Avalon Chronicles #197: Spiritual Healing-Part Three Door Openers (Cont)

 Reference: Cox, Everett. Doing the Supernatural Works of Jesus. 2010. Available on Amazon.

     A critical element of this teaching related to understanding why evil spirits can torment Christians is contained in Chapter 4. In #196 we discussed the need to close off all the doors, that, when opened, authorize demonic spirits to invade and work us over. As a reminder we discussed the need to be "born again," to confess all sins and to harbor no bitterness nor unforgiveness throughout our lives.

     Continuing along, there are other doors that must be closed or never to be opened for an invasion by the evil spirits. 

     A long life may be ensured when children honor their parents, even though we may believe they do not deserve our honoring them. God's Word: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." (Ephesians 6:1-3)

     Works of the Flesh: Not surprisingly this is a major door opener. What follows is from (NIV) Galatians 5:19-21. These sins must be recognized, admitted and repented of to be able to close off their impact from evil spirits. "The acts of the sinful nature (works of the flesh) are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissentions (divisions), factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." These hit home for so very many, perhaps most prevalent and evident. 

     Pride: As we examine ourselves and recognize that non-humility and pridefulness are present, we must repent and ask forgiveness. "Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil." (I Timothy 3:6)

     Witchcraft: "Any involvement with withcraft will open a door to demonic oppression. Messing with a ouija board, tarot cards, going to a fortune teller, having your palm read, reading horoscopes, astrology, etc....Anything that gives importance to any form of withcraft is a potential open door to demonic oppression. This gives demons 'rights' to torment others in the household and cause weird things to happen in the house."(30). See Deuteronomy 18: 10-12. 

      Drugs, Alcohol and Other Addictions: "The enemy will use addictions as an open door to give evil spirits permission to harass."(31) These addictions can be so debilitating and harmful to one's health. Addictions put self before God. This is an area that proper choices and self-control are most needed. 

       Traumas of the Past: Most harbor some emotional wounds of our past. "There are wounds from bad relationships, rejection (perceived or real), abandonment, physical, verbal, psychological or sexual abuse, severe frightening experiences, experiences with miscarriages, abortions, or having bad childhood memories...these traumas need inner healing."(31). "...He hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted...to set at liberty them that are bruised..." (Luke 4:18) As a soldier severely wounded in Vietnam I endured suffering emotionally from my past traumas, as do many in the military, who were in warzones and came under fire or bombardments. At no time in years of secular counseling was I introduced to the aspect of a need for Jesus to help heal me from my wartime experiences. The world just talks to you and refills your prescription.    

      

     

Avalon Chronicles #196: Spiritual Healing Part Two "Open Doors"

 Reference: Cox, Everett. Doing the Supernatural Works of Jesus. Xulon Elite. 2010. Available on Amazon.

 Wimber, John. Power Evangelism. Minneapolis, MN: Chosen Books, 1986, 2009. 

     If you do not believe that Satan exists, then the devil has succeeded in keeping you uninformed! Ever since he took one third of the angels with him in his rebellion from Heaven, there has been an ongoing conflict on Mother Earth with all its inhabitants. But, the most important belief for our lives is that God DOES exist. Jesus died on the Cross so that by believing in Him we could live with God in eternity with our sins forgiven. "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work" (I John 3:8). John Wimber in Power Evangelism wrote "Satan's captivity of men and women has many facets, but denying them final salvation is his primary goal. However, there are other types of dominion: bondage to sin, physical and emotional problems, social disruption and demonic affliction." (41). Cox's book focuses on demonic affliction.

     In the previous message, spirits were discussed. A major factor to grasp as Christians is that demonic spirits are allowed to invade us because we allow "open doors." "An open door is a "root" or "legal right" that the spirit has to harass, torment or oppress an individual. We must deal with these before engaging evil spirits to cast them out" (19). Get ready: "I have seen unforgiveness as a major door" (19). Take heed now that a major open door to allow tormenting is our refusal to forgive others.  "How do we come under the influence of demons? The common entry: Christians open doors if we do not obey the word of God." (25). Believe it or not to your peril not to understand that, "We can also be affected by doors opened by our ancestors; their sins and iniquities." (25). Demons can bother us in the flesh and our soul.

     We can be "born again Christians," but can be tormented in body and in soul (mind, emotions and will). Remember we are powerless to this enemy unless we truly are "born again." This is how that occurs.

     Romans 10:9-11 tells us: 'That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto reighteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation..."(27).  Alright, we got that down, but then what about our sins? That is where it is challenging. 1 John 1:9 says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us of all unrighteousness." That is the beginning "door" that must be closed. Start with confessing sins, repenting and asking in the Name of Jesus for forgiveness. The most prevalent next is unforgiveness. This is the hardest. We cannot harbor unforgiveness or resentment against anyone.  Also, forgive oneself and God. 'Spirits of sickness, weakness, or infirmity use the unforgiveness door as a primary entry door in most cases." (28). 

    My wife Linda had experienced a sore left leg for years. In her mid-40s she had attended a really wonderful Bible Study at a private home. At the end she sat on a sofa and the leader asked another attendee  to come over to meet Linda to pray for healing of her leg. The other attendee did not introduce herself, but simply said to Linda, "I sense unforgiveness with you." Linda said she knew immediately and exactly to what that referred in her past history and chose to forgive the person. Linda says the leg healed immediately! The woman did not even have to pray over Linda! Linda definitely believes in the connection between illness and unforgiveness!!!! 

     I was severely wounded in 1967 in a mortar attack in a Special Forces camp in Vietnam. I had a challenge for several years and had the audacity for blaming God for allowing me to be wounded so severely that I lost both legs. Eventually, I realized I had chosen to go to war as a proud West Point graduate so, when I came to grips with reality therapy, I only had myself to blame. 

    Stay tuned for what comes next: Opening doors.

Avalon Chronicles # 195: Spiritual Healing-Part One

Resource: Doing the Supernatural Works of Jesus. Everett Cox. 2010. Available on Amazon or at Deliverance Ministry directly. www.delmin.org.

     The author of this book is a personal friend of mine. He has been a guest in my home twice. Former naval officer and pilot. He is now 91 and as sharp as if he were 71. His Deliverance Ministry is based in Edmund, OK (Oklahoma City area). The ministry is www.delmin.org. Take my word for it, the book and the website are power-packed with information. "There are many Christians who have certain problem areas in their lives. They have never received their victory in areas that torment them, including fear, anger or rage, chronic depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, perversions, wounds of the past, and many physical infirmities." (13). I can assure your obtaining this book, studying it and applying the areas in which you need emotional or physical healing will be like taking a post-graduate course in healing of your body, soul and spirit. 

     A reader will encounter, for many, a first time introduction to faith concepts that are beyond one's current dimension or level of spiritual maturity. Have an open mind and decide I do need a makeover and give this ministry a try. Cox has been at this for several decades. I believe a good place to begin exploring the healing process is to open the website www.delmin.org. Go to Ministry Tools on top bar. There is a lengthy list of topics. Go to "Problem List" and check off your issues that are your challenges. His ministry is a starting place to begin to heal and finally to cease letting the dark side of our lives dictate our spiritual state. A major cause of our spiritual, emotional and physical challenges becomes related to evil spirits. If that is too far out for you, then stop reading this message now. If you are ready to become more spiritually and physically whole, then keep reading. Cox writes, "Nor did I hear about His commands for believers to do the same works Jesus did; i.e. set the captives free, commanding evil spirits to leave an individual's soul (mind, will or emotions) or physical body. (Mark 16:17)"

     For most of our issues and problems the real root is a spirit; i.e. an anger problem is related to a spirit of anger. You will be introduced to the "open doors" concept, wherein your actions (obviously and typically sinful or wrong) and attitudes, which are not Godly, have set you up for our "enemy" to have the "legal right" for a representative of Satan's legions to take over and begin the torment, harassment and oppression of us. It is critical at this point to emphasize that we all reflect back on Sunday School class number one. Eve was deceived by the serpent to grab fruit off the wrong tree. Blame Adam and Eve for this disobedience that gave Satan his foothold on earth and over all of us. He is the God of earth and his army consists of the angels who rebelled and left Heaven in the great schism. These spirits became the demonic spirits, who work us over. In this book we will learn to shut the "open doors" so that these evil spirits lose their rights to attack us. Our God is in charge of the spirit world and is all-powerful. God has allowed Satan to work his evil until the end of time, before which the evil sides of our lives are allowed to prevail, rather than God in our lives and then God says, "Check Mate."

Avalon Chronicles #194: Begin Your Day With a Morning Resolve

     

                                                         A Morning Resolve

                                      I will try this day to live a simple, sincere and 

                                      serene life, repelling promptly every thought of

                                      discontent, anxiety, discouragement, impurity,

                                        and self-seeking; cultivating cheerfulness,

                                    magnanimity, charity and the habit of holy silence;

                                               exercisng economy in expenditure,

                                     generosity in giving, carefulness in conversation, 

                                          diligence in appointed service, fidelity to

                                          every trust and a childlike faith in God.

                                        In particular I will try to be faithful in those 

                                      habits of prayer, work, study, physical exercise, 

                                                eating and sleep which I believe the 

                                               Holy Spirit has shown me to be right.

                                          And as I cannot in my own strength do this, 

                                           nor even with a hope of success attempt it,

                                               I look to thee, O Lord God my Father,

                                                       in Jesus Christ my Savior

                                                and ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit.

                                                                          Amen

                                       Anonymous

                              

Avalon Chronicles #193: Freedom From Your Challenges by Shattering Your Strongholds

Reference: Savard, Liberty. Shattering Your Strongholds. Bridge-Logos Publishers. North Brunswick , NJ: Sixth Printing 1998. 

     Just completed my second reading of this book. Author Savard presents a unique methodology to address emotional issues that plague us all. As children of God we deserve to be free of patterns and powers that keep us from achieving psychological and spiritual growth. Our negative issues of behavior, wrong thinking and attitude are just the symptoms of deeper personal conditions that we tightly possess and maintain as "Strongholds." We can "LOOSE" the issues held tightly by each of us in unmet needs, unresolved issues and unhealed hurts and "BIND" ourselves to the spiritual solutions found in the teachings of the Christ, Son of God. This process requires changing our mind sets and moving to achieve the peace that comes from God.

     "Most minds come into the state of salvation stubbornly filled with old attitudes, wrong patterns of thinking and some pretty strange ideas. (5)...(Jesus) knew that once we had forgiveness and the gift of eternal life, we still had to live out our days on this earth.(6). Jesus knew we would be subject to attacks from our determined enemy (Satan). The concept explained by the author of my reference gives us specifics how to enrich our lives. Savard writes, "There are many, who have professed their faith who have never yet surrendered to oneness with the mind of Christ." (165). Savard writes specifically how we are to pray for ourselves to strip away a nature that holds us back from emotional peace. Some ideas follow. Her book is a primer on issues plaguing us. 

     "In the Name of Jesus, I bind my body, soul and spirit to the will and purposes of God. I bind myself to the truth of God. I bind myself to an awareness of the power of the blood of Jesus working in my life every day. I bind my mind to the mind of Christ that I can have the thoughts, purposes and feelings of His heart in me." (131). In my own personal prayer life I bind myself to the character and attributes of God: Righteousness, Holiness, Integrity and Purity of God and to the will, purposes, timing and truth of God. I bind myself to the mind of Christ and I pray that I would have imparted to me from the mind of Christ: Wisdom, Insight, Discernment and Knowledge for all issues or challenges I face each day. 

     "In the Name of Jesus, I bind the strong man and I loose his hold on everything he has ever stolen from me. I rebuke his works and loose the power and effects of every deception, device and influence he wants to bring against me.(131). 

     "Lord, I repent of having wrong attitudes and thoughts, I renounce them now and ask your forgiveness...(131)...Forgive me as I forgive those who have caused me pain, loss or grief. I loose any desire for retribution or redress. In the name of Jesus, I loose the power and the effects of any harsh or hard words (word curses) spoken about me, to me or by me."(132).

     This book is actually a manual to read, study and follow how to address the issues bogging us down. She explains her technique of facing our emotional challenges and rebuking/loosing Satan from our lives and attaching/binding ourselves to a mirroring of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  

Avalon Chronicles #192: Pre-Flood World-Nephilim-The Flood: Part Two

Reference: Pitterson, Ryan. Judgment of the Nephilim. Days of Noe Publishing: New York, NY. 2017.

     Beginning in the Garden of Eden a War of the World has been fought for thousands of years. "Humanity is in a great war between God and His allies, righteous angels and saints, and the Devil and his army of fallen angels, demons and human agents." (Introduction). God told Lucifer (Satan) that one day there would be birthed a male child that would overcome Satan and bring to an end his armies arrayed against humanity. Humanity would have the opportunity of redemption by what Jesus' death on the Cross proclaimed. Ever since, Satan has worked diligently to thwart God's plan 

     Satan convinced 200 angels to break off fidelity to God, enter earth, and mate with humans as a major attempt to cutoff and prevent God's plan for humanity to be fulfilled. They were termed "the sons of God." The fallen angels took human wives, the "daughters of men." These "hybrid half -human, half-angels became known as the Nephilim." (Introduction). This was an attempt by Satan to attack the human gene pool and to corrupt humanity's gene pool/DNA. If Satan were to have succeeded in this undertaking, there would be no Jesus and no salvation for mankind. It would be Check Mate by Satan. God would not and could not allow Satan to succeed.

     It is critical we be ever mindful of what is written in Ephesians 6:11-12. "Put on the full armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." Humanity in the pre-Flood world did not have the benefit of scripture such as this. There was an invasion by these angels and their creation, the giants that have been named Nephilim. The Nephilim basically became monsters. 

     The Book of Enoch indicates, "...the whole earth has thereby been filled with blood and unrighteousness." [Enoch 9:9] "And the angels taught them charms and spells,...And the women became pregnant, and they bare large giants,...The giants consumed all the work and toil of men. And when men could no longer sustain them, the giants turned against them and devoured mankind." [Enoch: 7, 2,4].

     Very simply stated, the abominations of the Nephilim caused God to start all over by causing Noah to build the Ark and collect the animals and take off with his three sons and their wives on the Ark. The earth was covered with water and humanity started all over again.   

Avalon Chronicles #191: Pre-flood World-200 Angels to Mount Hermon: Part One

 Reference: Lumpkin, Joseph B. The Books of Enoch. Fifth Estate Publishers: Blountsville, AL. 2011.

     All I knew until recently about the pre-flood world was the Garden of Eden, Cain killed Abel, God brought the flood because the "inhabitants" had become so bad. A study of First Book of Enoch describes those "inhabitants" and how bad they really were! To assist in establishing the credibility of the Book of Enoch it is helpful to know the book is in the Bible of the Ethiopic Christian Church. "...Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran prove the book was in existence before the time of Jesus Christ." (pg. 11). "Many of the early church fathers also supported the Enochian writings. Justin Martyr ascribed all evil to demons whom he alleged to be the offspring of the angels, who fell through lust for women; directly referencing the Enochian writings." (pg. 15).

     The book describes the proliferation of humanity after Adam and Eve. "...that in those days were born to them beautiful and fair daughters." [6:1] Certain angels, led by one named Semjaza, saw and lusted after these beautiful women on earth. They made a plan to come to earth and choose as wives these daughters. They planned to have offspring with them. In the days of Jared, father of Enoch, two hundred of these angels ascended to earth through the portal of Mount Hermon. On a trip to Israel, when I was in the Golan Heights, at the far northeast of Israel, I looked further north to the snow-capped top of Mount Hermon, a part of which was in Syria. 

     [Chapter 7] "And all of them together went and took wives for themselves, each choosing one for himself, and they began to go in to them and to defile themselves with sex with them." [7-3]. "And the women became pregnant , and they bare large giants..."

     Genesis 5 and 6 "There were giants in the earth in those days ...And God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of his heart was only evil continually."

     Enoch 8:2; "And there was great impiety; they turned away from God, and committed fornication, and they were led astray and became corrupt in all their ways." Enoch 9-1; "And then Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel looked down from heaven and saw much blood being shed on the earth, and all lawlessnes being done on the earth." Enoch 9:9; "And the women have borne giants, and the whole earth has thereby been filled with blood and unrighteousness." 

     Special note! Enoch was taken straight to Heaven!

Stay tuned!