The Evil One and His Cohorts Identify Closely With Humankind
Many scholars attempt to dumb down the reality of the demonic. In his book Powers Of Darkness, Clinton Arnold says it well, "Since the Enlightenment, many scholars have "Demythologized" the powers of darkness in an attempt to relate scriptural statements that refer to evil forces to modern life. For such scholars the idea of the demonic is a cultural or mythical way of referring to the evil and actions of an individual person or a corrupt social institution. They claim that principalities and powers are identical to the other hostile forces in Paul`s letters, specifically the powers of sin, the law, flesh and death."
Such reinterpretations of the bible play right into Satan`s efforts to remain cloaked. When considering the Enlightenment, I`m reminded of 2 Tim. 3:7 "Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." I will come back to "Authority Figures" who become "Smothered in Assumed Knowledge."
Believe me, Evil spirits don`t need any help when it comes to remaining concealed or undetected. They are masters at concealing themselves within or behind other forces, humans, animals and even conditions. For example, consider how Satan was able to produce, use and possibly hide behind the physical sickness and disease he inflicted upon Job. I refer to the boils and perhaps staphylococci, Job 2:7. Not only do they remain cloaked, but moreover, this ability to remain hidden within or behind enhances how closely they identify with whatever they choose to manipulate. Since my focus is on interactions between these demonic masters of concealment and humankind the question, then, becomes; "Can we clarify this truth?" Since they are such masters of concealment, is it possible to confirm how they identify so intimately with us? While prayerfully meditating on relative scripture, researching, examining various sources on angelology, demonology, and personal experiences, I was led back to the following passage.
Hebrews 13:2 "Don`t forget to be kind to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it." To entertain a angel without realizing that the angel was indeed a angel, indicates that a portion of the spirit`s assignment, included appearing in human form.
Furthermore, it strongly suggests that on such occasions spiritual beings interact with humans exactly the way humans normally interact among ourselves. These truths reveal at least three aspects relative to how spiritual beings closely identify with us. The first one is for the most part external. In essence, this aspect can be compared, for instance, to how human actors, actresses, impersonators, intimately identify with the character, role, mold of operation, etc... of other humans, situations and circumstances. Actors, and actresses, cry, laugh, display rage, fear etc. whereby design; evoke specific emotions, attitudes and behavioral reactions from their audience. (Even though it`s only a play or movie specific reactions and responses will surely surface.) The best of the best receive academy awards. A master impressionist earns the title of "master" only after lengthy observations whereby identifying very closely with the characteristics of that which he/she has learned to mimic effortlessly and flawlessly. Olympians and Professional athletes condition their bodies so as to perform at the highest level, often they study the techniques of former champions to achieve greatness. Spirit beings don`t die, and so, since they don`t die we know that they have been studying human nature, observing our character traits, social interactions, work ethic, etc... from the beginning of human existence. If with strong determination and high scrutiny, I followed you around, observing your behavioral patterns, social interactions, work ethic, etc... every day and night for two years, I could identify with you pretty good. So, it`s quite easy to see why they can identify very closely with us. Furthermore, in the spirit realm, time, as we experience it in the physical realm doesn`t exist.
Knowing what scripture tells about spirit beings can also help us understand just how and why they`re able to identify so closely with us. Scripture reveals the following truths relative to the nature of spirit beings. Luke 2:36 tells us that these spirits don`t die, Hebrews 12:22 they are innumerable, Luke 2:12, Ezekiel 1:14, reveals how spirits travel at incredible speed, Revelation 4:8 lets us know they need no rest and spirits can be present yet invisible, then, appear visible. as recorded above Hebrews 13:2 & Daniel 10:15-16 we can see that supernatural beings can even appear in human form. Not all spirits can appear in human form. Angels can appear in human form, but nowhere in scripture does it record demons being able to physically manifest like angels of light and dark angels. Demons are bodiless spirits and can only have a physical presence by embodying humans, animals, and by manipulating objects. This is how they work; through the mind, will, and emotions.
Furthermore as recorded in scripture, all spirit beings have emotions. James 2:19 tells us that devils (demons) believe in God and tremble. To tremble is a strong emotional expression. Matthew 8:29 demons begged Jesus not to send them into the abyss which reveals that they experience fear and desperately desire to embody something. Luke 8:30 Jesus asked the demon for his name, the demon replied, "Legion" for the man was filled with thousands of them." Here the demon shows self-awareness of both its own identity and that of the other demons.
Such capabilities tell us something about levels of a greater logic they must have in order to operate so swiftly and effectively in both the spiritual and physical realms.(see my web page entitled:Spiritual Realm) It`s noteworthy to compare how much spirit beings know about us and how meticulously they operate in both realms, against how people operate primarily in the physical realm, while in comparison, know so little about these beings. Since this is true it`s extremely significant to prayerfully consider how "reality" for these spiritual beings must be so much more "real" than it is for us. Subsequently, when they effortlessly identify with and mimic external patterns of human interactions, unlike human actors, and actresses, when evil spirits evoke specific emotions, attitudes and behaviors, its no movie, nor do they intend to entertain us. Demons are eternally thirsty, what I mean is that intellectually, they know without doubt they are eternally doomed, (no chance of mercy), they have no peace, are intensely starved of abundant life, joy, etc., and to top it off, they know that conversely, humans can receive God`s love, mercy, salvation, favor, all the fruit of the Spirit, and intimacy with the Father through Jesus Christ. Make no mistake, as recorded in John 10:10 the evil one and his cohorts desire to steal, kill, and destroy. In short they are our enemy.
The second aspect which reveals how spiritual beings are able to closely identify with human tendencies is based upon their ability to embody human beings. Prayerfully, consider the following. Luke 22:3 "Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve." Here again, many modern- day scholars attempt to dumb down the meaning of this passage. One such interpretation teaches that it is not really necessary to believe that Satan personally entered into the body of Judas. Here, the interpreters suggest that Satan merely filled Judas`s mind with evil thoughts whereby bringing him under the evil one`s influence. Such reinterpretations eliminate the continuity of biblical teachings on demonic possession and the reality of their ability to embody humans. This is detrimental because to disbelieve in demonic possession eliminates the need to cast out demons.
Furthermore, one need only to consider biblical episodes where when Jesus commands unclean spirits to come out of the victim they have been tormenting. Mark 9:20-21 " So they brought the boy, but when he saw Jesus the demon convulsed the child horribly, and he fell to the ground writhing and foaming at the mouth. How long has he been this way? Jesus asked the father?" It`s important to note that when Jesus asked this question that he was not seeking information or understanding about something he, himself, didn`t know. Actually, the questioned was asked to benefit those present, and for us who study scripture today. I mean, Jesus, in essence was teaching on demonology. Later in the context of Mark 9: 20-29 Jesus while explaining to his disciples why they were unsuccessful at casting the demon out of the boy, Jesus said, "This kind comes out by nothing, but prayer and fasting." When saying "this kind" Jesus reveals how evil spirits have rank. Oh yeah some demons have more authority and greater power than others. At the name of Jesus some demons bow or flee, but there are some that are so powerful that they can even speak his name " Acts 19:15 The evil spirit said, "Jesus I know and Paul I know, but who are you? Then beat ( 7 Men) the seven Sons of Sceva down.
The capacity to embody humans explicitly reveals just how intimately spiritual beings can relate to human tendencies. Just, prayerfully think about it. You and I can be intimately connected to, for example, our mate, so much so, because we spend quality time with each other. To a strong degree I know what my wife likes, I know what she despises, and based on having such authentic intimacy, at times I can kind of relate to what she might be thinking in the midst of specific kinds of situations or circumstances. How much more, would we know about each other if we could actually enter or embody one another? Hold this thought and let`s return to Mark 9:20-29. Based on how long the demon embodied his victim, consider how much he knew about the boy`s strengths and weaknesses? Think about how closely the evil one could relate to the boy`s Father`s personality and character traits? Again, keeping in mind how long, how much time, the evil spirit had to get to know the father personally. This is how they learn how to employ succulent bait. Yes! they know all about human tendencies.
Revelation, 9:7--10 "...and their faces looked like men`s. Their hair was long like women`s, and their teeth were those of lions. They wore breastplates that seemed to be of iron, and their wings roared like an army of chariots rushing into battle. They had stinging tails like scorpions. and their power to hurt, given to them for five months, was in their tails..."
This eschatological passage reveals how Apostle John was given a personal revelation of spiritual beings that would come to inflict judgment during the end of time. I turn to this passage because it relates to the features of some demonic spirits. Its significant to note that we don`t know if these beings will be visible to everyone while they do what they do. Thank God that through his grace and mercy throughout human history he has always lifted the veil to show us what`s happening behind the scene, so we humans will not be ignorant of Satan and his devices.
1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, is as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.' At the beginning, I stated how I would return to "Authority Figures" who have been "Smothered in Assumed Knowledge." I received the following understanding depicting just how closely evil spirits identify with humankind. I wrote down the details of this revelation and while prayerfully contemplating the implications and spiritual principles, I looked for a illustrator to bring what was in my spirit out, and into the physical realm. Much gratitude for Mr. Mike Rosangzual at massivebrain,com for such attention to detail. This is one of three personal revelations I shared with Mr. Rosangzual. He truly is a God-sent.
The above Illustration of two demons setting at a table focuses primarily on the third aspect that reveals just how evil spirits identify with us. You see, they manipulate us based on their understanding of the uniqueness of each and every victim`s inadequacies. The evil spirits cravings intensify the moment they identify the victim`s weaknesses. Oh yeah, they fully relate to our uniquely sinful flavor. The bible defines unique sinful weaknesses as "besetting sins." Hebrews 12:1 " …let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doeth so easily beset us..."
These dark angels are looking over a menu listing various human character traits, besetting sins, and more. With the understanding that character traits describe how people act during certain situations or reveal to us what kind of people they are. Prayerfully examine the spiritual concept conveyed through the following illustration entitled Seeking To Devour. Keep in mind, that these dark angels, (As I Peter 5:8 reveals,) are doing what they do: seeking who they can devour."
Besetting sin is any sin that seems to or consistently attempts to overtake you. You see, whether or not we choose to admit it, we all have sinful tendencies. The evil one and his cohorts know the bible. Although they don`t agree with the bible, evil spirits have no doubt that God`s word shall not return to him void. They clearly understand, for example, how God`s strength is made perfect in human weakness. With such clear understanding, the question, then, becomes how does God`s word not returning void, and accomplishing that which pleases God help the enemy? Observe.
The menu that the "Tormentor" and the "Tempter" are examining contains a list of diabolical delicacies:
1. SAUTEED PRIDE: To saute means to cook food quickly over fairly high heat. The spiritual application relates to how quickly "Pride" corrupts. The evil one knows intimately that pride defines, "The love of one`s own excellence." Isaiah 14: 12-13 " How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art tho cut down to the ground which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God..."
The name Lucifer means "Light-bearer" in Hebrew, It`s significant to note that he was created good, and thus the name Lucifer was given to him. But he chose to embrace self centered pride-filled rebellious tendencies, which was why he was cast out of heaven. These truths reveal why he intimately understands what pride can do. His diabolical henchmen also get it. I mean they know that if they reinforce this irrational corrupt sense of one`s personal value, that those with this kind of besetting sin (pride) are compelled to worship human success; Not God. They desire to get humans so tied up into pride that it eternally separates us from God. Since God`s word will not return to him void, in this case Proverbs 16:18 'Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall," they bank on evoking, and reinforcing a level of pride that has been sauteed, to get humans to self-destruct like they did.
2. FRICASSEE FEAR: To fricassee means to boil pieces or chunks of meat slowly with other ingredients like vegetables. The spiritual application speaks of how demons take their time when stirring pieces of past failures, chunks of pain-filled memories, relational disappointments, and blend them with fear-filled expectations, mental images of greater shame, future ridicule, and public embarrassment etc... Demons understand that the human mind is wired to always remember when you`ve felt pain, or been hurt. This is why they love to bring up our past. However, this God-given ability to recall was given, in part, as a means to protect yourself from future pain. Forgetting those things behind is not to be taken literally, it actually means that when doing so, you`ve GROWN not to view past pain-filled experiences the way you did in the past. If you commit to Romans 12:1-2 then past pain-filled issues will not affect you negatively the way they used to because you are truly being transformed by the renewal process of the mind. This process requires us to embrace instead of rejecting the pain every time the memory surfaces in our mind.
I encourage you to consider being the aggressor. Put your armor on!! and set a date and time to sit down and think about the painful memory. Try to recall every detail, knowing that the Holy Spirit will be with you in this secret place. You see, its significant to figure out how much damaging influence pain-filled memories continue to inflict over your life. The evil one knows that such memories interfere with your relationships, lead to negative thinking patterns, and even has the capacity to create a sense of hopelessness. The question, then, becomes. "Do you still live your live through past pain-filled experiences?" If so, then It will be nearly impossible to feel optimistic, for example, about entering a new relationship, when you think that something bad will happen because it already happened in the past. Satan also knows how painful memories often push humans into feeling isolated from others.
Since it`s impossible to dismiss what we feel, the key is to identify what you are feeling, challenge the legitimacy of what you identify, and the presence of negative thoughts that come with it. Challenge everything according to the Word of God. Your personal challenge is based on where God has brought you from or out of. You feel me? If sin was involved in this particular pain-filled memory, by faith in what Jesus achieved at the cross, repent, forgive all involved, and renounce all ties by the authority of the blood of Jesus. These steps, when repeated by faith, (every time painful memories surface) function somewhat like taking a dose of medicine each and every time. Embracing instead of rejecting the pain when the memory surfaces functions somewhat like swallowing castor oil. Oh yeah, this inner healing technique (renewing process) is similar to taking medicine that tastes terrible but is good for you. Then you can say like Paul, "Forgetting those things which are behind I`m reaching forward!"
3. SLOW ROASTED IGNORANCE: Slow roasting is designed to ensure "even application" of heat. Even heat for long periods of time causes the food to become incredibly tender, because all the connective tissues breakdown. The spiritual application is based on how demons know if across the board, (in your sphere of influence) you are not conscious; lacking consciousness or discernment across the board in your sphere of influence equates to being slowly roasted in ignorance. Similar to how long periods of even heat causes food to become tender; remaining ignorant about the existence and activities of evil spiritual beings will make you tender or soft, then unclean spirits can break you down to a level where when you start rejecting Godly instruction. This process describes the ultimate effect of being slowly roasted in ignorance.
On Douglas Ernst Blog you`ll read " The Message is simple: Good and Evil exist. To deny that, or pretend as though a man can go through life making morally neutral decisions, is to walk down a road of confusion. And as Malachi Martin notes, "confusion seems to be a prime weapon of evil." Another famous quote of Martins further states, "Not to believe in evil is not to be armed against it." Get this; dark angels know Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee..." 2 Corinthian 2:11 " Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices." 2 Kings 6:17 Elisha prayed, "God open his eyes!"
4. BAKED INSECURITY: The dry heat of baking changes the form of starches in the food. The moisture is never entirely "sealed in" over time, and so, what is being baked will become dry. The spiritual application is based on how the evil one understands "inadequate bonding." Adequate bonding is crucial during the first five or six years of human life. Without it many never become entirely "sealed.'
Demons know that those who didn`t get adequate bonding, nor receive inner healing because of it, will inevitably struggle in relations. If and when they do find a mate, they will still have a deep fear of abandonment, and so, for many this equates to tip-toeing barefooted through broken glass during their relationships because they don`t want to lose their mate. This kind of tip-toeing intensifies in such relationships because many fail to get Godly and professional counsel. Consequently. they end up just "going through motions, drifting" further and further apart. You see, such drifting is equivalent to a process where both have been baked so long that they`ve developed a kind or sense of insecurity whereby they`ve become dry. This is not God`s will. 3 John 1:2 "Beloved. I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prosperth." My brother, my sister, I`m never quick to make "blanket statements" but here is a exception: if it`s not healthy it`s for your destruction. God wants us to have life and have it more abundantly.
5. BARBECUE AMBITION: I cannot overemphasize how biblical truths help Satan and his evil henchmen, when they contemplate how they approach those they seek to devour. For instance, the dark angles looking over the menu clearly know that God`s strength is made perfect in human weakness. This is why barbecue ambition is a favorite dish. Here ambition personifies the drive toward rank, power, and fame. Barbecue as a verb speaks of cooking outside (to have a barbecue) on a grill with low heat over coals or wood.
The spiritual application links the "outside" with seeking rank, power, and fame "outside" the will of God. Ambition outside God`s will is always selfish ambition. Where ever selfish ambition exists there will be disorder. The low heat refers to how disorder will appear insignificant at first. It is on such a low level, that the disorder goes unnoticed, just like the unnoticed nibbling at the vine by little foxes. It`s the little foxes that destroy the vine and how a little leaven (yeast) spoils the whole loaf. I mean, when selfish ambition merges with disorder the merger creates a specific kind of evil atmosphere. When Demonic grill masters solidify this merger they have the meat falling off the bone. Oh yeah! Selfish ambition and disorder merge inconspicuously whereby the gradual affects (low heat) produces a breeding ground for every other kind of evil. These dark angels frequently order barbecue ambition off the menu. James 3:15-16 "For jealously and selfishness are not God`s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, inspired by the devil. For wherever there is jealously or selfish ambition, there will be disorder and every other kind of evil.
6. DEEP FRIED LONELINESS: The effects of deep frying changes the texture and surface by sealing food in a crisp coating so that the flavor is captured within. Wicked supernatural spirits know that humans were created by God for social contact. Therefore they often disrupt God ordained relationships in effort to create a deep sense of loneliness.
Have you ever felt lonely while in the midst of others? I venture to say that many if not most people have experienced feeling lonely in a crowd. Every demonic being fully knows that being alone and being lonely are not the same. Here, they review the menu with clear direction, knowing that loneliness is a state of mind which for the most part describes feelings of separation from others regardless of their physical presence or absence thereof.
The spiritual application points to how the deep fryer is one of the most dangerous pots in this kitchen called life. Evil spirits know that getting to close too, attempting to handle, or actually touching whatever is in the deep frying process is often inadvisable. Moreover it would be foolish to stick your hand into a deep fryer to touch whatever is going through the deep frying process. This aspect points to nothing coming out and nothing coming in.
This "nothing out" refers to how the deep frying process creates a protective crispy coating whereby trapping and isolating all the flavor inside. Spiritually speaking; this same "nothing out" refers to conceding to a sense of isolation because the actual process of being isolated is deeply felt by those who are lonely. This deep frying manifests as' "no one cares about me", "no one is concerned", " it does not matter if I live, or die." "I feel all alone in the world." These truths convey why deep fried loneliness is a state of mind. 1 Kings 19:14 records how Elijah (who was one of the most powerfully anointed prophets in all of scripture.) cried out of his loneliness to God. saying "...I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it." The key is that he cried out. Demons would prefer if humans concede to a sense of isolation, instead of crying out in prayer or seeking counsel. Conceding to such isolation equates to dwelling silently as a victim. This option results in "nothing coming in."
The end result will be like attempting to stick your hand in a deep fryer to minister to someone who is not ready to come out. To win this battle over deeply felt feelings of separation it`s wise to begin with faith in what God says through his word. Hebrews 13: 5 "...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Acknowledging what you feel because it`s impossible to dismiss what you feel; then label it, and challenge it with God`s word.
7. GRILLED GREED: Grilling is the form of cooking that involves dry heat applied to the surface of food quickly, commonly from above or below. Grilling usually applies significant amount of direct heat. The dark angels viewing the menu do so, knowing that greed and financial motives have destroyed many leaders, They have vividly clear understanding as to how easy it is to manipulate people who have a made-up mind to accumulate more and more material things which by worldly standards define success.
The spiritual application links the substantial amount of direct heat with the impact of a dominant, particular and narrow view of success. Proverbs 28:25 "A greedy man stirs up strife..." Satan knows that the greedy are always driven by a narrow view of success. Therefore demonic spirits inject mouthwatering ideas into the minds of people whose besetting sins are nestled in self-interests. The mouthwatering ideas bombarded the mind the same way the significant amount of direct heat is applied to food that`s being grilled, which, in turn, results in a diabolical harmony at the corporate level among the so-called "society`s elite." Oh yeah, 1 Timothy 6:9-10 "But people who long to be rich soon begin to do all kinds of wrong to get money, things that hurt and make them evil-minded and finally send them to hell.For the love of money is the first step toward all kinds of sin. Some people have even turned away from God because of their love for it."
8. AUTHORITY FIGURES SMOTHERED IN ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE: Here, authority figures, based on their position (many not all) often struggle or fail to sense a need to be further enlightened , assisted, nor do they sense a deep need for salvation. Reality for those possessing this particular kind of besetting sin, typically develop mindsets and behavioral patterns that are smothered in earthly wisdom, worldly philosophy, attained wealth, influential power, and the elevated platform they look down from. These things collectively define them as the elite, or "upper-class."
On the menu, the word "smothered" describes how creamy Alfredo sauce, gravy, honey sauce, etc is smeared, covers, or food is dipped in, whereby becoming overwhelmed with spicy, sweet, or tangy flavor. Barbecue ribs would not be the same if they weren`t smothered in great barbecue sauce.The spiritual application combines how dark angels closely identify with the human need to assume many things. When the dark angels scroll down to assumed knowledge on the menu they begin to drool because they know that an assumption is something humans take for granted without bothering to find proof to support. Furthermore, they know that assumptions are actually necessary.
Therefore these cunning trap setters, with great subtly inject multiple kinds of ideas that reinforce the platform and worldly wisdom that authority figures stand on. Subsequently those who cling tight to assumed knowledge quickly dismiss the possibility that they could be wrong. The evil one knows that when we make the wrong assumptions we view events from a flawed perspective. John 1;46 "Philip now went off to look for Nathanael and told him 'We have found the messiah! -the very person Moses and the prophets told about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth! Nazareth! Exclaimed Nathanael. "Can anything good come from there? "Just come and see for yourself," Philip declared." In this episode Nathanael was not afraid to challenge the assumption that nothing good could come out of the most wicked and violent towns in the world. In John 1:46-50 we observe Nathanael take the challenge. Nathanael met Jesus and entered into this marvelous light. Like Nathanael, we too should always be willing to prayerfully challenge the validity of assumptions we make. If we choose not to do this we will miss opportunities, hinder creativity, growth, and cling to possible erroneous beliefs.
In conclusion, my brother, my sister, I pray you examine this illustration entitled Seeking To Devour prayerfully. It represents a personal revelation given unto me by God`s grace and mercy, because almighty God would not have u ignorant of Satan` s devices. I pray for those scholars who attempt to dumb down the reality of the demonic. Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." I humbly in the mighty name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that readers spiritual eyes are opened.
