Month: May 2019

An encouraging word: ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST

How many times have you heard a Christian say with boldness and determination, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s a great thought, but I wonder if we don’t sometimes put the emphasis on the “I” rather than “Christ.” “I” can do this, or “I” can do that. Such a sentiment can turn into a bit of an ego trip with Jesus along for the ride of what “I” can do. Rethink what Paul said in Philippians 4:13 to put the focus on “Christ” who does His work and will through the vehicle of the “I.” Indeed we may do great things for God, but it’s all about Christ in us and His strengt

• Does the person’s physical or mental state provide an adequate explanation for their condition? Are there physical impairments or neurological issues? Is there a history of delusional thinking or psychotic behavior not brought on by drugs or excessive trauma? Brain injury, hormonal imbalances, and stress disordering may result in behavior that seems devilish but can be explained logically.
• Is the person’s past or present moral behavior a cause for demonization? Has there been over-indulgence in the occult, promiscuity, anti-social conduct, drug usage, or other forms of spiritual rebellion? If there is no evidence of demonic open doors through satanic behavior, that’s one area that can be dismissed, unless generational curses are a factor.
• Is the person’s behavior a result of characteristics which are endemic to their identity? Are they naturally disposed to quickness of temper, exaggerated reactions, fearful responses, paranoid or delusional conclusions? Unregulated behavior and personal lack of moral boundaries may be such a part of an individual’s character that they act demonic on their own without any supernatural indicators.
• Do the person’s thoughts and actions reflect experiences they’ve encountered in life though a dysfunctional family structure or trauma and abuse? Was their home life chaotic or lacking in affirmation? Has there been evidence of severe physical mistreatment or sexual violation? Thousands of times I have asked the question, “What’s the worst thing that happened in your life?” The answer may reveal an obvious area where demons are present.

An encouraging word: ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST

How many times have you heard a Christian say with boldness and determination, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” It’s a great thought, but I wonder if we don’t sometimes put the emphasis on the “I” rather than “Christ.” “I” can do this, or “I” can do that. Such a sentiment can turn into a bit of an ego trip with Jesus along for the ride of what “I” can do. Rethink what Paul said in Philippians 4:13 to put the focus on “Christ” who does His work and will through the vehicle of the “I.” Indeed we may do great things for God, but it’s all about Christ in us and His strength.

In classical Greek mythology, the Minotaur god was depicted with the head and tail of a bull and the body of a man. His job was to guard the Labyrinth, a complicated maze. The Minotaur’s history with the Minoans of ancient Crete was also connected to bestiality. This creature appears in Dante’s “Inferno,” in mythic video games, such as “Dark Age of Camelot, Labyrinth of the Minotaur,” and C. S. Lewis’s “Chronicles of Narnia.” I bring this up because, during a recent exorcism, an evil spirit calling itself a “Minotaur demon” manifested. He declared himself to be the “guardian of the gateway of the soul.”   Undoubtedly, ancient Greeks, who worshiped a pantheon of gods and goddesses, had authentic, existential encounters with this evil spirit. The enduring legend of the Minotaur underscores the significance of this “gateway” demon. In the instance of exorcism just referred to, this demon stationed himself at the emotional entries of the victim’s mind to be certain that evil thoughts and emotions, put there by the devil and evil ancestors, would remain embedded as a means of torment. Through healing and exorcism, this individual was delivered; but I cautioned them with this truth. It is the Holy Spirit who wants to dwell at the gateways of our mind, so that the labyrinth of our consciousness is filled with things which, according to Philippians 4:8 are, “true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report—praiseworthy.”   Consider, for a moment, who guards the gateways of your mind? If those entries are the portals of envy, greed, anger, jealousy, bitterness, unforgiveness, lust, and other destructive emotions, a Minotaur of Satan may be guarding the door of your mind to keep it corrupted with spiritual rebellion. Second Corinthians 10:5 admonishes us to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” If the Spirit of God isn’t controlling what you think and feel, you may have a Minotaur spirit at the gateway to your soul. In which case you’ll need serious prayer and perhaps an exorcism to expel the Minotaur demon.  

An encouraging word: CALL UPON THE LORD

“I will call upon the Lord . . . so shall I be saved from mine enemies” (Psalm 18:3). David’s confidence in being protected was not his armies, his wealth, or his power. It was his God. We all need saved from enemies, evil people, tragic circumstances, physical diseases, financial challenges, and outright demonic attacks. Society says the government will save you or your cleverness will rescue you. Perhaps even your deception. But calling upon the Lord is the best way to stay safe from whatever enemies are tormenting your life.