Spiritual Warfare

LynnSmith said:

Yes meds can help. Please don’t think I was they can’t. Some have to have them. Some meds make things worse for some people.

Yes a Pastor telling a new Christian that was devastating. All stop on meds, of course a hospital stay.

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I take some meds, i also suffered greatly with a drug they gave me for years and made things a lot worse, and i was addicted to them and it cost me a lot of pain to take them off from me and the ensuing abstinence syndrome, i actually don't like drugs at all.

Natsumi Lam said:

Oh i wasnt saying you said it wouldnt i was just sharing my personal experience.

I feel for you very much!

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Thankfully I’ve learned to search God’s Word and not just take any Pastor or teachers word. Everything has to be tested against what our Father says

NBB said:

I take some meds, i also suffered greatly with a drug they gave me for years and made things a lot worse, and i was addicted to them and it cost me a lot of pain to take them off from me and the ensuing abstinence syndrome, i actually don't like drugs at all.

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Sorry to hear that.

LynnSmith said:

Sorry to hear that.

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Yes, well, i don't trust after that phsycologists very much really. They seem to help sometimes and harm you the same another.

Natsumi Lam said:

Hi Family,

Do you believe too much attention is given to Spiritual Warfare or too little?

~Natsumi Lam~

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Superstitions still exists in some churches and faith practices. A whole lot of superstitions end up being things that can easily be explained away with science, sociology, or even psychology. In addition, what a poster said up thread about folks tendency to shift blame, ie the devil made me do it etc.

And then there are some situations where an individual situation truly does fall into the supernatural (mental and physical illness have been ruled out) and an excorsim is needed. There are also large scope issues due to the fallen nature of man which seemingly should fall into the spiritual forces in the heavenly realms arena.

That being said, the pendulum seems to swing to extremes...

Some folks in trying to address non supernatural issues with spiritual warfare often end up hurting the folks they are trying to help (delaying appropriate solutions, enabling, and in the worse cases torturing or spiritually abusing those in their care). In addition, placebo effects can leave them with a dangerous sense of self confidence should they encounter situations that truly require it). A related example of this is those who preached against lightning rods and medical anesthesia being they were considered of satan.

On the other side some folks dismiss spiritual warfare entirely, and end up ignoring large scale issues where its truly needed, so say nothing of the very rare case where an exorcism could be indicated.

Natsumi Lam said:

Hi Family,

Do you believe too much attention is given to Spiritual Warfare or too little?

~Natsumi Lam~

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I think that not enough attention is paid to fighting it.

Natsumi Lam said:

Hi Family,

Do you believe too much attention is given to Spiritual Warfare or too little?

~Natsumi Lam~

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I think some groups do spend too much time on it and it can even be a form of superstition with some. Not that there aren't real demons etc. but some folks tend to see or attribute them behind everything and it seems like they try to blame there many psychological problems on demons. Not to mention certain Charismatic and Pentecostal churches can spend a lot of time binding, or rebuking demons etc. during worship services, prayer meetings etc. This sort of thing is notable for two reasons 1) What we know of the ancient church they did not do this, it was only during actual exorcisms and baptisms and catechism instruction where this sort of thing was done but not general worship services etc., 2) The large amount of time spent on this sort of thing for certain people and groups during church services could be seen as something negative. Essentially your taking time away from God and focusing the attention on the Devil.


That being said many other Christians would likely have the opposite problem, they would likely benefit from being more conscious of the spiritual world around them and spiritual warfare etc.

Natsumi Lam said:

Hi Family,

Do you believe too much attention is given to Spiritual Warfare or too little?

~Natsumi Lam~

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Uh, too little. Far too little.

NBB said:

i actually don't like drugs at all

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That line is a wise policy.

It's also a great way to start a conversation with somebody.

Natsumi Lam said:

Hi Family,

Do you believe too much attention is given to Spiritual Warfare or too little?

~Natsumi Lam~

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I think people nowadays have put too little attention on spiritual warfare, they underestimated the influence of the devil, that's why so many people fell into the demonic traps, look at the number of divorce fur instance.

Natsumi Lam said:

Hi Family,

Do you believe too much attention is given to Spiritual Warfare or too little?

~Natsumi Lam~

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Until you are out of your flesh, you will always be tempted. That is warfare.

As far as demons are concerned, I personally believe the entire topic relates to gifts of the spirit and even a mantle, or calling if you will, to certain extents. To work with spiritual beings/entities you need discernment of spirits, one of the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit. You need a certain measure of faith, knowledge and understanding as well, that you can acquire in maturity, not just gifted. But I defiantly believe you need some sort of calling on your life. Kind of like a pastor. Not every Christian is called to serve the same purpose.

But when you talk about blanket statement 'spiritual warfare' I believe it is way too often neglected, or even refuted outright. Prayer. Faith. And even worship can be/is part of spiritual warfare. It isn't some mystical thing like you see in Hollywood movies. It's not even always eventful or fun. Many people think it is some kind of hocus pocus reality TV magic trick. When in reality all it is is standing your ground in the measure of faith you have been given, concerning things you believe/understand.

I think it is more important than some make it out to be, and should be discussed more often.

LostMarbels said:

As far as demons are concerned, I personally believe the entire topic relates to gifts of the spirit and even a mantle, or calling if you will, to certain extents. To work with spiritual beings/entities you need discernment of spirits, one of the 9 gifts of the Holy Spirit. You need a certain measure of faith, knowledge and understanding as well, that you can acquire in maturity, not just gifted. But I defiantly believe you need some sort of calling on your life. Kind of like a pastor. Not every Christian is called to serve the same purpose.

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Well put...

Blessings,

Carl Emerson.

LostMarbels said:

But when you talk about blanket statement 'spiritual warfare' I believe it is way too often neglected, or even refuted outright. Prayer. Faith. And even worship can be/is part of spiritual warfare. It isn't some mystical thing like you see in Hollywood movies. It's not even always eventful or fun. Many people think it is some kind of hocus pocus reality TV magic trick. When in reality all it is is standing your ground in the measure of faith you have been given, concerning things you believe/understand.

I think it is more important than some make it out to be, and should be discussed more often.

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Right, the truth is that some of us have been saved out of Satans grip and learned to hold our gained ground by refusing his attacks with the Authority of Jesus.

If you have never fallen into such places then you would have no way of knowing what we are talking about.

Blessings,

Carl Emerson.

Christian life is about spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:12).

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Sometimes I'm naughty by choice and others there's a bit of coercion involved. How do I address that dilemma through spiritual warfare in a balanced fashion? Through honesty and the Holy Spirit's guidance. And a willingness to count the cost of our actions.

My desire will carry me further than I can ever surmise. We're reminded of this by James and I've heard the same from the Holy Spirit. We tell ourselves that a little pinch does no harm, we're not at risk, not addicted, not wrong, etc. It's a lie.

Once you've ingested an untruth the next is much easier. Pretty soon you stop spinning tales and admit you enjoy the behavior and don't need to pacify your conscience. We must confront our desires head on and call them what they are. This is the first step in spiritual warfare and the greatest protection of all.

We needn't be inundated with battles if we'd practice preventive medicine. That requires a truthful acknowledgement of stumbling blocks and unprofitable behaviors and connections. As a rule I pray against my weaknesses and any strongholds that are present. I bring relationships, future connections, and ideas to the Lord in prayer to receive His input and agreement.

I have frequent periods of silence each day. They're restorative and opportunities to give attention to the things that pop into my mind. Casting down thoughts is important and I look for patterns in their appearance and how I behave afterwards. I'm mindful of holes within my armor and the strategies Satan uses to plant seeds and derail my steps.

The Screwtape Letters is a great book on this subject. He demonstrates the role warfare plays on our thoughts, heart, and relationships. What I appreciated most is his illustration of the constancy of battle and Satan's organization. I have covered many texts on this topic in addition to my experiences. But I think Lewis grasps the crux of the issue. He never stops even when we do. And he demonstrates how our susceptibility plays into his plans. I think you'd like it.

Yes, an excellent recommendation. While not addressing all aspects of spiritual warfare Screwtape Letters is a classic read.

Blessings

Carl Emerson.

My first ever introduction was Pigs in a Parlor. I have never read Screwtape letters, but Im hunting it down to give it a proper perusal.