(Caution: Do not let things you disagree with or things that offend your beliefs, blind you to scriptural truths that are spoken and presented. Take what can benefit and let opinions go, because everyone of us is deceived in various degrees about various things because of our cultures, our backgrounds, and the myriad deceptions that the adversary floods against every aspect of God's work. So what Derek Prince perceives as false religions should not be accepted without one's own personal in-depth study and application of James 1:5 and similar scriptures1).
Will this information be vital to surviving those things that are coming—the tribulations that have been prophesied?
Could the most important words in these latter and coming days be these?
“Jesus help me.”
“Jesus help us all.”
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1. New Testament | James 1:5-6 ~ If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Book of Mormon | Alma 29:8 ~ For behold, the Lord doth grant unto all nations, of their own nation and tongue, to teach his word, yea, in wisdom, all that he seeth fit that they should have; therefore we see that the Lord doth counsel in wisdom, according to that which is just and true. Book of Mormon | Moroni 10: 4-7 ~ And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. And whatsoever thing is good is just and true; wherefore, nothing that is good denieth the Christ, but acknowledgeth that he is. And ye may know that he is, by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore I would exhort you that ye deny not the power of God; for he worketh by power, according to the faith of the children of men, the same today and tomorrow, and forever. New Testament | Luke 5:45-50; Mark 9:38-39 ~ And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.
Carl H. Bloch Jesus Tempted from the Chapel at Frederiksborg Palace in Copenhagen (commons.wikimedia.org)
The meme WWJD [What Would Jesus Do?)1 necessitates knowing what He actually did, yet somehow, many of us seem completely oblivious (or is it ashamed?) to speak about a fundamental of His healing—the casting out of unclean spirits, devils, and demons.
Here is scriptural witness:2
1And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them. (New Testament | Matthew 4:23-24)
2When the even was come, they brought unto [Jesus] many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick: (New Testament | Matthew 8:16)
3And when [Jesus] was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine feeding. So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts. (New Testament | Matthew 8:28-34)
4As they went out, behold, they brought to him a dumb man possessed with a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spake: and the multitudes marvelled, saying, It was never so seen in Israel. (New Testament | Matthew 9:32-33)
5Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. (New Testament | Matthew 12:22)
6And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us. But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she and worshipped him, saying, Lord, help me. But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it to dogs. And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. (New Testament | Matthew 15:22-28)
7And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying, Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he falleth into the fire, and oft into the water. And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: … Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (New Testament | Matthew 17:14-21)
8And there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. And they were all amazed, insomuch that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this? what new doctrine is this? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region round about Galilee. (New Testament | Mark 1:23-28)
9And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. (New Testament | Mark 1:32-34)
10And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils. (New Testament | Mark 1:39)
11For he had healed many; insomuch that they pressed upon him for to touch him, as many as had plagues. And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and cried, saying, Thou art the Son of God. (New Testament | Mark 3:10-11)
12AND they came over unto the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains: Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him, And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not. For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them. And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. And they that saw it told them how it befell to him that was possessed with the devil, and also concerning the swine. (New Testament | Mark 5:1-16) 13For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard of him, and came and fell at his feet: The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation; and she besought him that he would cast forth the devil out of her daughter. But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto the dogs. And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs. And he said unto her, For this saying go thy way; the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come to her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter laid upon the bed. (New Testament | Mark 7:25-30)
14And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commandeth the unclean spirits, and they come out. (New Testament | Luke 4:33-36)
15Now when the sun was setting, all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto him; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. (New Testament | Luke 4:40-41)
16And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judæa and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. (New Testament | Luke 6:17-18)
17And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits; and unto many that were blind he gave sight. (New Testament | Luke 7:21)
18And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, (New Testament | Luke 8:2)
19And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God most high? I beseech thee, torment me not. (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him: and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters; and he brake the bands, and was driven of the devil into the wilderness.) And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him. And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And there was there an herd of many swine feeding on the mountain: and they besought him that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were choked. When they that fed them saw what was done, they fled, and went and told it in the city and in the country. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. They also which saw it told them by what means he that was possessed of the devils was healed. ... Now the man out of whom the devils were departed besought him that he might be with him: but Jesus sent him away, saying, Return to thine own house, and shew how great things God hath done unto thee. And he went his way, and published throughout the whole city how great things Jesus had done unto him. (New Testament | Luke 8:27-36; 38-39)
20And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, Master, I beseech thee, look upon my son: for he is mine only child. And, lo, a spirit taketh him, and he suddenly crieth out; and it teareth him that he foameth again, and bruising him hardly departeth from him. And I besought thy disciples to cast him out; and they could not. And Jesus answering said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and suffer you? Bring thy son hither. And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him again to his father. (New Testament | Luke 9:38-42)
21And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake; and the people wondered. (New Testament | Luke 11:14)
22But if I [Jesus] with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. (New Testament | Luke 11:20)
23And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity. And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. And the … Lord … said, … ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound, lo, these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the sabbath day? (New Testament | Luke 13:11-16)
24How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (New Testament | Acts 10:38)
25And he spake unto me again, saying: Look! And I looked, and I beheld the Lamb of God going forth among the children of men. And I beheld multitudes of people who were sick, and who were afflicted with all manner of diseases, and with devils and unclean spirits; and the angel spake and showed all these things unto me. And they were healed by the power of the Lamb of God; and the devils and the unclean spirits were cast out. (Book of Mormon | 1 Nephi 11:31)
26For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases. And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men. (Book of Mormon | Mosiah 3:5-6)
Not only was Jesus’ ministry to heal by casting out unclean spirits, devils, and demons, His first commission to His disciples was giving power to do the same:
27AND when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. (New Testament | Matthew 10:1)
28And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; … And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them. (New Testament | Mark 6:7, 12-13)
29THEN he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. (New Testament | Luke 9:1-2)
30AFTER these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. … And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name. And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (New Testament | Luke 10:1, 17-20)
31And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. (New Testament | Mark 9:38-40)
32And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us. And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us. (New Testament | Luke 9:49-50)
33(... And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. (New Testament | Acts 5:14-16)
34And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. (New Testament | Acts 8:6-7)
35And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them. Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed. (New Testament | Acts 19:11-20)
36And in the name of Jesus did [Nephi3] cast out devils and unclean spirits; and even his brother did he raise from the dead, after he had been stoned and suffered death by the people. … And as many as had devils cast out from them, and were healed of their sicknesses and their infirmities, did truly manifest unto the people that they had been wrought upon by the Spirit of God, and had been healed; and they did show forth signs also and did do some miracles among the people. (Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 7:19, 22)
37And these signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover; And whosoever shall believe in my name, doubting nothing, unto him will I confirm all my words, even unto the ends of the earth. (Book of Mormon | Mormon 9:24-25)
38And whoso shall ask it in my name in faith, they shall cast out devils; they shall heal the sick; they shall cause the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak, and the lame to walk. And the time speedily cometh that great things are to be shown forth unto the children of men; (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 35:9-10)
39And these signs shall follow them that believe—In my name they shall do many wonderful works; In my name they shall cast out devils; In my name they shall heal the sick; In my name they shall open the eyes of the blind, and unstop the ears of the deaf; And the tongue of the dumb shall speak; And if any man shall administer poison unto them it shall not hurt them; And the poison of a serpent shall not have power to harm them. But a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world; for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 84:65-73)
40And these signs shall follow him—he shall heal the sick, he shall cast out devils, and shall be delivered from those who would administer unto him deadly poison; And he shall be led in paths where the poisonous serpent cannot lay hold upon his heel, and he shall mount up in the imagination of his thoughts as upon eagles' wings. (Doctrine and Covenants | Section 124:98-99)
So what can we learn from these witnesses? That
▪ unclean spirits can cause physical as well as mental infirmities? (1-5,16-19,20,22-26,36)
▪ demonic spirits can be loud, violent, and powerful? (3,8,12,14,15,19,20,34)
▪ multiple demons can possess a single person?3 (3,12,19)
▪ demons can provoke crying out and cutting? (12)
▪ young children can be afflicted? (6,7,13,20)
▪ prayer and fasting may be required in casting out long-term possession? (7,20)
▪ demons and devils recognize Jesus and His power? (3,8,9,11,12,14,15,19,35)
▪ even church goers can have possession problems? (8,14)
▪ some people fear the power exercised by divinely-called healers? (3,12,19)
▪ when exercising their power in Christ, healers are not to boast? (38)
▪ healing is sometimes done remotely? (6,13,35; Matthew 8:13)
▪ some fraudulent, self-aggrandizing “healers” invoke the name of Jesus in vain?4 (35)
▪ we may not always recognize healers whom God endorses? (31,32)
▪ casting out of devils, demons, and unclean spirits is a sign following those that believe in Christ? (6,13,36-40)
So, why are so many pastors so deaf and dumb about the healing and deliverance pattern manifest by Jesus? And on the other hand, why are so many self-seeking “healers” making such a spectacle of “healing” when Jesus often instructed those healed not to broadcast it about?5
How many suffering souls endure beyond endurance because spiritual leaders never acknowledge the reality of demonic oppression and/or possession? never admit the reality of demonic whisperings that agitate depressions, hostilities, violence, addictions, temptations, unwanted memories, despair, suicidal thoughts, and on and on? Doesn’t Biblical Job’s case—a man described as “perfect and upright”—tell us that good people are prime targets of the adversary as he roams the world "seeking whom he many devour"?
How are we ever going to effectively help the millions of SRA, Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), mind control, and trauma victims and survivors that are already overwhelming a corrupted, secularized system? Tragically, even many such survivors bypass and label this healing paradigm as archaic and irrational despite their direct encounters with demonic forces. Do we really think that God, Creator of Worlds, does not understand ALL things as they were, are, and are to come?
Healers with faith are desperately needed to discern when "casting out" is appropriate, for it may not be in all cases. But for those who believe the Word, casting out was frequently necessary AND invoked by the Savior and those who honestly spoke and acted in His name.
Who is preparing to meet the mounting crisis?6
Considering all the pain and suffering in this world; the unimaginable crimes of those pursuing and protecting power, prestige, and gain; and the desperate need for healing, please let us learn how and prepare to DO WHAT JESUS DID!
And again do not misunderstand: Not all God's healing is accomplished in the same way. Naaman was required to wash in the Jordan seven times;7 ten lepers were told to “Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed”;8 an impotent man at Bethesda's pool was told to “sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.”9 So, in addition to God's intervention, our personal awareness, insights, and actions may be required10 to fully heal from fragmentation, dissociation, and trauma. Why then do we Christians not begin with the hope and promise that:
... after he is laid in a sepulchre for the space of three days he shall rise from the dead, with healing in his wings; ...11
-----------------------/ 1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/What_would_Jesus_do%3F
meme ~ mēm/ ~ noun: an element of a culture or system of behavior that may be considered to be passed from one individual to another by nongenetic means, especially imitation. | a humorous image, video, piece of text, etc. that is copied (often with slight variations) and spread rapidly by Internet users. 2. (A few are duplicate accounts by different writers.) 3. New Testament | JST, Matthew 12:37–39; compare Matthew 12:43–45 ~ Then came some of the scribes and said unto him, Master, it is written that, Every sin shall be forgiven; but ye say, Whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven. And they asked him, saying, How can these things be? And he said unto them, When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest and findeth none; but when a man speaketh against the Holy Ghost, then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth him empty, swept and garnished; for the good spirit leaveth him unto himself. Then goeth the evil spirit, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in and dwell there; and the last end of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be unto this wicked generation. 4. New Testament | Matthew 7:21-23 ~ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 5. New Testament | Matthew 8:4 ~ And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. New Testament | Matthew 9:30 ~ And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. New Testament | Luke 8:56 ~ And her parents were astonished: but he charged them that they should tell no man what was done. New Testament | Luke 9:21~ And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing;
See also New Testament | Matthew 16:20; Mark 7:36; Mark 8:30; Mark 9:9; Luke 5:14 6. New Testament | 1 Peter 5:8 ~ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: New Testament | Ephesians 6:11-18 ~ Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 7. Old Testament | 2 Kings 5; New Testament | Luke 4:27 8. New Testament | Luke 17:12-14 9. New Testament | John 5:2-15 10. Or as one survivor puts it: “You have to learn your past from the inside out, not from outside input in order to heal” (Cathy O'Brien from Access Denied For Reasons of National Security: Documented Journey from CIA Mind Control Slave to U.S. Government Whistleblower). Or perhaps in these words: Old Testament | Ezekiel 36:27 ~ And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them; or New Testament | Luke 17:21 ~ Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. 11. Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 25:13; see also Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 25:2 ~ But unto you that fear my name, shall the Son of Righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth and grow up as calves in the stall. (Also Old Testament | Malachi 4:2).
Perhaps there is only one way to stem the flood of evil that is consuming our world. Individuals and small groups have been battling for decades, without much success, to raise awareness of the global hidden horrors that so few are prepared to hear. Now many are hearing things unimaginable:
Yet too many are refusing to investigate for themselves—accepting without question the voices of those pursuing and protecting power, privilege, and gain at all costs. Can such voices ever be trusted? Are we that clueless when the clues are everywhere?
In the midst of our pursuits of “bread and circuses,” we have allowed the dark forces to entrench themselves. We have not demanded justice and judgment. We have tolerated demons and they have become legion upon legion.1
So what are our options? Are we like the “faithless and perverse generation” lamented by Jesus of Nazareth?
And [a certain man said,] I brought [my son] to thy disciples, and they could not cure him. Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me. And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was cured from that very hour. Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out? And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith ... nothing shall be impossible unto you. Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting. (New Testament | Matthew 17:16-21)
Or can we be like that father who cried out, and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.”2 Or maybe we can also be like the disciples who learned that sometimes more is required in longstanding cases—when “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”2
By all accounts, this global web of abominations has become to pervasive and powerful for even disciples seeking truth to cast out. So, are we prepared to plead for divine intervention? Are we prepared to cast the dumb and deaf spirits out of our own lives and become dead to the disbelief, amnesia, fear, complacency, and the narcissism of our traditional / worldly cultures? Are we prepared to pray and fast for victims AND perpetrators3? on a global scale? as a global force?
LET US, in increasing numbers, choose the first weekend of every month, either a Saturday or Sunday, (whichever works best for your circumstances); and
1) dedicate that day to Prayer and Fasting, that this global abomination shall be exposed and broken; that victims find help and healing; that we be open to doing our part, whatever the cost;
2) gather at national and state capital buildings and courthouses to demand justice and accountability;
3) forgive all who have trespassed against us (because we don't know enough in this age of inter-generational trauma to individually judge; because righteous justice, judgment, and accountability will eventually be overseen by the One who knows all; and do not misunderstand: such forgiveness does not mean that the law should not seek justice asap, nor that a survivor should not cooperate toward that end by telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth because we, as a society, have an imperative duty to seek justice);
4) seek forgiveness of those we or our ancestors have trespassed against (as Wesley Clark, Jr. did at Standing Rock4);
5) take inspiration and courage from our sisters and brothers at Standing Rock;
6) watch the Amir Amirani documentary film, “We Are Many”5 and consider whether this could serve as a pattern for a global demand:
“Justice for the Missing, Murdered, Trafficked, and Abused.”
----------------------/ 1. New Testament Mark 5:8-9 ~ For [Jesus] said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And [Jesus] asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. [YET, one man had the power to cast them all out. If we are on the side of that one man, WE are more than enough.] 2. New Testament | Mark 9:17-29 ~ And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. 3. Why perpetrators? 1) in the hope that some may be brought to a place of repentance and/or confession to help break this thing wide open and end it; 2) because many may be victims of MKUltra-type mind control and are not acting with agency; 3) that they be brought to a place of justice and accountability if they will not come to repentance / confession. 4. Wesley Clark Jr. asks for forgiveness from Leonard Crow Dog ~ (8:03) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx3K6ZZuIys 5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/We_Are_Many_(film)
WE ARE MANY - OFFICIAL TRAILER (1:57) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOpa8y2TIy8
WE ARE MANY - Extended Teaser (MIRROR) (8:06) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgwBtdmgWOc
(*Same Old System? Same Old Stuff? Same Old Sycophants? Same Old Secrets? Same Odoriferous Swamp? Same Obscene Sinners? Same Odious “Solutions”?)
For all those good people who believe / think they can help “make America great again,” merely through a ballot box, please take 7:11 minutes to think again:
Everything about Trump and company screams Babylon—that unholy obsession with power and gain; Babylon, the arch-enemy1 named and described in scripture; the “great whore” who revels in narcissism, psychopathy, and excess. But no, while we bitterly lament the corruptions of corporatism and crony capitalism, we vote in the “right” arm of Babylon—the arm that most favors and rewards corporatism and crony capitalism. (And do not misunderstand: the “left” arm is as corrupt and unacceptable. There was no choice. This will undoubtedly become more transparent as events unfold.)
But are our eyes beginning to open? Are we ready to admit that making America great again will require more than merely marking a ballot? Are we ready to unite and stand together with integrity against all the recycling SOSs, whether on the right or the left? Have we been given a staggering, unbelievable, mind-numbing, tragic opportunity?2
Listening to the various views of Trumpers and anti-Trumpers in the past week, I have wondered what God thinks of all the “prophetic” interpretations and comparisons that have been laid at the feet of the president-elect. Is Trump a latter-day Cyrus1 as so many are alleging, or could he really be the latter-day Mattaniah/Zedekiah2 that Old Testament Jeremiah (Chpt. 21) warned, chastised, and lamented?
Has there ever been an election where “motes and beams”3 were so evident? where loyalists on both sides were so spell-bound they could not see (the 360 truth of their candidate) when seeing it? could not hear (the 360 truth) when hearing it? when the “sins” of their chosen ones were ignored, discounted, dismissed, excused, even spun into filigree in order to hold fast to loyalties? preferences? hopes? But where are our loyalties supposed to be?
Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil. And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall forsake all evil and cleave unto all good, that ye shall live by every word which proceedeth forth out of the mouth of God. (Doctrine and Covenants 98:10-11)
What does one do when one is faced with a reverse “Sophie's Choice”?4—when the imposed choice is between two power-hungry candidates? Are we so naive about our rapid descent into darkness that we think the fork in the downward road gave us a right choice? that the adversary of all good cannot have a forked tongue? that both these candidates did not transparently manifest lying tongues, speech upon speech? that the “greatness” advocated was for an economic, military, prestige, power, and competitive renewal? a revival founded upon the tenets of Babylon?
If God is displeased when we blame Him for things a person does in misdirected agency, is He equally displeased if we mis-credit Him with our contrived, corrupted choices, plans, and imaginations?
Yet, can God still make use of our failings and sins, whatever they are? Could He have despised the choice that was manufactured for and with our consent, yet continue to work with us—long-suffering and merciful till the point of no return?
If we could honestly see our situation, would Isaiah, again, be walking naked and barefoot5 as a sign to us that our newest emperor has no clothes, despite claims and boastings?
If we don't wake up to the vast deceptions that surround us on every side—right and left—will we be the ones soon walking naked and barefoot in déjà vu of other fallen kingdoms and empires? in likeness of king Zedekiah and his people?
And how stunning it has become to hear pastors, ministers, and other Christians counsel that since Trump IS God's anointed, he is not to be questioned in his tactics, agendas, and proceedings because to question anything Trump decides or does is to question God. What a perfect recipe for destruction! God help us all!!
----------------------------/ 1. Just visit many evangelical and Christian conservative broadcasts, and then honestly ask: What is the source of these dreams and “prophecies”? Can the dark-side appear as an angel of light? Can his hosts tell fortunes and futures in order to seduce and deceive (even well-meaning people)? How can we discern? Will a false prophecy have clues within its text? words like “a man of his word” when the man's recorded words (evident to all who will listen), manifest the very opposite of integrity? 2. Mattaniah/Zedekiah, the last king of Judah who presided over the last days of a people who would not turn from the ways of idolatry and trusting in the arms of flesh—the ways of Babylon. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zedekiah 3. New Testament | Luke 6:42 ~ Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye. 4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophie%27s_Choice_(film) 5. Old Testament | Isaiah20:2-4 ~ At the same time spake the Lord by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, Go and loose the sackcloth from off thy loins, and put off thy shoe from thy foot. And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. And the Lord said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia; So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.
And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted its way upon the earth. (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 8:291)
Noah
And it repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. (Old Testament | Genesis 6:6)
And it repented Noah, and his heart was pained that the Lord had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at the heart. (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 8:252)
So what was the accusation? Moses wrote: “all flesh had corrupted its way upon the earth.”
So what was the corruption that warranted such grief and pain? Was it the persistent breaking of the Ten Commandments?3 as in
1. having other gods
2. making and worshiping graven images
3. profanities and blasphemies
4. failing to observe the Sabbath Day
5. dishonouring parents
6. killing
7. adultery
8. stealing
9. bearing false witness
10. coveting / envy
Or was it something more?
Could this record (circa 73 B.C.) from somewhere in the Americas describe a partial déjà vu from Noah's day?
21 But behold, Satan did stir up the hearts of the more part of the [people], insomuch that they did unite with those bands of robbers, and did enter into their covenants and their oaths, that they would protect and preserve one another in whatsoever difficult circumstances they should be placed, that they should not suffer for their murders, and their plunderings, and their stealings. 22 And it came to pass that they did have their signs, yea, their secret signs, and their secret words; and this that they might distinguish a brother who had entered into the covenant, that whatsoever wickedness his brother should do he should not be injured by his brother, nor by those who did belong to his band, who had taken this covenant. 23 And thus they might murder, and plunder, and steal, and commit whoredoms and all manner of wickedness, contrary to the laws of their country and also the laws of their God. 24 And whosoever of those who belonged to their band should reveal unto the world of their wickedness and their abominations, should be tried, not according to the laws of their country, but according to the laws of their wickedness, which had been given by Gadianton and Kishkumen. 25 Now behold, it is these secret oaths and covenants which Alma commanded[4] his son should not go forth unto the world, lest they should be a means of bringing down the people unto destruction. 26 Now behold, those secret oaths and covenants did not come forth unto Gadianton from the records which were delivered unto Helaman; but behold, they were put into the heart of Gadianton by that same being who did entice our first parents to partake of the forbidden fruit— 27 Yea, that same being who did plot with Cain, that if he would murder his brother Abel it should not be known unto the world. And he did plot with Cain and his followers from that time forth. 28 And also it is that same being who put it into the hearts of the people to build a tower sufficiently high that they might get to heaven. And it was that same being who led on the people who came from that tower into this land; who spread the works of darkness and abominations over all the face of the land, until he dragged the people down to an entire destruction, and to an everlasting hell. 29 Yea, it is that same being who put it into the heart of Gadianton to still carry on the work of darkness, and of secret murder; and he has brought it forth from the beginning of man even down to this time. 30 And behold, it is he who is the author of all sin. And behold, he doth carry on his works of darkness and secret murder, and doth hand down their plots, and their oaths, and their covenants, and their plans of awful wickedness, from generation to generation according as he can get hold upon the hearts of the children of men. 31 And now behold, he had got great hold upon the hearts of the [people]; yea, insomuch that they had become exceedingly wicked; yea, the more part of them had turned out of the way of righteousness, and did trample under their feet the commandments of God, and did turn unto their own ways, and did build up unto themselves idols of their gold and their silver. (Book of Mormon | Helaman 6:21-31; bold emphasis added.)
But was there something even more corrupt in Noah's day that is repeating as a déjà vu—in our day?
But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. (New Testament | Matthew 24:375)
Was there something hidden, secret, shocking, and so incredibly, unbelievably corrupted that it will challenge every thing Christians (and non-Christians) believe and hope for? something that will turn things inside-out and upside-down? something so grievous as to warrant a final judgment and destruction of all that is unredeemedly corrupted?
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. (New Testament | Matthew 24:22; see also Mark 13:20)
Was there something Satan almost achieved in Noah's day and is now reviving with his “power, and signs and lying wonders”?6 something imagined by conjoined rebels against God?
And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. (Old Testament | Genesis 11:6)
Could it be something revealed in myths and legends that we can't seem to fathom? something referenced in scripture that we refuse to understand?7 something completely outside our experience? something conceived and secretly engineered by satanic powers? genetic corruptions purporting to “improve” God's plan and purposes? genetic manipulations spawned in curiosity? obsession? addiction? hubris? Could it be sentient, experimental hybrids of every flesh? engineered monsters? hybrids, too, of man and machine? demon-infused robots? trauma-based bots? things hinted at in supposed “sci-fi” and cult classics? realities we are not prepared to comprehend or defend against because we have been blind and deaf to discoveries, revelations, witnesses, myths, and warnings? Could it be hidden technologies that will deceive nigh every soul when seen? And will it all unfold with convincing promises of tech-based salvation? immortality, eternal life, and endless pleasures without conscience?
Could bizarre things come to fruition while we are distracted with “eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage” (and engaging in practices like unto it) as we pursue our own way and wills?
What has historical man not imagined as evidenced in artifacts, art, and architecture? And what has the mind of rebellious mankind (in league with dark powers) not imagined?8
Perhaps it is time to learn and discern the tragic history of “the days of Noah”?
----------------------/ 1. Old Testament | Genesis 6:12 ~ And God looked upon the earth, and, behold, it was corrupt; for all flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. 2. See also Old Testament | JST Genesis 8:13) 3. Old Testament | Exodus 20: 1-17 4. Book of Mormon | Alma 37:27 ~ And now, my son, I command you that ye retain all their oaths, and their covenants, and their agreements in their secret abominations; yea, and all their signs and their wonders ye shall keep from this people, that they know them not, lest peradventure they should fall into darkness also and be destroyed. Therefore ye shall keep these secret plans of their oaths and their covenants from this people, and only their wickedness and their murders and their abominations shall ye make known unto them; and ye shall teach them to abhor such wickedness and abominations and murders; and ye shall also teach them that these people were destroyed on account of their wickedness and abominations and their murders. And now, my son, remember the words which I have spoken unto you; trust not those secret plans unto this people, but teach them an everlasting hatred against sin and iniquity. 5. See also New Testament | Luke 17:26; JST Matthew 1:41-42 ~ But as it was in the days of Noah, so it shall be also at the coming of the Son of Man; For it shall be with them, as it was in the days which were before the flood; for until the day that Noah entered into the ark they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage; Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:60 ~ And the Lord said unto Enoch: As I live, even so will I come in the last days, in the days of wickedness and vengeance, to fulfil the oath which I have made unto you concerning the children of Noah; Book of Mormon | Alma 12:36 ~ And now, my brethren, behold I say unto you, that if ye will harden your hearts ye shall not enter into the rest of the Lord; therefore your iniquity provoketh him that he sendeth down his wrath upon you as in the first provocation, yea, according to his word in the last provocation as well as the first, to the everlasting destruction of your souls; therefore, according to his word, unto the last death, as well as the first. 6. New Testament | JST, 2 Thessalonians 2:9 ~ Yea, the Lord, even Jesus, whose coming is not until after there cometh a falling away, by the working of Satan with all power, and signs and lying wonders, 7. —like, Genesis 6:1-6?— 8. Old Testament | Genesis 6:5 ~ And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
On this day of Halloween, while we Christians are “making light”* of darkness, do we realize what Luciferians / Satanists are doing?
Or would we rather not know? Not know:
» how much of our culture has been infiltrated by the occult and the enemy of all righteousness? » how naively we have embraced imitative traditions, rituals, and symbols? » how completely clueless most of us are about the resurgence of secretive, ancient abominations that horrify? » how ill-prepared we are to discern the hidden face of the adversary or to acknowledge and help the victims? » the kinds of intercessory prayers that might bring both perpetrators and victims to help and healing? » what's coming down the pike and what our duty may be concerning evil? (partially described in Doctrine and Covenants | Section 123.)
Are we just déjà vu—like God's ancient people who turned time and again to the ways of neighbouring, idolatrous nations, celebrating and aping their exotic, “exciting” rituals? Do we revel in the “fear factor”?1 Do we think it's all just “fun and games”? Are we severely offended to hear criticism of a favoured tradition?
Maybe your answer is that it's all just harmless fun. Maybe you are right, but on the other hand, could we learn something from those who have been in the trenches of demonic deliverances** for decades? who know what really happens when there is no light in the darkness?
How about, instead of watching Halloween, horror movies this year, we listen to some of the following:
---------------------------/ * (not taking seriously; to treat as unimportant or humorous) ** (overcoming darkness with the Light of Christ)
1. Some who have experienced the dark side before deliverance testify that fear, pain, trauma, and terror create forms of energy that demons crave and gorge on like an elixir. Or as Jesus might have also observed in parallel to these opposite events: “wheresoever the carcass is, there will the [vultures] be gathered together;” (New Testament | Matthew 24:28)
So, please, listen to this insightful pastor, and then let us ask ourself: What are the “unclean spirits” that affect me? What are the legions that cycle through my life? the persistent déjà vus that plague my days?
Spirit of ...2
Spirit of ...
Spirit of ...
anger
addiction
adultery
anxiety / worry
arrogance
blame
awfulizing
craftiness
blasphemy
confusion
deception
dehumanizing
contention
denial
deviance
criticism
disdain
gluttony
depression
domination
hatred
disappointment
gossip
insanity
discouragement
greed
lust
doubt
impulsivity
malice
emptiness
inequality
manipulation
excess
infirmity
mockery
fear
intimidation
murder
forgetfulness
lying
narcissism
frustration
meanness
oppression
hopelessness
misery
paranoia
illness
numbness
persecution
insomnia
pride
psychopathy
irritation
procrastination
rage
loneliness
profanity
reviling
rejection
rebellion
scorn
sadness
self-harm
self-hatred
self-pity
secrets
suicide
shame
spite
torment
slumber
strife
torture
tiredness
unfaithfulness
trickery
unbelief
worthlessness
vengeance
Note: Chronic manifestations are a strong indication that one's emotions, thoughts, and feelings have been targeted by unseen forces.
Does this sermon, this “devilishly-long” list (which is far from complete), and our honest self-analysis cause us to reconsider the remarkable virtues of Mary, that New Testament disciple, who only needed the casting out of seven devils?3
How much pain and suffering do we unnecessarily endure because we have rejected awareness and knowledge?
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, ... (Old Testament | Hosea 4:6)
... I am left to mourn because of the unbelief, and the wickedness, and the ignorance, and the stiffneckedness of men; for they will not search knowledge, nor understand great knowledge, when it is given unto them in plainness, even as plain as word can be.(Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 32:7)
But if we sincerely seek knowledge and act on it when received (recognizing, rejecting, and casting out evil influences as Jesus did), then are we not promised “the garment of praise [in place of] the spirit of heaviness”? for:
[I]t shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: (Old Testament | Joel 2:32)
[And] thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (New Testament | 1 Corinthians 15:57)
--------------------------------/
* New Testament | Mark 5:8-9 ~ For [Jesus] said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many. New Testament | Mark 5:15 ~ And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. New Testament | Luke 8:30 ~ And Jesus asked him, saying, What is thy name? And he said, Legion: because many devils were entered into him.
1. Please do not reject all this man's teachings just because you disagree with some of his views or interpretations about your religion. Other worthwhile sermons: Derek Prince - The Enemies We Face (Part 1-4) (Time: 3:56:37) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZoleQVsCEE The Basics of Deliverance, Pt 1 - How To Identify the Enemy (Time: 54:12) at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yzivz7gcMtE 2. Some scriptural examples (bold emphasis added): Old Testament | Numbers 5:30 ~ Or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, and he be jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the Lord, and the priest shall execute upon her all this law. Old Testament | Hosea 4:12 ~ My people ask counsel at their stocks, and their staff declareth unto them: for the spirit of whoredoms hath caused them to err, and they have gone a whoring from under their God. Old Testament | Hosea 5:4 ~ They will not frame their doings to turn unto their God: for the spirit of whoredoms is in the midst of them, and they have not known the Lord. Old Testament | Isaiah 61:3 ~ To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified. New Testament | Luke 4:33 ~ And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, New Testament | Luke 13:11 ~ And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself. New Testament | Acts 16:16 ~ And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: New Testament | Romans 11:8 ~ (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. New Testament | 2 Timothy 1:7 ~ For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. New Testament | 1 John 4:3 ~ And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 2:29 ~ And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom. Book of Mormon | 2 Nephi 33:5 ~ And it speaketh harshly against sin, according to the plainness of the truth; wherefore, no man will be angry at the words which I have written save he shall be of the spirit of the devil. Book of Mormon | Alma 40:13 ~ And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil—for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house—and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil. Book of Mormon | Alma 34:35 ~ For behold, if ye have procrastinated the day of your repentance even until death, behold, ye have become subjected to the spirit of the devil, and he doth seal you his; therefore, the Spirit of the Lord hath withdrawn from you, and hath no place in you, and the devil hath all power over you; and this is the final state of the wicked. Book of Mormon | 3 Nephi 11:29 ~ For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another. Doctrine and Covenants 93:25 ~ And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning. Joseph Smith—History 1:23, 74 ~ It caused me serious reflection then, and often has since, how very strange it was that an obscure boy, of a little over fourteen years of age, and one, too, who was doomed to the necessity of obtaining a scanty maintenance by his daily labor, should be thought a character of sufficient importance to attract the attention of the great ones of the most popular sects of the day, and in a manner to create in them a spirit of the most bitter persecution and reviling. But strange or not, so it was, and it was often the cause of great sorrow to myself. ... Our minds being now enlightened, we began to have the scriptures laid open to our understandings, and the true meaning and intention of their more mysterious passages revealed unto us in a manner which we never could attain to previously, nor ever before had thought of. In the meantime we were forced to keep secret the circumstances of having received the Priesthood and our having been baptized, owing to a spirit of persecution which had already manifested itself in the neighborhood. 3. New Testament | Luke 8:1-2 ~ And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him, And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, New Testament | Mark 16:9 ~ Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
IF God's majesty, power, and works are beyond the rational man, could it be that Satan's depravity, power, and works are also beyond the rational man? And why not, when almost all Satan does is veiled in secrecy, counterfeit, flattery, despotism, lies, and murder? Could Prince, Dizdar, Quayle, et. al know things that we must understand if we are to "be prepared when all hell breaks loose" (if such is possible in our present blindness)?
And even though we may not agree with all these men say, are we going to reject their experiences and observations because of black and white thinking?1 If they say one negative thing about something we believe, hold dear, OR don't believe, will we reflexively shut them completely out? Surely we have lived long enough to realize that God lets every one of us live with various and varying degrees of mistaken beliefs because of learned and acquired biases, so let us break free of such biases with the discerning spirit of God and adopt these credos:
If we have the truth, [it] cannot be harmed by investigation. If we have not the truth, it ought to be harmed.2
We believe in all truth, no matter to what subject it may refer. No sect or religious denomination in the world possesses a single principle of truth that we do not accept or that we will reject. We are willing to receive all truth, from whatever source it may come; for truth will stand, truth will endure.3
---------------------------------/ 1. Splitting (also called black-and-white thinking or all-or-nothing thinking) is the failure in a person's thinking to bring together the dichotomy of both positive and negative qualities of the self and others into a cohesive, realistic whole. It is a common defense mechanism used by many people. ... The individual tends to think in extremes (i.e., an individual's actions and motivations are all good or all bad with no middle ground). [From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splitting_(psychology)] 2. J. Reuben Clark: The Church Years by D. Michael Quinn, pp. 24-26, source discovered via a "Google" search at https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/comments/3pokeo/context_for_the_wellknown_j_reuben_clark_quote/ 3. Joseph F. Smith, Conference Reports, April 1909, p. 7. (Bold emphasis added.)
As we look about our world, do we see enemies of justice? of moral / spiritual growth and development? Enemies intent on destroying the world and the souls of men?1
Considering headlines, reports of researchers, investigative journalists, and tens-of-thousands of witnesses, how can intelligent beings deny the pervasive, destructive reality of evil throughout the ages? an evil that cares not for the good of others, but cares only for power and gain at the expense of others? And yet many of us seem to live in denial when we give no thought to truly understanding “the enemy.”
In any conflict, such stupor about “enemies” can prove fatal. Consider the understanding of Sun Tzu,2 an ancient Chinese general, military strategist, and philosopher.
“All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when we are able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must appear inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
Deception is the key strategy that pervades our culture—a fact of the most elemental observation—yet for the most part, we seem to live in blissful ignorance3 of the secrecy, lies, distortions, and counterfeits that underpin an agenda of destruction. One author writes:
In accepting life, we must relate to the world as it is—to the struggle between good and evil. There are, of course, some who would have us believe that there is no such thing as good or evil, but this philosophy runs counter to the natural laws of opposites that exist, such as heat and cold, light and dark, gravitation and vacuum, and many others. We need to use our eyes that we may see, our ears that we may hear, and our minds that we may be able to think and make our own decisions as we sift out the chaff of all we see and hear, so that we may know the truth of that which we feel in our hearts, as it is affirmed by the Holy Spirit.4
Many other intelligent observers have borne like witness, including:
Like a huge serpent [Satan] has been winding his way throughout this age, leaving everywhere his contamination. While Satan is not omniscient and perfect in knowledge, he has sufficient knowledge of his destiny and how soon that destiny will be accomplished, and so as the age closes he becomes fiercer in his wrath; like a serpent which is attacked and in danger of being caught, his hiss is heard on all sides. He is now actively engaged in counterfeiting the Truth, in putting in his demon doctrines, in perverting the Truth wherever he can. And by and by after the true Church is gone he will put his masterpieces into the world, ... . Then he will blind the nations as never before and rush them on to the final climax of the age.5
It seems sometimes as if the darkness that surrounds us is all but impenetrable. I can see on all sides the signs of one great evil master mind working for the overturning of our civilization, the destruction of religion, the reduction of men to the status of animals. This mind is working here and there and everywhere.6
So in our busy, distracted lives, let us ask ourselves how often we ignore things as they were, as they now are, and as they will be. And let us ponder whether there is any déjà vu in this further observation of Sun Tzu?
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” ― Sun Tzu, The Art of War
What then is our responsibility to know the enemy? Would God repeat Himself with these words?
It is an imperative duty that we owe to God, to angels, with whom we shall be brought to stand, and also to ourselves, to our wives and children, who have been made to bow down with grief, sorrow, and care, under the most damning hand of murder, tyranny, and oppression, supported and urged on and upheld by the influence of that spirit which hath so strongly riveted the creeds of the fathers, who have inherited lies, upon the hearts of the children, and filled the world with confusion, and has been growing stronger and stronger, and is now the very mainspring of all corruption, and the whole earth groans under the weight of its iniquity. It is an iron yoke, it is a strong band; they are the very handcuffs, and chains, and shackles, and fetters of hell. ... Which dark and blackening deeds are enough to make hell itself shudder, and to stand aghast and pale, and the hands of the very devil to tremble and palsy. And also it is an imperative duty that we owe to all the rising generation, and to all the pure in heart—For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it—Therefore, that we should waste and wear out our lives in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven—These should then be attended to with great earnestness. (Doctrine and Covenants 123:7-14)
