Military Advisers Accompany Netanyahu to Moscow

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Monday, September 21, 2015

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JERUSALEM, Israel -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brought his military advisors with him for a one-day meeting in Moscow Monday.

In an unusual move, Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, Military Intelligence chief Maj. Gen. Herzl Halevy, National Security Council head Yossi Cohen and Col. Eliezer Toledano, Netanyahu's military secretary, are accompanying him.

Much of the three-hour meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin will focus on Russia's recent military buildup in Syria, particularly at the Latakia port.

Among Israeli concerns is that Russian troops on the ground could facilitate the transfer of weapons to Hezbollah, the Lebanese-based Iranian proxy. Hezbollah has sent thousands of its fighters to bolster Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's troops.

According to one Syrian military source, Russia has provided Assad's army with advanced weapons and training.

"New weapons are being delivered and new types of weapons. The Syrian army is being trained in the use of these weapons," Reuters quoted the source.

"The weapons are highly effective and very accurate and hit targets precisely," he said, adding that Russia is supplying both air and ground weapons to the Assad regime.

From time to time, Israel carries out targeted airstrikes on convoys transporting weapons to Hezbollah or in retaliation against rocket attacks, but almost always refrains from confirming or denying responsibility.

"The Weapon of Honor!" - Bill Yount

"The Weapon of Honor!"

Bill Yount, Hagerstown, MD

The Elijah List

My mouth shall be filled with Thy praise, and with Thy honor all the day. Psalm 71:8

I saw what appeared to be high-ranking angels descending upon the earth decreeing: "Honor! Honor! Honor! Release the power of honor upon the earth!" "Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king!" (1 Peter 2:17).

The word honor means to set a price on, value, esteem, regard or respect. From Heaven's perspective, whole nations, cities, and people are dying from the lack of honor. But through one simple word of respect, I saw the hand of God coming upon the earth to move upon whomever we honored.

A Scepter and Scroll of Honor

I saw a scepter of honor rising over the earth. Crowns, medals, and ribbons were now being handed out to weary, worn saints! I saw strong angels swooping down to pin medals and ribbons of overdue honor upon many of God's saints in this hour. Medals for "wounded" hearts were being given out. Your heart was wounded, but you went on! 

Those who have been hidden, receiving no recognition (while others were taking the credit for your labor), were now receiving medals of honor! There were medals and ribbons being pinned upon many for not quitting. You have gone through Hell without stopping! Even after you had fallen down, you got back up and kept going! (Photo by Donna Smallenberg"A New Name" via elijahshopper.com)

Great honor was coming upon you now! Gold medals were being given to those who took the blame, making peace with others even when you knew you were right. Crowns were now being placed upon heads while wearing your gold medal too. 

There were also medals being given for "unanswered" prayers. You cried out earnestly for God to answer your prayer, but there was seemingly no answer (or at least not the answer you had been looking for), but yet having not seen, you still believed.

Through great brokenness and humility, honor was now coming upon many. Proverbs 15:33 says, "...humility comes before honor." With this honor was coming great authority. And with this great authority came responsibility for us to honor others.

I also saw an "honor" scroll being opened as a great cloud of witnesses in glory stood to their feet! This honor scroll was opened and unfurled across the earth. High-ranking military angels began stepping down out of Heaven, and appeared to be disengaging in Heavenly warfare to release overdue honor upon the earth that would ultimately change many hearts and minds of mankind, bringing Heaven down to earth.

Honor the Unborn

A strong cry was heard throughout the earth to honor the unborn! Psalm 127:3 says, "Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." (Photo by Jennifer Page "LIFE" via elijahshopper.com)

Great honor in Heaven was being given to unborn babies whose destinies would have turned the world upside down by now. 

Love and hugs from earth would have squeezed out many cures of infirmities and diseases on the earth had they been loved and honored when they were sent. God was alerting us with one more opportunity to respect the womb and the treasure inside of it, which He wants to bring forth to bless us.

Honor Thy Father and Mother

Honoring thy father and mother all the days of thy life was releasing long awaited healings and miracles! Exodus 20:12 says, "Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

A doctor attending our church felt led to take time off work and visit his father and mother who lived in Florida. He took a month off to bless them and love on them. Upon returning home, this doctor had a physical check-up and was diagnosed with colon cancer. He said that when his physician said the word "cancer" to him, he had a strange peace come over him and the Lord spoke, "Since you have honored your father and mother, I am going to heal you and give you a long life!" That doctor has no cancer now!

I sense that even as our fathers and mothers age, the first commandment promising long life becomes vital in fulfilling our long range purposes on the earth.

Honor the Children

Honoring children will bring forth their gifts and callings like nothing else. Psalm 127:4-5 says, "As arrows are in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one's youth. Happy, blessed, and fortunate is the man whose quiver is filled with them! They will not be put to shame when they speak with their adversaries [in gatherings] at the [city's] gate." (Photo by Linda Harris-Iorio "Quiver Flaming Arrows" via elijahshopper.com)

I once heard a story about a little boy who came to school one day carrying his little plastic guitar. Because that was so unusual, the teacher asked him what he was doing with it. He told his teacher, "I am going to be a great country singer when I grow up." The teacher took the little boy by the hand and walked him down to the principal's office. She said to the principal, "I want to introduce you to a great country singer legend. Would you allow him to sing over the PA system this morning?" The little boy sang his heart out. Years later, that little boy became a country singer. While doing a documentary of his success, he mentioned his teacher in elementary school who believed in him and respected his dream.

Honor All Men

As a result of not honoring others, we have not been honored. 1 Timothy 2:1-4, "I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgivings, be made for all men; for kings and all that are in high place; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and gravity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth."

A seemingly forgotten command was now coming forth from the Throne Room to the Body of Christ to decree honor to all men, including kings and leaders of nations. By not honoring them with our prayers, as well as not praying for the salvation of their souls, we were actually tying the hands of God from moving upon their lives! Because we didn't like the person God had put in power, we therefore despised their position. But to God, position and the person is everything! (Photo via Freeimages)

Romans 13:1 ...for there is no power but of God; and the powers that be are ordained of God.

Many will be called at this time to stand before nations, kings, cities, tribes, orphans, widows, babies, and even the unborn to honor them. 

When we honor someone, something powerful happens in us, because in honoring others we are honoring God as well, since "all men" were created in His image. Don't wait to find a good reason to honor someone. You may be waiting forever. Let's honor them because God said so.

LET THE "HONOR" ROLL!

Bill Yount
Blowing the Shofar Ministry

Email: theshofarhasblown@juno.com
Website: billyount.com

Bill Yount has been a member of Bridge of Life in Hagerstown, Maryland, for the past 36 years where he is now an elder and a home missionary. He is currently an advisor at large for Aglow International. Bill faithfully served in prison ministry at Mount Hope for 23 years and now travels full-time, both in the U.S. and internationally, ministering in churches and Aglow circles. "Humility and humor" characterize his ministry as he brings forth a fresh word that is "in season," proclaiming the Word of the Lord! 

The shofar (or ram's horn) is often used in his meetings, breaking the powers of darkness over regions, churches, and households. The shofar represents God's breath blowing into the nostrils of His people, reviving them and awakening the lost. Many of God's messages, which Bill ministers prophetically, come out of his everyday life with his family and friends.

To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/subscribe

Massive Weapons cache Headed for Jerusalem Uncovered Among Christmas Decorations

Massive Weapons cache Headed for Jerusalem Uncovered Among Christmas Decorations

Click here to watch: Massive Weapons cache Headed for Jerusalem Uncovered Among Christmas Decorations A massive amount of fireworks, knives and Tasers police believe were meant in part to be used by rioters clashing with police were seized last week by Jerusalem District detectives and officers from the Tax Authority and the Ashdod Port Customs, police announced on Thursday. Police said the seizure came after Jerusalem detectives ran an undercover investigation along with the tax and customs officials, during which they were able to track and seize two shipping containers which came to Ashdod by way of China. The fireworks were hidden among Christmas decorations inside the containers, which were intended for Arab residents of the largely Christian east Jerusalem neighborhood of Beit Hanina. Last Tuesday, three of the suspects arrived at the Ashdod Port and claimed the containers, and then drove with them on trailers to a storehouse in Afula, where they planned to unload the merchandise. They were then arrested at the spot before unloading the containers, as was the owner of the storehouse. Inside the containers police said they found 18,000 fireworks of the restricted 20mm variety, as well as 5,200 commando knives, 4,300 flashlights that can be modified into improvised Tasers, 5,500 Tasers, and 1,000 swords. Watch Here Fireworks have become a highly popular tool of rioters facing off with police and soldiers during riots in the Arab sector, in particular in East Jerusalem. The firecrackers, including large roman candles, are pointed horizontally towards police and soldiers and fired like ammunition. Some of the larger gauge fireworks can penetrate police protective gear at close range, including their plastic shields. All can cause severe burns and if some of the larger ones hit on the right spot, such as the neck, they can potentially be fatal. On Tuesday, the Knesset Economics Committee voted to ban the import of fireworks throughFebruary 15th, noting that the explosives had been used as weapons against security forces in clashes. "Fireworks have become a significant danger to the security forces and we must eliminate their use as a weapon," said committee vice chairman MK Karin Elharar (Yesh Atid). The expiration date on the limitation was put in place to ensure the ban did not excessively hurt importers, but the Yaron Mor, who chairs the forum of firework importers, noted that the ban might not be effective in and of itself. In testimony before the committee, he said that there were smuggled containers of fireworks in the country that could still fall into the wrong hands. Source: Jerusalem Post

"Satan Is Attacking Many With Depression – That's About To End" by Al Thomas

"Satan Is Attacking Many With Depression 

– That's About To End"

Al Thomas, Hagerstown, MD

The Elijah List

Many Years Ago God Delivered Me From Depression and Worry

As a young man, I was living in California, and after a hard day at work and just returning from an evening Bible college class, I was greatly depressed. I wanted someone to talk to and share my heavy heart, but I met an empty house. At that time, a lot of pressures were weighing me down. My family life was in turmoil, my job frustrating, and all the while my stress level was increasing to an explosive point. My mind was confused and bewildered. All alone, I felt an urge to pray.

I went to my bedroom, fell to my knees, and cried out to God in desperation. After briefly praying, I was so emotionally exhausted I crawled up on the bed and fell fast asleep. After twenty minutes or so, I was awakened by a majestic voice that said, "ISAIAH 26:3." The voice was full of authority and love.

I grabbed my Bible and read the verse, "[I] wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on [Me]." As soon as I finished reading, an amazing thing happened: I felt as if hot oil was being poured on my head, going right through me. It seemed as if His peace claimed me and took up residence. (Photo via Flickr)

Proverbs 12:25 says, "Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad." I had received a good word. Since then I have faced many trials and a few life-altering catastrophes. Pressures and problems still come, but I can honestly say I have rarely worried about anything since that time or experienced depression. I do not put my head in the sand when troubles come; I simply have a divine perspective about them and a great peace within. This was a manifestation of Jesus' promise of peace and it has abided.

Depression Is One of the Most Lethal Weapons the Enemy Uses

The world is in a perilous state. Fear of war, another terrorist attack, or any number of uncertainties abound. Many are facing health problems and financial woes. Others are facing despair because of family members who are not walking with Jesus or are simply in disunity. As long as we are on this earth, there will always be some kind of trouble facing us. Job 5:7 says,"Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward." No one (as long as they are breathing) is exempt.

Before despair wedges its way into your life, you must learn how to deal with it and overcome it. Yes, I said overcome it.

David said "Why art thou cast down, O my soul?" (Psalm 43:5). Don't be ashamed if you're depressed, but recognize that Jesus said we don't have to live with it (see John 16:33). Joy is your inheritance, not depression. Jesus said: "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full" (John 15:11). Depression robs you of energy and makes you think God is not pleased with you.

Stop Looking In the Rearview Mirror

This is often the root cause of depression. But it is the last place you should go – the past. There is nothing there but despair. Before all the "wringing of hands," the "sweating of the brow," and the "woe is me," talk to yourself and others and go to the Source: God Himself. You may say: "Come on, that's too simple; I've cried out time and time again, etc." Some say, "I did, He didn't say anything."

Here is the key: Then put your anchor down and start waiting. Read Hebrews 6:15-19. Also, remember what David said: "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed" (Psalm 9:9). Psalm 25:5 says"Lead me in Thy truth and teach me; for Thou art the God of my salvation; on Thee do I wait all the day." (Photo via Freeimages)

People want an instant solution. Instead, God wants us to trust and be patient. Some don't like to hear that, but that is where maturity is manifested. The Hebrew word for "wait" means to "expect." He is waiting for you to wait on Him."For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion: in the secret of His tabernacle shall He hide me; He shall set me up upon a rock"(Psalm 27:5).

God is calling: "When thou saidst, 'Seek ye My face'; my heart said unto Thee, 'Thy face, Lord, will I seek'" (Psalm 27:8).

God has been described in many ways. One of my favorites is, "God is a huge guy with a big coat that has millions of pockets. Some are small and others larger," and if you get close enough, He will reach in one of those pockets and "give you something." 

God is an amazing Giver. God gave the Son. The Son gave the Spirit. The Spirit gives gifts. The Father is a contagious giver. Get close to Him. He has something for you, and it is always good. Be waiting, be expectant... joy is coming in place of depression.

See God's View – No Room For Depression

Have you ever felt like you were wasting your time and bearing no fruit? Sometimes depression is a lack of proper focus. God is never depressed. Keith Green sang, "The view from here (earth) is nothing near to what it is for You."

The way God sees you and the way you see yourself must come into alignment. Why?Because how God views problems is different from how we do. (Photo via Pixabay)

Elijah thought he was the only prophet in the land. "...I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away" (1 Kings 19:10). Elijah was telling God false information – and not only once, but twice (see verse 14)! Elijah's problem? He didn't have all the facts.

Tip: Elijah wasn't alone (see verse 18). Neither are you. The enemy wants you to feel trapped and come up with a worldly solution to your problem rather than waiting for God. Remember King Saul? He didn't wait for the prophet (Samuel) to arrive for the sacrifice; instead he goes ahead (see 1 Samuel 13:9). He felt pressured, got nervous and... the devil fooled him. That foolishness cost him a kingdom (see verses 9-14).

Ask God to open your eyes. You're not surrounded, your enemies are (see 2 Kings 6:16-17). It's how you view things. Get God's perspective, He's got 20/20 spiritual vision (past, present, and future). He sees all, knows all, and never panics. When we have His perspective, joy rules our hearts. Peter said we would "be glad... with exceeding joy" (1 Peter 4:13). That word "exceeding" means "super abundant."

See God's Solution – Not Your Own

Too often we want to "figure things out" instead of waiting on God. David (Saul's replacement) wrote, "Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD" (Psalm 27:14). God is not ignoring the seriousness of your dilemma, nor about to give you the usual shallow "Christianese" buzz words, expecting you to suddenly start jumping for joy. Yet, at the same time, God's answers are usually quite simple.

The greatest discoveries are those that reduce complex things into very simple things. Often, we start to imagine in our own minds how God is going to help us. Don't do this. You see, God is always going somewhere. Don't start going somewhere until you know for sure that is the direction God is going. Blessed is the man who finds out which way God is moving and then gets going in the same direction.

Sometimes Biblical trust has nothing to do with logic or circumstances. God's peace can come even though understanding escapes us (see Philippians 4:7). We are looking through a glass darkly (see 1 Corinthians 13:12). So don't let anyone rob you of God's "on-the-way" blessing. Firmly resist satan (see James 4:7), then listen for the sound (see Psalm 89:15).

Heaven is making a sound. Faith hears that sound. The train is coming around the corner, the whistle is blowing. I hear shaking and I see chains falling off of many (see Acts 16:26). If I were you, I'd start rejoicing by faith (see Philippians 4:4). You see, that Engineer is wearing a huge coat... and if you pay attention, you'll see all kinds of blessings fall out of His pockets and depression suddenly disappear.(Photo via Pixabay)

Al Thomas
Celebrating His Life

Email: a.thomas@myactv.net
Website: celebratinghislife.com

Al Thomas is a noted Bible teacher who travels mostly east of the Mississippi with a ministry of encouragement to the Body of Christ. He teaches heavenly truths with down-to-earth practicality and humor. Al and his wife Sherry publish a free teaching newsletter that reaches many homes each month. 

Al has pastored in California and Wisconsin and was mentored by evangelist Jim Spillman. Al and Sherry minister in churches of all denominations, and are known for the gift of faith to be in operation in their meetings. Al and Sherry move prophetically and see many healed in their meetings. They have four children and six grandchildren. They reside in central Maryland.

To subscribe to The Elijah List go to:http://elijahlist.com/subscribe

Standing in the Storm by Tage and Dana Mathisen

Standing in the Storm 

by Tage and Dana Mathisen

Identity Network

Deeper Roots

We have seen that when a heat and drought occur, the trees will dig their roots deeper and deeper to get to water. It is the same as with trees in areas with much high winds, they spread their roots widely and deep to stand in the storms. 

As we now see a shaking in many nations, we as Christians are to go deeper in Christ than ever. God has a purpose for this. He wants us to embrace His Kingdom which is unshakable. All that is of the natural or temporal is being shaken. There is a huge transition going on which leads to confusion unless you are deeply grounded in Jesus as THE Way, THE Truth and THE Life! 

The transition is leading from church age into Kingdom age. As Jesus preached and taught the Kingdom of His Father, He also demonstrated it in power and authority. God`s plan is to present a glorious and spotless bride to His Son. Today there is more essential than ever to yield to the Holy Spirit. Everything outside Christ Jesus will fall short. God will raise up His people in such a manner that governments and leaders of corporations and businesses will seek wise counsel from the sons and daughters of God.

Choices and Unity

I saw a line in the sand in a vision yesterday and it is clear that the choices we make today will be of huge impact in the days ahead. In that I have seen that much of what worked before will not work anymore. God is upgrading now, and it is all by His Spirit. In the transition now He is searching for a pure and willing heart. 

As the people have demanded their kings like Saul, God is preparing His Davids. It is a preparation of the heart that happens when our heart is becoming one with the heart of the Father. It will be a oneness and unity between the Father and those who have His heart, not seen before. These vessels will only do what the Father is doing and speak what He is speaking. Many are in a preparation for this today. They do not follow the ways of man, but are led by His Spirit.

Upgrades in Transition

God is calling on us for upgrades! There will be a lot of upgrades in this transition for those who have ears to hear and eyes to see. There is also a release of His Spirit of excellence like what happened with Daniel. Much will be in apprehension of Christ in us and the revelation of who He is in us. There is a purging going on now that will sift the dross out of the gold.  

God will give wisdom and revelation so amazing that when it is spoken it will be like a wonder. The oneness with the Father will be so tangible that when we speak, it will be created. We will call forth into existence what was not there. Wisdom will flow like a river of life in and through His people.

Unity with the Father will create a unity between His people that brings the body in alignment with Jesus (The Head). This will result in even greater works than Jesus did. As Moses face was shining of God`s glory, Christ in us will shine through us in a way that all people will recognize that we are one with Him. When we speak, our heavenly dialect will reveal that we belong and are one with Him. Just as Peters dialect revealed he had been with Jesus.

Stand in the Coming Storms!

The basics Jesus taught will be foundational in the time ahead. It will not only be words, but it will be our lives as testimonies. I see that our vision will be much more focused and the focal point will be of who Jesus is in us. More and more will come alive, as the revelation of that we are seated with Him in heavenly places is more real than what we see in the natural. 

When God pours out His glory on earth, we have to be rooted strong in Christ and Him only, or else we will not be able to stand and minister. God wants His people to stand in the storms coming. 

In a dream I had this night, I saw many people in a forest area. They seemed worried and anxious. Then in the dream I prepared a weapon, it was a spear. I knew there was a boar (hog) that was going to attack us. Suddenly the people sounded the alarm that the bore was attacking, and I was ready with the spear. It came straight towards me and I pointed the spear towards the boar as it attacked and it was killed. 

Then all the people screamed out that a big bear was coming to attack and kill us. Everyone was terrified and screamed. Suddenly the big bear came straight towards me, then a person ran towards the bear and jumped up into the arms of the bear, as the person had no fear of this evil attacking us. My spear as I looked at it, was now bent on the tip in a 30 degree angle. I ran towards the bear and was able to spear it from many different angles while this other person was fighting it from the front. It was a team work and after about 20 hits by the spear, the bear was dead.

The Lord showed me that the boar is an unclean and deceiving attack of the enemy on the body of Christ. I sense strong in my spirit that the enemy wants to rob every follower of Jesus of their divine purpose and identity in Christ. This match was the easy one as it only took one hit with the spear and the enemy was out.

The second attack by the big bear is different. It is to those who choose to follow Jesus no matter what and in faith step against the whole system of the enemy. The bear is attacking in finances and blocking people and ministries to get in position. It is even hindering the birth of purposes. When the big bear attacks it tries to put a weight of fear in anxiety and unbelief that many will fall under.

The weapon as a spear is revealed to me to be our declarations made in the spirit out from the authority in Christ seated with Him in heavenly places. Arise by His Spirit into your rightful place with Christ in the heavenly places, far above any second heaven evil authority. The person attacking the bear is revealed to me to be angels of God who partner with us. When we declare the word and will of God by His Spirit the angels are assigned to fulfill those declarations. Even attacking and removing enemies.

Victory in His Blood

In Revelation 12:11 it says: And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.

Proclaim victory in His blood and keep standing!

There is no greater foundation to stand on in this time than proclaiming the ultimate victory of His blood and His word. Even when we face great tribulation we will endure it with constant statement of the overcoming power of the blood of the Lamb and the word of the transforming faith in Christ. When Satan is attacking in a most vicious and personal way against us, we will stand. It is all because of a faith that is unwavering, resulting from an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.

Declare your abiding faith in the accomplished work of the Cross, and constantly participate in Jesus` ultimate victory, overcoming Satan by the power of the Cross. God`s grace will empower you to step into this faith to overcome in Christ.

God bless every one of you as you read this. Grace, grace to any mountain that arise against you by the enemy. No weapon formed against you shall prosper.

Love and much grace.

Tage and Dana Mathisen

www.1soul1nation.blogspot.com

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Why Are So Many Pastors Committing Suicide? - Jennifer Leclaire

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Why Are So Many Pastors Committing Suicide?

12/11/2013 JENNIFER LECLAIRE

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More than 2 million adult Americans made a suicide plan in the past year, and about half that many went through with the plan. (Stock.xchng)

In another church tragedy, Pastor Isaac Hunter—the son of the spiritual adviser to President Obama—has reportedly taken his own life. Hunter’s death is making national headlines because of his megachurch father Pastor Joel Hunter’s influence on the White House, his marriage troubles and an undated suicide note found last year, but his death is far from the only pastoral suicide in recent months.

Just days ago, a pastor who was grieving his dead wife reportedly shot himself in front of his mother and son, expressing that he was hearing his dead spouse’s voice and footsteps. Pastor Ed Montgomery and his late wife, prophetess Jackie Montgomery, served at the Full Gospel Assemblies International church in Hazel Crest, Ill.

In November, a Georgia pastor killed himself in between Sunday services. Larrinecia Sims Parker, wife of the Rev. Teddy Parker Jr., found the pastor in the driveway of their home with a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Houston County coroner Danny Galpin reports.

Why the sudden rash of pastors committing suicide? Suicide is not a new problem among clergy, but three known suicides in less than two months begs a deeper look at the issue.

There is no lack of statistics about pastors and depression, burnout, health, low pay, spirituality, relationships and longevity—and none of them are good. According to the Schaeffer Institute, 70 percent of pastors constantly fight depression, and 71 percent are burned out. Meanwhile, 72 percent of pastors say they only study the Bible when they are preparing for sermons; 80 percent believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families; and 70 percent say they don’t have a close friend.

The Schaeffer Institute also reports that 80 percent of seminary and Bible school graduates will leave the ministry within five years. It’s not clear how many commit suicide, but it is clear that pastors are not immune to it. Psychologists point to several reasons why people commit suicide, from depression to psychosis to stressful life situations. But one thing is certain: Whatever drives someone to take their own life ultimately begins in the mind. Suicidal thoughts precede suicide.

“Suicidal thoughts have numerous causes," according to Mayo Clinic. "Most often, suicidal thoughts are the result of feeling like you can’t cope when you’re faced with what seems to be an overwhelming life situation. If you don’t have hope for the future, you may mistakenly think suicide is a solution. You may experience a sort of tunnel vision, where in the middle of a crisis you believe suicide is the only way out.” 

As it turns out, suicidal thoughts are not uncommon. Nearly 8.3 million adults age 18 and older in the United States—that’s 3.7 percent—had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year, according to a study called "Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Adults > 18 Years" released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although some suicides are impulsive, most are planned out. More than 2 million adult Americans made a suicide plan in the past year, and about half that many went through with the plan.

Again, suicide starts with a thought. Indeed, every action we take starts with a thought. As one who struggled with depression for years, I am not trying to oversimplify the solution, but rather merely point out one contributing factor. Many of the harmful actions we take originate from the seed of a thought Satan whispers to our souls. That seed grows as our minds reason out the benefits of acting on the thought. For those contemplating suicide, I believe the seed grows in their minds as they reason themselves out of living because life’s circumstances are too overwhelming.

When the enemy plants a vain imagination in our minds, we have two choices: cast it down or meditate on it. When we meditate on vain imaginations, we tend to connect demonic dots that create skewed pictures of reality. Believing what we see in our thought life is real, we talk ourselves into taking action based on a wrong perception. Although there are issues of chemical imbalances, I believe this is what happens with many suicides. The enemy plants a seed in the form of a thought that an already distraught soul doesn’t discern as a demonic attack on their life.

If we want to win the battle against suicide in the pulpit and the pew, we need to, among many other things, take ahold of Scriptures that instruct us about the battle in our mind. Paul told us, “The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled” (2 Cor. 10:4-6). No one can take your thoughts captive for you, but you can take your own thoughts captive, and it starts with girding up the loins of your mind (1 Pet. 1:13).

Paul also offered this advice: “Whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you” (Phil. 4:8-9). If we do what the Word says—if we meditate on what the Word tells us to meditate on—the enemy’s seeds won’t take root in our souls.

If you see your pastor or anyone else struggling with depression or hear them speak disturbing thoughts that aren’t in line with the Word of God, pray and ask God what He would have you do. Then do it. Suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States, and the enemy is targeting our spiritual leaders in this hour. Let’s rise up and battle against this disturbing trend in the name of Jesus.

Jennifer LeClaire is news editor at Charisma. She is also the author of several books, including The Spiritual Warrior's Guide to Defeating Jezebel. 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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