Diving into Deliverance

People are fascinated with the term DELIVERANCE. 

Maybe it’s because of all those supernatural themed television shows and movies that freak everyone out.

Or maybe it’s because everyone knows there could be something lurking inside wreaking havoc in their own life and they need freedom.

Either way, it’s a great subject because whether 

you are a Christian or not, it’s possible for demons 

to influence your soul and at times your physical body.

When I say soul, I mean your mind, your will, and your emotions.

When I say physical body, I mean just that.  As an example, many times demons assigned to sickness and disease can manifest in our physical bodies.

Are you still with me?  

I don’t want to freak anyone out.  In fact, if you are a Christian (that’s someone who’s decided to follow Jesus as Lord and Savior), then the demons are AFRAID OF US! 

I know that my title is Diving into Deliverance and I could write for days on this subject……but I won’t….at least for now.

#1 The thief, the Devil, desires to 

do only 3 things to us in life.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”  John 10:10

#2 Jesus has come to set us free.

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,” Luke 4:18

In those two truths is the beginning of the knowledge and the understanding of deliverance.

You must begin to sort out what in your life is being stolen from you, trying to kill you, and destroy you and what in your life brings life and freedom.

I highly recommend a book that I began my journey of educating myself on deliverance.  It’s called “When Pigs Move In” by Don Dickerman. Which is found on Amazon.

It not only is full of testimonies, but also a step by step process to become free.

If this is a subject that proves a lot of interest, then I’ll continue to share more.

My husband and I have ministered in 

deliverance for several years now and 

have seen many set free from illness 

and other afflictions.

Perspective

A view of the sky from our vacation in Maui; closest thing to Heaven.

In another blog, I had written about my friend Jesse.  Here's a link to that blog:  FAITH WALK  He’s afflicted by a disease that is trying to claim his life.  I’ve been part of a large group of family and friends that have been believing for his healing.  I do believe he will be healed and fully restored either on this side of eternity or the next.  The hardest part about this process is knowing that the door of death is involved in reaching the rest of our lives beyond this earthly existence.  I’m exercising my faith and trying with all that I have to see beyond and gain heaven’s view instead of my own time restricted earthly view.  This isn’t the first time I’ve had to stretch my faith concerning a friend who’s facing a deadly illness and I suspect it won’t be my last. 

What I’m trying to overcome is my natural earthly instinct to see life’s trials and afflictions as finality and with that comes the thought of “no hope”.  I’m in process of getting my mind to grasp hold of God’s truth and to get in alignment with heaven’s perspective; that life will continue on for all of us, either in the eternal presence of our Creator in Heaven, or in eternal torment in Hell.  One path gives us hope of full restoration, including our bodies, living a life void of pain and suffering. The other path without Christ offers no hope, no freedom from pain. 

All of us are eternal beings and whether we choose to believe that or not, life will continue on forever for all of us.  Ecclesiastes 3:11 …He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. This verse clearly states how all of us feel; that we can’t even fathom the scope of eternity.  That this earthly existence is a mere speck of time compared to eternity.  

Every trial and hardship we face on earth is like a drop of water in a vast ocean that never ends. 

Many are facing divorce, losing their house, have lost a job, struggling with addiction, and are contending with illnesses and injury.  Jesus sees us within our earthly time restraints and in his compassion is with us through it all.  Job 28:24 for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.  Nehemiah 9:27 …But when they were oppressed they cried out to you.  From heaven you heard them, and in your great compassion you gave them deliverers, who rescued them… For us, a hardship can seem forever, but in heaven’s perspective it’s just a fleeting moment.  I remember when my first child was born, and that first year was so hard.  My husband and I wondered if we would ever be able to sleep again, eat a meal on time, or have time for ourselves.  It seemed like a very long year.  Now that same child is 15 yrs. old and taking Driver’s Education.  Where did the time go?  What I perceived at the time was an unending season of hardship turned out to be such a small amount of time in my life.  Perspective. 

Whether you’re hardship is illness, finances, loss of marriage, loss of a child there is HOPE.  We have an eternal hope through Jesus Christ.  This time spent here is nothing compared to the joyous future we are heading towards if you are in relationship with Jesus Christ.  Are you in need of hope today?  If you want to experience the hope of eternity then choose to be a follower of Jesus.

Pray this prayer with me, it’s not so much the words as it is your heart attitude.

Lord Jesus, thank you for dying for me, forgive me for my sins, wash me clean.  I choose a new path now, to follow you all the days of my life, and to honor your name.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

If you’ve just prayed that prayer, congratulations!  Your next step will be to find a local church to encourage you in your relationship with Jesus.  Now that you are a part of God’s kingdom, you too can begin to gain a heavenly perspective to help you navigate life’s hardships.

Go to the iTunes store and download and listen to the song, There is a HOPE by Life Center for further encouragement.  “There is a hope and his name is Jesus.” –Life Center Ministries

You can reach me on Facebook here:  Tasha Johnson, Author "Path of the Blessing"  and through Amazon.com you can find my book, Path of the Blessing to help guide you to staying on course with your relationship with God.

Faith Walk

Myself, Jesse, and Dee

This is my friend Jesse.  He has Machado-Joseph Disease.  It’s a rare disease that takes away all muscle control.  Jesse is 28 years old and I've had the privilege of getting to know him the past year.  In this picture, Jesse is standing with the assistance of my friend Dee and myself.  The last few times we have met we've been taking Jesse on a faith walk out of his wheelchair and around his room in the nursing home.  The three of us are believing God for a miracle healing and for Jesse’s strength to return as a part of that healing.  Jesse is unable to walk.  This past year, Dee and I have been spending every Monday at 1:00 praying with Jesse, singing over him, reading the word, and assisting him with painting.  You could say that Dee and I are on a faith walk as well.

 

Just yesterday, Monday, after visiting with Jesse and Dee, I was deeply stirred in my spirit to seek the Lord on Jesse’s behalf.  This morning the Lord prompted me to read Mark 2:1-12.  It’s the story of four friends that were trying to get their friend, a paraplegic, to see Jesus for healing.  The house where Jesus was, was completely packed out, so they dug through the roof and lowered the man down to him.  Jesus then responded to these friends and the paraplegic after seeing their faith.  Jesus was moved by their faith towards healing, not just physical but spiritual as well. 

That is the sort of faith I want to surround others with.  A faith for healing that will move the heart of God. 

As Dee, Jesse, and I continue on this faith walk –as well as many others who are praying for him- would you consider coming along side someone you know who is on a faith walk themselves?  Let’s decide to position ourselves to move the heart of God and see healing take place.  Let’s join together in unity and risk believing for something extraordinary and impossible; something only Jesus can accomplish not only for ourselves, but for others.

Are you on a faith walk right now?  If so, and you need others to surround you in faith and have no one, then please leave your first name in the comments and I will be praying for you.  You can also reach me on Facebook here:  Tasha Johnson, Author "Path of the Blessing"

Wounded

My husband with our youngest daughter

Last night, a beautiful female woodpecker flew into our window.  She survived; stunned and possibly wounded.  My husband and I ran outside and he embraced her in a towel.  When she started to come to, she leapt out of his embrace onto our deck.  She could not fly.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.  Proverbs 27:6 (KJV)

According to Proverbs, we can count on being wounded by friends much like unexpectedly flying into glass windows.  The good news is that Jesus sees all of us, every hurt, every joy; everything about us.  So when we are wounded, completely stunned from impact, and we find ourselves unable to fly that’s the perfect time to allow ourselves to become embraced by our Heavenly Father.  He is the only one who has the ability to see our wound and be able to bring true comfort during the healing process. 

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Comforter, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.  John 14:16-17a (NLT)

Unbeknownst to the woodpecker, she was in the safest place she could be; held in the hands of my husband wrapped in a blanket.  It wasn’t until she panicked in her distress that she leapt out and attempted to fly. 

Have you ever tried to “fly” before its time; before your wound has healed?  I know that many times I’ve found myself wounded from a situation and then instead of allowing God to hold me I attempt to continue to carry on with life ignoring the fact that I’m wounded.  Just like that bird, I tell myself, “I’m fine.  I can handle this on my own.  I don’t need anyone’s help.  I’m going to just pick myself up again and continue on with life as if nothing happened.”  Ignoring a wound doesn’t make it go away.

What is the solution?  Forgiveness.

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?  Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”  Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV)

Forgiveness can be a tough word but it doesn’t have to be.  Forgiving someone doesn’t mean you are saying, “It’s ok that you hurt me”.  Forgiving someone is a heart issue.  It’s you choosing to say, in your heart, that you forgive and will not hold onto bitterness.  Choosing to forgive doesn’t mean that what that person said or did was right.

Forgiveness is freedom for the forgiver.

When we choose to forgive those that hurt us, it allows our wound to heal enabling us to fly.  Only in the embrace of our Heavenly Father can we find true peace and healing.

Have you currently been wounded by someone?  How are you choosing to respond?

Heart Song: Death of a Loved One

Today I lost a dear friend to a long battle for life against stage four cancer.  Her name is Colleen and you will find some of her comments on this blog.  She was an encouraging voice in my life and I will miss her immensely.

As I am sorting through my emotions of disbelief and sadness I remembered my book and how death was something Abraham had experienced as well.  So I turned to what I know best, God’s word and the inspiration that he gave me in my book.

 Here is an excerpt from my book, Path of the Blessing:

(Found in Genesis 23)

Walking Through the Valley

   Some time later Abraham was told that his brother Nahor had had sons, one of which was Bethuel who became the father of Rebekah.  This is significant because Rebekah goes on to marry Isaac, Sarah and Abraham’s son.

   Sarah then dies at 127 years old.  She died in Hebron in the land of Canaan.  The bible says that Abraham mourned for Sarah and wept over her at her side.  This is definitely a valley experience, when someone you love dies.

    At some point in all of our lives we will find that we walk through the valley of the shadow of death.  This can be experiencing the death of a loved one, or the death of a relationship.  Just because we are finding ourselves in a valley on our path, doesn’t necessarily mean we have gotten off of our path of blessing.  God has led us there and he will lead us through.

 Psalm 23 “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 
He makes me lie down in green pastures, 
he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. 
He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. 
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, 
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” (NIV)

   If you are finding yourself in a valley right now, keep trusting and following the Lord to lead you through. 

As I finished reading these words, it stood out to me that not only will Jesus lead me through, but that death itself is merely a shadow of the reality of eternity we experience as believers and followers of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 23 in the King James version puts it this way in verse 4, Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Colleen is now reveling in the presence of the Lord, dancing, and basking in the bliss that only Heaven can offer without a care for the old shadow that this world has now become to her.

So I write all this to say, be comforted by Jesus.  He will lead you through and this life is merely a shadow of the eternity to come.  We will see our loved ones again because of our relationship with Jesus.  AND that brings me great comfort.

Love you Colleen.

Good Grief?

 Psalm 31:9 Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am in distress;

   my eyes grow weak with sorrow,

   my soul and body with grief. (NIV)

I grew up watching Charlie Brown specials on TV (especially around the holidays).  One of Charlie Brown’s favorite sayings was, “Good grief.”  When is grief ever good?  Here is a chapter from my book, soon to be published, “Path of the Blessing.”  It is a short story of how the paths, or choices of other’s around us effect us and can cause us to grieve.

Charlie Brown by Charles Schultz

 At the end of Genesis chapter 26, there is a side note to Esau’s situation.  Remember Esau?  He is one of Isaac’s twins, and Isaac’s favorite.  He is the one that has been prophesied that he will serve his younger brother.

   He married two women and in verse 35, it says that they were a source of grief to Isaac and Rebekah.  Yikes!  Two daughter in-laws that were a source of grief!  How terrible for Isaac and Rebekah.

   Maybe you can relate in some way?  I know I can.  Whether it is a daughter in-law, or any other relative, when someone marries into the family, and they have no regard for God and no desire to know him, it will cause you to grieve.  Either you are grieving for the one who married that person, or grieving for the person’s soul to enter into relationship with the Lord.  Grief is defined as deep sorrow or annoyance.  Honestly, there are times when I’ve felt both emotions over someone who refuses to know the Lord.  –And it’s especially hard when it’s someone who’s married a relative that you love.

   Esau had married two women that were Hittite’s.  They worshipped other gods rather than the One True God. This is an act of disobedience to what the Lord had commanded.  Esau chose to walk another path, a path he thought was best for him.

This situation could also fall into the category of friendships.  Maybe you’ve been childhood friends and now you find your friend has chosen a path to walk that is opposed to yours.  Or maybe it’s a newer friendship, where it seems like you have everything in common. Then you realize your friendship wasn’t what it seemed.  Finding that you are heading down one path and that friend is choosing to head down another, you are deeply grieved.  Many times what can divide us as friends is where the Lord is leading us individually.  Your close friend may want to walk down the same path with you, but only one of you can walk this path and your friend must wait.  This may cause hurt and misunderstanding resulting in detours along their path.  But it doesn’t have to be that way, where friendships can overcome these differences is on a path filled with grace, love and support for the other person.  Each one must choose.

   Whether you are in a family or friendship, other people’s decisions to follow a certain path can affect you.

   How about marriages?  In the past ten years, I have known about seven couples that have gone through divorce or are on the verge of divorce.  One spouse chooses to walk a path of infidelity, another spouse choses to walk a path of pornography another choses to walk a path of divorce and another choses to walk a path of drugs. Others chose to walk a path devoted to serving a god called “work” and another chose a path of verbal abuse.  But what can we do about this?  What of the other person in the marriage?  Yes, sometimes we do grieve when we are finding ourselves on a path disintegrating before us.  A path that was made through marriage vows you suddenly find is no longer a secure path.  That is when God is giving you a chance to choose, are you going to choose to start anew on your path of blessing beginning with forgiveness or are you going to continue on your own path filled with bitterness and resentment void of blessing?

  

   Isaac, Esau’s father, was on his path of blessing, but his son’s choices, to walk another path, caused Isaac grief.  We can’t control the path that others around us will choose to walk.  We can try to show them the way to the path of blessing, but in the end, it is their choice.  Sometimes that choice will hurt us, especially when it is someone we deeply care for.  When we are on our path of blessing, it is not always a path free of sorrow or grief.  Not everyone will choose to walk the same path we choose.

Have you experienced sadness or hurt over a relationship?  When you think about that relationship does it still hurt today?  Our deepest wounds can take the longest to heal, but if we allow Jesus to aid in that healing, the pain will subside much quicker.  Expose your wound to Him allowing the healing process to begin.