The Biblical Truth of Depression -- It Will Shock You!

This morning I was led to post this. It stemmed from a discussion I had with a man who is struggling with Depression. Here is something that I came across about this very touchy subject which I know will cause a stir so to speak.

There are numerous biblical references to depression, one of the human race's most common and distressing afflictions. It is likely that the first humans to experience depression were Adam and Eve, after they sinned against God.  Examples of people in the Bible who suffered bouts of depression are:

Abraham (Genesis 15)
Jonah (Jonah 4)
Job (Book of Job)
Elijah (1 Kings 19)
King Saul (I Samuel 16:14-23, etc.)
Jeremiah (Book of Jeremiah)
King David (Psalms 6, 13, 18, 23, 25, 27, 31, 32, 34, 37-40, 42-43, 46, 51, 55, 62-63, 69, 71, 73, 77, 84, 86, 90-91, 94-95, 103-104, 107, 110, 116, 118, 121, 123-124, 130, 138, 139, 141-143, 146-147)

The Bible Teaches That Sorrow Is A Natural Cure For Depression!

That's right, you read that correctly! We learn in Ecclesiastes 7:3 that being sad is a natural part of human life, which makes the “HEART BETTER.” A “countenance” is a person's face. Grieving is a natural part of the human healing process. When you are sad and down emotionally, it is ok and don't ever allow anyone to convince you that something is wrong with you.  Ecclesiastes 7:3, “Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better”.

The Bible Commands Every Believer To Be Depressed!

That's right you read that correctly! In fact, God commands every believer in the Bible to “Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:9-10). The Bible teaches us HUMBLE YOURSELF IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD through humility, mourning and afflicting yourself (realize one's misery), and then He lifts you up.

Whereas God commands us as Christian believers to weep, afflict ourselves and have a heavy heart; the wicked world tells us the exact opposite. The world tells us that we're supposed to be happy, confident and cheerful all the time or else there's something wrong with us. The world is insane and wrong!

The Bible plainly teaches that if you're not depressed, you're not right with God! The word “afflicted” in James 4:9 is the Greek word talaipōreō and means “to be wretched, that is, realize one’s own misery.” The dictionary defines “wretched” as “very unhappy, full of misery!” There is a huge difference between Godly depression verses unhealthy depression.

Unhealthy depression is when we condemn ourselves over past sins which have already been confessed and forsaken (Hebrews 10:22). Satan tries to discourage believers by continually accusing them day-and-night the Bible says before the throne of God (Revelation 12:10). The Devil's crowd behave just like their father the Devil. We must realize as King David that God is the ONLY one that we have to answer to see Psalms 51:4

Any believer can have peace and complete joy in the Lord Jesus Christ, if we realize the scriptural truth that God is the only one that we will ever have to give account to in eternity. It doesn't matter what anyone else has to say. The Bible strictly warns all mankind against condemning anyone else, because WE ARE ALL SINNERS (Romans 2:1, James 5:9).  So we are Biblically commanded to realize our own wretchedness, which is what the song AMAZING GRACE is all about.

Godly depression is continually realizing that I am a sinner by birth and nature, and saying along with the Apostle Paul, “O wretched man that I am… (see Romans 7:24-25). Godly affliction is thinking about the awful sinful condition of our society, and praying about it, for God to deliver me from evil (Luke 11:4), and praying for my brethren in the Lord (2nd Corinthians 13:7).

Notice that Christ Jesus didn't say “deliver us from sin” in His example of how to pray; but rather, “deliver us from EVIL.” Evil is planned sin. No Christian can live above committing sin, but Christians can all abstain from committing evil (premeditated sin). We are commanded to ask God to deliver us from evil, that is, deliberate sinning.  2nd Thes. 3:1, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.”

I'm not making this stuff up, the Bible teaches that God wants us depressed, that is, (as defined in the dictionary), “to lower someone's spirits; make downhearted.”  Why in the world would God want us to be depressed? Once again go read Ecc. 7:3.

We grow from pain in our soul, if we trust upon the Lord God Almighty and don't commit suicide or turn to sin to cope which becomes demonic. It is often stated that adversity makes men, but prosperity destroys them. UNSHAKABLE FAITH COMES FROM HAVING YOUR FAITH SHAKEN!!!

This doesn't mean that Christians should walk around looking miserable. It simply means that we should continually HAVE THE MIND OF CHRIST IN US, which Philippians 2:4-5 instructs and teaches, thinking upon the needs, burdens and things of others instead of ourselves.

Every Christian ought to be sorrowful concerning the gross wickedness of this evil generation. I am saddened daily over abortion, same-sex marriage, public nudity, “sin cities” Las Vegas and New Orleans, drug abuse, blatant government crimes, counterfeit Bibles, lukewarm Christians who support evil, etc., etc., etc.

God have mercy on this spiritually sick generation of fun-seekers! God have pity on this shallow, spineless, TV generation. Unless something is “FUN,” people won't get involved and have no interest, and this especially includes spiritual areas. This is today's lukewarm church scene (U.S.A.) —using Rock 'N' Roll, worldliness, things that are “FUN” to sell a product that supposedly will reignite a dead church and draw everyone to God! Yeah, right! God never intended for church to be “FUN” or entertaining. If your entertainment is God, then God must become entertaining to be worshiped.

Psalms:126:5- 6: “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

John:11:35: Jesus wept.

Lastly people - There Is No Such Thing As A “Chemical Imbalance”

This is one of the biggest frauds in our country and society. Doctors commonly diagnose patients with a Chemical Imbalance. There is NO SUCH THING. It is not a scientific diagnosis. There is no test to determine chemical imbalance. There is no way to test or know for certain if someone has a chemical imbalance in their brain. This is why doctors call it a syndrome or disorder. There is a global view that moves from one generation to the next. Each new school of thought is replaced with the next popular trend.  Go LEARN IT!

Therefore, when this period of depression goes longer than it should, we need to then understand it has now become a demonic problem which must be addressed properly with God.

Rev. Bradley Luoma

Fear & Torment Are NOT from God

As I've pointed out in many blogs that our mind is the devils playground. It's his major tool and weapon to utilize as a way to torment us. Even so far as to cause people to commit suicide. One of the biggest door openers to attract demonic spirits is the spirit of fear. This spirit can take on many forms, but its intentions are clear, no matter what kind of spirit of fear it may be, It intends to keep you from living a joyful, peaceful, spirit filled life where you give to others. It will keep you awake with nightmares. It will keep you in bondage unable to overcome past emotional and physical wounds. For example, the fear of throwing something away, it could be anything from collectibles, clothes or simply trash. These people have been labeled “hoarders”. You have to understand for them tossing away even trash is deeply traumatic and overwhelmingly scary for them. I feel this often comes from a major trauma, most often the loss of a loved one, but it could be any trauma that can bring this particular spirit of fear into a persons life.

Satan is the master of the mind and that's the first thing he and his demons attack, you're mind. They can manipulate thinking patterns by taking something minor put it in your head creating a Sandcastle out of a piece of sand. Fear is not of God. Many people who have an unhealthy fears need to know this. Don't let the enemy rob you of happiness and peace. No one has to be perfect and without sin in order to love Jesus Christ and follow his teachings. I'd be a liar if I even began to say I sin very little or I'm sin free. There's nothing in the bible that stipulates a sinner can't love and choose to worship God and move past mistakes and repent then move forward. That doesn't make someone a fraud. If one says otherwise, Christ died on the Cross Of Calvary for nothing then. Easter is all for nothing. I do feel people in leadership need to really pay more attention to their actions but no one is without sin or never makes mistakes or poor choices in life. Don't let this lie make you feel God won't love you or you are not allowed to worship and love him.

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."

Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you. I believe God works gently with us to bring us out of bondage and into liberty. If you've been afraid of something and desire to be free, the time will eventually come when you'll have to face your fear and not run away from it. Just take Jesus' hand, acknowledge that He is with you, and do it. If you're afraid of people with authority, the time will come when you'll have to confront an authority figure and not cower in fear. God will have arranged the time. He'll be there, but you'll have to choose whether to go through or run away.

I found the following paragraph of information I obtained at deeptruths.com
Fear is today's No.1 killer! Believe it or not, fear causes more sickness and more mental illness and more premature deaths than anything else on Earth! Doctors have discovered that heart muscle is actually DESTROYED when people are subject to great fear. Dr. Marilyn Cebelin, writing in the General Practitioner's newspaper, "Pulse," says the hormone, adrenalin, literally DESTROYS heart muscles when people are subjected to intense stress and fear. Canadian medical circles also report that WORRY increases chances of infectious disease, in that it weakens the body's ability to fight off germs. A recent study of cases of streptococcal infection, according to Dr. Robert Haggerty, revealed that one out of four cases of such infections occurred after prolonged trauma and anxiety. Heart trouble, high blood pressure, arthritis and stomach ulcers are all basically caused by worry, tension, stress and fear!

If you're at one of these crossroads in your life, let me encourage you to go forward. Don't stand still in terror, but take His hand and go forward. Remember, fear torments and God wants to deliver you from all of your fears. Perfect love casts out fear. Remember this my friends. God does not being you torment, only the enemy.

1 John 4:1-3 - Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already.

If you feel the Devil is attacking you with fears, worries, anxiety etc., you can pray in the Name of Jesus and resist and overcome him!--Jesus said, "Behold, I give you power over all the power of the Enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you."-Luke 10:19. This power is YOURS if you believe His Word, claim His promises and pray in the Name of Jesus! In fact, if you are filled with faith and His Holy Spirit, you have the authority to resist the Devil directly, just like Jesus and His early disciples did.

Written By Jennifer L Auld

The Dalai Lama Teaches ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ in Osaka, Part 2

Continued from Part 1 - The Dalai Lama Teaches ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ in Osaka, Part 1

Arriving in the hall of the Osaka International Conference Center this morning, His Holiness the Dalai Lama walked to the front of the stage and saluted the applauding audience to the right, left and middle with folded hands.

“Good morning everybody,” he began, “we know that the Buddha appeared in the world, although there is disagreement about when. The question is whether he attained enlightenment in that very life, or was enlightened long before. The Pali tradition says he was an ordinary person who became the Buddha in the course of one meditative sitting. Maitreya’s ‘Sublime Continuum’ lists 12 deeds of the Buddha’s life, some performed as a bodhisattva and some as a Buddha. It is hard to conceive of his accumulating merit and insight over three countless aeons, but it is also difficult to believe that he attained enlightenment in one life. The former account from the Sanskrit tradition seems more reasonable.

“The common narrative is that the Buddha attained enlightenment and turned the wheel of Dharma when he taught the Four Noble Truths. The second turning of the wheel, dealing with the Perfection of Wisdom teachings, is not historically recorded, so some people dispute whether the Buddha taught them at all. However, Nagarjuna, Maitreya and Bhavaviveka wrote exhaustively defending the authenticity of this Sanskrit tradition. Its focus was phenomena’s lack of inherent existence.”

His Holiness observed that the ‘Heart Sutra’, involving a conversation between Shariputra and Avalokiteshvara, is a well-known example of the Sanskrit tradition. He added that the ‘Sutra Unravelling the Thought’, which was given at Vaishali, refers to the third turning of the wheel of Dharma. He remarked that the traditional praise known as the Six Ornaments and Two Supremes seems to belong to the third turning of the wheel because several masters of the Middle View - Chandrakirti, Bhavaviveka and Buddhapalita - are not included in it. Consequently, His Holiness composed a fuller praise to the ‘17 Masters of Nalanda’. The ‘Sutra Unravelling the Thought’ also speaks of disciples’ different capacities.

The Four Noble Truths, the truth of suffering, origin, cessation and path, are accepted by all schools of Buddhism and comprise the foundation of the teaching. Most important is understanding the third truth, cessation, which was explicitly explained in the 2nd Turning of the Wheel of Dharma. Meanwhile the 3rd Turning of the Wheel explained the nature of the mind, which forms the basis for the practice of tantra. The Buddha gave different teachings because he understood that disciples had different dispositions.

When he had first attained enlightenment the Buddha thought that if he were to teach what he had realized, no one else would understand. After he spending 49 days in retreat in the vicinity of the bodhi tree in Bodhgaya, the gods requested him to turn the wheel of Dharma. He sought out the companions with whom he had formerly undertaken austerities and who had parted from him when he broke his fast. As he approached them in Sarnath near Varanasi they determined not to salute him but found themselves unable to resist the urge to do so. He ordained them and his first instruction was how to wear the robes of a monk. After this he taught the Four Noble Truths.

He advised - know suffering, overcome its origin, achieve cessation and cultivate the path. Within that context, the four characteristics or attributes of suffering are impermanence, suffering, emptiness and selflessness. The four characteristics of the origin of suffering are causes, origin, strong production and condition. The four characteristics that refer to cessation are cessation, pacification, being superb and definite emergence, while the four characteristics that refer to the path are path, awareness, achievement and deliverance. Studying these attributes contributes to wisdom, which is in contrast to the observation that the source of this body we have now is ignorance.

The Buddha described three aspects of suffering. Everyone is familiar with the suffering of suffering. The suffering of change refers to the way pleasure changes into suffering. Non-Buddhist yogis seek to avoid this by entering the 4th absorption, a meditative state characterized by neutral feelings. The source of the third aspect, pervasive suffering, is karma and disturbing emotions, which in turn are rooted in ignorance.

His Holiness made clear that the basic structure of the Buddha’s teaching can be found in the instructions about the Four Noble Truths and the 37 Factors of Enlightenment, which are common to both Pali and Sanskrit traditions. The 37 Factors include the 4 foundations of mindfulness, the 4 supreme efforts, the 4 means to accomplishment, the 5 strengths, the 5 faculties and the Noble Eightfold Path.

Resuming his reading of chapter three of the ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life,’ His Holiness pointed out that only as human beings are we able to generate the awakening mind. Even then, as the text makes clear, it is rare - ‘Just as a blind man might find a jewel amidst a heap of rubbish, so this spirit of awakening has somehow arisen in me.’ It is invaluable - ‘It is the elixir of life produced to vanquish death in the world. It is an inexhaustible treasure eliminating poverty in the world.’

Nagarjuna expressed the aspiration of the awakening mind in this way:

May I always be an object of enjoyment 

For all sentient beings according to their wish 

And without interference, as are the earth, 

Water, fire, wind, herbs, and wild forests.

As he reached the end of the chapter His Holiness remarked that we all need such a good heart, a warm heart, which can be a source of peace in the world.

Reading chapter four - Conscientiousness - His Holiness drew attention to our real enemy, not someone physically threatening, but the disturbing emotions within our minds. They have been our foe for beginningless time and although we might make a physical enemy our friend, befriending the disturbing emotions would do no good.

After lunch His Holiness commented that the sessions today and yesterday had been conducted as if in classroom with no chanting at the beginning. However, he said, the day after tomorrow the ‘Heart Sutra’ will be chanted when will gives the permission of Manjushri and the prayer that begins:

Obeisance to my Guru and Protector, Manjushri,
Who holds at his heart a scriptural text symbolic of his seeing all things as they are

It is a prayer that is good to memorize. His Holiness mentioned that his own ordination master and tutor Ling Rinpoche used to recite this prayer and the Manjushri mantra regularly.

Turning back to the text he said:

“Someone who has taken the Bodhisattva vow has to carefully protect it, much as someone who is ill is careful of what they eat or how they behave. Mindfulness is important because of this need to be vigilant. Jain monks are exemplary in their vigilance to avoid harming other beings.”

Completing the fifth chapter, His Holiness went on to read the sixth, which concerns patience. The opening verse makes clear that anger destroys all the good conduct, such as generosity and paying respects to the Buddhas, which has been acquired over thousands of aeons. Therefore, patience has an important protective role. Reaching the end of the chapter at the end of the session, the penultimate verse summed up the spirit of the text:

Let alone attaining Buddhahood in the future, do you not see that in this life, fortune, fame, and happiness ensue from pleasing sentient beings?

The Dalai Lama Teaches ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ in Osaka, Part 3.

original link and photos: http://www.dalailama.com/news/post/1393-second-day-of-guide-to-the-bodhisattvas-way-of-life-in-osaka

Choosing Not To Believe In The Devil Won't Protect You

Choosing Not To Believe In The Devil Won't Protect You

In 1864 there was a short story written by French poet Baudelaire with a similar quote

"My dear brothers, never forget, when you hear the progress of enlightenment vaunted, that the devil's best trick is to persuade you that he doesn't exist!"

The most known reinterpretation of this quote is from 'The Usual Suspects'

Now to the subject at hand..... I know that lately a lot of what I've written seems to surround the subject but unfortunately I have been flooded with emails regarding oppression, possible possession and demonic influence. I am informed that these events started to take place when these teenagers, children and adults felt like they wanted to prove that there is no such thing as demons and the devil do not exist. So there is nothing to fear and people who have a healthy fear and respect for all religions with dark entities are foolish due to the fact that evil does not exist. So, just for kicks and giggles "let's do this and really see what happens to prove people wrong". Well guess what that summoning spell did work. Just because nothing happens at that time, doesn't mean at a later date you will not suffer the consequences.

Ever since that movie "Ouija" (as if we didn't have enough people using them) it has stirred  quit a interest in many more people to purchase one "just to tempt evil and taunt demons to prove they don't exist." And all you have to do is go on YouTube and there are a ton of videos of people playing with the spirit board and a lot of them show someone getting possessed. Whether they are faking it or not. But even if you're faking it, it's the law of attraction. You are now on their radar because you have accused Satan and his minions of harming you. So many will claim being oppressed or possessed just for attention due to insecurity. I've seen it time and time again. Just for attention. Time being wasted when it could of been helping someone in valid distress. Well congratulations your attention seeking or trying to play a trick has now gotten you into a very bad position.

Ouija Boards create danger in my humble opinion. I have witnessed awful consequences people have to bare from playing around with these. In my opinion they are nothing more than portals to the demonic. Christ warns us about this.."Beware Of The Familiar Spirit." Our friends and loved ones are mimicked by demonic entities in a effort to trick us into offering help or becoming highly involved in keeping the communication going. This eventually allows them legal ground into our life.

Demons and devils are very intelligent, and very cunning, and very patient. They lie and manipulate better than the best lawyers and politicians. And they will subtly influence someone for decades if they have to, to get a specific result. They have no boundaries of what they will not do to further their own ends. They kill people, they cause severely debilitating illness. They tear families apart, they take all that is good and pure and drag it through the dirt and blood until there is nothing left. They are never to be taken lightly or as a joke. It is not adventurous or romantic or 'cool' to be as hunter. It is dangerous. Not just physically, but spiritually. Whatever they can do to you physically will end, because life is short. But spiritually... the soul is immortal...

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 a fire, who practices divination or sorcery." To knowingly open yourself up to these demons and their tasks is considered a sin. They are very evil spirits. They are very convincing to make you believe it's a passed loved one making contact. Test the spirit each time. Ask if he/it believes Jesus Christ is the son of man and does it worship Christ. You'll know real quick then if it's real and not eyes playing tricks on you or a person seeking attention.

I found the following paragraph of information I obtained at deeptruths.com Fear is today's No.1 killer! Believe it or not, fear causes more sickness and more mental illness and more premature deaths than anything else on Earth! Doctors have discovered that heart muscle is actually DESTROYED when people are subject to great fear. Dr. Marilyn Cebelin, writing in the General Practitioner's newspaper, "Pulse," says the hormone, adrenalin, literally DESTROYS heart muscles when people are subjected to intense stress and fear. Canadian medical circles also report that WORRY increases chances of infectious disease, in that it weakens the body's ability to fight off germs. A recent study of cases of streptococcal infection, according to Dr. Robert Haggerty, revealed that one out of four cases of such infections occurred after prolonged trauma and anxiety. Heart trouble, high blood pressure, arthritis and stomach ulcers are all basically caused by worry, tension, stress and fear!

Do not be afraid or fear the devil or his demons.

Notice that it is at the Name of Jesus, not just to the person of Jesus, that every knee will bow. As true believers in Jesus Christ, we are members of His body, and joint-heirs in His

Written By Jennifer L Auld

The Dalai Lama Teaches ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ in Osaka, Part 1

Osaka, Japan, 10 May 2016 - As His Holiness the Dalai Lama walked to the hall of the Osaka International Conference Center this morning, well-wishers, mostly Chinese from Taiwan, lined up to greet him. When he walked onto the stage, the hall filled with applause. Once he had sat down he said:

“As you know I’m nearly 81 years old and I have some problems with my knees, so although a teacher ought to prostrate before the Buddha before teaching it is now quite difficult. However, my brain is still sharp. Every day in my practice, I use my intelligence to the full. I think about reality, analyzing, analyzing.”

He remarked that since there was simultaneous translation into Mandarin, Korean, Japanese, Russian, Mongolian and English, he would speak uninterruptedly in his own language.

“All human beings have the capacity to differentiate right from wrong, but when we are under the influence of anger or attachment we lose the ability to discriminate. To fully exercise our intelligence we need a calm mind. Folding our hands and saying ‘I go for refuge ... ‘ is not enough, we need to employ reason. And we tend to be ignorant of the nature of the mind. We need to know how to shape the mind, to transform it from being disturbed to being calm. Cultivating the wisdom of listening, reflection and meditation will help.”

His Holiness remarked that of the various miraculous aspects of the Buddha’s body, speech and mind, it is his teaching that is most effective. He stressed the importance of actually understanding the nature of the Buddha, because, as he said, blind faith is not a basis for transforming the mind. Mere faith does not require much intelligence, and it will not guarantee the survival of the Buddha’s teachings. Applying analysis, on the other hand, will ensure that it lasts long. Sound faith should properly be based on understanding and wisdom.

While the first turning of the wheel of Dharma presented the Four Noble Truths, the second, given on Vulture’s Peak, dealt with the Perfection of Wisdom teachings. These assert that whatever is dependent on other conditions cannot be inherently existent. His Holiness noted that he refers to the Pali and Sanskrit traditions because he feels the terms ‘greater’ and ‘lesser’ vehicles give people a wrong impression. He went on to say that in the Sanskrit tradition all explanations of the basis, path and result are based on reason.

His Holiness expressed admiration for Dharmakirti, a great master of logic and epistemology, who composed seven treatises on valid cognition. Later, Shantarakshita, a foremost master of Nalanda University, furthered this tradition with the establishment of the Yogachara-Svatantrika-Madhyamika school of thought, which combined the Madhyamaka of Nagarjuna and the Yogachara of Asanga with the logic and epistemology of Dharmakirti.

Modern scientists are interested to compare these modes of thought with their own findings. Where the Chittamatra or Mind Only school asserts the unfindability of external phenomena, Quantum Physics suggests that external phenomena depend on the perceiving mind. His Holiness cited what he considers the Buddha’s scientific approach, quoting him as advising his followers not to accept what he said at face value, out of devotion, but to test it through investigation and experiment and only accept it if it makes sense.

Turning to the text he was to teach, His Holiness stated that its main thrust was generating the awakening mind and an understanding of emptiness. The first chapter begins by outlining the benefits of the awakening mind, while the ninth presents an explanation of emptiness to which the preceding chapters are preliminary. It is observed that while compassion focusses on sentient beings; wisdom focusses on enlightenment.

His Holiness advised that his explanation will extend over four days and that it should be regarded as an opportunity to study and learn, not to receive blessings. He noted that Shantideva’s approach to generating the awakening mind, the exchange of self with others, is for those of sharp faculties when compared to the seven point cause and effect approach that Atisha taught. He also advised that since chapter nine of the ‘Guide’ is complicated and difficult, reading Nagarjuna’s ‘Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way’ and Chandrakirti’s ‘Supplement to the Middle Way’ would be helpful.

He said he received an explanation of the ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ from Khunnu Lama Rinpoche in 1967. Because he has found it so helpful he teaches it whenever he has the opportunity. But, he said, the key is in applying what it recommends, for example applying what chapter six, which deals with patience, has to say about anger. He recommended that his listeners try to read a little of the text every day and reflect on it as part of their practice.

Setting the text aside for a moment, His Holiness declared:

“First of all, I’m just one of 7 billion human beings alive today. As human beings we are all fundamentally the same. We share a common experience in that we are all born from a mother. We survive because of her care and affection. Scientists working with young infants are coming up with findings that suggest that basic human nature is compassionate. Common sense tells us that even if a family is poor, if they live in an atmosphere of affection they tend to be happy. A wealthy family, well provided for, but afflicted by suspicion and jealousy, tends to be unhappy. Clearly where there is love and compassion, happiness follows.

“We are social animals. We need friends and friendship depends on trust. Showing concern and affection for others is how we establish trust. Because we are interdependent, love and compassion are important in our lives. Recently I was encouraged to hear on the BBC that increasing numbers of young people regard themselves as global citizens.

“Similarly, the creation of the European Union is an instance of nations that once fought each other putting the past behind them and giving priority to their common interests. We could all do well to adopt such a mature approach and regard ourselves as global citizens. Instead we tend to think in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’, despite, as I mentioned above, the fact that as human beings we are all the same; members of one family.”

Describing education today as focussed on materialistic goals, but with little to say about how to find peace of mind, His Holiness noted that that used to be the province of religion. Today, however, when religion no longer commands the universal appeal it once had, there is a need instead for a secular approach to human values. He mentioned proposals to introduce secular ethics into modern education.

Looking back to the origins of Tibetan Buddhism, His Holiness recalled the efforts of the bodhisattva abbot Shantarakshita working with the adept Guru Padmasambhava and King Songtsen Gampo. Later, after Tibet had fragmented politically, the King of Ngari invited Atisha. He wrote his ‘Lamp for the Path’ and established the Kadampa tradition. ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ is one of the six classic texts of the Kadampas.

“Today, the crucial thing is to study,” His Holiness advised. “In exile, monasteries that only performed rituals in the past have instituted programmes of study. Nuns too have been studying and the first group will shortly graduate and will be awarded Geshe-ma degrees. We all need to be 21st century Buddhists, which means we at least understand the nature of the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, the teacher, his teaching, the path to cessation, and the community of those who put it into practice.”

Coming back after lunch His Holiness repeated what Khunnu Lama Rinpoche had told him that since it was composed in the 8th century, ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ has been the single most important text for training the mind. He said the point is not to simply recite it, but to put what it says into effect. He glossed the meaning of the term ‘bodhi’ in the title ‘Bodhicharyavatara’ as referring to the abandonment and realization of great enlightenment. He noted the translators’ homage to Manjushri and the author’s pledge to compose the work.

He clarified that we take refuge in the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha in order to achieve liberation. Liberation is the fruit of eliminating the disturbing emotions. It is intense misconception or grasping in the mind that gives rise to the disturbing emotions. He mentioned the American psychiatrist Aaron Beck who told him that when we are angry the object of our anger appears to be totally negative. This impression is 90% mental projection. In other words, conceptual thought exaggerates the nature of the object and provokes anger or attachment.

“I’ve been reflecting and meditating on emptiness for more than 60 years at my teacher Ngodrup Tsognyi’s prompting and I’m aware of what Nagarjuna says:

Through the elimination of karma and affliction there is liberation.

Karma and affliction come from conceptual thought. 

These come from mental fabrication.

Fabrication ceases through emptiness.

The root of all suffering is disturbing emotions and their root is ignorance. Those who wish to pacify suffering should generate wisdom. Verse two of chapter nine says: ‘Truth is recognized as being of two kinds: conventional and ultimate. Ultimate reality is beyond the scope of the intellect. The intellect is called conventional reality.’ The two truths are of the same entity, as the Heart Sutra states: form is emptiness; emptiness is form, and so forth. Chapter nine continues: In the light of this, people are seen to be of two types: the contemplative or yogi and the ordinary person; the ordinary people are superseded by the yogis, which implies that they perceive the ordinary, worldly person’s viewpoint to be incorrect.

His Holiness read rapidly through the first and second chapters. In the first he distinguished between the mind that aspires to awaken and that which ventures to do so. The difference is whether the bodhisattva is engaged in the six perfections. The second chapter, dealing with disclosure of evil stresses the inevitability of death:

Remaining neither day nor night, 

Life is always slipping away 

And never getting any longer, 

Why will death not come to one like me?

Announcing that he had completed the first two chapters, His Holiness repeated that this was an opportunity to study and learn, not just receive blessings. He said what his listeners would gain from these eight sessions could have an impact for their entire lives. He introduced Ven Yangten Rinpoche, who he described as a good young scholar, who would answer whatever questions people had about what had already been read.

Link to part 2:
The Dalai Lama Teaches ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s Way of Life’ in Osaka, Part 2

Original link & photos: http://dalailama.com/news/post/1392-beginning-to-teach-guide-to-the-bodhisattvas-way-of-life-in-osaka

The Devil has Full Authority--What You AREN'T Taught in Church!

The devil truly understands the authority that it has over the world. Sadly, many people do not understand this aspect. For you see even Christ Jesus did not question the authority that the devil had for when he was tempted by the devil to be given all that is in this world.

What I am writing about today should be going off like an alarm to you on the inside. For you see this is NOT taught in churches. Let's jump and go back into Genesis and in this book we find that God had intended Adam and Eve to have dominion (authority/ruler-ship) over this earth Gen. 1:28.

However, because of Adam's disobedience to God, Adam therefore surrendered the authority (legal rights) over the earth, the regents, stewards, trustee's to the devil by partaking in the forbidden fruit according to Gen. 3.

By this act of surrendering of legal rights by Adam the Devil was given these rights over the dominion of the world. Therefore, God had to send HIS only Begotten Son to remove those rights from the devil back to the creator.

This is just one aspect of training that you need to understand regarding Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance/Exorcism. Now you can see a bigger picture and understand why large percentages of humans throughout history - including even people today have DEMONS and they do not even know this, because of the authority transferring to the devil.

This even goes for Christians who profess Christ Jesus until they choose to go through the removal of legal authority via Deliverance/Exorcism to take the authority away from the Devil over their life by the command found in the Children's Bread story - which as a reminder is a direct command for all followers of Christ Jesus to do this act.

If we are to live successfully in Christ Jesus, the devil and its past influence in our lives must be thwarted. Of course, on-going repentance is key to reversing the process of sin and unholiness in our lives. But the devil is still the 'Prince of the power of the air' and it has great authority and power to influence our lives and actions.

We must be aware of Satanic realities about us that seek to draw us back into his grip, even after we have become born-again. We may be inclined to think since Christ Jesus dwells within us nothing, even Satan, can touch us. This is a wrong impression to have and sadly MANY churches preach and embrace this falseness!

After Calvary the Devil became like a wounded bear. It is out of control with fear, rage and hatred. As the time of judgment draws nearer and nearer so does the wrath and desperation increase against all - even followers of Christ Jesus. It will not fail to pull out all stops trying to destroy the works of God whenever and where ever it can. (Rev. 12:12)

The believer must be resistant and actively oppose the works of the Devil, not by word only, but by his life and deeds. If one resists the devil and is walking daily in the spirit that person will not be sinning. For you see it is not possible to walk in the Spirit of Christ and sin. The Spirit of God does not sin - ever; cannot sin, it makes no sense to say or think that God can sin.

This is an immutable contradiction for us to even think that we should still be open to sin at all, but sadly MANY people do just this because they choose to not make the flesh like stone. This is just one of the reasons why God came in the flesh was to destroy the works of the Devil. "He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the Devil." (1 John 3:8)

For you see HERE is what the churches and MANY do not understand WHY Christians can and will have DEMONS - Due to our past companionship with the spirit of the world (the Devil), our complicitous dalliance with Satan and due to our full involvement in sin, Satan still has legal right to harangue us, attack us and generally oppress us with his strategy of hate and deceit. Even though you profess Christ - YOUR past still gives the devil LEGAL authority to YOU!! This is why EVERY Christian is to go through Deliverance/Exorcism to remove the past aspects.

Remember HE who controls and owns the past has the future!!! Deliverance is the friend and ally of every Christian who expects to have a close and victorious walk with Christ Jesus. It is Christ Jesus Himself who likened it to "the children's bread" when He had an exchange with a Gentile woman who sought deliverance from an unclean spirit for her young daughter.

When she asked the Lord Jesus Christ to free her daughter from this afflicting spirit Jesus at first told her that He would not, saying, "It is not meet to cast the children's bread unto dogs" (Mark 7:27). But it was her cry for mercy when she responded that even the dogs eat of the crumbs from the children's table that caused Christ Jesus to reconsider and cast the spirit out of the youth.

Whatever His reasons for saying this and first refusing, one thing remains clear: Christ Jesus was saying that deliverance from evil spirits (and, we can surmise, deliverance from sin and oppression of all sorts) is THE CHILDREN'S BREAD!

It is my prayer that each reader will embrace Deliverance/Exorcism as the sweet bread and nourishment that it truly is. Since it is the children's bread then it should be consumed by us like a little child eating a goody. We should not doubt its sweet goodness.

We shouldn’t fool ourselves. When deliverance and such things are brought to us by God our flesh reacts with such bitterness and resentment. We are easily embarrassed, as well as offended. What do you mean I have a flaw?  What do you mean I need the hand of God to supernaturally and powerfully deliver me from the influence of evil that has overcome me by my own doing?

But we should not be embarrassed. We should resist the temptation to sweep our personal need for deliverance under the rug. Deliverance is THE CHILDREN’S BREAD. Deliverance is a friend. It is God's mercy. It helps us to grow. In fact, without it one can’t grow into maturity within Christ Jesus.  Exorcism/Deliverance is a lifelong friend which every Christian, young and old, strong and weak, experienced and inexperienced, needs to invite into their heart daily.

If we want to grow into full and strong "adult" Christian, into what the Scripture calls the "measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph. 4:13), we must eat of the children's bread, accepting the fact that we all need deliverance from demonic influences and spirits that are contrary to the Spirit of God. This is fundamental to our growth in Christ Jesus!


Rev. Bradley Luoma

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Hello my para beauties! I trust you had a great day and are in good health. This is a subject I've been asked to explain to the best of my knowledge. This is from the book of Revelations. The book of Revelations can be very intimidating. But we know who wins in the end.

The first Horseman is the rider of a white horse, carries a bow, and wears a crown. He is described as a conqueror. For this reason, he is sometimes interpreted as the Antichrist or as a false world leader. This Horseman is also sometimes called Pestilence.

The second Horseman is astride a red horse and carries a sword. He is associated with war and slaughter, and the Bible attributes to him the power to take away peace and to make men kill each other.

The third Horseman rides a black horse and carries scales. This Horseman, popularly called Famine, is thought to represent not only scarcity of food, but also the strict rationing or unfair allocation of goods and the exploitation of the poor.

The last of the Four Horsemen, Death, rides a "pale horse" of a sickly hue and is followed by Hades, or Hell.

The nature of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse is hotly debated by theologians and Christians, but they are almost universally fascinating, regardless or perhaps because of their mystery. They were popular subjects for art during the medieval period and the Renaissance, and references to them continue to crop up in popular culture in our own day and age. Whether or not Pestilence, War, Famine, and Death are the correct interpretations of the Biblical Four Horsemen -- which will likely remain in debate for the foreseeable future -- it is safe to assume that that is what they represent in a cultural or literary context.

In many opinions The book of Revelation in the Bible is real and does not need one to read the hidden truths. When it says Jesus Christ is coming back again it means Jesus Christ is coming back again. When it says the Horsemen it means exactly that.

Since Christ is the One opening these seals and revealing what will happen in this world prior to His return, is there anywhere else in the Bible that He discloses these events? In fact, He did so shortly before His death in a section known as the Olivet Prophecy (given on the Mount of Olives), recorded in the Gospels of Matthew (chapter 24), Mark (chapter 13) and Luke (chapter 21) Seeing what Christ said in this prophecy helps us identify what each of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse represents.

In Matthew 24:3 Christ’s disciples asked, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” In the comparison chart below, notice how Christ’s answer lines up exactly with what He gave years later in the book of Revelation through the apostle John.

Notice the enormous effect of these first four seals (horsemen) in Revelation 6:8: “And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth.” This indicates that the first four seals will ultimately result in a death toll of one-fourth the earth’s population. This summary statement also adds something else that will contribute to the death toll—beasts of the earth, which kill as carriers of pestilence and as ravenous predators.

The first four seals are clearly already open in our day now, and the four horsemen of the Apocalypse have been riding through the years, taking their toll on populations. But many other prophecies in the Bible show that their destruction will multiply greatly as the next seal—the fifth seal or Great Tribulation—is about to open. Christ reveals that this world is about to undergo great devastation due to the rebellion of humanity against our Creator.

May God Help us All.

Written By Jennifer L. Auld

NOTE: This blog was originally posted in May 2014.