"JOURNEY WITH SPIRIT"

     - Joyce (JOY) Be Lynda Russaw



 
What is Evil

Evil people, spirits, and behaviors run rampant in the world. It is everywhere and touches all beings. How can humankind defeat evil? It must be done on a spiritual level. You must have a spirit of discernment to recognize dark spirits. In First Corinthians 12:10, Paul refers to “distinguishing between spirits,” or “discerning of spirits” – as a spiritual gift that God gives to believers in order to recognize lying spirits, and to identify deceptive and erroneous doctrines. Paul warned when this gift of discernment is not being exercised, distortion of the truth occurs.

Uriel Abulof, Ph.D., an associate professor of politics at Tel-Aviv University,  defines evil as treating humans as things. Evil means seeing and treating people as obstacles to be removed or assets to be (ab)used for one’s benefit or pleasure (Kant’s self-conceit). Either way, evil treats humans as things to be discarded.

To have a discerning spirit is to possess the ability to judge well. To have a moral perception, insight, and the practical application of knowledge.  First Timothy 4:1 tells us: “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” Thus, we are urged to “See to it that no one takes control of the spirit within through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ” Colossians 2:8 


Prayer of Protection

Circle me, Lord.
Keep protection near
And danger afar.

Circle me, Lord
Keep hope within.
Keep doubt without.

Circle me, Lord.
Keep light near
And darkness afar.

Circle me, Lord.
Keep peace within.
Keep evil out.

david adam

Prayer of Protection

Heavenly Father,
My heart cries out in desperation for our world.
Too many people desire to hurt each other for no other reason than the desire to.
Bring us to a place where we can love each other with a pure heart.
Help us to love each person because
they are a human being and created in the image of God.

Let not our race, color, religion, or ethnicity be a dividing factor
but may we see each person as a uniquely created individual worthy of our love.
Help us to stand against senseless violence and not support
anyone who would divide others for their own gain.
Make us true instruments of your peace.
In Jesus Holy name we ask.

Amen

-valerie cullers - december 7, 2015


Protection against demonic forces

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour 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.

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.

And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour 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. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. But that ye also may know my affairs, and how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things: Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.

Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.

(To the Ephesians written from Rome, by Tychicus.)