The Rules of Engagement

The Rules of Engagement

C ares of the W orld Cares of the world can be anything causing a believer to pursue worldly things, business ventures, and the acquisition of possessions at the expense of their pursuit of God, His Word, and His kingdom. (See Matthew 13:22.) C arnality Carnality is the appetite of the flesh and soul. (See 1 Corinthians 3:3–4.) It is the preoccupation with one’s appetite and satiation of urges, drives, and desires. C elestial B arricades Have you ever prayed and felt that your prayers were just hitting the ceiling? Have you ever attempted to pursue a God-given idea, mandate, or mission, only to feel as if every attempt was hindered by some unseen force? You might have encountered what I call a “celestial barricade.” Celestial barricades are satanic maneuvers, barriers, blocks, encumbrances, and hindrances that obstruct, hinder, and prohibit movement in the spirit realm and frustrate the progress of a vision, dream, mandate, mission, prayer, or the plan of God for your life. (See Daniel 10:12–13.) C hains /F etters /S hackles Chains, fetters, and shackles are anything that confine movement, hinder progress, and cause captivity, oppression, and bondage. (See Judges 16:5–6, 18–21; Psalm 68:6.) C omplacency Adam and Eve were prosperous until complacency set in. Israel had become socially and politically prosperous under the leadership of Joshua until the spirit of complacency set in. Complacency kills passion, strangles drive and motivation, and lulls a person’s senses to sleep until they are unaware of their deficiencies, their need for God, and the need to do something about their condition. This spirit is so powerful that it will cause you to lose your sense of urgency, vigilance, and awareness, and to walk through life unconscious. (See 1 Corinthians 15:34; Ephesians 5:14.)

74