Showing posts with label demonic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label demonic. Show all posts

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Climbing Out of Depression's Dark Depths - AMARIS BEECHER CHARISMA NEWS

(Unsplash/Volkan Olmez)

Climbing Out of Depression's Dark Depths

AMARIS BEECHER  CHARISMA NEWS
If you didn't read my introduction to this series, I recommend you start there [PART 1]. That post was written to set the pace and show you my heart in this series.
**I am not a doctor, or a psychiatrist, or certified therapist. But I am a friend that knows the pain. And sometimes we need someone to come alongside and talk with us, more than someone looking at us and talking to us. I want to talk with you, not at you.**
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to preach good news to the poor;
He has sent me to heal the broken-hearted,
    to proclaim liberty to the captives,
    and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord
    and the day of vengeance of our God;
to comfort all who mourn,
  to preserve those who mourn in Zion,
to give to them beauty
    for ashes,
the oil of joy
    for mourning,
the garment of praise
    for the spirit of heaviness,
that they might be called trees of righteousness,
    the planting of the Lord,
    that He might be glorified" (Isa. 61:1-3).
This verse has been revelatory in my studies with depression through the Bible. This Bible verse is a prophetic word from Isaiah regarding Jesus the Messiah that Jesus is coming to set the captives free and to heal the brokenhearted. In verse 3, we see that Jesus is coming to give the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Jesus came to bring what is dead and make it alive, to take what is held captive and set it free and to reclaim joy for those who are depressed.
That they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord. This is a promise of restoration and healing.
The term "depression" is often used. I don't dismiss anyone that uses it, but I usually wonder what type of depression they are implying.
This post is my attempt to articulate and bring clarity to a challenging conversation: depression.
I'm sure there are many in-depth articles on depression that are way more thorough than this post. But I'm trying to simplify something that is easily misconstrued and confusing. I am writing the three different types of depression that I have seen manifested in the lives of those that I have mentored to bring clarity for the rest of the series. There has to be a point where we acknowledge what we are dealing with for progress and healing to be made.
Different Types of Depression

1. A Personality Disposition

Some personalities have a more natural drift towards sadness and depression.
Creative types and introverts have been highly associated with depression. In 2002. a study was done in the Journal of Psychiatric Research that found that 74 percent of those who claimed to be depressed were introverts. As well, the perfectionist personality type can be more prone to anxiety and depression.
In seasons where we find ourselves drifting in that way, we have to acknowledge what's going on in our minds. Sometimes we neglect to guard our minds, and it produces fruit from our flesh and not from the Spirit of God.
2. Circumstantial Sadness.
This would be a hope deferred, severe disappointment, grief, hormonal imbalances (postpartum depression). When sadness isn't adequately processed, it grows, it takes root. If sadness isn't acknowledged and processed through the different seasons of life, depression has an opportunity to digs its claws into your soul.
When I was 17 years old, my brother was killed in a motorcycle accident. It was a very traumatic season in my life. Understandably, my mother was a mess after her son died. Now that I have children, I can empathize more deeply with her grief. As a young woman, whose father wasn't around, I took on the position of "mother" when my mother was grieving. So, I told myself that I had to be tough and stop crying over my brother's death because I needed to be emotionally stable for my younger sister; this ended up hurting me. I wasn't letting myself properly grieve and process the death of my brother, and so my heart grew indifferent and depressed. For nearly a year, I lived in that state: indifferent and unresponsive to God and His people. It wasn't until a year later that I let myself mourn and process my sadness that the depression went away.
Deep sadness from trauma can easily feel and look like depression. But it's in the way we acknowledge and process it where it's capable of growing into a root of heaviness in our lives.
You see, mourning takes time. But when you're thrown into life's next tragedy and heartache, grieving is near impossible. So, if grief goes unacknowledged or unprocessed no matter the reason, it will fester and grow.
One girl I mentored who had experienced a trauma of abuse in her childhood would withdraw and become despondent nearly every summer season. I finally noticed the cycle, so I asked her if it was in those summer months that the abuse began. It was. As a little girl, she was unable to process the trauma, so it took a root of depression, and every summer, she would experience sadness until she forgave and allowed God to come and heal her.
Do you have a similar experience?

3. A Demonic Spirit of Heaviness.

"to comfort all who mourn,
  to preserve those who mourn in Zion,
to give to them beauty
    for ashes,
the oil of joy
    for mourning,
the garment of praise
    for the spirit of heaviness,
that they might be called trees of righteousness,
    the planting of the Lord,
    that He might be glorified" (Isa. 61:2b-3).
This type of depression has laid heaviest on my heart. Do I dare make the connection that depression could be demonic? But I just can't escape what I have seen time and time again. As I said in point No. 2, unacknowledged trauma can take root. That root can manifest itself into a spirit of heaviness.
My personal experience with depression has been circumstantial. I dealt with postpartum depression after the birth of both of my children, and in that season of darkness, my eyes were opened to the struggle that so many people experience on a daily basis. Since then, I've had a very tender spot in my heart towards those that battle with it.
In my conversations with those who struggle, I've noticed extreme differences in their descriptions of depression.
Now, of course, everyone's descriptions are slightly different, and I'm not claiming to be a certified counseling or psychiatrist, but that's why I can't just place everyone under the same umbrella of "depression." The circumstantial struggler will have their highs and lows, but they don't last nearly as long as the one with the root of heaviness.
And I can legitimately feel the difference when I am around someone who has a spirit of heaviness in their life.
Have you ever noticed your attitude change around someone who is a constant complainer? I have. After spending a couple of hours with those seemingly "negative Nancy" type of people, I too complain and find myself more negative.
This is the same with someone who is the "Debby Downer": You feel sad when you leave them. Why is that? It's a spirit. It's an attitude.
I'm not saying every person that struggles with depression is demonically oppressed. What I am saying, however, is that the enemy's schemes with our struggles through depression shouldn't be ignored.
And in Isaiah 61:3, we read clearly that Jesus came to bring a garment of praise for the "spirit of heaviness." In that verse, there are two descriptions for sadness: Those who mourn and those who have a spirit of heaviness. So, if it's in the Bible and Jesus came to bring freedom from it, we must take the word and use it as a mirror to reflect on our own lives.
What do we do? Ask the One who came to heal and set us free.
We do not serve a God who brings confusion; we serve a God who brings order and clarity. Our God redeems, restores and reclaims. I can't promise to have all the answers, but I serve an omniscient God who knows all things, and in His fullness. He will lead us from grace to grace (John 1:16).
God has a mighty plan for the depression you experience. He does not plan to leave you trying to map out your life in the darkness. He will walk by your side (if you let Him) on this pilgrimage of life through all the peaks and the valleys. Acknowledging where you are and your deep need for Him is just the beginning of His beautiful plan. 
Amaris Beecher is a whole-hearted Christian, richly blessed wife and mother of two stunners, living life in sunny Orlando, Florida. Her goal is to inspire women to live their lives with authenticity and freedom through Jesus Christ.
This article originally appeared at crumbsandglamour.com.

Monday, November 7, 2016

Prophetic Dream Serves as Wake-Up Call for Believers - JOHN BURTON CHARISMA MAGAZINE

This is a message all believers should hear.
This is a message all believers should hear. (Flickr )
Note: This is the second of a two-part series. For part one, click here.
In a fraction of a moment my overwhelming sense of peace and safety and relaxation turned to the most gripping terror I had ever known. It was as if every source of life and good had been eliminated from the atmosphere. Evil dominated the place that just moments ago was so enjoyable.
My mind raced in an attempt to figure out what had just happened. The fear I was experiencing was beyond description. It made no sense. What was going on? Everything was so perfect! Today was supposed to be about enjoying life!
Suddenly, as I was confused, horrified and trembling on the floor, two hands grabbed my ankles. My terror instantly escalated to levels I cannot describe. I quickly looked back and saw nothing—but I knew a demonic entity had grabbed on to me.
The grip on my ankles was like a vice. The thought of escaping was a ridiculous one. It was impossible. My life, which seemingly just moments ago had been under my own control, was now overpowered by an invisible yet horrifying force, a force that I knew had intents—and the ability—to destroy me.
Again, the terror immediately increased nearly to the point of literally losing control of my mind as that demon started to pull me backward—and then down. My feet and legs were disappearing below the floor of that shack. I knew I was going to hell.
How can this be? It's impossible! I'm going to hell? But I'm saved. I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior. This is contrary to everything I have ever learned in church. Yet the moment was real, and I was losing every ounce of hope. I was about to enter an eternity of continual torture. Never-ending panic, madness and torment was upon me.
The demon kept slowly pulling me downward, as if he was relishing every single moment. My feet were well below the floor and my waist was at ground level. Then, suddenly my hope increased. I thought to myself, "If I say the name of Jesus, the demon must flee!"
So in my new state of hope I was able to squeeze out, "In the name of J—–. In the name of J—–. Ahhhhh!"
I couldn't say it! The demon was controlling my very breath. I was suffocating every time that name was about to be said. I could have said any word in the dictionary but that one. My hope instantly was lost and I started to cry out as I convulsed under the unbreakable control of that demon.
He continued to pull me down, one grueling inch at a time. Finally, my neck and then my mouth were entering hell as my body was taken below. At the height of my madness and terror, and as my eyes were about to descend beneath the floor, I woke up.
I sat straight up, trembling in my bed in that old church building. I was sweating in such volume that my entire bed was saturated. The light switch by my bedroom door was no more than seven feet from my bed. Just two quick steps to the wall would have been all it took to lighten the room. But I was frozen. I sat there for at least three hours in the darkness in absolute terror.
What Just Happened?
I finally fell back to sleep and awoke the next morning. I didn't realize how radically my life had taken a turn the previous night. As I tried to gather my thoughts while the events of the previous night overwhelmed my spirit and my mind, I looked outside the two windows that were there in my bedroom in that old church building. It was a beautiful sunny day—but I did not feel comfortable or relaxed. I was shaken.
I begged God to tell me why I had that dream. What had just happened? Finally, later on that day, He spoke to me, "John, you represented the church. You were comfortable in your place of supposed safety. The storm was intensifying, yet you were lulled into a state of apathy. Many in the church will be surprised one day, just as you were surprised in the dream, to find themselves under the control of demons as they are taken to hell."
"The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish. There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death. Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of that cheer is grief. The backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways, but a good man will be satisfied with his" (Prov. 14:11-14).
There is a way that seems right. Intellectually, it makes sense. Other people seem to confirm that it is right. Common sense tells us that it is right. Even our theological dispositions confirm it is right. But it leads to death. And if it's the type of death I experienced in my dream—it must be avoided at all costs. 
A backslider is focused on his own condition, on his own comfort zone while a good man is in tune with the heart of God. His pleasure comes from intimacy with Father God. His pleasure comes from going where God is going, doing what he is doing and feeling what he is feeling. There is no sense of ease in the storm, but there is satisfaction and joy in the presence of God and by being in active agreement with Him.
This message is a wake-up call for every one of us. Many wonderful people will be terribly shocked to find themselves separated from God forever.
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonderful works in Your name?' But then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice evil'" (Matt. 7:21-23).
This Scripture is in reference to those who would call themselves born-again Christians, people who have understood and actually flowed in the power of the Holy Spirit. They understood their heavenly position and earthly authority as they overcame demons. These were your miracle workers.
We need a wake-up call, church. We can't presume to be in a place of safety simply because we said a prayer, go to church, give offerings and talk about Jesus. An intense pursuit of holiness and intimacy is required.
This is a message that must be shouted from the rooftops.
I can't imagine multiplied millions of people who are current following Jesus in an unsaved condition crying out in terror one day, "I'm going to hell? That's impossible!"
"He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars says these things: I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain but are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfected before God. Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you" (Rev. 3:1-3, MEV). 
John Burton has been developing and leading ministries for over 20 years and is a sought-out teacher, prophetic messenger and revivalist. John has authored nine books, has appeared on Christian television and radio and directed one of the primary internships at the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City. Additionally, he has planted two churches, has initiated two city prayer movements and is currently directing a prayer- and revival-focused ministry school in Detroit called the School of Prayer. John's mandate is to call the church in the nations to repentance from casual Christianity and to burn in a manner worthy of the King of kings. He is equipping people to confront the enemies of God (established religion, Jezebel and so on) that hinder an extreme, sold-out level of true worship.
For the original article, visit burton.tv.
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Monday, October 17, 2016

New Book Takes Shocking Look at the Supernatural - CBN News


New Book Takes Shocking Look at the Supernatural
CBN News 10-16-2016

New York Times best selling author Craig Parshall is giving readers insight into the supernatural in his new book "The Occupied."
Parshall, a leading counsel at the American Center for Law and Justice, is no stranger to fiction writing. "The Occupied" marks his twelfth book in a riveting suspense thriller novel series. But he says this new book is different because he delves deeper into the supernatural than ever before.
"There is such an influx of the supernatural in our entertainment world," Parshall says. " So I decided it was time to address this from a fiction stand point but maybe from a little different world view coming from a biblical world view. 
The novel's main character, Trevor Black, is a high-flying criminal defense attorney who experiences a strange turn of events that leave him with the ability to see the supernatural. Black soon realizes he is surrounded by dark forces and can look into the very face of evil.
Parshall says his novel is more than just a fantastical tale, but rings true in real life too. 
"I don't consider myself a biblical scholar," he said. "But the Bible does say that the gift of discernment is one of those gifts...The gift of discernments determines our ability to determine what spirits are from God and what spirits are from the dark side."
His novel comes at a time when Americans are leaving organized religion in large numbers, but are increasingly becoming more spiritual. 
Pew Research study recently found that though the number of Americans who believe God exists is decreasing, an increasing number of people say they "often feel a deep sense of spiritual peace" and express a "deep sense of wonder about the universe."
Parshall Christians should use this increased interest in spirituality as a chance to direct people to the gospel. 
"There is a lot of confusion going on there. And there's a dynamic that I think is an opportunity for us to clear the smoke about things like demon possession and the influence of what Paul in his letter to the Ephesians calls the world of flesh and the devil," he says. 
Parshall hopes non-Christians who read his book will not only adopt a biblical understanding of the spiritual realm, but make a decision to follow Christ. 
"Really there are only two kingdoms. One is the kingdom of light and Jesus is the King of that, and then there is a dark kingdom very much at work in the world of the flesh," he says. "And they have to choose when the time is right and the time is now."

Friday, October 30, 2015

Then...and now. God save America.


What's wrong with this picture?

In the 1950's, the top photo shows 
the New York City skyline 
lit up with three crosses shining 
in the towers' windows.

In the 2015 photo below, 
you have the demonic god "Kali" 
lit up on a New York City tower.

America has left God. 

May the good Lord not leave America.





All three occur when a nation turns from the living God 
to the gods of death.


Photos from screens shots shown on The Jim Bakker Show. Watch the link.


Friday, June 5, 2015

John Hagee Shares New Revelation on Angels and Demons

John Hagee Shares New Revelation on Angels and Demons




John Hagee
John Hagee's 'The Three Heavens' is already a best-seller. (Courtesy)
Only three weeks after launch, Pastor John Hagee's explosive new book, The Three Heavens: Angels, Demons and What Lies Ahead, topped Nielsen BookScan's nationwide sales tracking for non-fiction religion trade paperbacks. 
The Three Heavens, a blend of Bible, science and true stories, explores the ongoing battle between angelic and demonic forces. It was No. 2 on BookScan for all non-fiction religion books, No. 11 for all adult trade paperbacks.
The Three Heavens also is the highest-ranked Christian book on USA Today's best-seller list.
"Readers respond to the real-life stories of people who experienced Heaven and came back to describe it," said Hagee, New York Times best-selling author and founder of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio. "We all are fascinated to learn of the ages-long battle—continuing today—between angelic and demonic forces."
The Three Heavens paints a vivid picture of this supernatural war, describing its effect today and in eternity.
In the First Heaven, Hagee explores what we see with our natural eyes: the beautiful, mysterious, majestic universe of sun, moon, stars and other celestial objects. In clear, engaging writing, he carries readers to the Third Heaven—Paradise, a place of eternal splendor—with firsthand accounts of people who died, saw the Third Heaven and returned.  
Then comes the question: If there is a First Heaven and a Third Heaven, is there a Second? From extensive biblical knowledge, pastoral experience and a large network of expert colleagues, Hagee explores the Second Heaven—a battleground where an ongoing war between the forces of good and evil plays out ... affecting us on earth now. 
The Three Heavens is a biblically reasoned, vividly written exploration of how God's enemies work; how God's angels protect and defend; and ultimately what awaits those who accept His invitation to spend eternity with Him. 
John Hagee is the author of multiple best-selling books. His most recent New York Times best-seller, Four Blood Moons, inspired a docudrama recently in theaters as a Fathom Event that sold out nationally, prompting a nationwide encore. 


Friday, September 19, 2014

Urgent Warning: ISIS Coming to America - The 'Gate of Hell' that has been opened


 Rick Joyner- Urgent Warning:  ISIS Coming to America 
- The 'Gate of Hell' that has been opened


Rick Joyner
Friday, September 19, 2014

Today on Rick Joyner’s show, Prophetic Perspectives, Rick shares the troubling dream he had last night about ISIS’s plans in America and how martial law may save us. In this episode, you will learn:
  • What ISIS in America may look like
  • What that may mean for you and your family
  • How to prepare
  • How this crisis can be avoided
  • How to pray for our national leaders, as well as local government, specifically sheriffs
  • How to remain in peace during this troubling time
This is a message you don’t want to miss. For future information on this topic and other prophetic revelation from Rick Joyner, sign up today for Prophetic Perspective email notifications. Also watch, Rick Joyner’s recent episode entitled “We are going to Heaven.”
To purchase the book about Rick's 1987 prophecy "The Harvest" click HERE

Watch here: http://www.morningstartv.com/prophetic-perspective-current-events/urgent-warning-isis-coming-america-gate-hell-has-been-opened?trk_msg=CU1761U1EM549B5IMV6FER23D8&trk_contact=F41MQJBCTS9IVBBVVCQR0AU6VO&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=http%3a%2f%2fwww.morningstartv.com%2fprophetic-perspective-current-events%2furgent-warning-isis-coming-america-gate-hell-has-been-opened&utm_campaign=URGENT+WARNING%3a+ISIS+Coming+to+America+-+The+%22Gate+of+Hell%22+that+has+been+opened

Friday, January 31, 2014

The Apostle Who Went Further Than Them All by Ian Johnson - by Ian Johnson (Identity Network)

The Apostle Who Went Further 

Than Them All 

by Ian Johnson 

(Identity Network) 

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Thomas the Apostle is one of my gospel heroes. He thrust his arm into eternity when he was asked to do so by Jesus, "put your hand in my side." I had one of the biggest encounters of my life when I came into contact with Thomas, at the entry point of the gospel in India. 

It was here I experienced apostolic fire and gospel power unlike anything else I had ever seen. This was in 2005, having just returned from 6 weeks in India and seeing firsthand the impact that Thomas had and is still having on that land I wanted to find out who Thomas was from a biblical point of view and discover some of his motivations.  What drove this man so far from Jerusalem? 

It seems fairly clear from historical evidence that Thomas was in India from 58AD until he was martyred in 72AD. The Church in Southern India was founded by Him, and He was buried in modern day Chennai at the Church of St Thomas on Marina beach. 

So what was it that drove Thomas to leave all He knew and travel a vast distance and even die for the cause? He is often labeled doubting Thomas, but the evidence in India would suggest He doesn't deserve this label. 

I had the privilege to go to 5 of the seven churches he established in Kerala, I claimed the mount where he received his instructions to go to the other side of India, I visited his final resting place and I went up a little mount in Chennai to the place where he was murdered for the cause of Christ. It is a very high hill where he used to go and pray, He also lived in a cave nearby. From a strategic point of view there would be no better position to pray from, as you can see the entire region. 

So what was the deal with the Apostle Thomas? I've gleaned as much as I can from the 3 times He is mentioned as speaking in scripture.
 
Was He Thomas the Doubter or Thomas the Doer? 

It seems to me He wasn't a doubter but he was; willing to risk his life. Willing to ask the hard questions and willing to accept the truth 

1.    Thomas was Willing to Risk His Life (John 11:1-16)  
        
The first time that we see the nature of Thomas mentioned is found in the passage about Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead -

John 11:1-16 - A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. This is the Mary who poured the expensive perfume on the Lord's feet and wiped them with her hair. Her brother, Lazarus, was sick. So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, "Lord, the one you love is very sick." But when Jesus heard about it he said, "Lazarus's sickness will not end in death. No, it is for the glory of God. I, the Son of God, will receive glory from this." 

Although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days and did not go to them. Finally after two days, he said to his disciples, "Let's go to Judea again." But his disciples objected. "Teacher," they said, "only a few days ago the Jewish leaders in Judea were trying to kill you. Are you going there again?" 

Jesus replied, "There are twelve hours of daylight every day. As long as it is light, people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light of this world. Only at night is there danger of stumbling because there is no light." Then he said, "Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up." 

The disciples said, "Lord, if he is sleeping, that means he is getting better!" They thought Jesus meant Lazarus was having a good night's rest, but Jesus meant Lazarus had died. Then he told them plainly, "Lazarus is dead. And for your sake, I am glad I wasn't there, because this will give you another opportunity to believe in me. Come, let's go see him." Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, "Let's go, too - and die with Jesus." 

The disciples have a good point here. They tell Jesus that isn't such a great idea going to Jerusalem, You know there are people out there who are trying to kill you. Jesus insists that they still go. 

Verses 11 and 12 are a bit humorous if you ask me.  Jesus trying to be kind says that Lazarus is sleeping and the disciples respond with don't wake him up. Then Jesus has to say, ok he is not sleeping he is dead.  Verse 16 is what we're going to key in on. 

Thomas said, "Let's go too - and die with Jesus."  Thomas, the one who we always refer to as doubting Thomas, makes the bold statement "I am willing to follow with you, Jesus, even if it means death." Thomas was willing to put it all on the line. In his mind there was a strong chance that he would be killed if he went to Judea. 

Thomas was willing to risk death to follow Jesus.  Do you have the same boldness to follow Jesus? 

In India I was challenged with similar feelings - my ministry companion did not want to go into an area controlled by the communist Laxelights who had been kidnapping and killing people for their cause. Yes it was dangerous.  Yes we could have been caught and killed. But I was confronted with this one thing...Will I obey Christ even if it means death or will I play it safe? We went in and we were protected.  

The fruit was an amazing outpouring of power and grace and many where saved, delivered, healed and set free. Thomas confronts us with this question - Are we willing to obey even unto death? He did...and we should to. 

2.    Thomas was willing to ask the questions that we all were wondering about, but too afraid to ask. 

John 14:1-6 "Don't be troubled. You trust God, now trust in me. There are many rooms in my Father's home, and I am going to prepare a place for you. If this were not so, I would tell you plainly. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. 

And you know where I am going and how to get there." "No, we don't know, Lord," Thomas said. "We haven't any idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?" 

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." 

Jesus just gets done giving the disciples some comfort. Let us be honest, if this was the first time you heard about all this you would be confused too. I can see the disciples sitting around and shaking their heads and pretending they understand what Jesus was talking about.  I get that look from time and time when I am preaching, I say I don't think you understand what I am saying but people smile and nod anyways. 

Thomas raises his hand and says Lord I don't get it. I am confused. Help me understand, what a bold question. 

Notice Jesus did not rebuke Thomas, Jesus did not make fun of him for his honest question Jesus used a different way and expanded on some things to answer the questions that Thomas and the rest of the disciples had in their mind. I am sure they were saying thank you Thomas for asking that question 

What can We Learn from this? 

You know one of the biggest misconceptions that we have been taught is, that questions are wrong. Honest questions are not sin. To want a better understanding of a situation is not a sin. There are some things that we do not understand at first. So be willing to ask the questions, be willing to examine things, figure out what exactly is going on.

What are you trying to tell me Lord? 

When I was in Goa India, I felt I was somehow missing the mark as far as reaching people for Jesus. I had witnessed to people on a one on one basis but had been unable to break through, I said "Lord I don't understand who you sent me here to speak to."  

He just said, "Take the bus to Bangalore." When it was time to leave we booked a bus trip to end all bus trips...13 hours on a bus with no suspension, The answer to whom we had been sent to became clear. Both my companion and myself where given seats next to people whom God had hand-picked for us to speak to. 

The result was fruit! Imagine if I had not questioned the Lord about the wisdom of the trip, and him saying there is someone you must speak to. I could have taken matters into my own hands it would have been easy to cancel the bus and take the train or even fly, but the Lord wanted me on that bus.

Thomas was willing to ask the hard questions of Jesus and we need to be able to do the same. 

3.    Thomas was willing to accept the truth (John 20:24-29). 

I am sure that you all remember the famous story of doubting Thomas, that we read in the beginning of this passage. 

Thomas gets a bad rap here; we have to understand what had been leading up to this point. 
First thing that the disciples know is; Mary came and said "Jesus appeared to her." None of the disciples believed her; if they had they would have not been in the room gathered together hiding in fear. 

Now when they were together and Jesus appeared to them, Thomas was not there.  Where was Thomas? The Bible does not say. Thomas did not want to blindly accept what his fellow disciples said. He wanted to make sure that everything was correct. So the Lord showed up again and showed him 

Thomas makes one of the most overlooked Messianic statements in the Bible - "My Lord and my God." 

This statement is amazing. For a Jew to make that statement is incredible. To call a human associate "My Lord and My God" could be considered blasphemy and punishable by death, He saw something in the side of Jesus that turned him around. 

Thomas was Willing - What can We Gain from this Story? 

First of all understand that doubt is not sin It is not sin to doubt. If it were Jesus would have said why you are sinning against me, he did not say that. We all wrestle with doubt from time to time. 

Notice something here, Thomas never doubted Jesus, he doubted his fellow disciples, Once Jesus showed him, Thomas believed, then declared his belief, in the most powerful messianic statement in the NT. 

Unbelief and doubt are not the same Unbelief is deliberate denial, disobedience, rebellion, resistance, and is always condemned. Doubt is the sincere question, but unbelief is an unwillingness to hear the answer. 

To doubt the resurrection would not be that uncommon, dead people had rarely got up and become alive again. Thomas had just lost his friend Jesus (so he thought) with dashed hope; it is hard to make faith fit in with the painful realities of life; this occurs when: a loved one dies, our children are in trouble, we lose our job - just life really.  What is funny is we often doubt that miracles can happen at times like this, but our desire for them is even stronger. 

The writer of the Psalms sometimes expresses much anger and sings about doubts and disappointments. However, they always seem to realize in the end that God is God, God cares for them, and God listens to them. 

In Kakanada I was faced with a woman who was totally insane. She had been a university graduate who had been indwelt by demonic forces to the point where she was going about saying she was an angel of light and talking with the voice of a man, trying to kill them with a machete.  I have to admit when I was confronted with her issues, I doubted for a moment that there was hope! 

But then the Lord came through. As I prayed the demons threw the woman to the ground. I commanded them in the name of Jesus to come out, and one by one they came out, the last going with terrible scream. At which point the woman returned to her right mind. She was set free and restored to her family. I saw her again the next day and the transformation was amazing. 

Imagine if I had of succumbed to doubt. But I was able to look to Jesus for the answers just as Thomas did. This is all Jesus wants from us, to look to Him. 

I hope I have made a good case to stop calling Thomas, "Doubting Thomas."  Thomas was not so much doubting Thomas as he was "willing Thomas." 

He was willing to risk his life and follow Jesus.  In the end He gave his life for Jesus, further away from Jerusalem than any of the others. 

He was willing to ask some really hard questions. Those questions caused him to trust so much He went to the other side of the world for Jesus. 

He was willing to accept the truth. In the end He was so committed to the truth that he planted many churches in Kerala & Tamil Nadu in India, and established an apostolic stronghold there still operating today. 

So be like Thomas.  Ask the hard questions of Jesus.  Be willing to follow Jesus even unto death. Be willing to accept the truth when confronted with it.  Thomas is my apostolic hero, a giant among the Sons of Christ. 

Ian Johnson

 
 
 
 
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Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Demon Possession: The New Confession of Modern Youth - Jennifer LeClaire (CharismaNews)

Demon Possession: The New Confession of Modern Youth





Eminem
Eminem (Facebook)
I don’t listen to secular radio. I haven’t listened to secular radio on purpose since I was saved and tossed thousands of dollars of secular CDs in the garbage.
As dark as secular music was back then, mainstream music has taken on a whole new level ofdemonic influence as popular radio songs work to get our youth to confess they are demon-inspired, if not demon possessed.
This revelation came as I was driving across the state of Florida with my teenaged daughter recently and decided to take a listen to what type of music today’s youth finds appealing. I heard the typical Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry hits that were hardly wholesome but not especially wicked. But I also heard tunes from "artists" like Eminem, Rihanna and Imagine Dragons that shocked me.
Consider the hook in Eminem’s “The Monster,” which features Rihanna: “I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed; Get along with the voices inside of my head; You're trying to save me, stop holding your breath; And you think I'm crazy, yeah, you think I'm crazy.”
Then there’s Imagine Dragons with its “Demons” hit that talks about the “beast inside” and proclaims, “No matter what we breed; We still are made of greed; This is my kingdom come; This is my kingdom come” and then goes on to declare, “When you feel my heat; Look into my eyes; It’s where mydemons hide; It’s where my demons hide; Don’t get too close; It’s dark inside; It’s where my demonshide; It’s where my demons hide.”
And this is what much of today’s youth is listening to—rock stars confessing and glorifying their struggles with voices in their heads and demons in their souls. Even church kids are listening to this demon-inspired drivel, singing right along with Rihanna and Imagine Dragons, agreeing they have voices in their heads and demons in their souls when they should agreeing with the voice of God and theHoly Spirit about who He is.
You might say to me, “Jennifer, this is nothing new.” Maybe not. But the beats and lyrics of modern secular music are growing darker. We’ve moved from “amazing grace, how sweet the sound” to Electric Hellfire Club with songs like “Kiss the Goat.” 
I know there’s plenty of Satanic underground heavy metal music that never makes it onto the radio, but clearly Satan, who once led worship in heaven, or his demons are dropping lyrics in the minds of pop stars who have a mainstream radio platform. The key word is mainstream. This isn’t some dark underground music I’m talking about. These are top hits.
What’s the danger? According to an Illinois State University study, male undergraduates behaved with more hostility toward women and were more likely to view aggressive behavior positively after viewing music videos that featured violent acts. And an Emory University Study reveals black girls between 14 and 18 who viewed hardcore rap videos for 14 hours a week or more were 3 times more likely to hit a teacher, 2.5 times more likely to get arrested, and 1.5 times more likely to get a sexually transmitted disease, use drugs, or drink alcohol.
Of course, there’s no particular study about what happens to teens who confess there are voices inside their head and demons hiding inside them. But a spiritually-minded person can connect the dots and the final picture is disturbing. The power of death and life are in the tongue (Prov. 18:21). A generation of youth is confessing insanity and demon-possession over their lives.
Again, you’re probably saying, “Jennifer, this is nothing new.” Maybe not. And maybe there’s nothing we can do to stop today’s youth from confessing they have voices inside of their head and demons inside while they are riding in the car with their friends or even sitting in their rooms with an iPod and headphones blaring the demonic messages in their ears.
But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be vigilant. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t teach our youth the spiritual implications of singing along with their favorite heathen rapper. That doesn’t mean we should allow it in our homes and cars. That doesn’t mean we should bury our heads in the sand while a generation of youth is confessing demon possession and insanity, does it?
Jennifer LeClaire is news editor at Charisma. She is also the author of several books, including The Making of a Prophet. You can email Jennifer at jennifer.leclaire@charismamedia.com or visit her website here. You can also join Jennifer on Facebook or follow her on Twitter.
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