Counter-Attack (#4)

After asking God to begin the process of clearing my vision, I identify and pray against (or rebuke) the thief (spirit) i.e. loneliness, bitterness, lust, distraction, etc... 

There is significance in the naming process:
it is nearly impossible to fight an unidentified enemy.

You might be asking: "How do I do That?" 

I'm glad you asked...

Scripture says that we will know them by their fruit. 

Therefore, identify the result of the attack, and you have found a name for your thief.

Now I understand the whole concept of "rebuking" has been out of style in Christian circles for quite some time now, but that does not by any means justify this lack.
For a Biblical example, we need look no further than Jesus Christ. We see him rebuking many times throughout the gospels including:

Matthew 17:18 ESV

And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was healed instantly.

Luke 4:35 ESV

But Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent and come out of him!" And when the demon had thrown him down in their midst, he came out of him, having done him no harm.

Luke 4:39 ESV

And he stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she rose and began to serve them.

Mark 4:39 ESV

And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Luke 4:41 ESV

And demons also came out of many, crying, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ.

• Mark 8:33 ESV
  But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."

  
  
  Notice all of the situations that Jesus is seen rebuking. American Christians may categorize rebuking to "those weird exorcist people," but we deviate from Jesus' example.
  Jesus is seen fighting against sickness, chaotic weather, Peter's selfishness, and other more physical situations.
  I think it's time we re-thought our philosophy one this area of being Christ-like. 

  
  

  God, give us clarity and confidence in the power of Jesus' name.

  
  

  Why has the twenty-first century church in America (and other Western powers) shied away from this part of walking with and believing in Jesus? I will put this up for consideration: If the most powerful man in the world prayerfully attacked the forces coming against Him, why don't we?

  
  

  Do we think we are more powerful than Jesus?
  More protected than the only Son of God?
  Stronger than the King of Kings?
  Or more full of grace than the Prince of Peace?

  
  

  We sure act like it sometimes...

  
  

  Are you stronger than Jesus?
  (I don't believe it)

  
  

  Are you nothing without Him and need His strength?--Act like it.
  (Surrender)

  
  

  What do you think?

  
  

  What do your actions communicate?