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Posts tagged ‘Jesus’

Prayer for a Person’s Deliverance from Satan and His Demonic Forces

This is a prayer that can aid you in praying for a friend or family member. Remember that God hears all of our prayers. Some prayers sometimes take a little bit more time than others. There is this thing called free will, it sometimes gets in the way of our prayers for others.

When praying for a person to be delivered from Satan and his Demonic Forces, always start by praying for their salvation. They need Jesus most of all. Pray specifically for his/her salvation. Stand firm and thank the Father that it is done in the name of Jesus.

Then pray:
Father, in Jesus’ name, I confidently approach Your throne of grace and lift up (person) before You. I intercede, trusting that the Holy Spirit within me joins me in standing against the evils trying to keep (person) in bondage. Through my prayers, I break the chains of wickedness holding (person) and take up my shield of faith to extinguish every fiery dart of the enemy aimed at (person).
Father, You remind me that whatever I bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever I loose on earth is loosed in heaven. You instruct me to cast out demons in the name of Jesus.
In the name of Jesus, I bind a person’s body, soul, and spirit to align with God’s will and purposes for their life. I bind their mind, will, and emotions to God’s will. I bind them to the truth and the blood of Jesus. I bind their mind to the mind of Christ so that His thoughts, feelings, and purposes fill their own.
I release every old, wrong, and ungodly pattern of thinking, attitude, idea, desire, belief, motivation, habit, and behavior from him/her. I break down, crush, and destroy every stronghold associated with these things. I release any stronghold in his/her life that has been justifying and protecting hard feelings against anyone. I release the stronghold of unforgiveness, fear, and distrust from him/her. I bind and release these things in Jesus’ name.
Father, I ask you to send Your ministering spirits to provide the needed help and support for Person.

Father, I hold firmly to Person’s declaration of faith in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. I speak of things that are not as though they are, focusing on the unseen—the eternal truths of God. I declare that Satan will not prevail against Person, for I am aware of his schemes. I resist Satan, and he flees from Person in the name of Jesus. I refuse to give Satan any foothold in Person’s life. I plead the blood of the Lamb over Person, for Satan and his forces are defeated by that blood and Your Word. Thank You, Father, that I walk in authority over serpents, scorpions, and all the power of the enemy on behalf of Person. Person is rescued from this evil age, delivered from the powers of darkness, and transferred into the Kingdom of Your beloved Son!
Father, I pray that You fill the empty spaces within Person with Your redemption, Your Word, Your Holy Spirit, Your love, wisdom, righteousness, and revelational knowledge, all in the name of Jesus.

I thank You, Father, that Person is redeemed from the hand of Satan through the blood of Jesus. He/she is justified, made righteous by His blood, and belongs entirely to You—spirit, soul, and body. I am grateful that every yoke of bondage is broken, and he/she will not be enslaved by anything or brought under its power in the name of Jesus. Person has escaped the devil’s snare that once held him/her captive and now fulfills Your will, Father, glorifying You in spirit, soul, and body.

Thank You, Father, for sending Jesus to destroy the works of the devil. In Jesus’ name, Satan’s works are defeated in Person’s life. Hallelujah! Person lives in the Kingdom of God, filled with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit! Praise the Lord! Amen.


Note: This prayer may be prayed as many times as necessary. It takes time to realize the faith that leads you into a position of praise and thanksgiving. Stand firm, fixed, unmovable, and steadfast, remembering that greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.

Scripture References:
Hebrews 4:16
Ezekiel 22:30
Romans 8:26
Isaiah 58:6
2 Corinthians 2:11
James 4:7
Ephesians 4:27
Revelation 12:11
Ephesians 6:16
Matthew 18:18
Luke 10:19
Galatians 1:4

Mark 16:17
Ephesians 6:12
Colossians 2:15
Matthew 12:29
Hebrews 1:14
Romans 4:17
2 Corinthians 4:18
Colossians 1:13
Matthew 12:43-45
1 Corinthians 6:12
2 Timothy 2:26
1 John 3:8
Romans 14:17

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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.


The Church as the Lord’s Army: A Biblical Perspective

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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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The Sermon on the Mount

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

And there followed him great multitudes of people from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan. And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain : and when he was set, his disciples came unto him.

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying : Blessed are the poor in spirit : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they that mourn : for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek : for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness : for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake : for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad : for great is your reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Ye are the salt of the earth : but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets : I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven : but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill ; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment : but I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. . . . Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee ; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way ; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. . . .

And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee : for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee : for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. . . .

Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths : but I say unto you, Swear not at all ; neither by heaven ; for it is God’s throne : nor by the earth ; for it is his footstool : neither by Jerusalem ; for it is the city of the great King. Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay : for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth : but I say unto you, That ye resist not evil : but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you ; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven : for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye ? do not even the publicans the same ? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others ? do not even the publicans so ? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. —Matthew, Chapter V.

Definitions.

  • Revile, reproach, abuse.
  • Tittle, the smallest part.
  • Scribes, those among the Jews who read and explained the law to the people.
  • Pharisees, a Jewish sect noted for its strict observance of the law.

Exercise.

  • Point out on the map, Galilee, Jerusalem, Judea, Jordan, Capernaum.
  • The mountain referred to in the first paragraph was near Capernaum.
  • Which paragraphs in this extract are called “The Beatitudes”? Why?
  • Look in the dictionary for the meaning of the word “beatitude.”

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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.”

For more information read: Who was Ishtar and What does She have to do with Cross Dressing?

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Biblical Insights on Marriage: A Divine Blueprint

The Bible has much to say about marriage. Remember that God is the one who created marriage. All throughout the Old Testament God frequently used the analogy of a marriage when explaining how Israel was supposed to be faithful to him.

Marriage should be many things. Marriage should be:

  • A source of companionship
    • Genesis 2:18 Now the Lord God said, “It is not good (beneficial) for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [one who balances him—a counterpart who is] suitable and complementary for him.” 
    • Notice that God said that it is not good for man to be alone. He made Eve to be a source of companionship for Adam.
  • A valuable partnership
    • Genesis 2:18 Now the Lord God said, “It is not good (beneficial) for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [one who balances him—a counterpart who is] suitable and complementary for him.” 
    • Eve was not only for companionship, but she was also for a helper.
    • Ever was not just any helper. She was a suitable helper.
  • A new entity
    • For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
  • A selfless, intimate relationship
    • For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed or embarrassed.

Paul compares the church’s relationship with Jesus to a marriage. Look at the comparison below. This is taken from Ephesians 5:22-23

Husbands and wivesJesus and the church
For the husband is head of the wife,as Christ is head of the church,
 wives should be subject to their husbands in everything [respecting both their position as protector and their responsibility to God as head of the house]. as the church is subject to Christ
Husbands, love your wives [seek the highest good for her and surround her with a caring, unselfish love],just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her, 

Guidelines for marriage from the Bible

  • Remain faithful
    • Exodus 20:14 “You shall not commit adultery.
  • If married, stay married if possible.
    • Matthew 19:4-9 He (Jesus) replied, “Have you never read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined inseparably to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” The Pharisees said to Him, “Why then did Moses command us to give her a certificate of divorce and send her away?” He said to them, “Because your hearts were hard and stubborn Moses permitted you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it has not been this way. I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery.”
    •  1 Corinthians 7:10-11 But to the married [believers] I give instructions—not I, but the Lord—that the wife is not to separate from her husband, 11 (but even if she does leave him, let her remain single or else be reconciled to her husband) and that the husband should not leave his wife.
    • 1 Corinthians 7:12-To the rest I declare—I, not the Lord [since Jesus did not discuss this]—that if any [believing] brother has a wife who does not believe [in Christ], and she consents to live with him, he must not leave her. And if any [believing] woman has an unbelieving husband, and he consents to live with her, she must not leave him. 
      • This is for those already married before coming to Jeus.
    • If you are in an abusive situation, please get out of it. According to the scriptures in Ephesians, a man is to love his wife. Love is not hitting. A woman is to respect her husband. Respect is not hitting. In an abusive situation, the abuser is in direct violation of the scriptures.
  • Marry someone with similar faith and beliefs
    • 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 Do not be unequally bound together with unbelievers [do not make mismatched alliances with them, inconsistent with your faith]. For what partnership can righteousness have with lawlessness? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and Belial (Satan)? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said:
      • “I will dwell among them and walk among them;
      • And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
      • “So come out from among unbelievers and be separate,” says the Lord,
      • “And do not touch what is unclean;
      • And I will graciously receive you and welcome you [with favor],
      • And I will be a Father to you,
      • And you will be My sons and daughters,”
      • Says the Lord Almighty.
  • Don’t covet
    • Exodus 20:17 “You shall not covet [that is, selfishly desire and attempt to acquire] your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
  • Don’t marry a close relative.
    • Leviticus 20:17 ‘If a man takes his sister, his father’s daughter or his mother’s daughter, so that he sees her nakedness and she sees his nakedness, it is a disgrace; and they shall be cut off in the sight of the sons of their people. He has uncovered his sister’s nakedness; he bears [responsibility for] his guilt.
  • Don’t allow relatives to intrude upon your marriage.
    • Genesis 2:24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh. 
  • Those of the opposite sex were made for each other.
    •  Matthew 19:4-6 He replied, “Have you never read that He who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be joined inseparably to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.” 
    • Genesis 1:27-28 So God created man in His own image, in the image and likeness of God He created him; male and female He created them. And God blessed them [granting them certain authority] and said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth, and subjugate it [putting it under your power]; and rule over (dominate) the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and every living thing that moves upon the earth.”
    • Genesis 2:24 For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall be joined to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.
  • Not everyone was made for marriage.
    •  Matthew 19:11-12 But He (Jesus) said to them, “Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom [the capacity to receive] it has been given. For there are eunuchs who have been born that way from their mother’s womb [making them incapable of consummating a marriage]; and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men [for royal service]; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves so for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it.”
    • 1 Corinthians 7:8-9 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows, [that as a practical matter] it is good if they remain [single and entirely devoted to the Lord] as I am. But if they do not have [sufficient] self-control, they should marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
Practical Tips for Christian Living

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Joseph and His Brethren

JOSEPH AND HIS BRETHREN

How wonderful is the way in which God works for those who fear Him! The history of Joseph teaches us this truth.

Joseph had one younger and ten elder brothers. The name of the younger brother was Benjamin. Jacob was the father of them all; and Rachel was the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Jacob loved Joseph more than all his other sons, and made him a coat of many colours; but his elder brothers hated him, and one day, when far away from home, proposed to kill him. They cast him into a pit instead, and afterwards sold him as a slave to some merchants who were travelling from Gilead to Egypt. When they returned to their father, they took Joseph’s coat of many colours, which they had dipped in blood, and brought it to Jacob, saying: “This have we found: know now if it be thy son’s coat or no.” Jacob knew the coat; and thought Joseph had been killed by some wild beast, and mourned for him greatly.

The merchants carried Joseph into Egypt, and sold him to one of the king’s officers, named Potiphar. But, though a slave, he was not forsaken by God. No, God was with him, and made all that he did to prosper. His master placed him over all his house, but his mistress wanted him to commit a great sin. When he refused, she accused him unjustly to his master, and Potiphar had him cast into prison.

God was with Joseph in the prison, and gave him such favour with the keeper that he set him over all the other prisoners. Among them were two; one who had been the king’s butler, and the other his baker. Both had dreams which troubled them much, but Joseph was enabled by God to interpret their dreams for them. By-and-by Pharaoh, the king, dreamed a dream. He was standing on the banks of a river, and saw seven fat cows come up out of the water and feed in a meadow; afterwards seven very lean cows came up and devoured the fat ones. Then Pharaoh awoke; but he dreamed again, and saw that seven very poor ears of corn devoured seven that were full and good. In the morning he was greatly troubled. What could the dreams mean? He called for the magicians and the wise men, but they could not tell. At last it was told him how Joseph had interpreted the dreams in the prison; so he sent for Joseph, who came from the prison, and stood before the king.

Pharaoh said, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is none that can interpret it; and I have heard say of thee, that thou canst understand a dream to interpret it.” Joseph answered, “It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Then Joseph told Pharaoh that the dreams had been sent by God, to show him that after seven years of great plenty had passed there would come seven years of famine. He also advised Pharaoh to lay up corn in cities during the years of plenty, so that the people might be fed during the years of famine. Pharaoh saw what great wisdom God had given Joseph, and made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. The corn was stored up; and after the years of plenty the famine came.

JOSEPH BEFORE THE PHAROAH

During all this time Jacob and his sons had been dwelling in Canaan; where, through the famine, they were now in want of food. So Jacob sent his sons to Egypt to buy corn. The Bible tells us, in the book of Genesis, how they came to Egypt, and all that befell them there; and how at last Joseph, the ruler of the mighty kingdom, made himself known to them as the brother they had cruelly sold for a slave. But he forgave them, and sent to fetch his father Jacob, saying that all were to come into Egypt, where he would provide for them.

Jacob could not at first believe the good news his sons brought; but when he saw the waggons which Joseph had sent to carry him and the little ones, he said, “It is enough; Joseph my son is yet alive; I will go and see him before I die.” So he journeyed to Egypt, with his sons, and all that he had; and as he drew near Joseph went to meet him. When Joseph met his father, he fell on his neck, and wept there. And Jacob said, “Now let me die, since I have seen thy face, because thou art yet alive.” He was so full of joy that it seemed to him there was nothing else worth living for. Afterwards Joseph presented his father to Pharaoh; and Jacob blessed Pharaoh; who allowed him and his family to dwell in the land of Goshen.

JACOB PRESENTED TO PHARAOH
MOTHER STORIES From the Old Testament

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