2 Timothy 2:24-26 
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

The Greek word translated "snare" (Strongs g3803) in 2nd Timothy means a trap, a trick or stratagem, a snare.  Besides catching us through unforgiveness or provoking us to sin we could say, the devil sets strategic traps and his goal is to trip us up.  In our spiritual war he has set, what I like to call, demonic  improvised evil devices (IEDs).  They are not played out just in Church but rather all throughout the seven spheres of society. His goal is to trick, deceive, entrap, wound and destroy as many people as he can using lies, deceptions, twisted facts, slander, accusation and manipulation. 

These demonic stratagems are not just one dimensional?  They are multidimensional.  The seven spheres of society are where Satan's strategies can have the widest impact especially when he can get a demonic idea codified through a law.  But the first dimension we must be prepared to engage is internal.  This is where the first battle begins.  This is why our mindset and moral compass are so important. 
​
Apostolic Warfare Wisdom
Paul, the apostle, wrote in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 saying, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled."

In my book "Structures & Strategies" I share the real meanings of the words translated "war" and "warfare." These words actually refer to the strategic function of the apostolic gift. God made the apostle for strategic thought.   Verse 5 reveals that the battle ground is actually in our minds.  Therefore, foundational apostolic teaching is extremely impotant for every believer (see Hebrews 6 Foundations) because it impacts what we think.  What we think  is really important because Proverbs 23:7 reveals that as a man thinks in his heart, so is he.  

Our thinking determines our worldview.  Our worldview impacts others. 

The spiritual war I speak of begins with you.  It begins with me.  It begins in the soul which is at war with your spirit.  The war is won by applying God's word FIRST to your own life.  Hebrews 4:12 describes how God's word is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword piercing to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and the joint and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intent of the heart.  

In this struggle you will engage strongholds of thinking and arguments  in your own mind first as it says in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  You must cast down vain imaginations and bring every thought into captivity that exalts itself against the knowledge of God.  

Only then will you be prepared to engage in this spiritual culture war in your society, effectively and with some authority. 
So, step one requires you to become proficient with your spiritual weapons, especially the word of God. 

Discernment & Judgment
2 Corinthians 2:11 reveals what I like to call spiritual IEDs.  IEDs stands for “improvised explosive devices.”  This is a tool commonly used by terrorists in today modern battlefield.  Verse 11 says, “lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices."  The Greek word translated devices is enlightening. It actually means:

• An evil thought of purpose
• a perception, i.e. purpose, or (by implication) the intellect, disposition, itself: — device, mind, thought.

I’d liken a spiritual IED to a mind trap.  It’s an “improvised evil device” meant to confuse and deceive.  The real war is fought with thoughts, ideas, concepts, perceptions and systems of thinking. That's why I said that words are used to define the lay of the land in this culture war.  

What tools or strategies does Satan use to redefine the lay of the land in this culture war?  He uses heresies, hypocrisy and heretics.  What does the Bible say these words really mean?  

• Heretic - Paul says in Titus 3:10 "A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition reject.  A heretic is a schismatic, factious follower of a false doctrine.
• Hypocrisy - In 1 Timothy 4:1-2 we find this word used in Paul's warning to Timothy about what to expect in the last days.  He was warning him about doctrines of demons.  He says, "that in the latter times, some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy.  Hypocrisy here, biblically refers to the acting of a stage player.  Pretending to play a part and using deceit.  The term translated lies however is very insightful. The Greek word means "promulgating erroneous Christian doctrine.   
• Heresies - In Galatians 5:19 you will find heresies in the company of adultery, fornications, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, murders and envy. Biblically, the word translated heresies here means a sect or heresy.  A choice, i.e. (specially) a party or (abstractly) disunion.  Olive Tree goes on to say it is the act of taking or storming a city.  Or, the capture of a city. Wow, that is so much more insightful than Dictionary.com's definition.  Heresies are systems of thoughts, ideas and doctrines used to lie, deceive, or change people's perceptions so as to divide, isolate and enable capture. 

​Creating a Faux Moral High-ground ​

By Tim Taylor Feb 27, 2020 - Yesterday I sent an email to some of our family, friends and long time partners. Rather than write an article, I thought I'd just share the email.

Dear KLI Family, Tribe, Fellow Workers & friends,
 
As you know the 1Church1Day strategy is based upon the restoration of David’s tabernacle (Acts 15:16-17 & Amos 9:11-13).  One of the results or evidences of God’s abiding presence is a harvest of souls.  Consider this 10 year testimony which is unfolding.  Just yesterday the young apostle I’ve been mentoring in India since 2009 reported the following on Facebook.  See the attached.  Recognize English is his 3rd language.  Bottom line, they are making history.  This article records how Christians now make up 30% of the population.  The article below highlights how in the last 10 years (I began mentoring Nani in 2009) the Christian population has grown from 2.5% to 5.8% (100+% church growth rate) in just 10 years and Andhra Pradesh is leading the way.
 
For context see Proof! 1Church1Day Reveals that History is in the Hands of the Praying Connected Church.    The cool thing is this growth of Christians in Andhra Pradesh is being reported in India.

This is the 10th worst persecuted nation in the world and the #1 state out of 27 in India where the Church is growing is Andhra Pradesh.  Last report I had indicated that there were 45 churches praying each month using 1Church1Day.  Last month as I understand, another 7 were added.
 
Inspired and informed by the strategy Nani’s (apostle) brother acquired a job working for a news outlet and also worked on the campaign of the 1st Christian candidate elected to office through a party formed by Christians.  So, they mobilized their prayer in response to timely spiritual intelligence and are transforming their state. 

Let’s rejoice with them and pray the other 26 states in India see and the Churches join in the India Prayer League, which is, a Kingdom League. 
 
I also want to thank you many of you who have partnered with us for so long.  This is fruit that accrues to your eternal reward (Rev 22:12 & 3 John 4-8).  

We are expecting the changes to continue, Jesus name is exalted, as Christ’s Church is united through this strategy and they continue to pray and obey.

Acts 15:16-17
‘After this I will return
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down;
I will rebuild its ruins,
And I will set it up;
So that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
Even all the Gentiles who are called by My name,
Says the Lord who does all these things.’
 
Proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom,
 
Tim Taylor, founder

By Tim Taylor February 21, 2020 - The Culture War is a Spiritual War is a series.  It picks up where Part 1 ended.  Click here.

Even though I've tried to set a different example through the years, I count myself among those who occupy the pulpit.  I want to stand in proxy and ask your forgiveness for our failure to equip and prepare you for this spiritual and cultural war we are in.  

The war began in heaven and spilled to earth in Revelation 12. Verse 9 says, “So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.”  In verse 10 he is called the accuser of the brethren and in verse 11 it describes how God’s people can overcome the attacks.  One of the three key elements is “the word of their testimony.” 
​
This is a war of words!  It’s a war between dark and light, lies and truth, Satan and our Lord Jesus Christ who was the word made flesh (John 1:1-14).

There are those who testify and speak the truth and then there are those who lie. Jesus is called the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6) and it says that no one comes to the Father except through Him.  John 8:44 reveals that Satan is the father of lies and his children are liars, deceivers or murderers. It’s what they do.
Satan needs people for their mouth, hands and feet. Otherwise, how could sin, iniquity and abominations be spread?   He works through people.  God works through people too.

Ephesians 3:9-11 reveals that it was God’s eternal plan to show forth His manifold wisdom to principalities and powers through THE CHURCH.  Why? Because there is a spiritual war taking place and the issue at hand are the souls of men and women and their eternity in heaven or in hell.

How does God show forth His manifold wisdom?  He speaks and works through people. He needs our hands, feet and tongues otherwise we could not go, we could not preach, we could not teach, we could not cast our demons and neither could  we  lay our hands upon the sick so they might be healed (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18 & Romans 10:14). 
This spiritual war, which is manifested through a cultural war, is actually a proxy war.  God works through people and Satan works through people who stand in proxy. The weapons of our warfare and not carnal (ie. natural weapons) but rather spiritual weapons.  Words are used to convey lies, evil ideas, teachings of demons as well as the truth and good doctrine. The Christian’s primary weapon, our only offensive weapon is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12, Isaiah 55:11 & Ephesians 6:17).  That my friends is the truth! 

By Tim Taylor February 21, 2020 - The Culture War is a Spiritual War is a series.  It began with a dream.

The Ambush Dream
On February 6, 2019 I had a dream.  I was part of a unit going down a trail when the ambush was sprung.  Multiple weapons and automatic fire opened up on our right.  We quickly dove behind some large rocks which provided some cover. 

Then I heard a command!  “Get on the line!”  It was repeated a number of times.  Then there was a pause followed by a loud command.  I heard, “attack.”  In the dream I remembered that this was often the best way out of an ambush.  The natural inclination is to run or hide from the threat. But a wise enemy knows this and anticipates the natural reaction and sets additional mines, traps or IEDs (improvised explosive devices). 

The last thing the enemy anticipates and the most unnatural response which requires great courage is to attack the threat.  In the dream I knew it was referring to the Church’s response over the last several decades.  For all intents and purposes, with our few exceptions of course, the Church was hiding behind cover.  Pinned down.  Ineffective.

Our enemy, Satan, working through his children like Madalyn Murray O’Hair managed to get prayer kicked out of public schools in the early 60s.  One woman, one atheist’s efforts got prayer kicked out of schools.  Where was the Church? 

In 1973 abortion, the murder of the unborn, was legalized.  Where was the Church?  The Ten Commandments began to be removed from classrooms in the early 80s.  This has been followed by increases in divorce, civil government redefining marriage so as to legalize practices the Bible calls abominations, and the list goes on.  Where was the Church? 

She’s been retreating.  I learned about the principles of war through the Navy War College.  I knew that defense only avoids, or delays defeat unless it is combined with an offensive strategy.  Offense is the only way to get victory.

The bottom line, God is calling forth a remnant who’ll come up on the line and attack the threat.  It reminds me of Joel 2 where there is an army that comes forth just before the Day of the Lord. They are a people like of whom the world has never seen.  They are a strong people set in battle array and they don’t break ranks.  The Lord gives voice before His army and the gates of Hades will not be able to withstand (Matthew 16:18) withstand or prevail against His Church.

It’s time for the real Church to arise. 

The Culture War is a Spiritual War

By Tim Taylor 2/9/2020 - I meet regularly with legislators, citizens and ministers who serve in our state's capitol. Recently some shared their eye witness reports of occutic activity being practiced in the halls of the capitol and noted the intersection between some legislation and sex trafficking. 

There was an emphasis on sex traffickers engaging the occult. Why?  It's because they want to hide their evil activities.  Think about it.  They seek to use the unbridled lust of some people and their power to exploit the young, the weak and the vulnerable so as to enslave a generation for profit.  It's about power and control motivated by selfish greed. 

This is an example of a spiritual war being waged in the family, government, healthcare, education, media and business mountains.  This spiritual war is also a cultural war.  

I'm happy to report that law makers have recognized this activity at its roots is a spiritual war.  If you want a modern example where the occult interacts with government then I'd just point you to this January 7, 2020 invitation to join "Witches Against Trump: Details on our 2020 Spell Casting Social Mixer."   I've witnessed meetings like this since 2017. Have you ever seen witches covens around the world band together in order to curse a president quarterly with a death curse?   Neither have I.  

Spiritual War in the Seven Mountains of Society
This should not come as a surprise as we see in Acts 13:8 that Elymas was a sorcerer who sought to influence a government official and to stop the gospel of the kingdom from being introduced to a whole region.  This illustrates a spiritual war that is being played out in both the "Religious" and the "Government" mountains of spheres of a society.  

It's not a new battle.  It's been going on since Revelation 12 where the angels of God expelled Satan and his fallen angels from heaven to earth.  These demonic forces have joined Satan to go and make war with the people on the earth who obey God's commands and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

At the core it is a war over truth.  The war occurs when lies are introduced contrary to the truth (Click for We've Entered the Valley of Decision).  The issue at hand are the souls of men and women and their eternal destiny in heaven or in hell.  This is serious.  Very serious don't you think? 

One of the reasons that evil people with evil agendas seek to use the occult is because they want to hide their activities in the dark.  They want to keep their secret agenda and tactics hidden.  If these are exposed they resort to using slander, lies, deceit ect... to keep their true goals hidden and the issues confused.  Satan loves confusion and confusion is one of the fruits of demonic activity.  This impacts all seven mountains of society.  For example:

I've observed a pattern for many years in the body of Christ.  Actually, I think it is a real problem.  I call it the "ation" problem. What is the "ation" problem?  It's the problem that is solved in the Transformation of a Nation equation. I would describe it as this.

Transforming a nation requires the proper or wise application of information which is the key to transformation.  Another way to say it is:

Inform-ation + Applic-ation = Transform-ation of a N-ation

I + A = TON 

The magnitude of transformation is determined by the amount of information applied wisely.

This is what I call the Transformation Equation. 

The revelation is weighty and solving it is what turns Goat Nations into Sheep Nations (Matthew 25:32-33).  

What have I observed?  
For years the Church at large hosts conferences.  We've hosted conferences.  We've attended conferences.  We've promoted conferences.  I like conferences.  However, here's the problem I observe. 

People attend conference after conference.  The goal is often to "train and equip the body of Christ."  That is an excellent and noble goal.  In my opinion. the majority of people attend the confences and don't understand the formula.  Many assume or act like getting the information was the same thing as application.  We all know, that's not true.  

What's the problem?  

By Tim Taylor:  In the last few days the coronavirus outbreak has made international headlines.  This morning I saw a prophetic word from Charlie Shamp delivered May 29, 2018.  Charlie is one of a number of prophets we've learned to watch and I'd like to say we saw this word in 2018 but we did not.  

I'd like to use this situation to illustrate what how we use prophetic words to empower the Church to pray through 1Church1Day (get your app through Itunes or Google Play).  I'll share the lessons first and then at the end I'll share Charlie's complete prophetic word.

First, prophets are a gift from God (Ephesians 4:11).  The scripture also reveals that, Amos 3:7, 
"Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets."  Ezekiel 3 and 33 reveals that the watchman is likened unto the prophet and the watchman's job is to give the people they watch over warning.  2 Chronicles 20:20 also reveals that "...Believe in the Lord your God, and you shall be established; believe His prophets, and you shall prosper.”  

Second, God speaks to other ministers and people as well but 1 Corinthians 13:9  teaches us that know one knows everything.   That is why we know in part and prophesy in part.  God made us to need each other.  That is why in the 1Church1Day app we provide a way for every person to report what they see and hear.  Secondly, we've formed councils and one of those councils is a prophet's council.  This includes prophetic intercessors and prophets who give words, watch other prophets like Charlie, and report what they see and hear.  

Third, we do 1 Corinthians 14:29 which says, let the prophets speak two or three and let the others judge. That's what we do with our councils.  We determine:

1. Is this the word of the Lord?  Yes or no?  
2. Does the character of the prophet line up with God's word?  Yes or no?
3. If it is the word of the Lord does it have a personal application, or is the word limited to a family, a people, a local church, a city, region, state or nation or beyond?  
4. Does time play a factor in the word and if so how? 
5. How should we respond to God's word?  
   1. Psalm 68:11 teaches us that when God gives us a word, He wants His people to proclaim it.  It is how His will is enforced on earth as it is in heaven.  So we determine what to proclaim.
   2. Is any other action required to respond to God's word besides prayer?  If so, what?  

What Did God Warn Us Of? 
I've observed Charlie for years and found many of his prophetic words have proven accurate.  This is just one more example and it contains some instruction from our Lord. 

Do you feel like life is getting the best of you?  Are you worn out, weary, tired, discouraged, have no joy or you've lost your motivation.  It seems like you have run out of gas.  Then your tank needs a fill up.  You need to get your tank full. 

Tank Less = Thankless
Mirriam Webster Dictionary says this about thankless.  "Not likely to obtain thanks: unappreciated."  It also means "not expressing or feeling gratitude; ungrateful." 

The Bible reveals in Proverbs 23:7 an amazing truth.  It says, "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he."  So what you think, focus, meditate upon in your inner most being AFFECTS your world.  For as you think, so are you.

Thankless is connected to think-less.  You think less about all of the good things God has done for you and focus more upon things that ultimately rob and drain your love tank. Why do I focus on your "love tank?"  It's because Galatians 5:9 reveals that faith works by love.  The key to overcoming your challenges is your faith.  

Thankful is the Key to Getting Your Tank Filled Up!

God's word says in Acts 15:16-17 and in Amos 9:11-13 that in the latter days God would rebuild David's tabernacle and set it up so the rest of mankind could seek the Lord.  The restoration of David's tabernacle is the key to the end time harvest.

Now, when I say David's tabernacle, I'm not talking about the literal tabernacle.  You see the main thing was not the tent as much as it was what King David did to make God's abiding presence welcome on MT Zion, in the city of Jerusalem in Israel.  He tasked the Levites, who are a type of the five-fold ministry, with the responsibility or organizing teams of people to offer up continual prayer, praise and worship.  By continual I mean 24/7/365 prayer, praise and worship.

Why?  Because David and the leaders determined in 1 Chronicles 13:2, that God's abiding presence was essential to their success and survival.  Therefore, they sought to make God's presence welcome by recreating the atmosphere of heaven on earth through continual prayer, praise and worship.  

God's plan is for His house to be a house of prayer for all nations.  

Isaiah 56:7
Even them I will bring to My holy mountain, And make them joyful in My house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices Will be accepted on My altar;
For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

The house of prayer is God's vision.  I sincerely believe that what David did his tabernacle on MT Zion was the blue print for this house of prayer.  That's what 1Church1Day is all about.  Mobilizing, coordinating, facilitating teams of teams such that continual prayer, praise and worship is offered up in a city, region, county, state or nation. 

Three Critical Elements Found in David's Pattern 

1. The king and the leaders both civil and religious decided God's presence was absolutely essential.  1 Chronicles 13:2
2. The whole process was kicked off and maintained with extravagant worship.  2 Samuel 6:13
3. The first thing the King did once it was set up is he delivered his first Psalm to Asaph.  1 Chronicles 16:7

In Hebraic culture kings and elders sat in the gates and made decisions with prophets giving God's counsel.  Elders consisted of civil and religious leaders.  These leaders decided to bring back God's presence. 

The second part of these three critical elements I rarely emphasize but it is a vital part.  In 2nd Samuel 6 David begins to bring back the ark of the God on a new cart.  They are thousands of people along with lots of instruments, singing etc. But it did not work as when the ox stumbled Uzzah put out his hand to steady the ark.  He died.  David had to leave the ark of the Lord in the house of Obed-Edom for three months until they had consulted the Lord on the right way to handle God's presence.  

We find two things in 1 Chronicles 15 and 2 Samuel 6:13-18.  First, the ark of the Lord had to be carried on the shoulders of the Levites.  The second thing that was missing was offerings.  David began the second successful attempt with offerings.