This document discusses different ways that God provides protection for believers. It covers physical protection from accidents, illnesses, and disasters. It also discusses spiritual protection from evil spirits and in fulfilling the Great Commission. Economic protection covers possessions, jobs, businesses and investments. Sexual protection helps believers remain pure. Mental and psychological protection involves God strengthening the mind. The overall message is that through abiding in God's presence, believers live under his shadow and protection in all areas of life.
Abdur-Rahman Abdul-Kareem Al-Sheha
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 122 | Size: 1.5 MB
“Terrorism” is of two kinds: terrorism that is evil based upon wicked tyrannical acts, and terrorism that is good and desired based on necessary and justified acts. The terrorism that is evil is injustice, double standards, tyranny, and aggression, in all the hateful connotations that these words imply. It targets women and children, civilians and noncombatants, trying to force defeat and difficult political decisions by spreading terror. This kind is what most people immediately think about when hearing the word terrorism. Often people associate it with what they have been preconditioned to picture by various government agencies and segments of the mass media. Muslims are routinely portrayed as terrorists even though many are either totally innocent of the charge or are more innocent than many of their antagonists who aggress against them. “Muslim terrorism” is a media and think tank byword, even though one would be hard pressed to find the equivalent term of Jewish, Christian, Hindu or Buddhist terrorism in usage. Certain institutions and individuals – with known agendas and backings – have been instrumental in fabricating and perpetuating misinformation, exaggeration, and previously disqualified and refuted misunderstandings and slanders.
-
Table of contents
Preface
Introduction
The meaning of Islam
The misconception that Islam was spread by Force
The misconception that Worldly Gains were the Aim of the Islamic Conquests
Just War Theory and Practice in Islam
Islamic Principles Enjoin Mercy and Condemn Aggression
Islamic General Principles Champion Comprehensive Peace
Islamic Morals Promote Comprehensive Peace
Islam Enjoins Believers to Observe the Following
Moral Obligations and Recommendations to Promote Peace
Examples of Acts Prohibited in Islam which help Promote Peace
Conclusion
THE SEASON OF RECALL “LOVE OF GOD” IS JUST AROUND THE CORNERHuldahIto
The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the entire world. On top of that, another variant is said to have been detected very recently. The more confusion and division the enemy causes, the more we must learn how to discern God’s will and differentiate between ‘the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood’…
VACCINATED OR UNVACCINATED, WE ARE ALL HEADING FOR GOD’S JUDMENTHuldahIto
What shall we fear; of circumstances, being abandoned, or the future? Whatever happened and whichever false charges surrounded him, for David the Lord was his light, his salvation and the stronghold of his life...
The Needs Of Humanity In The Mission Of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Adel ibn Ali Al-Shiddy – AbdulRazaq Maash
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 42 | Size: 2 MB
The Last Sermon of Muhammad , Mercy to the mankind (p b u h)Kashif Mateen Ansari
A Glimpse into the Last Sermon of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to show case that he was a true revolutionary, a challenger of Status quo, Mercy to the Mankind.
Ramadhan: Self-Reformation and Our Responsibilitiesmuzaffertahir9
Ramadhan: Self-Reformation and Our Responsibilities
Sermon Delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba); Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
- The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said purification of the self and reformation are essential and were the purposes for which God had sent him.
- Today some of these commandments were extolled in the Friday sermon which play part in purification of self as well as creating love and peace in society.
- We should turn to God, seek His help to remove any and every kind of pride and arrogance we may harbour
- During Ramadan God grants to those who fulfil His rights as well as the rights of mankind.
- Two funeral Prayers in absentia were announced.
Islam Peaceful Religion
A LECTURE BY HADRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD, KHALIFATUL MASIH V, SUPREME
HEAD OF THE WORLDWIDE AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY DELIVERED AT THE
UNIVERSITE D’ABOMEY- C A L AVI COTONOU, BENIN, DURING HIS RECENT M O S T
SUCCESSFUL VISIT IN GHANA, BURKINO FASO, BENIN AND NIGERIA
Dear students and staff members at this university,
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullah.
I have been asked to shed some light on Islam as a peaceful religion. In view of the
shortage of time, I can only address this subject briefly.
Whenever one wishes to speak about Islam as a religion of peace, the question
naturally springs to mind that whereas there are so many religions in the world such
as Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc., when it comes to finding out
whether Islam is a religion of peace, why should Islam be the odd one out?
One reason for this is that a few years after the beginning of Islam, anti-Islamic
powers began a propaganda that Islam is a religion of extremism and violence and
wants to compel others into belief by means of the sword. This, of course, is
incorrect. In the beginning, the Muslims of Makkah suffered persecution but they
remained silent. Finally, they migrated to Madinah but there too the disbelievers
hounded the Muslims and forced upon them a battle to which I will revert later. The
proof against those opponents who allege that Islam was spread by the sword is that
although the disbelievers of Makkah raised all sorts of objections, yet history stands
witness to the fact that the people of Makkah themselves never complained that the
Muslims had used the sword against the disbelievers to compel them to change their
faith.
Secondly, what has given Islam a bad name is an ugly and awful image of extremism
presented, whether knowingly or unwittingly, by some Muslim groups and.................
This is a study of Jesus being the Lord of Hosts. It is a name of God the Father and also of God the Son. He is also the Captain of the Lord's army. It is a name of great power.
This is a study of the laughter of the lost that will not last because they laugh at the will of God and His gift of salvation. They laugh because they feel no need of God, They are self-sufficient and laugh at the weaklings who need God and His support.
Abdur-Rahman Abdul-Kareem Al-Sheha
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 122 | Size: 1.5 MB
“Terrorism” is of two kinds: terrorism that is evil based upon wicked tyrannical acts, and terrorism that is good and desired based on necessary and justified acts. The terrorism that is evil is injustice, double standards, tyranny, and aggression, in all the hateful connotations that these words imply. It targets women and children, civilians and noncombatants, trying to force defeat and difficult political decisions by spreading terror. This kind is what most people immediately think about when hearing the word terrorism. Often people associate it with what they have been preconditioned to picture by various government agencies and segments of the mass media. Muslims are routinely portrayed as terrorists even though many are either totally innocent of the charge or are more innocent than many of their antagonists who aggress against them. “Muslim terrorism” is a media and think tank byword, even though one would be hard pressed to find the equivalent term of Jewish, Christian, Hindu or Buddhist terrorism in usage. Certain institutions and individuals – with known agendas and backings – have been instrumental in fabricating and perpetuating misinformation, exaggeration, and previously disqualified and refuted misunderstandings and slanders.
-
Table of contents
Preface
Introduction
The meaning of Islam
The misconception that Islam was spread by Force
The misconception that Worldly Gains were the Aim of the Islamic Conquests
Just War Theory and Practice in Islam
Islamic Principles Enjoin Mercy and Condemn Aggression
Islamic General Principles Champion Comprehensive Peace
Islamic Morals Promote Comprehensive Peace
Islam Enjoins Believers to Observe the Following
Moral Obligations and Recommendations to Promote Peace
Examples of Acts Prohibited in Islam which help Promote Peace
Conclusion
THE SEASON OF RECALL “LOVE OF GOD” IS JUST AROUND THE CORNERHuldahIto
The COVID-19 pandemic has radically changed the entire world. On top of that, another variant is said to have been detected very recently. The more confusion and division the enemy causes, the more we must learn how to discern God’s will and differentiate between ‘the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood’…
VACCINATED OR UNVACCINATED, WE ARE ALL HEADING FOR GOD’S JUDMENTHuldahIto
What shall we fear; of circumstances, being abandoned, or the future? Whatever happened and whichever false charges surrounded him, for David the Lord was his light, his salvation and the stronghold of his life...
The Needs Of Humanity In The Mission Of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Adel ibn Ali Al-Shiddy – AbdulRazaq Maash
Language: English | Format: PDF | Pages: 42 | Size: 2 MB
The Last Sermon of Muhammad , Mercy to the mankind (p b u h)Kashif Mateen Ansari
A Glimpse into the Last Sermon of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to show case that he was a true revolutionary, a challenger of Status quo, Mercy to the Mankind.
Ramadhan: Self-Reformation and Our Responsibilitiesmuzaffertahir9
Ramadhan: Self-Reformation and Our Responsibilities
Sermon Delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba); Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
- The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) said purification of the self and reformation are essential and were the purposes for which God had sent him.
- Today some of these commandments were extolled in the Friday sermon which play part in purification of self as well as creating love and peace in society.
- We should turn to God, seek His help to remove any and every kind of pride and arrogance we may harbour
- During Ramadan God grants to those who fulfil His rights as well as the rights of mankind.
- Two funeral Prayers in absentia were announced.
Islam Peaceful Religion
A LECTURE BY HADRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD, KHALIFATUL MASIH V, SUPREME
HEAD OF THE WORLDWIDE AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY DELIVERED AT THE
UNIVERSITE D’ABOMEY- C A L AVI COTONOU, BENIN, DURING HIS RECENT M O S T
SUCCESSFUL VISIT IN GHANA, BURKINO FASO, BENIN AND NIGERIA
Dear students and staff members at this university,
Assalamu alaikum warahmatullah.
I have been asked to shed some light on Islam as a peaceful religion. In view of the
shortage of time, I can only address this subject briefly.
Whenever one wishes to speak about Islam as a religion of peace, the question
naturally springs to mind that whereas there are so many religions in the world such
as Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc., when it comes to finding out
whether Islam is a religion of peace, why should Islam be the odd one out?
One reason for this is that a few years after the beginning of Islam, anti-Islamic
powers began a propaganda that Islam is a religion of extremism and violence and
wants to compel others into belief by means of the sword. This, of course, is
incorrect. In the beginning, the Muslims of Makkah suffered persecution but they
remained silent. Finally, they migrated to Madinah but there too the disbelievers
hounded the Muslims and forced upon them a battle to which I will revert later. The
proof against those opponents who allege that Islam was spread by the sword is that
although the disbelievers of Makkah raised all sorts of objections, yet history stands
witness to the fact that the people of Makkah themselves never complained that the
Muslims had used the sword against the disbelievers to compel them to change their
faith.
Secondly, what has given Islam a bad name is an ugly and awful image of extremism
presented, whether knowingly or unwittingly, by some Muslim groups and.................
This is a study of Jesus being the Lord of Hosts. It is a name of God the Father and also of God the Son. He is also the Captain of the Lord's army. It is a name of great power.
This is a study of the laughter of the lost that will not last because they laugh at the will of God and His gift of salvation. They laugh because they feel no need of God, They are self-sufficient and laugh at the weaklings who need God and His support.
CFC - Evangelism and Spiritual Warfare
Couples for Christ
Christian Life Program (CLP) Training
Talk No. 1
PowerPoint prepared by Sammy Cruz
sacruzdoodle
The command to "watch" is written about 24 times in the New Testament. What does it mean, why is God concerned that we watch and what happens if we don't?
Jesus was negative yet hopeful for the richGLENN PEASE
This is a study of Jesus being negative toward the rich, and yet hopeful because God can do the impossible. In other words, saving the rich would be impossible if God had not made a way through Jesus.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
Why is this So? ~ Do Seek to KNOW (English & Chinese).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma teaching of Kamma-Vipaka (Intentional Actions-Ripening Effects).
A Presentation for developing morality, concentration and wisdom and to spur us to practice the Dhamma diligently.
The texts are in English and Chinese.
2 Peter 3: Because some scriptures are hard to understand and some will force them to say things God never intended, Peter warns us to take care.
https://youtu.be/nV4kGHFsEHw
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
2. Page 2
we should avail ourselves to every opportunity to be present in His
House whenever He wants to serve us through His Word and
Sacrament. To dwell in the secret place of the Most High also means
to continuously seek after God. That means to walk with God on a
daily basis and strengthen and improve our relationship with Him.
In this secret place He will also share His thoughts and secrets with
us. We will hear, feel and experience Him in this secret place. As such
we will abide with Him under the shadow of the Almighty. This is a
reference to His protection and nearness. He shall cover us with His
feathers and under His wings we shall take refuge.
He shall protect and shield us against the terror by night; the
pestilence that walks in darkness; the arrow that flies by day; and
the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
This protective cover and safety is far-reaching and can involve every
sphere and aspect of our lives. I wish to sharpen our spiritual
awareness and sensitivity of what is really taking place around us
each and every day of our lives. To be spiritually aware and sensitive
is the opposite of bluntness and numbness. To be aware and
sensitive means we are also very awake and alert, knowledgeable,
take note, and connect the spiritual dots and linkages of happenings
around us. The late Bishop Hollander said: “We should be spiritually
aware and sensitive to such an extent that we see the devil when he
approaches us from Simonstown in slippers. However, sometimes
we do not even recognize it when he is standing right beside us in
gumboots!”
Allow me to expand on a few areas of protection below:
B. Physical Protection
3. Page 3
When we pray that God should protect us, the first image that comes
to mind is protection of our physical bodies against such things as
car accidents; physical assaults and abuse; accidents and injuries at
home or workplace; even terror attacks, etc.
Do you realize that such protection is happening all the time?
Sometimes we are not even aware thereof. A certain car accident
involving us should have taken place at a certain spot, but we could
move safely past it because God’s angels pushed the offending car
out of the way! The late Chief Apostle Streickheizen said that before
he leaves his house to travel on the road, he prays and thank God in
advance for protecting him to reach his destination in safety. There
are so many cars on the country’s roads – mainly owing to
population growth, and industrial and economic improvements. This
in itself poses the risks and probabilities of motor vehicle accidents
that could take place on the busy roads.
Do you realize that a high percentage of home accidents and injuries
(even deaths) occur in the bathroom of all places? The kitchen is also
a dangerous place. In informal settlements the risk exist that shack
fires could occur during the night when people are supposed to
sleep. Sometimes as we were walking in the malls or streets, we
should have been apprehended or physically attacked by an attacker
but was spared that ordeal.
Bodily and modern-day illnesses such as cancer; aids; tuberculosis;
and other epidemics should have had an impact on our lives, but did
not. We also request that God protect us when we or our loved ones
are bound to undergo medical surgeries and medical procedures. We
continually pray for protection of our bodies against all forms of
illnesses and germs that could invade our bodies at any time. Besides
giving thanks, we also pray for our food before we eat or drink and
4. Page 4
ask that God’s hand of blessing be over it. The growth and
processing of food (plant and animal food) undergo many phases
and chemicals are added to preserve it a bit longer – however,
inadvertently such chemicals also enter our bodies when we
consume such foods. Do not even mention viruses or other medical
threats that enters the food processing supply chain.
However, we also realize that even though we enjoy God’s
protection, He can also allow certain unpleasant things to happen to
us – which has already been weighed and considered in His Godly
Wisdom and Will for us. During these times we should also accept
God’s providence, as it could have been so much worse.
C. Spiritual Protection
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for
pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high
thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every
thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ...” 2 Corinthians 10:
4-5
Most of us are aware of these verses, but only some is actually
practicing it. If we consider the ‘Great Commission’ of Jesus to the
Church, it actually does require of us to invade new territories –
hostile territories. The powers of darkness that have ruled regions
for centuries will not give up without a fight. They must be
confronted, subdued and driven out. This requires spiritual warfare.
Warfare is nothing new. The Bible is filled with it. Apostles and
apostolic children of God will be a people of warfare, whether they
use the term or not.
Why talk about warfare and attack when we are treating a topic such
as ‘protection’? There is a saying that goes: “The best form of
5. Page 5
defense is attack!” We also do not only attack the evils spirits for the
sake of it, but mainly in response and obedience to the ‘Great
Commission’ of Jesus.
Paul was saying that the weapons of his apostolic ministry were
mighty for the pulling down of strongholds. “Stronghold” is the
Greek word for ‘ochuroma’, meaning a fortified place such as a
fortress or a castle. It is established by demonic influence through a
wisdom that is earthly, sensual and devilish. Satan and his demons
have fortified themselves from invasion. They have built strongholds
in every region of the world to resist the advancement of God’s
Kingdom. These strongholds must be dealt with if we are to see the
fulfillment of the Great Commission. Apostles and God’s people have
the ability to confront them and pull them down.
Paul links strongholds with arguments. This is the Greek word
‘logismos’, meaning reasoning, thought, computation or logic. It
carries the idea of holding something safely. It is simply a way people
think based on their way of life, traditions, experiences, or past
teaching. Unfortunately, most thinking is against the knowledge of
God. Ideologies, religions, and philosophies can be strongholds of
this sort. The Church needs apostolic grace today to refute the
arguments that people in our modern world use to reject the Gospel.
Although every believer has rank to cast out devils, apostles walk
and minister in the highest rank. Evil spirits and angels recognize it.
Apostles are the spiritual commanders of the Church. Apostles are
also standard bearers – commanders who lift the standard and rally
the army of God (see Isaiah 59:19).
Apostolic ministry is a ministry of warfare. It entails commanding,
mobilizing, rallying, and gathering the army of God to challenge and
pull down the strongholds of the enemy. The apostolic invades new
6. Page 6
territories and breaks through. It is the first to encounter the
spiritual resistance of the powers of darkness and the first to
penetrate the barriers they erect. The apostolic revolves around the
concept of sending and being sent. God has always been a ‘sending’
God. Our prayers move God. He responds to our prayers by sending
forth His Spirit and angels to assist and protect us.
D. Economic Protection
“I will repay (restore) to you the years that the swarming locusts has
eaten, the crawling locusts, the consuming locusts, and the chewing
locusts. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name
of the Lord your God who has dealt wondrously with you, and my
people shall never be put to shame. Then you shall know that I am
in the midst of Israel; I am the Lord your God and there is no other.”
Joel 2: 25-2
God’s people do have plenty. With this I mean such things as
moveable and immovable properties; jobs; incomes; businesses;
bank saving accounts; financial investments; pension, provident and
annuity funds; vehicles; furniture; holiday time-share investments;
etc. Consider: “The Lord will command the blessing on you in your
storehouses and in all to which you set your hand, and He will bless
you in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy
28: 8
Obviously not everyone has the same level of income, prosperity and
wealth. We do have amongst us people of God with very little to show
or which they can call their own in this material world. We do have
respect and a feeling of empathy and camaraderie with them.
Regardless of the above mentioned worldly possessions, every child
of God is also blessed with plenty from a spiritual point of view. “For
in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and you are
7. Page 7
complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” (see
Colossians 2: 2-10. In other words, there should be nothing that we
should lack or want.
However, I am not proposing or advancing a prosperity gospel – no,
God forbids! We must be satisfied and content with what God has
given us – both naturally and spiritually. That does not mean that we
should not also strive to improve our situations – we should always
strive for improvement and to stretch ourselves.
This article is calling us to protect and look after that which God has
given us through grace. It will grieve God, as the giver of all good
gifts, if He sees that we are squandering, neglecting, and demeaning
those things that He indeed has provided for us. Remember the
parable of Jesus about the talents! We should not only look after what
He has given us, but should also strive to multiply and increase it.
Obviously in referring to the increasing of our natural gifts, we
should guard against being taken over by a spirit of greed and
ambition that undermine others.
So, we pray for God’s protection over all our belongings. This include
all our movable and immovable properties; investments; jobs;
businesses; bank accounts; etc. This protection should even extend
and cover all assets belonging to our children and grandchildren. If
perhaps we have lost anything in the past through one or other
reason, we pray that God repay (restore) us for the years that the
locusts has eaten away of those things that belong to us – remember
what happened to our friend from the Old Testament, Job.
Do not be afraid to mention any particular aspect of our belongings
that seems under threat. So we call on God to send special angels to
fight for us in those particular areas. Like Satan has demons that
8. Page 8
specialize in finance, property, employment, etc., so likewise God
has specialist angels to cover us in particular areas.
Sometimes the work environment has become so hostile and toxic
that our survival can only depend on God’s intervention. However,
God will also tell us in no uncertain terms to get out of a particular
job situation if we need to. That is why we have to be spiritually
aware and sensitive to know and perceive what is really going on.
E. Sexual Protection
“I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which
is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may
prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (see
Romans 12: 1-2)
“Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one
who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into
subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should
become disqualified.” (see 1 Corinthians 9: 26-27)
Enough said!
One of the most critical areas of our spiritual walk with God centers
on sexual sin – strange but true. This is also the area in our lives that
could make us extremely vulnerable. The Bible is replete of
references to the dangers of sexual perversion and sexual sin. Of all
sin, sin against our own bodies is the ugliest.
God urges us to live clean and pure lives as His children. Sure, He
allows a man and a woman to become one in the sexual act as they
give themselves fully to one another. Outside this marital bond is
where the danger lies. Jesus even went so far to say that if a man
9. Page 9
desires after a woman in his mind (thoughts) he has already sinned
and transgressed the ninth commandment: “Thou shalt not covet
they neighbor’s wife.” He also said, “Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.” (see Matthew 5:8)
God’s temple is holy, as God is holy. God’s temple (or His House)
has a pure and heavenly dimension, but is equally also cascaded into
numerous earthly dwellings. Thus the same principles and standards
of holiness should apply to all of those ‘dwellings’ of God. God
cannot be anything other than holy. Sin cannot come near Him. The
cascading dwelling places of God includes His Eternal Kingdom; His
Church as a global and unified entity; each and every church
denomination or Christian grouping; each and every local church
congregation that gathers in the name of the Triune God; each and
every believer that professes to be a child of God. So, the smallest
place or unit where God’s honor and secret dwells is in the heart,
soul, and body of His child.
We realize this and with reverence ensure that this secret dwelling
place of God remains holy and worthy of His Presence. This remains
our ‘reasonable’ service.
However, we are no angels whilst we are still traversing this earthly
vale. We are constantly bombarded by the enemy’s antics (mass
media no less) to try to trip us up. This is where the battle is. If we
dwell constantly in the secret place of the Most High, we will be
covered by the shadow of the Almighty.
To fight against all sin requires God’s Grace and help. To fight
against sexual sin, we require God’s Grace in abundance! If we are
remorseful and repentant, we get strengthened and purified by His
Word and His Grace. That is part of the reasons why we want to enter
into the congregation of the reborn whenever there is a divine
10. Page 10
service. God’s Word is truth – and the truth makes us free (from sin
as well). Moreover, we also overcome the devil through the ‘blood of
the Lamb’, meaning the forgiveness of sin and worthy partaking of
the sacrament of Holy Communion. (see Revelation 12:11)
You know that if it was not for God’s Grace and Protection, we would
have succumbed to many advances and ‘attacks’ of sexual
predators. Satan has many demons specializing in sexual perversion
that influence human beings in one way or the other. If a child of
God struggle in this area, special prayers and fasting needs to be
offered to invoke God’s protection. The fact that very little is
preached from the altar about sexual sin does not mean that it does
not exist, or that it is not so important. On the contrary we should
not be lulled into a false sense of security.
F. Mental and Psychological Protection
“That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Nebuchadnezzar;
he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen; his body was wet
with the dew of heaven till his hair had grown like eagles’ feathers
and his nails like birds’ claws.” (see Daniel 4: 33)
The human being is certainly not a one-dimensional and bland
being. On the contrary, he is multi-dimensional and a many-
splendored being. Each human being has a few spheres or
dimensions that overlaps and support each other. So, a man can be
a husband; a son; a father; a grandfather; employee; golfer; hiker;
author; mentor; academic; inventor; social scientist; preacher; etc.
at the same time. On a deeper level he is also a spiritual being that
seeks to maintain and improves his relationship with God. He also
functions on an emotional and mental level in dealing with feelings,
view-points, stresses and strains of life.
11. Page 11
Regarding the mental and psychological level much can be said. A
lot of what we have to deal with in this sphere has nothing to do with
the deeply spiritual. However, sometimes it also has a lot to do with
it (no contradiction). The Bible verse above is about an incident in
the life of Nebuchadnezzar who was a great king that ruled over a
vast dominion (Babylon) during the time of Daniel when the Israelites
were in exile. He was powerful and proud, and did not want to give
any honor to Almighty God. God then brought him down, to such a
point where he ‘lost his mind’ and crawled around like an animal.
In our day and age, we as God’s children are also bombarded with
many things – stresses and strains of daily life. It certainly taxes our
nerves and mental capacities. The best way to handle it is with God’s
help and protection.
We also have feelings and emotions. We also experience days of
turmoil and depression. This is where our Christian solidarity and
prayers of compassion and intercession for our fellow man comes
in.
Over and above this, a child of God is also attacked on a spiritual
level by the enemy in an effort to break us, or to make us lose our
minds. Even here God’s Grace will cover us. Jesus demonstrated
powerfully how He had command over evil spirits that infiltrated
certain individuals. We should do well to find some balance in our
lives. Sometimes we should just step aside – out of the rat-race so
to speak – and breathe a bit. Separate ourselves and go out into
nature (God’s physical creation) and enjoy all the sights and sounds
around us. Let us take it in with all our senses and really appreciate
and enjoy life. Find inner peace and connect inwardly with our God
in the secret dwelling place of the Most High. Look after ourselves!
This is also our own responsibility. Go on and treat ourselves