ENTANGLEMENTS

© Morris Ruddick

The "love" computer virus reflects a parallel to one of the enemy's most crafty and deadly modes of operation --- the strategy of entanglements. Subtle, swift, destructive and deceptive. But it's important to keep in mind that it is the Lord Who is on the offensive.

Entanglements are designed to confuse, distract and divert the Body. Entanglement strategies attempt to keep the Body spinning its wheels on non-essentials, diverted from the central issues, and preoccupied with "planned crises." The enemy's game-plan is to strive to keep the Body on the defensive, while he offensively proceeds with his own strategies for undermining the work of the Kingdom.

In the midst of all this, the enemy is after power. He wants to operate in seats of power in government, education and business. The enemy does not like it when Spirit-led believers are operating within or along side "seats of power." He wants to deceive believers into diverting, re-directing or even bequeathing their God-given power and anointing to achieve his objectives. Yet, despite his quest for more power, the fact is that the enemy has been losing power. His camps are being invaded. His gates are being stormed and the walls of his fortresses are being penetrated. The enemy is being routed.

This is a time in which key elements of the Body are laying down their personal crowns and agendas and coming into oneness. This is not a milk toast, weak or wimpy Body; but a mighty Army of warriors, which is growing daily in Power. These are elements of the Body who genuinely know what it means to spend time in the presence of the Lord; who truly understand the realities of warfare in the spirit --- yet who are not intimidated by the enemy's schemes.

THE PIONEERS AND ADVANCE WARRIORS

We have entered a time in which a special breed of believers --- called as pioneers and advance troops --- are being tasked from on-high with unusual, strategic-level Kingdom objectives. These are the mighty warriors who pave the way, who infiltrate enemy lines, who conduct raids and reconnoiter enemy-held territory, and who will be the gatekeepers, pathfinders and forward observers for those who follow. It is to these highly committed and prepared elements of the Body that the Lord is pouring out greater revelation than ever before. It is also these elements of the Body the enemy especially seeks to target with his entanglement strategies --- when he can identify them.

Some give reference to these segments of the Body as a "remnant." Regardless of the label, these are key elements of Gentile and Messianic believers the Lord has prepared and empowered for this day. These are those who are completely sold out to the Lord and His Kingdom initiatives. These are those referred to by the scripture of "many are called but few are chosen."

It is to these members of the Body that the Lord is giving greater clarity and strategic vision than ever before. The Lord is uncovering that which is hidden. He is bringing His Light into areas of darkness and exposing the works of darkness. Indeed, "lift up the standard on the bare hill; raise your voice to them ... enter the doors of the nobles; for the Lord has commanded His consecrated ones, He has even called His mighty warriors. The Lord is mustering His army for battle." (Isaiah 13: 3-4)

But as we move forward in battle, the Body needs to be alerted to and begin anticipating, circumventing and unraveling the enemy's entanglement strategies --- strategies reflecting many of the elements of the "love virus." Strategies the enemy has been attempting to entice, enshroud and entrap us with.

THE DYNAMICS OF ENTANGLEMENT STRATEGIES

The American Heritage dictionary reveals some interesting insights into the root word "tangle." It says:

tan·gle (t²ng"g...l) v. tan·gled, tan·gling, tan·gles. --tr. 1. To mix together or intertwine in a confused mass; snarl. 2. To involve in hampering or awkward complications; entangle. 3. To catch and hold in or as if in a net; entrap. See Synonyms at catch. --intr. 1. To be or become entangled. 2. Informal. To enter into argument, dispute, or conflict: tangled with the law. --tan·gle n. 1. A confused, intertwined mass. 2. A jumbled or confused state or condition. 3. A state of bewilderment.

en·tan·gle (µn-t²ng"g...l) tr.v. en·tan·gled, en·tan·gling, en·tan·gles. 1. To twist together or entwine into a confusing mass; snarl. 2. To complicate; confuse. 3. To involve in or as if in a tangle.

Entanglements may involve issues such as unholy alliances --- alliances that appear on the surface as being of benefit to the Body --- but which in reality reflect infiltrators or compromisers who are undermining the Lord's initiatives. The alliance between King Xerxes (during the time of Queen Esther) and his Prime Minister Haman is an illustration. Likewise, the impact that the sons of Eli had on Israel (the sons of Eli were vile because they despised the offerings and worship of the Lord), resulted in the Lord's purposes in that day being hindered ... and Eli being severely judged by the Lord.

Entanglements often reflect uneven playing fields --- situations in which the enemy attempts to call good evil and evil good. Perverted perceptions of reality --- and confusion. Entanglements may also be the result of "hidden agendas" that need to be uncovered or brought to light. Entanglements can likewise be the result of misguided tongues that speak of what they don't know or are promulgating deceit and lies.

In a word, entanglements typically are not what they appear to be. They are embedded threads of deceit that are "innocently" activated with links that spread their impact to an array of other situations and unsuspecting victims.

Entanglements will typically be both enshrouded and enmeshed with religious spirits; spirits designed to create smokescreens or masks to divert attention away from the genuine issues at work --- which quite often will be a much more pervasive spirit, such as mammon.

STRATEGIC ALLIANCES VERSUS UNHOLY ALLIANCES

When entanglements are identified, caution needs to be heeded in not reacting to cursory evaluations of the situation, especially that of superficial renderings of scriptural interpretations. For example, there are clear examples throughout scripture of how the Lord has used Pharaohs and King Cyruses in pivotal, redemptive strategic alliances to harness resources and open gateways for His people. Yet, there are well intentioned believers whose response to the battles associated with achieving God-directed Kingdom objectives --- reflecting alliances with the Cyruses and Pharaohs of our day --- who will misinterpret these battles as being the result of being unequally yoked with non-believers. Joseph's role with Pharaoh was certainly completely unorthodox according to the religious tradition of his day.

Isaiah 45 begins by illustrating the powerful role of Cyrus of old in achieving the Lord's purposes. "This is what the LORD says to Cyrus, His anointed one, whose right hand He will empower. Before him, mighty kings will be paralyzed with fear. Their fortress gates will be opened, never again to shut against him. This is what the LORD says: "I will go before you, Cyrus, and level the mountains. I will smash down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness--secret riches." The Lord indeed used Cyrus mightily --- on behalf of His people --- for restorative and redemptive purposes. Cyrus was a gatekeeper for God's purposes; "kings were paralyzed with fear before him and fortress gates were opened."

But entanglements have been designed to undermine genuine strategic alliances. Especially targeted are alliances associated with the transfer of the world's wealth destined to undergird the Lord's initiatives in the restoration of Israel; in His compassion to touch the oppressed, hungry and afflicted; and as He mightily brings forth the final global harvest of souls. Many powerful, strategic Kingdom initiatives are being released in this day; with the enemy defensively attempting to implant entanglements. The rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem in Nehemiah's day illustrates this. As Nehemiah mobilized God's people and the work began, scripture tells us that Sanballat and his cohorts were extremely angry and began plotting with compromise and deceit.

However, compromise and deceit not only will be in evidence in the enemy's schemes against genuine agendas from the Lord, but will be a pattern manifested in the counterfeits to the God-ordained alliances of our day. These counterfeit alliances --- or unholy alliances ---will be found embedded with infiltrators within ministry circles. Unholy alliances that appear good on the surface, but which bring devastating results.

The alliance between Jehoshaphat and Ahab is just such an example. The initial result of this alliance reflected the appearance of benefit to both kingdoms. Years of conflict between Judah and Israel had come to an end, and both kingdoms were strengthened. But, the alliance involved a marriage between Jehoshaphat's son Jehoram and Ahab's daughter Athaliah. Athaliah's influence in Judah finally proved to be horrific. Entanglements are the enemy's strategies to create smokescreens and to mask and diffuse God-ordained purposes, with the plan of implanting the enemy's long range plans for devastation against God's people.

RESPONDING TO MULTI-LAYERED ENTANGLEMENTS

When entanglements come, great discernment, wisdom and Spirit-led self-control is needed. With similarities to recent computer viruses, over-reactions to these spiritual entanglements can prove damaging. When entanglements are identified, it is a time to pause and press into the Lord. It is a time to ask for His light to not only shine on the situation; but to penetrate into the "layers of the enemy's schemes." Identifying the surface level of a particular entanglement may only be a preliminary step.

Recent computer viruses also provide insight into the enemy's multi-layer entanglement strategies. Subtle, dormant viruses are often left which have the potential of being activated after the "mainstream" virus has been identified and eliminated. In the same fashion, identifying and laying an axe to the root of the original "tangle" --- will likewise cause recurring, intermittent attacks to cease.

Similarly, we need to be willing to wait before the Lord for His "full revelation" --- which may include multiple layers as well --- and His release, and His strategies before moving against the enemy's schemes. The temptation is to move too quickly after receiving only a "preliminary layer" to the revelation we need; to move prematurely before getting the Lord's strategy for the situation; along his timing and release to move.

But waiting on the precision of His timing to move will bring awesome results. We have entered a time in which the execution of God's strategies --- especially those penetrating enemy-held territory --- will have a suddenness and often an element of stealth about them. A suddenness and precision and power that is preceded by the Terror of the Lord. A suddenness and precision and power that the enemy cannot gainsay or resist.

THE LORD PRECEDING US INTO ENEMY-HELD TERRITORY

The Lord has prepared today's pioneers and advance warriors to move into arenas filled with entrapments and entanglements. But the Lord is also preceding these advance troops as they move into enemy-held territory, in the same way the Angel of the Lord preceded Joshua into the promised land.

He is preceding the pioneers and advance warriors of this day as He did with the Israelites of old with His presence --- as He sent "His terror before them, and threw into confusion all those they encountered, and He made all their foes turn from them in flight." Indeed the Lord precedes us as He soars on the wings of the wind. He precedes us and sets in motion the enemy's defeat as when the wind of His Spirit was heard in the treetops, as referenced in 2 Samuel 15. "As soon as you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam [mulberry] trees, move quickly, because that will mean the LORD has gone out in front of you to strike the enemy."

SPIRITUAL SITUATION ANALYSIS

As the pioneers and advance warriors of the Body advance and penetrate enemy-held territory --- arenas booby-trapped with entanglements --- a spiritual situation analysis would reflect the following: * We have entered a time in which the Lord is on the offensive and the enemy is responding with acts of desperation and unusual viciousness as He is being routed out and exposed. * As we enter this time of all-out war in the spirit, the Body is also moving into a greater level of power and unity than ever before --- a time referred to in scripture as "the day of His power." * This new level of power the Body is entering is being accompanied by many who have been chosen for mantles of unusual levels of authority in the realm of the spirit. The impartation of these new levels of authority transcend traditional models. It is not a stage or pulpit authority. It is not an organizational authority. Nor will it fit the mold of those who like to operate as Rambos and loose cannons. This mantle of authority is a quiet, yet incredibly potent authority that knows what it means to move into enemy-held territory and swiftly and decisively dismantle the enemy's power structures. * As we move into this "the day of His power," much change is transpiring around the globe. Change that is impacting nations, economies, businesses and peoples. New paradigms of Kingdom leaders who will have an unusual anointing and facility for strategic alliances will emerge as modern day Josephs and Daniels, and Nehemiahs and Mordecais and Esthers. * The Body is simultaneously being cleansed. The cleansing is going to have its focus around centers of power within the Body --- which will range from a cleansing of those infiltrators like the Hamans of old, to the misguided and deceived, such as the Eli's of old. The Eli's and the Hamans of our day, who have served to thwart and dissipate previous moves of the Spirit, are being removed. * As the Body starts coming together as a cohesive, well-honed instrument in the Hands of the Almighty; strongholds of witchcraft power are being and will be suddenly exposed and swiftly destroyed. There has been much power the enemy has been unleashing from "hidden" sources. Hidden sources strategically positioned to control seats of power in business and governmental circles are being uncovered. * There will be a "suddenness" and unusual precision associated with the timeliness of God's strategies for penetrating enemy-held territory and redeeming what is the Lord's. This "suddenness" will be akin to that of the attack of a stealth bomber to where enemy strongholds will be smashed without the enemy knowing what really took place. While the enemy's camps are being exposed and routed, the source of the penetrations will be largely hidden and leave the enemy in confusion, and as expressed in Isaiah 45:1 "paralyzed with fear, with their fortress gates open, never again to be shut." * New ground is being broken and new Kingdom paradigms are being released by those at the forefront --- the pioneers and the advance warriors the Lord has been sending forth. The pioneers and advance troops for this day are already on the move. Pioneers and advance troops modeled after the armed guards who led the way with the Presence of the Lord (the Ark) before the battle of Jericho. Pioneers and advance troops sent to pave new ground, identify the camps of the enemy and serve as gatekeepers and guardians of the new initiatives the Lord is releasing from His throne-room. * The Spirit of the Lord is on the offensive. It's a time in which the Lord is redeeming and restoring that which is His.

The battles are indeed the Lord's. And He is equipping and guiding us. As we press in to Him and are faithful to carry out His initiatives and directives, we are going to see greater victories than we have ever seen before AND our enemies will be scattered!

RELEASING GOD'S POWER

Let's pray. Father, in the mighty and incomparable Name of Jesus, we bring before You those who are the pioneers and advance guard of Your Body for this time. Father, we thank You for equipping them with every good thing to do Your will, working in them that which is pleasing in Your sight. Lord, we thank You for giving today's pioneers and advance warriors the eye of the eagle. Lord for providing them with a discernment and spiritual alertness that transcends any natural human giftings.

Father God, You've prepared these faithful pioneers and advance warriors with a mouth and wisdom the enemy cannot gainsay or resist. Lord, You have made them to be as a fortified wall of bronze. Thank You Lord that no weapon formed against them will prosper. Lord, thank You for releasing unto them a much deeper awareness of the mantle of authority you've placed upon them --- and with that awareness, may there be a wisdom and boldness and knowing of what to do, when and where. Father, we know that these are the advance troops, who are moving into enemy-held territory; who are reclaiming that which is rightfully Yours. May Your Kingdom come O God. May there be restoration and fullness as You touch and set free the multitudes bound by the enemy's schemes. Lord, grant these mighty warriors the Power and the strategies to break down the gates of iron; to cause the walls of the enemy's fortresses to come down; and to plunder his camps.

And Lord, we lay an axe to the root of the entanglements the enemy has tried to entrap and enshroud Your Body with. Lord, let Your light shine on these situations and unravel and disentangle the bondages that have resulted. Reveal the roots to these entanglements and may yokes be broken. Lord thank You for preceding us with Your presence. Preceding us with the Terror of the Lord. For throwing the enemy into confusion. For "leveling the mountains, smashing down gates of bronze and cutting through bars of iron." Sensitize us to the "suddenness" with which you are calling us to strike. Lord, thank You for the precision accuracy and power associated with Your timing on these moves.

God Almighty, Your Word says that although the wicked may draw their swords and bend their bows to bring down and slay those whose ways are upright, that the bows of the wicked will be broken and their swords will pierce their own hearts. Lord, Your Power and Your strategies are awesome and as we move forward, we praise You Lord, that You indeed foil the signs of false prophets and make fools of diviners; You confirm the word of your servants and perform the counsel of your messengers.

Lord, in the Name of Jesus, we are calling for Your light to shine --- to expose and uncover these entanglement strategies of the enemy. Thank You Lord for breaking the yokes of bondage; for bringing a cleansing to the situations that have been tied up and recurring for so long. Father, may an axe be laid to the root of that which has been hidden. Bring whatever uncovering is necessary. Unmask these strategies we pray O Lord.

Lord God, let truth come forth. Expose the pattern of lies, deceit, compromise and cover-up that have been operating in these situations. Give each of us called as pioneers and advance warriors the grace to speak truth in our own hearts as we proceed under Your direction. Give us clarity of vision and strategic insight at each juncture.

Lord grant us protection for our families, our finances, our businesses and our ministries, as we move into this time of all-out war. Protect the innocent O, Lord. Lord, we thank You for the coordination and support that will be released from Your throne-room as the enemy's strategies are disentangled. Father God, grant us a "mouth and wisdom the enemy cannot gainsay nor resist." Enable us to see through the smokescreens and operate with Your wisdom in setting the course of things for your agendas and strategies for this time. Grant us the strength and focus spoken of by the apostle Paul as "that divine energy that works so powerfully within us."

Lord, we need Your peace and Your presence at each juncture. Lord guide us that we might stay above the fray of the smokescreens, diversions and "games being played." Enable us to avoid the natural responses so that we might respond solely with Your responses for each situation. Keep us in sync with You at each juncture O God.

Precious Lord, grant us a level playing field. Expose the surreptitious, behind-the-scenes manipulations designed not only to entice and divert us, but to undermine the efforts of those called to support us. Let strongholds be exposed and torn down. Father God, may there be an uncovering of the hidden agendas. Lord, may You be the one in control of the agendas. Disperse the smokescreens and give us unusual spiritual vision into the situations we are facing. Lord, may You uncover what needs to be uncovered and may unadulterated truth overshadow the lies and assumptions sent to undermine Your agendas. Lord as this transpires and Your Light and Truth is brought to bear in these entanglement situations, may the wicked see it and be vexed, turning from their wicked schemes and slinking away with their hopes being thwarted.

And Lord, we thank You for closing the mouths of lions; those speaking and fostering deceit and lies. Father, we thank You for ridding Yourself of this constant grumbling and scheming against us --- against those of us called as pioneers and advance warriors. Father, silence the misguided, loose tongues, we pray.

Father, we thank You for unraveling unholy alliances. Expose them Lord. Rout out the infiltrators, imposters, compromisers and the deceived. Bring cleansing to Your Body and sensitize, strengthen and give wisdom to the gatekeepers. Expose the perversions of truth and compromise which have been promulgated during this long, tragic saga of unholy alliances designed to undermine Your agendas. Lord we pray for the wisdom, anointing and power --- for Your strategies to be released to cut asunder and unravel each and every unholy alliance that has developed --- so that Your purposes O Lord may go forward mightily.

And Lord, may our prayers be unhindered. Give us an open heaven in our interactions with you. Anoint and empower us for this day of Your power. May we operate in such oneness with You and each other, that no weapon formed against us will prosper. May our hearts and minds be single and fixed on You at each juncture. Give us the boldness to proceed and the sensitivity to Your Spirit to act decisively and with precision-level accuracy. Father, the battle is Yours and we will be strong and courageous. Thank You O God, for what You are releasing in terms of our equipping and your initiatives. Thank You Lord, that Your purposes will be accomplished; fully and without delay. Adonai, You are awesome and we love You!! Thank You Lord, that the victory is Yours and You are with us as our Banner and Victory.