Thoughts for Life: #43 Does this Happen in the United States?

C. Peter Wagner tells us: Many of my
missionary friends from all parts of the
world mention how risky it has been to
relate their experiences with the demonic
when they speak to congregations in the United States, particularly in certain American church circles.

One of the denominations that traditionally has been rather reluctant to accept challenges to vigorous spiritual warfare has been the Southern Baptists.

I mention the Southern Baptists not to single them out for criticism but to congratulate them for hearing what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

The February-March 1991 issue of Commision, official publication of the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board, carries remarkably frank articles on the demonization and spiritual warfare.

After describing two rather startling demonic deliverances, one in the Caribbean and one in Malaysia, Leland Webb says,

"Missionaries seldom share accounts like these with
Baptists at home. One reason is that these reports fall
outside the experience of most Christians in America."

He goes on to point out the obvious dilemma faced by those who hear such stories. If it happens on the mission field, why couldn't
it happen here at home?

The fact of the matter, of course, is that it does happen here at home.

Like Southern Baptists, contemporary Mennonites have not been especially outspoken about demons and demonic manifestations.

That in itself enhances the credibility of David W. Shenk and Ervin R. Stutzman, both Mennonites, who tell the story of a church-planting couple in New Jersey, Richard and Lois Landis.

One of their church families became greatly troubled when their adolescent son kept waking up in the night by hearing mysterious scratching on his bedroom wall.

Pastor Landis visited his room and found it cluttered with lewd rock 'n' roll pictures, objects and literature.

The family repented, confessed,
and cleaned out the room.

"Then in the name of Jesus, they
commanded the evil spirit who scratch
the walls at night to leave forever."

As a result of this simple act of faith accompanied with warfare prayer,

"Peace filled the room and the Holy Spirit came upon that
group gathered with the lad in his bedroom. The evil spirit
has never returned."

(Google images and emphasis added)

Warfare Prayer

#43 Does this Happen in the
United States?
By C. Peter Wagner

(pgs. 79-81) Regal Books

Mark I. Bubeck shares with us from his book The Satanic Revival (p 216) "Repentance is not some kind of emotional frenzy. Emotions are involved, but biblical repentance involves the whole person- conduct and thoughts. It requires acknowledgment that we have violated the revealed will of God. It calls us to deliberately cease sinful thoughts and actions and supplant them with righteous thoughts and deeds. only the constant ingesting of God's Word can keep that spiritual process in balance. as revival moves toward the transformation of a culture, hearing the Word of God must lead to repentance."

Pray with me:

Father, open our eyes and hearts to the needs all around us.
May the folks who're having trouble realize that they may have to get help to pray with them to get the victory in their situation.
Allow them to understand what it is they've allowed into their lives that has caused demon activity.
Give Your wisdom and grace to admit where they've gone wrong in their attitudes and habits, so You can bring the deliverance and help they desperately need.
I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Jer. 16:19 "O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction."

Today’s quote: Sharon Jaynes – “when we put our painful pasts behind us and obey what God is calling us to do in the present, we will experience a fruitful, fulfilling, fascinating adulthood. He can take those miseries of the past and turn them into ministries in the present. He can take our messes in life and turn them into messages of hope. God took a frightened orphan girl and used her to accomplish a great mission. He did it for Queen Esther. He wants to do it for you.”

Some thoughts today: There are two kinds of people that God has to deal with:

-Those who believe God's fortunate to have them
-Those who feel inadequate and have a low opinion of themselves.

- Our best is what God deserves. The size of our congregation is not what counts. We're to give our all to what He calls us to do there. Each of us is important in the kingdom's advancement. (see 1 Cor. 12:13-27)

- Jesus said that "He will build His Church, and the gates of Hell will not prevail against it" (1 Cor. Matt. 16:18). Our determination to support our leaders in prayer and affirmation is of utmost importance.

26th- Thursday’s post: #44 Spirits in the Wagner House
C. Peter Wagner
28th- Saturday's post: What's the Difference Between Worry and Concern Jean Oathout
Mar. 1st- Sunday evening's post: The Hand of God
Dennis Fisher
3rd- Tuesday's post: #45 Wagner's Green-Eyed Monster
C. Peter Wagner

A popular post: Birthing True Repentance Dutch Sheets tell us, “We must allow the Holy Spirit time to birth true repentance in [folks] through God-given revelation.

This produces God-centered Christians, not self-centered ones...."

jean-oathout.blogspot.com (save to check in some time)

Samples of Jean's crafts

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse

Kindle $2.99