Since I first began attending church as a toddler, I was led to believe that I could earn my way into heaven based upon my own works. As I grew older, attending a different youth group in high school, I become exposed to other theological positions. As an adult, serving as active member and participant of a church, I have searched the Bible to affirm what I ultimately believe today. However, this morning while listening to a few sermons on the Trinity Broadcasting Network, I discovered that I might be living under a curse.
According to scripture, curses can occur through words, after experiencing emotional trauma, by making wrongs judgments or vows and acts of disobedience. When a person one says, “you’ll never do this or you won’t succeed,” a word curse is initiated according to Ephesians 4:29-30 and James 3:9. Meanwhile, Deuteronomy 28:20-22 suggests accidents, disease or illness can be attributed and linked to curses. Ecclesiastes 5:6 and Deuteronomy 28:5 each claim poor decisions result in curses. Finally, Jesus himself reveals that unless you forgive others, God will not forgive you, Matthew 6:14-15.
After contemplating pastor Ron Phillips’ message, the Holy Spirit opened my heart to the possibility my unemployment is curse related. First, its been difficult to completely let go of all the pain I endured while living in the Red Lion soap opera. Although, I thought I had forgiven all parties involved, God convicted me of some bitterness I am still holding onto within my heart. Second, when failure becomes the norm in your life, its difficult to purge your mind of negativity and pessimistic thinking. Lastly, no matter where you are in your faith journey, there is always room for improvement: areas of compromise, complacency and sinful tendencies.
Whatever your own current situation consists of, I know God wants to break any curse or pattern of failure which exists. Thus, God longs to create a hedge of protection around you, your family, church and nation. These hedges consists of 5 major components: prayer, leadership, unity, angels and revival. Breaking and renouncing any curse always begins and ends with prayer, claiming God’s promises. Prayer also energizers church leaders as well as gives people the motivation to be the head of their house. Building upon prayer and leadership, unity is the fulfillment of both these elements. Angelic protection increases when belief in God’s power in verbalized in prayer. When a vision of ushering in heaven on earth is grasped by a community, revival often breaks out. While watching the Super Bowl is nice, I long to see a spiritual super bowl, where curses are broken, saints rejoice and Christians experience victory daily!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 