We are out of town for most of last week and out of touch with Pat. So, we were quite interested to learn how she was doing since they were going to do a house cleansing, and also since so many people have been praying for her.
A house cleansing is a ceremony of evicting any evil spirits that might be lingering in that location. What can give evil spirits a "license" to manifest at a location? Acts of violence, suicide, perversion, lust, and hatred can give evil spirits permission to come to and remain at a location. Just because a Christian moves in there doesn't mean that the spirit has to beat a hasty retreat. An evil spirit may choose to harass the Christian and try to distract the Believer. If the Believer knows how to put on the spiritual armor God has provided, and knows the authority they have through the shed blood of Christ, and the finished work on the cross, he/she doesn't need to put up with the intimidation of an evil spirit.
Pat and her husband did a house cleansing after they went home Sunday night. What happened? The terrifying dreams stopped immediately. Praise the Lord!
I am still going to monitor Pat for a while because spirits can be tricky. Sometimes they leave, and then come back. Sometimes they pretend to leave, but don't. Sometimes, one spirit leaves, but others try to remain hidden, only to manifest at a later time.
In the mean time, Pat is happy to be reading The Adversary, by Mark Bubeck. As she memorizes Scripture and learns more about using the armor of God, any hiding spirits will find themselves weakened, and removing them will be easier. When we take antibiotics it overwhelms the infection. In like manner, when we take in a healthy regular dose of Truth, the enemy can't stand against that either. It the evil spirits meant to distract Pat, they will be very disappointed to find the opposite to have occurred. She is growing stronger in Christ every day.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
In my previous entry, I mentioned that I was reading up on the topic of spiritual warfare. I didn't know why, but just went with the impulse and did the study.
Well, maybe I know why I needed to study. I met a lady last night that asked for prayer. She had been having bad dreams. I asked for more particulars. She said, "Oh, scary things, robed figures, very dark, ceremonies..." I later learned that these images have plagued her since she was a small girl.
I asked if she had watched any movies recently that might have given her those images. She said that she did not watch those kind of movies, so the answer is no.
I gave her and her husband some notes about spiritual warfare and a copy of the book The Adversary. There were verses from Scripture, and sample prayers they could pray. It might be enough to drive away evil spirits for good...but this kind of manifestation might indicate a deeper problem. A direct confrontation with the spirits might be necessary.
I am going to call her, "Pat." If you read this, could I ask you to say a prayer for Pat and for her complete deliverance from the enemy? Thanks! :)
Well, maybe I know why I needed to study. I met a lady last night that asked for prayer. She had been having bad dreams. I asked for more particulars. She said, "Oh, scary things, robed figures, very dark, ceremonies..." I later learned that these images have plagued her since she was a small girl.
I asked if she had watched any movies recently that might have given her those images. She said that she did not watch those kind of movies, so the answer is no.
I gave her and her husband some notes about spiritual warfare and a copy of the book The Adversary. There were verses from Scripture, and sample prayers they could pray. It might be enough to drive away evil spirits for good...but this kind of manifestation might indicate a deeper problem. A direct confrontation with the spirits might be necessary.
I am going to call her, "Pat." If you read this, could I ask you to say a prayer for Pat and for her complete deliverance from the enemy? Thanks! :)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Half Moon Rising
I was just outside for a prayer time. Ever since I was a kid, I have preferred to go outside in the dark for a prayer time. I think the stars speak about God's faithfulness and that ministers to me. King David looked up at those same stars...so did our Lord Jesus. :)
It is mid January and my thoughts are stretching to the spring and summer. There is much to do. I find myself slowly taking on more of an administrative role for this work. The administrative work is not at the expense of the work we have been about for the past six years. I can't leave that, but I need to add several tasks to my agenda, too.
We have more requests to try to connect church short term missions teams with this work. If only it were as simple as organizing a construction crew for a work project. We don't really have those types of opportunities. What we really want to do is connect people with people. That means cross-cultural relations. To prepare volunteers to make these connections, they really need a crash course on what it means to relate cross culturally. So, I am developing a "distance education program" that will meet that need.
I also have commitments to the Coastal outreach. For three years, I have helped to develop a kayaking outreach near Nanaimo. It uses kayaks, archery, and survival skills to create a framework for relationships with the Native people on the coast.
I have been re-reading books on the subject of the deliverance ministry, and spiritual warfare. God usually puts a passion on my topical reading for a reason. I don't argue. I know that we deal with this topic rather often. There is a lot to know.
I have three preaching assignments to prepare for, and the regular Sunday night teaching time.
This is what Winter is for. :) It is like going back to college and taking a full course load for one semester. No college credits or a paper for the wall, but just practical necessary learning for the work. :)
We have been praying for six months to God to provide another vehicle for us. I believe He has answered that prayer. A local Christian offered a 2000 Saturn automobile for a very affordable price. We will take delivery of the car in February, and plan to use it on the furlough trip to the Mid-west, in the States. Once again, God has taken care of our needs. :)
So, may God help me get all the administrative work accomplished while the snow is on the ground. Thank you to all who shared your care and prayers for our healing from the loss of our dog. He has done a great work in healing us and we are back on track, without distractions.
Thanks again, and please keep praying. It is the prayers of the Saints that move this ministry forward.
~Howard :)
It is mid January and my thoughts are stretching to the spring and summer. There is much to do. I find myself slowly taking on more of an administrative role for this work. The administrative work is not at the expense of the work we have been about for the past six years. I can't leave that, but I need to add several tasks to my agenda, too.
We have more requests to try to connect church short term missions teams with this work. If only it were as simple as organizing a construction crew for a work project. We don't really have those types of opportunities. What we really want to do is connect people with people. That means cross-cultural relations. To prepare volunteers to make these connections, they really need a crash course on what it means to relate cross culturally. So, I am developing a "distance education program" that will meet that need.
I also have commitments to the Coastal outreach. For three years, I have helped to develop a kayaking outreach near Nanaimo. It uses kayaks, archery, and survival skills to create a framework for relationships with the Native people on the coast.
I have been re-reading books on the subject of the deliverance ministry, and spiritual warfare. God usually puts a passion on my topical reading for a reason. I don't argue. I know that we deal with this topic rather often. There is a lot to know.
I have three preaching assignments to prepare for, and the regular Sunday night teaching time.
This is what Winter is for. :) It is like going back to college and taking a full course load for one semester. No college credits or a paper for the wall, but just practical necessary learning for the work. :)
We have been praying for six months to God to provide another vehicle for us. I believe He has answered that prayer. A local Christian offered a 2000 Saturn automobile for a very affordable price. We will take delivery of the car in February, and plan to use it on the furlough trip to the Mid-west, in the States. Once again, God has taken care of our needs. :)
So, may God help me get all the administrative work accomplished while the snow is on the ground. Thank you to all who shared your care and prayers for our healing from the loss of our dog. He has done a great work in healing us and we are back on track, without distractions.
Thanks again, and please keep praying. It is the prayers of the Saints that move this ministry forward.
~Howard :)
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