C. Peter Wagner: As I write this book, theworld agonizes over one of the worst natural
disasters of recent times.
In May of 1991, Bangladesh was ravished by a horrendous cyclone that left around 200,000 dead and millions injured, sick, impoverished, homeless and hopeless.
According to a report in Time magazine, of the 10 deadliest storms in the twentieth century, 7 of them have struck Bangladesh.
Meteorologists have no consensus why 70 percent of the world's most devastating storms should be in one specific area. But the famous Bengali poet, Rabindranath Tagore, offered a hypothesis 100 years ago.
He attributed the phenomenon to Rudra, the Indian storm god. (James Walsh, "Cyclone of Death," Time, May 13, 1991, p. 29)
In this chapter I want to look at the names of spiritual beings in general and territorial spirits in particular. Consider the following scenarios:
Calcutta, India. Robert Linthicum is a pastor, a scholar, a relief and development consultant with World Vision and the author of City of God;City of Satan,which is an outstanding biblical theology of the urban church. (Used from $.01)
He arrives in Calcutta for the first time and is almost overwhelmed by a dark, permeating, ominous impression of evil. A frequent traveler to many of the world's urban areas, he senses this is different.
Here is the urban world's worst poverty, "a city of suffering, disease, and impoverishment beyond any words to describe adequately."
Throughout the week, a common sight is young men festively parading through the streets to loud music, beating drums and exploding firecrackers.
These young men are participating in the annual festival to the Hindu goddess Kali who controls the city. The name Calcutta is derived from the name of the spirit.
Linthicum says, "These young men had just left the temple of Kali, in which they had pledged their very souls to the goddess." They hoped to receive in return material goods that might break their vicious cycle of poverty.
"Who is Kali who gathers the souls of young men?" asks Robert Linthicum. "She is the goddess of darkness, evil and destruction in
the Hindu pantheon. This is the goddess to whom the entire city is dedicated." (quoted from his book, City of God; City of Satan, Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1991, pp. 64-65)
Anaheim, California. Larry Lea, recognized as a top-ranking leader of the current prayer movement, arrives in Anaheim to conduct the first of what has become a long series of "Prayer Breakthroughs."
His stated purpose is to "do some serious damage to the stronghold to this city." (Julia Loren, "Lea Leads Prayer Fight," Charisma & Christian Life, august 1989, p. 30).
{Wagner goes on to mention Manaos, Brazil. Kjell Sjoberg, a former Swedish missionary to Pakistan and church planter in Sweden....exposed Iara as the chief principality over the region.
The host pastor said, "Before I became a Christian I was a worshipper of Iara." }
They prayed together that the power of Iara would be broken and that the rain forest of Amazonas would be healed.
(Google image and emphasis added)
#85 Naming and Mapping the Powers
By C. Peter Wagner
(pg. 143-145) Regal Books
Father, I love You! I trust that You'll teach me what I'll need to know, as I grow in my faith in Jesus, my Savior. Bring to my attention the information available to help me live a life that is productive for Christ's Kingdom.May my living please you by the decisions I must make as I grow in my faith and commitment to You, and to my local church body.
I ask this in the mighty Name of Jesus. Amen.
Today’s Bible verse: Mark 16:20 "And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen."
Today’s quote: Cynthia Hyle Bezek - "You know it's time for a prayer retreat when...
- you're dry and out of touch with the Lord
- you feel overwhelmed, overworked, stressed, or scattered
- you feel mechanical in your devotion and service
- you have an important decision to make
- you have a sinful habit to overcome
- you have a person or people you need to forgive
- you need God's perspective on a situation..."
(Taken from her book:Come Away With Me p. 60 (several used for $.01) [Great book. I (Jean) have it, and recommend it].
Some thoughts today: Man's "works" can never fulfill his right-standing with God. Our faith in Christ's "work" on the Cross is what justifies us.
- When new believers walk in newness of life, something new is operating in them. They no longer enjoy the sinful life they were accustomed to.
- There's a new relationship with Christ and God, the Father, and the Spirit-filled believers experience no condemnation. When they repent of any known sin throughout their daily lives, peace can reside. (Rom. 8:1,2)
- When new believers walk in newness of life, something new is operating in them. They no longer enjoy the sinful life they were accustomed to.
- There's a new relationship with Christ and God, the Father, and the Spirit-filled believers experience no condemnation. When they repent of any known sin throughout their daily lives, peace can reside. (Rom. 8:1,2)
13th- Thursday’s post:#86 Do Spirits Really Have Names?
C. Peter Wagner
15th- Saturday's post: Searching for Love in all the Wrong Places
Mary Southerland
16th- Sunday evening's post: The Preparation Has Begun
Lee Forbes
18th-Tuesday's post: #87 Calling Spirits by Name
C. Peter Wagner
C. Peter Wagner
15th- Saturday's post: Searching for Love in all the Wrong Places
Mary Southerland
16th- Sunday evening's post: The Preparation Has Begun
Lee Forbes
18th-Tuesday's post: #87 Calling Spirits by Name
C. Peter Wagner
A popular post: The Names of God
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