Spiritual Warfare: When Parents Have to Step In

Spiritual Warfare: When parents have to step in.
By Nellie Shani

A distraught mother of a seven-year old boy, asked if she could come and share something personal with me.

Our talk revealed that Steven (not his real name) was having problems. She told me that the boy had strange behavior and that his teacher had called her to ask her if everything was all right at home. Steven had started to become withdrawn, wanting to sit by himself at break time and was not concentrating in class.

The boy also had a problem with eating. At meal times, he always said that he was not hungry. Joyce (not her real name) told me that she had tried everything to make the boy eat to no avail. He would go to the bathroom to wash his hands before every meal and would keep washing his hands until someone went to the bathroom to check on him. After he came to the table and sat down, he would look at his hands and go to the bathroom to wash them again.

As Joyce and her husband were both Christians, she told me that they would pray with the children every evening before they went to bed. At prayer time Steven would have weird behavior. He would jump around and try to stand on his head or hum tuneless songs. He would basically be a distraction the whole time they were praying. As a result the prayer times became tense, as mum and dad spent half the time correcting misbehavior from Steven.

She told me that she also found a note in StevenÕs room, which said, ÒIn StevenÕs kingdom there is lots of food.Ó She found this note curious only because it concerned food. Steven did not like to eat and she wondered why he wrote that note.

When Joyce brought Steven to our home one day after school, I was shocked! He looked like a child that was suffering from acute malnutrition! His head looked too big for his emaciated body and there was a vein protruding on the side of his head. When he walked, he would stagger around like someone being blown about by the wind. He also seemed to have trouble concentrating. His eyes just kind of roamed around the room.

StevenÕs mother and I had prayed a lot about this meeting and had asked God to take total control and give us wisdom.

I donÕt think that I was adequately prepared for what the seven year old told us. I asked him why he did not eat and he told us what there was always sand on his hands. Whenever he would wash them the sand would appear again. When he came to the table and tried to eat, the sand would drip onto his food! It would have been easy to blow this information away as the fantasy of a seven year old, but through past experience God had taught me to always take children seriouslyÐSatan does!

He went on to tell us that there was someone who came to his room every night as soon as the lights were turned off. I asked him to describe this person and he told us. That it came as two red eyes. He said that as soon as he closed his eyes he would see the red eyes in front of him. Ò Does it talk to you?Ó I queried. ÒYes. It comes and tells me that it will enter me through my head.Ó

Steven said that after it entered his head they would leave the room and fly outside to the home of a lady who had hundreds of children and who gives them a lot of food. They would go to many places. He said that where they go, he is a commander. I asked him whether the being ever came to school and he said that is was always sitting next to him in class and would talk to him all the time. He said that at break time it would also follow him everywhere.

Steven had shared enough for us to know that Satan was messing around with this child. I asked him whether he liked this person or being and he said ÔYesÕ. I explained to this little boy about the fact that if this were his friend, he would not put dirt on his hands when he tried to eat.

He eventually admitted that this was a Òbad friendÓ. We asked him if he would allow us to get rid of this being that would disturb him every night and he said ÔYes.Õ We prayed for Steven and cast out the evil spirits that had entered him, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Later on he told his father that, ÒWhen mummy and aunty were praying, I saw my friends turning into ugly creatures and running away.Ó With the kind of training that Satan was giving him, he would have started worshiping this being very early in life.

Steven started to eat normally and his behavior at school changed. Today Steven is Eighteen years old and his ÔfriendÕ has never visited him again. He has since accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. His parents have continued to disciple him so that the Òvacated rooms in his life are not left emptyÓ (Matthew 12:43-45). I am in touch with his mother, and Samba is doing fine Ð praise the Lord!

Nellie Shani is a Counselor, Conference speaker and writer. Her first book, “Stand Your Ground,” is now available on amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles and on her author’s website. http://www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/StandYourGround.htm

http://ebooks.faithwriters.com/category-list.php?cat=8

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Try Jelly Telly!

In the vast majority of American households PBS, Nickelodeon, The Disney Channel and Cartoon Network get more than their fair share of our children’s time.  Although some of the programming is educational it does not assist us in teaching our children Biblical principles.  But, never fear, once again Phil Vischer, creator of VeggieTales, has come to our rescue with something new as well as innovative.  He calls it Jelly Telly.

Jelly Telly is an internet based television network. It’s updated everyday with new content and shows.  Unlike the computer generated animation that we have become accustomed to seeing with VeggieTales, Jelly Telly offers puppets.  It sort of reminds me of the Muppet Show (only better).

Vischer said, “Kids need to see what God’s love looks like in action.  If they watch a lot of television, they see pop stars, sports stars and celebrities.  They see kids driving around Hollywood in nice cars – recording albums and buying clothes.  They don’t see a whole lot of missionaries or Christian relief workers or, even more vital, kids just like them sacrificing their time to show God’s love to others.  So this sort of thing will be a major focus of JellyTelly.”

Most areas of the website are free however, there is a small monthly subscription fee associated with the site, but its worth it. It’s only $2.99! If you have tried it let us know what you think! If not, take a look at the clips below. You won’t be disappointed.

VeggieTales Legend Releases All New DVD Series

From Chicago-based Jellyfish Labs, Vischer and team open the Bible, Genesis to Revelation, to new generations: how the Bible formed, its major themes and leading figures, even terms such as Vulgate, Septuagint, Canon, and Apocrypha.

“I picture the kid in the back of Sunday school class–with the questions teachers dread. I know that honest answers now help solidify faith long-term,” Vischer said. Select theologians comb every script to accurately present the Bible on ground common to the broadest number of believers. “We work hard to show respect all around,” Vischer said.

VeggieTales has sold more than 50 million DVDs and produced two theatrical films around Bible stories. WITB plugs in the entire Bible. This comes in a groundswell of new concern for Bible literacy and because today’s kids learn visually.

Bestselling author Randy Alcorn emailed Vischer: “[My grandson and I] watched together and again the next day and the next, bonus features and all, until we had to leave. Matthew is now a devoted fan of Buck Denver and the other characters.”

Alcorn also liked, “the depth of biblical background and commentary on God’s great drama of redemption.”

Episodes one, two, and three?

1. In the Beginning — Kids learn God’s big story and how Genesis’s first 11 chapters set up the whole Bible–and life.

2. Let My People Go! — Kids meet Abraham and learn how God used him to start a great nation called Israel.

3. Wanderin’ in the Desert–goes into Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy, joining Genesis and Exodus in the Law Books and setting up trials and victories of God’s people.
“We must learn the language of our audience,” said C.S. Lewis, who connected children to God. “For this generation, visual is fundamental to learning,” Cambridge scientist Alister McGrath said. “By the time kids see the final DVD,” Phil Vischer said, “they’ll know the entire Bible.”

www.WhatintheBible.com

Have you watched any of them yet?  Let us know what you think!

Thanks for Godly Mothers

Throughout the Bible we are given portraits of both good and bad mothers.  The Word of God highlights the many roles of mothers and the rewards that come along with the job.  Below you will find some verses that help shed some light on what a Godly mother is and why you are truly blessed if you have/had one.  Enjoy!

1. Hebrews 12:11: “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Praise the Lord for a mother that raised you properly.  It truly could have been another way.  This verse is a great way to express your gratefulness.

2. Proverbs 6:20-23: “My son, observe the commandment of your father and do not forsake the teaching of your mother; bind them continually on your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk about, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk to you. For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.” You can use this verse to thank you mother for her wisdom and guidance and remind her that you will always hold what she has taught you close to your heart.

3. Proverbs 31:10-12, 25-30: “An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life … Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: ‘Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all.’ Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” This passage describes God’s vision for motherhood. Husbands, this verse is especially perfect for a Mother’s Day card or letter to your wife, the mother of your children.

4. 1 Timothy 1:5: “But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” While growing up, and especially during our teen years, many of us have probably felt that our parents’ discipline was too strong or too strict. Over the years, however, we come to realize that our parents disciplined us because they loved us. Even becomes even more evident once you have children of your own.  Sound “instruction” is truly a blessing.

5. 1 John 3:18: “Let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth.” This is a verse for the mom who has always communicated how much she loves you not just with her words, but also through her actions.

6. 1 Corinthians 13:13: “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Has your mother given you all three? Tell her so, with a thankful heart.

7. Proverbs 29:17: “Correct your son, and he will give you comfort; He will also delight your soul.”

8. Isaiah 66:13: “As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you …”

Teaching Tools: Black History Month

Hannah’s Prayer

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.  Proverbs 22:6

First Grade Teacher Cuts off Student’s Braid

When I initially saw the following story I was sure it had to be hoax.  After I did a little research I was able to view the original report from Milwaukee ABC affiliate WISN.  Needless to say I was appalled.  I have a seven year old daughter and I am sure that she would have been extremely upset about an incident like this.

I’m not sure how I feel about the fact that the child’s identity has been revealed but, the teacher’s identity has not.  The news outlet made it a point to outline that teacher stress has gone up, which implies that this child stressed the teacher out.  My concern as a parent would be that my child would be labeled.  Would subsequent teachers lack patience with my child because she “stressed” this other teacher out?  Additionally, does teacher stress justify this behavior?  The little girl told Milwaukee’s News12 that the teacher called her over to the desk, said that she was going to give her candy, then cut the braid and threw it in the trash while the entire class watched and laughed. Lamya went back to her desk in tears. She says that the teacher asked her, “‘Now what you gonna go home and say to your momma?,’” to which she sensibly replied, “‘That you cut off my hair,’” according to News12.

Although the local school district would not comment on the specifics of the case, an apology was given.

The News12 report says that the District Attorney has decided not to press charges, but police did issue a $175 fine for Disorderly Conduct.

So, what would you do if this happened to your child?

Just a Reminder for all the Mothers

According to Titus 2:5 it is important that a young woman keep her home. She is “to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to [her] husband, so that no one will malign the Word of God.”  Unfortunately, our society has taken this out of context and we have placed more importance on keeping up appearances than anything else.  I ran across this great poem today that was a refreshing reminder of what my most important role in my home is…raising my children. Too many days are spent focusing on the aesthetics and not on the tasks that have true value, real merit and will place an indelible mark on the future.

I Took His Hand and Followed
Mrs. Roy L. Peifer

My dishes went unwashed today,I didn’t make the bed,

I took his hand and followed Where his eager footsteps led.

Oh yes, we went adventuring, My little son and I…

Exploring all the great outdoors Beneath the summer sky

We waded in a crystal stream,We wandered through a wood…

My kitchen wasn’t swept today, But life was gay and good.

We found a cool, sun-dappled glade, And now my small son knows

How Mother Bunny hides her nest, Where jack-in-the-pulpit grows.

We watched a robin feed her young, We climbed a sunlit hill…

Saw cloud-sheep scamper through the sky, We plucked a daffodil.

That my house was neglected, That I didn’t brush the stairs,

In twenty years, no one on earth, Will know, or even care.

But that I’ve helped my little boy, To noble manhood grow,

In twenty years, the whole wide world, May look and see and know.

Although it appears that the author of the poem was referring to educating her son in general, Christian mothers (which should really be all mothers) have the added responsibility of raising our children in God-centered homes.  A mother’s faithful instruction multiplies to bless others as her children grow into mature servants of God. 2 Tim. 1:5

2 Timothy 1:5 (ASV)
⁵ having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in thee; which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and, I am persuaded, in thee also.

Be blessed…

Godly Girls Invest in a Good Girdle

Godly Girls Invest in a Good Girdle
By Valerie Ralston

How many times have you read Proverbs 31 and wondered, “How can I possibly be this woman?” Well I have good news for you! The Bible is like a mirror, as you look into it, and start appropriating what it is reflecting back to you, you begin to resemble more and more what the Word says you are! In light of this, I want to share with you one of the “reflections” God has shown me.

Proverbs 31:17 (Amplified Bible) says, “She girds herself with strength [spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task] and makes her arms strong and firm.”

While reading Proverbs 31 countless times, I continually found myself feeling like this verse was a speed-bump. I would be reading along, but would come to verse 17 and feel like God was trying to get me to slow down and hang out on this verse for a while. The word “girds” captivated me and I knew the Holy Spirit wanted to reveal something to me. The word gird means: to enclose, to surround, to equip, to clothe. It’s where we get the word girdle. It means to invest, which is to furnish w/power, privilege & authority! Honey, when you get your girdle on, you are furnishing or clothing yourself with God’s power, privilege and authority!!!

As I read this verse, God directed me to something I had not paid much attention to before. It says, “She girds herself.” So who does the girding? The godly woman that is being described. You see, it’s my job to gird myself! It’s not someone else’s job to gird me! It’s not my pastor’s job to gird me! And guess what?! It’s not even God’s job to gird me! It’s my job! Have you ever tried to put on a girdle? Let me tell you it takes some effort! Now imagine trying to put it on one of your sisters! I don’t think so! You know, there are just some things you have to do for yourself! I love that God did not make us robots, obeying pre-programmed commands, but instead, as a loving Father calls us to a loving relationship based on us choosing Him.

In the Amplified Bible, the strength she girds herself with is described as 3-fold, it says “spiritual, mental, and physical fitness for her God-given task”. She doesn’t neglect any of these areas because she understands that all 3 have a part in her fulfilling everything that God has for her.

Listen to this definition of gird: to prepare oneself for action. She prepares herself for action so she will be ready for God’s use!

She prepares physically she strengthens her body why? Well it’s not only so she can be looking and feeling good, although that is a benefit of physical fitness. No, her 1st reason for physical fitness is to be strong for her God-given task. You know it’s going to take some physical strength and stamina to fulfill God’s assignment for you.

She prepares mentally strengthening her mind. She understands learning doesn’t end with graduation! We should constantly be growing & learning as long as we have breath.

She prepares spiritually how? Here are 2 ways: first, getting God’s Word in you, and speaking that Word out; and second, developing a daily prayer time, praying in the spirit and in your understanding.

Girls, one of the best investments we will ever make is in a good girdle! Only you can make that investment, nobody else can do that for you. Let me encourage you that whatever the cost of investment of your time, your talent, your heart to your Creator will have eternal benefits for both you, and everyone God wants your life to touch. So come on girlfriend! Get your girdle on!

Valerie Ralston’s more than 16 years of ministry, teaching, & living out the principles established in God’s Word enable her to teach with passion, humor & conviction. Her message is straightforward, extremely real, & will inspire you to be the one of a kind original God intends for you to be.

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Raising them Right…

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.  Ephesians 6:4

As believers our first ministry is to our family.  We are to consistently live and teach the gospel to our children.  These gifts are our responsibility and none of us should want to get caught with our work undone.   I was so very moved when I watched the video below.  It shares the testimony of a young man, named Brady, that came to Christ during a bout with brain cancer and how it built his faith as well as his parents’.

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