I need to clarify the statement in my title, “I am filled with hate today!” lest it is grossly misunderstood.  I HATE THE DEVIL!  I hate what he is doing to lives!  I hate the effects of sin and rebellion in the human heart.  I have preached for over 50 years that the devil is in a constant war with believers and God.  I have a new level of animus towards Lucifer and his work.  The words of Jesus impact me more this morning than they ever have, and His purpose has become my great desire in a new way.  Jesus said, in 1 John 3:8 – “…The Son of God appeared for this purpose, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”  I want to destroy the works of the devil!

Jesus said, in John 14:12 – “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father.”  The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:17 that “as He (Jesus) is, so war we in this world.”  In Luke 10:19 Jesus said, that He has given us (believers) authority over all the power of the devil.  And, the apostle Paul encouraged us in Romans 16:20, that the God of Peace would bruise the devil under our feet, SHORTLY!  Let it be now LORD, let it be now!

I could go on and on with passages about our authority over the devil and what God wants from us regarding the works of the devil, but that would not fully communicate my ANGER and HATE toward the enemy of our souls.  I want to do damage to the devil and his kingdom.  I want to destroy the works of the devil! 

It is personal with me and growing more intense as I watch my wife suffer from her battle with cancer.  Her pain and difficulty on many fronts tears at my heart like nothing I have ever encountered.  I have faced death, suffered excruciating physical pain, endured loss, and been abandoned, but none of that compares to watching her struggle.  Every time, I see her in pain I get ANGRY, angry at the devil.  The personal nature of this new angst may have some selfishness in it, I don’t know, but I do know that I HATE THE DEVIL!

In recent times of prayer, I have questioned God as to what I could do, should do, and needed to do.  I have considered pulling back from many of the things that I do in fighting for Freedom politically, socially, morally, and religiously.  As I pray, I keep sensing in my heart of hearts that I must not pull back but intensify my fight for Faith, Family, and Freedom.  I also sense that it is imperative that I rekindle the commitment to ‘fasting and prayer’ and fighting the good fight of faith not only for my wife but for everyone impacted by sin and the works of the devil. 

I believe and have believed for a long time that in the Last Days there would be a dual stream flowing in the spirit realm.  There would be an incredible outpouring of God’s Spirit, Love, Power, Mercy, Grace, and Purpose.  That is exciting and I see glimpses of it from time to time in the places I go and the people I talk to.  I am convinced that more is coming and coming in ways most would not expect, and many will possibly reject because it is not through the traditional venues but somewhat outside the normal religious box.  At the same time, I believe that there will be an incredible and diabolical increase in evil, violence, sin, and corruption. 

The apostle Paul warned Timothy and us in 2 Timothy 3:13-17 that in the Last Days people, circumstances, and conditions would grow very dark.  When I read the headlines of the various news sources, surf the internet, and listen to political pundits, and international religious voices I cannot escape the sense of the intense presence and power of evil in the world.  

The Bible tells us that Jesus defeated the devil at the Cross and in the Resurrection. What we must never overlook is that although the devil is defeated that does not mean annihilated.  The devil may or may not believe he can ultimately win but he does want to take as many into destruction as he can.  The Bible reveals in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-3 that the Coming of the Lord will be preceded with a falling away.  There will be those who believe the lie of hell and abandon their faith and confidence in God and His word.  I HATE THE DEVIL and what he is doing to people!

As I prayed recently, the thought came into my heart that my desire to do harm to the devil and destroy his works was four-fold.  I want to win as many to Christ as possible and diminish the number that the devil controls.  I want to see healing become a norm rather than a rarity and destroy the works of the devil on that front.  I want to lead as many as possible to True Freedom.  That freedom must be on every level of life and if Jesus sets us free, we are FREE INDEED!  Finally, I want to manifest the Love of God even to those who hate me and hate God.  I can only achieve those goals through the anointing of the Holy Spirit and by reaching a place in my life where I “Abide in Him and His word abides in Me.”  Simply, I want to become One with Him beyond any level I have attained thus far in my life. 

Those who knew me in the time of my transition in the late 80’s will understand when I do and speak outside the norm.  During that time, many thought I had lost my mind and was going through a mental or severe emotional crisis.  They didn’t know whether to follow me or reject me.  The same will likely be true this time.  I HATE THE DEVIL, and want to destroy his works.  I LOVE GOD and want His Kingdom to Come and His Will to be done on earth as it is in heaven.  I want it done in me!

My prayer: “Lord, make me a vessel that is pleasing to you.  Fill me to overflowing with Your Spirit, Your Grace, Your Peace, and equip me to do the work of Your Kingdom.  I ask that you enable me to pull down strongholds and see the captive set free.  Enable me to walk in total liberty and peace and manifest the Love of Jesus in all that I do and all that I am.  I pray for Your Kingdom to come and Your will to be done on earth as it is in heaven and do it in me.  Help me to become more and more a man after Your own heart.  I surrender my all to You.  In Jesus Name, Amen.”

Your prayers for me and my wife are coveted and appreciated!  God bless you!