2 Striking Truths about the Last Suppe

2 Striking Truths about the Last Supper by The Good Book Blog By Joy Mosbarger Most of us are familiar with Jesus’ words at the Last Supper—or at least with some of those words. When we celebrate communion together, we regularly hear “this is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” and “this cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Recently, however, I read through Luke 22, which includes the Last Supper and the events surrounding it. In addition to these familiar words from the Last Supper, I was struck by some of the other words spoken by Jesus on this momentous occasion. After Jesus and the disciples settled together around the Passover table, the first words Jesus spoke were these: “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:15). As he faces a time of unimaginably intense suffering in his life, Jesus has a deep and powerful longing to be with his disciples. Though Jesus clearly needed to be with his Father as he approached the suffering that was to come (vv. 41-44), he also seems to have felt a need to be with his disciples—his closest earthly, human friends. Jesus’ profound yearning to be with his disciples at this darkest, most difficult place in his life is quite remarkable. This desire is even more remarkable when considering the major imperfections of the disciples, which are on display for all to see in the events following the Last Supper in Luke 22. Their immediate reaction to Jesus’ disclosure of his imminent suffering is not sympathy, but a discussion of which one ofthem is going to betray Jesus (v. 23). This is immediately followed by a dispute that arose among them as to which of them should be considered to be the greatest (vv. 24-30). He later asks them to pray that they might not enter into temptation while he is alone in prayer with the Father. Instead, they fall asleep (vv. 39-46). Judas betrays him (vv. 47-48), and Peter denies him (vv. 54-62). Their actions do not reveal the disciples as being intent on encouraging and strengthening a friend in a time of great need. Yet in spite of the disciples’ human frailties and failures, of which Jesus was well aware, he still earnestly desired to be with them at this horrendously grueling point in his life. There are two truths in particular from this narrative in Luke 22 that I find most striking and extraordinary. First, Jesus loved his disciples as they were and strongly desired to be with them. It is obvious that the disciples needed Jesus in profound ways. Yet, on some level, Jesus “needed” the disciples—or at least he wanted them with him in this place of deep struggle and pain. And he didn’t want to be with them because of the depth of their maturity; rather, he longed to be with them with all their flaws and defects because he knew that they (except maybe Judas) loved him to the degree that they were capable of doing so. I find it immensely comforting and quite astounding to know that Jesus actually wants to be with me with all my imperfections and weaknesses—because I have a lot of them. Second, though the disciples were with Jesus in this place of deep anguish, they didn’t really hear what he had to say. They were more focused on themselves and what they perceived as their needs. They seemed to be more worried about which of them would betray Jesus rather than the fact that Jesus was going to be betrayed. During their last hours with the greatest human being who ever lived, they were arguing about which of them was the greatest. When Jesus asked them to pray while he was alone with the Father, they fell asleep. With momentous events of eternal consequence taking place around them and in the presence of the one at the center of these events, the disciples seem to be missing the significance of Jesus’ words and the privilege of Jesus’ presence. It saddens me to realize that often I am welcomed into the presence of Jesus, who earnestly desires to be with me, and all I can do is think about and talk about me. I miss what he is saying and doing, which is of much greater, deeper, and lasting significance than what I am saying and doing. Jesus gave his body for me and poured out his blood for me; he willingly sacrificed all for me. Shouldn’t that motivate me to recognize the eternal, incalculable value of reveling in the privilege of enjoying his presence and closely watching for what he is saying and doing while I am with him?

Anointed with the Holy Spirit

🛡To be anointed with the holy spirit we must wait and pray, become servant and Handmaid. Mother Mary with the apostles, in one heart, clearly mentioned in the bible in  the upper room. What did Mary taught the Apostles? Mary taught the Apostles to be servants of God.  Thats when the holy spirit came. Acts 1 :13-14
..that when Peter said, this is the fulfillment of the prophecy of the last day, "I will poured out my spirit on my servants and Handmaid."🙏🙏

What is it to be servants and handmaid  of God? Ref: in the story of 'wedding of Cana or/and the Prodigal Son.

And what's the last day? ..it is ... it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me;
Galatians 2:20

Disciple of Jesus

🛡🛡 In the word of God says  you and I are meant to be in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:27) , the source of all beauty, the source of all power. And to be in the image of the likeness of God the one way Jesus says this "You shall be merciful as your Father is!" To be a child of the Father, Jesus says it depends on whether you can forgive , whether you can love the unlovable.
To be a disciple of Jesus or to have a divine connection with Jesus, is to be able to wash one another feet. In John 13: 34-35 He says It is by your love , not by how many retreats you attend or how much the bible you know , not by whether you can preach , nothing of these sorts. The one thing that counts Jesus says is, "It is by your love that you would be known as my disciples.🙏🙏🙏

The strategies of Satan, Part 1: The “Jezebel” tactic

The strategies of Satan, Part 1: The “Jezebel” tactic

First in a series on spiritual warfare: The satanic attack that exploits our fear, lust, wounds and lukewarmness

FR ROBERT MCTEIGUE, SJ

“But I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel…” (Rev. 2:20) “Jezebel” is a name that is reviled throughout Scripture and Christian history. Parents would no more name their child “Jezebel” than they would name their child “Judas Iscariot.” We see her as an idolater queen in Israel in 1 Kings and 2 Kings, and we see her name denounced as a false and seducing prophetess in the Book of Revelation. What does she represent?
Beyond her historical identity in ancient Israel, Jezebel has come to be known as an “archetype,” that is, as a model or standard, of wickedness—specifically: seduction, manipulation, idolatry and murder. She represents a hatred of authentic prophecy and religious authority. As such, “Jezebel” is a human name for a satanic strategy—a strategy that depends on our fear, lust, weakness and lukewarmness to succeed. Studying that strategy, noting where, how and why it works, is the first step towards overcoming that evil design.
Saint Ignatius Loyola, calling Satan “the enemy of our human nature,” compares him to a general preparing to lay siege to a fortress. The general attacks on the weakest side. Likewise, Satan “…studies from all sides our theological, cardinal and moral virtues. Wherever he finds us weakest and most in need regarding our eternal salvation, there he attacks and tries to take us by storm.”
Satan deploys the Jezebel strategy similarly, looking particularly for emotional wounds that can afford entry into our soul. The Jezebel strategy uses seduction and manipulation against the weak and doubting, techniques that are ineffective against the strong and obedient. In other words, when our pain is allowed to sour into self-pity, the Jezebel strategy is ready to go to work.
Alcoholics Anonymous knows this. Their quip against self-pity describes the process accurately: “Poor me! Poor me! Pour me another drink!” (Alternatively: “If you had a life like mine, you’d drink too!”) The Jezebel strategy will dry your tears and kiss your bruises; the next step is to take you by the hand and lead you to where you should not go.
What can we learn from all this? Everyone is wounded. We cannot afford to let our spiritual wounds to be become infected. We mustn’t let our wounds to fester into the fever of resentment and self-pity. If we’re not vigilant, we leave an opening for the Jezebel strategy to gain entrance. If we don’t resist the seductions and manipulations of Jezebel with boldness and holy obedience, then, Saint Ignatius Loyola warns, “…no wild beast on earth is more fierce than the enemy of our human nature as he pursues his evil intention with ever increasing malice.”
Holiness, humility and healing are intertwined. Our weaknesses and wounds can be stumbling blocks on our path to holiness. We must have the humility to admit our need before the Lord and ask for his healing.
If we repent of our sin without asking our Lord for healing, we’ll commit the same sins repeatedly. Repenting without getting healing for those wounds which are the roots of sin is like trimming the tops of weeds and then becoming surprised that the weeds grow back. Sin more easily takes root in places where our hearts have been wounded. If we want to be free of our habitual sins, we must find healing for our hearts. We can’t receive healing if we don’t ask for it. The first step for the healing of our hearts, essential as a remedy for sin, is to look at the crucified Lord and then to see and name our wounds so that we may offer them to him.
There is another step, one which is often overlooked. The wounds in our souls must be filled in with goodness, virtue and grace. Therefore, repentance, real conversion, true transformation in Christ, is a matter of holy desire. It’s a matter of body, soul, commitment, will, mind, grace and blood. Any other account of conversion is a fantasy, an attempt to still play at being sinners, who can only play at being saved. The Jezebel strategy would rob us of our holy desires, and set our hearts upon the false promises of murderous idols.
This week, read through 1 Kings and 2 Kings. Take note of how the person of Jezebel is the embodiment of the satanic Jezebel strategy. Then meditate on the terrifying imagery of the Lord’s punishment for the followers of Jezebel in Revelations 2. Jesus says that we must be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16) Only then can we complete our task, which is both to resist the Jezebel strategy, and then to defeat it. I will be writing more about that in the coming weeks.
When I write next, I will speak of another satanic strategy that works hand-in-glove with the Jezebel strategy. Until then, let’s keep each other in prayer.

Fr Robert McTeigue, SJ


Father Robert McTeigue, SJ, is a member of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus. A professor of philosophy and theology, he has taught and lectured in North and Central America, Europe and Asia and is known for his classes in both rhetoric and medical ethics.  He has long experience in spiritual direction, retreat ministry and religious formation and now works in seminary education.
- See more at: http://aleteia.org/2016/11/16/naming-satans-strategies-the-scheming-jezebel/?utm_campaign=NL_en&utm_source=daily_newsletter&utm_medium=mail&utm_content=NL_en#sthash.RUjkGFU5.dpuf

10 Biblical Truths to Overcome Sinful Anger

🛡⚔ 10 Biblical Truths to Overcome Sinful Anger

by Association of Biblical Counselors

by Biblical Soul Care Harvest Bible Chapel

It doesn’t take long to figure out that we live in an angry world. Read the headlines on any given day and you see anger on display in politics, movies, TV shows, and sports. Spend any amount of time in any family and you’ll see anger expressed almost daily. When a day goes by without conflict, it’s a miracle of God.

Sadly, the church hasn’t exactly been the poster child for pursuing peace and reconciling conflict in a God-glorifying way over the course of church history. Even though Jesus “broke down the dividing wall of hostility… so that we could have peace” (Ephesians 2:14–16), we still quarrel and fight

It’s inevitable—wherever there are relationships, sinful anger will be expressed. By nature, we’re all selfish. I’m no exception. Cut me off in traffic, I might have some words for you (with my window up, of course). Do something I perceive as disrespectful, watch out! I may get a little passive aggressive and withdraw from interacting with you because I have a heart of fear. If you “reject me,” I get insecure, defensive, and may punish you by holding back.

See, that’s how deceptive sin can be. It affects our ability to think reasonably and rationally. While I am not immune, I am also certain I’m not alone in my struggle (1 Corinthians 10:13). BUT GOD, in his grace, mercy, kindness, patience, and love has made us alive through the death, burial, and resurrection of his Son, Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4–9). It’s only because of Him that I’m pursuing humility and meekness as a way of life. Know this though, humility and meekness are not weakness! They are strength under control, like a well trained war horse (Matthew 5:5).

As God’s children, we can all make this journey of change together. Here are some things I have learned over the years in my fight against sinful anger. Understanding and applying these truths to your own life will help you overcome sinful anger and see sustained fruit.

1. Anger Has Three Faces: It is expressed primarily in three different ways: 1) explosive and blowing up; 2) stewing, brewing, or silent indignation; and 3) irritability, exasperation or embitterment. Silent anger is just as offensive to God as explosive anger. How are you prone to express your anger?

2. Anger Hurts Relationships: You choose who is on the receiving end of your anger because anger is a perceived threat to something you hold valuable. The problem is we can go a whole day at work being “nice” to our co-workers only to lose it at home with those closest to us! We tend to take it out on those we are called to love the most. Who has been on the receiving end of your anger the most?

3. Anger is in the Bible: The Bible has a lot to say about anger. From the beginning in the garden all the way to the end; man’s anger is expressed by rejecting God and pursuing his own way (Romans 3:10–18). Yet man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteous purposes (James 1:19–20). While God too can be angry, it is never sinful (Psalm 7:11; John 3:36;Romans 1:18). Actually, compared to the offenses He must suffer, He is very “slow to anger” (Exodus 34:6; Psalm 103:8). Does your anger accomplish God’s purposes?

4. Anger Put Jesus on the Cross: Did you know that the anger of man and God’s wrath for all our sins culminated onto Jesus when he went to the cross to pay the penalty for sin (Acts 2:22–24)? He satisfied God’s wrath and allowed man to express their anger towards him at the same time—man rejecting God and God loving man in the very same event in history. How often do you reject God in your anger by not doing what He calls you to do?

5. Anger Is Covered by Christ’s Blood: The blood of Christ is sufficient to cover your sinful anger. No matter what wrath has protruded from your mouth or what you’ve done physically to harm others or yourself, you can be forgiven and walk in newness of life. Anger is a sin, but the death of Christ is payment enough to cover it. If you have died with Christ, you can become a different person (Romans 6:5–11). Do you believe and live as if your anger is covered by the blood of Christ or do you act like His blood isn’t sufficient? Why or why not?

6. Anger is a Life-dominating Sin: Just like any other “addiction,” we become enslaved to anger. It temporarily satisfies our sinful desire and flesh, yet we feel guilty and ashamed when we give full vent to it. It’s a vicious cycle of self-destruction. Are you stuck in a vicious cycle of anger? If so, you can be set free (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

7. Anger is an Expression of False Worship: Like all other “addictions,” anger has false worship at its core. When you express your anger sinfully, ask yourself, “What am I not getting that I really want or that I’m willing to sin to get?” Your answer will reveal what you’re living for in that moment. Something else has captured your heart more than God, and you’re seeking a false refuge; that is idolatry. What’s captured your heart more than God?

8. Anger is Often Just a Fruit: It usually has fear at the root and more specifically, it is the fear of man. While anger may be all we can see at times, at the heart of it is a fearful, insecure, unsafe, untrusting heart looking for something from man that only God can satisfy. Learn to love God more with reverent awe and fear because then you’ll learn to need people less. Remember that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18) and that you are perfectly loved by your heavenly Father. What are you really afraid of deep down in the innermost being of your heart?

9. Anger Can Be Righteous: Ephesians 4:26says, “Be angry and do not sin.” You express righteous anger by becoming angry about what angers God. Jesus died not only to free you from sinful anger but to enable you to be angry with God not at God. Is your anger expressed righteously or sinfully? How can you tell? Would others say the same?

10. Anger Must Be Surrendered: The only way out is to surrender your anger to God. Do not control or manage it in your flesh. Let the Spirit move you to action or bring you to brokenness. God is the judge, not you or me (James 4:11–12). Are you ready to step down from the throne of your mini judgment seat and allow God to be God? Remember, “vengeance is mine,” says the Lord (Romans 12:18–21).  

Are you ready to humble yourself in your broken state and surrender your sinful anger to God? Know that He will give you grace in your time of need (Isaiah 66:2b; 2 Chronicles 16:9;James 4:6). So, if you are ready, repent, ask God and those you have offended to forgive you, and walk in victory over the sinful anger that’s held you captive for so long.🛡🛡⚔⚔

How To Eat Papaya Seeds To Detoxify Liver, Kidneys And Heal Digestive Tract

How To Eat Papaya Seeds To Detoxify Liver, Kidneys And Heal Digestive Tract

With its sweet taste, a soft, butter-like consistency and musky undertones, it is no wonder why Christopher Columbus described the papaya as “fruit of the angels”. This fruit has a highly nutritional value providing many health benefits. Due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties papaya can be used as a powerful remedy for treating numerous health issues including cancer, blood sugar level, heart disease, wounds, and digestive issues.

But, we can assume that all this time whenever you were eating papaya you used to throw away its seeds without having a clue that actually the seeds are the ones which make this fruit so beneficial.

So, now that you are familiar with the fact that papaya seeds can provide many health benefits, you can start eating the whole fruit and enjoy its benefits!

Health benefits of papaya seeds

Improve Digestive Health

Papaya is considered as extremely useful for improving the function of the digestive system. The seeds of this fruit have potent anti-parasite and antibacterial properties, responsible for the fruit ability to eliminate the harmful micro-organisms from your intestinal tract.

Moreover, we need to mention that this fruit has strong anti-pathogenic properties so eating only 1 tablespoon of papaya seeds can help you with food poisoning in that way that will kill the bacteria which cause the problem.

 Prevent Cancer

Papaya seeds have phenolic compounds and flavonoids in its content, which have been identified as natural antioxidants and which have the ability to slow down the growth of tumor cells. The phytonutrient isothiocyanate can prevent breast, prostate, lungs, and colon cancer.

Detoxify Liver

For many years, the Traditional Chinese Medicine has been using papaya seeds to remove the harmful toxins from the body, thus improving the vital functions of the liver.

A number of studies claim that papaya can be significantly useful for people who suffer from fatty liver (liver cirrhosis). The regular consumption of 1 tablespoon papaya seeds a day can help you to detoxify your liver. However, you need to make some dietary and lifestyle changes as well, like quit drinking, so you can obtain the best results.

Detoxify Kidneys

Papaya seeds are also extremely beneficial for detoxifying your kidneys. Due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, they are able to protect your kidneys from toxin-induced inflammation.

 Lower High Blood Pressure

According to many studies conducted on lab rats, papaya fruit can provide significant improvements in the cardiovascular health. Carpaine-a is a compound which is found in the whole fruit including its seeds and leaves which prove to be effective for reducing diastolic, systolic, and mean arterial blood pressure.

 Reduce Inflammation In Inflammatory Diseases

The powerful enzymes papain and chymopapain and the potent anti-inflammatory properties make these remarkable seeds significantly useful for fighting inflammation in the body such as asthma, gout, joint pains, and arthritis.

 Natural Contraceptive

For many years, the Indian culture has been using papaya seeds as a form of natural contraceptive. In the case you want to get pregnant, you should avoid eating papaya seeds. Studies conducted on male rats which were eating papaya seeds for some period of time claim that the production of their sperm was reduced.

Source: http://www.naturalcuresandhomeremedies.com/how-to-eat-papaya-seeds-to-detoxify-liver-kidneys-and-heal-digestive-tract/

So, now that you are familiar with the fact that papaya seeds can provide many health benefits, you can start eating the whole fruit and enjoy its benefits!

Health benefits of papaya seeds

Improve Digestive Health

Papaya is considered as extremely useful for improving the function of the digestive system. The seeds of this fruit have potent anti-parasite and antibacterial properties, responsible for the fruit ability to eliminate the harmful micro-organisms from your intestinal tract.

Moreover, we need to mention that this fruit has strong anti-pathogenic properties so eating only 1 tablespoon of papaya seeds can help you with food poisoning in that way that will kill the bacteria which cause the problem.

 Prevent Cancer

Papaya seeds have phenolic compounds and flavonoids in its content, which have been identified as natural antioxidants and which have the ability to slow down the growth of tumor cells. The phytonutrient isothiocyanate can prevent breast, prostate, lungs, and colon cancer.

Detoxify Liver

For many years, the Traditional Chinese Medicine has been using papaya seeds to remove the harmful toxins from the body, thus improving the vital functions of the liver.

A number of studies claim that papaya can be significantly useful for people who suffer from fatty liver (liver cirrhosis). The regular consumption of 1 tablespoon papaya seeds a day can help you to detoxify your liver. However, you need to make some dietary and lifestyle changes as well, like quit drinking, so you can obtain the best results.

Detoxify Kidneys

Papaya seeds are also extremely beneficial for detoxifying your kidneys. Due to their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, they are able to protect your kidneys from toxin-induced inflammation.

 Lower High Blood Pressure

According to many studies conducted on lab rats, papaya fruit can provide significant improvements in the cardiovascular health. Carpaine-a is a compound which is found in the whole fruit including its seeds and leaves which prove to be effective for reducing diastolic, systolic, and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP).

 Reduce Inflammation In Inflammatory Diseases

The powerful enzymes papain and chymopapain and the potent anti-inflammatory properties make these remarkable seeds significantly useful for fighting inflammation in the body such as asthma, gout, joint pains, and arthritis.

 Natural Contraceptive

For many years, the Indian culture has been using papaya seeds as a form of natural contraceptive. In the case you want to get pregnant, you should avoid eating papaya seeds. Studies conducted on male rats which were eating papaya seeds for some period of time claim that the production of their sperm was reduced.

Source: Healthy Food Team

A parent's Prayer

Abba Father, I just thank You today. You are worthy of our praise! You are the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords! You are the Author and Finisher of our faith. You are the great I AM and You are perfect in all Your ways!

Today God, I come before You, asking that You teach us Your ways so that we’ll become better parents. I pray that our children will see a reflection of You in us and we will walk uprightly, with love and integrity, teaching them what is right, for Your Word tells us in Proverbs 22:6:“Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” I claim Your promise for our children which says in Psalms 144:12: “Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace.” I thank You that they will be well-nourished with Your Word and that You’ll give them all wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Also, that they develop a close and intimate relationship with You.

3 John 4: “I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.”

I pray that You’ll use them for Your kingdom’s purposes, and that they’ll serve You and worship You wholeheartedly. I thank You, God, for not giving our children a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind (2Timothy 1:7). Thank You for strengthening us to discipline them whenever it is needed. Your Word says in Proverbs 19:18: “Discipline your son and he will give you peace, he will bring delight to your soul.” I pray that You always remind them of how much You love them and teach them to show love even to their enemies. Thank you, God, for helping us become better parents, teaching our children to live acceptable and pleasing to You.

I thank You that our children are blessed and that they are a blessing to everyone they come into contact with.

Proverbs 14:26 “In the fear of God is a secure fortress, and he will be a refuge for his children.”

Thank You, Jesus, that you are the way, the truth and the light seen in them, and that they will walk worthy of their calling. They will be motivated by Your love, filled, controlled and led, by Your precious Holy Spirit, in Jesus’ name, Amen

. The position of the Spiritual Warrior

5. The position of the Spiritual Warrior

Printer friendly PDF version Here we stand in the midst of a fallen world, while the spiritual battle rages all around.  Satan and his fallen angels work night and day to preserve their kingdom, from the advancing Kingdom of God (2 Corinthians 4:3-4).  The battle is over the souls of humanity, as Satan works to keep lost humanity from finding salvation, blinding those who are perishing.  He also works to prevent the saints (the saved) from advancing the Kingdom of God, through a catalog of weapons and tactics.  For those new to the faith, the reality of spiritual warfare can be a shock. However, the Lord through scripture has prepared us to expect the war and the attacks.             If God is so powerful, why doesn’t God just eliminate Satan and his of fallen angels?  Many of us ask this question ourselves in the midst of the struggle.  Why do we have to struggle with Satan, and go through his attacks?  Have you ever found yourself asking this question?   If you have, you are not alone, when we struggle and feel helpless; sometimes it is hard for us to see any good in the struggle.              One thing we need to remember is God does not need angels or humans, to do His work or us.  He is completely able to accomplish His will.   If he made the universe, including the spiritual realms, at the command of His word, He could finish it at the command of His word.   However, God chooses to use us, and allow us to participate in His work.  In the process, we the saints (believers in Christ) transform into the image of Christ. Satan serves the purpose of the Lord, because his attacks cause us to grow, being more like Christ ( 2 Cor 3:18).              Imagine if you as child growing, never experienced pain, or failure, then as an adult you were expected to cope with pain or failure.  How do you think you would handle the trials of adulthood, without having the trials of childhood?  When we fall off the bike, or struggle to learn to walk, falling and crying we are being transformed into adults, through trials.  In the same way, when we struggle spiritually we are being transformed, the Holy Spirit is conforming us to the image of Christ.  The Holy Spirit intercedes for us, urging us to pray. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8;26                                     Through the process of spiritual warfare,            the redeemed are tested and tried, learning to trust and depend on the Lord.  In the spiritual war Satan’s hands are tied, he is limited in what he can do; God knows our limitations too, not allowing more then we can handle. The spiritual war             As we see from scripture spiritual warfare is very real, and involving both the physical and spiritual worlds.  In our physical world, we see the effects of this spiritual conflict, between angelic and demonic realms.  Through scripture, God has revealed to us the supernatural world, vying for the souls of humanity.  This struggle involves us, whether we want it or not, once someone comes to Christ they become Satan’s mortal enemy, rather then his mortal victim.  Satan understands the stakes of a saved soul used by the Lord.             Before the person is saved Satan’s goal was to keep the person in darkness, by blinding the lost from seeing the gospel.  All this changes when someone comes to the light, Satan’s goal shifts from keeping a person lost, to defeating the “new” believer, to keep them from living a victorious life.  He wants them to be defeated, in bondage, wallowing in the struggles of their life. He (Satan) wants to keep them becoming effective warriors for the Kingdom of God, he does this through his attacks.  God uses these same attacks to advance His kingdom, through them the saved, learn to the way of the spiritual warrior.              This war however is not primarily played out in the physical world, but the spiritual as Paul states in Ephesians chapter 6.  It is imperative for everyone who serves in the army of the Lord to understand just how and why the enemy battles.  For this reason, Paul makes a the distinction between the two realms, the physical and the spiritual. Our battle takes in spiritual places, even though it may seem to be physical, the source is spiritual, in heavenly realms. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Ephesians 6:12 Before we continue to understand the spiritual war and the role we play, we should have a clear understanding of the nature of spiritual warfare.  Let’s make sure we have a clear understanding of the background of spiritual war, in relation to the Christian.  1.Who is our enemy?             First our enemy is Satan, a fallen angel of the cherub order (Ezk 28:14), who deceived 1/3 of the angels who followed him in rejected their Creator (Rev. 12:4), the Lord God of the Bible.  He along with his horde of fallen angels (demons) unite in their assault against humanity (Eph. 6:12).  They work through fallen humanity, who is deceived by Satan (John 8:44). 2. What is the spiritual war?             The Spiritual war is a war between the forces of God, including angels and saved humanity versus Satan and his fallen angels (Luke 4:8-9). The battle is for the souls of souls of lost (I Cor. 4:3-4), to bring them to salvation.  Satan has blinded the eyes of those who are perishing, so they stay in their lost condition.  Our goal is to advance the kingdom of God on Satan’s territory, through the power of the Gospel, which transforms lives, bringing the lost to salvation (Matthew 28:18-20) 3. Where is the spiritual war fought?             The Spiritual war is being fought in heavenly realms (Eph. 6:12), on the battlefield of the minds of humanity (I Cor. 4:14).  The physical world is merely a byproduct of the events taking place spiritually.  When souls come to salvation, territory is taken away from Satan.  He and his fallen angels control geographic areas, keeping souls under in a lost condition.  When the Gospel is advanced on enemy territory, Satan looses control.             He looses territory, when minds turn from his control, to Christ.  4. When does the spiritual war take place?             The war started at the fall of the angels, and the battle was transferred to earth when Adam and Eve fell.  Satan became the god of the age, he exercises their (Adam and Eve) dominion over the earth.  Satan works to prevent the lost from being saved, by keeping them in blindness to the gospel.              When a person is “saved” by being “Born again”, they are removed from Satan’s power, they now have Holy Spirit power.  At this point, Satan begins his battle to destroy the testimony and walk of the newly saved believer.  5. How is the spiritual war fought?             Satan wages war on two fronts, the spiritual and the physical front.  In the spiritual front, Satan controls areas of the physical earth, through the fallen angels who rule over spiritual principalities (Ephesians 6:12, Daniel 10). Satan is behind deceptive teachings to keep regions under darkness.              This battle is also fought in the minds and hearts of humanity.   Satan opposes the advancing Gospel, because it frees minds from satanic deception.  To summarize these five points: Satan is our enemy Spiritual warfare is the battle for souls Spiritual warfare takes place in the mind Spiritual warfare begins the day we are born Satan uses deception to blind the mind What is our position?             Having reviewed the state of the spiritual warfare, next we need to understand where we stand in relation to this conflict.  When someone comes to Christ, he/she becomes Satan’s mortal enemy.   Satan is fearful and powerful, but he is chained and limited in how he can wage war.              Deception is Satan’s weapon of choice; even though he is limited, his goal for us (the redeemed) is to give him control, even though we have victory.  The Christian is not fighting for victory; he/she is fighting from victory.  Satan is a defeated in enemy. We fight from victory             Our battle against Satan is not for victory; Jesus has already won the victory.  Christians are already the victors when they come to Christ.  We are fighting from the position of victors in Christ conquering enemy territory.  Satan knows our position, his goal is to deceive us, trying to convince us we must still attain victory, rather then advance forward in our victory through Christ.    Jesus Christ has guaranteed our redemption, He will complete our salvation, and the Holy Spirit is the down payment.  Paul writes about this in Ephesians, the Holy Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.  Ephesians 1:13-14             Therefore, we are conquerors taking territory, not warriors fighting for victory.  The war is already over, the enemy is defeated Satan has lost.  His goal is to take away our victory, through deception.  We need to remind Satan he is defeated, and his only power over our lives is the power we give him.                We have authority             Jesus sent out the seventy disciples, who later returned with joy.  Rejoicing they have authority over the demonic realm, in the name of Jesus.  Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lighting from heaven”.  What did Jesus mean by this statement?  As the seventy went from village to village, Jesus was watching another spectacle he saw Satan’s defeat.  Jesus saw territory taken away from him.  At the loss of territory, and the subjection of his “demonic realms” Christ saw Satan fall, like a bolt of lighting from Heaven.  17 Then the seventy returned with joy, saying, "Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name." 18 And He said to them, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. 19 "Behold, I give you the authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  Luke 10:17-19             Not only do we fight from the position of victory, we have the authority, which comes with the victory.  Satan’s agenda is to take away the strategic advantage of the believer.  For this reason, Paul admonishes us to put on the whole amour of God.  We can be prepared against the wiles or scheme of Satan.  Satan is not going to go down in defeat without a fight. 10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:10-11                           Satan wants to take away our power in Christ, he wants to stop the authority we have, Satan’s kingdom is at stake.  Therefore, he uses methods or schemes to assault the believer, causing them to not use the power, we have in Christ.  He wants us to live a defeated existence.  The Greek word of wiles is meqodeiva Methodeia, meaning follow up or investigate by method.  This is where the English word, method is derived.   Satan has a method to his work, he knows what he is doing, he is not haphazard, but methodical in his pursuit.              Again, Satan goal is to remove our authority, take victory from our mind, and make us useless to the kingdom of God.  He can remove our authority, by causing us to fall.  We have authority to reprove the world of sins, in the power of Christ.  How much authority does a believer have, when he is engaged in the same activity? Not much, at least in the eyes of those reproved. That is why Christian leaders, who fall, become mocked. Their fall not only takes their authority away, but the whole kingdom of God suffers.  Satan hunts Christian leaders and Christians his goal is to remove authority, hurting the kingdom of God in the process. We advance the kingdom             Satan rejoices in the destruction of humanity.  Souls who come to Christ remind him of his loss and eventual judgment.  Therefore, Satan’s goal is taking away our victory and authority, to stop the advance of God’s kingdom.  We are the advance team; through us, God advances His kingdom in enemy territory.    Think about it! God could by very word advance His kingdom, but he chooses to allow us to participate in the war.   We are warriors in the Lord’s army, taking dominion from Satan.             Whatever our profession whatever the world thinks of us, does not matter, as children of God, we are soldiers of God. If we are CEO of a major fortune 500 company, or the clerk in a Wal-Mart, both stand on equal footing in the kingdom of God.  The CEO, who fears what his colleagues think of Christ and fails to advance the kingdom of God, has fallen to Satan schemes.  He has allowed the deception of pride and honor in this world, keep him/her back from what God offers.              God will take us where we stand, and use us if we are willing to be used, He does not need the prestige offered by the world.  He (God) rejoices in uses the things despised of by the world.  If we are willing to commit to Him, He will take us beyond anything we could imagine of ourselves.             Remember, when Jesus chose the disciples, they were not world’s all-stars.  They were fishermen, tax-collectors, prostitutes and plain ordinary folk.  What you and I see is the power of the Spirit in their lives.  This same power of God’s Spirit dwells in us if we are saved.  God reminded Zerubbabel, the governor of Judah not to rely on human power or effort but on the Spirit of God. 6 So he answered and said to me: "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' Says the Lord of hosts. Zechariah 4:6             Therefore, wherever we stand in this world, does not matter, it is who we are in Christ, that’s all that matters.  Our goal is to be faithful with the work we have at hand, God will take care of the rest.  We can take comfort, in that the Lord rejoices in confounding the ways of the world. He rejoices in taking the simple and despised in this world, and using them to show His greatness.  18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.  19 For it is written: "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, And bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent."  20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. I Corinthians 1:18-21             So let’s rejoice in our simplicity!  We are warriors of the Lord operating in enemy territory, taking dominion away from Satan.  If we are a clerk at Wal-Mart, or the CEO of a multi-billion dollar company we have the same calling.  God rewards the faithful, and despises the ways of the world.  Put n our armor and go to war!     What can Satan do to us?             Since we have victory, authority and we are to advance the kingdom of God on Satan’s territory what can Satan do?   Paul reminds us to put on the armor of God to be able to resist the schemes of Satan.  Satan is not without resources, he has a whole catalog of methods to take down believers.  Remember, by taking down a believer he removes their authority, securing his kingdom.             Before we examine Satan’s tactics, let us review Satan’s position is in relation to the believer. 1. He is limited             Satan requires permission before he can “sift” us. We see this in Job where he complains Job has a hedge around him (Job 1:10).  Jesus also tells Peter, Satan has requested the permission to “Sift” him as wheat (Luke 22:31).  Satan is the accuser, who stands before the throne of God accusing, the redeemed (Revelation 12:10). 2. He is defeated             Jesus beheld Satan falling like lighting (Luke 10:18).  Our job is to take his territory from him, advancing the Kingdom of God.   Satan’s end is already declared in and seen in scripture.  John taken into the future, saw the day when Satan was cast into the Lake of Fire, for the rest of eternity. 10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. Revelation 20:10             Satan operates from the position of defeat, he wants us to think otherwise.  He knows his time is limited, he knows were his eternity is. 3. He attacks causes us to grow             Satan’s existence must be a frustrating one, because God uses his attacks to transform His church into the image of Christ.  Satan is limited, and when he is allowed to attack its for our growth.  We need to keep this in mind when we suffer; God takes our sufferings and causes us to grow.  8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. I Peter 5:8-10 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, I Peter 1:6-7 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 2 Corinthians 4:14 Satan’s Tactics Satan’s tactics for the lost are different then the saved, for the lost the goal is keep them in blindness. For the saved person, Satan has a multi pronged approach, ·   Remove victory from their mind ·   Distract us from the Lord’s work ·   Take away our authority ·   Stop the advance of the Kingdom of God We will examine this issue with more detail in later studies. 1. Remove victory from their mind A. Self-righteousness, rather then the Lord’s righteousness B. Not trust in the promises of the word C. Causes us to wallow in our sin, rather then overcome it D. Establishes stronghold in our life 2. Distract us from the Lord’s work A. He uses our pride B. He uses the things of this world to engage us C. He uses relationships D. He causes us to envy others 3. Take away our authority A. He tempts us B. He demonstrates our hypocrisy C. He makes us fall in the midst of the people we need to 4. Stop the advance of the Kingdom of God A. He attacks the Word of God (The Bible) B. He attacks the person of Christ C. He spreads heretical doctrines D. He creates false religions E. He spreads lies in education F. He controls access to scripture through government G. He destroys families   The Armor of God: Our Weapons 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Ephesians 6:11-17 http://www.truthnet.org/Spiritual-warfare/5Spiritual-soldier/Spiritual-soldier.htmf

Findings Confirmed, Doctors Did Not Believe: A Woman Cured Cancer In The Fourth Stage. She Ate Only This

Published at Weekly Healthy Life 20 hours ago

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A woman called Candice Marie Fox didn’t give up after being diagnosed with cancer and saved her own life. Candice was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2011, and the doctors told her that the disease has spread to other organs, leaving her with less than 5 years to live. Although shocked and devastated, Candice decided to fight the disease and rejected the usual chemotherapy treatment.

She decided against chemo as her cousin and also one of her friends died from it after being diagnosed with cancer. She started researching the disease and potential treatments, and discovered that bromelain, a compound found in pineapple, kiwi and papaya can destroy the protein layer of cancer cells. She immediately started consuming 3 pineapples every day along with kiwi, lemon, grapefruit, bananas, apples and papaya – she ate only these fruits for the first four days of her therapy.

Candice also stopped smoking and stopped using cosmetic products, and she started doing some stress-relieving techniques. “Stress, chemicals and animal products feed cancer, so I got rid of them,” she says.

During the therapy, she found that big meals spend all of the body’s energy on digestion, so she decided to save this energy to fight her thyroid cancer. After 6 months, Candice was cancer-free and now lives a happy and healthy life without the disease