The Difference Between Demonic Oppression & Possession

It's such a privilege & an honor to turn today's post (which is a very serious topic) over to this fellow author. She's the author of the Wife 101 Series and the novel Spell (under her pseudonym Janell),  has a master's in marriage counseling, a Ph.D in Leadership, and the list goes on. Everybody show your love to my Sister & fellow author Dr. A'ndrea Wilson (and please support her works, she is one gifted author).

Based on a True Story:

The Difference between Demonic Oppression and Possession

By Janell

As a child, I remember seeing the movie The Exorcist, featuring a girl who was possessed by a demon and a religious clergy who attempted to release her from this awful fate. Since then, a plethora of movies and books have emerged, sensationalizing demonic possession in an intentional effort to scare the living daylights out of us. The worst of those endeavors being the ones that begin with the eerie disclaimer, “Based on a true story.” I’ll never forget going to the theater to see the movie The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and afterwards, being terrified of waking up in the middle of the night for weeks. If I was smarter and bolder back then, I would have done my homework on both this particular phenomenon and demonic possession, and probably would have slept better a lot sooner. Unknown to me in those days, in movies that are based on true events, the original story is often drastically changed or added upon for the sake of entertainment. Despite this truism, demonic possession does occur; however, before you find a wooden cross and start reciting The Lord’s Prayer, allow me to give you a bit more information about the topic.

We know demonic possession is real because it is spoken about throughout the Bible, including during the time of Jesus. There are many references to Jesus and his disciples casting out unclean spirits—better known as demons. Since we are aware that demonic possession has taken place throughout time, the next crucial questions most would probably ask is why and how. I don’t claim to be a Bible scholar, but in my research for my novel, Spell, I discovered the following Christian-based beliefs about the why and how.

Why?

The Bible tells us that the devil and his “fallen” angels were cast out of heaven. Since then, they have become the enemy of God and mankind. This enemy seeks to destroy humanity because of his jealous nature toward God. His hope is to hurt God by ruining one of His greatest creatures—man. This mission began in the Garden of Eden with the tricking of Adam and Eve and will continue until the enemy is cast into the Lake of Fire before the creation of the new heaven and new earth.

The enemy’s army is spiritual which means that they do not have human bodies. Without a human body, their ability to influence the natural world is limited. Therefore, they look for human bodies to become houses, places where their spirits can reside and have a greater negative impact on the natural world. This is where it is important to understand the how. Spirits without a human body can only oppress people, but some find a body to reside in, and those persons are considered possessed.

How?

As stated, most spirits reside outside of the human body and only have the ability to oppress. Demonic oppression is simply having an influence on a person via their thoughts or emotions, but unable to have access to the person’s mind and body. The spirit can only impact the individual using their senses (what the person sees, hears, smells, touches, tastes). An oppressive spirit might try to get the person to believe they are depressed, angry, lonely, vengeful, tired, etc. Simple prayers and a refocusing of thoughts are enough to overcome an oppressive spirit. The Bible tells us in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” We are encouraged to keep our thoughts on what is positive right after we are told not to be anxious for anything, but to use prayer and petition, as well as to allow God’s peace to guard our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:6-7).

Alternatively, demonic possession reflects the inhabiting of the person’s body, giving the evil spirit more influence and control than oppression. In most cases, people who are possessed must be delivered and the possessing spirit must be cast out. Often we think of exorcisms as the typical method of casting out spirits, but it is possible that salvation itself could remove the spirit. Spiritual guidance is warranted in these cases.

Based on my research, Christians can be oppressed by evil spirits, but not possessed. The Bible states that light and darkness cannot exist together. However, Christians can make themselves vulnerable to possession through sin. Christians are encouraged to stay far away from witchcraft and occult practices such as Ouija boards, horoscopes, tarot card, palm readings, psychics, séances, etc. Christians are also told to flee from all sin because sin creates holes in our spiritual armor, making us more prone to the tactics of evil.  

So let’s recap. Demonic possession is real. The enemy wants to destroy lives and often does so through demonic oppression and possession. Demonic oppression is influencing the individual from outside of the body while demonic possession occurs within the body. Salvation is key to avoid possession, yet a saved individual can still be oppressed, and if they open themselves up through witchcraft and/or sin, can also be possessed. To avoid oppression, think on good things. Keep your mind stayed on God who is able to keep you in perfect peace. To avoid possession, receive salvation, avoid sin and witchcraft, and repent (turn away) from committed sins. “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:11-13). True story.   

Janell is pseudonym used by Inspirational Author A’ndrea J. Wilson. Janell is the author of Christian thrillers, including Spell, Grave, and Vanity. To find out more about Janell visit www.iamjanell.com or www.divinegardenpress.com.

How We Act When We're Offended

On my way to work this morning, my spirit was so full and/or heavy. With that, I need to empty it because my life is to be poured out. God was showing me how we act when we're offended. Eight scenarios appeared to me and they capture the essence of how we act when we're offended.

1. Some people will be offended by what you say & do, but will overlook it if they are able to use you for their self-seeking purpose.

2. There will be those who will be offended by you & they will get their friends and your friends to betray you (because of pride, maintain their status quo). 

3. Many people will be offended but they won't vocalize it until you get real close to their face with what offends them.

As I'm typing this, The Lord dropped this. You get offended when others are going through, but expect others to drop what they're doing to cater to you when you're going through. Because you're offended, you don't bother to pray. This is nothing more than a Pharisee attitude. 

4. Just because you have a certain elite group doesn't mean that everybody has your best interest at heart (Judas Iscariot was part of an elite group and He turned on the Leader because he was offended).

5. We run quickly to the next biggest event (because a man/woman is in our area) than we do the Word of God. And we will take offense if we point out an action that man/woman does is a sin against the Bible. We will really take offense if we call out his or her teaching (even if he or she says we are our own god).

Back to point 4. There are modern-day Judas' around. They stay silent until you say something that offends their personal agenda. Once you say something, they come out of nowhere and unleash every demonic spirit within them. Now, I'm not saying they are demonic, just pointing out the action.

6. We love Jesus though He came to bring division (offense), but we hate our brother/sister because they offended us over something so minor.

7. When a believer says something you don't like, you take offense! But if someone with a title says the same thing the believer said, you welcome it with open arms.

8. Now watch people take offense to this one: God does not base your status in heaven based on your earthly title!

The Mayne Man ... dropping the mic!

Author Spotlight (Tina McKinney)

I met this author at the Ubawa Book Fair (held in Atlanta, GA) in September 2013. She's an awesome person. With that said, show your love for sister & fellow author Tina McKinney.

Tina Brooks McKinney began her writing career as a dare. As an avid reader, writing was the next step for her. Armed with a very active imagination and a story to tell, Tina penned her first novel All That Drama.  Readers fell in love with Tina’s no-nonsense characters and her comedic style of weaving a story. Since then, Tina has written ten novels and two novellas. Her titles include, All That Drama, Lawd, Mo’ Drama, Fool, Stop Trippin’, Dubious, Deep Deception, Snapped, Got Me Twisted, Deep Deception 2, Snapped 2: The Redemption, Betta Not Tell and Catch Fire and Catch Fire 2, which will be released in the next few months.

 

A wife and mother of two, Tina uses real life situations to both entertain and inspire her readers.  You can find out more information about her by visiting her website, www.tinamckinney.com or drop her an email at tybrooks2@yahoo.com. She would love to hear from you.  

Tina McKinney http://www.tinamckinney.com

https://www.amazon.com/author/tinamckinney

Sexual Predators Show More Love Than Family & Friends

I think about all of the teens I've talked with who suffered sexual abuse and adult survivors of sexual abuse (of which I am), and I find a common trend. Family & friends side with the sexual predator (even if it's in the family) and tell their abused child to get over it, how dare you lie about the family (or put our business in the street), or they're punished more than their sexual predator. If we proclaim that we "love" everybody, then show some love to an abused child instead of ridiculing a child.

What you're about to read below comes from a page that I like on Facebook. And this confirms what I typed above and the need for the community to wake up (or don't be surprised if it happens to one of your children and then you cry foul)!

There are things that predators sometimes offer children that well-meaning adults don’t. Predators often listen to children to make them feel valued. Predators compliment children to make them feel special. Predators tell children that they love them to make them feel adored. Predators give children favors to make them feel important. Predators give children responsibilities that make them feel competent. Too often these things are absent in the life of children, and the absence of these things is what opened the door to many of our victimizations. Predators are evil people that are given opportunities by well-meaning people. Wake up, humanity.

How Do I Heal From Child Sexual Abuse?

From time to time, I will be posting on Child Sexual Abuse & some statistics about this type of abuse. As a survivor, this is very important to me (my novel Deaf, Dumb, Blind & Stupid confirms its importance).

This is a post from the Talking Trees: Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse page (on Facebook). Check that page out.

How do I heal? If you have asked the question, then you are already healing. So from here on out the transformative question is “where am I in the healing process?” Depending on where you are in the process, you may need a lot of information, or support, or direction. Early in the healing process, you need information. If you were diagnosed with an illness, even if it is just high blood pressure, you would need information so that you could develop a lifestyle that protects you from further risks and complications. Well, there is a lot of information about being a survivor of child sexual abuse that can be really helpful too. For example, did you know that there are over 50 million survivors in America? Did you know that the average survivor has had 3 violators by the age of 18? Did you know that over 50% of survivors never tell a soul? Did you know that most of us live functional lives while we suffer in silence? Did you know that we survive on resilience, the strength of the heart, the will of the universe and the determination of the spirit, and support from one another? We also survive on knowledge. Knowledge is power.

The Attack On Women

Now I’m not sure how people are going to react to this particular post, but as I hear about what’s on TV today, I can truly say there’s an attack on women. But I’d like to take it from this point: there has been an attack on women since the times of Adam & Eve and yes, the devil will be the focal point (now I’m not glorifying him, just making that clear) and why he is so mad at women (he’s mad at men too, but I believe not to the extent of him being mad at women).

When the devil used the serpent to talk to Eve, she ate and gave to Adam. Let me move to the place where God was questioning Adam & Eve. Eve stated that the serpent made me eat. The immediate judgment that came from God was on the serpent.

As I’m reading Matthew Henry’s commentary on Genesis 3, he said this and I think this is very important (here's the first excerpt): God immediately proceeds to pass sentence; and, in these verses, he begins (where the sin began) with the serpent. God did not examine the serpent, nor ask him what he had done nor why he did it; but immediately sentenced him, 1. Because he was already convicted of rebellion against God, and his malice and wickedness were notorious, not found by secret search, but openly avowed and declared as Sodom’s. 2. Because he was to be for ever excluded from all hope of pardon; and why should any thing be said to convince and humble him who was to find no place for repentance? His wound was not searched, because it was not to be cured.

Dropping down (for this is a lengthy commentary, but I want to focus on the part where God said that he will put enmity between the devil and the woman). Excerpt #2:

He is to be for ever looked upon as a venomous noxious creature, and a proper object of hatred and detestation: I will put enmity between thee and the woman. The inferior creatures being made for man, it was a curse upon any of them to be turned against man and man against them; and this is part of the serpent’s curse. The serpent is hurtful to man, and often bruises his heel, because it can reach no higher; nay, notice is taken of his biting the horses’ heels, ch. 49:17 . But man is victorious over the serpent, and bruises his head, that is, gives him a mortal wound, aiming to destroy the whole generation of vipers. It is the effect of this curse upon the serpent that, though that creature is subtle and very dangerous, yet it prevails not (as it would if God gave it commission) to the destruction of mankind.

Excerpt #3:

Here are three things concerning Christ:—(1.) His incarnation, that he should be the seed of the woman, the seed of that woman; therefore his genealogy (Lu. 3, ) goes so high as to show him to be the son of Adam, but God does the woman the honour to call him rather her seed, because she it was whom the devil had beguiled, and on whom Adam had laid the blame; herein God magnifies his grace, in that, though the woman was first in the transgression, yet she shall be saved by child-bearing (as some read it), that is, by the promised seed who shall descend from her, 1 Tim. 2:15 . He was likewise to be the seed of a woman only, of a virgin, that he might not be tainted with the corruption of our nature; he was sent forth, made of a woman (Gal. 4:4 ), that this promise might be fulfilled. It is a great encouragement to sinners that their Saviour is the seed of the woman, bone of our bone, Heb. 2:11, Heb. 2:14 . Man is therefore sinful and unclean, because he is born of a woman (Job. 25:4 ), and therefore his days are full of trouble, Job. 14:1 . But the seed of the woman was made sin and a curse for us, so saving us from both. (2.) His sufferings and death, pointed at in Satan’s bruising his heel, that is, his human nature. Satan tempted Christ in the wilderness, to draw him into sin; and some think it was Satan that terrified Christ in his agony, to drive him to despair. It was the devil that put it into the heart of Judas to betray Christ, of Peter to deny him, of the chief priests to prosecute him, of the false witnesses to accuse him, and of Pilate to condemn him, aiming in all this, by destroying the Saviour, to ruin the salvation; but, on the contrary, it was by death that Christ destroyed him that had the power of death, Heb. 2:14 . Christ’s heel was bruised when his feet were pierced and nailed to the cross, and Christ’s sufferings are continued in the sufferings of the saints for his name. The devil tempts them, casts them into prison, persecutes and slays them, and so bruises the heel of Christ, who is afflicted in their afflictions. But, while the heel is bruised on earth, it is well that the head is safe in heaven. (3.) His victory over Satan thereby. Satan had now trampled upon the woman, and insulted over her; but the seed of the woman should be raised up in the fulness of time to avenge her quarrel, and to trample upon him, to spoil him, to lead him captive, and to triumph over him, Col. 2:15 . He shall bruise his head, that is, he shall destroy all his politics and all his powers, and give a total overthrow to his kingdom and interest. Christ baffled Satan’s temptations, rescued souls out of his hands, cast him out of the bodies of people, dispossessed the strong man armed, and divided his spoil: by his death, he gave a fatal and incurable blow to the devil’s kingdom, a wound to the head of this beast, that can never be healed. As his gospel gets ground, Satan falls (Lu. 10:18 ) and is bound, Rev. 20:2 . By his grace, he treads Satan under his people’s feet (Rom. 16:20 ) and will shortly cast him into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:10 . And the devil’s perpetual overthrow will be the complete and everlasting joy and glory of the chosen remnant.

Anyway, back to the lesson, so what is the devil trying to do (to both men and women)? He’s trying to strip everything that God views as holy. As a result of the fall, blood had to be shed. When a man and woman enter to a marriage, a blood covenant is to be formed. Let me stay on this for a second. What’s the devil’s operation? To get blood to be unholy and to throw people outside of the will of God. As Matthew Henry stated earlier, God didn’t question Satan as to why he did what he did to Eve. But praise be to God for the cleansing blood of Christ! So, we as men of God, need to cover our women in prayer, and be able to intercede for our sisters in Christ. Satan’s plan to break down the marriage structure is increasing the more (marriage covenants are important to God). We can’t go on business as usual and calling what’s unholy as being holy.

Single parenthood was never the order of God (and I applaud every single mother out there). Satan is attacking women in this arena by breaking the backs of men to show that men aren’t stronger than women. As a result, they’re left with the burden of caring for the children. But praise be to God for the blood of Jesus.

So what’s the point of this post? Understand that we as humans are under attack by the devil. We need to cover each other in prayer and intercession, understand our roles as men & women and not give further access to the devil in our lives. For we can overcome these attacks if we are one accord.

Blessings:

The Mayne Man

Author Spotlight (Pamala Mintz)

I initially met this author via Facebook before meeting her in person. She appeared to be so genuine on FB, and when I met her at the African American Author Expo (held in Timonium, MD) in August 2013, I found that she's a genuine person, period! With that said, show your love for my sister & fellow author Pamala Mintz.

Pamala Mintz is a single mother of 3 children, Tiara, Brandon, and Joshua. Becoming a teenage mother did not stop Pamala’s aspirations and dreams. She graduated from Coppin State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in English/Communications and graduated from University of Baltimore with a Master of Science in Health Systems Management in 2013. She will be furthering her education by entering the PhD program in Health Care Administration at Walden University in 2014. Tenacity, hard work and determination have been the driving forces that keep Pamala striving towards greater goals.

Pamala, presently, serves under the leadership of Dr. Todd Hall. It is through his prophetic mantle that she has tapped into who she truly is and the prophetic mantle that she always denied. It is through his teachings that she has gained the confidence to speak. Foundationally, Pamala was raised in the Baptist faith at Community Baptist Church of Cherry Hill under the late Rev. Calvin Thomas. As an adult, Pamala joined First Apostolic Faith Church serving under the leadership of Apostle Franklin Cornelius Showell.

Pamala has authored and published two books entitled Saved, Single Sister: Real Talk, the series with four more books yet to be released. In August, another dream took form as she began co-hosting a radio show entitled “A Different Identity” which airs Monday nights from 8pm-9pm on WXRP radio, an award winning talk radio station based in Atlanta, Georgia. This lady does not allow grass to grow under her feet too long. In the fall of 2013, she will begin production on the stage play/musical, “Saved, Single Sister: Real Talk”.