UPDATE
By Pastor James Black | April 2, 2012
The healing process is slow but we are getting better. I am looking at least 4-6 more weeks in a brace and sling. Please keep us in prayer and we will return as soon as possible. God has purpose in all things!
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Delayed
By Pastor James Black | March 13, 2012
Jesus told his disciples to come apart and rest. Well my shoulder has come apart as the result of a fall and the doctor said rest. Since typing is a painful issue I will be delayed for a few weeks – please pray for us and bear with us, Lord willing we will return soon. Thanks!
Pastor James
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Returning Spirits
By Pastor James Black | February 22, 2012
In Matthew 12 Jesus teaches about the power of Satan and his co-conspirators. When you get to verse 43 he tells of a wandering spirit and his influence. What does the evil spirits mean to you? You may be surprised at how much control these spirits have in the lives of the unsuspecting.
Notice that this spirit goes out seeking rest, verse 43 but finds none. Why? Well first of all there is no rest or peace to the wicked according to Isaiah 57:20-21. Secondly there is no rest unless they can cause someone to fall or suffer mischief, Proverbs 4:14-17. And thirdly they only know unrest – steal, kill, and destroy, John 10:10.
Notice also the return of this spirit, verse 44. By returning he shows ownership, “my house”. The demons know every aspect of your life and exercise control unless you know how to overcome them. He also shows option, “I will return”. Have you ever wondered why some people do good for awhile and then all of the sudden they fallback into “trouble”. The spirit has option to come and go at will. Then notice his observation – “empty, swept and garnished”. This individual without the presence of the spirit has had a chance to “get his act together” – swept and garnished. But notice Jesus said “empty”! This man or woman has made moral changes to their life but it is only in the power of the flesh. They do not have Christ in their heart and the Holy Spirit as their seal.
Seeing the potential loss of residence this spirit goes and gets seven other spirits worse than himself. Why does little sins usually become bigger sins – the seven other spirits magnify the power of control. What is the result? First of all it is more wickedness. Sin is a captivity – we usually hear it called addiction. The original instance always leads to bigger instances and problems. Then notice the final result – the end is worse than the beginning!
So, how do you overcome these spirits? First you need relation, Acts 19:13-16. You cannot fight Satan on your on – no matter how much you make up your mind. Second you need recognition, II Corinthians 2:11, of Satan’s devices. When you see the enemy you know how to defend yourself with God’s help. Then last of all you need resistance, James 4:7. Remember the phrase “the devil made me do it”, the devil can’t make you do anything!! If you resist in Christ power you can overcome.
So the next time the devils shows up at your door and finds the house “swept and garnished” let him also find it “occupied” – with the spirit of Christ through the shed blood of Jesus!
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