Unbelievers being tested in the fire

[Brother Mike]

Praise God that is a pretty awesome testimony!!! I want you to keep in Mind David that the peace and joy, the release of those horrible burdens when you made Jesus Lord is how God is all the time. God is always good, always loving, and always faithful. I can relate because when I was facing up to 90 years in prison I thought about killing myself also. It just seemed like the end of the road and I, Like yourself did not see things getting better.

One thing I have learned though is it's not God that put you through any of that. It seems the out come is so awesome God was involved all the way, and my time in prison really helped me grow in the Lord and learn a lot. I put myself there though, and the Lord is always there without going through the drama. Someone in your family, friends, someone had to know the Lord and been praying for you. As you know, lots of people don't make, they do kill themselves and it's to late. The Lord Honors our prayers for others, keeps them safe, gets them through the hard times.

Let's give God the glory for getting us out, God had nothing to do with the trouble part. You and I had someone praying for us, because not everyone makes it facing the same things. God is good, and I am thankful for those who prayed for me and you and I should be ready to lift someone else up to our great Father and know we will get the same results, a life saved.

Blessings and great testimony!!!

Mike.

 

[Guest]

One thing I have learned though is it's not God that put you through any of that.

What do you mean. Can't the devil tempt us only with God's permission, but then again God convicted me BECAUSE of what the devil did.

 

[Brother Mike]

What do you mean. Can't the devil tempt us only with God's permission, but then again God convicted me BECAUSE of what the devil did.

I think people get this God tempt us with the devil's permission from a misunderstanding of Job. These are all just religious ideas from unlearned men. I grew up Baptist and Nazarene and really had no idea that our God is good. So anything opposite of Good is not our God.

The Devil is sort of a free agent. Jesus Said the Kingdoms are not working for one another and each has their own Kingdom. God's Kingdom and the Satan's Kingdom. Jesus even got up set when they switched Kingdoms around. They accused Jesus of using the Devils Kingdom to do the Word of God's Kingdom and Jesus Warned them that was Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

So, If you read the whole account of what brought up that conversation about Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, it was to say that the power of God is evil and doing Satan's Word by casting out devils by devils.
We never want to get the two Kingdom mixed up and should be very careful of what we say about God.

Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Psa 107:20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.

Now read these two scriptures. I thought for a time God wanted to save me, and so I ended up in prison and in all kinds of misery. I later learned God had nothing to do with what I did, what caused me to get to the place I did. God had nothing to do with my actions. They were actions of a unsaved man who was following the devil right to torment and death. The part God came in is when I took heed and grabbed a few scriptures. God rescued you from you from not knowing him.

People like to believe that God is somehow involved in everything, and God is not. He only gets involved if we draw nigh to Him First and submit to him.

Jas_4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

The part where we start to recognize Him as Lord is the part He gets involved in. This is why people go through far less traumatic experience than we did and still not make it. If bad things caused people to get close to God, then most the planet would be saved.

It was someone you know that knew God that saved you and help open your eyes to what is true.

Paul understood this and constantly also prayed for others that their eyes be opened.

Eph 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;
Eph 1:18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

Paul is praying the same type of prayer heard by God for me and you. Both of us saw no hope, and could not see how things could get better. Our eyes were opened by the light of understanding that we have a calling and a hope to continue on and believe God.

You, like me thought about Jesus long before we got into the mess we got into. We both ignored those thoughts and continued to live our life the way we wanted. God still has prayer to honor.

The Devil needs God's permission?

No, Not exactly. Our seated position with the Lord Jesus gives us all authority over the devil. The devil is just a disobedient angel that has already been judged. There is no way someone in disobedience to God and created just a servant, gets permission from God to do anything. The only place people get this is from their misunderstanding of Job, and God certainly did not give the devil any permission for the devil to get Job. Job got himself in the hot Water, God had nothing to do with it.

Luk 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven.
Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luk 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

Jas_4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
1Pe 5:9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Here we are told we are the ones who tell the devil what to do, and when the devil attacks we are to resist the devil by faith. If Satan ever had permission by God to get us, then that would override our own authority over him and there would be nothing we could do to resist or stop the devil. Who can override God's authority? Nobody!!! So the scripture would not tell us to resist against the devil in faith if it was God sending the devil to get us with permission.

What happens is, not living for the Lord Jesus, gives the devil place. Our words, our actions open the door for the enemy in our lives. I never side with the devil, He wants me poor and unable to help others, I say that wealth and riches shall be in my house, I have an abundance in all things. My life is not effected by the economy or the World, but my increase is as a citizen of Heaven, not bound by the earth and it's physical laws. I side with the Word of God, not the junk of the devil.

Before I knew the Lord, I sided with the devil. I spoke things that were not faith, my actions were in line with the devil and the devil had a place to operate in my life. That was not God's fault, as God makes a way out. That was my fault, and I would rather have the story of a young Kid that served God as a teen and continued to serve God as an adult, never leaving the side of the Lord. I would have rather done that, than the route I took and found God. I am so Glad I found the Lord and he had mercy on me, but I would do it completely different with what I know now.

Joh 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Eph_4:27 Neither give place to the devil.

So if something in our life is being killed, stolen or destroyed, it's because we have given the devil a place and right to do so. Jesus came to give life, so we can grab onto Jesus or be destroyed by the enemy. You and I saw something better, God had mercy on us and we picked life. It was a hard road for both of us, but glory to God the road does not have to be like that again.

Now the devil will attack, he attacked Paul constantly. Ship wreck, snake bit, thrown in Jail, stoned, stopped from going to Asia, the devil is a real butt head. However, Paul said at the end, I must offer myself up. That means the devil could not take Paul out until Paul was ready to go.

Heb 11:35 Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:

I don't know what a better resurrection is, but many did not choose to be delivered and choose the better resurrection instead. With God we have a right and choice to do all God called us to do, and nothing the devil can do about it.

Mike.

 

[Guest]

However, Paul said at the end, I must offer myself up. That means the devil could not take Paul out until Paul was ready to go.

Thank you for speaking truth and clearing this up for me. I only want to seek truth through scripture, and what you're saying makes sense. God is all powerful, but he's also all good with no bad in him. Awesome post brother! You are a true blessing through Christ and the Word of God. In regards to Paul, what do you mean w/post here. The devil could not take Paul out until Paul..

 

[Brother Mike]

Php 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Php 1:22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
Php 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Php 1:24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

Here Paul is presented with a Choice. He has run the race, now He has to decided if He is ready to go to be with the Lord. Paul's Doctrine was not that God takes us when God is ready, His doctrine was that after we have done what we were suppose to do and all is accomplished then we decided when it's time to go. Paul wanted to go to be with the Lord, but Paul saw that it would be helpful for them if He stayed a bit longer. Jesus Told Paul you will know what it means to suffer for my namesake. True enough, Paul went through a whole bunch of stuff that would have killed most people more than once. Paul learned that nothing can take him out if the Plan of God is still needed to fulfill.

This is why it's very important to do the will of God. On God's path there is safety and protection. Off God's path there is trouble and things God never intended us to go through.

Php 1:25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;

Despite the trouble, those looking to Kill him, Paul said that with confidence, I know I shall continue and stay with you. This is the same Paul who wrote that God is faithful and shall deliver you from wicked and unreasonable men.

We have what the Word says, and we have men's experiences. We need to focus on just the Word. Many have gone to missions and never got a call to do so, or had the faith to actually go without getting themselves killed. The safest place in the World to be is in the Will of God. More safe than staying at home with the doors locked, is preaching in the streets of Iraq if that is where God told you to be.

A young minister was on a missions trip and rebels came through with guns and were shooting people. They did not like Christians either and they were inside a home just hiding out behind furniture. The Leader of the group sensing fear in these young ministers asked them a question. He said how many believe God told you to come here. They all raised their hand, He then said I want you to know, your safer here than anywhere else on the planet. The rebels came in the house but left right away for some reason and did not bother them.

2Ti 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Ti 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Who is ready? Paul said he is ready. Here Paul is really ready to go Home. With God on our side, we have a choice, the World does not have God and they have no hope or choice.

Paul and the Ship Wreck:

In Acts, Paul was on a ship that came apart in the ocean. Examine the reason Paul was saved.

Act 27:22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
Act 27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Act 27:24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

God loved Paul, God was on Paul's side, but the reason given was because Paul had to do more for God. In this case God wanted to bring Paul before Caesar as God had a few things Caesar had to hear. That was the reason given for saving Paul the rest of the crew. The will of God, what God wants, God's plan is first.

If we stay in the Will of God, have the heart to do God's plan only and put God first in everything then just Like Paul, God will see that no matter what happens, we walk through every single time.

We don't bring down the Word to human reasoning and make things up like God answers prayers yes, no or maybe. We have to keep walking by faith and grow to where our own life starts to match what the Word says.

So the Apostles life demonstrate that serving God is not free of speed bumps and areas where they had to trust God and stand in faith. When the floods came though they were still standing and all accomplished everything the Lord called them to do.

Mike.

 

[Guest]

[MENTION=7377]Brother Mike[/MENTION] Does God allow us to live longer than we should. I mean for example, how do you know you're ready to die; when you can't get out of bed? How did Paul know, was he tired?

 

[Brother Mike]

If you read the accounts of men of faith. (Ones that don't hold traditions that make the word of no effect) you will find most lived long lives like Paul and were not bed ridden. Kenneth Copeland is 76 and still fly's his own jet and preaches around the World.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_M._Branham

William M Branham was also used in a mighty way by God, but Got in error and would not heed warnings given. He died a early death as told ahead of time by those God sent to warn and even Brother Hagin.

One day Kenneth Hagin came into our offices. He handed Gordon a piece of paper on which was written a prophecy he said the Lord had given him. The prophecy stated that the leader of the deliverance movement was soon to be taken in death because he was getting into error, and the Lord was having to remove him from the scene for that reason. Gordon took the prophecy and placed it on his desk.

After Brother Hagin left, I asked, “What do you think about this? Is this Branham?”

Gordon answered gravely, “Yes, it is Branham. He is getting into error. He thinks he is Elijah. He thinks he is the messenger of the covenant. The sad thing is that unscrupulous men around him are putting words into his mouth, and due to his limited background he is taking them up. ”

Two years later, William Branham, who had moved from his home in Jeffersonville, Indiana, was driving to Tucson, Arizona, his new base. In West Texas he had a head-on collision with a drunken driver and was taken to the hospital. His head became terribly swollen. A tube was placed in his throat to assist his breathing, but on Christmas Eve, 1965, he departed this world, even as the prophecy had stated. A tremendous ministry that had veered off course!

I am not sure Branham had gotten Hagin's message from God, but know he was warned by others. God always is faithful to correct our paths and have mercy. With Long life God will satisfy us, and not bed ridden.

Mike.

 

[Guest]

So if something in our life is being killed, stolen or destroyed, it's because we have given the devil a place and right to do so.

Now the devil will attack, he attacked Paul constantly. Ship wreck, snake bit, thrown in Jail, stoned, stopped from going to Asia.

How do we know what we're doing in life is from God or the devil. For example, if we feel pain and confusion, is that from the devil. How do we know we're giving the devil a place in our lives.

Also, when you say the devil will attack, are you referring to a christian who is obeying or not obeying. For example, can the devil attack when we're doing everything we should and NOT giving the devil a place. Does he still attack, and why. WHY does he attack, and what makes him attack. Does there always have to be a purpose behind WHY he attacks??

Lastly, how do you stop the pain and confusion and walk with God again. Blessings.

 

[Brother Mike]

How do we know what we're doing in life is from God or the devil.

As believers we need to be able to hear God and be led by the Spirit of God. Most traditional Churches don't even teach that, and so many don't even know how to hear God.

http://www.flcbranson.org/listseries.php?xml=rss/TheWorksAndWaysOfTheHolySpirit.xml

This might help if you take the time to go through it.

How do we know we're giving the devil a place in our lives.

Also, when you say the devil will attack, are you referring to a christian who is obeying or not obeying. For example, can the devil attack when we're doing everything we should and NOT giving the devil a place.

1Pe_4:15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.
1Jn_5:18 We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.

We have two scriptures here. One says the devil can not get you if you stay in obedience to God, the other one says that if you suffer, don't let it be for something stupid you did.

No suffering is the will of God. Just because it's not God's will that people suffer, we are going to run into problems from time to time.

Eze_33:11 Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?

Lam_3:33 For he doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.

These are God's own words, so any suffering, any sickness, car crashes, elevator cable breaks on the 5th floor is not God, not his will, He has nothing to do with it. If God does have to judge like he did in the Old Testament then He did so against his will, based on his righteousness Judgment. His Judgment means he steps aside and the devil gets a place. In fact most of the Hebrew Language where God said I will make sick should have been translated in a passive tense, not a causative sense. Sin and the devil are a force on their own, and if God steps out of the way, the devil will get to clobber'in time.

The Thief came to Kill, steal and destroy, Jesus came that we might have life!!! (John 10:10)

What Believers need to have faith in also is just not the Blood of Jesus and being saved, going to Heaven. There was another reason Jesus came, if not the main reason.

1Jn_3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

The Works of the devil are Killing, stealing and destroying things in your life. The snare of the fowler (Psalm 91) Satan would kill you outright if he had the ability to do so.

No Weapon formed:

Isa_54:17 No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD.

Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Believers get in trouble when the weapon is formed. They get in fear, get worried, pray to God 10 times about it. No faith, no trust, no believing God heard them the first time they prayed, no relationship with God. God is our Father, and he hears us the first time, no need to keep bugging him about it.

Weapons get formed.................. Just like the apostal Paul who is amazing with all he went through and still lived to be an old man and do all God called him to do.

The only Weapon Satan has is try to move us with natural things. If the devil can get us looking at how big the giants are, then we will think of ourselves as grasshoppers. If we look at how big God is, then nature things don't seem that big a deal. Our eyes have to be single, and focused on God and His word, Knowing God can not lie, or fail. Just because a weapon is formed, does not mean it's going to prosper unless we get in fear and take sides with it.

My own example:

I was serving God, teaching in the Homeless shelter the Word. I was in obedience to the best of my knowledge and my son just suddenly contracted terminal cancer. He was 8 years old, doing fine and from the time we took him to get checked by the Doctor to just 8 days later they gave me a report he would not live through the night on the 8th day.

So from healthy, to going to die in the hospital with nothing the doctors could do.

That is the devil, that is just how he operates. The only way the devil can kill my son is if I takes sides with the devil. I know God is not at fault, and I don't need to look for the "WHY" such as Job did sitting around blaming God for all his trouble. Job said some really dumb things about God, and never once asked God for help.

The devil did try to get me to side with him. I had a relative come and offer to pay for the funeral. Tombstone, everything all paid for on the 7th day after we heard my son was not going to live. Now I am thankful for Doctors and my son was in some good hands but this cancer was rare and my son was not responding to treatment at all.

These are the cross roads where believers fail. The devil needs a place, all he has is the weapon formed. As tempted as I was, I declined the offer to have my sons funeral paid for. My son will live and not die. I had no idea how God was going to do it, but I was not taking but one position and that position was that my son was healed in the name of Jesus.

On the 8th day, I got the call from the wife and Chicago Children Memorial Hospital and got the news my son would not live through the night. They did all they could do. Once again, I will not be like Israel and receive the evil report of the Giants. It was not time to break down and cry, not time to beg God, but time to just thank the Lord that His Word never fails.

So, the devil does attack, but look how believers handle that attack. Listen to the words of their mouth. You will soon see why many believers get defeated when Jesus already has the victory.

The devil is going to get what is coming to him soon enough, I can't wait.

Thank you Brother!!! Your the blessed.

Mike.

 

[Guest]

[MENTION=7377]Brother Mike[/MENTION] I send many blessings and prayers back to your family and that they are always safe and protected. That is amazing strength you have shown, and I can learn from you. I'm actually keeping this thread in my profile. I am learning so much about the enemy. That's what we believers are missing, if you learn the tactics and snares of the devil, we can overcome. KNOWLEDGE is key, yes indeed!

Back in 1987, my cousin Matthew died of leukemia. I was 6 years old at the time, he was only 11 years old. Please help me understand why he had to die though. Did God allow it to happen. Why did God step aside and let the devil have his place, INSIDE AN 11 YEAR OLD! What were God's and the devil's role in his death. It's ok, you can be open and honest about Matthew. I just want the truth.

Blessings good friend.

Lastly, what if you tell the devil to flee from you, and he doesn't flee at first.
What if it takes days or weeks for the devil to flee. Blessings!

 

[Brother Mike]

Back in 1987, my cousin Matthew died of leukemia. I was 6 years old at the time, he was only 11 years old.

I am very sad to hear that Leukemia took your 11 year old cousin. My son had T-Cell Lymphoma it is the rare from of Leukemia. The most common is B-Cell and it is very treatable. I am sure the technology is better today than in 1987. As for your cousin? I can't speculate or make assumptions. I know that parents that believe God for their kids, focused on the word and nothing but the Word live. That is all I can say as I don't know the young boys parents, and was not there. Even if I was there I would have to hear the Holy Spirit as to any cause or reason. I know our God had nothing to do with it, and it's not the will of God a child be taken out early.

We have to walk in love, and not everyone has the same understanding or faith. We never guess, or suppose we know why things go wrong unless the Lord tells us directly. My hope is that the parents are comforted and you will see your cousin soon enough. I bet he knows more than we do now

One boy I can tell you about, His name was also Matthew. I met his mother at my work and she was on drugs and Alcohol. She hated me, but the Lord kept telling me to talk with her about Jesus. I don't know why as she just told me to F##@ off all the time and it was a bit annoying.

One day she had a break down and came to me. If we don't judge, or speak bad about people, putting up with their comments and verbal abuse the Lord can use us. She had no where to go, and sleeping in her car so I told her she could stay with me. She said OK, and moved in.

From there it was all lessons in faith and getting your life right. She stopped drugs and drinking that very day (That had to be God!!!!) and she told me how her kids were taken away and she would never get them back. I told her with God all things are possible, and she would get her kids back.

Praise God, as time went on the Lord gave her the kids back, she got a house God got her though the Salvation army and her son Matthew was doing much better as he been sick all his life. God was doing great things!!!!

Time passed though and she met a man. I warned her, someone else warned her a Pastor and she did not take heed. This man moved in, she lost her house to the Salvation army and ended up in a dumpy trailer. Soon her son Matthew got sick again. I went to visit and her live in boyfriend had spawn action figures all over her trailer. You could just feel the devils running everywhere.

She was in poverty and her son was dying again. She spent no time with God like she use to and anyone that would hear, she would tell them how her son could die. She was a sympathy seeker.

I did not bug her much, but the Lord spoke to me. I was also praying for Matthew so my faith was on him making it. The Lord told me to go tell her to stop speaking death over her child and saying He could die. Words is all it takes, just side with the devil and your history. I went to tell her, and she did not listen.

Matthew then had to be hospitalized. The Lord sent me there as he would not sleep. All he heard is that He was going to die and he was scared. The Lord then spoke to me, He said, "Matthew is coming home to me for I have no place to help."

It was about 6pm and a whole bunch of people were praying to God to let Matthew live. It was exactly at that time the Lord said....."Command his spirit to me, it's time he come home." I told Matthew's spirit to let go of that body and be with the Father. He died at 6:05pm. At that time the Pastor that talked with her told me a week later it was exactly at that time the Lord spoke to him to tell Matthew to go home.

God's access to earth is through us as we are the Body of Christ. One side pulling on God for Matthew but they were just praying and God Always goes to those who honor him and have faith.

1Co 7:14 For the unbelieving husband is set apart (separated, withdrawn from heathen contamination, and affiliated with the Christian people) by union with his consecrated (set-apart) wife, and the unbelieving wife is set apart and separated through union with her consecrated husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean (unblessed heathen, [1] outside the Christian covenant), but as it is they are [2] prepared for God [pure and clean].

Children share the same faith and covenant with God the parents do. If the parents are full of fear even though they are saved then the child mus also share the same. It's through the parents the child shares the covenant with God. This is why I never tell my daughter she could be hit and killed for not looking both ways before crossing the street. That will never be possible, but God protect her if she forgets like millions of other children that live and forget to look. I don't speak death over my kids, but the Word only.

Hos 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge; because you [the priestly nation] have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you that you shall be no priest to Me; seeing you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.

2Pe_1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Everything we get from God comes through the Knowledge of his will in what we want to get.

Lastly, what if you tell the devil to flee from you, and he doesn't flee at first.
What if it takes days or weeks for the devil to flee. Blessings!

This is a good one.......... First we are told not to give the devil a place. We are also told to resist the devil, submit to God and he flee's from us. So for the most part it's not telling the devil to run, it's submitting to God and just ignoring the devil.

Now if things are moving around the house, and spooky stuff is going on, then I might say something to the devil. If it's a sin or habit, then I need to immerse myself in the Word and put the flesh under. The devil can only entice us by the lust of our own flesh. If the devil shows us something that does not appeal to our flesh then we won't be bothered with it. Like the devil telling you to rob a bank. It will be just a thought, but not your thought and you would never do that. The devil can just throw darts and see what sticks and what you will think on.

Mat 17:19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?
Mat 17:20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.


The greatest ministry team on the planet at the time could not cast this one devil out. Jesus said it was because of unbelief. So the best thing to do is not be moved by what the devil is doing because with unbelief is fear and doubt the devil will leave if you tell him.

Last devil that bugged me was a few years back. I was in bed and something big and black just sat on my feet. I knew what it was, and very strange that it showed up physically as they normally don't do that. I tried to kick at it and roll over but it was a heavy sucker. So I said you have 3.2 sec to get off me or I will use the name of Jesus and your going to look stupid to the rest of the devils you hang out with. It left quickly.

One girl was having things move around the house issues and she said she rebuked the devil over and over and nothing happened. I asked her why she was even rebuking the devil. She said because she was scared and heard her name being called and it kept taking her covers off her bed. I then told her that is exactly why he is not leaving.

Your the blessed.

Sorry so long.

Mike.

 

[Guest]

I am very sad to hear that Leukemia took your 11 year old cousin. My son had..

Thank you for love and concern. Matthew is resting in peace now. Love&Hugs for family - Dave

Now if things are moving around the house, and spooky stuff is going on, then I might say something to the devil.

Do you believe this can happen. Have YOU seen things move. Does scripture say that this is possible, things moving. I do understand that it has something to do with Satan's fallen angels, no?

Last devil that bugged me was a few years back. I was in bed and something big and black just sat on my feet. I knew what it was, and very strange that it showed up physically as they normally don't do that. I tried to kick at it and roll over but it was a heavy sucker.

Is this possible too. Does scripture back up (black, shadow types) appearing physically?

One girl was having things move around the house issues and she said she rebuked the devil over and over and nothing happened. I asked her why she was even rebuking the devil. She said because she was scared and heard her name being called and it kept taking her covers off her bed. I then told her that is exactly why he is not leaving.

What you're saying here is that the devil smells fear? If we overcome our fear and rebuke, he will go away?

Also, my friend Jon in New Jersey wrote..

There is a difference between a temptation and testing. The book of Job reveals the behind the scenes view of Job being granted permission to test Job through many varied set of troubles which, as you know included bad weather, blight and crop failure, loss of income, killing all of Job's children, and afflicting Job's body with a boils.

Jesus was tested of the devil for 40 days and then was challenged at the end of that period, having not taken food and drink for 40 days, and was mono e mono face to face with Lucifer, culminating in a challenge to bow before Satan to gain the world empire, which reveals that Satan has control of the world system.


Temptations come to us all, when our lusts overcome us we will fall and fall BUT the Lord pulls us away if we belong to Him, for He alsways provides a way of escape.


Testing is a totally different experience.


JK

He's a good man, and awesome teacher/preacher as well. My question is, how would a christian know the difference between a temptation and a testing. Give examples, if helps. Long posts are always welcome, take your time. I love learning. Blessings.

 

[Brother Mike]

Do you believe this can happen. Have YOU seen things move. Does scripture say that this is possible, things moving. I do understand that it has something to do with Satan's fallen angels, no?

When Moses faced Pharaoh's Wizards, the wizards were able to do things that would be pretty impressive so the ability is there. Job, Satan was able to send two camps of men and send fire down to burn up Job's Sheep. He uses fire again in Rev. Any Haunting or supernatural thing is tied to devils. Devils are angelic beings and in Hebrews we are told we can entertain God's angels and not even know it so it's very possible devils can show up and move stuff around. I have a scar on my nose from a stupid devil. I did not see him but I felt him bump into me and that extreme cold.

Is this possible too. Does scripture back up (black, shadow types) appearing physically?

Some say looking into the realm of the spirit they look like imps. The scripture says Satan himself can show up as an angel of light, so actually show up pretending to be God's angel or even human. I personally have seen twice just a black shadow which I have no scripture for so don't take it as doctrine, but just my experience.

What you're saying here is that the devil smells fear? If we overcome our fear and rebuke, he will go away?

Devils put thoughts and pull on the lust of our flesh. They can only tell your taking the bait by action or words. They don't know everything and don't even know what you will respond to. Once they find something you will think on, then they continue to just bombard that same thought process over and over until you respond by speaking it or acting on it. Lot's of bad evil thoughts we have about murder or doing something wrong is not from us but the enemy just passing the idea by to see how we will react. One Pastor at a meeting was up on the 15th floor balcony of building when he had this thought of jumping. He knew right away where the thought came from and said, "No devil, why don't you jump." Some believers would actually think something was wrong with them for even having that thought, another trick of the enemy.

He's a good man, and awesome teacher/preacher as well. My question is, how would a christian know the difference between a temptation and a testing. Give examples, if helps. Long posts are always welcome, take your time. I love learning. Blessings.

We have to keep in mind who Jesus was. He did it so we would not have to do it. Every single moment we have tests that give promotions or if we fail we get nothing. Being kind to the grumpy cashier at the store, being patient while driving are just constant challenges when our thoughts are to be angry with the grump cashier or get upset while driving. We should look at life as doing everything we do, we do unto the Lord. So the whole day could be one big test.

When the Lord asked me to Pastor a church I knew nothing about Pastoring and told the Lord so. The Lord said, "Your right, but I do and you have proven to me that you trust me, so teach them faith."

Well, I did not waiver when my son had gotten cancer, I did not flinch when those inmates poisoned my coffee. So though I felt not qualified, the Lord did just based on the fact I been in the hard places and did not break down or move off the Word. I had no idea those things would be why I got to pastor a Church. God does test, but not with evil things as he tempts or test no man with evil to see what his character is made of or how he will hold up.

One such test was when I was truck driving and I had not heard the Lord speak to me in a few months, so I asked him about it. He said, "What do I have to say to you, you stopped talking to people for me." I told him the next guy you tell me to talk to, I will talk to him. So, a hour later I pull up to the guard shack to deliver my load the the Lord said I want you to talk to that guard for me. I had no idea what, but I said ok and hoped the Lord would give me what to say. I approached the guard and the Lord said, "Stop, Now I know you will." I pull into the dock to get unloaded and the dock manager was just a complete Jerk. He cursed me out and told me he might not feel like unloading me today and I might as well not get my hopes up. That meant spending the night in the lot.

Well, the guy was running around and cursing at his employee's and just a real winner when the Lord said, "I want you to talk to him for me." I said, "Lord that guy is mean and half crazy, but I will."

I just walked up to him, knowing not to every try to think ahead of time what to say as it's given by the Holy Spirit and told the guy I wanted to talk with him. He got defensive, but then the Lord showed me in a flash his childhood, his teen years, his youth camp and church, just a flash and I knew what also to say.

I told the guy that he use to serve God as a kid, and as a teen attended youth but got into some things he knew he should not have. I told him he has been burdened for years thinking about going to church but felt that God did not really care. I looked at the guy and he had tears in his eyes and asked me how I knew all that. I told Him that His Father sent me to talk to him and asked him if he would go back to church and serve him again. I told him God missed him. That changed everything and the guy unloaded me and shook my hand like 8 times. He was on fire again, and never seen God operate like that. You won't if you stay in those dead churches full of religion.

So everything consider something to do right before the Lord, even something that seems small like not leaving those dishes in the sink on your conscience for morning. You will be surprised when we do things with God in mind, what God opens up and does for us. God is just amazing.

Mike.

 

[Guest]

[MENTION=7377]Brother Mike[/MENTION] How do you rebuke a devil. Do you say, "Leave you a##hole." Do you curse? Do you tell them politely to leave, or do you stand firm in your words, and speak with strength.

Also, I wanted to thank you for posts by recommending an album to you, you might like..
it's called 'For the sake of the world' by Bethel Church in CA. amazon(dot)com

Blessings - Dave

 

[Brother Mike]

@Brother Mike How do you rebuke a devil. Do you say, "Leave you a##hole." Do you curse? Do you tell them politely to leave, or do you stand firm in your words, and speak with strength.

Smith Wigglesworth:

http://www.smithwigglesworth.com/sermons/eif15.htm

There are some times when you pray for the sick and you are apparently rough. But you are not dealing with a person, you are dealing with the Satanic forces that are binding the person. Your heart is full of love and compassion to all, but you are moved to a holy anger as you see the place the devil has taken in the body of the sick one, and you deal with his position with a real forcefulness. One day a pet dog followed a lady out of her house and ran all round her feet. She said to the dog, “My dear, I cannot have you with me today.†The dog wagged its tail and made a big fuss. She said, “Go home, my dear.†But the dog did not go. At last she shouted roughly, “Go home,†and off it went. Some people deal with the devil like that, The devil can stand all the comfort you like to give him. Cast him out! You are dealing not with the person, you are dealing with the devil. Demon power must be dislodged in the name of the Lord. You are always right when you dare to deal with sickness as with the devil. Much sickness is caused by some misconduct, there is something wrong, there is some neglect somewhere, and Satan has had a chance to get in. It is necessary to repent and confess where you have given place to the devil, and then he can be dealt with.

Smith Wigglesworth walked in some pretty awesome revelation for the early 1900's. To bad it had been lost in a lot of Churches today.

There are devils everywhere, they are like roaches so rebuking everything is not needed. Being filled with the Holy Spirit and faith in the name of Jesus are needed. If you don't speak in tong

 

[Guest]

One Pastor at a meeting was up on the 15th floor balcony of building when he had this thought of jumping. He knew right away where the thought came from and said, "No devil, why don't you jump." Some believers would actually think something was wrong with them for even having that thought, another trick of the enemy.

I actually had the devil talk to me one time. He said in a quiet, calm, damp voice...."You might as well kill yourself now." The voice was as real as you and me talking on the street. NO LIE, THIS WAS MY EXPERIENCE. This happened after persuading a therapist to give me sleeping pills when I was unemployed, because I had a hard time sleeping. But in reality I was facing chronic depression. Is there scripture to back up my statement, that demons can talk to you and you hear their words? This was in the summer of 2005, when I was a non believer.

 

[Brother Mike]

actually had the devil talk to me one time. He said in a quiet, calm, damp voice...."You might as well kill yourself now." The voice was as real as you and me talking on the street. NO LIE, THIS WAS MY EXPERIENCE. This happened after persuading a therapist to give me sleeping pills when I was unemployed, because I had a hard time sleeping. But in reality I was facing chronic depression. Is there scripture to back up my statement, that demons can talk to you and you hear their words? This was in the summer of 2005, when I was a non believer.

Satan Talked to Jesus out in the desert, so I suppose he is just as talkative today. The devil speaks through sound and in our head, not our heart or inside. That is how you know the difference with the backing of the Word. So the devil can only say it in your head or ears.

Mike.

 

[Brother Mike]

The Devil talked with Jesus out in the Desert, so no reason not to talk to you, me or anyone else. Normally the devil gets us to thinking that it's our thoughts and not all the ones He planted. Devils also talk to our ears so we can hear, the Holy Spirit speaks inside our spirit. This is why you can pray in tongues and write things. You can't pray or speak English while writing because you need your head for one or the other...

Mike.

 

[Guest]

[MENTION=7377]Brother Mike[/MENTION] Does the devil wait for a specific time to talk to us. For example, I only heard his voice once, in my whole lifetime.