is one thing that really concerns me (above and beyond the acts they engage in and the rebellion). They have both sat under teaching, preaching that I know was reading their mail, creating a strong atmosphere of conviction and repentance yet they seem unaffected. It is the apathy, and indifference that really bothers me. I don't sit around trying to guess about their salvation, only God knows the heart. I just keep taking them to the Lord because I figure either way they are in desperate need of Him.Hope

I appreciate your words throughout this thread, Bro Hans.I engage in some 'warfaring' along these lines ...I remain aware of the 'spiritual atmosphere' round-about me.amen to this from dullrainbow, as well :I would like to add, that until the first battle is fought and lost, that, being the self life within our hearts. There shall never be any victories won in the second battle which is against: principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. ephesians 6

Sometimes when I go into a building/room, I can sense a negitive spirit. Once it stayed overnight in a Bible College residence and it felt very oppressive. I prayed all night (couldn't sleep), but could not sense much of a release. Much later I heard about a huge financial scandel among the top leaders that had been kept hidden. (It almost shut the place down)On another occasion I was a guest musician in a church. I remember, standing at the back beforehand, and each time I looked at the organ, I sensed a verydark oppressive spirit. Then, when I turned around, it lifted. I thought that this was very strange, so I told a lady there. That is not the normal thing to do as a visitor in a United Church. Nevertheless, she did not sound alarmed at all. Instead, she said, "Funny you say that, because there used to be terrible squabbles over that organ. We had to fire the organist." I ask, Can prayer remove a negative spirit if those who own or run the building are not repentant or not open? What should we do? Diane

I continue to be deeply saddened by the very unkind things some “brothers and sisters” in Christ say about these things. If you want to be popular and accepted, don’t get involved with this.Sad, but true. I wish to share an experience that supports this statement. I stayed overnight at a home of an older couple where the man was insane. (He was a former pastor who had broken down emotionally) I sensed the Lord calling me to rebuke a spirit in him, but felt no leading from his wife. In fact, just before bed time she showed me a book her church was studying on the very topic. It essentially renounced the ministry of praying against spirits. It warned against Neil Anderson, and all other such writers. Clearly this lady was not open. Nevertheless, during the night the Lord prompted me to pray anyway against the evil spirit in the man. Then God gave me a vision of a pure white room. I knew that my prayer was answered, and I went to sleep. In the morning the man was perfectly sane and filled with the Spirit. He ministered to me as a pastor. However, it wasn't long till he went back to his old ways. Sad isn't it. Diane

Dear Pij,You don't have to apologize. It isn't always clear what people mean by this way of written communication.I only stated that I was disappointed because I only saw part of you in the first post, not the whole you. I like the whole you much better.

Hi Diane,You ask some very good questions that have no easy answers. What I write is just a result of my experience of walking out my faith, I will never say that I am right; this is between God and the individual. I don’t know if you saw the thread that was on SI last week about US soldiers being “spooked by spirits” in New Orleans. If you didn’t, here is the link: http://cbs5.com/video/?id=6789@kpix.dayport.comI have to confess that I am a bit troubled about US soldiers bringing the light. Carrying a cross in the process of the “spiritual” cleaning is meaningless also. I believe that it brings one to the same level as those who allowed the spirits to come in the first place. Only the Name of Jesus, the Name ABOVE EVERY OTHER NAME is necessary and essential. He is the One Who destroyed the works of the devil. Symbols and objects are not necessary, but come awfully close to witchcraft. The frightening part is that the plans are to rebuild New Orleans to what it was. So much for “spiritual” cleaning.Now your questions. Sometimes when I go into a building/room, I can sense a negitive spirit. Once it stayed overnight in a Bible College residence and it felt very oppressive. I prayed all night (couldn't sleep), but could not sense much of a release.Baruch just posted a post on Psalm 91. When I am in a situation, which happens on occasion after I have been involved in a serious spiritual battle, where an unclean spirit comes into my home trying to oppress me with fear or doubt, I take my Bible and recite Psalm 91 out loud in the first person: I who reside in the shelter…., …for it is He who delivers Me from the snare of the trapper…etc. Then, I ask my Father to show me what “it” is and I command “it” in the Name of Jesus to leave and not to return. This may take five minutes or even up to thirty minutes, but it certainly restores the Peace of God to my home. I have prayed in churches and buildings where spirits were present and they left, only to return soon after because the people allowing them to enter in the first place, never repented. In this case I only pray standing-in-the-gap prayers (see my website), and ask my Father for forgiveness, repentance, and restoration. and each time I looked at the organ, I sensed a very dark oppressive spiritIn this case – and I am not saying that I am correct, this is just what I would do – I’d leave the sanctuary and before the service go to a quiet place and ask for forgiveness for all sin committed in that building and for the people who committed them – if you don’t know who, just say: forgive those who committed the sins. I do ask for the blood of Jesus to used for cleansing of the building and contents; all this to the Father through Jesus Christ. In the case of the organ, just before starting to play, I would command the unclean spirit – if you discern a word, i.e., anger, hate, mocking – command the spirit of …… to leave in Jesus name.Finally, ask for the Spirit of discerning of spirits. Desire it. The reason I say this, is that in another thread I believe you said that you stayed in a Roman Catholic retreat center. I have done this too. You will be amazed what I found lurking in the ones I stayed at (2 different ones). It will also bring you to a place where you will start praying for the Church of Jesus Christ. The Lord will show you some very disturbing things, which will bring you to your knees, for it is His Spirit, Who indwells a true believer. Trust me, He isn’t laughing.

Hans, your answer is very helpful. I need to pray for revelation of the roots of the oppression. After all, what is brought to light also looses its powerful hold on people. I have a tendency to pray for mercy rather than forgiveness. Maybe because a person can only receive forgiveness if they admit their wrong. Yet, I realize that Jesus prayed for forgiveness for those who were crucifying them, even when they were not yet repentant. I think Jesus prayed that prayer in order to hold back God's immediate judgment, in order that God's purposes would be fulfilled. The Lord will show you some very disturbing things, which will bring you to your knees, for it is His Spirit, Who indwells a true believerI found this to be true. But I must admit that the most disturbing revelation I have ever encoutered has been in evangelical/charismatic churches - I suspect because a lot of spirit-related stuff is happening. Spirits are being invoked through prayers, singing, (assuming they are calling on God's Spirit). I walk away feeling worse than I did when I arrived, and when I get home I have to cast out whatever seems to have clung on. I'm wondering if it isn't a gift to have a measure of immunity from the spirit realm, and not sense every spirit hanging around, and just trust that God will reveal only what he wishes me to know in order that I may intercede. I looked at the video of the soldiers. If New Orleans is a vudoo center, then it shouldn't be surprising that evil spirits are found in many places. I suppose that video would cause many to realize that there is indeed a spirit world - and we need to learn how to deal with it - GOD'S WAY. Diane

Dear Diane,You don't know how much your response encouraged me. I think Jesus prayed that prayer in order to hold back God's immediate judgment, in order that God's purposes would be fulfilled. That is precisely where the Lord has led me. I have done a great deal on studying Daniel, Nehemiah, Ezekiel, standing-in-the-gap, etc. Just consider that God told Abraham before He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, so that Abraham could plead with Him. Then, Moses was told by God how God would destroy the Israelites. Just read the intercession of Moses in Exodus and the conformation of this in Ps 106:23.I found this to be true. But I must admit that the most disturbing revelation I have ever encountered has been in evangelical/charismatic churches - I suspect because a lot of spirit-related stuff is happening. Spirits are being invoked through prayers, singing, (assuming they are calling on God's Spirit). I walk away feeling worse than I did when I arrived, and when I get home I have to cast out whatever seems to have clung on.That is my experience. The amount of unclean spirits in most churches is disturbing and nobody, but nobody seems to discern. I don't attend most prayer concerts/meetings anymore for precisely that reason. In one meeting I was actually physically attacked by blows to my face by “something” invisible, when a “spirit of laughter” manifested itself or was invoked. Ten of thousands of Christians are taken in by this stuff. The latest are the “healing” rooms, where the “ministers of healing” give “healing words” to unrepentant Christians because “God loves them and wants them to feel good about themselves.”I'm wondering if it isn't a gift to have a measure of immunity from the spirit realm, and not sense every spirit hanging around, and just trust that God will reveal only what he wishes me to know in order that I may intercede.I believe that is exactly what God wants us to do, intercede and stand in the gap. It is my daily prayer, and has been for several years now. If Christians only would seek the gift of discerning of spirits instead of tongues and prophecy.God bless you Diane.

If Christians only would seek the gift of discerning of spirits instead of tongues and prophecy.I am thinking that God never asked us to seek (first) the gift of discernment, or any other gift but to seek HIM, to let God transform our MINDS, to submit our WILLS to God, to let the Word convict us, walk in obedience by faith, REPENT, etc etc. Is this not all part of the JOURNEY towards the deeper and deeper enlightenment that we need in our daily walk. When we sidestep this growth/maturing process, we could end up with an occult type of religion that invokes God's name to do something magic. The mind remains passive and under the control of the evil one. I was wondering why, in these churches, it is NOT the unrepentant sinner (who causes of evil manifestations) who experiences the oppression, but those who are not involved. Diane

Hi Diane,I am thinking that God never asked us to seek (first) the gift of discernment, or any other gift but to seek HIM, to let God transform our MINDS, to submit our WILLS to God, to let the Word convict us, walk in obedience by faith, REPENT, etc etc. But earnestly desire the greater gifts. And I show you a still more excellent way. (1Cor12:31).The apostle encourages believers to seek the greater gifts. Since the “big” push is always on the gift of tongues and several denominations declare that the proof of the “baptism in the Spirit” is speaking in tongues, I made the statement that instead of seeking tongues, we maybe should seek discernment. I agree with your overall observation. We should have our minds renewed and grow in the Lord.I was wondering why, in these churches it is NOT the unrepentant sinner (who causes of evil manifestations) who experiences the oppression, but those who are not involved. I believe that the answer to this question is:For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness. (2Thes2:12,13)God bless you