Ladies,<BR>I am in desperate need of your prayers this morning. If you've read any of my post you know my situation. If not, please read them. The demonic manifestations are once again happening in our home. For the last two nights, we have had evidence of this. The first night we had candles lit by themselves and dripping with not wax, but a blood-like substance. Last night, we found a picture of our family to have the same blood-like substance on it, dripping from the eyes of my husband. Oh Ladies, I need prayer to shut the doors on these demonic attacks. I need to know what has opened them again. I've tried to keep my thoughts under control and confess the ones that I've had. But something has allowed this to start happening again. I honestly don't know how much more of this me or especially my husband can take. Thank you for the prayers

Luv4ever, I am not experienced with this sort of thing, but I do know that YOU have authority over situations such as this. My 16 year old had been playing with the ouija board (just one of many ways to open such doors as this). I was unaware she had done this outside of the home. I began having nightmares on occasion. I prayed about this and the holy spirit prompted me to ask her directly if she had been doing so. She was surprised that I should ask such a direct question and I revealed to her that the holy spirit had revealed it to me. It was eerie. She then confessed to a number of paranormal experiences she had had and her own difficulty in sleeping, etc. I had recently read a little about such things and immediately I had her pray out loud and renounce them. She began the prayer and then began laughing hysterically. She could not finish. I prayer for her and continued prompting her to renounce these actions and declare her belief and ground as a christian. She continued to laugh, but once she got through the prayer, she was okay and burst into tears. It helped. My suggestion, renounce these happenings out loud, declare your place in christ and your authority as his daughter (out loud). Command these things from happening and then cleanse your home spiritually through prayer. You have to take authority in this situation. Remember, the battle is already won. You can only be disturbed by lies (and these things are lies).

When I read your post the first thing that came to mind was an old hymn, and so I will post it for you.<P>Would you be free from the burden of sin?<P>There's power in the blood, power in the blood<P>Would you o'er evil a victory win?<P>There's wonderful power in the blood.<P>There is power, power, wonder-working power in the blood of the Lamb.<P>When under attack we need to realize that our strength is in God alone. Focus not on things that counterfeit and frighten but on the Bondage Breaker, Jesus CHrist!<P>Lord, You alone are Powerful. The enemy is a defeated foe. He can only roar for he was declawed at Calvary. In the precious name of Jesus we ask that you would reclaim any ground that has been falsely taken by the enemy. Give this family protection and strength in Your finished work. Bring them out of darkness and into Your wonderful light. Give them eyes to see Your myriad of angels guarding them. IJN<P>------------------<BR>"Perfect love casts out fear" I John 4:18

<A HREF="http://www.freedominchrist.com/" TARGET=_blank>http://www.freedominchrist.com/</A> <P>Thought of Neil Anderson as I read your post. Well, thought of lots of things that bind us in darkness. Could it be that these attacks on more on H than you because he has not fully forgiven? As long as he makes statements that he can't take much more and continues to hold you responsible for the problems, does not Satan have a foothold? As you work continuously on taking captive your thoughts, does not the evil one have to take a different approach in attempts to tear down what the Father has put together? As long as he demonstrates his false power in visual ways that are frightening and it causes dissension between you and H, does he not gain a foothold?<P>This is one of Neil Anderson's daily devotionals.<P>[quote]October 27<P> FORGIVING YOUR PAST <P>Ephesians 4:32 <BR>Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you <P>The second step in resolving past conflicts is to forgive those who have offended you. After encouraging Cindy, a rape victim, to deal with the emotional trauma of her rape, I said, "Cindy, you also need to forgive the man who raped you." Cindy's response was typical of many believers who have suffered physical, sexual or emotional pain at the hands of others: "Why should I forgive him? You don't know how badly he hurt me!" <P>"He's still hurting you, Cindy," I responded.<BR>"Forgiveness is how you stop the pain. You don't forgive him for his sake; you do it for your sake." <P>Why should you forgive those who have hurt you in the past? <P>First, forgiveness is required by God. As soon as Jesus spoke the amen to His model prayer--which included a petition for God's forgiveness--He commented: "If you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly<BR>Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions" (Matthew 6:14, 15). We must base our relationships with others on the same criteria on which God bases His relationship with us: love, acceptance and forgiveness (Matthew 18:21-35). <P>Second, forgiveness is necessary to avoid entrapment by Satan. I have discovered from my counseling that unforgiveness is the number one avenue Satan uses to gain entrance to believers' lives. Paul encouraged mutual forgiveness "in order that no advantage be taken of us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his schemes" (2 Corinthians 2:11). Unforgiveness is an open invitation to Satan's bondage in our lives. <P>Third, we are to forgive like Christ forgave in order to keep our hearts from bitterness. Paul wrote: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you"<BR> (Ephesians 4:31, 32). <P>Your act of forgiveness will set the captive free, then you will realize that the captive was you! <P>Has your husband forgiven the other man?<P>Father God, you know what is going on in this family, about the attacks and the current tensions within the home. Father, you are greater than all of this. Father, search the hearts of this couple and root out anything that is not of you so that the evil one has no foothold. We thank you for the forgiveness you provide for the asking, we praise you for your word and the gift of life. Father provide your holy wisdom and let your peace that surpsses all understanding to surround this house today. IJN, Amen.<BR>

Thanks Ladies,<BR>I cried when I read "Power in the Blood".<BR>My husband says he has forgiven me and he acts like it. He does admit to having a major problem with my thoughts. He says he can't feel completely loved until those thoughts are gone. And no, he hates the om. Says he doesn't hate him, but what he has done, but I can see it. He, like any other man, wants to kill him everytime he sees him or hears his voice. (he sees and hears him when he (H) comes to visit me at work). I don't know what to do about that situation, because I know he has every right to be angry and hurt. He feels justified in his feelings about this. All I can do about that is pray. H said last week he was afraid something was about to happen. And now it has. And of course when he sees these manifestations, he thinks I've had contact. I haven't, but how can I expect him to beleive me when I've lied in the past and because I still have thoughts? I really am at my ropes end today and I need all the prayer that I can get. Thank you.

Reread my post Sister. If he does not forgive and expects the worst, of course Satan is more than willing to accommodate him. Perhaps you need to print that one part out for him and ask him if it is a possibiity that this is why things are occurring. For you to make excuses for sin is not right. From what I see in the word, Jesus righteous indignation was over lack of respect for God's temple, the prostitution of a holy sanctuary. <P>That doesn't mean he can't be hurt over what happened but it does take two and he has to recognize his part in the problem so that the two of you are united in keeping your love for one another alive. Be united in the battle. <P>Hugs

I am praying that if this is the reason that it will be revealed to my H. I'm also praying for delieverence from temptation. The devil uses opportunities like these to tempt me with the OM. I realize that its not a sin to be tempted, only to fall for them, so why do I still feel guilty when those temptations come in?

Luv4ever -<P>I really don't know what to say. I really don't know too much about demonic manifestations and I apologize, to all of you, for my ignorance on the subject. I will pray that whatever is going on in your home, that God be merciful and deliver you and your family from evil.<P>I am a Christian, though I am afraid I am not a very well-versed person when it comes to offering advice. I am a sinner, and I pray that I do not say anything that is wrong or against God's teaching or will.<P>But, I felt compelled to share some experts from a book I am reading by Charles Swindoll. The Book is titled "Three Steps Forward, Two Steps Back" and while I think the Bible is the only authoritative book on God's word, Mr. Swindoll provided some enlightening interepretations on temptation. Luv4ever, yes, I believe you are right. It is not a sin to be tempted, it is a sin to give into that temptation.<P>The thoughts that you have about the OM - those are the temptations. Your mind is the vehicle of temptation. Swindoll puts it this way (an interpretation of James)<P>"Temptation is inevitable. . .It would be wonderful if we could live without facing temptations. . .If you think you've found some place, some unique Christain victory secret, some perfect location, some uninhabited island, some ideal church, some area where there is no chance for temptation, don't go. Because when you do, you're going to spoil it. You see, when you go you take with you your mind - your thoughts - which is the vehicle of temptation. We will never be in a place on earth where there is no temptation."<P>So, while I will pray that those thoughts of the OM will begin to fade - and I think they will as you get stronger - I don't know that they will go away with a snap of finger. See, the devil is tricky, he knows your weaknesses. You gave into temptation once and he is giving you a full blast of temptation in hopes that you will give in to that temptation once again. He hits the hardest when you are your weakest. <P>But, as you become closer to God, as your relationship with God and your H becomes stronger - I hope and pray that these temptations will no longer be relevant. I think they will disappear altogether when it is no longer a source of temptation - the enticement to do something bad by promise of pleasure. So, when your relationship with God and your H become stronger, I don't even think you will have those thoughts anymore - or they may just be fleeting thoughts.<P>Swindoll also references James when he says that "temptation is never directed by God. . .God cannot be tempted by evil and God does not tempt. . .We sin by our own choice. . .There is nothing wrong with facing temptations. It is not sinful to have tempting things come before us." So, I do not think the thoughts of the OM are coming from God, but they are there because we are of this world.<P>Swindoll goes on to say that "temptation is an individual matter. . .Nothing outside ourselves is strong enough - not even satan -to cause us to sin. Sin takes place when we agree to the temptation and follow it. . ."<P>I guess that's why I feel such remorse about my A. . .I chose to give in to temptation. For that, I have been greatly humbled, but I also know that I have asked for and been granted forgiveness. That really does give me a clean slate to start over. While I still feel twinges - sometimes deep twinges -of remorse about the A and the decisions I made, I know that God still loves me, even in my imperfect state. But, it is up to me, to chose to follow him out of the darkness - to resist temptation, to exhibit self-control. Yes, I can pray for God to help me, I can pray for strength, and when I fall, I can ask for forgiveness, but I cannot rest, I have to take positive steps to change my direction, to draw myself closer to the Lord and away from the powers of darkness.<P>Swindoll also says "Temptation that leads to sin always follows the same overall process. . .The bait is dropped, the inner desire is attracted to that bait, sin occurs when we bite that bait, sin results in tragic consequences - we end up hooked and fried. . .As long as we remain obedient to the Lord, drawing our strength and our delight from Him, the evil system around us can drop all sorts of bait, and it won't seriously interest us. Oh it's there. But our Lord's Word and power are stronger and more important to us than anything out there."<P>"Saying no is something all of us who belong to Christ can do. There's nothing magical about it. You simply put Jesus at the helm of your life and say no."<P>Swindoll goes on to say a lot about the tools God gives us to fight temptation - one of them being self-control. It is a gift from God, but we are the ones who are responsible to using that gift.<P>"perservering through the afflictions, the crushings, the blasts of life. . .without despairing and giving up" - that's what the whole book is about.<P>"Christian growth comes through hard-core, gutsy perserverance or applying what you hear and obeying it."<P>One final quote from Swindoll's book is a paraphrase of James 1:2-4 by J.B. Phillips, and I think it put things in perspective for me. . .<P>"When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Realize that they come to test your faith and to produce in you the quality of endurance. But let the process go on until that endurance is fully developed, and you will find you have become men of mature character with the right sort of independence."<P>So, while the A and its aftermath were not a part of God's plan for me - he never directed me to sin - I do think this whole experience has drawn me closer to our Lord, to rely on him to fight my battles for me, when I am too weak to fight them myself. Yes, I will always be tempted - whether it be by thoughts of the OM, or temptation to gossip, or to hold a grudge, or to withhold forgiveness. . .Today, satan attacks me with lingering thoughts of the OM - but I have not given into those thoughts. And they are beginning to fade. I have no desire to see or talk to the OM - but the thoughts are still there - satan is still at my door. And, tomorrow, satan may attack me in some other way. . .<P>I think satan is going after your H's weaknesses during this time, too. He is using your H's thoughts and feelings toward the OM to separate him, or create a gap between him and the Lord - preventing him from doing that which is right and just.<P>In another book, "Strengthening your grip" Swindoll says that our mind needs fuel to feed on to make us stronger - not weaker. He cites Phillippians 4:8 and says "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good reupte, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."<P>Swindoll continues "For some of you, your home is a battleground, a mixture of negativism, sarcasm, pressure, cutting comments and blame. For others, you have allowed self-pity to move in under your roof, and you have foolishly surrendered mental territory that once was healthy and happy. You are laughing less and complaining more. . .As a friend, let me urge you to take charge of your mind and emotions today. . .Reject those alien thoughts that make you a petty, bitter person. . .Let it yeild a sweet, winsome melody that this old world needs desperately."<P>I really hate to quote anyone for fear I have taken the statements out of context, but Swindoll's thoughts really sum up all that I could have said to you (Luv4ever) and your H. You both are in this fight together. God has provided you and your H with a wonderful help-mate. Lean on each other, trust each other, be patient and kind toward one another, and let the Word of the Lord guide you.<P>I will pray for you with all of my heart. I don't know how much "weight" I carry with God, given my very sinful past, but all things are possible through Him. I truly believe that He will led you and your H through this nightmare - he will carry you when you are too weak to walk. Sometimes, the only thing we can do is have faith in Him, believe in Him, trust Him.<BR><p>[This message has been edited by SKM (edited November 01, 2000).]

Thanks Skm<BR>I think your prayers hold a lot of weight. After all you have been forgiven and your sins forgotten. I appreciate all you said. I just need to concentrate on my relationship with God and not worry about anything else. I believe if I get that all worked out, the other will follow suit. I know I've got a long way to go as far as mind control goes. That is something I've battled all my life and 30 years is a long time to just forget the things you've always done and do them differently. I've got to learn to trust in God above all things, even or especially in the face of demon presence. I can't let them scare me; I've just got to figure out what their scheme is and stop it. Thanks for the encouragement everyone.

Well, another manifestation when we got home last night. I asked my H about the forgiveness issue. He says he has truly forgiven everyone involved including the OM. I said then why do you hate him? He said he didn't hate him, only his actions. He said he has searched his heart to make sure that nothing was there to cause the manifestations. I tried to not let it scare me and try only to concentrate on my relationship with God. I appreciate the prayers - please keep them up.

luv4ever -<P>You know, last night, I thought about you and prayed about your situation. Again, I don't know about the manifestations or anything like that - I've never experienced anything like that and pray that I never do.<P>But, I was thinking. Praying, reading and understanding the Bible - that is all really, really important. Sometimes, though God calls us to take actions, to reclaim our life back, to return to a state of grace.<P>You keep mentioning the guilt you feel when thoughts of the OM pop into your head. I had a hard time understanding why, after all my remorse over what I had done, after all the guilt, after all the pain. . .I was really mad at myself for having these thoughts. I knew that I didn't want them there. I didn't want to be with the OM, so why was I still thinking about him? I prayed and prayed that the Lord help me to think of other, more pure things. But sometimes, I don't think we can control our thoughts - sometimes those thoughts are "put" there by satan. Sometimes, you cannot wish them away, as hard as you try.<P>I guess the only thing that I want to mention this morning, is that sometimes, God calls us to take action. The whole a was just a warped magnification of our own selfish desires. The focus was only on what makes us happy, what makes us feel good. You know these thoughts are unproductive, sometimes you cannot wish them away, but you can do something.<P>When you think about the OM, actually DO something nice for your H - buy a card, write him a note, tell him that you love him. When you think about the OM, DO something for your family - help your kids with their homework, read the bible together, brush their hair, listen to how their day went. When you think about the OM, DO something nice for a total stranger - help someone carry their bags, say hi to a complete stranger on ther street, be courteous, do a good deed, help an old lady across the street.<P>I know you probably already do these things, but when those thoughts of the OM pop into your head - consciously do something good for someone else. Cast away your selfish thoughts by actively doing something good, something kind, something pure. You don't have to save the world, even the smallest of acts like saying hi, can mean the world to someone who is having a bad day.<P>Sometimes, the best way to beat the devil is to kill him with your kindness. I don't know why these things are happening to you and your family - but sometimes you have to go beyond reading, praying, sometimes, you need to Do that which is good. I will keep praying for you and your family. Surround yourself withthose things that are loving and kind and be loving and kind. That is all that I know how to do. . .I will continue to pray for you.<P>

SKM,<BR>thanks for posting. I appreciate your prayers. We too are confused about the why's and how's, but we are tryin got keep the faith. I am trying to put out any thoughts that come to my mind. I try to replace them with thoughts of my husband. You are right, I don't want those thoughts to be there. My husband says you can't not want them to be there and they still be there. He says if you didn't want them to be there they wouldn't. He says try to remember something that was bad for you, something you didn't like or hurt you; do you think about that all the time? No, you tend to only think about things you enjoyed or that brought you happiness. He's trying his best and I appreciate all his efforts. I know he tries to only speak truth and I tend to believe what he says. It makes alot of sense. So lately my prayer has been for God to change my desires into his desires, my thoughts into his thoughts and my will into his will. I'm trying to keep saying that there is nothing more imporatant than my relationsip with God. Certainly no one is worth losing your salvation over. I'm just afraid that the reason these things are happening is because God is finally tired of my disobedience (thought life) and he is allowing these things to happen because of that. I'm praying for his mercy during his judgement of my sins.