Just Who is Santa Claus?

This has been on my mind for several days now and today was brought to 'head' so to speak. So briefly I shall discuss something today in this blog with which will help you the reader to understand and to determine whether you want to celebrate the aspects of what we call ‘Santa Claus”.  As we know when we were children it brings thoughts of good memories and I would be safe to say this too would be many of you as well.  The very thought of receiving presents underneath a ‘tree’ all decorated.

Well what many of you do not know is this.  According to the legend, Santa began as a fourth century Catholic bishop named Saint Nicholas. The cult of St. Nicholas was one of history’s most widespread religious movements. According to St. Nicholas historian, Charles W. Jones, ". . . the cult of St. Nicholas was, before the Reformation, the most intensive of any nonbiblical saint in Christendom. . . there were 2,137 ecclesiastical dedications [churches] to Nicholas in France, Germany, and the Low Countries alone before the year 1500." (Jones, Charles. W. "Knickerbocker Santa Claus." The New-York Historical Society Quarterly, October 1954, Volume XXXVIII Number Four, p.357)

Miraculous folklore and legend surround the mysterious St. Nicholas. Among the more popular legends of St. Nicholas is the rescue of three poverty-stricken girls destined for prostitution. These girls were poor and did not have the dowry for marriage. St. Nicholas saved them from a life of shame, by providing marriage dowries of gold. They then were able to get properly married.  Now that sounds very proper for a man of God to do.

Another amazing miracle in the life of St. Nicholas is the three young boys who were sadistically murdered by a wicked innkeeper. Their bodies were chopped up and preserved in pickle barrels, with the cannibalistic intent of feeding their flesh to unsuspecting house guests. Of course, the amazing St. Nicholas resurrected the boys and their mutilated bodies. And like Santa, Saint Nicholas gave gifts to poor children, hence, his veneration as Patron Saint of Children. During the Middle Ages, hundreds of plays and paintings told and re-told the amazing feats of St. Nicholas.  To me this implies that St. Nicholas as much power as Christ Jesus!  To me this seems highly ‘Satanic’ in nature.

The mysterious St. Nicholas.

The first major problem in the Santa Claus saga is the person of St. Nicholas. There is very little evidence, if any, that the man St. Nicholas actually existed.

A. Nicholas' existence is not attested by any historical document, so nothing certain is known of his life except that he was probably bishop of Myra in the fourth century. ("Nicholas, Saint" Encyclopedia Britannica 99)

B. Nicholas, Saint (lived 4th century), Christian prelate, patron saint of Russia, traditionally associated with Christmas celebrations. The accounts of his life are confused and historically unconfirmed ("Nicholas, Saint" Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 99).

C. Unfortunately, very little is known about the real St. Nicholas. Countless legends have grown up around this very popular saint, but very little historical evidence is available. (Del Re, Gerard and Patricia. The Christmas Almanack. New York: Random House, 2004, p. 130).

In 1969, the final nail in the coffin to the feeble fable of St. Nicholas was officially hammered down. Despite the fact, St. Nicholas is among Roman Catholicism’s most popular and venerated "Saints," Pope Paul VI officially decreed the feast of Saint Nicholas removed from the Roman Catholic calendar. UPI Wire Services reported that St. Nicholas and forty other saints were deleted because "of doubt that they ever existed." ("Pope Marches 40 Saints Off Official Church Calendar."UPI Wire Services. )

Therefore, who then would be masquerading as ‘Santa Claus’?  Well in examination of falseness within the world and knowing Satan oversee's every false aspect of this world then just who is this Santa Claus, or just who is the evil character behind this?  Well briefly without going in so deep into this controversy I have been able to surmise it is one to (2) False Gods.

1. Case study - The first study for a false god portraying the 'Santa Claus theme' is known as Odin/Wodan. Now Odin/Wodan rode a horse of 8 legs which we now take today as 8 reindeer. Odin/Wodan was the Norse god of runes, magic, wisdom, occult knowledge, war and poetry. Odin/Wodan had a white beard long and his name refers to 'the inspired one'. He was characterized as old, tall and he carried a long spear also known as a crosier. Realize in modern times we added "Rudolph" later. Around the late 1400's to 1500's his name was changed to 'Sinterklaas'. Now Odin/Wodan also had helpers and they were called 'black jack's who would leave gifts for people Odin/Wodan liked under his 'element' or preferred place which he liked, that being a Fir Tree. In the 1700's Sinterklaas was portrayed as a wise old man, white beard, red cloak, crosier flying the skies. Now if you had been bad then his ‘black jacks’ would beat you.

2. Case study - The second study for a false god portraying the 'Santa Claus' theme is known as Thor. Now a very convincing case can be made that this might just be the character. Thor was the god of the peasants and the common people. Thor was represented as an elderly man, jovial and friendly, of heavy build, with a long white beard too. However, Thor's element was the fire, his color red. The rumble and roar of thunder were said to be caused by the rolling of his chariot, for he alone among the gods never rode on horseback but drove in a chariot drawn by two white goats (called Cracker and Gnasher). Thor was fighting the giants of ice and snow, and thus became the Yule-god. He was said to live in the "Northland" where he had his palace among icebergs. By the pagan forefathers, Thor was considered as the cheerful and friendly god, never harming the humans but rather helping and protecting them. The fireplace in every home was especially sacred to him, and he was said to come down through the chimney into his element, the fire. (Guerber, H.A. Myths of Northern Lands. New York: American Book Company, 1895, p. 61).  The unusual and common characteristics of Santa and Thor are too close to ignore.

So which ever one of these false gods is linked to the 'Santa Claus' theme as we now understand, one can see that it is not of the Lord God Almighty. Remember Satan is a master of disguise for Satan can make it appear so innocent, good and pleasant but yet it is so deadly.

Blessings and hopefully this has made you think more about reviewing being proper with the Lord God Almighty especially when it comes to Christmas and knowing it represents falseness and stems from Satanic aspects.

Rev. Bradley Luoma

Let's Start Having A Healthy Obsession With Angels: A Little Angelology

I'm wanting to discuss the unhealthy obsession with the demonic side of the field that is taking over the movies, tv's and in some cases peoples lives. It's almost being shoved down our throat to a certain extent. Watching these types of movies and TV shows/documentaries for entertainment here is okay. And even for educational purposes is fine, but someone who are not mentally healthy or someone who happens to become a little too interested in it can really open themselves up. I'm sure many disagree and that is fine, it's my humble opinion that it can open one up inadvertently.

We need to put the focus on the Lord's Angels! Who are 100 times more powerful than any demon or devil, I can tell you that right now. Why not put the word out on these good angels and not just fallen angels? There is so much comfort and solace there, no fear.

Angels bring assistance in time of need

The LORD, the God of heaven, brought me from the home of my father and from the land of my relatives, and he solemnly promised me that he would give this land to my descendants. He will send his angel before you, so that you can get a wife there for my son. (Gen 24:7)

He answered, 'The LORD, whom I have always obeyed, will send his angel with you and give you success. You will get for my son a wife from my own people, from my father's family.
(Gen 24:40)

Behold, I send an Angel before you, to keep you in the way, and to bring you to the place which I have prepared.

Angels fight against God's enemies

That night an angel of the LORD went to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 soldiers. At dawn the next day there they lay, all dead!

The LORD sent an angel that killed the soldiers and officers of the Assyrian army. So the emperor went back to Assyria disgraced. One day when he was in the temple of his god, some of his sons killed him with their swords. (2Ch 32:21)

An angel of the LORD went to the Assyrian camp and killed 185,000 soldiers. At dawn the next day there they lay, all dead! (Isa 37:36)

Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, who fought back with his angels; (Rev 12:7)

For My Angel shall go before you and bring you in to the Amorites, and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Canaanites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.
(Exo 23:23)

Angels provide Protection

His angel guards those who honor the LORD and rescues them from danger. (Psa 34:7 GNB)

God will put his angels in charge of you to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands to keep you from hurting your feet on the stones. You will trample down lions and snakes, fierce lions and poisonous snakes. God says, "I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD. (Psa 91:11-14 GNB)

Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently
give Me more than twelve legions of angels? (Mat 26:53 MKJV)

[Note: A legion is seven-thousand]

Angels bring Comfort and Strength

Elijah walked a whole day into the wilderness. He stopped and sat down in the shade of a tree and wished he would die. "It's too much, LORD," he prayed. "Take away my life; I might as well be dead!" He lay down under the tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, "Wake up and eat." He looked around and saw a loaf of bread and a jar of water near his head. He ate and drank, and lay down again. The LORD's angel returned and woke him up a second time, saying, "Get up and eat, or the trip will be too much for you." Elijah got up, ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to walk forty days to Sinai, the holy mountain. (1Ki 19:4-8 GNB)

Then the Devil left Jesus; and angels came and helped him. (Mat 4:11)

Then again one like a man in form came and touched me, and he made me stronger and said, O man greatly beloved, do not fear. Peace to you; be strong; yes, be strong. And when he had spoken to me, I was made stronger, and I said, Speak my lord, for you have made me stronger. (Dan 10:18-19)

We are not to worship angels

We are to honor them but not worship them. Only God is to be worshipped. I feel the same about the Virgin Mary. Too many claim to be guided by "spirit guides". Are they really sure? How do they know they are not being deceived by a demonic spirit? They are taking a big chance when they don't have much experience in this.

Do not allow yourselves to be condemned by anyone who claims to be superior because of special visions and who insists on false humility and the worship of angels. For no reason at all, such people are all puffed up by their human way of thinking. (Col 2:18 )

"I, John, have heard and seen all these things. And when I finished hearing and seeing them, I fell down at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things, and I was about to worship him. But he said to me, "Don't do it! I am a servant together with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all those who obey the words in this book. Worship God!"

We must have a personal relationship with Christ and have The Holy Spirit within us at all times. In today's times so many are hurting. I hate to say it but many of you wouldn't know it if some of your closet friends and family were hurting as some hide it so very well. The fear of judgement and many other things keep many from reaching out. So it's easy to turn to the wrong place for help. Many are seeking someone who cares, seems genuine. It's easy to turn to the wrong people or cult. Let's show more love and NON JUDGEMENT and be examples of children of Christ.

Written By Jennifer L Auld


Sent from my iPad

Musings On How Superman Defeated the KKK (really!), and Discerning if your Call Really is from God

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

I am a Southern man and proud of it. However, the KKK is not something I am proud of. The blatant racism and violent means of expressing it, is contrary to God’s revealed will from Genesis to Revelation.

In the 1920’s the KKK was 5 million strong, but over time its influence began to wane. Post WWII there was a concerted effort to resurrect it to its former glory….which included thousands of lynchings. However, in the midst of this membership drive, secrecy was of utmost importance because its influence reached far and wide amongst Atlanta politics and police.

In 1946 a writer named Stetson Kennedy felt called or compelled to do all he could to expose its true, racist, cruel nature and corrupt leadership. He wanted to expose its rituals and the motives of the leaders to mainstream America. But he faced a daunting challenge: to accomplish his mission Kennedy needed to get close…really close.

So, he waged a one-man war by infiltrating the ranks of the KKK to learn about it from the inside out, and then write about it. It was a dangerous mission for various reasons…one of which is that in Atlanta many of the police and politicians were supportive of the KKK. He was risking his life, especially if he was discovered.

Kennedy observed all the ins and outs of the organization but felt impotent to do much by himself. So, he got an inspiration from one of the most popular radio shows of the time…Superman!

The writers of this show had already used the caped crusader to fight against the evil Nazis and other foes. When Kennedy communicated his vision to the leaders of this show they realized they were at a watershed moment. The KKK was not only bigoted but un-patriotic. America had changed as a result of WWII and it was impossible for the KKK to robe itself in Americanism anymore.

The show agreed with Kennedy’s vision and began a lengthy series of how the caped crusader saved minorities… who were being bullied, beaten, and murdered by people outfitted in robes and hiding behind masks. It touched the heartstrings of millions of Americans and was hugely successful.

The antiquated hand-shakes were mocked as well as other childish gestures they had used. The result was phenomenal! Millions of people heard this show week by week and Superman actually helped shape the fabric of America. Here you have an American hero heralding civil rights well before the Civil Rights movement….all because of one man following his calling to fight injustice.

The hate and hypocrisy was exposed as well as the greed of the corrupt leadership. As a result, membership plummeted and the average persons’ view of the KKK was altered. The courage and dogged determination of one man’s calling to stamp out the KKK by exposing it was largely successful thanks to the Superman radio show.

To me, that story is inspirational because it shows that any person can have an impact on changing their sphere of influence, if they are courageous and steadfast. However, according to the Word of God, what Kennedy did was in line with God’s passion for justice, especially for the marginalized in society. It also showed how much pop culture (radio) affected the formation of people’s worldviews. Our love for God should affect our emotions—we must not merely agree with God that certain things are right or wrong—but we must viscerally embrace the good and hate with a passion that which God hates….while displaying the love of Christ to those caught up in sin.

Many Christians avoid reading the Old Testament, but it (especially the prophets) reveals the deep emotions of our God against injustice.

But what concerns me is that not a few people—including many Christians-- are claiming that God has called them to ministries which are questionable at best, and absolutely repugnant to God, at worst…like the KKK. One of the causes of this misplaced sense of call is due to an ignorance of the bible, especially the Old Testament. This was the case with many folks who were involved in the KKK. Some may ask how any body who professed Christ could have joined a group whose values were so opposed to the bible? Mis-interpretation of Scripture was one cause, as well as a longing to be part of a movement bigger than themselves….to give their life some meaning.

I have no idea what Kennedy’s religious commitments were, but his fight was a just one because it was consistent with biblical values..

Stetson Kennedy via Superman took on a calling that was pleasing to God because God makes it crystal clear that we are to do all we can to fight against injustice….man’s inhumanity against man. May we also devote ourselves to living a life worthy of our calling.

Part Two [January 8, 2016] will be one of my most difficult and controversial blogs to date. I will take this information and apply it to paranormal investigators, many of whom I care for deeply. Yet, with a few wonderful exceptions, I have found them to be very resistant to self-examination as to whether their calling is truly from God. Please pray….

Read part 2 here: An Appeal to Christian Paranormal Investigators

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.

Dalai Lama Teaches the Eight Great Tantric Commentaries

Hunsur, Karnataka, India, 12 December 2015 - His Holiness the Dalai Lama took his seat this morning and looking out into the temple and beyond saw monks distributing copies of the text he was to teach. They were in small traditional woodblock format and wrapped in yellow cloth. He intervened to announce that the ‘Eight Great Tantric Commentaries of Gyumey’ were not for everyone.

“It’s a sealed and restricted text that can only be seen by someone who does the practice of Vajrabhairava or Guhyasamaja. Only someone who can keep the commitments should take a copy. If those of you who have taken it are determined to do the practice, you’re welcome, but only a few hundred have been printed. In Gyutö too I taught the 'Seven Chapters of Vajrabhairava' which was similarly restricted and I said then please only take it if you’ll do the practice.

“Sakya Dagtri is here with us today to listen to this teaching, so he will become not only a holder of the ‘Path and Fruit’ tradition but also of Se-gyu. At the end his work on Guhyasamaja, at the end to the Guhyasamaja Prayer Je Tsongkhapa says: ‘This is a means to lead you to enlightenment in one lifetime.’”

His Holiness explained that the eight texts deal mostly with completion stage practices related to the various tantric traditions upheld at Gyumey Monastery, which are based upon the Guhyasamaja system. He said that Kalachakra has its own system and the Ka-gye of the Nyingmas has its own system. Dzogchen too distinguishes between the unenlightened mind and pristine awareness.

“In Tibet, Gyumey Monastery had a custom of 32 monks doing a strict sealed Guhyasamaja retreat at Chumiglung. I don’t know if they would really meditate on Guhyasamaja, but the abbot would teach these texts. Even if someone died they wouldn’t open it up; the doors were sealed. When Jamyang Shyepa Ngawang Tsöndrü was in such a retreat at Chumiglung he also managed to meditate on the 173 aspects of the three types of knowledge.

“I’ve suggested to Sera, Drepung and Ganden Monasteries that they should have retreat places too. As the Arhat Sagara said: “Through meditation extract the essence of this life. Don’t be content merely with wearing a monk’s robes. Meditate on the Dharma. Extract the essence by study, concentration and practice.”

“Je Rinpoche made his life meaningful without engaging in the eight worldly concerns. He turned down the Chinese Emperor’s invitation, which others might have happily gone along with.

“If we can set up retreat centres with appropriate facilities, we should. As Jamyang Shyepa did, we should also try to meditate on the 173 aspects of the three types of knowledge. It’s not enough just to spend the time saying mantras. Gyumey Tantric College has a plan to introduce a study curriculum based on texts by the previous Dalai Lamas. They brought the books to me and the one I picked out to look at was a commentary to the ‘Ornament for Clear Realization’ by the 5th Dalai Lama. Preserving and studying the works of the Dalai Lamas is a tradition that used to be kept by Deyang Monastery.”

Before beginning to read the texts, His Holiness said that he had received these Eight Commentaries from Ling Rinpoche and that most of them are to do with completion stage practices. In calm and steady tones His Holiness read until lunch and resumed when everyone reassembled afterwards, completing his reading of the final text on Kalachakra by mid-afternoon. Noting that there is also a thorough explanation of Kalachakra in Khedrup-je’s Collected Works he was reminded that during the preparatory rites yesterday he had looked up at the altar and reflected that where there are statues of Je Rinpoche above the Buddha, there should be copies of the Kangyur and Tengyur.

“Not so long ago I was invited to consecrate a colossal statue of Guru Padmasambhava at Tsopema. If you look back at history, Guru Padmasambhava was immensely important in bringing Buddhism to Tibet. He made great prayers for the Tibetan people. I recognise his kindness, but I said this statue of him would last long into the future, but it will never speak. Similarly, we pay great respect to the statue of Buddha in Bodhgaya, but it too will never speak.

“I firmly believe that if Je Tsongkhapa were to appear and we were to ask him questions he would say, 'The answers are already recorded in the 18 volumes of my collected works.' Please make an effort to study. We have to be Buddhists of the 21st century; we need to understand as well as being able to repeat the words. What’s more, as well as reading Je Tsongkhapa’s works, it would be good to read his critics too. See what Daktsang Lotsawa, Shakya Chokden, Gorampa and Rongton Sheja Kunrig had to say. These days many of our monks restrict their reading only to their own monastery’s standard texts.

“In conclusion, let’s pray for the flourishing of the Buddha’s teachings.”

Finally His Holiness gave advice about approaching and viewing the sand mandala.

“Viewing the mandala with devotion you can purify the misdeeds of countless lives. So approach it with a good motivation, recalling the awakening mind and your understanding of emptiness. There’s no rush, the monks will continue to perform prayers in front of it for several days before it is dismantled. I expect many of us will meet again at Tashi Lhunpo, but anyone who is interested to attend the Mind & Life conference at Sera is welcome.”

Original link & photos http://dalailama.com/news/post/1342-teaching-the-eight-great-tantric-commentaries-of-gyumey-tantric-college

Pride Comes Before the Fall

Today I will discuss a list of Demon names and spiritual warfare. With this aspect I shall go over in a broad aspect of these demonic names and the subsequent forces that work under the demons associated to PRIDE.  Pride is the very first SIN which was found in Lucifer as well as others in Heaven, for the word of God says that 1/3 of Heaven's angels fell as a result of the war.  For the Bible discusses how harmful Pride is and that Pride comes before the fall as it is spoken.

As one knows Pride along with other aspects (Jealousy) is what caused those in Heaven to revolt against God thus being cast out and having their fates sealed permanently.  Satan is the perfect example of something who fell from grace and favor with the Lord God Almighty as a result of too much pride being built up in the personality.

Once the aspect of Pride ‘built up’ over a certain period of time and passing those prideful words (which we do not know or are recorded) to the others who listened to Satan who then decided to try to 'Test' the power and Glory of God and unfortunately were not successful.  This is a great example to convey how the fall comes for even Christ Jesus said “Behold I saw Satan fall like lightening from Heaven above”.

This sin of Pride comes with a great price.  Once too much pride starts to build up over time in one's personality, they will then start to lose the ability to see what the real truth is in many of the important matters in your life. The only truth one will now see is what you think the truth is, even if that truth goes against the very word of God and also God Almighty Himself.

A person will then start to become a small version of ‘god’ in their mind, thinking that all of the world revolves around them and their own set agendas. One will then become very selfish and narcissistic and shall refuse to listen to any kind of correction or counsel the Lord God Almighty will try and bring their way including individuals called to present truth straight from the very word of God and how it shall be applied.

Understand this crucial point: Demons know how powerful and destructive Pride can be in helping to bring a person down.  The demons will do everything they can behind the scenes to try and build up a person’s ego through false flattery and vain imaginations.  The demons will use every angle they can push any form of Pride upon a person.

An example of this is when a person who falls into the falseness of believing in Ghosts. This is ALL contrary to the very word of God. Therefore, those who engage in this act of Necromancy become filled with Pride thinking that lost souls are just waiting around in an innocent aspect searching, wanting and desiring help to convey a message.

Are you starting to see how this SIN is filling the person with even more aspects of Pride?  These people think they know better than God and start to play God by thinking they can have seemingly innocent conversations or patterns of communication which are harmless.  The people who do these acts against God, so do you think that God will not allow those forces of Pride come against them?  Of course not, as it is done to teach people harsh lessons.

Here a list of just some of the different demons who will come along with Pride and bring someone down through their actions:

~Anger
~Arrogance
~Haughtiness
~Rebellion
~Blasphemy
~Control
~Domination
~Possessiveness
~Contention
~Quarreling
~Critical
~Judgmental
~Selfish
~Narcissistic
~Unbelief
~Skepticism
~Greed
~Paranoia
~Deceit
~Mockery

Once the Spirit of Pride enters into someone, either through demons and/or through a person’s own human spirit, many of the above demons will follow right along with Pride to bring a person down as a penalty from God for disobedience.

How many prideful people do you know who also exhibit additional negative qualities such as being too judgmental and too critical of other people? Since their inflated sense of pride tells them they are always right and never wrong, then there is no room for anyone else who does not agree with them. As a result, they will become very judgmental and critical of anyone else who does not agree with them. Therefore the Spirit of Control has taken root as well which will start to encase the heart to not let anything enter as 'truth'.

As their pride continues to build up, they will then become more selfish and narcissistic, as all they will be able to see is what is in their own little world. As a result, everything else in their lives will become totally irrelevant, including the members of their own families. This is one of the ploys of Pride to separate and dominate.

They will then start to want more and more, especially in the area of power, wealth, authority, control, money, and material goods. From there a strong Spirit of Greed will start to enter in and before you know it, they will have lost all contact with God, their best friends, and family members. They will then become an island and a god all to themselves.

Then it happens, everything comes tumbling down around them. They lose all of their friends, their families, their wealth and money, and most importantly of all, they lose their connection and personal relationship to God Himself.

An example of this stated above was Saddam Hussein of Iraq. Saddam was someone who had it all in the area of power and material wealth, and then lost all of it in a matter of days as a result of letting his pride get in the way of letting the UN inspectors into his country to look for weapons of mass destruction that were never found.

In spiritual warfare once you start to see how Pride works and who Pride works with this will open your eyes. Remember the demons are masters at playing the pride game with people since that is what caused all of them to get cast out of heaven in the first place.

So many people to this very day are still continuing to fall for this type of very powerful Sin and slew of evil spirits which come hand in hand, such as some of our politicians, the CEO’s of different companies, and sadly even some of the pastors and clergy in our different churches who promote false religion or only speak partial truth. Realize partial truth is still a lie.....

Understand that Pride is a major sin and offensive weapon of demons which they will play this kind of game with anyone they feel will be susceptible to it, especially those who are in any type of leadership or authority position. I pray this has opened your eyes to see who and how Pride operates as a broad over view as well as which other demonic spirits set up shop with Pride.

Rev. Brad Luoma, A.A.E. Exorcist and Deliverance Minister

Do Not Act On Emotions That Affect Our Mind, The Enemy Is Counting On It

We need to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit dwelling on it. Our feelings cannot be counted on especially when we are going to something or if you're mad or angry or depressed or worried. If you're not enjoying your life then you're missing God's best for you. The pressure and problems of every day life is enough to defeat us. I know what I'm saying is much easier said than done believe me I know more than you think I do. Like I said whenever there is a holiday that glorifies Christ (Easter for example) satan hates it with a passion, he cannot stand it. Personally in my life right now I have two very sick relatives very close to me and one who died recently. All of this so close together thrown upon my sister and I. I know what hurt is. I know what pain is. I know what it's like to want to die but I'm here to tell you that Jesus Christ does not want that for us. Ignore these tormenting emotions they are demonic in every way. As I said, Every time there's a holiday that glorifies Christ satan absolute without a doubt cannot stand it. You may know as a Christian or a believer sometimes more negative things seem to happen on holidays that glorify Christ which it could be a coincidence...I'm simply relaying what I've been told by people over the years and from my personal research. We must resist the Devil. He only comes to steal, and destroy.

Satan is the original liar. He is the “father” of lies. Satan told the first lie in recorded history to Eve, in the Garden of Eden. After planting seeds of doubt in Eve’s mind with a question (Genesis 3:1) he directly contradicts God’s Word by telling her, “You will not certainly die” (Genesis 3:4). With that lie, Satan led Eve to her death; Adam followed, and so have we all.

The many accounts of evil spirits in Scripture affirm the reality of powerful spiritual forces of wickedness. Evil spirits (also known as demons or devils) are depraved and quite familiar with human weaknesses and desires. They know it very well. Some are more vile than others. Spirits speak to all of us to inject ungodly beliefs into us. These are thoughts that steer us away from our identity in Jesus Christ. For some people these supernatural voices are far more destructive and can cause harm to the individual hearing them. For some individuals, hearing these thoughts can be just utter torment trying to convince them to commit suicide or to kill another. Oppression and Depression mimic each other in many ways. At times many are written off as highly depressed, now that evil can stay for life with no fear of being casted out.

When God tells us to forgive our enemies, it is not to do them a favor it is to do us a favor. We give that person free rent in our mind by allowing what they did to us constantly stay with us and torment us and I am one that has trouble with this myself. I can forgive but I can't forget which really means I haven't forgiven. Having bitterness and anger in your heart once again that negativity can attract unwanted spirits. I've once heard someone say "if we keep what God tells us to give the devil is going to take it." As long as we stay insecure and not move past we will only live with turmoil. No confidence at all. Our emotions will surely take over. Demons are attracted to this and will target you quicker than you can imagine. Our mind is the enemies battlefield friends. It's our weakness they go after. We must not let the past or what anybody has done to us continue to linger in us in a bad way. God will deal with them God will deal with everyone of us for the things that we've done that we know better. And I personally believe some people get dealt with while they're still on earth.

I've said many times satan goes after our mind. It's our number one weakness at times in my humble opinion. One way Satan gains control of the mind is when we place our trust in what many Christians mistakenly call the Holy Spirit. What I mean is  "God told me to do this. . ." However, what God told them to do is completely contrary to God’s word. Jesus said in John 8:47 "He who is of God hears the words of God." God never, ever, ever leads us contrary to the Word of God. So when we receive anything we think is the Holy Spirit, the first question we must ask is "Does God’s word agree with what I believe is the Holy Spirit speaking to me?" Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 11:14 "And no wonder for Satan transforms himself into an angel of light." We should start each day by saying to God "We cannot do anything without you Lord, please be with us and guide us through every decision and choice we make." There are many demons assigned to torment us by satan just as Jesus assigns angels to look after us . We have demons running amok trying to destroy all humans before the appointed time. Yes they know very well the second coming of Jesus Christ will in fact take place. They already know they are defeated but they will still try to drag as many souls to hell with them or make our life hell in hopes we may take our own life or just live so miserable and depressed we end up making ourselves sick. They hate our guts and want nothing but death for us.  And when we are not in control of our emotions and we make certain decisions and choices this is what the enemy is counting on.

We know that we are made up of body, soul and spirit. Again the soul in itself is made up of mind, will and emotions. Becoming a believer means we must have surrendered our will to the Lordship of Jesus Christ our savior. But the mind and emotions, we might not have fully surrendered to our Lord. In these circumstances either knowingly or unknowingly we are allowing the devil room to come into our lives and our homes and have a field day! Torment beyond imagining.

Many people are fooled by "familiar spirits" that come in the form of a dead love one or maybe someone who passed away for lived in that particular home at a time. That way they never truly get dealt with because people think it is a ghost a human spirit that has not yet crossed over. The Bible is full of information about familiar spirits. This allows us to study their wiles in the Bible and find out how they work. They may appear under different names; but their works, manifestations, and their deceptive ways are found both in the Old and New Testaments. We must, therefore, be alert and be prepared because Scripture warns us that these deceiving spirits and false manifestations will be found among God’s people in the last days. Familiar spirits operate under their master, Satan. They influence people to create hate and hurt. Basically raise hell and torment us relentlessly. They spew lies and make a person believe such horrible things of others and ourselves. To knowingly open oneself to the work of demons is an evil act: "Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery." To knowingly open yourself up to these demons and their tasks is considered a sin.

Written By Jennifer Lori Auld

The Irony of Sulfur & Other Satanic Imitations from Revelation

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

Recently I’ve been thinking about how central imitation is to Satan's MO or schemes....especially as revealed in Revelation. Below are a few as found in the last book of the bible.

God's reality--the real Trinity (Father, Son/Lamb, Holy Spirit...Rev.1:4-5....

Satanic imitation--false trinity....dragon, beast, and false prophet (16:13;20:10)
Lamb standing as if slain (Rev.5:6).......many-headed beast with mortal wound healed (13:3)
sealing of the saints 7:2-3)......mark of the beast (13:16-18)
Bride in white (19:7-8).....prostitute in purple and scarlet.(17:1-6)

In Revelation 13:2 the beast appears as a composite being….imitating the holy composite imagery in Old Testament and New Testament.

How many of you have seen pictures and other evidence of composite beings (combining of different creatures) that were truly bizarre and frightening? I have seen many pictures from clients who took still photos and the developed film showed freakish, demonic, composite beings.Some made my skin crawl. It would seem that Satan stole this idea from God and perverted it.

Not a few of the crypto-monsters as pursued on such TV shows as Destination Truth and Mountain Monsters are composite in appearance….and usually demonic if real. The Cherokee Devil is an example from my home state of NC…..Ashe County.

Perhaps the most common Satanic/demonic imitation is the false prophets, as opposed to God’s true prophets.

Is it any wonder, then, that we are warned that Satan and his minions can appear as an “angel of light”? (2 Corinthians 11:14)—imitating a holy angel or Christ Himself. The prince of darkness appearing as the antithesis of what he really is should resonate loudly amongst those who deal with these issues, especially Christians. Clearly, imitation or mimicry is a very common means Satan uses to deceive people.

 Hence, identifying paranormal entities based on a phenomenological methodology (how they appear, smell, feel, or sound) or the scientific method,is not only naïve and dangerous, it is contrary to God’s clear warnings! Yet, how many times have you heard/said that the gentle sound/message of a disembodied voice or EVP (or some similar phenomenon) must be a kind-hearted trapped soul?  Always remember the angel of light principle…demons can appear as anything…..ANYTHING! Have you ever identified a paranormal entity based on appearance? What do you think Paul (or more importantly, God)  would say about that?

I read an article quoting both Hans Holzer and Lloyd Auerbach, basically stating that most ghosts don’t hurt people, according to all the evidence. I humbly beg to differ. Though I don’t have the decades of experience that these men have, we have a radically different starting points or presuppositions. I presuppose the Bible is the authoritative Word of God, and it teaches the centrality of imitation or mimicry to Satan’s agenda….which is at the heart of the ghost debate.

Imitation or mimicry is not merely an occasional demonic ploy, it is very common due to its being deeply rooted in the very nature of unclean spirits and the image given in scripture, especially Revelation. Hence, folks who deal with paranormal phenomenon would be wise to remember Satanic imitation.

It is not enough to pray before interacting with paranormal phenomena (as important as that is)….and it is not enough to do it for God’s glory (again, very important)….we need to THINK according to biblical categories or we will end up being seriously deceived. NONE of us is above being deceived (I’m certainly not), but we must have our minds systematically transformed (Romans 12:1-2)….or we will be conformed to the prevailing mindset of our culture, which is becoming increasingly pagan.

Also, this morning I was reading in Revelation 20:10 about the false trinity being cast into the lake of fire and sulfur….hell. SULFUR. How many folks have been terrified by the smell of sulfur? It elicits terror because we have become hard wired to connect the smell of sulfur with demonic presence. However, the bible has a totally different take on the real significance of sulfur.

“…and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and SULFUR where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (EMPHASIS ADDED)

How ironic that Satan/demons would use the very smell that signifies their eternal torment, to instill fear in others...... Next time you (or client) smells sulfur, remember what it really signifies...Satan's certain defeat and eternal damnation.

Soli deo Gloria!!!

Mark Hunnemann is the author of Seeing Ghosts Through God's Eyes: A Worldview Analysis of Earthbound Spirits. It's also available in eBook format.