Self-Harm and Demonic Possession

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JESUS SPEAKING

‘And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 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 stones. When he saw Jesus from afar, he ran and worshiped Him. And he cried out with a loud voice and said, “What have I to do with You Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I implore You by God that You don not torment me.” For He had said to him, “Come out of the man unclean spirit!” Then He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” Also he begged Him, saying, “Send us to the swine, that we may enter them.” And at once Jesus gave them permission. Then the unclean spirits went out and entered the swine (there were about two thousand); and the herd ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and drowned in the sea. So those who fed the swine fled, and they told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. Then they came to Jesus and saw the one who had been demon-possessed and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who had been demon-possessed, and about the swine. Then they began to plead with Him to depart from their region. And when He got into the boat, he who had been demon-possessed begged Him that he might be with Him. However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, “Go home to Your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.’ (Mark 5: 7 – 27)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Jesus cast the evil spirits out of a demonically possessed man. Once expelled, the demons entered a nearby herd of pigs, prompting them to commit suicide by running into the sea. We can gather much information from this scripture concerning the signs of demonic possession. Increased strength, a desire for isolation (especially pushing away those who care), as well as behaviors that are characterized as self-harm (cutting, burning, inflicting injury against one’s own flesh.) And of course suicide is the eventual culmination of a demon’s desires.

On December 14th 2012, an armed man named Adam entered a grade school and perpetrated the mass murder of many young children prior to committing suicide. This evil individual showed all of the signs of demonic possession. At an early age he became obsessed with mass murder. Making lists of the top casualty shooters of all time. In 5th grade he submitted a creative writing story that focused on the murder of children, cannibalism and taxidermy. Over the years he withdrew from everyone, until in the 10th grade he left his classmates to be home schooled. During this time he connected with a group of others online who loved violence, and were interested in mass murder. He also expressed desires of a perverted nature. After graduating in 2009, his situation worsened. He stopped coming out of his room entirely, and like the demoniac in scripture, he sought complete isolation; covering up his windows with black garbage bags and only communicating with his parents via email. He complained that sunlight caused him pain, and sought to live in the shadows. Concerning self-harm, he eventually became anorexic, (starving himself to 112 pounds with a six foot frame); he also started using a lighter to burn his skin. Now he has entered the eternal judgement from which he can never escape.

Demonic possession is as real as the day is long. There are no shortage of examples that we can examine in our culture today. And yet, although some, like Adam, have succumb to the demons and accomplished evil acts (often culminating in suicide), many afflicted souls are still being set free by the Son of God. As we continue to spread the Gospel, may we experience joy as we observe the demons being cast out of those who put their faith in Jesus Christ.

“Lord Heavenly Father, by means of Your Holy Spirit, give us the strength to cast out demons in Your name. May You set free all those who are oppressed, and give hope to the hopeless. May we serve You in this endeavor, knowing that You have the power to transform even the worst sinners. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Delayed Gratification

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JESUS SPEAKING

“Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.” (Revelation 2: 10 – 11)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

In the book of Revelation, Jesus addresses the Church in Smyrna; warning them of some impending persecution. They are admonished to stand fast and remain faithful, even unto death. Additionally, they are urged to focus on the reward of eternal life with God in the future (“the crown of life”); a fixation meant to strengthen their souls and help them to endure any present suffering.

Researchers once conducted a series of studies called the “Stanford Marshmallow Experiments.” During one study they presented preschool-aged children with a marshmallow and told them they could eat it immediately, or wait for a period of time (typically 15 minutes) to receive a second marshmallow or pretzel stick (depending on the child’s preference.) The study was designed to ascertain if delayed gratification and self-control could be indicators of future success. According to the initial findings, the children who could delay gratification tended to have better life outcomes when they were older, including higher SAT scores, educational attainment, and better health habits.

In much the same way, the Christian life requires a great deal of delayed gratification. We must be willing to deny our present sinful desires and worldly comforts, in exchange for eternal life with God. We read in Romans 8: 18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” And still, despite any struggles we might face, we will experience overwhelming joy in the present; and we will know“a peace that surpasses all understanding.”

“Lord Heavenly Father, fill our hearts with unending joy, even as we suffer persecution in the present. May we remain focused on Your eternal reward; the everlasting life You have promised to all those who remain faithful. Give us the strength to endure and overcome. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Weakness and Faith

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JESUS SPEAKING

And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians: 7 – 9)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Although no one knows the exact infirmity, Paul struggled with some kind of physical ailment. On three occasions he asked the Lord to heal him, and three times he was denied. According to Jesus, Paul’s suffering would persist because it served the purposes of God. A weak messenger is humble, and so God alone receives all of the glory for His mighty works.

We read of an occasion in the book of Second Samuel, when a young boy named David fought against a giant named Goliath. The child carried no sword or shield, and wore no armor. Instead, he possessed only a sling and some stones. Upon seeing his adversary, Goliath mocked him, saying, “Am I a dog, that you have come out to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. Then David replied saying, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you […] Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with the sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” Of course we know that David defeated Goliath with one blow, striking him in the head with a stone. God chose a weak child to accomplish this amazing feat, so that everyone would observe and recognize His power and glorify His Holy name.

In this life, God may use certain ailments or weaknesses to prevent His servants from becoming prideful and independent. Our struggles can often keep us humble by promoting our complete reliance upon God for our care and daily provision. When we give all of the glory to God, we will witness Him accomplishing His mighty works in our lives, and in the lives of those around us.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your daily blessings and provision. May we remain humble so that others might better see your magnificent power and worship You. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and strengthen us, that we may continue to spread the Gospel to all those who walk in darkness. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!