Posted in Jesus Talk

Good And Evil, Depends On How You See It!

Talking to the Holy Spirit about writing a blog….lots of things on my mind, however He said write on “Good and Evil”; and He is the Senior Partner in our relationship, so I said, “Well, OK then…..however, I will need Your help as that wasn’t on my mind.” 

There are so many issues that we disagree on…..in the Church….to sprinkle or dunk in baptism….are the ‘gifts’ or ‘tongues’ for today.  In politics, etc.  And one that comes to mind was an issue debated during the campaign.  When talking about abortion, our now President Obama, said, “If you believe life begins at conception, then we have nothing to talk about.” 

I was some what surprised because I think anyone who is  elected to the Presidency of our country must be intelligent and educated.   Then I realized I used to think the way he does…..well, not really….I didn’t think…..I just assumed that babies have life when they come into the world.  Then I met Jesus personally and I began to think about things like abortion and learned the scientific truth and the Biblical truth of life from the very beginning.

So what seems right to President Obama is a lack of knowledge of God’s ways and scientific facts about the growth and development of a fetus.  How many others lack that knowledge and how do we get the word, the understanding to them?  It actually seems ‘good’ to many not to bring in unwanted babies, and to others abortion is not an answer it is ‘death’ not life, and is evil.

To some who believe they are ‘gay’…..that it is a good lifestyle.  They feel it is ‘good’ that they have found someone to love and who loves them.  Others believe it is un-natural and evil.

I understand from the Bible, anything that is not faith is sin.   Boy, you put ‘good’ or ‘evil’ to that and you could sure be confused, because faith to one is different than faith to another.  And, P. S. to that,  God is not the author of confusion.

 Years ago, in an attempt to be more ‘holy’ I fasted and prayed for 8 days.  I was going for 40 days but only made it 8.  That night when I went to sleep I told the Lord He could have my ‘halo’ back, I just couldn’t cut it…..I gave up. Then next morning I felt the presence of Lord on me and I rushed into a quiet room and fell to my knees to hear, “You have never loved Me, you love what is right.”   Tears poured out of my heart in repentance and sadness.  I immediately knew what He meant.  I felt convicted, yet still loved…..repentant but forgiven.  My life was changed from that moment and I remember it clearly.

Jesus said, “They will know you by how you love one another.”  When our focus is on good and evil, we will strive to be right at any cost–we will judge without thinking, let alone any counsel from the Holy Spirit.  When our focus is loving, forgiving and ‘what will bring life’ to a situation,  we will get the help we need from the Holy Spirit.  There are times we will be called to stand for our faith and trust in Jesus….hopefully not at the expense of others.

Loving and helping people the way they are, not the way we want them, is the toughest thing in life.  We must lay down the fuse-lit-bombs of good and evil, and take up the artillery of mercy, grace and forgiveness…..and pray for those we don’t agree with…..especially those we don’t agree with! 

Pressing in and pressing on….

Angels And Demons: A Fraud?

The move is out!  Yes, I went to see it…..and left the theater smiling….the movie was very good!  But, wait a minute…. I have a question!  Where are the angels and demons in that movie?  You will find them addressed and exposed in ANGELS AND DEMONS; HOLLYWOOD KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE.!

I chose not see the movie or read the book, The Da Vinci Code.  Author of the book, Ron Brown had a hit, and I was devastated because I felt it was an ‘evil’ indictment of the truth contained in the Bible.  I prayed that the Lord would  protect those who did read the book or see the movie, would not be influenced.

One of my young adult grandsons went to see the Da Vinci Code , and his report back to me was, “What a bunch of junk!  Ugh!!”  I invited the same grandson to see the movie ANGELS AND DEMONS, the movie based on the book by Ron Brown, with me.  I prayed about going, and had my own personal agenda for wanting to see the movie.

I thought it was a really good mystery, and was not ‘put off’ by the theme around the Catholic Church  (since much of it was filmed in Rome, I assume the Catholic Church was OK with it??)  I liked the movie…..my grandson thought it was just one level above OK.  That was actually an endorsement on his part as young people now days see so many exciting movies, and so many awesome special effects….it takes a lot to get them specifically excited about any one film.

SO OK, HERE IS MY QUESTION…..WHERE ARE THE ANGELS AND DEMONS IN THE MOVIE?  Anyone who does not believe in the devil and demons is not reading the Bible.  It is pretty clear in Scripture who they are, what they do, and that they are real.  Should we focus on that…..ABSOLUTELY NOT.  But for believing Christians to be unaware of their place in this world leads to great deception.  We should absolutely focus and be conscious of our relationship with Jesus, our Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit so that we can address, in faith, and wisdom any evil situation that comes our way.

Not once in the movie do I recall the mention of the devil or demons.  Angels were mentioned, because they were shown on the fronts of Churches, etc. in stone images.  Was the devil in the movie……oh, yes…..there was real ugly evil being portrayed, and the battle was  tough to say the least…..but never communicated verbally what they were fighting.  Not at all like the excellent job Mel Gibson did in his movie THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST–where the devil and his demons were obvious.

This morning I heard Pat Robertson answer an email to the 700 Club, where a young lady stated that she read in her Bible about demons and yet she heard very little of it in the church…..were demons real.  Pat said yes, and gave incidents he had experienced in India….but also warned her not to focus on those things but rather on the Lord!   Good response!

We go through seasons in Church where we focus on healing, or angels, or prayer, or deliverance (the casting out of demons) one at a time.  A few years ago there was a lot of talk in the church about deliverance.  It got so out of hand in some places they were casting demons out of everything from chewing gum to house slippers.  That is one reason the Pastors back away from deliverance teaching.  Actually wouldn’t it be good if we taught and were aware of all the Bible all the time….not in just seasons of interest.

Like the young lady who sent in the email to the 700 Club, I asked the same question years ago.  Only, I asked the Holy Spirit for the Truth.  He led me to people and meetings where I could learn and know the Truth of His Word.  That opened the door to helping many people to be delivered of sins, problems, obsessive behavior and illness, and so on–primarily Christians. 

Knowing the need for knowledge I wrote a book of our experiences–ANGELS AND DEMONS; HOLLYWOOD KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE!  It is not a hand-book on deliverance, just information to identify the battle, and examples both bad and good that we have dealt with.  (There are many good books on deliverance in the book stores)

Why the sub-title HOLLYWOOD KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE, because the devil has no problem revealing and inspiring writers of horror films, supernatural phenomena, and stories of demons.  The devil knows that it will de-sensitize young people to the truth.  The devil knows church people will not go see the films, or create films on the truth of spiritual warfare.  Demonic inspired films make the church look inept, powerless and weak.  They do focus on evil and glorify their destructive wickedness–all adding to the deception in the world.

So, I encourage you to buy my book and get an interesting first hand look at God’s Truth and the devil’s deception.    It is available as an e-book at the top of this page and in published book form by going to www.angelsdemonsbook.com 

So is the movie, ANGELS AND DEMONS a fraud?  Well, just a play on words…..yes, to me because I expected dialog and interchange between angels and demons.  A fraud to others…. no….. if they just came to see a good movie.    

Pressing in and pressing on….

A Miracle Behind The Scenes Of A Seminar….

Many of you know that I recently went to San Diego to visit family and give a seminar on the SUPERNATURAL RULES OF ENGAGEMENT.   And I experienced a strange miracle in the process.  I think ‘bitter-sweet’ discribes something that is both good and bad at the same time and this was it. 

 I am sharing this because it is a great (yet, for me very uncomfortable) present day example of II Corinthians 12;7.  “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.”

I have met many who think if they ignore the devil, he will leave them alone….so I want to be clear.  I definitely do not expect demonic interference nor do I dwell on the possible ‘fears’ of our life on this earth.  However, I spend my life seeking the heart of God, and building my faith in the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit in my life, and thanking Jesus for the authority and power He has delegated to us. (Matt 28; Mark 16; Luke 10:19)  Not only to teach the Kingdom of God on earth with our King Jesus but to fight the enemy when he attacks.   Am I ‘super-saint’ …..happy horse feathers, no…..just like Paul saved from being one of worst of all sinners, and excited about the things of God and His work in all our lives.

If people ignore the demonic realm (God love them) I just don’t know what Bible they are reading as it is all there……especially John 10:10.

I had forgotten the amount of work and effort it takes to put on a seminar.  Without a team–and I am blessed with a great one–it could never happen.  The hosting Church was gracious and the accommodations super-duper, as the Pastor made sure all our needs were met–I am so impressed with the heart of that leader.

This is no different than a meeting, or special occasion, you may have or be planning.  It is a group effort and truly enjoyed as such.  My personal prayer partner, (we all need at least one) was invaluable, and a very special friend came from Los Angeles and covered every detail for me, so I could focus on the teaching.  Don’t we all need a ‘keeper’ at times–special friends and I am so blessed with many.

We gathered in a group ahead of time and prayed.  Just as we parted to take our ‘posts’ an excruciating pain hit my head, neck and shoulders.  I never, I mean, never have headaches.  I immediately fought the attack and asked others for help.  The day was a ‘roller-coaster’ of physical discomfort and pain.  When Paul writes in the scripture quoted above, ‘ thorn in the flesh to buffet me’   I could personally relate.  ‘Buffet’ means to hit with clenched fist, metaphorically to assault.

The MIRACLE in all of this, was, that I was able to teach for six hours, despite my physical condition.  The Holy Spirit is always with us….never leaves or forsakes us….and it was clear to me, He was working through me to express the revelation of His work and will, and I was just the vehicle. 

That scripture says, ” lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of revelation”  reveals the threat to the enemy and his evil work.  In other areas  of the Bible all the disciples encourage us to seek  boldness to speak the Word of God, etc. so it sure isn’t God worried about our ego being inflated…..but just the opposite…..the devil and his demons want to discourage, halt and bring discord, and confusion to our lives. 

We finished the day, giving Glory to God, and thanking Him for the breakthroughs that were experienced by many.  More on their stories later.  For me, the attack lasted almost three weeks.  Each day I got better.  Judy and other faithful friends prayed for me often.  I sought the Lord, like Paul, that it would depart from me.  We questioned how this could of happened?  With my focus on my presentation and direction of the Lord, did I forget to cover myself with the  Blood of Jesus ?  And I think I might have forgotten to do that–Something we should always do–for protection–especially when praying for others.  How could that happen?  The demonic world are experts in distraction.

Was it a physical attack because of a new ‘hair spray’ I used that morning? Maybe! Possibly an allergic reaction? That was a possibility.

We are so funny….it seems easier to ‘see’ the physical, logical answers, rather than deal with the supernatural realm.  I am pretty good at this, but I still search for answers.  In the process of being healing I had several revelations that will serve me well in helping others.  I think it says, “God’s grace is sufficient….”   Many I have found, think that means God is saying,  ‘just grin and bear it’.  We get so wrapped up in our self-righteousness we think suffering is to our credit.  Hardly!

I didn’t take this laying down…..(excuse the pun) even though I spend a great deal of time in bed for the past two weeks….I continued to ‘stand’ my ground on my belief in the power, willingness and love of God in Jesus to heal…..Acts 10:38 for all doubting Thomas-es.

One of the definitions of Grace is the the Empowering presence of God.  We want and expect healing to be immediate and that is a good thing…..a very good thing.   However, sometimes it is a process and the Empowering presence of God  will sustain us and lead us to victory. 

My total release from this attack sent by Satan came this week when I attended a two-day training class by the Bethel SOZO Healing Team.  First the Holy Spirit told me four or five times (sometimes I am a little dense) to attend.  Second, during the first session the leaders ask if anyone had been on a mission trip and felt they had come home with ‘something’.

Since I don’t consider myself a ‘missionary’ I didn’t stand.  Until the Holy Spirit said very clearly, “STAND UP”!  Boy, I sure can be dense at times.  As I stood and they prayed I was ‘jolted’ from head to toe, top to bottom for several seconds and it was gone!  A strong confirmation from the Lord that it was a “messenager who had brought a thorn in the flesh” to buffet and discourage me from the truth of God’s Word and even more to give up sharing that truth when ever possible.

Did I get discouraged and feel hopeless?  You bet I did….and this certainly isn’t the first time.  I have wanted to give up (whatever that means), go a different way (whatever that means) and not trust God.  Those thoughts come from the enemy and are easily captured in our mind because pain is a great conditioner.

Many will say to me, “Well, God will never give me more than I can bear.”  That is a mis-understanding of  I Corinthians 10:13, in my opinion.  In truth, God will not, but in reality the devil will.  He comes to ‘kill, rob and destroy’ (John 10:10) and he will if he can.  Miracles and healings are now more abundand than any time in history, since Jesus.  And, the good news is that if, the devil, his demons manage to take our life Jesus is standing at the door to receive us into His Heavenly Kingdom.  It is a win-win situation for those of us who love and follow our Jesus!  And, how foolish it would be not to fight the good fight of faith until our last breath!   That’s my plan I pray it is yours also!

Pressing in and pressing on….

A Time Such As This….

There are so many things going on in the world as well as the United States, and we probably all have opinions on most of the events.  AT A TIME SUCH AS THIS…..what do we do?

When we have a heart’s desire to build the Kingdom of God on earth–when we want everyone to have the opportunity to know Jesus personally–when we love people and want the best for them–just what do we do?

When we state what we believe and stand our ground, too often it comes across as judgment.  In other words, we are right and you are wrong, scenario.  But does that really bring Life?  Can the Truth flourish in an atmosphere of condemnation?  My Bible says, “It is the goodness of God that brings men to repentance.”  (Romans 2:4)

One of my favorite Pastors says, “I don’t enter any battles I have no opportunity to change.”  And, I think that is what I am saying to myself these days, “Choose your battles carefully, Carol, that you do not strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.”

There are times when we must stand for Jesus and what we believe…..and I certainly pray I will be embolden when that happens.  However, there is a strong group–that I follow–in the Church who are saying we must (as Jesus directed in Matthew) to teach all Nations about the Kingdom of God.  That we must have an influence in media, government, the market, education, entertainment, the arts, family and so on.

We will definitely not make friends and influence people with attitudes of superiority, and hearts filled with judgment about how wrong our associates may be.  To even enter those fields we must be well equipped and ready to be the absolute best….for whatever is required.  Then we need to soak in the Love and Grace of God until it permeates our being and our hearts are filled with a desire to bless and care about everyone we meet.

Do we really trust the Holy Spirit?  Do we know that our part is to set an example, pray for others and trust Him to work?  Or do we think it is totally up to us to confront with what we know to be the truth, and people will change?  In 23 years of ministry I have not found that to work.  However, loving and caring with mercy and compassion, is overwhelming to even the nastiest of demons–their power pales under that kind of influence.

Carrie Prejean, Miss California, stood for what she believes and lost the crown for Miss USA.  She was put in a no-win situation by the question given her.  The Holy Spirit was there for her and has provided the help she has needed through the hours and days that followed. 

Ten or twelve years ago I was blessed to meet two great women of God, who were at the time living in Israel.  They worked in the community and never talked about Jesus openly, but prayed at night, for those who crossed their path during the day.  They learned as time went on, that Jesus was going personally to those individuals and they were accepting Him as their Messiah.  And to this day, my heart cries out that we would have that kind of faith for the Lord do His part when we do ours!  He is sooooo good at what He does and it is His plan after all.

If I love my neighbor as myself……how would I like Jesus presented to me ?

This is such a dazzling age.  Information and knowledge abounds everywhere.  But love?  It seems scarce and many are searching for it in all the wrong places.  I do not mean sentimental love….I mean the kind of love that truly cares about others and their welfare.  Jesus spent a great deal of time with those the Bible calls ‘sinners’ ….must be a clue there, for us! May we move, not in self-righteousness, but in the righteousness of Christ to move the Kingdom beyond our doors, for the King of all kings, our Jesus!

Pressing in and pressing on….

P S If you would like  hear Carrie’s testimony at her church, click here

http://inspirationmanifestation.com/142/miss-california-carrie-prejean-tells-all-at-church-interview.php

Right Wing Pro-Life Terrorist Revealed….

Many were astounded, as was I, this week as a report was released in which the Director of HomeLand Security named among others….’right wing pro-life’ people to be terrorists….all terrorist considered dangerous and to be watched closely.

I looked up the meaning of terrorist and found a lot….let me share a little of that:  out of over 100 definitions they (a study group)  concludes that the ‘only general characteristic generally agreed upon is that terrorism involves violence and the threat of violence.’ Yet terrorism is hardly the only enterprise involving violence and the threat of violence. So does war, coercive diplomacy, and bar room brawls.” Hence depending on the perspective of the state a resistance movement may or may not be labelled terrorist group based on whether the members of a resistance movement are considered lawful or unlawful combatants and their right to resist occupation  is recognized. Ultimately, the distinction is a political judgment.

If, indeed, ‘right wing pro-life’ people are terrorists then it is very easy to identify their leader.  His Name is Jesus Christ. He was known to say–actually recorded for thousands of years–“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones (children); for I say unto you that in Heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” and “But whosoever shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the dept of the sea.”

Yet, Jesus was also the First to forgive sin, and offer redemption; i.e. peace, love and joy for those who opposed Him.  Seems an unlikely leader of a ‘terrorist group’?  Yet, that is the accusation in the report from the White House.

This is not an accusation against a group of people but against the very Lord of Glory, Son of God, King of Kings because all who follow Him are part of Him.  Who in their right mind would come against the most honored revered loved Man in all of History?  The spirit of stupid must have moved into the White House.

I am not of course defending those individuals who also were caught up in the ‘spirit of stupid, death and violence’ who bombed abortion clinics or took out their rage on individuals…..even followers of Jesus can be deceived.

Those who believe in moral boundaries that protect all peoples, those who value and believe in life from conception, those who have received the forgiving Grace of God, and truly follow the commandments of Jesus are told by Him, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despite-fully use you, and persecute you;” 

Nuts!  That includes the director of HomeLand Security….and I am having trouble doing that right now.  However, I will, because it is a discipline….a decision of my will, not my emotions.

Jesus did say, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand:”  What better way to divide and destroy our country than to have our leaders accuse (with veiled threats) the supporters of the sanctity of life?  Because we do not agree with others does not mean that we destroy each other as though we were the enemy.

Jesus also said, “The Kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”  That sounds down right inflammatory if a person does not understand that Jesus is talking of the supernatural realm that we are all a part of, and His kind of force is prayer.  Amazingly Jesus spoke to this situation 2000 years ago….now there is a leader we can truly follow. 

There may be times when we must physically defend our country….but defend ourselves from our own leaders?  What is wrong with this picture?  President Obama, why do we not have a military person, who has personally faced the threat of loss of life and limb, in charge of HomeLand Security?  Someone who truly understands covert operations, not spending time and tax money on watching people who are defending religious freedom?

Paul, a man who knew Jesus well, said, “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Good advice!  Quick to forgive those who know not what they do–forcefully praying against the spirits behind such deception and division. 

I have said for years, if I were an Atheist, or a Muslim, or Hindu, or any other religion, living in America, out of a desire to believe whatever I chose to believe, I would want Christians in charge of the country because they will fight to protect the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.   This has been one Nation Under God, and  to insure that it will remain so will require prayer, unity of purpose (if not in doctrine), and quickly responding to the words of Jesus Christ, to keep the freedoms we have so lavishly enjoyed. 

Pressing in and pressing on…..