The Prayer of Faith

Spiritual Warfare For The Totally Afraid

Demons are variously caricatured as "naughty spirits" and even portrayed as "sources of wisdom" in some New Age teachings. The Bible however sees demons as truly evil and deceptive beings arrayed in rebellion against God and whose fate will be eternal torment imprisoned in a lake of fire. This latter view is far closer to the reality experienced by demon-possessed people and those who have dealt with demons in others.

A demon possessed person is often deeply deceived - thus showing the deceptive nature of demons, a demon-possessed person often engages in activities that display a lack of conscience toward others or a delight in the evil and the bizarre. This betrays the evil, amoral and actively wicked attitude of the demonic. A demon-possessed person is often angry at ministers, scornful of Scripture, fearful of communion, mocking at morality and may hold bizarre views of Christ. Christian praise and worship can cause strong negative reactions. This displays the demonic hatred of God and rebellion toward His legitimate authority over this Earth that He made. Those who deal with demons sometimes find that demons are both aware of and terrified of the eternal fate that awaits them. They believe in the lake of fire even if some theologians do not. This article will look at what the Bible says about demons, their fate, and how we can stop them hindering our Christian life.

Lets start with the positive.....

Jesus' Triumph Over The Demonic Realm

(1 John 3:8 NKJV) He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

(1 John 4:4 NKJV) You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

(1 John 5:18 NKJV) We know that whoever is born of God does not sin; but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him.

The book of 1 John was probably written when the persecutions of the emperor Diocletian really began to bite. Satan and the his instrument - the pagan Roman Empire seemed to be indefinite ascendancy over the church, God and all the forces of good. 1 John is thus a very radical and bold epistle in its claims to victory in Christ. There are three realities described here:

1. The reality of Christ's mission in particular His incarnation. The reason Jesus Christ was manifested in human form was so that He could tackle Satan on his own turf and destroy all his works. Like a hand-grenade exploding in the Devil's face the incarnation brought the awesome power of the Son of God into proximity with evil so that it might completely destroy it.

2. The reality of Christ in us the hope of glory. He who is in us is He who came to destroy the works of the Devil. Jesus overcame the world then, and now, He is in us, and continues to overcome the world.

3. The reality of the indestructibility of our real eternal selves which are based on Christ in us. A person who has been born again has a new self that is created on a new order and a higher plane. It is eternal, imperishable and indestructible, it cannot be defiled. It is sinless and cannot sin. It is born of God and partakes of the very principles of the nature of God (but on a much different scale).(1 John 3:9 NKJV) Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God.This new self battles with the flesh in a life long struggle for dominance (Galatians 5:16-18) so Christians still do sin but this sin is not a part of them that will still be with them in Heaven. There will be no need for Purgatory, the new self has been sinless from the "new birth". This new self cannot be "touched" by the evil one. The person we will be for the next ten million years cannot be affected by sin , defilement or temptation and it has already passed out of the judgement of God (John 5:24, Romans 8:1,2). While Satan can destroy your flesh (1 Corinthians 5:5) he cannot touch the real eternal you.(See article on the Inner Man for more detail)

These three powerful realities mean that even though Satan and his demons are at times quite formidable foes they ultimately cannot harm us. They are defeated rebels whose rebellion will come to nothing in the end. Jesus Christ came to destroy ALL the works of the Devil and through His church that task is being completed and will be finally climaxed at the return of Christ. Let's look at how the Devil lost the weapons from his armoury.

(Hebrews 2:14 NKJV) Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

The incarnation gave Jesus the flesh and blood He needed so that through death He could defeat Satan's ability to wield the power of death, keeping the world in fear and abject slavery.

(Colossians 2:13-15 NKJV) And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, {14} having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. {15} Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

These verses in Colossians indicate that the weapon of accusation has been removed. Satan has been disarmed by the forgiveness we have received. He no longer has any basis for accusing us. The Charge sheets are all nailed to the Cross.

Satan's ultimate defeat will be an ignominious vanquishing (Revelation 20:10 NKJV) The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

The Christian's Power And Authority Over The Demonic Realm

The Christian's power and authority over the demonic realm is not based on having more "might" than the demonic realm (I do not know of any Christian with the spiritual might anywhere near that of Satan) but on authority. The distinction is important. Joash became king of Israel when he was 7 years old. Though physically puny and intellectually hardly a match for bad queen Athaliah he had more authority than her or nay of his rivals. He was king. Similarly even a "baby Christian" has more authority in the spiritual realm than the biggest baddest demon on the block. As a small child is more important than the largest fiercest lion so God has deemed that even the least Christian outranks the mightiest power and principality. The authority comes because of their position in the heavenly hierarchy. In God's household we are the "sons" and angels, even the mightiest of them are just servants of God. And sons outrank servants.

(Hebrews 1:14 NKJV) Are they (i.e angels) not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?

(1 Corinthians 6:3 NKJV) Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?

We have undergone a spiritual transformation as a result of the gospel. In the Old Testament we were " a little lower than the angels", we were like children who, in their minority, have less status than say the butler and are expected to treat the household servants with respect. But with the gospel we have come of age and are now full-fledged sons of God

(John 1:12 NKJV) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:

(Galatians 3:24-26 NKJV) Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. {25} But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. {26} For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

This transformation means that a huge change in status has occurred so that inhabitants of the Kingdom of God are truly awesome spiritual beings.

(Ephesians 2:6-7 NKJV) and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, {7} that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

(Ephesians 1:20-21 NKJV) which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, {21} far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come.

(Matthew 11:11-13 NKJV) "Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

We have been raised up with Christ and seated at His right hand in the heavenly realms far above all principalities and power and might and dominion so that Jesus could say of us that the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than the mightiest of the Old Testament saints. This is "amazing grace" and is God displaying His kindness for all the world to see.

Wielding Our Weapons

With this in mind lets look the authority we have been given and how we are to wield it.

(Luke 9:1 NKJV) Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.

(Luke 10:1, 17-24 NKJV) After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to....Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." {18} And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. {19} "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. {20} "Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven." {21} In that hour Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. {22} "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows who the Son is except the Father, and who the Father is except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." {23} Then He turned to His disciples and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things you see; {24} "for I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see what you see, and have not seen it, and to hear what you hear, and have not heard it."

Jesus commissions the twelve and then the seventy to have power of evil..In these verses we discover three things:

1. The power we have over the demonic realm is a gracious gift from Jesus"I give you.."to equip us for ministry (it is in the context of a ministry trip).

2. This power is both offensive / I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. and defensive / and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

3. That our operating principle is not to be power consciousness but instead humble gratefulness for the grace of God."Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

Binding and loosing....

The Apostle Peter

(Matthew 16:18-19 NKJV) "And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. {19} "And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

Christians in general

(Matthew 18:18-20 NKJV) "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. {19} "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. {20} "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."

Binding Satan and his demons

(Matthew 12:27-29 NKJV) "And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. {28} "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. {29} "Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.

(Luke 11:19-22 NKJV) "And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges. {20} "But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, surely the kingdom of God has come upon you. {21} "When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. {22} "But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armour in which he trusted, and divides his spoils

Thus we see that the power to bind and to loose has been delivered over to God's church (Matthew 16:18-19) and can be exercised by any two or three Christians coming together in agreement before God (Matthew 18:18-20). Because of the authority we have been given on the basis of the completed work of Christ we can come against Satan as "someone stronger" and overpower him, binding his activities (Matthew 12:29), neutralising his weapons (Luke 11:22) and taking back the things he claims ownership of. (Luke 11:22).

In The Name Of Jesus

(John 14:13-14 NKJV) "And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. {14} "If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

(John 15:16 NKJV) "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you

(Luke 10:17-19 NRSV) The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, in your name even the demons submit to us!" {18} He said to them, "I watched Satan fall from heaven like a flash of lightning. {19} See, I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing will hurt you.

(Acts 16:18 NRSV) {18} She kept doing this for many days. But Paul, very much annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I order you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour.

The name of Jesus is the delegated authority of the Son of God. In the Gilbert and Sullivan opera "The Pirates of Penzance" the pirates are arrested and the police say "We charge you yield in Queen Victoria's name...". They confront the pirates in the delegated authority of Her Majesty Queen Victoria. When we come against Satan and his demons we can say "We charge you yield in the name of Jesus Christ the Son of the Living God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords". The "name that is above every other name" is the ultimate source of authority. Say the pirates in the opera had answered...we resist in the name of the Pirate King..then there would have been a clash of authority (in fact they said "we love our Queen..it was very sarcastic..) In such a clash of authority it is the "highest name" that wins. A queen outranks a counts who outranks knights of the realm that outrank commoners etc. So it is in the heavenly realms. Such is the privilege of Christians that we are allowed to use "the name that is above every other name" when we challenge demonic authority. We come bearing the highest authority in the Universe.(Philippians 2:8-11 NKJV) And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. {9} Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, {10} that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, {11} and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

So to use the name of Jesus in prayer is a declaration of authority. Even Jewish exorcists found it had enormous authority until it was challenged (Acts 19:13-18). They were operating on "bluff" they were not converted and had no right to use the authority of Jesus name in exorcism. The basis of praying in Jesus name is , first of all, being converted. Jesus name can be used in two ways 1)In declarative mode "In the name of Jesus I command..." e.g. when Peter healed the lame man at the Gate Beautiful(Acts 3:6 NKJV) Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.". Secondly it may be used to request things from God eg, in the verses from John's gospel above"And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.". The difference between command mode and request mode is that we command lesser beings but command greater ones. So when addressing a demon, a disease or a mountain or a storm we operate in command mode as sons of God proudly bearing the authority of Jesus name. When addressing the Father or Jesus we do not presume on the authority we have been given but we come humbly as expectant children with every right to ask and to receive but always in wonder and awe for we have a majestic God.

Go boldly into the battle armed with the name of Jesus Christ.

Tearing Down Strongholds

(2 Corinthians 10:3-5 NKJV) For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. {4} For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, {5} 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,

Strongholds are built out of thoughts (Gk. noema). When Satan builds a stronghold in a human heart, a church, a nation or across a whole planet he uses thoughts. Thoughts of fear, hatred, envy, enmity and strife. Thoughts that create jealousy and distrust. Thoughts that turn people against God. Thoughts that entice to pride and rebellion. Greedy thoughts, lustful thoughts, evil and cruel thoughts. Brick by brick, thought by thought, constellating together into a demonic aggregate, a wall that blocks out the light and keeps a world in darkness. Note that they are described as "arguments and every high thing that exalts itself". A spiritual stronghold is often characterised by a form of pride known as hubris that exalts itself against God. Herod in the book of Acts is an example of this when he accepted worship from men and was struck dead by God. (Acts 12:21-23) The Gnostic heresies of Colossae (Colossians 2:8, 18-23) the bizarre "knowledge" of Corinth (1 Corinthians 8:1-3) and the "teaching of The Nicolaitans (Rev 2:6,15) seem also to fit this category. Those with religious delusions are nearly always full of pride and impossible to reason with. That is why Paul calls it a "stronghold" . Bible-based apologetics has its place here on demolishing the "lofty arguments" and replacing them with truth. Jesus' confrontations with the Pharisees and Sadducees and His teaching on the Sermon On The Mount were real "stronghold busters" (You have heard it said..but I say. to you..)

Thoughts control emotions and actions. If your doctrine tells you that you are no good then you will feel worthless. If your doctrine demands perfection you will feel constantly guilty. This will lead to actions based on your thoughts and feelings e.g a life of constant striving. A stronghold can become so intense that the person loses touch with reality. To see this in action we need only look at the severely demon-possessed with their destroyed thought life, shattered emotions, lack of contact with reality and constant fear.(Mark 5:1-20) Satan controls us to the extent that he can control our thinking. Yet God has given us weapons against this that are"mighty in God for the pulling down of strongholds"so there is no problem with our weapons ! Lets learn to use them. The weapons are listed in Eph 6:10-18.

(Ephesians 6:10-18 NKJV) Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. {11} Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. {12} For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. {13} Therefore take up the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. {14} Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, {15} and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; {16} above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. {17} And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; {18} praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints;

The strongholds of Satan are pulled down by people whose lives show moral integrity and faith and who know the word of God and can pray in the Spirit at all times. It is a soldierly combat. For example say Satan has established a stronghold of lustful thoughts in your mind. You need to pull down those lustful concepts about the opposite sex through a thorough study of God's word and knowing what the human body is, and is not, meant for .  Then you need to fill your mind with things that are noble and lovely and true (Phil 4:8)) praying in Jesus name for God to demolish this stronghold in your life. If the stronghold is in your church - say a spirit of parsimony and greed then you may need to teach on generosity and giving prayerfully wielding the sword of the Spirit until the false concepts of stewardship have come tumbling down and the church is renewed in faith. If the stronghold is in your nation you may need to debate publicly, use the media and refute the lies that keep people bound while guarding yourself and your own life from the counter-attacks that w ill come. As I said earlier our weapons are "mighty in God" they are amazing weapons if wielded rightly. Do not be intimidated the authority of Jesus and the "big guns" of God's weaponry are on our side.

A Tactical Armoury

The following table summarises the ways Satan attacks and the way we should respond to these attacks. I have called it a tactical armoury since it tells us which weapon to select for the battle. You may notice that many of the Scriptures for Satan's tactics also contain the remedy for it close by or in the same verse! God is wise.

Conclusion

I hope you are feeling a bit more confident in spiritual warfare by now. Please answer the following revision questions. They will help you learn the material.

What was one of the purposes in Christ's coming as a human being? (1 John 3:8 , Hebrews 2:14)
What victories did He win? (Eph 4:8 , Colossians 2:13-15, John 16:33, 1 John 5:4)
What change took place in the heavenly status of believers between the time of John the Baptist and the day of Pentecost? (Mt 11:11-13)
Are Christians greater or lesser than angels in authority? (1 Cor 6:3, Heb 2:14, Eph 2;6,7))
What is the importance of authority in spiritual warfare? (See section on the power and authority of the Christian)
What are strongholds made of? How do we combat them? (2 Cor 10:3-5)
What are the two ways of using the name of Jesus? (Acts 3:6, 16:18 John 14;13,14, 15:16)
What is meant by binding and loosing? (Matt 12:27-29, 16:19, 18:18-20)
Why can the demonic realm "not touch us"? (1 John 4:4, 5:18)
What is the right tactic for combatting involvement in the occult? (See diagram above)

When Jim hears a certain song he suddenly feels insecure, rejected and unstable. The song reminds him of his ex-wife and the kids. Its full of pain for him. Pain that comes out of left field and can leave him hurting and crippled inside. These "jagged emotions" can seriously hinder our lives and leave us unable to function. I will share with you six strategies I have found effective in dealing with painful emotions.

1.Calling on God on the basis of His character and His word.This is the main tactic adopted by the people that wrote the Psalms.(Psa 40:1-3 NKJV) I waited patiently for the LORD; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. {2} He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. {3} He has put a new song in my mouth; Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the LORD.They tell God their troubles and then "wait patiently" as He hears their cry. They are sure that God is good and they turn their problems and pain over to Him. They are confident of His noticing their pain and dealing with it.Psa 56:8 NKJV) You number my wanderings; Put my tears into Your bottle; Are they not in Your book?Waiting on God in trust is appropriate for people suffering persecution, grief, divorce, financial insecurity or other long term pain that has "no immediate solution". Such people need "the eternal perspective" on their troubles and it can be a real relief and comfort in their pain.

2.Deal with guilt through confession and cleansing with the blood of Jesus.Some emotional pain is our fault and due to our own willful sin. That was certainly so for David in Psalms 32 and 51 and he only found emotional healing after he confessed his sin and dealt with it appropriately before God.(Psa 51:1-3 NKJV) Have mercy upon me, O God, According to Your lovingkindness; According to the multitude of Your tender mercies, Blot out my transgressions. {2} Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, And cleanse me from my sin. {3} For I acknowledge my transgressions, And my sin is always before me.You may only find healing for some things when you confess them, seek forgiveness and make any necessary restitution required. Secular counsellors tend to treat all guilt as pathological - but God has given us a conscience. There is such a thing as appropriate guilt that we should deal with through confession etc. If your painful emotion is guilt then come to Jesus now and He will forgive you (1 John 1:9)

(Suggestions 3,4,&5 are connected...)

3.Talking to your spiritual condition and "naming the emotion".This is not infrequent in Scripture and is done in both happy and sad times. The admonition "bless the Lord O my soul." is well known. However here we will give a couple of instances where people named their pain.

(Psa 42:11 NKJV) Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.

(Jer 4:19 NKJV) O my soul, my soul! I am pained in my very heart! My heart makes a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace, Because you have heard, O my soul, The sound of the trumpet, The alarm of war.

Once the pain is named it can be dealt with. God can be sought out and the problem taken to Jesus for healing. Naming the pain is appropriate when we are "clogged up with emotion" and confused. It suddenly seems so much easier once we can "get a handle on things".

4.Understanding the difference between our memories, our emotions and our beliefs.A certain memory may elicit a painful emotion every time it is recalled. But the pain of the memory, the memory itself and your beliefs about the memory are in fact three separate things! When you are healed you will be able to recall that memory without emotional pain! That may seem extraordinary to you now but it is true and thousands of people can testify to it. The brain stores the visual component of the memory - the events etc and the emotional part, separately. We can see this is true by the fact that the feelings about an event can change while the recollection of the event remains the same. Or on the other hand people with intensely painful memories will edit the scene in their minds thus the emotion remains the same while the memory changes. There is actually no link between event and emotion other than associations and beliefs. There is no causal connection. What is causing your pain all these years later are the embedded lies that are strongly associated with the memory. Lies like "this proves you are worthless", "you are so unclean!", "you are always going to be a failure" and so forth. To find out what the embedded lie is just ask yourself -"What is this painful memory telling me about myself - if it could speak what would it say to me". Write down the lie and tackle it with the truth of God's Word. So we see that in any painful memory there are at least three components 1. The event 2. The emotion 3. Embedded lies and valuations that flow from the event and are associated with its memory.

5.Deal with emotions and embedded lies in quite different fashions.Lies are dealt with by confronting them with the truth. Emotions are dealt with by telling them to go away. When the lies are dealt with a lot of the source of the emotional pain is corrected. The remaining emotions are then so detached from reality that we can dismiss them like we dismiss a bad mood when we have to concentrate on some work. Here is a possible Christian approach to correcting embedded lies and dismissing the remaining painful emotions. To correct the embedded lies confront them with the truths of God's Word, the love of Jesus Christ and any words He gives you about the situation. To dismiss the painful emotion do so with definite authority in the name and power of Jesus Christ. This also deals with any spiritual component, any attack from the Devil, associated with the painful emotion. Lets put this together with "naming the emotion" in a case of deep but inappropriate guilt. The person could say something like "False guiltyou are based in a lie! I was the victim - not the perpetrator, I am not guilty and I refuse to accept thisfalse guilt. I am not bad or wicked, in fact God loves me and delights in me as His child.False guiltflee from me and never return. I command this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen". Many find that this works for them. Of course it can be varied for different emotions such as fear, anger, resentment etc.

6.Realise that there may be a spiritual component to the pain.It is not uncommon to find emotional dis-integration amongst people who are involved with Ouija boards, pendulum divination, magic, crystal ball gazing, tarot and astrology. The "deeper" into the occult they go the more psychic pain can flow forth as a result. The occult seems capable of being very cruel and predatory to people and their emotions. If you are involved in the occult in any way "renounce the Devil and all his works" destroying all objects associated with your involvement in the occult. If you have been the subjects of curses, blood pacts, vows or oaths of any kind ( a surprising number of people have) then renounce that pact or curse breaking it in the name of Jesus Christ. If you feel you need more information on this go to the article on the occult. You will find considerable "cleanness" and emotional peace when you fully forsake the occult.

Conclusion

There are many other approaches to dealing with painful emotions that I have not covered here. The common thread of all six approaches is that they are grounded in a biblical understanding of the sources of emotional pain and how it can be cured. I have seen these "techniques" work. They do help people. What you will need is discernment on when and where to use each one. Sometimes you may use them all together. However it would be inappropriate to call on God and wait if you are involved in the occult. What you need there is repentance and a breaking off of your involvement. Neither would you use a spiritual approach like number 6 to help a Christian suffering from divorce. That requires the person to cast themselves on God and wait. It may also need some repentance. So we see that we can use each of these six techniques either alone or together, with discernment, to tackle the "jagged emotions" of life.

The Christian's
Struggle With Sin

The following passage describes the apostle Paul's struggle with sin. It also describes the personal experience of every Christian that I know. The Spirit and the flesh are at war with each other. But not permanently. When we receive our resurrection bodies that struggle will cease. It is temporary struggle that the overcoming enduring Christian will one day win.

(Romans 7:14-8:4 NKJV) For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. {15} For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. {16} If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. {17} But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.

{18} For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. {19} For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.

{20} Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. {21} I find then a law, that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. {22} For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. {23} But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. {24} O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? {25} I thank God; through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

( 8:1) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. {2} For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. {3} For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, {4} that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

What is Paul's main point in this? - THOUGH WE STRUGGLE WITH SIN GOD DOES NOT CONDEMN US BECAUSE WE ARE IN CHRIST JESUS. If you think I am shouting at you -then you are right and I am shouting Hallelujah! "Sin in the flesh" is condemned and will pass away but all who are in Christ Jesus will become glorious eternal beings with imperishable and magnificent bodies (1 Corinthians 15:25-55). Our sin will be far behind us then, it will have vanished like smoke on a windy day. You see for the Christian our sin is not part of us though it is closely associated with us and affects us as Paul twice says above{verses 17&20} Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me.. Sin is only a part of us if we actively consent to it. Paul goes so far as to say "it is no longer I who do it". What a cop out! Not at all! Its the truth. All that is truly us is under the control of the Christian's will. This sin is a compulsion apart from Paul's will. It did not proceed from Paul's will therefore it was not Paul's deed. The sin was committed by Paul's body but it was not committed by Paul the person.

{22} For I delight in the law of God according to the inward man. {23} But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. {24} O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? {25} I thank God; through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin.

Paul thus makes a clear division between what his mind and will want and what his flesh/body wants. He also sees his flesh as temporal, earthbound and sin-indwelt while his mind and will are in willing subjection to God

.{18} For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. {19} For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.

This struggle between his flesh and his mind and will is so intense and so humiliating that the apostle cries out: {24} O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?

It is body that holds him back from being the Christian he wants to be. How does it hold us back? By being the dwelling place of sin. The mind is capable of renewal but the body is not, it needs to die and be resurrected. It has been fatally affected by the Fall. In some way it stores sin like a mighty dam stores water. The biblical image is vivid -sin dwells, it abides, it is perfectly at home in the human body. Why is this so? I can think of a few reasons. Firstly the body was primarily designed for living on earth and interacting with the material world around us. It was not made to grasp hold of eternity - for instance our five senses and all our organs operate without any knowledge of the eternal. They know only this world. Therefore sin can operate through our bodies more easily than through our spirits we are attuned to God (for the Christian). Secondly our bodies are creatures of habit. They learn certain ways of acting and reacting, speak with certain accents, move in certain ways all of which are hard to unlearn. Once the body learns something it takes a long while to unlearn it. The body learns the ways of sin and programs them in. It physically records them and some our habits come back to us. Thirdly God designed our bodies to experience physical pleasure from eating, drinking, sex and athletic activities amongst many other things. He wanted us to enjoy Eden and to be motivated to do these things. Unfortunately many sins are also very pleasurable physically and our body is strongly motivated to repeat them thus turning them into habits which are hard to unlearn.

The next question to my mind is "Why didn't God just take all this junk out of at the moment of my conversion?". He did. Its not you any more - its your body that you are stuck in until you die. After that you are rid of it. Which leads to the obvious - then why didn't God clean out my body as well as my mind at conversion? Some people seem to be marvelously delivered from sin after they are saved - they give up alcohol, smoking or drugs overnight. However no-one is freed from all sin. Purity of heart is something we have to pursue but God has given us some might help through the Holy Spirit.

(Galatians 5:16-18 NKJV) I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. {17} For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. {18} But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

The desires of the flesh remain but when we walk in the Spirit we can have mastery over them. The original Greek is quite emphatic on this point "ou me telesete" which translates "not at all fulfill " "in absolutely no way fulfill". When our life is conducted according to the Spirit the flesh does not have a chance. It cannot make us do its will.

How then do we walk in the Spirit? Paul makes the statement "walk in the Spirit" as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, as if no Christian needed to be told how to do it. This is very irritating of the apostle, at least it seems that way to me. However Paul's letters do give us plenty of clues as to what he was talking about. So lets go back to Romans 8 - jus after where we left off earlier. (Romans 8 is a whole chapter on walking in the Spirit.)

(Romans 8:1-6 NKJV) There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. {2} For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. {3} For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, {4} that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. {5} For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. {6} For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

The first two things we find out about walking in the Spirit is that a)it frees us from the Law b) it fulfills the Law. Blessed contradictions! That are not contradictions at all. Walking in the Spirit is a law-full activity in that those who walk in the Spirit are law-abiding they dwell in God's commandments and obey them. However they are not judged by them. They are free from the laws demands and threats. Yet that do what it says. They do God's will out of the inner impulses of the Spirit rather than because of the threats and promises of the Law. They do this because of their mindset. The set of their minds is on godly things. Those who walk in the Spirit. Habitually turn to thinking of God and godly things. Just as a miser turns to thinking of money or a young girl to thoughts of her boyfriend the Christian walking in the Spirit turns to thoughts of God. You can choose to set your mind on your appetites or on the Lord. On sex, money, and vanity or on faith, hope and love. If your mind is habitually set on God it is hard to sin. Habitual sins tend to gain control of us in our leisurely moments when our minds drift to thinking of "nothing in particular" then like a train jumping its rails it switches into the track of the flesh and the thoughts that we dread.

These fleshly musing are deceptive. Soon we are tricked, overpowered and led into sin:
(Ephesians 4:22-23 NKJV) that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, {23} and be renewed in the spirit of your mind.

James describes this process with frightening accuracy
(James 1:14-15 NKJV) But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. {15} Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.

To walk in the Spirit then we must master our thoughts and much of the New Testament is devoted to this very theme - the renewing of our mind.
(Romans 12:1-2 NKJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. {2} And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

We need to consider how to renew our minds and the answer (surprise) is in Romans 8. In verses 9-25 Paul shows us that the renewed mind involves a renewed and hope-full identity (as sons of God), in verses 26-27 that it involves a renewed and personal relationship to God through prayer "in the Spirit", and in verses 28-39 that the Christian mind has a renewed confidence in the goodness of God which is demonstrated towards us in all of life's circumstances.

How then can we win the struggle against sin? By taking charge of what we believe and where we set our minds and how we pray. Victory in this war is costly and requires action and discipline.

(1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NKJV) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. {25} And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. {26} Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. {27} But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Paul writes in competitive terms here. The struggle with sin is not for the casual dabbler in righteousness. It is strenuous, "athletic", vigorous and in earnest. It involves having a definite aim (verse 26) and a lifestyle that is carefully regulated in a way calculated to bring about godliness (verses 24,25,27). Self-mastery involves being domineering towards one's body in order to "bring it into subjection". The phrase "I discipline my body" comes from the phrase "to give a black eye to" and means "I beat my body severely" or "I beat it until it is black and blue".Paul's ministry meant that he had to have little consideration for his physical comfort or security. His body could not be allowed to determine his agenda and the call of comfort must never drown out the call of God.

L is for Larynx. The vocal cords are not really cords at all - they’re more like flaps which stick out horizontally from the sides of your windpipe. The vocal folds vibrate in accordance to their length, mass and tension using “tensor muscles”.

A. Air. Learn to control your airflow. Make sure you breathe from the diaphragm and not from the upper chest area (also known as Claviculur Breathing.). Try to imagine your lungs filling up from the bottom to the top……OK, who’s that student at the back standing on their head? That’s not what I meant!!!

B. Breathe!!! If you don’t you may expire and that can be a little worrying for us coachesJ Build up breath control by doing breathing exercises such as; inhale for 4 beats, hold for 4 beats, exhale for 4 beats, then rest for 4 beats, Keep building this up until you can hold your breath for a count of 16 beats or more. Remember if you feel dizzy STOP!!! Singing Tip B2

C. Care! There’s nothing worse (ok, maybe route canal surgery is a little worse) than watching a singer perform a song that they just don’t care about. Sing songs that you love and that you care about and your audience will care about you. Singing Tip C2

D. Diaphragm, diaphragm, diaphragm, diaphragm. (did I mention diaphragm?). To me the diaphragm is the most important muscle in singing. Find out where it is and how to control your airflow. In a very short space of time you can become a much better singer simply by learning to control your diaphragm

in H. Learn to support your head, I don’t mean save all your money to put it through college, I mean learn the correct posture. Just as there are optimum body postures for singing there is also correct head posture. If you believe my fellow countryman Charles Darwin you’ll know that the human body was not designed to stand erect, something went wrong during our evolutionary development and we ended up upright. The neck muscles therefore get very tired if we don’t use correct posture. Head rolls and self massage are great. So no more monkey business!! Singing Tip H2 Q. Quiet time. I always start my classes with quite, diaphragmatic breathing. Gently winding down from all the stresses of the day. Focus on getting your breath down from the chest and into the diaphragm area. If you have a puppy or a kitten watch how they breathe. Their tummies’ rise and fall gently, with no stress or pressure. Breath in for a count of 7 then out for 11, This fools the body into becoming very relaxed, very quickly. This is a great technique to try if you are waiting for an interview or an exam. Don’t do this when driving though as it can lower blood pressure and increase your vehicle insurance should you crash!!

S. Soft Palate. This fleshy little feller needs to be raised when we sing and there’s an easy way to do it. Just imagine a little smile at the back of the inside of your throat and hey presto, your soft palate will rise. Have a yawn too. Get used to this yawny feeling as it’s something similar to what we want to happen when we raise the soft palate and sing with an open throat. When you yawn though, try not to drop of to sleep. Hello …. You still there…hello ..wake up!!!

T. Avoid Tea, Coffee, Alcohol, Ice Cream Milk, Soda, Peanuts, and chips just before you sing. Theses liquids only help to dehydrate your voice and the peanuts and chips leave debris all over your vocal folds …Ewww! In reality you should avoid all of the above period and just drink lots of water (more on water later). However, us coaches understand that you’re not training to become Monks so we do allow a little indulgence from time to time. Remember though, all things in moderation. Singing

W. Water. Always drinks lots of room temperature water. Water is your body's principal chemical component, comprising, on average, 60 percent of your weight. Every system in your body depends on water. For example, water flushes toxins out of vital organs, carries nutrients to your cells and provides a moist environment for ear, nose and throat tissues. The Institute of Medicine advises that men consume roughly 3.0 liters (about 13 cups) of total beverages a day and women consume 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day. Interesting huh!!!

D= Drop Your Jaw -- Relaxing and dropping the jaw in (pop) singing is the key to reaching notes effortlessly, making range transitions and supporting the ends of your range.

E= Eat for Energy -- Proteins are essential for maintaining energy in singing. Singing takes energy. Many performers lose energy halfway through a set and then end up efforting, pushing and stressing their vocal cords. J= Jaw -- Relax your jaw. Called a Dumb Duh, it will feel unnatural to keep your jaw loose and dropped but it is the best way to get a smooth sound and not effort in singing. It also allows you to get exact placement of pitch and replicate it.

K= Keep Your Eye on the Ball -- Don't get discouraged if your voice isn't where you'd like it to be. It takes time to develop your instrument. Singing is a complex performing art and everyone who's successful has done the work at some time or another. Keep going and you'll keep growing.

M= Mouth sounds -- Using mouth sounds such as a creek or a cry, give your voice more resonance and presence. In your chest voice, knowing how to use mouth sounds properly is critical -- especially in getting to record quality. Many singers mistakenly put their sound in their nose. Practice putting the sound in your mouth by placing it all the way in your nose and then forcing the sound into your mouth. FEEL the difference. Your body can assist you with correct placement.

W=Warm Up -- This is critical to a great performance -- you must warm up your muscles. A rule of thumb is to do at least 20 minutes of vocal exercises and 40 minutes of singing. If you perform a lot, it could take less time. If you perform infrequently, warm up longer. Otherwise you warm up on your audience or, worse, you find congestion, range weakness or other problems on stage rather than in the privacy of your home -- where you can work to overcome them. If you're sick or tired or very congested, having enough warm up time allows you to make good decisions on song selection and the actual set list.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE

"A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed"
(Proverbs 11:25, NIV).

Ons het die Here met ons lewe vertrou toe ons Pretoria toe getrek het. Ek het geen optredes gehad nie en geen vooruitsig vir nuwe maak van cd's en geen ander inkomste nie. Die Here het belowe Hy sal ons nie in die steek laat as ons Hom vertrou nie. Ons het die risiko gevat en Jesus het gestand gehou aan Sy woord. Hy het voorsien verbo wat ons voor kon bid, vra of dink. Gerrie se Fotografie besigheid is n groot sukses. My program is so vol met optredes wat ek weet net van die Hemel af kom en die fantastiese goeie nuus is dat ek n cd kontrak gekry het by n bekende maatskappy..dankie Jesus dis net U wat hierdie wonderwerk kon doen. Ons is so opgewonde oor al die goeie nuus..

ek wil jou vandag bemoedig en vir jou se moet nooit twyfel aan God se genade of voorsiening nie.

Ons bid dat die Here ons sukses sal gebruik tot Sy eer vir ander wat twyfel.

Ons hoop om as die Here wil n huweliks seminaar aan te bied want ons is die gelukkigste paartjie op aarde en ons wil graag vir ander getroudes ons sukses deel. Ons fondasie is op die rots Jesus gebou en ons gaan van krag tot krag in ons verhouding.

 As julle gebed nodig het...ons wag vir julle versoeke en ons weet as Jesus dit vir ons kon doen Hy dit vir julle ook kan doen.

SINNERS PRAYER

Dear Father,

I now believe that Jesus Christ is Your only begotten Son, that He came to our earth in the flesh and died on the cross to take away all of my sins and the sins of this world. I believe that Jesus Christ then rose from the dead on the third day to give all of us eternal life.

Lord Jesus,

I now confess to You all of the wrong and sinful things that I have ever done in my life. I ask that You please forgive me and wash away all of my sins by the blood that You have personally shed for me on the cross. I am now ready to accept You as my personal Lord and Savior. I now ask that You come into my life and live with me for all of eternity.

Father, Jesus - I now believe that I am truly saved and born again.

Thank You Father.
Thank You Jesus.

Psalm 63

O God, You are my God

So I have looked upon You in the sanctuary to see Your power and Your glory

Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.

so Will I bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in your name.

My mouth shall praise You wiht joyful lips

When I remember You upon my bed and miditate on You in the night watches.

For You have been my help, and in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice.

My whole being follows hard after ou and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me.