Thoughts for Life: #91 Spiritual Mapping in the Bible

C. Peter Wagner: "Some will naturally ask whether we have any biblical warrant to do spiritual mapping.

A theological underpinning for it resolves around the concept of
the visible and the invisible, which I have mentioned (see chapter 7) [in Wagner's book, Warfare Prayer - also in my post of #84 The Visible and the Invisible.

For specific examples, at least one if given in Scripture. At one point, God spoke to Ezekiel and said,

'You also, son of man, take a clay tablet and lat it before you,
and portray on it a city, Jerusalem" (Ezek. 4:1).

On a piece of clay, the equivalent of paper in those days, Ezekiel was to draw a map. God then told him to "lay siege against it."

This is obviously not a reference to physical warfare, but to spiritual warfare. He was then to take an iron plate and put it between him and the city as it it were a wall, and he was to lay siege against that as well.

Our spiritual maps of the 1990s will not be on clay tablets. The will, no doubt, be generated by computers and printed out on color laser printers.

But I believe God wants us to be like Ezekiel and lay siege against the strongholds of the enemy whether they be in cities like Jerusalem, in neighborhoods, unreached people groups or nations as a whole.

Spiritual mapping is such a new endeavor that we do not as yet have seminary courses to train spiritual cartographers or do-it-yourself manuals for beginners.

One thing we do know, however, is that accurate spiritual mapping is based on quality historical research. Several of those who have developed some expertise in strategic-level spiritual warfare offer valuable instructions for researchers.

Tom White, for example, says

"Begin research into the ideologies, religious practices,
and cultural sins that may invite and perpetuate demonic
bondage in your locality. Cities or territories may have
distinctive spiritual atmospheres."

Discovering the original conditions on which a city was founded is helpful. This can also apply to buildings. White speaks of a Presbyterian Bible College in Taiwan that was having disturbing visitations of evil spirits at night.

Research showed that the school had been built on a Buddhist burial ground. (from White's book, The Believer's Guide to Spiritual Warfare, p. 136)

For those who are interested in more details on spiritual research methodology, I recommend books by two of the top leaders in the field, Cindy Jacobs' Possessing the Gates of the Enemy and John Dawson's Taking Our Cities for God.

Not everything is discovered by research, of course. Discernment of spirits is a spiritual gift that is extremely valuable, for through it spiritual cartographers are given special insights by the Holy Spirit.

In many cases they go together; the research triggers questions that lead to prophetic spiritual insights as interpretations of research data. As Tom White says, "Learn to ask questions and listen for the Lord's answers."

(Google image and emphasis added)

Warfare Prayer

#91 Spiritual Mapping in the Bible

By C. Peter Wagner

(pp. 152 - 154) Regal Books

Father, when it comes to discernment, we'll need help, as we seem to take things literally, which doesn't accomplish much at times. Help us see what is invisibly going on, to understand the Reality of what's important.
May our spiritual eyes become attuned to what You're seeing, so we can become more effective in our praying for situations, people and for our area.
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your guidance in allowing us to have better vision as to what's going on in the spirit world. I ask that You'll be honored in our participation in praying for Your Holy Spirit's involvement. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Prov. 9:9 "Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning."

Today’s quote: Paul E. Billheimer - "The famous 18th century preacher John Wesley said, 'God will do nothing but in answer to prayer.' (From p. 51 of his book, Destined for the Throne)

This is why S. D. Gordon, 20th century devotional writer said, 'The greatest thing anyone can do for God and for man is to pray.'

This also explains his statement. 'Prayer is striking the winning blow...service is gathering up the results.' "

Some thoughts today: Don't let disappointments become your expectation. Be surprised at what all the Lord will do in answer to your prayers!

~ God's Word, the Bible, is medicine to all our flesh. (3 John 1:2; & Is. 41:10).

~ Give God's Word preeminence. Don't neglect to read it daily.

3rd- Thursday’s post: #92 Mapping Guadalajara
C. Peter Wagner
5th- Saturday's post; In a Moment
Lee Forbes
6th- Sunday evening's post: Come, Loving Father
Debbie McEwen
8th- Tuesday's post: #93 The Devil's Corner
C. Peter Wagner