Bible

Read Exodus 7:14-25

Key Verse: Exodus 7:20-21

[Moses] lifted up the staff and struck the water in the Nile, and all the water in the Nile turned to blood. And the fish in the Nile died, and the Nile stank, so that the Egyptians could not drink water from the Nile.

Key Thought

Your provision is not in your chains.

The Voice of the Enemy

Ok, this one is tricky. It seems strange to write, but it works: get the human to believe that there is provision in their chains. Yes, I know it how silly it seems. But for some reason it works. Just a couple of days ago, the human was fed up with their chains. They hated them. They were appalled. They wanted free. But all it takes is a day or two removed and you can begin to put a fondness in their heart for their captivity. Drop in thoughts like, “I hated that job, but what would I do without it?” “I was miserable in that relationship, but at least it kept me from being alone.” “I hated myself for clicking on those links, but I miss the rush of endorphins it gave me.” Yes, I know that the provision the human is looking for is not found in their chains. I know that their Father has true provision for them that brings joy and freedom rather than sin and captivity. But they don’t have to know that. Get them to think that their provision is in the Nile and put questions in their head like, “What will I do without it?”

This works because of one of our greatest secrets: the ability to counterfeit! Don’t you remember how we used this with Pharaoh? Our magicians were able to counterfeit some of Moses’s miracles. Never mind that we can’t create real things. If the humans remembered that, we would be doomed! But as long as we continue to provide counterfeit provision, we’ve got them!

The Voice of the Father

My son/my daughter, I created the needs and desires within you. I created the desire of hunger, and there is such a thing as food. I created the desire for sex, and there is such a thing as marriage. Every desire, every craving, every longing of your heart has a root of need, and I have created the fulfillment of that need. The enemy of your soul cannot create anything. He can only take what I have created and twist it for evil. He will try to twist the desire that I have given you into being met by something that will only bring you hurt and pain. I need you to trust me. You are not really craving your chains; it is simply the need that I have placed within you coming to the surface. I need for you to trust that I have the provision for that need, but we must first break the dependence on Egypt.

Questions

What need is my bondage meeting?

How is the enemy providing counterfeit provision for that need?

What would it look like for God to provide true provision for my need?

Bible

Read Exodus 7:1-13

Key Verse: Exodus 7:10

So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the Lord commanded.

Key Thought

Hope and vision will not be actualized until we take the first step.

The Voice of the Enemy

The human has hope. And they even have some vision. So what? None of that matters if they don’t walk it out. This is one of our greatest tools— to get hopes and dreams to die at the altar. Oh, I know their Father loves the altar. It’s where He speaks to them and fills them. But if we can keep that altar experience from making any difference in their lives, we win every time. Don’t you see, not only will the hopes and dreams not come to fruition, but they will begin to despise the altar, calling it “emotional nonsense” when, actually, it is us who has succeeded in keeping them from taking the practical steps. One way we can do this is by making spiritual growth seem like hard work and drudgery. Convince them it’s not worth the effort. If we get them bogged down in their growth process, it will be like it never even began.

The Voice of the Father

My son/my daughter, one of the first things I gave you was your heartbeat, and in that heartbeat is hope. Then I gave you the gift of sight, and in your sight is your vision. And then, I strengthened your legs and enabled you to take steps. You held on to an adult’s hand at first. You were wobbly and unsure. You fell. But you you got back up each time. I was at work strengthening your legs. I was giving you your balance. I was there, teaching you to walk. And I am here today doing the same. I know you feel a little wobbly, a little unsure. But place your hand in mine. One step at a time. I have given you freedom. Now let’s walk it out… together.

Questions

What “first step” can you take today that is in alignment with your hope and vision?

What would keep me from taking that first step?

Bible

Read Exodus 3

Key Verse: Exodus 3:8

So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land. It is a land flowing with milk and honey

Key Thought

God wants to give you a picture of a preferred future.

The Voice of the Enemy

I see you have failed in your attempt to keep the human from hope. That is no matter—for if we keep the seed of hope in the darkness, it will remain dormant. We must prevent that seed from seeing the light of vision. What do I mean by this? I mean that you must keep the human from seeing a picture of the future that their Father has for them. By all means, keep them from dreaming. If the seed of hope sees even a ray of light from a future dream, the seed will sprout. Lead the human to think that hope is just a feeling.

Whatever you do, keep them stuck in their yesterdays. I’d rather you keep them stuck in the pain of their past, but if you must, keep them stuck in good memories. That will also work just fine. I would much prefer they live in memories of the “the good old days” than see a picture of what their Father has for their tomorrows. If they catch a glimpse of their future, our cause is in great trouble.

The Voice of the Father

My son/ my daughter, would you allow me to show you a picture of your future? I not only want you to get your hopes up, I want you to begin to dream again. Now, don’t tell me you can’t do it. I know you did when you were young. You dreamed of being a dancer, a football player, a scientist. I give you permission to dream again. I want to give you a picture of where I am leading you and the better days ahead. I want to show you the goodness of the land I am guiding you toward. I want to show you a glimpse of My future for you.

Questions

If you woke up tomorrow morning and an angel was at the foot of you bed and said, “As of this moment, you will be completely free from ________,” what would your life look like?

What would your relationship with God look like?

What would your confidence level look like?

What would your marriage (or significant relationships) look like?

What would your parenting/children look like?

What would your ministry look like?

Bible

Read Exodus 6:1-13

Key Verse: Exodus 6:9

So Moses told the people of Israel what the Lord had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery.

Key Thought

Discouragement is the greatest tool of the enemy.

The Voice of the Enemy

(The enemy to his young demon). Here’s my plan: I want to destroy the human’s hope before it even has a chance to take root. You know how powerful hope is, don’t you? If the humans get ahold of hope, even just a tiny bit, it can be toxic to our cause. Don’t underestimate its power. We need to bring the attack full force because if the seed of hope is planted, it’s quite difficult to choke it out. Put thoughts in the humans minds like:

“Do you really think this is going to work? Go ahead! Get your hopes up… so I can dash them against the rocks just like I did last time. It’s better to have low expectations because then you can meet them every time. Remember how you felt last time you got your hopes up? Remember the disappointment with God? Remember the disappointment with yourself? How you felt like such a failure and were embarrassed to show your face in public? You thought everyone was looking at you, talking about you, judging you. You were certainly judging yourself, calling yourself ‘worthless’ and ‘a failure.’”

Do everything within your power to remind them of the brutality of their slavery. Keep their minds fixed upon their chains and their circumstances. Remind them of the people who have failed them. Remind them of every past failed attempt at freedom. Remind them of the seemingly unanswered prayers. Remind them of their weaknesses. If hope is the greatest tool of their father, then certainly discouragement is our mightiest weapon.

The Voice of the Father

My son/ my daughter, I know how the enemy is trying to discourage you. I know that he is filling your head with thoughts of past circumstances and failures. I know he is loudly reminding you of every person who has hurt and abandoned you.

I want you to know that things can change. I want you to know that you can change. I wouldn’t lie to you; I wouldn’t put promises in my Word just to fool you or trick you into getting your hopes up. I am a good Father, and a good Father would never do that to His children.

Through Christ, you are children of Abraham, children of the promise. You are heirs of hope. My words that I gave to my children thousands of years ago are still true for you today. Take a moment to read them. Read them out loud. Slowly. They are my words for you and for your future.

“I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression. I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as your very own possession. I am the Lord!’” (Exodus 6:6-8)

Questions

Where have I lost hope because of discouragement?

Will I choose to hope again?

What does God want me to be free from in 2021?

Some examples include:

• guilt and shame of past mistakes
• sinful habits
• memories of the abuse
• fear of failing
• fear of being great
• laziness and complacency
• inconsistency
• depression
• explosive anger
• unforgiveness
• negative self talk
• a fixed mindset that keeps you from trying new things
• the controlling opinions of others
• intimidation
• emotional crutch
• excuses
• financial burdens
• physical ailment
• chains of addiction
• fear
• worry and anxiety
• anything that holds you down or holds you back

I Declare My Freedom From: ____________________________________