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Tuesday, August 13, 2013

#17 The Gift of Exorcism

C. Peter Wagner tells us that "Demonization is now being recognized as a spiritual problem more and more in churches across the theological spectrum.

Even in those churches that have had a long ministry history of casting out demons, certain people are regularly called upon for the difficult cases.

They have more God-given ability to deal with the demonic than most others do, although I believe that every Christian has been given authority to cast out demons in the name of Jesus.

My wife, Doris, has this gift of exorcism.

I clearly recall one Sunday morning in Lake Avenue Congregational church when Pastor Paul Cedar preached a sermon on healing.

Instead of inviting those in need of healing to go to the nearby prayer room after the service as he usually did, he asked those who needed physical healing to come forward.

So many responded that the church prayer team was overwhelmed.

Cedar then invited people in the congregation who knew how to pray for the sick to come and help calling Doris and me by name.

I prayed for one woman who had scoliosis, quite a noticeable case of curvature of the spine.

The presence of God was strong in the sanctuary, and He moved so powerfully in her back I could feel the vertebrae moving and crunching under my hand as the spine straightened up.

As I was finishing I notice out of the corner of my eye that my friend Phyllis Bennet was patiently waiting for me.

Phyllis told me she had been suffering from a terrible pain in her chest, which her doctor could not diagnose.

Since it had similar symptoms to an ulcer, her doctor had put her on ulcer medication, even though an ulcer had not shown up on the x-ray. It was not responding well at all to the medical treatment she was receiving.

Then she showed me an ugly rash on her left forearm where the flesh had actually begun to fall off in chunks.

As I prayed for Phyllis, I sensed, as I do from time to time, that nothing at all was happening—just the opposite of the previous woman I had prayed for.

When I finished, I began giving her some words of consolation and faith, knowing very well that the ulcer was still there. I had not yet noticed that Doris, after praying for another person herself, had come up beside me.

An intense look came on Doris's face and she gently but firmly pushed me to one side.

The Spirit of God had indicated to her that she was to take a different approach.

She told Phyllis to look into eyes and almost instantly she locked horns in the unseen world with a demonic spirit that she knew Phyllis had picked up through a curse while in India.

Casting out demons is not the usual Sunday fare in our Congregational church sanctuary on Sunday mornings, but Doris was experienced enough to bind the demon and not allow it to speak or manifest in any way.

After a minute or two, Phyllis's eyes open with a look of terror as if she were watching a horror movie, her body jerked a bit, then total peace.

The evil spirit was gone.

The pain in her chest was instantly healed! It left immediately.

Phyllis went back to the doctor who took her off the medication. Two weeks later she passed me in her car, rolled down the window, held out her left arm.

The rash was well on its way to recover. It had been caused by the medication she was taking for the 'ulcer.'

Now here is the point. I have a spiritual gift of healing and I see quite a few people healed when I pray for them.

However, if it had not been for Doris and her spiritual gift of exorcism, Phyllis would likely still have her ulcer.

I myself had no sense at all that we were dealing with anything more than a physical ulcer. But this is how the Body of Christ works. "The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I have no need of you' " 1 Cor. 12:21.

Experiences like this encourage me to believe that we do well to add the gift of exorcism to the list of spiritual gifts.

I will elaborate on the gift of intercession in some detail, but first we need to understand the differences between spiritual gifts and Christian roles."

The next post 8/15, Gifts and Roles

Today’s post -#17 The Gift of Exorcism, in the series taken from C. Peter Wagner’s book, PRAYER SHIELD, How to intercede for pastors, Christian leaders and others on the spiritual frontlines. (pgs. 44-46) By Regal Books

Let’s pray: Father, we desire You to work in and through us. Open our understanding to the opportunities given us from time to time. May we prayerfully seek Your guidance in every situation. May we be open to others' involvement, too, like Doris' coming along side to minister more help to Phyllis. Teach us to be good stewards of what we're learning, that we may be of help to those in need. In the precious Name of Jesus we ask, amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 97:10 NKJV "You who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked."

Today’s quotes: Hope Flinchbaugh – “Daniel is a wonderful example to us on how to live in a corrupt society. Let's dare to be like Daniel. Take our place. Stay close to God. Say what he wants us to say--with the pen or the microphone. Finish well. Jesus is coming soon!”

Our Daily Bread – "The unseen Spirit of God is the greatest protection against sins unseen dangers.”

Our thoughts today: When we empty ourselves of lies, the truth comes in!

-Satan creates distractions to try to keep you from God’s plan for you.

-In every single battle we have, we have the promise of success.

-Real prayer is a relationship. In the Presence of God, our prayers have a different quality. We learn His will, and pray for it to be done.

Tomorrow’s post: Compelled to Tell Butch Dias shares the following:

"This day I am compelled to tell,
That Jesus died to save us from hell.
He paid the price for my liberty,
To break the chains of sin for me..."

A popular post: #6 How Powerful are These Petitions? C. Peter Wagner goes on to tell us, "Some may ask: Do you really mean that the petition of a mere human being can determine the actions of an almighty and all-powerful God?.. The answer is yes. This is the way the Almighty God chose to design the world and to structure our relationship with Him.

When we look here, we'll find direction

[Google images added]

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse
Author: Jean Oathout
About the book: In this powerfully moving devotional, poet Jean Oathout reveals God's hidden wisdom for marriage. Compiled in lyrical verse, these insightful poems provide scriptural advice, practical applications and prayerful guidance for women seeking the heart of God. Granny’s Guide to Marriage in Verse: Wisdom for Brides offers time-honored tips for building a successful marriage.

Learn how to love and support your mate through godly wisdom and spiritual resolve. Readers will be encouraged, challenged, and blessed.

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

Samples of Jean's crafts

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse

Kindle $1.99

A great gift for someone who
needs help in their marriage

Bridal Shower Devotional

Bridal Wisdom for Women

My book in paperback $7.95

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse

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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Compelled to Tell

Butch Dias shares the following:

"This day I am compelled to tell,
That Jesus died to save us from hell.
He paid the price for my liberty,
To break the chains of sin for me.

He changed my life so radically,
From ugly sin to life eternally.
From heavens gate and His throne,
Heard my prayer from my humble home.

He filled with joy my broken heart,
Gave me a promise He won’t depart.
He hung on a cross with arms open wide,
How I can be quiet, how can I hide.

My heart is filled with His grace,
To be quiet would be a disgrace.
His love in me today does grow,
I have to tell, I have to go.

I can’t be quiet, He called my name,
His hand upon me, I’m not the same.
His message is real and powerful too,
How could I not share His love with you."

Fatherly Love

"Our Father flinched as they hammered each nail,
But He had to endure His son’s cry.
He planned that Christ’s blood would redeem us…
The reason Christ came was to die.

With each blow, our sins were heaped on Him;
Their weight caused unbearable pain.
Yet He never complained for one moment…
The Perfect Lamb had to be slain.

For unless we had a Redeemer,
Heaven’s gate would forever be closed…
But thanks to God’s love and forgiveness
It opened the morning Christ rose."

What Will It Take?

"Living a life that's filled with woe.

Holding onto sin... you won't let go.
The Saviour pleads but you say "No!"
What will it take?

Jesus Christ for you has died.
On the cross was crucified.
But you won't make up your mind.
What will it take?

How many problems will arise.
Before you finally realize
God meant every word he said.
What will it take?

And while you lay there in your bed.
Sinner, When will you awake?
What big mistake do you have to make?
What will it take?

We sit at home with our feet propped up.
Sipping tea from a porcelain cup.
When there are people without hope.
What will it take?

There are people without light
Dying every single night.
When will we finally do what is right?
What will it take?

How many problems will arise.
Before you finally realize
God meant every word he said.
What will it take?

And while you lay there in your bed.
Christian, When will you awake?
What big mistake do you have to make?
What will it take?

Life on earth is very fast.
Opportunity will soon past.
Only what's done for Christ will last.
What will it take?

We must give Jesus Christ our all.
Whether we're big or whether we're small.
Then we must obey his call.
What will it take?"

By Laura Lauridsen

There are times we fail to share our faith. As we admit our failure, God will help us to be brave to live our lives to honor Him.

Can You Relate?

"What does it mean to share God's love,
And truth I have within?
Will I seek knowledge from above
To live my faith in Him?

I wonder what will be the cost
To fail, and I don't share.
Will someone not learn that he's lost,
If for him I don't care?

What others see in me each day
May help them wonder why,
If I have faith, why don't I say,
Or is my life a lie?

I have a real testimony.
The Lord does surely save!
But it's been known that others see
At times I've not been brave.

I ask the Lord to help me now
To speak of His dear Son.
For what He did, I humbly bow,
And know His love I've won.

May I reach out and learn to give
The story that saves us.
May others see the way I live
Does show the truth I trust"

By Jean Oathout

Let’s pray:

Father, we acknowledge the need to speak of what Your dear Son has accomplished for us, and for others. Make it clear what our particular mission is, that we can be found faithful when we have to stand before the Father someday. In Jesus' Name we pray, amen.

Some thoughts today: The tragedy of unanswered prayer is unspoken prayer!

- Prayer is the connection between cause and effect.

- In the Presence of God, our prayers will take on His will and heart.

Tomorrow’s post: #18 Gifts and Roles C. Peter Wagner

A popular post: WHY DO WE PROCRASTINATE?
Knowledge equals responsibility. Procrastination and
disobedience are just opposite sides of the same coin.

[Google images added]

Samples of Jean's crafts

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

Sunday, August 9, 2015

When God Anointed Men of Old

When God Anointed Men of Old

When God anointed men of old
To gain a treasure not of gold
But share the truths that they were told
They lived the more like Him

For they knew not prosperity

Or earthly things the world might see

But often lived in poverty

To reach the least of men

Like Moses who was nearly king

With all the great imaginings

For people who might worship things

God had to humble him

For he like us did foolishly

Presume that He could cunningly

Preside over a mutiny

To rescue all of them

Whom God did set aside to be

The people of His purity

That through them all humanity

Might come to worship Him

But after forty years was spent

To lose the knowledge he was lent

By Satan's worldly government

He finally met Him

Who called him eighty years before

To grant Israel an open door

To come and learn His truths far more

Depending all on Him

As in the wilderness they went

With bread and water soon far spent

That God could show what He had meant

When He directed them

To walk in full obedience

Not in their own self confidence

That they should bare no great offence

In how they lived for Him

And then there is the ruler known

For what he lost that Christ had shown

An invitation all his own

To come and follow Him

For though he thought he'd kept the Law

In truth he worshiped more the all

That he possessed than Jesus's call

To come and follow Him

So if you're tempted to believe

That you can here and now receive

The promised gift that will not leave

You wandering from Him

Remember you must willingly

Prepare to give all you've received

If that will help you to relieve

The sufferings of men

That they might see in you the price

That God did pay through Jesus Christ

To turn their hearts to warmth from ice

And share the Love of Him

And when Christ comes He'll see in you

The image of what He did do

By making you in Him brand new

To save the souls of men

Inspiration taken from Luke 18:16-30

Lee Forbes
June 7/15

Father, may my life be one of testimony to Your
faithfulness and mercy. Help me make a difference
in whatever I attempt for Christ, to honor Him.
May His image be seen in me, and cause others
to seek to know Him, too. I pray this in Christ's name, that He would receive all the glory for
what ever I accomplish. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 119:27 "Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works."

Today’s quote: Jill Savage - "God has given us incredible power
to influence the lives of others positively or negatively. The Bible says quite a lot about the influence we have particularly with our
words, “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body,” (Proverbs 16:24) and “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit,”(Proverbs 15:4) are just two of the reminders of the power we hold."
http://girlfriendsingod.com/sharon-jaynes/

Some thoughts today: All have sinned against God. Has someone hurt you? Don't allow the pain to affect what you say or do. Let God work on your behalf, to right the wrong. Let Him judge it.

- Hatred stirs up anger. It's like a cancer inside. Give it all to Jesus. He's able to handle it. Your peace is what's important. Your hating someone doesn't do any good, as it only steals life from you, not them.

(Google images added)

11th- Tuesday’s post: #85 Names and Mapping the Powers
C. Peter Wagner
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

A popular post: Compelled to Tell Butch Dias shares the following:

"This day I am compelled to tell,
That Jesus died to save us from hell.
He paid the price for my liberty,
To break the chains of sin for me..."

jean-oathout.blogspot.com (save)

Samples of Jean's crafts

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Too Young or Too Old?

Michael Brooks - A few years ago, my daughter Amanda (who was seven years old at the time), came home from school one day and told us,

"I accepted Jesus today as my Lord and Savior."

Her mother and I were shocked to say the least.

Sure Amanda has been raised in a Christian home and has been taught about Jesus since birth, but come on -- accepting Jesus at the age of seven! Could she really be old enough to understand her commitment?

So we quizzed her,

"Who is Jesus?" Amanda: "He is the Son of God." "How many sons does God have?" Amanda: "Only one." "Why did He come to earth?" Amanda: "To show us how to live and to die for our sins."

"What does that mean?" Amanda: "He got nailed to a cross."

Amanda stopped for a moment as tears formed in her eyes. Sherry asked,

"What's the matter?" Amanda: "I love Jesus so much!"

The conversation went on a while longer, but Sherry and I had already made up our minds: She is saved!

In the first part of our passage today, Paul tells us faith comes from hearing the message. It doesn't matter whether we are seven years old, seventeen or seventy-seven.

In the second part, Paul tells us how we hear the message -- "through the word of Christ." Amanda heard the word of Christ spoken and read at home, at school, in church, with her brother and sisters, with our friends, and throughout our activities. Is it any great wonder she wanted Jesus for herself?

The next day Sherry and I met with her teacher Mrs. Kimh who had led her to Christ. We asked,

"How did the subject come up?" Mrs. Kimh said, "We were reading and talking about the difference between the baptism of Jesus Christ and the baptism of John in Acts 19, and Amanda started to cry.

I asked her, 'What's wrong?' She asked, "Why can't I be baptized?"

From all of my experience with Amanda I knew how much she loves the Lord. I asked her if she would like to accept Jesus as her personal Lord and Savior.

She said, "Yes, so I thought it was appropriate to lead her in the Sinner's Prayer."

From Sherry and my perspective, the timing was right and very "age appropriate."

Amanda was baptized by Sherry and me the following Sunday
morning before the entire church body as she made a joyful and public confession of her faith. However, she was saved the afternoon she prayed with Mrs. Kimh and gave her life to Jesus.

Questions to Ponder:

I have read and studied a lot about the "age of maturity". How old does one need to be before they are mature enough to make a decision for Christ?

The conclusion I've come to is this -- God can lay claim to anyone's life at any age He chooses. Whether young or old, sick and dying or healthy and vibrant, youthful innocence or caught up in the most heinous sin imaginable.

Who am I to question God's authority? Does someone you know need to be introduced to Jesus? Will you do so today? Faith comes from hearing the message.

Too Young or Too Old? Michael Brooks of The Pocket Testament League

(Google image of young girl added; not Michael's daughter. Emphasis added)

Let’s pray:

Father, it is good to
know that You can call
anyone at any age!

One of my sons, at the age of 4, gave his heart to You at a revival service, and he's faithfully serving You today! He's been a pastor, deacon, and recently was asked to be the Town Judge! I think they want a man of integrity this time.

Thank You for reaching out to our children at such a tender age. May the teachers of the youth realize the opportunity they have in bringing their charges to Christ.

When folks are older, there often is a resistance to Your urging them to surrender to Your Plan of salvation. This makes it hard to convince them that You love them, and that there's forgiveness available for them through Christ Jesus' Atonement on the Cross of Calvary.

Help us do what You lead us to do to win souls at all ages. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Today’s Bible verse: 2 Chron. 34:27a "Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God...I have even heard thee."

Today’s quote: Cindy Sproles – “As parents, all we can do is raise our children beneath the wings of Christ. Train them up in the ways of God and then, when the babies spread their wings … pray. Pray fervently, continually, and with deep passion. When they wander, pray. When they falter, pray. When they sin, pray. When, when, when … just pray.

When you worry about your kids and you suffer at their pain, lay them at the feet of Jesus. And then trust He will take them into His arms. Let Christ ease the suffering and lessen the pain of childbirth.”

http://www.facebook.com/CindySproles
mountainbreezeministries@gmail.com

Some thoughts today: Ask God to enable you to minister in love to the broken, rebellious people you meet.

- Your songs before the lord brings down Satan's scheme against what God wants you to accomplish.

- Let your ministry be born out of your integrity before God. Seek God how to be used to minister to the hurting.

26th- Tuesday’s post: God's Intended Purposes
April Estes

28th- Thursday's post: Visibility Zero
Andrea Merrell

30th- Saturday's post: What's in it for You?
Jean Oathout

31st- Sunday's post: Christian Benefits
Jean Oathout

A popular post: Compelled to

Tell Butch Dias shares the

following-

This day I am compelled to tell,
That Jesus died to save us from hell.
He paid the price for my liberty,
To break the chains of sin for me.

jowildflowers@gmail.com

Samples of Jean's crafts

http://twitter.com/jeanoathout

http://facebook.com/jean.oathout

AuthorsDen.com
Where authors and readers come together!

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse

Kindle $1.99

Bridal Shower Devotional: Bridal

Wisdom for Women

Granny's Guide to Marriage in Verse

My book in paperback $7.95

(Check out the Reviews on the

Kindle page of my book)

Saturday, August 16, 2025

DON'T NEGLECT GOD'S WORD

Don’t Neglect God’s Word

Phyllis Quals Freeman- After my husband’s two spinal surgeries, the neurosurgeon told us the pinched nerve in his left leg would not repair itself. He would need to use a cane to walk, or he would fall.

This diagnosis was difficult for Bill. He was embarrassed to use the cane in public. After all, he was only in his forties. Previously, he was athletic and played baseball on church teams and basketball with his sons. But going forward, he used the cane for assistance. He couldn’t quite do it on his own. (God's Open Word)

I copied Scriptures on the blank pages in my Bible between the Old and New Testaments to encourage me during these difficult times. I read them repeatedly, claiming God’s promises. During this time, I also had two major surgeries, but I continued to draw strength from God’s Word.

Bill and I attended Bible classes taught by Dr. Halton Starr. He said the Bible is “organic and alive.” I knew the Bible was inspired, but tte words organic and alive
gave me a new view of God’s Word. It reminded me of the verse in Hebrews that says the Bible is “living and active.”

When Bill and I wondered about our future, we leaned heavily on God’s Word. We lost our medical insurance when Bill lost his job, but we trusted God. When I had to look for full-time employment to gain medical insurance, I prayed God’s Word back to Him.

As Bill depended on his cane, we learned to lean on God’s promises—promises that gave us hope and built our faith. If you feel a little unbalanced in your faith walk or need encouragement to be steadier, lean on God’s Word. We can’t do life on our own.

"I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word." Psalm 119:16 NIV

Let's pray-

Father, after surgeries, the diagnosis may be challenging to our health and pride.

Previously, we may have been athletic and busy with sports, but being limited, and needing assistance if we can't go alone, will be difficult.

Copying down Scriptures to encourage us in these difficult times, will help us draw strength from Your Word. As it is "organic and alive," it will give us a new view to live by if we're unbalanced in our faith walk and need to be steadier, as we're learning to lean on You.

We ask for Your help through such hard times, to help us develop our faith and to trust in You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen

#99 Testimony- An Army Major

One night a nurse called me to the hospital to see an Army Major. When he saw me, he began to weep. He and the men there with him were covered with bandages and looked as though they were badly hurt. Finally, the Major gained control of himself and began to tell me an amazing story.

Just a few hours earlier he had been a passenger in a helicopter. They had been hit by ground fire and crashed into the thick jungle. Six men had been scattered over the side of a mountain. When the Major came to, he realized he was injured too seriously to move. He could hear the cries of other men who were also unable to move. In the distance he could hear rifle shots. The Viet Cong were converging on the position where they had seen the aircraft go down. They were moving in to capture the Americans.

The Major tried to pray, but realized he didn't know how. He had attended church all his life, but he had never really talked to God. But all at once he "felt" someone say: "Just ask and believe!"

With a burst of anguish, and new faith he cried; 'Oh, God, please help me!" He realized that for the first time in his life he had talked to God. Still, he could hear the VC move in closer.

Miles away, another Army helicopter was flying north. The pilot later told this story: He felt a sudden, overpowering urge to turn and go east. But why? he reasoned. His destination was north. Contrary to all military rules he made a ninety-degree turn and headed east. He then felt an even stronger urge to fly lower and slower. This was even less logical than his first urge and contrary to all rules of flying over hostile territory.

He should be flying either high or low and fast. But the urge was so strong that he went down to treetop level, and somehow knew that he was looking for something. There it was! He suddenly spotted the remains of a helicopter scattered over the jungle.

He had no idea how long it had been there, but he felt compelled to check it out. The jungle was so dense that it was impossible to land. While he hovered over the treetops a member of his crew lowered himself by means of a winch. When the crewman reached the ground he found the wounded men.

One by one he secured them to the winch and raised them into the helicopter. When the last man had been lifted to safety, he secured himself and was pulled up. Just as he left the ground, the VC arrived and started firing at him The pilot saw what was happening, and as soon as the man was clear of the trees he moved the chopper up and out. In a few minutes the woulded men were safe in the hospital.

When the Major had finished his story he grasped my hand and said: "Chaplain, I just wanted you to come and help me thank God for His goodness to me. I'm going to serve Him the rest of my life!"

1531-1535 One-line Scriptures for those of you who want to learn some more verses this week- or to review them from when they were first posted-

1531- Pro. 8:13a "The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance."

1532- Jer. 48:30a "I know his wrath, saith the LORD."

1533- Neh. 5:16 "Yea, also I continued in the work."

1534- Job 8:19a "Behold, this is the joy of his way."

1635- Ps. 73:17 "Until I went into the Sanctuary of God; then understood I their end."

#99 Hymn- Amazing Grace

The information about this song, is taken from the book by Robert J. Morgan, THEN SINGS MY SOUL (pg. 79)

It was hard to shake off John Newton's earliest memories of his godly mother who, despite fragile health, devoted herself to nurturing his soul. After her death, John wanted to live a good life, but fell deeper and deeper into sin. He was pressed into service with the British Navy, deserted, captured and flogged. His life was a life unrivaled in fiction. On March 9, 1748, John, 23, was jolted awake by a brutal storm. The next day, in great peril, he cried to the Lord.

The next several years saw slow halting spiritual growth in John, but in the end he became one of the most powerful evangelical preachers in British history, a powerful foe of slavery, and author of hundreds of hymns, including Amazing Grace.

Some encouraging words-

Jesus, tough enough to singlehandedly drive crooks out of the temple, but tender enough that children clamored to sit on his lap. Strong enough that men would leave everything to follow Him. Yet caring enough to elevate women in a world that crushed their dreams. The Savior who has made many a man into whom he could never have been without Him.

Church Notes:

Mercy

God wants to give mercy. He controls judgments. His mercy turns back judgment, extenting grace, the favor of His forgiveness, when we repent of sins.

Upcoming posts:

8/23- A HAND TO HOLD- Lauri Lemke Thompson

30th- FINDING REST FROM CONTROL- Matt Holmes

9/6- WORTHY OF ALL PRAISE- Bill Crowder