In a recent episode of Self Talk With Dr. Ray Self on the Charisma Podcast Network, I discuss a demonic scheme occurring in which spiritual spouses attack leaders in the church. A spiritual spouse results when a counterfeit relationship takes the place of the leader’s actual spouse.
A typical example may happen as follows:
At the end of a church service, there is an altar call for people who need someone to pray for them. It could be for healing, salvation or several things. An attractive female approaches the pastor. She shares her heart with him and asks for him to pray for her.
The Lord touches her, and there is a real feeling of warmth and love. The woman may decide to give the pastor a call to thank him and maybe ask for advice. Over time there are multiple phone calls. The pastor greets her before and after church.
The relationship has started very innocently, but it progresses with feelings of connection and intimacy. This is the dangerous point. Once this type of connection starts, it is exceedingly difficult to disconnect.
On the surface, it looks like the pastor is ministering to one of his church members, but Satan is really perverting something innocent into something deadly. A bond is created, and feelings of intimacy begin to develop. The sexual affair that results is only a byproduct of this unholy connection.
This is Satan’s plan to destroy the pastor and the woman’s families and hurt the church. Tragically, something as wonderful and innocent as prayer can lead to an unholy bond. Satan does not play fair. He continually works his evil plans. The Bible tells us very clearly—”so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes” (2 Cor. 2:11, NASB).
If we know what the enemy is doing, then we know how to fight him. That is true in military history and true today in spiritual warfare. In my show, my heart is to discuss issues that can help people overcome and be free to live the abundant life that Jesus promised. Self Talk With Dr. Ray Self on the Charisma Podcast Network is about finding answers to these issues and so much more. Listen now. {eoa}
Dr. Ray Self is the president of the International College of Ministry, a Holy Spirit-filled, online accredited school. Apply now at icmcollege.org/enroll. Enter the word Charisma in the campus director field for a $300 tuition gift.
