3 Ways to Know You're Under Spiritual Attack

While I was away on vacation the past two weeks, I had several nights of strong spiritual warfare. I would wake up and have to go right to the Word of God and prayer. I realized that God was allowing me to feel and understand what many in our church are currently going through.

So, this Sunday I will begin to teach how to “know when” and “win when” you are in spiritual warfare. Over the past month, many people in our church community have come under more spiritual attack than usual.This is part of the evidence that we are clearly seeing and knowing God, because we have an enemy that hates what is going on. 

Now, I’m not advocating that there’s a demon under every bush or that our sinful nature is not a huge part of this, but I do think we underestimate the kind of spiritual attack we are experiencing. So, here are three areas of spiritual warfare and the possible symptoms. When you are experiencing these things, understand you are in a battle for your soul.

1. You are being seduced and the truth is being distorted.

Possible Symptoms: You operate out of selfish ambition, you are not content in Christ or with what He’s given you, you are running to things that destroy you, you hurt people you love due to not valuing what you have, and ultimately, you are an addict; mastered by something other than Christ.

2. You are living under false religious duties. 

Possible Symptoms: You perceive yourself as a failure and are discouraged; or you perceive yourself as a success and are prideful. Your life can be like a roller coaster; sometimes feeling so accomplished and sometimes feeling like a total loser, all based on your performance and duties. You have become disconnected from the grace and kindness of God.

3. You are hurt and offended. 

Possible Symptoms: You blame others, you run, you are often angry, it is very difficult for you to trust, and you repeatedly disconnect and isolate yourself. You may wonder why you’re always the victim.

Over the next two weeks at Clarity, I will teach through these three areas of attack and how to defend yourself against them. We will be spending time in the Word of God together, learning how to win.

Have I missed an area that you are dealing with? Let me know at info@clarity.la.

Our New Pastors

We recently installed two new pastors at Clarity. This is a first for us. A special time indeed! 

Josh Kollar 

Josh K. has been with Clarity since the beginning as a part of the original team that moved from PA in 2010. In that time he has served faithfully in many different roles, all while working full time, being a husband, and being a father. Now, by God’s grace and direction, he is able to step in as our Executive Pastor. He is giving oversight to all Sunday operations and team leaders. Over the next year, Lord willing, he will assume responsibility over all administration as well. More than that, he will simply serve as a missionary and pastor to the people of West LA, bringing a keen understanding of the wisdom of God to our lives. He follows Jesus whole-heartedly along with his wife, Allison, his son, Hudson, and his soon-coming second son (due in late August).

Josh Houston

Josh H. has been connected to Clarity since early 2010 when he filled in as a drummer for one of our first events. Since then, he and Nathan developed a friendship and a sense of God’s calling to work together. Even while holding a job elsewhere, he has served as a part of our leadership and missional communities. Now, by God’s grace and direction, he is able to step in as our Associate Pastor. He is giving oversight to all of our missional communities and their leaders. He will also be a key part of our leadership community development. But more than all that, he will serve as a missionary and pastor to the people of West LA, bringing a profound gift for spiritual leadership to our lives. His heart for abiding with God and loving people is a gift to our church.

Let us pray for these pastors, encourage them, and move into this new and exciting season of blessing in our church and this city.

5 Reasons Why it Was One of My Favorite Weekends; But it’s Not Over

Live Dead Month at Clarity came to end end this week, but the live dead lifestyle has only just begun. Here are a few reasons that made last weekend so special and reminders that it’s not just about that weekend, but the entire next year and beyond: 

1. We baptized six people; the ultimate declaration of what it means to go down into our own death and come alive in the fullness and purpose of Jesus. Now we are compelled by the love of God to live out that reality together day by day as growing disciples of Jesus and as missionaries to the people of LA.

2. We are VERY close to having enough people step up to raise the $50,000 we need to plant the church in Somalia. Now we must come through with those commitments and give more as we are enabled and stirred to live by faith. God blesses us as we radically align our resources with His heart, even as we are still in need of support ourselves. Give here.

3. Missionary Will Cleveland and his family are in our hearts and now we must pray for them and the other Live Dead team members daily. Like the Facebook page for daily prayer need updates.

4. Seeds were planted for some of you to go as Live Dead missionaries to unreached people groups overseas. If that is you, your response is simple; spend extravagant time with Jesus, do what He says, be faithful today, and talk to us about next steps.

5. We move right into our next series feeling very led by the Holy Spirit into this critical issue; MONEY. We will learn the counter cultural principles that lead to the blessing of God in our finances so that we can be faithful and healthy. It is useless to have radical faith, to take massive risks, and try to move forward in power if we don’t know how to walk in His blessing. See you Sunday!