The Secret of the VoidAll Alone in HereSeveral years ago I had a quiet but intense experience at the wedding of a close friend. I was early, and as I sat at my table I watched the other guests entering the room. One came in elated, dancing like a performer on stage. Another was withdrawn, inward, as if mulling over some sadness or pain. Some were eating, some talking, some laughing and some sitting quietly.But what I saw - with an almost painful...more
As Christian counselors, we get asked that question all the time. Part of our focus is helping people get free from demonic strongholds and bondages and this is an important issue. Often, clients will ask about demonic oppression and how that differs. We will address that issue in this article. Let me say that, in fact, we never pray for deliverance unless we are certain that the person is a Christian. It's one thing to get free. It's another...more
"I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes (2 Corinthians 2:10-11 NIV)."One thing becomes clear when we study scripture: Satan gains an advantage when we harbor unforgiveness in our hearts. Satan gains an advantage that he can and will use against us.We will experience this as torture to some extent and in some way: "In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart (Matthew 18:34-35 NIV)."The Bible explains how this comes about.Forgiveness is not just an idea we have to accept; it's not an intellectual concept that simply can be embraced. You must forgive others "from your heart." And the sooner, the better. When we don't comply fully with what God requires, Satan gains power.Scripture is clear on this point: "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold (Ephesians 4:26-27 NIV)." A "foothold" means that the devil can create emotional and/or physical distress in a...more
"For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh (Philippians 3:3 NKJV)"Today, there is an almost unprecedented confidence "in the flesh." We are told to build up our "self esteem," to practice positive affirmations and to be "the master of our own destiny."When all this...more
There are a number of things to keep in mind when you get ready to buy your new Bible. Here are some tips.First, decide on the version. This is the most important decision you have to make. Some versions are very literal--others just a paraphrase of the Bible. Not all Bible versions are accurate--some are outright frauds.If you are a new Christian,...more
Surrendering seems to be the last thing you'd want to do when it comes to your mental health. After all, "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8 NIV)." But there is a place for surrender in the Christian life.We all have burdens--often these burdens are more than we can bear in our own strength. When we try to handle these things ourselves, we become angry, stressed out--even depressed. But when we instead surrender the issue to God, trust Him--and then wait until He makes it clear what to do, we can find a lot of relief--and quickly.Our part is to allow Him to carry the burden, not panic and walk wisely. We need to keep both our thoughts and our behavior under control.We also need to remember to adjust our attitude toward God: To praise Him, thank Him and love Him from our heart. We cannot do any of these things unless we also trust Him.We also need to remember to focus on good things--and not just dwell on problems. The Bible says "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things...more
Sleep Paralysis is classified clinically as a "Parasomnia." It consists primarily of an inability to perform voluntary movements-either at sleep onset or upon awakening. It is usually accompanied by other bodily sensations-none of which are pleasant....more
The term 'Guru' is quite common in the Indian culture , but in Sikhism it enjoys a very distinct meaning .Guru epitomizes a spiritual teacher who enlightens his disciples for their all round development , inculcates in them devotion and Godly love ,...more
In fact, the whole topic of free will is very interesting, yet, a misunderstood topic. Almighty Allah has honored humans and endowed them with two important gifts.The first is the ability to differentiate between right and wrong, and that is attained...more
Ever feel alone? Feel like you don't measure up? Worried or stressed over work, school, or relationships? Wouldn't it be great to have someone who thinks about you, who is aware of what you are going through? You do have someone.Last time we talked...more
Missionary work calls many people. Missionary work is the act of spreading the word of god through the world. These trips are usually associated with long journeys into dark, mosquito filled lands. The trips tend to focus on remote places in Africa...more
The key to understanding the Bible with confidence is Godly devotion. It is essential for one to train their self in order to achieve full Godly devotion. One's aim or objective in training their self is not to achieve selfish, materialistic gain....more