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The Importance of Worthy Communion Practices

Communion is not to be taken lightly. If taken unworthily you are eating and drinking damnation because you are not discerning the Lord’s Body.

Words to know:

  • damnation: κρίμα kríma, kree’-mah; from G2919; a decision (the function or the effect, for or against (“crime”)):—avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, + go to law, judgment.
  • unworthily: ἀναξίως anaxíōs, an-ax-ee’-oce; adverb from G370; irreverently:—unworthily. in an unworthy manner
  • sleep: κοιμάω koimáō, koy-mah’-o; from G2749; to put to sleep, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease:—(be a-, fall a-, fall on) sleep, be dead.

Look at 1 Corinthians 11:27-32 Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Notice that the Apostle Paul explains to the church at Corinth that many of them are and some are dead because of eating and drinking the Lord’s Supper unworthily to examine ourselves so that we are not judged.

Look at what Jesus foretold about communion. John 6:53-58 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

Later at the last Supper, which was the Passover, we see Jesus telling the disciples after blessing it to “Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it; For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” (Matthew 26:26-28)

Communion can be a blessing or a damnation. Look at 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.

Notice that is says cup of blessing. The choice is ours. We can judge ourselves and make corrections to stop living in sin or God will judge us and give chastisement (punishment). We can partake worthily and be blessed, or we can partake unworthily and receive damnation.

I hope and pray everyone who reads this chooses to heed the warning. It is much better to receive a blessing.

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Comforting Bible Verses for Grieving Pet Owners

When a beloved pet passes away it can be hard to find the right words to comfort the ones grieving the loss of a pet. It can be especially difficult when a child is one of the ones grieving.

I have been through process as a child, as an adult, and as a parent. Here are some Bible verses I have taken comfort with and have comforted my children with.

The following verses talks about the future earth. Animals were a part of the original creation and animals will be a part of the future when Jesus reigns on earth. Notice that the animals get to live on God’s Holy Mountain.

  • Isaiah 11:6-9 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.
  • Isaiah 65:25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.

The Bible says that God makes covenants with animals.

  • Genesis 9:12-17 And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth. And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud: And I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall no more become a flood to destroy all flesh. And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is upon the earth. And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between me and all flesh that is upon the earth.
  • Hosea 2:15 And in that day will I make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven, and with the creeping things of the ground: and I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth, and will make them to lie down safely.

God greatly cares about the needs of animals and takes them into consideration before doing some things.

  • Deuteronomy 25:4 “You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing [to prevent him from eating any of the grain].
  • Psalm 104:21 The young lions roar after their prey And seek their food from God.
  • Jonah 4:11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, wherein are more than sixscore thousand persons that cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much cattle?
  • Matthew 6:26 Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? 
  • Matthew 10:31 Are not two little sparrows sold for a copper coin? And yet not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.

The Bible says that animals praise the Lord and know his word.

  • Job 12:7-10 “Now ask the animals, and let them teach you [that God does not deal with His creatures according to their character]; And ask the birds of the air, and let them tell you; Or speak to the earth [with its many forms of life], and it will teach you; And let the fish of the sea declare [this truth] to you. “Who among all these does not recognize [in all these things that good and evil are randomly scattered throughout nature and human life] That the hand of the Lord has done this, In whose hand is the life of every living thing, And the breath of all mankind?
  • Psalm 69:34 Let heaven and earth praise Him, The seas and everything that moves in them.
  • Psalm 148:7-10 Praise the Lord from the earth, Sea monsters and all deeps; Lightning and hail, snow and fog; Stormy wind, fulfilling His orders; Mountains and all hills; Fruitful trees and all cedars; Beasts and all cattle; Creeping things and winged birds;
  • Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath, and every breath of life praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! (Hallelujah!)
  • Isaiah 43:20 “The beasts of the field will honor Me, Jackals and ostriches, Because I have given waters in the wilderness And rivers in the desert, To give drink to My people, My chosen.

The Bible says that God owns all of the animals. It also says that animals will be in Heaven.

  • Psalm 50:10-11 “For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. “I know every bird of the mountains, And everything that moves in the field is Mine.
  • Revelation 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Remember God loves the animals. He created the animals. He even takes notice when one falls to the ground (dies). He also cares for you and loves you.

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Exploring How the Church Functions as Christ’s Body

Paul compares the church to the body of Christ. We are collectively called to be the body of Christ on earth. We are called to be His eyes, ears, nose, mouth, hands, and feet. This basically means we are to carry on His work. Jesus told His disciples that we would do greater work that he did.

  • John 14:12-14 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

However, different people in the church are better equipped to preform different roles.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-30 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body. 21 The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 28 And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31 Now eagerly desire the greater gifts.
  • Romans 12:4-8 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

What are the different types of jobs in the Body of the Church? Keeping with the comparison that Paul made let’s looks at the different body parts mentioned in the Bible.

  • Head
    • Jesus is the head
      • Ephesians 4:15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.
      • Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior.
  • Eye
    • The job of the nature eye is to see. The job of the “eye” in the body of Christ is to likewise see. Some people are naturally more observant than others. However, we all need to try to see how Jesus would see.
      • The eye sees a need and meets it.
        • 1 John 3:17-18 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
      • The eye sees God’s work and participates in doing it.
        • John 4:35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest
  • Nose
    • Shares the sweetness of God’s Presence everywhere
      • 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and through us spreads and makes evident everywhere the sweet fragrance of the knowledge of Him. 15 For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which ascends] to God, [discernible both] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;16 to the latter one an aroma from death to death [a fatal, offensive odor], but to the other an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is adequate and sufficiently qualified for these things? 
  • Ears
    • Hears Jesus’s voice and follows Him.
      •  John 10:27 The sheep that are My own hear My (Jesus) voice and listen to Me; I know them, and they follow Me. 
    • Hears the word of God and does it.
      •  James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth].
  • Mouth
    • Represents God with one’s words
      • 1 Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks [to the congregation], is to do so as one who speaks the oracles (utterances, the very words) of God. Whoever serves [the congregation] is to do so as one who serves by the strength which God [abundantly] supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified [honored and magnified] through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
    • Speaks the Truth in love
      • Ephesians 4:15  But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ. 
    • Speaks truthfully to others
      • Ephesians 4:25 Therefore, rejecting all falsehood [whether lying, defrauding, telling half-truths, spreading rumors, any such as these], speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are all parts of one another [and we are all parts of the body of Christ]
  • Hands
    • Helps in times of need
      • James 2:15-17 If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and lacks [enough] food for each day, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace [with my blessing], [keep] warm and feed yourselves,” but he does not give them the necessities for the body, what good does that do? 17 So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective].
    • Humbly serves others
      • Galatians 5:13 or you, my brothers, were called to freedom; only do not let your freedom become an opportunity for the sinful nature (worldliness, selfishness), but through love serve and seek the best for one another. 
      • 1 Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks [to the congregation], is to do so as one who speaks the oracles (utterances, the very words) of God. Whoever serves [the congregation] is to do so as one who serves by the strength which God [abundantly] supplies, so that in all things God may be glorified [honored and magnified] through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
    • Serves to honor God, not to exalt self
      • Matthew 6:2-4
    • Is motived by compassion and kindness
      • Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.
  • Feet
    • Goes and shares the Gospel with others
      • Mark 16:15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
    • Goes to bring good news, peace, and salvation to others
      • Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful and delightful on the mountains
        Are the feet of him who brings good news,
        Who announces peace,
        Who brings good news of good [things],
        Who announces salvation,
        Who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!”
    • Goes to make and baptize disciples
      • Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”

Everyone is capable of doing these things. Some people are able to do a bit better than others in some of these jobs. However, we should all hear the voice of Jesus and strive to do His work here on earth.

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Engaging with God’s Word: Practical Steps

How to Interact with God’s Word:

  • Listen to the Word of God.
    • Hear others read, teach, and preach the Word of God.
    • Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
    • Nehemiah 8:3 And he (Ezra) read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
    • Luke 24:25-27 Then he (Jesus) said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
  • Study the Word of God.
    • Many tools are available to help us study the Bible. There are many Study Bibles, commentaries, and Bible Dictionaries.
    • Here is an article about Effective Bible Study Methods for Spiritual Growth.
    • Psalms 119 mentions three steps of Basic Bible Study
      • Observe: We are to observe the Word of God by looking at it and reading it.
        • Psalm 119:18 Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.
      • Understand/ interpret: This is where we are to carefully and prayerfully ask what it means.
        • Psalm 119:27 Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.
      • Application: This is where we apply the Word of God to our lives.
        • Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
  • Memorize the Word of God.
    • This is where we store the Word of God in our hearts. As you try to memorize the Holy Ghost will help you.
      • John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
      • Psalms 37:31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.
  • Meditate on the Word of God.
    • Think about the Word of God often. Thinking about the Word of God will help you remember and apply it to our life so that you don’t fall into temptation and sin.
      • Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
      • Psalm 1:1-2  Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
  • Talk about the Word of God.
    • Whatever is in your heart will come out in what you talk about. We are commanded in the Bible to talk to ourselves in psalms.
      • Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
      • Luke 6:45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
  • Teach the World of God.
    • The Best way to learn anything is to try to teach it. In order to teach something, you must know it very well.
      • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
  • Pray the Word of God.
    • This is where you turn scripture into prayers. It could be praise of petition.
    • Here is an article on How to pray the word of God.
    • There are many different prayers in the Bible.
      • Ephesians 1:15-23 Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
      • Ephesians 3:14-21  For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
      • Here is an article on Examples of Iconic Prayers in the Bible.
  • Sing the Word of God.
    • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
    • The Psalms were orginally written to be sung.
    • Here is an article on Music.
  • Live the Word of God
    • God gave us His word so that by reading, hearing, meditating, and praying the Word, we would become more like Him.
      • Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
    • Remember, simply hearing something without taking action accomplishes nothing.
      • James 1:22-24 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
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How to Identify Items That Attract Evil Spirits

Here are some practical tips for determining if an item could attract evil spirits.

  1. Consider the name and logo of the item.
    • Does the item have the name of an evil entity?
    • Is the logo good or bad?
  2. Was the item prayed over or blessed during or after production?
    • If you answered yes, then you need to find out for what reason and by whom?
  3. Why was the item made?
    • For example: candles have been made throughout history for 2 main purposes.
      • for light
        • This is good.
      • for religious purposes
        • This needs further consideration.
          • Find out what religion and what religious purposes. Generally speaking, most religious items are not for daily household use.
  4. Is the item scented?
    • Various scents have been used in worship. Even God had certain perfumes that he commanded the certain people to make. Look at the following Bible Verses.
      • Exodus 30:31-38 And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, This shall be an holy anointing oil unto me throughout your generations. Upon man’s flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you. Whosoever compoundeth any like it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people. And the Lord said unto Moses, Take unto thee sweet spices, stacte, and onycha, and galbanum; these sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be a like weight: And thou shalt make it a perfume, a confection after the art of the apothecary, tempered together, pure and holy: And thou shalt beat some of it very small, and put of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congregation, where I will meet with thee: it shall be unto you most holy. And as for the perfume which thou shalt make, ye shall not make to yourselves according to the composition thereof: it shall be unto thee holy for the Lord. Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall even be cut off from his people.
      • Leviticus 10:1-3 Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective [ceremonial] censers, put fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange (unauthorized, unacceptable) fire before the Lord, [an act] which He had not commanded them to do. And fire came out from the presence of the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord said: ‘I will be treated as holy by those who approach Me, And before all the people I will be honored.’” So Aaron, therefore, said nothing.
        • Incense is an aromatic biotic material that releases fragrant smoke when burnt. The term is used for either the material or the aroma. Incense is used for aesthetic reasons, religious worship, aromatherapy, meditation, and ceremonial reasons. It may also be used as a simple deodorant or insect repellent.
    • Not all scented items are bad. Just be careful that it is not a scent that is also used in religious worship.
  5. What is the item?
    • It the item a replica of something that is/was used in religious cerimonies?
      • If so, what religion?
    • Does the item cause you to feel uncomfortable?
      • If so, find out why. It could be the Holy Spirit trying to tell you something.
    • Is the item an artifact or a replica of an artifact?
      • If so, it may be better to put it in a museum.
    • Is the item an heirloom?
      • Who was the last person to own and use it?
  6. Specialty items
    • Some items need special consideration. These are items with cultural significance. Often these items contain special meaning to those who are of that culture.
      • These items need to be carefully considered in light of the culture that they come from.
      • For example: Dream catchers: Dream catchers serve various purposes, including religious, protective, decorative, and educational, but should be discarded if intentions are unclear.

So, you found something in your house that needs to go, now what?

  • What is it?
    • If it is historical, try donating it to a museum.
    • If it is cultural, consider donating to a cultural museum or heritage place.
      • not all cultural items are wanted back because some items have been mass produced in ways that should not be, such as the Dream Catcher.
    • Anything else
      • Paper or wood: if possible, safely burn it. If it is not possible, then either recycle it or dispose of it in accordance with the laws in your area.
        • Acts 19:18-20 Many of those who had become believers were coming, confessing and disclosing their [former sinful] practices. And many of those who had practiced magical arts collected their books and [throwing book after book on the pile] began burning them in front of everyone. They calculated their value and found it to be 50,000 pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord [concerning eternal salvation through faith in Christ] was growing greatly and prevailing.
      • Metal or plastic
        • Do something to make it unusable
        • Then either recycle it or dispose of it in accordance with the laws in your area.
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Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Tools for Victory

In Matthew 10:16 Jesus said, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Many times, it is a lack of wisdom that causes us problems in life. We need to understand what our battle is really against. According to Ephesians 6:12 “…our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.” This means that we need some knowledge about the spiritual ream. Now we don’t need to get our information from just anywhere. We need to make sure that is it from a Godly source.

We need to know that our weapons are mighty. According to 1 Corinthians 10:4-5, “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”

However, as with any weapon, you need to know how to correctly use it. Too many people like to weaponize the Bible. That is usually not what the Bible is saying in that verse. Yes, it does say, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. However, this is a work that is best done by the Holy Spirit. Good sound teaching is all that you should be concerned with giving that is correctly spoken with love.

Here are some articles to aid you in learning about the enemy and how to be victorious. More will be added as I am inspired to write them.

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The Truth About Abortion

Molech is an ancient demon who demanded the killing of humans. The younger the human was the more he liked it. Today he is still wanting human sacrifice. It is just called by another name. It is now called abortion. Just look at what the Satanic Temple says about abortion.

Feb 2023 press release by the Satanic Temple.

Notice that is considers abortions to be a religious ritual. The last sentence says that “the procedure is an essential part of a religious practice.”

The Bible calls Molech an abomination.

  • 1 Kings 11:7 Then did Solomon build an high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon.

In the epic poem Paradise Lost, John Milton writes:

“First MOLOCH, horrid King besmear’d with blood
Of human sacrifice, and parents tears,
Though for the noyse of Drums and Timbrels loud
Their childrens cries unheard, that past through fire
To his grim Idol.”

In the book of Isiah God asks a question.

  • Isaiah 49:15 Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee.

The Greek Philosopher Plutarch talks about the music that would accompany the sacrifices of children and its purpose:

  • “… and the whole area before the statue was filled with a loud noise of flutes and drums so that the cries of wailing should not reach the ears of the people.”

If you would like to know what God says about children, please look at this article:

God’s Perspective on Children in Scripture

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God’s Perspective on Children in Scripture

What does the Bible say about children? It has much to say regarding children and families.

  • God’s original design was for family.
    • Genesis 1:28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
  • Children are a heritage and a reward.
    • Psalm 127:3-5 Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.
  • Childlessness was a source of sorry.
    • Genesis 11:30  But Sarai was barren; she had no child.
    • 1 Samuel 1:9-10 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.
  • Pregnancy is cause for joy.
    • Psalm 113:9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the Lord.
  • Unborn babies can feel and experience emotions.
    • Luke 1:44 For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy.
  • God has plans for children.
    • Jeremiah 1:5  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.
    • Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
  • Grandchildren are a source of delight.
    • Proverbs 17:6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.
  • Children are to be dedicated to God.
    • 1 Samuel 1:21-28 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the Lord the yearly sacrifice, and his vow. But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord, and there abide for ever. And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the Lord establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him. And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the Lord in Shiloh: and the child was young. And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord. For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore, also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.
    • Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;
  • Little children have guardian angels.
    • Matthew 18:10 Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.
  • The kingdom of heaven belongs to children.
    • Luke 18:15-17  And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
  • Unborn children are:
    • Designed and formed by God.
      • Psalm 139:13-14  For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
      • Seen and known by God.
        • Psalm 22:10 I was cast upon You from birth; From my mother’s womb You have been my God.
        • Psalm 139:15-16 My frame was not hidden from You, When I was being formed in secret, And intricately and skillfully formed [as if embroidered with many colors] in the depths of the earth. Your eyes have seen my unformed substance;
          And in Your book were all written The days that were appointed for me, When as yet there was not one of them [even taking shape].
      • Acknowledged and valued.
        • Psalm 22:30-31 Posterity will serve Him; They will tell of the Lord to the next generation. They will come and declare His righteousness To a people yet to be bor —that He has done it [and that it is finished].
        • Psalm 78:5-6 For He established a testimony (a specific precept) in Jacob And appointed a law in Israel, Which He commanded our fathers That they should teach to their children [the great facts of God’s transactions with Israel], That the generation to come might know them, that the children still to be born May arise and recount them to their children,
        • Psalm 102:18 Let this be recorded for the generation to come, That a people yet to be created will praise the Lord.
      • Brought out of the womb by God.
        • Psalm 22:9 Yet You are He who pulled me out of the womb; You made me trust when on my mother’s breasts.
        • Psalm 71:6 Upon You have I relied and been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb and You have been my benefactor from that day. My praise is continually of You.
Biblical Guidance for Raising Godly Children

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Do Common Items Invite Evil Spirits?

Can items invite evil spirits into your home? The Answer is Yes! Some items are obvious. Two types of items that are obvious are:

  • Idols: Exodus 20:4
    • You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
    • 1 Corinthians 10:14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
  • ouija board:
    • Deuteronomy 18:9-14 When you enter the land which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to imitate the detestable (repulsive) practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or daughter pass through the fire [as a sacrifice], one who uses divination and fortune-telling, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a charm or spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or a necromancer [who seeks the dead]. For everyone who does these things is utterly repulsive to the Lord; and because of these detestable practices the Lord your God is driving them out before you. You shall be blameless (complete, perfect) before the Lord your God. For these nations which you shall dispossess listen to those who practice witchcraft and to diviners and fortune-tellers, but as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do so.

Other items are not always so obvious. Yes, it is easy to understand that we don’t want anything to do with witch craft or demonic connections. However, many today are ignorant of what those items could be. As 2 Corinthians 11:14 says, “And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”

A good idea is to pray and ask God. According to John 14:26 the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. Often times you will get a feeling or a nudging. I have had a feeling that something in my home was not right. I just could not for the longest figure it out. When you get those feelings, pray about it.

Other times as you study you may learn this or that that will prompt you to get rid of an item. I have finally figured out the item in my home that was not right. It happened recently as I was studying and researching for a recent post, Modesty vs. Modern Fashion: A Cultural Shift. I learned about Istar who is also known as Astarte. Istar goes by various names depending on where you are and the language.

Astarte and Her Divine Counterparts

Astarte’s image and attributes morphed and merged across cultures, influencing or becoming conflated with other prominent goddesses:

  • Ishtar (Akkadian): Nearly identical in function, Ishtar was revered in Assyria and Babylon for similar domains—love, sex, and warfare.
  • Inanna (Sumerian): The earliest known version of this goddess archetype; she underwent mythical journeys into the underworld and embodied chaos and passion.
  • Anat (Canaanite): Another warlike fertility goddess, often considered a sister or rival of Astarte in Canaanite myths.
  • Aphrodite (Greek): The goddess of love may have inherited elements of Astarte’s sensuality, especially through Cyprus, where Astarte worship was deeply rooted.
  • Venus (Roman): Rome’s love goddess was modeled after Aphrodite, carrying Astarte’s legacy further west.
  • Hathor (Egyptian): In Egypt, Astarte was sometimes absorbed into or syncretized with Hathor and Isis, particularly in the New Kingdom when cultural exchanges with the Levant flourished.

After learning this, I kept remembering the song and scenes from an old commercial from the early 2000’s. Some of you might remember the commercial. They were advertising the Venus Razor. They played some music while a woman sat in a bathtub with bubbles shaving her legs. They song was just a few lines from Venus
by Shocking Blue

“Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire at your desire
Well, I’m your Venus
I’m your fire at your desire”

Look at those lyrics. It basically told us that it was not good. Like many others, I didn’t put attention to the lyrics. I didn’t realize that Venus was the name of a demon. I never thought about a razor having anything to do with an evil spirit. This Bible verse is most definitely true:

  • Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

I am now buying a new razor. Venus has been evicted from my home in the Name of Jesus.

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Modesty vs. Modern Fashion: A Cultural Shift

Immodesty is attributed to the influence of an evil entity or demon. In ancient times, the goddess of prostitution, Ishtar, was worshipped and associated with pornography. The term pornography originates from two Greek words: “porn,” meaning prostitution, and “grapho,” meaning writing. Ishtar, recognized as the first goddess of love, was celebrated by the Mesopotamians in their poems and writings as youthful and stunningly beautiful, with captivating eyes. Ancient stories describe her as a master of fashion, adorning herself with makeup, jewelry, and luxurious clothing to enhance her beauty before appearing in public. Mesopotamian civilizations honored her through marriage and fertility rituals, although her own love life was turbulent. Her passionate relationship with Dumuzi (later known as Tammuz) was plagued by scandal and jealousy. The idols representing her were often depictions of naked women.

This issue has become prevalent in the United States. There was a time when modesty was more common, but now it’s difficult to watch TV without seeing women dressed provocatively to advertise products. The fashion industry continues to normalize revealing clothing, and it’s not unusual to see women wearing dresses that are sheer, have large portions cut out, or are so short they barely cover their figure. Even when the fabric covers the body, it often highlights every curve. This trend is inappropriate.

This is inviting trouble. We should follow 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22: “ Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil.” Women need to stand strong in their faith and embrace modesty before it’s too late. For guidance on understanding modesty and tips on dressing modestly, refer to “Understanding Modesty in Apparel: A Christian Perspective.”

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