Tag Archives: deliverance
Drain The Swamp
Have you ever found yourself in a hopeless situation? A dark and lonely place? Where everything around you lacks color and is grey.
Haunted by memories, hounding you like a hungry wolf. Lost in a swamp, walking aimlessly, looking for a way out.
Courtesy of SJ Carey | Creative Commons
No matter what you do, or how much you walk, you are trapped with no escape. Lost and desperate, you look up and all you see are dead branches.
You look down at the murky water, with the hopes of finding life, only to be met with a distorted reflection of someone you once knew, looking back at you.
* * * * * * * * *
Our hearts are preoccupied with self, and our minds are polluted with the cares of this world.
The swamp is our souls.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” Matthew 5:8
“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.” Romans 12:2
How do we drain the swamp?
It’s simple, but requires a commitment. That is, reading the Bible every day without fail. Not only reading it, but praying, studying, journaling and meditating on it.
This is how the excavation begins. The draining, digging, cleaning out of the old and replacing it with the new.
When negative thoughts flood your mind, like a tsunami, and you feel hopeless, think of Jesus.
When the pain suffocates you, and you feel like giving up, cry out to Jesus.
When nothing makes sense, and there are no answers, pray to Jesus.
When you feel lost, alone, and no help can be found, call on the name of Jesus.
Only Jesus can save us from ourselves. He is our only hope in the midst of whatever we are going through.
“Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.” John 14:6
“But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Luke 12:31
We must seek Him like hidden treasure.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” Matthew 13:44
Jesus is the answer. He possesses the keys to any problem or situation we face. He alone can drain our swamps and set us free.
***May this song encourage you today: https://youtu.be/ADuWzd7x25c***
Posted in blogging, christianity, faith, prayer
Also tagged Bible, Change, Drain The Swamp, faith, Giving up, healing, hope, Hopelessness, Jesus, New Life, prayer, Renewing our Mind, Transformation
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The Devil Has No Mother by Nicky Cruz
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Worthy Publishing; Reprint edition (July 16, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1617951897
ISBN-13: 978-1617951893
Price: $14.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Nicky Cruz knows all about the power of the devil. Since his own dramatic conversion in the 1960s from a life of crime as a New York gang leader, he has met and heard the stories of suffering of many ordinary people, as well as some of the worst prisoners in high security prisons around the world.
Drawing on his spiritualist childhood, his life in New York, and his knowledge and experience of over four decades of spiritual warfare since that time, The Devil Has No Mother shares Nicky Cruz’s hard won understanding of how the devil will try everything possible to gain power in the world–but also shows clearly that it is God who will win the day.
The Devil is worse than you think, but God is much, much greater.
Review
The Devil Has No Mother is a book everyone should read, Christian and non-Christian. There is so much truth wrapped in this book, it will leave you in awe.
I admit, I’m a bit biased when it comes to Nicky Cruz. Reverend David Wilkerson was my pastor for many years before he went home to be with the Lord. So I had the benefit of hearing a lot about Nicky Cruz and his ministry over the years.
I also read The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson and Run Baby Run by Nicky Cruz many years ago. Both books changed the way I prayed, strengthened my faith and basically changed my life.
When I was offered the opportunity to review The Devil Has No Mother I was excited and looked forward to reading this book. I was not disappointed.
Nicky Cruz is by far a warrior for Christ. I completely admire him. He is a man of great faith and reading this book encouraged me so much.
You know, sometimes as Christians, we struggle to keep going. We get discouraged. Our prayer life gets a bit stale and our walks complacent. But, reading books like The Devil Has No Mother stirs and inspires you to believe God for greater things. It certainly did that for me.
The Devil Has No Mother is about stories of Nicky Cruz’s life and ministry experiences. He shares poignant stories and experiences, which will leave you breathless and hungry for more.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, it is a must read.
In conclusion, I want to thank Worthy Publishing for sending me a complimentary book to review.
Nicky Cruz has traveled widely around the world, speaking to hurting people in all walks of life, in the 40 years that have passed since he came to Christ in New York through the selfless devotion of David Wilkerson. Nicky’s ministry has reached thousands of inner-city gang members as he speaks to their need from his own experience. His ministry regularly targets urban environments in order to reach those who are most frequently trapped by destructive lifestyles and caught in a downward spiral of intense violence, drug abuse and gang activity.
Posted in book reviews, christianity, faith, Healing, prayer
Also tagged David Wilkerson, demon oppression, demon possession, New York City, Nicky Cruz, Puerto Rico, salvation, The Devil Has No Mother, Worthy Publishing
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Do What Jesus Did by Robby Dawkins
Publisher: Chosen Books
ISBN-10: 0800795571
ISBN-13: 978-0800795573
Price: $14.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
Description
Don’t get stuck at asking “What would Jesus do?” Be equipped to do it.
Chicagoland pastor Robby Dawkins hadn’t moved past that question either–until he discovered that the miraculous things Jesus did during His lifetime are not just history. They’re today’s reality. When he started living the way Jesus did, he started living life, as he says, straight out of a superhero movie.
So can you. In this dangerous book, you’ll learn simple, practical ways to take hold of your God-given “power tools”–prophetic ministry, healing, ministering the presence of God and deliverance from demonic power. And through amazing but true stories from the front lines of ministry, you’ll see what happens when ordinary Christians harness God’s superpower to bring His Kingdom to earth.
It’s time to beat the sickness, suffering and despair of the impossible. Time to embrace a powerful faith. It’s time to do what Jesus did.
Review
Do What Jesus Did is primarily about Pastor Robby Dawkins life and ministry. This book focuses on his ministry of healing and deliverance.
The premise of this book is how Christians can be used of God to heal and route demons out. Pastor Dawkins writes this book as an autobiography, testimony and teaching guide for others.
He focuses on the fact that believers can be used of God to heal others. He also gets into why some don’t get healed after praying for them.
He writes about his personal experiences with healing and miracles after praying for people. He gives pointers on what you should do, when and how.
I thought Do What Jesus Did was an interesting and entertaining read. However, I struggled with the validity of his examples. It’s not that I don’t believe God can heal. I do believe God can heal, but I don’t believe it’s just a simple matter of walking up to people and praying for them.
Truthfully, I had trouble with the theology of this book. I can’t verify what he wrote in his book, if it did or did not occur. But, I personally had a hard time believing in the authenticity of his examples.
I am not quick to believe everything I read, even if it is written by a popular pastor. I have seen too many things in my life to just take someone at their word, especially when it comes to the supernatural realm.
It is of my belief that when it comes to the supernatural, one must tread carefully.
In conclusion, I want to thank Chosen for sending me a complimentary copy to review.
Robby Dawkins, born to missionary parents, knew from a young age that God had called him into ministry. He and his wife, Angie, responded to God’s call to plant what is now the Vineyard Church of Aurora, Illinois, which they have pastored since 1996, and which uses power evangelism continuously. He has traveled to over 30 countries, including many Muslim nations, helping build the Church internationally. Robby and Angie have six sons and live in Aurora, Illinois.
Posted in book reviews, christianity, faith, Healing, prayer
Also tagged Chosen Publishers, Do What Jesus Did, healing, miracles, Robby Dawkins, Vineyard
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The One Who Had Been
Then they came to Jesus, and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. Mark 5:15
I read the above scripture and meditated on the words, “the one who had been”.
Courtesy of Creative Commons
The one who had been demon-possessed and had a legion, was sitting with Jesus in his right mind.
Glory!
Only someone who has been delivered can jump up and praise Him.
Yes, I was delivered from much.
I willingly walked into the devil’s camp and did some things I’m not proud of.
I look back and see the hand of God and His mercy allowing me to do so, because He wanted me to know Him and His power.
I’m not into the hokey pokey magic, fortune telling, divination, name it and claim it Christianity. I speak against all that new age spiritualism.
God taught me a lot through my spiritual experiences, in crossing the threshold.
The spiritual realm is real. Spiritual warfare is real. What you see isn’t all there is.
If you are truly living as a Christian, whether you like it or not, you are in a war.
This morning while walking to work I was listening to the Daily Audio Bible which is my practice. Brian Hardin read the above verse from the gospel of Mark.
As I was listening, the Lord opened my eyes to see the spiritual realm for a moment. I saw various people in bondage to the devil. One disheveled woman was yelling on the top of her lungs, another man was talking to a wall, another man was cursing and speaking profanities at everyone around him.
For whatever reason, these manifestations where surrounding me and for a minute, I wanted to be like the apostles of old and start laying hands on people and praying for their deliverance. Then I caught myself …
What stopped me? Fear, disbelief and lack of faith.
Yes, I understand some people are mentally ill, but not all people are mentally ill, some people are actually demon possessed.
I started to think about Jesus and the scriptures. I felt a surge rise up from within me, my heart began accelerating, I felt boundless energy. I really wanted to take God at His Word. But then, fear got in the way… I thought, what will people think of me if I stopped and prayed for these people? People who are looked down upon and called crazy.
But God doesn’t think they are crazy, Jesus loves and died for them.
My heart longs to see people set free by the power and blood of Jesus.
Jesus isn’t some historical figure left in some book for us to read.
Jesus is alive, He is real and He has the power to set people free. I truly believe this with all my heart.
I see people every day who are in bondage. I want to speak the oracles of God and allow the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to Jesus. So they too can be set free and not live entangled by the lies and torment.
Jesus isn’t called the Prince of Peace for nothing. He died on the cross for us, so that we can have abundant life, a life of freedom and not bondage. He wants everyone to be set free, to experience His love, peace and joy.
Jesus holds the key to your deliverance today. Will you believe?
What would happen if we actually took Jesus at His Word?
Yes, I guess some people would think we were a bit extreme and radical even. But, what if we stepped out and prayed for others who are being tormented and living in bondage?
Imagine if we prayed and they were instantly set free? Wow! Wouldn’t that be amazing to witness? I would LOVE it!
Jesus never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. He willingly was crucified on a cross for our salvation, deliverance and freedom.
What kind of love is that? It’s unfathomable! Glory be to God in the highest!
What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe Jesus can deliver people today?
Posted in christianity, faith, Healing, prayer
Also tagged Bondage, Brian Hardin, Daily Audio Bible, Jesus Christ, Set Free
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It’s Time to Fly
It’s a new year, faced with new challenges and new possibilities… it’s time to fly…
Courtesy of SkyDiving Masters/Creative Commons
I don’t know about you, but for years I’ve been trying to fly…
It’s been a constant struggle… every time I turn around there’s something happening. Situations pop out of nowhere and obstacles get in the way of reaching my full potential.
Awhile ago, I resigned myself to the fact that “one day” I will do this or that. I found myself sitting around… waiting, hoping, praying, wishing and dreaming.
As if something magical would happen to get me to where I wanted to go without doing the work or going through struggles.
I had everything I needed… except belief in myself. Mostly, belief in God.
I limited God, therefore I limited myself.
We do have a choice. We can either choose to believe truth or listen to lies.
*********
I played footsies with the devil for years… we kept dancing the same dance. As time went on, I started to believe this was my life.
I listened to his lies, his whispers and his seductions… luring me here and there like a puppet.
I was at his mercy, controlled by the puppet master… believing in the goods he was selling me. Thinking it was all I deserved, all I was worthy of.
He showed me his kingdom and I believed that’s all life had to offer… Yeah, sure, I read the bible, I went to church, but deep down I felt like an outcast, lurking behind the shadows with his minions.
I wanted to fly, but I was trapped… like a bird in a cage… set free only to do his bidding… manipulated, deceived, used and abused… lost and in utter despair…
He convinced me that I would never fly again. His words echoed, “You are damaged goods baby, who’s gonna want you now…”
I can still hear him, with each step I take and risk I make. The only difference is that now I know he has no power.
My belief in Jesus is stronger and His voice is louder.
He thought he had me… and he did for a while. But, praise God, those days are over.
This year I’m not going to limit God or myself. Even when it gets tough and challenges sneak up (which they have already)… I will continue to focus on Him, believe and not give up.
It’s your time to fly too… will you soar with Him this year?
Posted in blogging, christianity, faith
Also tagged 2013, Believing, hope, Jesus, Overcoming
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Book Review: When You Need a Miracle by Linda Evan Shepherd
Publisher: Revell (July 1, 2012)
Language: English
Pages: 205
ISBN-10: 080072108X
ISBN-13: 978-0800721084
Price: $12.99
Purchase: Amazon | CBD | BN
“God makes the impossible possible every day.” ~ Don Piper
Description
When we are hurt, we want a God who is big enough to rescue us from heartache and circumstances beyond our imagination. But even if we believe that such a God exists, we don’t always know how to approach him, much less how to ask him for impossible.
Linda Evans Shepherd knows what it’s like to be in a desperate need of a miracle. And she knows what it’s like to receive God’s answers to her prayers. In this powerful book, she shows you how to reach out to God and simply ask. She shows how God’s answers may not come packaged in the ways we would expect, but they do come in ways that will transform our lives. Through solid biblical teaching and dramatic real-life stories, Shepherd walks you on a journey of renewed hope and the assurance that God still works miracles.
Review
When You Need a Miracle is predominantly a book about prayer. Linda Evans Shepherd takes you step by step in learning how to pray and also what hinders prayers from being answered.
She shares from a deep, personal place reflecting on some of her own life experiences. She discusses two incidents when she especially needed a miracle. One had to do with her brother and the other had to do with her daughter.
When You Need a Miracle really touched me in many ways. My heart ached in certain parts of the book. Especially when she discussed what happened to her daughter.
But, my heart also rejoiced when the Lord answered her prayer and did a miracle.
The chapter which spoke the most to me was Chapter Five, entitled The Forgiveness Factor. There was much truth dispelled on each page.
In this chapter, Linda Evan Shepherd discusses a tragic situation which occurred in someone’s life. I had difficulty reading this chapter because I identified strongly with what had occurred in this person’s life.
When tragedy happens to people at the hand of another person, it’s not so easy to forgive. This chapter delves into the importance of forgiveness.
My favorite chapter was Chapter 7 entitled, Fighting the Enemy. I learned some very powerful prayers in this chapter which I will continue to implement in my own life.
Overall, there is much to glean and learn from When You Need a Miracle. I recommend this book to anyone struggling in their life and desire a miracle through answered prayer.
In conclusion, I want to thank Revell for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to read and review.
Linda Evans Shepherd is an award-winning author, a successful speaker, and a media personality. The president of Right to the Heart Ministries, she is the author of When You Don’t Know What to Pray and When You Can’t Find God. She lives in Colorado. Visit www.NeedMiracleBook.com for more information.
Posted in book reviews, faith, prayer
Also tagged healing, Linda Evan Shepherd, Revell, When You Need a Miracle
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