Experience is a comb that is given to you, when you have already lost you hair.
-Giorgos Zambetas, Greek musician
Buying a new car? It always seems that when you set out to find something new, the old suddenly feels different. Some of us can hardly stand to get into that old beater car knowing that a new one will be parked in the garage soon. Others of us have unhealthy emotional attachment to everything and when we start shopping we have thoughts like "That spring sticking in my leg every day isn't so bad" or "It really doesn't matter that the door flies open on corners. It's only happened a time or two or twelve." The motor sound better, the ride seems smoother. Why were we looking for a new car anyway?
I know people who wear watches that don't work because they love them or they go with the bracelet and necklace they are wearing. We can't laugh when our favorite pair of sweats has a rip in a really revealing spot, but the new pair is stuck in a drawer, or still in the bag with the receipt. What is the fear here? Anyone who doesn't have a little of this attachment to the familiar in their life probably doesn't understand why abused women stay with their men. It's familiar. You learn to survive that way and you know what's coming.
There are those who don't do any of this and don't understand how anyone could, but when Jesus calls they stay with what they know. Maybe that wasn't Jesus? Maybe that's the enemy trying to talk me into doing something I'm not supposed to do. We stay with the old. We never step out and take the risk.
Healing? When we break an arm or have a surgery we can't heal fast enough, but what about the heart. There are old wounds that people do not want to face. Staying in the familiar pit of depression and anxiety are easier than taking those steps to get out. I have recently realized that I do this to a degree. Change is hard. Harder for some than others. Is it the enemy trying to convince us not to dig up the garbage from the past? He doesn't want us healed, so it may be. He wants us to stay buried in our junk so we don't get out and do what God has for us. Sometimes I think it's fear. Whether it is fear whispered in our ear by the enemy or flesh fear of having to let go of the familiar. It's a strong weapon against healing.
Some times God asks us to do things and we don't see the importance of it, so we choose the easy route and stay safe. We say "No" to God. We have no idea what we may be missing out on. Even bigger than that, we have no idea what we are keeping from others. To not follow God's will in any given situation could deprive someone we don't even know a showing of God's love. An example of this, happened over a year ago. I went to a meeting on human trafficking. It was quite an accomplishment for me to show up in that room all by myself. I was so nervous. The enemy tried to stop me, but I had a determination that day. I was not about to let him win. The meeting was about a couple starting a home to get prostituted women off the street. What they are doing is absolutely incredible and it is the love Christ wants us to show each other. In all my fear, sitting there, I decided to take one more punch at the enemy and introduce myself to the couple. God has taken that act of courage and blessed me and will bless others. I had no idea that anything would come of it, beyond a slap at the enemy. But, now I have gone through raining and will go through more to be a mentor for these women. The word itself scares me, but I know this is God's will. To share my story and what God has done in my life to broken women is my purpose. God is still showing me deep hurts and wounds and mostly truth. Who knows what will come of this. I feel like it's a training ground for the bigger things God has for me. If I wouldn't have stepped out of my comfort zone that day, I probably wouldn't even be talking about mentoring these women.
The thing I have learned is when we share our wounds, we heal. Teachers learn from students. When we reach out and share where we have been with a broken person, our healing accelerates. So park the junker and climb in a new vehicle. Out of my will, safety and fear and into the life God has for me. With each step my fear fades and my faith grows. This whole mentoring thing is out of my zone, but it's right smack dab in the middle of God's will, which is the zone I want to be in.
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
― Mother Teresa
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Journaling
God is the perfect poet. ~Robert Browning
Until I was an adult, History was not my favorite subject. Then I took a renaissance history class at the community college and I was amazed by my interest. It was actually studying Martin Luther that caught my attention. I couldn't get enough. Since then I realize, I love history. There is so much to learn from it. The Bible is the greatest history lesson of all. There is a reason every story was told there. There is so much to learn.
I have had several people suggest journaling to me. How boring. Writing down the days events? What did I even eat for dinner? Are you serious? But I see this differently now. In the attempt to write my story, I have gone back through thousands of emails sent back and forth between me and Dave. It's amazing what I have learned by going back. They say hindsight is 20/20.
When I go back and read the emails I see me on a merry-go-round asking repeatedly, "Why am I not getting anywhere?" Well, get off the merry-go-round. I continually went in circles looking for a place to get off, but afraid to make the step into change. Maybe a "right" turn instead of that continual left? It's almost comical for me, probably not so much for Dave.
There were times of demonic attack that I thought I was losing my mind and it's difficult to go back and read those emails. Shoot, some of them don't even make sense. But also what I see are patterns. These patterns consist of attacks before blessings. The size of the attack seems to be in line with the size of the bigger blessing. There were many times also that the blessings came before the attacks and probably were the biggest reason I survived it.
Writing the story of your life is also a huge history lesson. I have seen many times that the hand of God had to be on me. It's the only way I could survive. I see patterns of behavior with the same outcome every time, followed by the same questions, "Why? Why God are you doing this to me?" It's embarrassingly comical.
Recently I felt like God was telling me something, but because people didn't agree that the message was valid, I decided I was wrong. It must be the enemy. When I gave up and decided I had made a major mistake, God took me back to two dreams He had given me over a year ago and explained them to me. I was right. He was saying what I thought He was saying. I went back and dug up the emails for the details and it was amazing the accuracy of how the dream lined up with what I was hearing now.
In the last days we will have visions and dreams. These are ways that God can talk to us. I have asked specifically for dreams and He has shown up. Often times He gives us visions and dreams long before the actual event happens. This is one of the reasons journaling is beneficial. I can go back through these emails and see how he was confirming back then what was going to happen today. History is a good predictor of the future ... unless you change it.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Manipulation = Lies
“I also visited several healing meetings... and became angry with what appeared to be the manipulation of people for the material gains of the faith healer... Dressing like sideshow barkers. Pushing people over and calling it the power of God. And money - they were always asking for more, leading people to believe that if they gave they would be healed..." - John Wimber”
I have six grandchildren from 1 year to 10 years old. It's funny how much their ... let's call it naughtiness... amuses me. It wasn't as amusing when it was my kids behaving in such ways, but grand kids are different. Okay, they aren't different, I am. In some ways I have more patience and in others I have none. Take a car seat for instance, what an irritatingly complicated tangled mess of buckles and straps. To get a little one in or out of the car is a nightmare. I do much better with the ones old enough that all I have to do is ask, "Are you buckled?"
What also amuses me is the different ways they demand attention. The second to the youngest is almost three. When he wants me to look at something or repair a toy, he shoves it in my face or forces it into my hand. There is no asking. When I am talking to someone else and he decides it's time for me to focus on him, he will grab my face and turn it to face him. I laugh, though if an adult was to do this to me, my ears would get hot with irritation. He will also grab my hand and start leading me where he needs me to be to fulfill his want, for instance, the snack drawer.
Not that I like comparing my grand babies to the enemy, but it works as far as manipulation and/or distraction. One difference is: with the grand kids it's their maturity that is important to change their behavior, but with the enemy it is our maturity that changes our behavior. As the grand kids get older the way they demand attention changes. They may learn to raise their voice, cry, or as my oldest granddaughter does, lay their head against me and sigh. A sad face is sure to get grandma's attention. Most days it works, but others it irritates. Who wants to be manipulated?
I can wait to see how they work me as teenagers. I have a had a few bioteens and stepteens. I have seen it all, but I have some intelligent and creative grandbabies so this could get entertaining. The enemy has been entertaining. He used to boldly throw in my face my mistakes, temptations and addictions. He used to demand my attention and take my hand and I followed to comply with whatever mess he wanted to bury me in. Now, he is a little more sneaky. He throws out things in front of me I didn't even know I wanted. In fact if asked, I would have said, "No interest, thanks."
Addictions. Our little cycles of deceit. I can honestly say the desire for alcohol rarely, if ever crosses my mind any more. I might think I would like a drink, but quickly realize, I am looking for an escape. Maybe that escape I am looking for is from stress or even boredom, but I see it, admit it, and the desire leaves. Lately, the addiction I am fighting more than I have in years is food. Yep, I like some food. Food is a difficult addiction because you can go your whole life without alcohol, but food is a whole different bag of cookies. I have found I battle it more since the kids are gone and most nights, I have only myself to feed. Drive though windows are a curse. When you write, you sit too much also. Then the enemy opens up the snack drawer and a little depression jumps out at you.
Focus, we need to focus, right? Self discipline. It's easier when the enemy slaps something in my hand he wants me to pay attention to. I can throw it down and say "No way". But when like a teen he just leaves it on the counter in front of me in a bag marked Oreos, it's a little more difficult to see the temptation, the sin, the addiction, the crime in it.
As we get close to God, He is going to reveal things in our life that aren't pretty. We will see the patterns of bitterness, anger, manipulation and hurt that have cycled in our relationships. - Chip Ingram
I have six grandchildren from 1 year to 10 years old. It's funny how much their ... let's call it naughtiness... amuses me. It wasn't as amusing when it was my kids behaving in such ways, but grand kids are different. Okay, they aren't different, I am. In some ways I have more patience and in others I have none. Take a car seat for instance, what an irritatingly complicated tangled mess of buckles and straps. To get a little one in or out of the car is a nightmare. I do much better with the ones old enough that all I have to do is ask, "Are you buckled?"
What also amuses me is the different ways they demand attention. The second to the youngest is almost three. When he wants me to look at something or repair a toy, he shoves it in my face or forces it into my hand. There is no asking. When I am talking to someone else and he decides it's time for me to focus on him, he will grab my face and turn it to face him. I laugh, though if an adult was to do this to me, my ears would get hot with irritation. He will also grab my hand and start leading me where he needs me to be to fulfill his want, for instance, the snack drawer.
Not that I like comparing my grand babies to the enemy, but it works as far as manipulation and/or distraction. One difference is: with the grand kids it's their maturity that is important to change their behavior, but with the enemy it is our maturity that changes our behavior. As the grand kids get older the way they demand attention changes. They may learn to raise their voice, cry, or as my oldest granddaughter does, lay their head against me and sigh. A sad face is sure to get grandma's attention. Most days it works, but others it irritates. Who wants to be manipulated?
I can wait to see how they work me as teenagers. I have a had a few bioteens and stepteens. I have seen it all, but I have some intelligent and creative grandbabies so this could get entertaining. The enemy has been entertaining. He used to boldly throw in my face my mistakes, temptations and addictions. He used to demand my attention and take my hand and I followed to comply with whatever mess he wanted to bury me in. Now, he is a little more sneaky. He throws out things in front of me I didn't even know I wanted. In fact if asked, I would have said, "No interest, thanks."
Addictions. Our little cycles of deceit. I can honestly say the desire for alcohol rarely, if ever crosses my mind any more. I might think I would like a drink, but quickly realize, I am looking for an escape. Maybe that escape I am looking for is from stress or even boredom, but I see it, admit it, and the desire leaves. Lately, the addiction I am fighting more than I have in years is food. Yep, I like some food. Food is a difficult addiction because you can go your whole life without alcohol, but food is a whole different bag of cookies. I have found I battle it more since the kids are gone and most nights, I have only myself to feed. Drive though windows are a curse. When you write, you sit too much also. Then the enemy opens up the snack drawer and a little depression jumps out at you.
Focus, we need to focus, right? Self discipline. It's easier when the enemy slaps something in my hand he wants me to pay attention to. I can throw it down and say "No way". But when like a teen he just leaves it on the counter in front of me in a bag marked Oreos, it's a little more difficult to see the temptation, the sin, the addiction, the crime in it.
As we get close to God, He is going to reveal things in our life that aren't pretty. We will see the patterns of bitterness, anger, manipulation and hurt that have cycled in our relationships. - Chip Ingram
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Lost Children?
“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.”
― Confucius
I was visiting with a friend yesterday, when her daughter approached to say she was leaving to drop off a few job applications and go for a job interview. My friend took the pile of applications her daughter held and prayed over them. One thing she asked God for really stood out to me. "Lord, have these people see my daughter as I see her." Powerful statement. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the world could see our kids through our eyes? We know the struggles they have suffered through, the wins and the losses. We have seen them when they are sick, when they triumph over a long battle and when they cry over deep hurts. We have more of a complete picture than any person who would meet them on the street today or even any teacher who sits through class with them or even that best friend of many years. We see when they have to fake feelings for others sake and we see them in trials so great every true characteristic cannot be hidden. We have seen them at their worst and we have seen them at their best.
I admire people who are the same in every part of their life. That person who is the same at work as he is at church. He is the same at play as he is beside the bed of a dying friend. Real people. I love real people. You can depend on them.
We only get glimpses into each others lives. Maybe we know somebody from seeing them once a week at church. More times than not this is probably not a clear example of who they really are. The person we see at work who is in charge of many, may not be the same bossy person at home with his children. There is life and death in words. We may have heard words spoken by someone that changed our whole view of who they are, but should we do this if we are unaware of the hidden battles they are facing?
We are supposed to see everyone through the eyes of Jesus. Regardless of skin color, height, weight, smile or frown, if we could truly see each other as Jesus sees us wouldn't this be a different world. I have known people in my life who come across to others as very angry, judgmental and selfish, but I know their battle. I know what their childhood was like, the losses they have suffered and the things they have gone without. I defend them with words that basically say, "Look at them through my eyes."
Our own experiences also feed what we see. Some people see an old beat up car sitting behind a garage. Other people see that same car as a classic. They see that there is no rust, the body is straight with no damage from previous accidents, and imagine it with a paint job and nice wheels. Some people see an old house as an eyesore that should be torn down, while the next person sees a sturdy foundation, walls that need paint and see that a wrap around porch would change a box of a building into a warm and inviting home. They can walk into the building and almost hear the voices of children playing and families gathering and the smell of dinner on the stove.
We have heard of active listening. Shouldn't we engage in active seeing? This is easier for some than others, maybe even a gift. I have watched programs about neighborhoods that are banding together to get prostitutes out of their area. They chase them down with cameras and try to expose them and the men who pay for them. It often times works, but what if they saw this from a different angle? What if they saw a prostituted person as Jesus sees them. Most likely they were sexually abused as children. Most often they don't want to be selling their bodies and they are forced by parents, pimps, or need. Jesus loves them.
We tend be irritated by those "other" religions that show up at our door trying to convince us that they know the truth. Are we supposed to slam the door in their faces? Or are we supposed to show them the love that we would show a lost child? How does Jesus see them? They are God's lost children, waiting to be found. The prostituted, the deceived, the misinformed are all God's lost children and aren't we suppose to lead them back to their Father? We would, if they were toddlers lost in a mall, wouldn't we?
Another thing to take into consideration is the spiritual warfare we are all facing whether we want to acknowledge it or not. That same friend, when speaking about her husband stated, "When I think it is his flesh that is causing his behavior, I tend to get angry with him, but when I think of the demonic influence he may be under, then my anger is aimed at the true enemy." Back to the lost child at the mall, do we see that crying toddler as a misbehaving child who has purposefully wandered away from his father? Or a truly lost child? What if a predator was taking this opportunity to grab a hold of that child? Then we would be sure to step in. Or would we, even then?
If we saw the world through the supernatural eyes of Jesus, what would change in our lives? We are children, His children. We are struggling. We are all fighting our battles, the war. We are all worth dying for, according to our Father. If you don't feel close enough to Him to see His children through His eyes, just start your next prayer a little more personal and call Him Daddy and just see what happens in your heart.
“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone one who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
― Anonymous, Holy Bible: New Testament: The King James Version
― Confucius
I was visiting with a friend yesterday, when her daughter approached to say she was leaving to drop off a few job applications and go for a job interview. My friend took the pile of applications her daughter held and prayed over them. One thing she asked God for really stood out to me. "Lord, have these people see my daughter as I see her." Powerful statement. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the world could see our kids through our eyes? We know the struggles they have suffered through, the wins and the losses. We have seen them when they are sick, when they triumph over a long battle and when they cry over deep hurts. We have more of a complete picture than any person who would meet them on the street today or even any teacher who sits through class with them or even that best friend of many years. We see when they have to fake feelings for others sake and we see them in trials so great every true characteristic cannot be hidden. We have seen them at their worst and we have seen them at their best.
I admire people who are the same in every part of their life. That person who is the same at work as he is at church. He is the same at play as he is beside the bed of a dying friend. Real people. I love real people. You can depend on them.
We only get glimpses into each others lives. Maybe we know somebody from seeing them once a week at church. More times than not this is probably not a clear example of who they really are. The person we see at work who is in charge of many, may not be the same bossy person at home with his children. There is life and death in words. We may have heard words spoken by someone that changed our whole view of who they are, but should we do this if we are unaware of the hidden battles they are facing?
We are supposed to see everyone through the eyes of Jesus. Regardless of skin color, height, weight, smile or frown, if we could truly see each other as Jesus sees us wouldn't this be a different world. I have known people in my life who come across to others as very angry, judgmental and selfish, but I know their battle. I know what their childhood was like, the losses they have suffered and the things they have gone without. I defend them with words that basically say, "Look at them through my eyes."
Our own experiences also feed what we see. Some people see an old beat up car sitting behind a garage. Other people see that same car as a classic. They see that there is no rust, the body is straight with no damage from previous accidents, and imagine it with a paint job and nice wheels. Some people see an old house as an eyesore that should be torn down, while the next person sees a sturdy foundation, walls that need paint and see that a wrap around porch would change a box of a building into a warm and inviting home. They can walk into the building and almost hear the voices of children playing and families gathering and the smell of dinner on the stove.
We have heard of active listening. Shouldn't we engage in active seeing? This is easier for some than others, maybe even a gift. I have watched programs about neighborhoods that are banding together to get prostitutes out of their area. They chase them down with cameras and try to expose them and the men who pay for them. It often times works, but what if they saw this from a different angle? What if they saw a prostituted person as Jesus sees them. Most likely they were sexually abused as children. Most often they don't want to be selling their bodies and they are forced by parents, pimps, or need. Jesus loves them.
We tend be irritated by those "other" religions that show up at our door trying to convince us that they know the truth. Are we supposed to slam the door in their faces? Or are we supposed to show them the love that we would show a lost child? How does Jesus see them? They are God's lost children, waiting to be found. The prostituted, the deceived, the misinformed are all God's lost children and aren't we suppose to lead them back to their Father? We would, if they were toddlers lost in a mall, wouldn't we?
Another thing to take into consideration is the spiritual warfare we are all facing whether we want to acknowledge it or not. That same friend, when speaking about her husband stated, "When I think it is his flesh that is causing his behavior, I tend to get angry with him, but when I think of the demonic influence he may be under, then my anger is aimed at the true enemy." Back to the lost child at the mall, do we see that crying toddler as a misbehaving child who has purposefully wandered away from his father? Or a truly lost child? What if a predator was taking this opportunity to grab a hold of that child? Then we would be sure to step in. Or would we, even then?
If we saw the world through the supernatural eyes of Jesus, what would change in our lives? We are children, His children. We are struggling. We are all fighting our battles, the war. We are all worth dying for, according to our Father. If you don't feel close enough to Him to see His children through His eyes, just start your next prayer a little more personal and call Him Daddy and just see what happens in your heart.
“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is from God; everyone one who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
― Anonymous, Holy Bible: New Testament: The King James Version
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Change?
There is a certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse! As I have often found in travelling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to shift one's position, and be bruised in a new place. ~Washington Irving
Change!! The Lord has been really talking to me about accepting change and though on the surface I get excited about new things, in my gut I cringe at the thought of change. I have found that it's in the places that we find security that we hate change. God is where we are to get our security and He tells us that He never changes. I'm seeing why He made a point to share this bit of information with us.
Often times looking to the familiar is where we find comfort instead of the Holy Spirit. I have a huge issue with this. I love familiar. I like to sit in the same place at the same time in the same building. I like to eat the same food every time I go to the same restaurant. I like the same clothes. I drive the same routes. Abused people do not like surprises. I once verbally abused a man for surprising me with flowers at work. Actually, this has happened more than one time. I don't like surprises, even if they are good. Abused people like to know what is coming, because life is a game of survival and usually with surprises comes pain.
Recently I feel like the Lord said to me, "You will have to be willing to let go of the familiar to truly follow me." This makes sense if I look at all the places he has taken me so far. Expect the unexpected with Christ. As I grow, scripture changes. Not what is written, but what it means to me. Scripture is a lot like an onion, the deeper you dig into the more the tears fall, but they are healing tears. Sometimes the meaning of scripture changes to me when I hear the original translation. I actually chuckled when I heard the Hebrew translation for the word "all". Get this - it's "all". That's a big small word.
Growth is change and often times it's scary. I finally understand why. With growth comes responsibility. When we are children, hopefully we learn how to treat people, but with that comes a responsibility to act out what we have learned. For instance, I don't bite people anymore, even if the urge arises. One of the most difficult things we have to do as babies is give up the bottle, the milk. I think many Christians understand that, because it's easier to have the pastor give us the milk than to dig into the bible and find our own meat. This is where we realize that growth brings responsibility. Is God going to expect more from me? Will I have to give more? Will it become all about Him and not about me?
I had a conversation with a friend last night and we were comparing notes on the things people have said to us. "Is that all you talk about? God, church, God, church?" Pretty much. Every moment of my day right now is about Him. Learning more, talking to Him, praying for others, encouraging others. What happens with growth is the way I see the world. It's no longer, "How does this affect me?" but more often, "What can I do for You?" God gave me a picture a while back of a bathtub. It was full of water and I could barely tell that it was draining. He said, "The water represents time." Suddenly it was starting to swirl. I knew what He was saying is that time is running out. Even if we are on this earth for 1000 more years, that neighbor who is an unbeliever may only be here three more days. I went through a real sense of urgency for a while. How are we going to reach all these people. I personally, do not want to see one person burn in Hell. I really don't. But, I can't reach them all.
God has a plan to reach them through each of us. I truly believe that what He is asking us to do is grow through the garbage in our past so we can get busy helping others see their future. Not only the unbelievers who need to see where they are headed, but the believer's who have a calling on their lives to reach others, but they're busy wiping their milk moustaches on their sleeves. So, is God all I talk about? Yep. He is my Advisor, my Counselor, My Protector, my Guide, my Comforter, my Father, my Papa, my Dad, He is my Way, my Truth and my Life. He is my Present. He is my Future. For those who get tired of hearing about it, He is also the Life Preserver I throw to others and someone you know just might be drowning one day.
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
New International Version (NIV)
50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”[a]
55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”[b]
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Change!! The Lord has been really talking to me about accepting change and though on the surface I get excited about new things, in my gut I cringe at the thought of change. I have found that it's in the places that we find security that we hate change. God is where we are to get our security and He tells us that He never changes. I'm seeing why He made a point to share this bit of information with us.
Often times looking to the familiar is where we find comfort instead of the Holy Spirit. I have a huge issue with this. I love familiar. I like to sit in the same place at the same time in the same building. I like to eat the same food every time I go to the same restaurant. I like the same clothes. I drive the same routes. Abused people do not like surprises. I once verbally abused a man for surprising me with flowers at work. Actually, this has happened more than one time. I don't like surprises, even if they are good. Abused people like to know what is coming, because life is a game of survival and usually with surprises comes pain.
Recently I feel like the Lord said to me, "You will have to be willing to let go of the familiar to truly follow me." This makes sense if I look at all the places he has taken me so far. Expect the unexpected with Christ. As I grow, scripture changes. Not what is written, but what it means to me. Scripture is a lot like an onion, the deeper you dig into the more the tears fall, but they are healing tears. Sometimes the meaning of scripture changes to me when I hear the original translation. I actually chuckled when I heard the Hebrew translation for the word "all". Get this - it's "all". That's a big small word.
Growth is change and often times it's scary. I finally understand why. With growth comes responsibility. When we are children, hopefully we learn how to treat people, but with that comes a responsibility to act out what we have learned. For instance, I don't bite people anymore, even if the urge arises. One of the most difficult things we have to do as babies is give up the bottle, the milk. I think many Christians understand that, because it's easier to have the pastor give us the milk than to dig into the bible and find our own meat. This is where we realize that growth brings responsibility. Is God going to expect more from me? Will I have to give more? Will it become all about Him and not about me?
I had a conversation with a friend last night and we were comparing notes on the things people have said to us. "Is that all you talk about? God, church, God, church?" Pretty much. Every moment of my day right now is about Him. Learning more, talking to Him, praying for others, encouraging others. What happens with growth is the way I see the world. It's no longer, "How does this affect me?" but more often, "What can I do for You?" God gave me a picture a while back of a bathtub. It was full of water and I could barely tell that it was draining. He said, "The water represents time." Suddenly it was starting to swirl. I knew what He was saying is that time is running out. Even if we are on this earth for 1000 more years, that neighbor who is an unbeliever may only be here three more days. I went through a real sense of urgency for a while. How are we going to reach all these people. I personally, do not want to see one person burn in Hell. I really don't. But, I can't reach them all.
God has a plan to reach them through each of us. I truly believe that what He is asking us to do is grow through the garbage in our past so we can get busy helping others see their future. Not only the unbelievers who need to see where they are headed, but the believer's who have a calling on their lives to reach others, but they're busy wiping their milk moustaches on their sleeves. So, is God all I talk about? Yep. He is my Advisor, my Counselor, My Protector, my Guide, my Comforter, my Father, my Papa, my Dad, He is my Way, my Truth and my Life. He is my Present. He is my Future. For those who get tired of hearing about it, He is also the Life Preserver I throw to others and someone you know just might be drowning one day.
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
New International Version (NIV)
50 I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. 51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— 52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”[a]
55 “Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?”[b]
56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Prisoners? Love them!
“It is said that no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails. A nation should not be judged by how it treats its highest citizens, but its lowest ones.”
― Nelson Mandela
Throughout the Bible we read about prison. Whether we want to admit it or not we have all spent time in our own prisons where the walls can be built from, pain, addiction or bitterness to name a few of the building materials we use. At any time, we can find freedom from our prisons through healing and forgiveness. There are prisoners who will never feel freedom, unless God steps in.
The enemy often times tries to use our own gifts against us. I can't help but think of Joseph and his coat of many colors. This was a gift from his father. Did he handle it correctly or show it off? Did he appreciate the love he received with the gift or immaturely focus on the pride of being his father's favorite? I find it interesting that his brothers chose that coat to convince his father he was dead. They covered it in blood and led him to believe Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Years later in the palace he was thrown in prison over a coat left behind at a fabricated, attempted rape scene.
The enemy tries to turn things around on us. For instance a person with a gift to speak has to go through "mouth training" and often times it is his mouth used against him by the enemy. How many gifted, very intelligent people are sitting in prison, sometimes because of their gifts. I'm thinking of white collar crime. Sometimes creative and intelligent people are tempted into committing crimes which keep them from using their gifts in the world, but God can turn it around. How many times through the bible have we heard of the awesome situations that happen while God's people sat in prison? Jesus was even crucified between two criminals. Joseph was released from prison because a fellow prisoner did not forget him.
It's easy to focus on our mistakes and see how the enemy has turned the good things in our lives against us, but we can't forget that more often God turns the bad things the enemy does in our lives for our benefit. More importantly to Glorify Him. Love is the tool most often used to free us from our self made or maintained walls.
I watched a documentary recently that touched me to such a degree, I had to purchase it to share. The Angola Prison in Louisiana has developed a Hospice for dying prisoners. The hospice workers are all volunteers, not from the free world, but from within the prison. Prisoners caring for prisoners. The love that develops and heals is amazing. The people who are changed are the volunteers. They are changed because they decide to love. There are murderers changing the diapers of drug dealers and changing their own lives by doing it. It was one of the most touching films I have ever watched and I grew to love the volunteers as well as the men they were caring for. One of the most touching scenes involved two brother. The youngest had followed in his big brother's footsteps and they were both sentenced to life in Angola. The youngest was dying in the hospice unit. There was a moment when the warden brought the older brother in to see his dying brother and they prayed together with two of the volunteers. It messed me up. Love is powerful and I can guarantee the enemy is not happy with these locked up people loving each other. If you get a chance watch it. You will be moved. Nobody is too far gone to be loved and set free by it.
― Nelson Mandela
Throughout the Bible we read about prison. Whether we want to admit it or not we have all spent time in our own prisons where the walls can be built from, pain, addiction or bitterness to name a few of the building materials we use. At any time, we can find freedom from our prisons through healing and forgiveness. There are prisoners who will never feel freedom, unless God steps in.
The enemy often times tries to use our own gifts against us. I can't help but think of Joseph and his coat of many colors. This was a gift from his father. Did he handle it correctly or show it off? Did he appreciate the love he received with the gift or immaturely focus on the pride of being his father's favorite? I find it interesting that his brothers chose that coat to convince his father he was dead. They covered it in blood and led him to believe Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Years later in the palace he was thrown in prison over a coat left behind at a fabricated, attempted rape scene.
The enemy tries to turn things around on us. For instance a person with a gift to speak has to go through "mouth training" and often times it is his mouth used against him by the enemy. How many gifted, very intelligent people are sitting in prison, sometimes because of their gifts. I'm thinking of white collar crime. Sometimes creative and intelligent people are tempted into committing crimes which keep them from using their gifts in the world, but God can turn it around. How many times through the bible have we heard of the awesome situations that happen while God's people sat in prison? Jesus was even crucified between two criminals. Joseph was released from prison because a fellow prisoner did not forget him.
It's easy to focus on our mistakes and see how the enemy has turned the good things in our lives against us, but we can't forget that more often God turns the bad things the enemy does in our lives for our benefit. More importantly to Glorify Him. Love is the tool most often used to free us from our self made or maintained walls.
I watched a documentary recently that touched me to such a degree, I had to purchase it to share. The Angola Prison in Louisiana has developed a Hospice for dying prisoners. The hospice workers are all volunteers, not from the free world, but from within the prison. Prisoners caring for prisoners. The love that develops and heals is amazing. The people who are changed are the volunteers. They are changed because they decide to love. There are murderers changing the diapers of drug dealers and changing their own lives by doing it. It was one of the most touching films I have ever watched and I grew to love the volunteers as well as the men they were caring for. One of the most touching scenes involved two brother. The youngest had followed in his big brother's footsteps and they were both sentenced to life in Angola. The youngest was dying in the hospice unit. There was a moment when the warden brought the older brother in to see his dying brother and they prayed together with two of the volunteers. It messed me up. Love is powerful and I can guarantee the enemy is not happy with these locked up people loving each other. If you get a chance watch it. You will be moved. Nobody is too far gone to be loved and set free by it.
Enemy x3
“It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such men lived.”
― George S. Patton Jr.
I believe in these days the attack on the believer is bigger than ever. The enemy knows he has lost this war. I believe he is making a last ditch effort for the jugular. I think the tests that are coming are big. I have been watching "The Bible" series on the history channel and several things have stood out to me and I am forced to ask myself how I would have acted in some of those situations.
We have heard these stories many times over the years and we no longer realize the magnitude until it is acted out on the screen and sometimes we still don't see it. When all the people bowed to King Nebuchadnezzar and we see Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego standing tall in the middle of a crowd of people who are on their faces, it took my breath. I would like to believe that I am the kind of person who would be standing with them, but I can't honestly say I would be that brave. They knew they would be thrown in the fiery furnace. This story has always stood out to me. I have learned in the last months that whenever I step out in obedience and faith God shows up. (I don't even smell like smoke.)
The enemy hates us, but don't you think every time he loses that hatred grows, frustration grows, and urgency grows when he knows he is close to the end. He has come against the Church and many churches have closed their doors. I can't help but think of the three strand cord. The enemy imitates God as much and as often as he can. With the attacks on 9/11 for instance, it stands out to me that he used 3 planes. The number 3 represents divine perfection. Here are some examples;
Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
God - Omnipotent (all powerful), Omnipresent (all present), and Omniscient ( all knowing)
Jesus - The Way, The Truth, and The Life
Universe - Time, space, and matter.
Human ability - Thought, word and deed
Locations - Heaven, Earth, and Hell
In the enemy's effort to imitate Christ it would make sense that he would recognize the power in the number three. I have read that he often uses a combination of three demonic spirits together. For example let's say he would use the spirit of familiarity with the spirit of perversion and the spirit of heaviness. Make sense? If we were to look for comfort in the familiar, then fall into the temptation of the perverse, and then beat our selves up with the spirit of heaviness a vicious cycle begins. I think most addicts would agree. The longer we stay in this cycle, the deeper it is ingrained and even when the spirits are cast out, we have formed habits that are more difficult to break. Because of our emotional attachment, I believe it is easy to unknowingly and/or unwillingly invite the spirits back.
Many times the bible warns us of false prophets. Isn't that an imitation? The gifts are important and I believe the enemy imitates them to scare believers away from using them and/or trusting the people who do. This is why it's so important to develop the ability to hear God. We have to stay in a close relationship with Him and know His voice along with His written Word to protect ourselves from the enemy. We also have to remember who the true enemy is. Many times in the bible when the word "enemy" is mentioned people think of the last person to come against them. More times than not, I believe He is talking about the demonic world.
If the enemy uses the strength of a three strand cord, I'm wondering if the battle with the flesh, the world, and the demonic is a tactic of his. The enemy whispers a suggestion in our ear, the flesh says, "That would feel good." and the world says, "It's okay by my standards." I believe he uses all three together. I find it interesting that the word tribulation begins with - tri.
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
― George S. Patton Jr.
I believe in these days the attack on the believer is bigger than ever. The enemy knows he has lost this war. I believe he is making a last ditch effort for the jugular. I think the tests that are coming are big. I have been watching "The Bible" series on the history channel and several things have stood out to me and I am forced to ask myself how I would have acted in some of those situations.
We have heard these stories many times over the years and we no longer realize the magnitude until it is acted out on the screen and sometimes we still don't see it. When all the people bowed to King Nebuchadnezzar and we see Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego standing tall in the middle of a crowd of people who are on their faces, it took my breath. I would like to believe that I am the kind of person who would be standing with them, but I can't honestly say I would be that brave. They knew they would be thrown in the fiery furnace. This story has always stood out to me. I have learned in the last months that whenever I step out in obedience and faith God shows up. (I don't even smell like smoke.)
The enemy hates us, but don't you think every time he loses that hatred grows, frustration grows, and urgency grows when he knows he is close to the end. He has come against the Church and many churches have closed their doors. I can't help but think of the three strand cord. The enemy imitates God as much and as often as he can. With the attacks on 9/11 for instance, it stands out to me that he used 3 planes. The number 3 represents divine perfection. Here are some examples;
Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
God - Omnipotent (all powerful), Omnipresent (all present), and Omniscient ( all knowing)
Jesus - The Way, The Truth, and The Life
Universe - Time, space, and matter.
Human ability - Thought, word and deed
Locations - Heaven, Earth, and Hell
In the enemy's effort to imitate Christ it would make sense that he would recognize the power in the number three. I have read that he often uses a combination of three demonic spirits together. For example let's say he would use the spirit of familiarity with the spirit of perversion and the spirit of heaviness. Make sense? If we were to look for comfort in the familiar, then fall into the temptation of the perverse, and then beat our selves up with the spirit of heaviness a vicious cycle begins. I think most addicts would agree. The longer we stay in this cycle, the deeper it is ingrained and even when the spirits are cast out, we have formed habits that are more difficult to break. Because of our emotional attachment, I believe it is easy to unknowingly and/or unwillingly invite the spirits back.
Many times the bible warns us of false prophets. Isn't that an imitation? The gifts are important and I believe the enemy imitates them to scare believers away from using them and/or trusting the people who do. This is why it's so important to develop the ability to hear God. We have to stay in a close relationship with Him and know His voice along with His written Word to protect ourselves from the enemy. We also have to remember who the true enemy is. Many times in the bible when the word "enemy" is mentioned people think of the last person to come against them. More times than not, I believe He is talking about the demonic world.
If the enemy uses the strength of a three strand cord, I'm wondering if the battle with the flesh, the world, and the demonic is a tactic of his. The enemy whispers a suggestion in our ear, the flesh says, "That would feel good." and the world says, "It's okay by my standards." I believe he uses all three together. I find it interesting that the word tribulation begins with - tri.
John 16:33
King James Version (KJV)
33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
As I read through the Bible there are many places that I notice trios in verses.
Romans 5:3-5
New International Version (NIV)
3 Not only so, but we[a] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
1 Thessalonians 1:3
King James Version (KJV)
3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
Matthew 22:37
King James Version (KJV)
37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
I think three examples is enough. I would guess that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego gained strength from standing together. A relationship between two people is stronger if it's a trio with God. Okay, how about one more? I asked God and this is what He gave me. Do with it what you will.
If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
The Enemy
“the reason why Christians do not make use of their entitlement in Christ Jesus is ignorance, or as the Bible puts it beautifully, 'lack of knowledge'!”
― Pedro Okoro, Crushing the Devil: Your Guide to Spiritual Warfare and Victory in Christ
I don't believe we are supposed to love our enemies. I think instead we need to realize who our true enemy is. We need to love the people our enemy influences against us. Like in a chess game, we are the lighter pieces being used by God, while the dark pieces are being influenced by the enemy. The war is not ours. All we are required to do is follow God's lead. If He instructs us to move two spaces forward, we move. We all have different roles and we all move differently.
The best way to win a war or a game is to know your opponent. I truly believe this. I think the enemy scares people from learning about him. We like to hide our heads under the blanket and act like he doesn't exist. While we are hiding, he is taking over. Seriously, it's like being afraid of a clown. Wash the make-up off his face and he's just a jolly old fat guy who eats too many doughnuts. Not that the devil is a jolly old fat guy, but he is not as scary as we tend to believe. We have authority. It varies because of the different bibles, but it is said approximately 365 times, "fear not", so I take that as one time for each day of the year.
It sounds creepy and I have to admit, studying the enemy seems a little backwards. I can only do it for so long and then I have to focus on the love of Jesus to shake off the feelings that come with knowing the enemy. He is powerless, unless we hand him the power, by lack of knowledge or hiding under our blankets. It's like leaving a two year old alone in a house. They can do a lot of damage if ignored, yet we have full authority over our children and need to prevent them from running wild.
Here is a little information for you, but I won't mention the "Twilight" series. Ha.
The name Dracula was the patronym (Drăculea) of the descendants of Vlad II of Wallachia, who took the name "Dracul" after being invested in the Order of the Dragon in 1431. In the Romanian language, the word dracul (Romanian drac "dragon" + -ul "the") can mean either "the dragon" or, especially in the present day, "the devil".[8]
Throughout the years, I have met many people who believe they are vampires. We know that the stories of vampires are fiction, but let’s look closer at the overall picture. Consider Dracula, a real man whose name meant “son of the devil.” His story became part of European folklore— about a dead person who rises each night from a coffin, out of the grave. He sucks blood from a person so that he might live. Although this is a legend, countless movies have been made and books have been written on this subject. Then there are vampire communities all over the world who believe that Judas Iscariot was the first vampire and that vampirism continues through his bloodline. Legend declares that the 30 pieces of silver with which he betrayed Jesus were connected to his chalice before he hung himself from an aspen tree. It is said that his soul still wanders endlessly. Hence, it is claimed that only silver bullets and a stake from an aspen tree can kill a vampire. There have been subcultures that have evolved throughout time, and we can clearly see here the antichrist spirit at work once again through the twisting of the story of Judas. I live in Washington State. In Seattle and the surrounding areas, there are many underground vampire bars where men and women drink blood in a bar atmosphere. Many wear dark, Gothic clothing and have dyed their hair black. Their faces are pale as though they have just awakened from the dead. They not only role play, they truly believe that they are real vampires. And because a vampire is a form of a demon, a person takes on the form of this entity when he or she steps into the role of a vampire. Many of us have heard of the trilogy of movies about the vampire who fights against his own kind. He is different—a half-breed, half human and half vampire. As for these movies, I can say that the accuracy with which the underground blood bars are portrayed is uncanny.
This is taken from a book written by Angela Greenig. How many teens are watching this movie and we think nothing of it? How many messages are given in this movie that we don't even realize? How many young adults will now seek out these vampire bars because of their interest in the movie?
Let's not even talk about the witchcraft in the Harry Potter series. How many grandparent's have bought these movies for their grand kids and said, "Oh it's just for fun." Witchcraft is real, there are no good witches, and they are of the enemy. Anything not of God is against God. These movies are slamming open doors of curiosity for the enemy to slip through and drag our children off to a place where he can influence their minds. Now, we can't figure out why our kids aren't happy to follow us to church and love on Jesus.
One interesting thing I learned as I studied the enemy and his tactics, is the ranking of the angelic armies. Remember that Satan's army is made up of fallen angels. God's angels outnumber them 2 to 1. Both armies have different ranks and types of soldiers. I'm not going to get into this right now except to expose the highest ranking demonic spirit under Satan. This makes so much sense it's scary. The highest ranking spirit under Satan is the spirit of familiarity. His purpose is to imitate the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our comforter. Familiar is comfortable. Maybe this is why God calls us constantly to step out of our comfort zone and He will comfort us. It's the enemy that lures us back into the comfort of the familiar. The times I have grown the most and the fastest are the times I stepped out of my comfort zone. This subject is uncomfortable, but it is my calling to expose the enemy.
I may be freaking out some people, but that's okay with me, because the people I am concerned about and targeting are the ones who are tormented by the demonic. The war is against us all, but there are some people who are specifically targeted by the enemy and I truly believe it is because he sees something powerful in them.
I recently attended training to be a volunteer at a home that is opening to rehabilitate prostituted women. A few of the statistics made me sick to my stomach. Most if not all women forced into prostitution were sexually abused as children. What a powerful weapon of the enemy. Let me just say here that prostitution is forced. Society tends to believe that it's a choice, but it is not. Many women are kidnapped and forced by a pimp while others are forced because they believe there is no other way to feed themselves and/or their children. Once you have entered this world it is extremely difficult to get out of it. The judgment by society is a lot of the problem. It was said in the meeting that once a girl is victimized as a child it is like the words "re-victimize me" are stamped on her forehead. I see this differently. I see a "spirit of perversion" attached to that child that attracts predators. Prostituted women are victims.
The enemy attacks our children for a good reason. Take them out young and the chances of them being victims their whole life is increased. In my reading I have also learned about "Satanists". People who worship the enemy are everywhere. I know for a fact the town I grew up in has it's share. We think if we ignore them, they will go away. Or maybe leave us alone. They are stealing children off the streets and out of front yards to sacrifice. Sometimes they use their own infants as sacrifices. They use their own children as baby machines, to birth babies to use for sacrifices. They steal young girls off the streets to be baby makers for sacrifice. I know, it makes me cringe too and I'm not telling you half of what I have learned. One more overwhelming fact before I tone this down a bit: to sacrifice an infant means to cut it's beating heart out of it's chest while it is breathing.
The enemy is out there and we cannot ignore him. We can't continue to go through our daily lives like everything is good. If our Father asks us to step out of our comfort zone, we have to do it. He will ask more of some of us than others, but we all have to do our part. One of the things Jesus has made clear to me is that the longer we stay in our own "past" the less likely we are going to be to step out and do His will and love others. We stay in the comfort of the familiar instead of the comfort of the Holy Spirit as we move forward and move the Kingdom forward.
When I expose the enemy like this, I come under attack. It just confirms that I am on the right track or he wouldn't care. He's not stupid, but he is dumb or vice versa? So, I will stop here and go worship him away. Be blessed, Jesus loves us.
Another aspect of satanism seldom discussed is the connection between blood and soul and the consequent need for signing ”a pact with the devil” and “letting blood” thereafter. Blood is the most important and powerful weapon known to a Christian. The finished work on the cross of Jesus Christ, who shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins, provides for our wonderful salvation and life. Satanists also declare the blood as an important and powerful weapon; however, as evidenced by a number of gruesome satanic ceremonies, the outcome is death and destruction. - Angela Greenig
― Pedro Okoro, Crushing the Devil: Your Guide to Spiritual Warfare and Victory in Christ
I don't believe we are supposed to love our enemies. I think instead we need to realize who our true enemy is. We need to love the people our enemy influences against us. Like in a chess game, we are the lighter pieces being used by God, while the dark pieces are being influenced by the enemy. The war is not ours. All we are required to do is follow God's lead. If He instructs us to move two spaces forward, we move. We all have different roles and we all move differently.
The best way to win a war or a game is to know your opponent. I truly believe this. I think the enemy scares people from learning about him. We like to hide our heads under the blanket and act like he doesn't exist. While we are hiding, he is taking over. Seriously, it's like being afraid of a clown. Wash the make-up off his face and he's just a jolly old fat guy who eats too many doughnuts. Not that the devil is a jolly old fat guy, but he is not as scary as we tend to believe. We have authority. It varies because of the different bibles, but it is said approximately 365 times, "fear not", so I take that as one time for each day of the year.
It sounds creepy and I have to admit, studying the enemy seems a little backwards. I can only do it for so long and then I have to focus on the love of Jesus to shake off the feelings that come with knowing the enemy. He is powerless, unless we hand him the power, by lack of knowledge or hiding under our blankets. It's like leaving a two year old alone in a house. They can do a lot of damage if ignored, yet we have full authority over our children and need to prevent them from running wild.
Here is a little information for you, but I won't mention the "Twilight" series. Ha.
The name Dracula was the patronym (Drăculea) of the descendants of Vlad II of Wallachia, who took the name "Dracul" after being invested in the Order of the Dragon in 1431. In the Romanian language, the word dracul (Romanian drac "dragon" + -ul "the") can mean either "the dragon" or, especially in the present day, "the devil".[8]
Throughout the years, I have met many people who believe they are vampires. We know that the stories of vampires are fiction, but let’s look closer at the overall picture. Consider Dracula, a real man whose name meant “son of the devil.” His story became part of European folklore— about a dead person who rises each night from a coffin, out of the grave. He sucks blood from a person so that he might live. Although this is a legend, countless movies have been made and books have been written on this subject. Then there are vampire communities all over the world who believe that Judas Iscariot was the first vampire and that vampirism continues through his bloodline. Legend declares that the 30 pieces of silver with which he betrayed Jesus were connected to his chalice before he hung himself from an aspen tree. It is said that his soul still wanders endlessly. Hence, it is claimed that only silver bullets and a stake from an aspen tree can kill a vampire. There have been subcultures that have evolved throughout time, and we can clearly see here the antichrist spirit at work once again through the twisting of the story of Judas. I live in Washington State. In Seattle and the surrounding areas, there are many underground vampire bars where men and women drink blood in a bar atmosphere. Many wear dark, Gothic clothing and have dyed their hair black. Their faces are pale as though they have just awakened from the dead. They not only role play, they truly believe that they are real vampires. And because a vampire is a form of a demon, a person takes on the form of this entity when he or she steps into the role of a vampire. Many of us have heard of the trilogy of movies about the vampire who fights against his own kind. He is different—a half-breed, half human and half vampire. As for these movies, I can say that the accuracy with which the underground blood bars are portrayed is uncanny.
This is taken from a book written by Angela Greenig. How many teens are watching this movie and we think nothing of it? How many messages are given in this movie that we don't even realize? How many young adults will now seek out these vampire bars because of their interest in the movie?
Let's not even talk about the witchcraft in the Harry Potter series. How many grandparent's have bought these movies for their grand kids and said, "Oh it's just for fun." Witchcraft is real, there are no good witches, and they are of the enemy. Anything not of God is against God. These movies are slamming open doors of curiosity for the enemy to slip through and drag our children off to a place where he can influence their minds. Now, we can't figure out why our kids aren't happy to follow us to church and love on Jesus.
One interesting thing I learned as I studied the enemy and his tactics, is the ranking of the angelic armies. Remember that Satan's army is made up of fallen angels. God's angels outnumber them 2 to 1. Both armies have different ranks and types of soldiers. I'm not going to get into this right now except to expose the highest ranking demonic spirit under Satan. This makes so much sense it's scary. The highest ranking spirit under Satan is the spirit of familiarity. His purpose is to imitate the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our comforter. Familiar is comfortable. Maybe this is why God calls us constantly to step out of our comfort zone and He will comfort us. It's the enemy that lures us back into the comfort of the familiar. The times I have grown the most and the fastest are the times I stepped out of my comfort zone. This subject is uncomfortable, but it is my calling to expose the enemy.
I may be freaking out some people, but that's okay with me, because the people I am concerned about and targeting are the ones who are tormented by the demonic. The war is against us all, but there are some people who are specifically targeted by the enemy and I truly believe it is because he sees something powerful in them.
I recently attended training to be a volunteer at a home that is opening to rehabilitate prostituted women. A few of the statistics made me sick to my stomach. Most if not all women forced into prostitution were sexually abused as children. What a powerful weapon of the enemy. Let me just say here that prostitution is forced. Society tends to believe that it's a choice, but it is not. Many women are kidnapped and forced by a pimp while others are forced because they believe there is no other way to feed themselves and/or their children. Once you have entered this world it is extremely difficult to get out of it. The judgment by society is a lot of the problem. It was said in the meeting that once a girl is victimized as a child it is like the words "re-victimize me" are stamped on her forehead. I see this differently. I see a "spirit of perversion" attached to that child that attracts predators. Prostituted women are victims.
The enemy attacks our children for a good reason. Take them out young and the chances of them being victims their whole life is increased. In my reading I have also learned about "Satanists". People who worship the enemy are everywhere. I know for a fact the town I grew up in has it's share. We think if we ignore them, they will go away. Or maybe leave us alone. They are stealing children off the streets and out of front yards to sacrifice. Sometimes they use their own infants as sacrifices. They use their own children as baby machines, to birth babies to use for sacrifices. They steal young girls off the streets to be baby makers for sacrifice. I know, it makes me cringe too and I'm not telling you half of what I have learned. One more overwhelming fact before I tone this down a bit: to sacrifice an infant means to cut it's beating heart out of it's chest while it is breathing.
The enemy is out there and we cannot ignore him. We can't continue to go through our daily lives like everything is good. If our Father asks us to step out of our comfort zone, we have to do it. He will ask more of some of us than others, but we all have to do our part. One of the things Jesus has made clear to me is that the longer we stay in our own "past" the less likely we are going to be to step out and do His will and love others. We stay in the comfort of the familiar instead of the comfort of the Holy Spirit as we move forward and move the Kingdom forward.
When I expose the enemy like this, I come under attack. It just confirms that I am on the right track or he wouldn't care. He's not stupid, but he is dumb or vice versa? So, I will stop here and go worship him away. Be blessed, Jesus loves us.
Another aspect of satanism seldom discussed is the connection between blood and soul and the consequent need for signing ”a pact with the devil” and “letting blood” thereafter. Blood is the most important and powerful weapon known to a Christian. The finished work on the cross of Jesus Christ, who shed His blood for the forgiveness of our sins, provides for our wonderful salvation and life. Satanists also declare the blood as an important and powerful weapon; however, as evidenced by a number of gruesome satanic ceremonies, the outcome is death and destruction. - Angela Greenig
Constantly, Consistantly, Forgive.
“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”
― Martin Luther King, Jr.
When I was about twelve years old I was stung by a bee just above my elbow. Days went by and the swelling would not go down. I was in pain. I moped around the house feeling sorry for myself. Why did I have to be allergic to bee stings? I have only been stung a few times in my life, but I remember every time because of the swelling and pain I went through. One time I was stung on my foot and had to wear my dad's boot on that foot to go outside.
My mom had some friends to the house and as they were leaving one looked at my swollen arm. He asked if he could take a closer look. I was hesitant, afraid he would touch it and hurt me. Of course he did touch and actually pulled out the stinger. I had no idea that the stinger was left behind. The swelling went down in a day or so and I was back to normal. What would have happened had he not asked to look at it? How long would I have suffered?
Recently I had my feelings hurt. I was wronged by a close friend and it stung. I found myself wanting to isolate, cut off my friendships and run. I went for a drive, because that's what I do when I am down. I was talking to God about what happened, but not getting any words from Him. He had warned me the attack was coming and I had prepared for it, but it still hurt. I was miserable, not getting any words of comfort from God. I wanted to hear Him more than anything. Finally, like I have many times, I asked Him to sing to me. It may be a childish game, but it works. It's one way the Lord talks to me and sometimes I don't even ask for it, but this day I did. A song came on the radio that I had not heard before.
God began to speak to me through the song, but also when it was over. It reminded me of the bee sting. We live in a world that might as well be a beehive. We can be stung everyday, by strangers, friends, and family. Forgiveness is taking the stinger out, the swelling goes down and we can get back to business as usual. This was an example God used to teach me that the sooner we forgive the sooner we heal.
I pray that one day I can grow enough that I can wear forgiveness like a repellent and not even feel the sting. We are all people trying to live and grow together and God has a plan for each of us. The enemy can use hurt by others to slow us on our journey. Recently, the Lord said to me, when I asked Him what He wants me to do, "Forgive and follow, forgive and follow, forgive and follow." It makes even more sense to me now.
“The willingness to forgive is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity. It is one of the great virtues to which we all should aspire. Imagine a world filled with individuals willing both to apologize and to accept an apology. Is there any problem that could not be solved among people who possessed the humility and largeness of spirit and soul to do either -- or both -- when needed?”
― Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing for Something: 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts and Homes
― Martin Luther King, Jr.
When I was about twelve years old I was stung by a bee just above my elbow. Days went by and the swelling would not go down. I was in pain. I moped around the house feeling sorry for myself. Why did I have to be allergic to bee stings? I have only been stung a few times in my life, but I remember every time because of the swelling and pain I went through. One time I was stung on my foot and had to wear my dad's boot on that foot to go outside.
My mom had some friends to the house and as they were leaving one looked at my swollen arm. He asked if he could take a closer look. I was hesitant, afraid he would touch it and hurt me. Of course he did touch and actually pulled out the stinger. I had no idea that the stinger was left behind. The swelling went down in a day or so and I was back to normal. What would have happened had he not asked to look at it? How long would I have suffered?
Recently I had my feelings hurt. I was wronged by a close friend and it stung. I found myself wanting to isolate, cut off my friendships and run. I went for a drive, because that's what I do when I am down. I was talking to God about what happened, but not getting any words from Him. He had warned me the attack was coming and I had prepared for it, but it still hurt. I was miserable, not getting any words of comfort from God. I wanted to hear Him more than anything. Finally, like I have many times, I asked Him to sing to me. It may be a childish game, but it works. It's one way the Lord talks to me and sometimes I don't even ask for it, but this day I did. A song came on the radio that I had not heard before.
God began to speak to me through the song, but also when it was over. It reminded me of the bee sting. We live in a world that might as well be a beehive. We can be stung everyday, by strangers, friends, and family. Forgiveness is taking the stinger out, the swelling goes down and we can get back to business as usual. This was an example God used to teach me that the sooner we forgive the sooner we heal.
I pray that one day I can grow enough that I can wear forgiveness like a repellent and not even feel the sting. We are all people trying to live and grow together and God has a plan for each of us. The enemy can use hurt by others to slow us on our journey. Recently, the Lord said to me, when I asked Him what He wants me to do, "Forgive and follow, forgive and follow, forgive and follow." It makes even more sense to me now.
“The willingness to forgive is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity. It is one of the great virtues to which we all should aspire. Imagine a world filled with individuals willing both to apologize and to accept an apology. Is there any problem that could not be solved among people who possessed the humility and largeness of spirit and soul to do either -- or both -- when needed?”
― Gordon B. Hinckley, Standing for Something: 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts and Homes
Monday, March 11, 2013
Life and Death
Ephesians 6:11-18
New International Version (NIV)
11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
One of my favorite things I have learned about our Lord is that He believes in the whole "spanking followed by hugs" kind of discipline. He keeps me very busy. He chooses a subject and then He shows me pictures, gives me words, sends in guest speakers, draws it out on the board and if I still haven't listened and "got it" or CHOOSE to ignore His lessons, I get sent to the principles office. Guess what? He is the principle too! It's really humbling when He asks me why I have been sent there. The whole time I am telling Him why I believe I am sitting in His office, I am thinking "You already know this. Why are you making me repeat it?"
I was talking in class, not doing my homework, and just plain not wanting to study the tongue. In my world the mouth is a dirty thing. Who wants to focus on it? Well, after I got a good round of discipline and then told to sit down, we are starting over, He gave me a little humor. I love that about Him. He explained how words come from the heart. What comes out of our mouths without going through the filter of a renewed mind is exactly the raw crappage of our heart. Then He shared the humor. Chocolates equal thoughts, that are coming from the heart and need to be wrapped in the filters of my renewed mind. This is an example of what He sees when he looks at my overactive brain.
We had a little laugh over that, but I have to admit, I feel that way sometimes. My brain is going so fast in so many directions, to catch the thoughts before they leave my mouth seems impossible. But when the Holy Spirit corrects, He always surprises me. Because of my lack of focus when my interest level is low, He will repeat the same lesson over and over in different ways. I watched a video, listened to a speaker, did some reading in and out of the Bible. The first thing He focused on was the damage that can be done by the tongue. It is a sword. There is life and death in the tongue. His words and the words of prayer are listed in the verses on the armor of God. He gave me examples of damage my tongue had done when it wagged outside the control of the Holy Spirit and He allowed me to be stung by another doing the same. We reap what we sow. What showing me the hurt did, was give me the desire to learn more about sword control. Really, a sword in an untrained, immature hand is dangerous. We wouldn't hand a sword to a two year old, so maybe baby and toddler Christians should have a little Holy duct tape placed over their mouths until they can responsibly handle their sword. Wow, wouldn't the church be a quiet place? So many choose to stay in the toddler stage. God allows us mistakes, so He can shape us with discipline. If I don't learn from a person who has made mistakes, then who would I learn from?
Words the Lord gave me that really had an impact is, "An insecure mentor will try to kill you." I totally get this. There is a choking of the spirit. We are all leaders and mentors, whether it is our kids we lead or a group of friends, but we all lead someone. I do not ever want my insecurity to choke the spirit of a person looking to me for guidance, but the chance of this happening is great if the insecurity in my heart spills out of my undisciplined, out of Holy control mouth.
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
I watched most of a series on words today. For such a little instrument, the tongue is powerful. If you think about it, one four-letter word can do damage, aimed at the right person, at the right time, it could be devastating.
James 3:4
Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.
Robert Morris of Gateway Church did a series on words. He listed 10 deadly sins we commit with our tongue:
1. Lying (Proverbs 12:22)
2. Sowing Discord - Your works come from your words
3. Gossip - Spreading intimate or private rumors or facts
4. Slander - False and malicious statement or report about someone Psalm 140:11
5. Tale-Bearing - Revealing secrets or breaking confidence
6. Cursing - Bitterness is the root of cursing - Cursing= placing a curse Psalm 109:17
7. Blasphemy - to use God's name in a unsacred or self serving way
8. Filthy language - Collosians 3:8
9. Contentious speech - Proverbs 26:21 (disagreeable and argumentative)
10. Unbelief - Negative words are words of unbelief
If you would like to check out the series, here is the link.
http://theblessedlife.com/series/words-life-or-death
Character is having power and using it wisely. Knowledge is power. The wisdom and knowledge we have in our hearts before we are saved is of the world. We have learned to survive in this world and tucked all that knowledge in our hearts along with the emotions that go with it. We have to exchange that wisdom for Heavenly Wisdom. We are called to Glorify God and this not only comes from our actions, but it mightily comes from our tongue.
One thing I have realized in my studies is that many of the people God has called to speak as teachers and leaders have at some point in their learning, had to deal with training their "tongue". Robert Morris talked about how the fear of rejection was the power that controlled his tongue. He babbled often knowing in his heart that he would be rejected by the person he was talking to, so he built a wall of "unfiltered words" between him and the listener to get the rejection over with faster. I totally "get this". Some call it nervous chatter, but it usually leads to placing a foot in the mouth. Another thing I realized, it is much easier to see the mistakes of another persons tongue.
Today my bible reading was in Mark 6. John the Baptist was beheaded. Every time I read this I have an overwhelming sadness that goes beyond the fact that he was killed and I believe today, I have realized where this sadness comes from. Mark 6:20 "because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him." His wife's daughter asked for John's head. I identify with his feelings talked about in verse 26. We read: The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her. Oaths are spoken words. He was forced to back up his own words with action, whether it was something he wanted to do or not. How many times in my life have I taken actions against the wisdom of my heart because of words I had spoken previously. I get it. I identify with Herod. I speak things and no matter how much I want to take the words back and hide them under my tongue, it is too late, the damage has been done and then out of my selfish pride, my actions keep playing out in line with my words. A humble heart, a heart after God, will learn to throw aside pride and break those unholy oaths and admit we misspoke. I might have to do this for awhile until the words that spill from my heart without being filtered through a renewed mind are stopped. I have to be honest, I did not want to talk about the tongue today, but the Holy Spirit whispered it to my heart last night and I know that obedience is the only way. I have been studying the tongue for a week now and even today I realized more about myself. I have asked God for my prayer language and He in turn asks me what is stopping me. I have to lay my tongue at the foot of the cross. It is a mighty weapon that I believe God has called to speak His truth, but in order for me to do that, I must completely surrender it to Him. I have always had an out of control tongue since I was a child. On many occasions I spoke the words no one else had the courage to speak, but I realize now without the love and direction of Christ, my tongue is muted or swung like a sword. I must say I prefer the times it was muted. God has spoken to my heart about my calling and I believe His plan for me is to speak difficult words with the understanding I may face anger, judgment and even hatred. He reminds me that the persecution is His if the words I speak are His. If I speak my own words from my own damaged heart, I will face the persecution and it will belong to me, along with the discipline of my Papa. I believe this is the most difficult lesson I have to learn and the training will likely be painful and long, but my desire to do His will far outweighs the fear of getting a tongue lashing. Ha. It hurts thinking about it.
As I usually do I closed this post and thought about it for some time. God began speaking to my heart. Communication is a two way exchange. Listening is more important than speaking. I have heard it said recently, "When in a meeting, a good leader speaks last." A good listener discerns. In guarding our hearts we are responsible to filter what information is allowed in. With all the regrets I have for the words that have spilled out of my mouth, I have an appreciation for a good listener. That is someone who sifts through the words God wants them to hear and throws the rest away. The Lord spoke to me recently and said, "Put no man's words above mine". I believe in these last days it more important than ever to hear the voice of God, because even Satan knows scripture. If we don't know the word of God and His voice, twisted scripture can be misleading and even devastating to our spiritual journey. A while back the Lord said to me, "How do you protect the heart of the city if the gates to the city are built on emotion?"
In our armor, I see a lot of protection from words. The protective pieces are listed out before He begins to talk to us about our Sword, the Word of God. I see this as a message to listen before you speak. Filter the information coming in and protect yourself, before you speak. Then, be ready with the Word, even though we may only be speaking those words to our own hearts. We are not to speak from our unhealthy emotions and we are not to hear through our unhealthy emotions. As we speak truth, we should also only hear truth.
When I have buried myself in the raw sewage that pours from my unfiltered mouth, I would hope that one would give me the grace to filter my words through truth also. If there is life and death in words, then they are of use to the enemy as well as God. The enemy twists the truth to do harm. As much as I need grace when others are filtering my words, I should be willing to give grace in filtering theirs. The renewing of the mind is placing the truth in our hearts, the truth filters on our tongue and on our ears. We are to speak truth and be quick to forgive. Forgiveness is the way of keeping others raw sewage from growing in our hearts. Give so that you may receive. Sow good words, so that you may receive them. Sow forgiveness so you may receive it. Man will fail, I can vouch for that as I have many times, but God's truth, God's word should be the bridge between broken men and women.
James 3
New International Version (NIV)
Taming the Tongue
3 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
Two Kinds of Wisdom
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Poop dreams?
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
― Eleanor Roosevelt
I believe the Lord speaks to us in dreams.
― Eleanor Roosevelt
I believe the Lord speaks to us in dreams.
Acts 2:17-18
New International Version (NIV)
17 “‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.
I drove back and forth to my parents house last week, caring for my mother who had back surgery. The Lord showed me that there were many spirits left in my childhood home from years of bad things happening there. Two of my abusers abused me there. My parent's divorce, teen pregnancy, etc. etc. The Lord was telling me to clean it up. Nobody wants to hear that they have bad spirits living in their house, but my mom and step-dad were willing to allow me to pray through their house. It was quite the experience as I went from room to room and the Lord spoke to me about what was there. I was nervous about entering my old room I had slept in from the age of four until I moved downstairs at fifteen, but to my surprise there was nothing evil in that room. I asked my mom what she had been doing in there. She had turned the room into an office and spent many hours praying and worshipping there. Christian music played there most of the time. Without even realizing it, she had forced out any demonic spirits with words of praise.
The basement was always a place of fear. When I entered my old room downstairs, fear gripped me and I prayed it away. I cast out many spirits and broke curses off furniture and items handed down from generations. When I left the basement, I could still feel something there, though I could not hear God speaking to me about what it was. I slept there that night instead of driving home like I had been doing. I had a very strange dream. I was pulling a load of laundry out of the dryer and there was feces all through it. It smelled so bad, I couldn't stand it. I woke up in a bad mood, because I had to rewash this load of clothes. I fought to stay in a good mood and wondered if sleeping there had been a mistake. My patience was not what it had been and then I tweaked my back. I was not about to allow the enemy to take over so I requested prayer and actually called a friend who prayed with me over the phone. Then it hit me. I believe the dream was a sign that the "crappage" was woven through everything and I needed to complete the task the Lord had asked of me. I returned to the basement and asked God, what did I miss. In my heart I heard many people laughing like they were having a great time. Not knowing what that meant, I went back upstairs. In conversation with my mom I was reminded of all the parties that were held in the basement when I was very young. This made sense. How could we even begin to know what was brought into that house or what took place there? With a list of all demonic spirits and their seeds, I returned to the basement and prayed every spirit back to hell in Jesus name. I was not even half way through the list when I felt something break. I felt a peace and light I had not felt before.
Before I left, I prayed healing over my mom and my step-dad. My step-dad had injured his arm and it was not only painful, but making it more of challenge to care for mom. I knew the Lord wanted me to step out of my comfort zone and pray for them. Besides praying over a meal, this was the first time they would hear me pray. I felt much comfort from the Holy Spirit and I have experienced this many times when I have stepped through the fear and obeyed.
My first night at home, I had a dream. In this dream, there was a toilet in the middle of the living room. This toilet was plugged up, full of feces and about to spill over. It was disgusting and I was irritated that nobody was attending to this problem, but then while I was busy in my frustration, I suddenly realized that the toilet had been flushed. It was full of clean water. I believe this was the Lord's way of telling me I had cleaned the house of whatever was there.
I believe that God talks to us in our dreams more than we realize. If we stop and ask Him to reveal what the dream means, He will tell us. He has given me a few dreams about the demonic. In each dream I am seeing their presence while other people in the dream appear to be totally blind to their presence. This is why I believe my calling is to expose these things. One of the benefits that came out of me praying over my parent's house is that now they have the knowledge to keep it clean. Spirits can come in our houses that we have picked up other places. They can come in on other people. I clean my house regularly, whenever the Lord shows me a presence. These spirits need to be told to "Go to hell" and that they may not return. Jesus name is our most powerful weapon and in these last days we all need to know how to use it. We pray in His name, we cast out demons in His name and we bless others in His name.
We have nothing to fear as we are children of the most High God. We are heirs. We are royalty. The Holy Spirit was sent to guide and comfort us in this battle. I believe this is a time for taking back our bodies, our homes, and our families and making the presence of God shine in these places. This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, because darkness cannot stay where there is Light. God is AMAZING!!
“Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.”
― Martin Luther King, Jr., I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World
Before I left, I prayed healing over my mom and my step-dad. My step-dad had injured his arm and it was not only painful, but making it more of challenge to care for mom. I knew the Lord wanted me to step out of my comfort zone and pray for them. Besides praying over a meal, this was the first time they would hear me pray. I felt much comfort from the Holy Spirit and I have experienced this many times when I have stepped through the fear and obeyed.
My first night at home, I had a dream. In this dream, there was a toilet in the middle of the living room. This toilet was plugged up, full of feces and about to spill over. It was disgusting and I was irritated that nobody was attending to this problem, but then while I was busy in my frustration, I suddenly realized that the toilet had been flushed. It was full of clean water. I believe this was the Lord's way of telling me I had cleaned the house of whatever was there.
I believe that God talks to us in our dreams more than we realize. If we stop and ask Him to reveal what the dream means, He will tell us. He has given me a few dreams about the demonic. In each dream I am seeing their presence while other people in the dream appear to be totally blind to their presence. This is why I believe my calling is to expose these things. One of the benefits that came out of me praying over my parent's house is that now they have the knowledge to keep it clean. Spirits can come in our houses that we have picked up other places. They can come in on other people. I clean my house regularly, whenever the Lord shows me a presence. These spirits need to be told to "Go to hell" and that they may not return. Jesus name is our most powerful weapon and in these last days we all need to know how to use it. We pray in His name, we cast out demons in His name and we bless others in His name.
We have nothing to fear as we are children of the most High God. We are heirs. We are royalty. The Holy Spirit was sent to guide and comfort us in this battle. I believe this is a time for taking back our bodies, our homes, and our families and making the presence of God shine in these places. This little light of mine, I'm going to let it shine, because darkness cannot stay where there is Light. God is AMAZING!!
“Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last.”
― Martin Luther King, Jr., I Have a Dream: Writings and Speeches That Changed the World
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