Spiritual Warfare: Raising children to be disciples of Christ

[AnandaHya]

Please pray with me. I know the Bible tells us that if two or more are gathered in His name, Jesus is with us. I'm not sure if it works over the internet but I think it does.

I'm going through a tough time in my life. God has asked me to wait, listen and learn. I'm not good at waiting. I get impatient and want to DO something. God points to the scripture in Proverbs about a time for everything and right now its my time to wait. So I ask God what does He want me to learn, and He tells me that I have to learn how to tell the story of my life to be a testimony to His greatness and glory.

I laugh and tell Him my life is nothing special, I"m nothing special.

That's when I make God mad. He told me that He made me and that by not having faith in myself, i showed that I lacked faith in God. I questioned that God didn't make something wonderful. He told me even a lump of coal could be turned into a diamond if heat and pressure was applied. Then He showed me how my life to this point has been a pressure cooker and a furnace to refine me into a uncut diamond.

Right now He is cutting the diamond and fixing the ring to set it in. I'm waiting to find my place in this world and learning how to tell my story of how I was transformed from a lump of coal into a diamond.

Its not very comfortable having parts of you chipped away. I don't like holding still and waiting.

I need help and prayer.

I am reluctant to say it but all my life I've been able to see and dream of demons that torture the people around me. I hear them whisper their lies to the people. I've seen how they oppress my loved ones and lead them away from God and the Truth.

I want to learn more about Spiritual warfare and how to lead people to the sanctuary of God's love and church.

There is a demon of pride haunting the local church. I had a dream that a child will die unless they heed the warnings, but I'm not sure if they will listen to my warnings. Its a long story and I don't know what I should do. I will post what I've written in the past and see what you think. I know i'm not perfect but I really don't want to see the death of child due to neglect by members of the church. How do you fight this demon when it possess the Sunday school director and the head deacon?

I've spoken to the new pastor, the choir director and other key leaders of the church but they don't agree with me. I pray that I'm wrong and my fears are unfounded. My question is should I keep bringing it up or let the matter drop and wait and see?

Does anyone else see demons? how do you battle them? Why do people keep feeding them?

 

[AnandaHya]

So here's the story. I'll try to keep it brief. I have three choices: walk away and not look on what is happening, stand watch and do nothing, volunteer to help with the summer camp again this year. For now I've chosen to stand watch and do nothing even though part of me is afraid that something bad will happen. It is in God's hands, but I question myself is it my pride that prevents me from volunteering to help or is it really God's will? Will you help me figure out what is God's will in my life? When do you know if you should intervene or say something? I've been told I've said enough and I should let it drop, but the problem is still there. The demon is still eating at her soul and scaring people in the church. They did not listen to the message. They hardened their hearts and say its because of pity and love. I don't know I feel like its out of my hands.

So the story starts May 2010 when I meet a lady from the First Baptist church at the local Fun day festival. She offered to take care of my puppy in the church tent because it was hot and the puppy liked the shade. June I had a dream that an angel came to me and told me that the lady who was nice to my puppy needed me and I was to go to her church. If I did not go and do what the Spirit placed in my heart to do then someone would die that summer. Needless to say I went to that church the next Sunday. I got involved with their summer camp program and spent over 8 hours a day there with my two toddlers because they were vastly understaffed and underfunded. There were just two other women taking care of the kids. It was unpaid work from 7 am to 6 pm. They just started that summer. There were a lot of problems. I think it should have been cancelled but pride prevented them from doing so. I praise God that nothing happened to any of the kids, but people don't seem to realize how close all the children came to death that summer. I didn't realize it until I was asked to look at the church with the spiritual eyes God gave me. I avoid doing this most of the time because I don't like seeing demons. I don't like seeing evil and not knowing what to do about it.

I don't want to go into too much details but here are the signs I saw of demonic activity within the church: child molestation of the pastor's teenage son by a Sunday school teacher, the lack of listening to the warnings of church members about the summer camp being illegal because of the sewage permit and the need for two people be in all Sunday school children's class. The warning signs that should have been heeded was that it split the church, over half the members left. there was no help from members of the church for the summer camp. they left me with the kids with no training or instructions when I just walked off the street, unrealistic expectations, double standards and much more.

I prayed to God about it and He told me that the Sunday School director (also the director of the summer camp) needed to resign her position due to neglect she allowed things like the molestation to occur. By not listening to the concerns of members of the church and addressing the sewage permit issue and continuing with the camp despite the fact that 28 people who she was counting on to help with the camp left the church, thus placing the children in danger.

Two people can't run a summer camp for 15 elementary aged kids from 7 am to 6 pm five days a week for 10 weeks. Especially if one of them is also the director of the camp. She had a panic attack and had to be taken out by EMS after I just took a 3 day vacation.

It looks like they are trying to do it again. I'm trying not to pay attention, but I don't want anyone to get hurt or the church to close down, what should I do???

 

[contemplative]

To clarify, it seems you're claiming sexual abuse has occurred twice. First, the pastor's teenage son by a Sunday school teacher. Second, the head deacon's son was thrown into prison for molestation of a teenage girl during Sunday school.

How many of these cases have occurred in the church total?

 

[AnandaHya]

only one got into the newspapers but by talking to members of the church that have been there longer then I, its more like 5 or 7 unreported hushed up cases. they don't want to talk about it, but i think its a problem that needs to be addressed and not just hushed up and swept under the rug.

 

[contemplative]

You need to involve the police.

 

[contemplative]

To respond to your spiritual concerns, though, I'll echo advice that was given to you elsewhere, which it seems you have not taken. You are motivated by fear. This is not from God.

Of course, all prophets have some initial misgivings, but take Moses for instance. He couldn't convince his own people and was asked to go try Pharaoh. His response when Pharaoh balked, however, indicates that he came in God's power. Your response, to me, indicates that you're operating under your own power. You're indulging a Messiah complex. "If I don't personally do _____, people will get hurt" is the bread and butter of neurotic meddlers.

Is that cruel to say? I'm sure I could phrase it more kindly, but you've already been told on a number of occasions. In any case, it's better than wantonly claiming the people under whose authority you're continuing to place yourself are actually demonically possessed.

You should be praying for peace and a deeper knowledge of who you are in God, not trying to collect techniques of spiritual warfare. Ask him to show you how to relax and stop being tortured by your imagination.

 

[AnandaHya]

To respond to your spiritual concerns, though, I'll echo advice that was given to you elsewhere, which it seems you have not taken. You are motivated by fear. This is not from God.

Of course, all prophets have some initial misgivings, but take Moses for instance. He couldn't convince his own people and was asked to go try Pharaoh. His response when Pharaoh balked, however, indicates that he came in God's power. Your response, to me, indicates that you're operating under your own power. You're indulging a Messiah complex. "If I don't personally do _____, people will get hurt" is the bread and butter of neurotic meddlers.

Is that cruel to say? I'm sure I could phrase it more kindly, but you've already been told on a number of occasions. In any case, it's better than wantonly claiming the people under whose authority you're continuing to place yourself are actually demonically possessed.

You should be praying for peace and a deeper knowledge of who you are in God, not trying to collect techniques of spiritual warfare. Ask him to show you how to relax and stop being tortured by your imagination.

Ok I won't meddle with this subject and let God deal with it. I don't think its all my imagination. there are people who are demon possessed and they hide it very well. How do you explain the serial killers that live next door? Most people don't even realize it is happening. I'm not tortured by what I see because I trust in God and that God will keep me safe no matter what happens. Even if they kill me they can only destroy this body, my soul belongs to God. I'm not scared of death and I'm not scared of demons. What I fear is not doing what God wants me to do because I listened to people who listened to demons. I don't want to meddle and I would prefer not to deal with it. The Bible talks against going to the police to judge dispute, the Christian community is suppose to deal with it internally.

Here I will quote the scriptures that keep popping out at me that I'm trying to ignore and tell myself it doesn't apply I should just take the easy road and NOT meddle. that is what the demons say that is what the people I should just listen to the world.

well i read these scriptures and I'm not so sure if that is what God wants me to do. It would be easier if I did nothing and just walk away, but what if that isn't what God wants me to do? I don't think I have to be the one acutually I don't think I'm the only one God sends this message too. I've heard others voice it too but they like you tell me they don't want to meddle.

hey if it was just me getting the message i'd ignore it and drop the issue, but other people are saying it too (not the demon part) the part about whether or not the summer camp should take place. This is something that could get the church in serious trouble and have the church closed down. I don't want that to happen.

that is what is bothering me whether or not I should say anything about that. you can ignore the whole demon issue because it doesn't matter as much and God has that under control. I'm more interested in how it influences the church. I've removed myself from her authority and working on distancing myself from the church, but I have friends there that know nothing of this behind the scenes debate. they know a little but they get the filtered truth.


Ezekiel 2 v. 6

And you son of man do not be afraid of them nor be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions. do not be afraid of their words or dismayed by their looks, though they are a rebellious house. You shall speak My words to them, whether they hear or whether they refuse for they are rebellious."

You see the problem is the church was split by these troubles and is just starting to rebuild. They as some of the oldest remaining members hold power over others. If they feel as I do, they are pressured to leave the church. Older members have told me of how they have felt pressured and made to feel unwelcome at the church by the actions of these two people. One who has been there for 23 years stormed out saying "i don't want to belong to a church that allows me to be treated this way." The meeting was about setting guidelines for the summer camp and creating a curriculum. The lady that I still maintain is under demonic influence sent a vicious email prior to the meeting about how the deacons didn't trust her and it was a personal attack on her intergity, etc.I didn't read it until after the meeting. it didn't make sense to me why they were all so defensive. I thought guidelines were a good idea and didn't see why she was fighting them. If was sparked by one of the members finding a book in the reading room that talked about the earth being thousands of years old and that member thought it was against the bible and shouldn't be allowed in the church.

I'm not trying to meddle. I'm actually trying to help people talk to each other and express ideas that are Biblically based in a manner that even someone who is under the influence of a demon can not deny and perhaps break free of that influence. The choir director agrees with me. she has told me that she has seen with her own eyes the same things I have and does believe there is demonic influence at work. We agree that there is a problem, what we are not in agreement on is the solution.

The pastor is new and stepping lightly. the choir director avoids politics and just wants to sing and praise God, the other lady is protecting her because "her mind is fragile right now"

I would let the whole thing drop, except that they promised me that if we as a church did not have the funds to hire a teacher and buy materials for the camp it would be cancelled this year. We do NOT have the funds, it has NOT been cancelled. They are lying to the church. my question is should i expose that lie or not meddle. the person who told me not to meddle is one of the people who I find out is lying to the church. I think she is lying to herself as well.

I don't have to be the one helping out in the summer camp, but SOMEONE has to teach those kids, be committed to be there from 7 am to 6 pm without any pay five days a week. I just don't see it happening. Their plan and vision is not viable. Its reckless and its dangerous. that is what i feel, i just don't want to be the one to say it. I'm waiting for someone else to say it, but no one has stepped up yet. they tell it to me but they don't say it to them for the same reasons I don't say it to them and the church, i don't want to burst the dream because its a good cause, but its foolishness to try and have 15 kids all summer without any qualified hired teachers. You can't rely on volunteers to run a summer camp. it doesn't make sense.

I'm leaving it in God's hands and hoping I don't have to say anything and they will realize their own folly, but its been three months and they want to start it in three months and haven't even interviewed any teachers or counselors. no lesson plans or bible based curriculum. but they will take applications and the money.

I don't think they are bad people just unrealistic.I'm just going to give it to God and ignore the issue until someone drags it back to my attention. I won't say anything unless someone ask my opinion. Its not my responsibility at this moment and I praise God for it. However I still see those kids in the neighborhood and they tell me about planning to go to camp. they are excited about it. Which is a good thing, but can two elderly women run a summer camp with 15 kids for 11 hours a day five days a week by themselves? not just teach the kids, but do the paperwork, clean the church, fix the meals, etc?

They couldn't do it very well last summer when i was helping and a teenage volunteer.

its not my problem right? no meddling

 

[AnandaHya]

sorry I never got to my real prayer request. I wanted people to pray that God showed me what earthly church I should attend and bring my children to so they may grow and become healthy people with a thirst to live for God and share the Good news of Jesus with the world. God tell me if I should uproot my family and try and transplant us to another church or if we should stay at this one where we have already established friendships and roots? My kids are only two and five years old and my husband works most Sundays so I don't know. its hard building new relationships and finding a place. How will you know you've found the right church for your family were they can grow and flourish to be the people God intended them to be?

 

[brettnewman]

I am writing to you in a way of, I am not going to answer your question as I cannot read your heart I cannot tell whether you were visited by an angel or not, but when you say that an angel said to you if you go to church on
Sunday someone will die, This sounds like the works of Satan.
I would start praying for yourself because to me it sounds like you ae being attaked.........

I underwent a deadly battle with some very evil forces, and they use tricks and try to blame you for others suffering, the evil one will try to make you think it is your fault.
Please pray to the Lord for help for yourself.

I underwent a psychotic episode, I had voices that took over my whole body it lasted for around four months, starting small and then getting stronger, I tell you what if you are getting attack and to me it sounds like you are I can say please start praying because the evil one will use everyone around you like puppets, and he(it) is powerful. Pray and stay strong the Lord will help you,..

www.sbpra.com/brettnewman/

 

[contemplative]

The Bible talks against going to the police to judge dispute, the Christian community is suppose to deal with it internally.

The Christian community is not supposed to hide criminals, especially when it is such a widespread problem.

The difficulty I'm having is this - on one website, you talk about a girl who has been abused. On another website, a young man who has been abused. When questioned on this, you believe there have been 5-7 cases of abuse.

When advised to go to the police, though, it becomes an internal matter?

 

[AnandaHya]

The Christian community is not supposed to hide criminals, especially when it is such a widespread problem.

The difficulty I'm having is this - on one website, you talk about a girl who has been abused. On another website, a young man who has been abused. When questioned on this, you believe there have been 5-7 cases of abuse.

When advised to go to the police, though, it becomes an internal matter?

There is no concrete proof and no one is willing to testify or press charges. they don't want to drag the kids through it. I'm hearing it through second hand sources. Considering the one who told me 5 or 7 cases was the senior adult pastor who had been at the church for over 15 years, I tend to believe him. I've expressed my concerns to some key people in places of power and I am going to leave it in God and their hands to watch over the situation and take care of it.

I was just feeling pressure that I should say or do something more, but I think it really is out of my hands at this moment. I've decided to focus on the issues of today which involve interacting with loved ones and reading my Bible at the moment.

I don't agree with how the situation was handled but I'm just a member of the church. If the elders want to cover it up and have gotten the people to agree to do so. There's not much I can do. the people involved have all left the church so what can really be done?

Isaiah 1 v. 16 -17 "wash yourselves make yourselves clean. put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. cease to do evil, learn to do good, seek justice, rebuke the oppressor, defend the fatherless, plead for the widow"

 

[pickles]

There are many here that can help you with this.
I stand with you in Jesus Christ is Lord for all His help, guidence and teaching to pour out upon you.
God bless.
pickles

 

[AnandaHya]

There are many here that can help you with this.
I stand with you in Jesus Christ is Lord for all His help, guidence and teaching to pour out upon you.
God bless.
pickles

thanks i still feel like a kid myself and don't know how they have grown to be 5 and 3 years old already. it feels like they were just born yesterday. lol

 

[pickles]

thanks i still feel like a kid myself and don't know how they have grown to be 5 and 3 years old already. it feels like they were just born yesterday. lol

I know mine seemed to grow up very quickly.
Remember, we plant the seeds of faith, we can care for them.
But it is Jesus that brings us to Him.
God bless.
pickles

 

[pickles]

I did want to let you know that you can contact child protective services about your concerns.
They can act when police cannot, they can investigate the concerns, and then they will contact the police if they belive there is a substance enough to bring charges.
I pray that any involved in these acts in Jesus Christ is Lord will be brought to repentance!
God bless.
pickles

 

[AnandaHya]

If it comes to that I will. right now its just suspicions which I pray are ungrounded. I'd rather be wrong about some things then right when it comes to evil being done to little children, but we can't turn a blind eye that is how child molesters get away with it: good people turn a blind eye to the kids and their warning signs of abuse.

 

[sinnomorePTL]

Dear Sister, whenever we pray together, whether we are physically together, or separated by thousands of miles, we are praying together and get the reward.

May God pour out His richest blessings upon you, in Jesus name, Amen.

Love in Jesus
brother Gary