Seaolserch, I found the part about blood surgars very interesting. My daughter battles this in her health and is a big contributor towards her moods. My hubby has a rare form of diabetes. We have found that the abuility to regulate blood surgars is an underdiagnosed medical issue and does contribute to much more than just mental issues. It was through this diagnosis that we were better able to understand and diagnose my daughters many health issues. I believe over the next few years that this will come to the forfront in medicine. Lauren and seaolserch you both will be in my prayers. God bless, pickles
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L
On a side note, when I finally spoke to my husband last night, his voice initially was the voice of the man I had met so many years ago. It's hard to explain, but it was clearer, unencumbered by his illness. I hadn't even realized that his voice has changed over the last few years.
I asked him through tears why this was happening, why he was doing this (I know he's not doing it, but I'm just struggling with anger about the whole situation right now). Anyway, he said clearly, "I think this is from beyond my realm".
Right after, he went back to making no sense in his speech. I can't say whether that was God speaking through him, but it did give me the chills. I doubt it could be a demon, only because it hardly seems what a demon would say. And after he said that, I kind of did understand a little bit more, like a little more understanding was put in my heart.
Sorry, this is not at all an on-topic post, just wanted to add it since we've been talking about it.
I asked him through tears why this was happening, why he was doing this (I know he's not doing it, but I'm just struggling with anger about the whole situation right now). Anyway, he said clearly, "I think this is from beyond my realm".
Right after, he went back to making no sense in his speech. I can't say whether that was God speaking through him, but it did give me the chills. I doubt it could be a demon, only because it hardly seems what a demon would say. And after he said that, I kind of did understand a little bit more, like a little more understanding was put in my heart.
Sorry, this is not at all an on-topic post, just wanted to add it since we've been talking about it.
L
I also found this very interesting. I think there are a lot of things that affect our mental state to a degree and we're not even aware of it.
I did notice on his diagnoses something about a thyroid problem, which I was not aware of before. Kind of a whole nother subject, but I wonder to what degree thyroid problems can affect you.
I did notice on his diagnoses something about a thyroid problem, which I was not aware of before. Kind of a whole nother subject, but I wonder to what degree thyroid problems can affect you.
L
Pickles, I hear ya! I think there are lots of things out there that not only affect us physically, but mentally as well.
I think asthma can affect you -- possibly lack of oxygen to the brain? When I used to have some breathing problems, before I started medication, my thinking would get confused when it was at its worst.
And I've had allergic reactions before that produced anger in me. When I researched it further, I found that there is a link between the release of histamines and emotional response.
But I've never seen much information out there on either of these two biological reactions.
I think asthma can affect you -- possibly lack of oxygen to the brain? When I used to have some breathing problems, before I started medication, my thinking would get confused when it was at its worst.
And I've had allergic reactions before that produced anger in me. When I researched it further, I found that there is a link between the release of histamines and emotional response.
But I've never seen much information out there on either of these two biological reactions.
S
Some mental illness is the fault of the one manifesting it. They refuse to take ownership to their responsibilities and become irrational and bizarre in their behavior.
I personally believe that Histrionics and Narcissism are rooted in sin.
I also believe that many disorders are rooted in a psychological false doctrine: self-esteem (we are to esteem others better than ourselves -- Philippians 2:3). Jesus taught "[FONT=Arial, Geneva, Helvetica]Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt. 5:3). [/FONT]
I personally believe that Histrionics and Narcissism are rooted in sin.
I also believe that many disorders are rooted in a psychological false doctrine: self-esteem (we are to esteem others better than ourselves -- Philippians 2:3). Jesus taught "[FONT=Arial, Geneva, Helvetica]Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Mt. 5:3). [/FONT]
Pickles: thank you so much for the kind regards and for your prayers. Best wishes to you and your family in their seeking of God's will for their own best health. I pray that all of you, including Lauren and her husband and anyone else reading these posts will be led to find the correct diagnoses for whatever it is they struggle with, whether spiritual, physical, or emotional.
It can take a long time and it's not easy by any means, I know. Along with proper medical care, I also had to choose to cut off some very unhealthy relationships I was very attached and withdraw from things I loved but knew were not God's will for my life.
In other words, I was trying to do things my way instead of God's way. Who hasn't heard that one before!!
I pray you'll find not only the right help but also the strength, motivation, and constant determination to do what God is leading you to do in order to find your very best state of heath.
M
Lauren wrote: "Right after, he went back to making no sense in his speech. I can't say whether that was God speaking through him, but it did give me the chills. I doubt it could be a demon, only because it hardly seems what a demon would say. It was your husband that replied coherently. It was the demon that was making no sense, as they are spirits of confusion and double-mindedness. When your husband spoke, that was by God's will so that YOU could understand that "beyond my realm" IS another realm, a spiritual realm and one that your husband is not able to combat on his own. And after he said that, I kind of did understand a little bit more, like a little more understanding was put in my heart.
Pastor Keith wrote " my so much pride I sense in this post , but doesn't the Bible say to get the beam out of our own eye before we try to help others, spiritual wisdom does not come from age but rather from God. Has nothing to do with how long you have lived. That does not surprise me. That is the first thing people say when they encounter teaching, in the confidence of knowing who my Lord is, that they are unfamiliar with.
Of course all wisdom comes from God! School only allows for knowledge. God gives the wisdom with which to use that knowledge. Why is it that you guys are jumping on the 'pride bandwagon' when I am simply trying to give Lauren tools and understanding?? Because it is not in YOUR doctrine? It's unfamiliar to you? Or is it because you hope I'm wrong? You think Christ condones that kind of judging? We are to judge the FRUIT. Your criticism of what I share is not good fruit. Do not confuse pride with my Confidence in my knowledge of who I am in Christ and who He is in me.
Maggie
Pastor Keith wrote " my so much pride I sense in this post , but doesn't the Bible say to get the beam out of our own eye before we try to help others, spiritual wisdom does not come from age but rather from God. Has nothing to do with how long you have lived. That does not surprise me. That is the first thing people say when they encounter teaching, in the confidence of knowing who my Lord is, that they are unfamiliar with.
Of course all wisdom comes from God! School only allows for knowledge. God gives the wisdom with which to use that knowledge. Why is it that you guys are jumping on the 'pride bandwagon' when I am simply trying to give Lauren tools and understanding?? Because it is not in YOUR doctrine? It's unfamiliar to you? Or is it because you hope I'm wrong? You think Christ condones that kind of judging? We are to judge the FRUIT. Your criticism of what I share is not good fruit. Do not confuse pride with my Confidence in my knowledge of who I am in Christ and who He is in me.
Maggie
Lauren, I want to be careful here because I believe it is very important to certian of what is going on with your hubby. In reading this post what you described sounds very simular to what I exsperianced whith a person that was in psy. Lock-up. I can tell you that when I went to see this person I heard in my heart that there were angels with me. For some reason though this person refused all visits they were willing to see me. Once I sat down to speak with this person I knew I was talking to another , not her. I can tell you that some how the needed words came from my lips to her as I prayed in my heart. I also told that which was in her that it was no longer to harm or be with her. I really had no real prep. for this situation, but God was in charge. After this , which she had no recolection of, she no longer harmed herself and became well. This has happened one other time with another although I belieave hers was illness. She too was healed.This is why I believe Jesus is calling me to this. Im not sure why but I have a sence that you should call in someone that works with this. I will commit to praying for your hubby and you for as long as needed. If this is just mental illness the power of healing prayer should never be dismissed. Please keep me updated or if you feel comfortable pm me when ever you need. God bless and huge hugs, pickles
L
Hey pickles, I hear you. I have no idea "who" I was speaking to, I guess I was just saying that it didn't come across as something a demon would say....does that make sense? There was nothing really in the sentence that could lead me into wrong thinking or to be deceived....it merely seemed like an assurance of sorts. But these days I am so spiritually, um, deaf, shall we say, that I definitely do not feel comfortable saying for sure it was one way or the other.
I have no resources whatsoever to involve anyone else in this anyway -- I know almost no one here and have very little money. Life has been so trying with him over the years (and not only because of the mental illness), that I've separated myself emotionally from him to keep myself sane......so I guess what I'm saying is that I am not going to do anything proactive beyond praying for him to be delivered. For my own well being, he needs to be where he is.....and if it's God's will that he be delivered, than he will be.
I have no resources whatsoever to involve anyone else in this anyway -- I know almost no one here and have very little money. Life has been so trying with him over the years (and not only because of the mental illness), that I've separated myself emotionally from him to keep myself sane......so I guess what I'm saying is that I am not going to do anything proactive beyond praying for him to be delivered. For my own well being, he needs to be where he is.....and if it's God's will that he be delivered, than he will be.
L
This is why I rarely post in the Bible discussion section.
My heart is breaking right now and I have two children in my thread throwing sand at each other in the sandbox!!
Is it impossible to hold your tongue when someone takes a jab at you? Is it impossible to not retort? Where is the compassion here?
My heart is breaking right now and I have two children in my thread throwing sand at each other in the sandbox!!
Is it impossible to hold your tongue when someone takes a jab at you? Is it impossible to not retort? Where is the compassion here?
M
praying for him to be delivered EXACTLY! Pray that he WILL receive deliverance. Will YOU cast out the demons of fear, pride, rejection, religion and rebellion? If you don't feel comfortable with that then you need to find a church that believes in and operates in deliverance.and if it's God's will that he be delivered, than he will be. It IS God's will...He doesn't want even one of His Children suffering...Christ already did that for us! But God will not violate your husband's will either. So it is not God's will you need to be concerned with in this situation, it is the will of your husband. So yes, Pray that he RECEIVES wisdom, revelation, understanding, strength and courage; pray that he meets someone that he can accept teaching from on the matter. Claim the blood of Jesus FOR HIM eveyday.
Maggie
Maggie
E
I've read your thread and most of the replies and I would like to offer my opinion on your thread. There is much that can be discussed about the demonic and it's influences on Christian but I would like to stay on topic which is your husbands condition. As a Christian I believe that God has included in His word how to approach and understand what is necessary to restore, heal and deliver His people and bring us into a life of victory and freedom. So let us look to His word for the answers we need for His healing. Remember God never changes. Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
This is a very powerful verse because it reveals the desire of Gods heart to make His people whole:
Luke 4:18 "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE HAS ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR; HE HAS SENT ME TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED, TO PROCLAIM LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVES AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET AT LIBERTY THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED;
Do I believe that mental illness in a Christian can be caused by demonic influence? Absolutely. Is every mental problem or issue a person faces caused by the demonic? I don't believe so. For some it may very well be a chemical imbalance or other unknown factors. Only in cases where the effects and symptoms are quite severe and or considered "incurable" or when a persons lifestyle or personality are altered in such a way that they are a danger to themselves or others would I attribute this to the demonic. Although every case is not this extreme, take the example of the man from Gadarenes:
Mark 5:3-5 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stone. Luke 8:33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned. Luke 8:35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
You stated that at one time your husband was on fire for God and was even involved in the ministry. We know from God's word that when He saves us, ALL our sins are forgiven and we are translated from darkness into light and are a new creation. We now have unmerited favor and mercy with God. Even if we sin or do terrible things as Christian, 1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The problem is that if we continue in sin, we open the door to demonic influence.
It appears that the death of your husbands first wife dealt a great blow to your husbands spirit. Perhaps in his grief and sorrow the thought of prayer or counseling didn't appear to be an option so he chose his own method to deal with his loss and pain. Alcohol is a mood altering drug as well as a depressant. Some prescription painkillers have some of the same effects as alcohol so a combination of both would certainly increase their effects. I believe that the ABUSE of any mood altering substance (drugs, alcohol, prescribed medicine) can certainly lead to certain mental disorders, a distortion of reality and in
effect demonic influence."Pharmakia" is the root word of the English words "pharmacy" and "pharmacist" and it may be used to describe the practice of legitimate medicine. However in the bible the word "pharmakia" is translated sorcery and is used to describe the use of drugs in a way which God forbids.
But we serve a big God. God is able to deliver people even in the most severe cases. God is great in mercy and mighty in power. I would suggest intercessory prayer for your husband daily. Find God's promises in the bible where healing and deliverance are written and pray them over your husband daily. If you can, you may even want to submit your request to a prayer group at church or on the Internet.
James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
This is a very powerful verse because it reveals the desire of Gods heart to make His people whole:
Luke 4:18 "THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME, BECAUSE HE HAS ANOINTED ME TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO THE POOR; HE HAS SENT ME TO HEAL THE BROKENHEARTED, TO PROCLAIM LIBERTY TO THE CAPTIVES AND RECOVERY OF SIGHT TO THE BLIND, TO SET AT LIBERTY THOSE WHO ARE OPPRESSED;
Do I believe that mental illness in a Christian can be caused by demonic influence? Absolutely. Is every mental problem or issue a person faces caused by the demonic? I don't believe so. For some it may very well be a chemical imbalance or other unknown factors. Only in cases where the effects and symptoms are quite severe and or considered "incurable" or when a persons lifestyle or personality are altered in such a way that they are a danger to themselves or others would I attribute this to the demonic. Although every case is not this extreme, take the example of the man from Gadarenes:
Mark 5:3-5 who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stone. Luke 8:33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the lake and drowned. Luke 8:35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid.
You stated that at one time your husband was on fire for God and was even involved in the ministry. We know from God's word that when He saves us, ALL our sins are forgiven and we are translated from darkness into light and are a new creation. We now have unmerited favor and mercy with God. Even if we sin or do terrible things as Christian, 1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The problem is that if we continue in sin, we open the door to demonic influence.
It appears that the death of your husbands first wife dealt a great blow to your husbands spirit. Perhaps in his grief and sorrow the thought of prayer or counseling didn't appear to be an option so he chose his own method to deal with his loss and pain. Alcohol is a mood altering drug as well as a depressant. Some prescription painkillers have some of the same effects as alcohol so a combination of both would certainly increase their effects. I believe that the ABUSE of any mood altering substance (drugs, alcohol, prescribed medicine) can certainly lead to certain mental disorders, a distortion of reality and in
effect demonic influence."Pharmakia" is the root word of the English words "pharmacy" and "pharmacist" and it may be used to describe the practice of legitimate medicine. However in the bible the word "pharmakia" is translated sorcery and is used to describe the use of drugs in a way which God forbids.
But we serve a big God. God is able to deliver people even in the most severe cases. God is great in mercy and mighty in power. I would suggest intercessory prayer for your husband daily. Find God's promises in the bible where healing and deliverance are written and pray them over your husband daily. If you can, you may even want to submit your request to a prayer group at church or on the Internet.
James 5:16 Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.
I really like what markhelp has said.
I suffer from mental illness myself. I do NOT believe this to be a demonic thing but much more a medical illness which is part of living in a fallen world. Just because we are Christian does not exempt us from illness.... and there are major lessons in illness too. I have done counselling training myself (I am a social worker),I have attended many counsellors and had prayer and deliverance sessions. Whilst I have not been healed I know in my heart that God is there despite the way my brain functions sometimes! Mental illness is still not widely understood. The Christian community can be quick to judge it based on demonic or lack of faith related basis...I do not believe this is the case for all. As markhelp pointed out, there are some where it is apparent there is a spiritual connection. In my case, I know that I have a loving heavenly Father who despite my mental instability still grants me the grace to go on...he is my strength even in times where I push him away, he is faithful. I have lost friends who cannot understand my mood/behaviours at times...I find this also sad, but I know that because they have never been personally touched with a mental illness they cannot comprehend the way in which it affects me. Thankfully, my illness is under control through medication. I believe this to be another provision of God...he gives Doctors the ability they have. I know my view will not sit well with some....however, before you judge - have you walked in my shoes? Have you ever suffered from the effects of mental illness yourself? My Christian Doctor once said to me that it frustrates her that Christians always see anti-depressants (and any other meds for mental illness) in a negative light and refuse to take them. She said to me - if I said you had type 1 Diabetes and your had to take insulin for the rest of your life - would you refuse that? This is no different...its an illness, period. Can God heal - HE SURE CAN! Is it demonic...sometimes...but as I said before, I believe this is in the minority rather than the majority of cases. I know God will heal me but this illness has taught me that I cannot rely on myself but only God....so if this is one of the outcomes maybe that is one of my lessons in this?!
I suffer from mental illness myself. I do NOT believe this to be a demonic thing but much more a medical illness which is part of living in a fallen world. Just because we are Christian does not exempt us from illness.... and there are major lessons in illness too. I have done counselling training myself (I am a social worker),I have attended many counsellors and had prayer and deliverance sessions. Whilst I have not been healed I know in my heart that God is there despite the way my brain functions sometimes! Mental illness is still not widely understood. The Christian community can be quick to judge it based on demonic or lack of faith related basis...I do not believe this is the case for all. As markhelp pointed out, there are some where it is apparent there is a spiritual connection. In my case, I know that I have a loving heavenly Father who despite my mental instability still grants me the grace to go on...he is my strength even in times where I push him away, he is faithful. I have lost friends who cannot understand my mood/behaviours at times...I find this also sad, but I know that because they have never been personally touched with a mental illness they cannot comprehend the way in which it affects me. Thankfully, my illness is under control through medication. I believe this to be another provision of God...he gives Doctors the ability they have. I know my view will not sit well with some....however, before you judge - have you walked in my shoes? Have you ever suffered from the effects of mental illness yourself? My Christian Doctor once said to me that it frustrates her that Christians always see anti-depressants (and any other meds for mental illness) in a negative light and refuse to take them. She said to me - if I said you had type 1 Diabetes and your had to take insulin for the rest of your life - would you refuse that? This is no different...its an illness, period. Can God heal - HE SURE CAN! Is it demonic...sometimes...but as I said before, I believe this is in the minority rather than the majority of cases. I know God will heal me but this illness has taught me that I cannot rely on myself but only God....so if this is one of the outcomes maybe that is one of my lessons in this?!
P.S- I would also like to add that the mental illness I suffer is mild-medium severity. Whether or not your husbands illness is or isnt afflicted by 'demonic' activity it is always beneficial to give God the opportunity through prayer and deliverance in case this is so. This is why I pursued prayer and deliverance myself, just in case this was the root issue...it turns out it wasnt, but for some who are maybe more severe to myself it can be one of the mitigating factors.
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