Authors Note: We often cover relevant topics at Man Cave as they happen in current events. We call this "POWER-MOMENT MENTORING," which means we mentor in the power of the current emotional moment. When we notice that guys are struggling with issues or have overwhelming questions about current events, we suspend regular programming and go where we nee to go.
Is it Demonic Possession, Oppression Or Mental Illness?
Carving a live tree is an act of destruction. Carving a peace sign seems like an act of hypocrisy.
Mental illness can be permanent or temporary. Sometimes medications and counseling will help folks overcome the mental illness or learn to cope with it. Too often people blame demonic possession as the cause of strange behaviors. Life is a series of mountain hikes where we learn how to overcome struggle and embrace conflict as the most excellent way of growth.
Mental illness is more common that demon possession. How can you tell the difference? You pray and wait for the Holy Spirit’s revelation.
Demons look for bodies to inhabit or possess - that are human or animal. Humans can open themselves up to demonic influences through many things; the occult, alcohol, drugs, horoscopes, mediums, astrology, Palm readers, clairvoyants or psychics are only a few examples.
Oppression is a heavy weight pushing us down in an attempt to keep us from sharing the Good News of Christ. Oppression can be brought on by guilt, evil people or circumstances. Oppression can be brought on by ourselves if we dabble in things that are ungodly. The devil will use oppression in an attempt to gain possession.You have power to stop the oppression through the written Word.
"Listen! I gave you power to walk on snakes and scorpions.
I gave you more power than the Enemy has.
Nothing will hurt you."
Luke 10:19 ICB
"And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.
Then Jesus went around doing good and healing
all who were oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him."
Acts 10:38 NLT
Some folks have the ability through Christ to cast demons out of people. It’s extremely important to stay humble Christ is doing His work through you. Don’t get haughty or prideful, it’s not you, it’s Christ." It's important to know the difference between possession and oppression. The devil is behind all illnesses - anything that steals, kills or destroys life.
Unity in Christ will help anyone with any illness. The devil fights against unity because he knows there's strength in unity. There is power in wearing God's armor.
Wear the Full Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power.
Wear the full armor of God.
Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s evil tricks.
Our fight is not against people on earth.
We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness.
We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.
That is why you need to get God’s full armor.
Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong.
And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.
So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist.
And on your chest wear the protection of right living.
And on your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.
And also use the shield of faith.
With that you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One.
Accept God’s salvation to be your helmet.
And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times.
Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need.
To do this you must always be ready.
Never give up.
Always pray for all God’s people."
Ephesians 6:10-18 ICB
(Note:The rest of this article contains our notes. Please feel free to comment or ask questions.)
Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.
#mancave #ywap4Christ #JLYASDW
[The following was copied from Active Faith Devotional on BibleGateway
“He brought out the most physically impressive warrior in his ranks and also the smallest and least conspicuous soldier. In front of the great warrior he placed a small scraggly pony and in front of the smaller soldier he placed a mighty war horse. He then gave each the task of pulling out the horse’s tail, but by two very different methods. The stout soldier was instructed to pull off the tail in one clump while the small soldier was told to do so one hair at a time. You can guess the outcome. It was the weaker soldier who triumphed over the war horse and the mighty soldier who failed despite all his apparent advantages. A horse’s tail is strong because of its many strands.
A wise leader will succeed by attending to the many seemingly small principles for life’s success offered by God. These principles will be like the multitude of strands on the horse’s tail making it impervious to being overpowered by brute force. A foolish person relies on individual gifts and personal strength; however, this is the epitome of weakness, because there is no unity of purpose supporting his efforts. Therefore, he stands alone. Leadership finds its strength by pulling together the many hairs of the horse’s tail.”]
“I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him. For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use, So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another]. Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: [He whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith;”
Romans 12:1-6 AMPC
In mountain hiking, running, washing dishes, cleaning toilets or any other physically demanding activity, there comes a time when you feel like quitting. That’s when strong men keep going. You have to mentally push your body past exhaustion. The strength of a team is in unity. The weakness of a team is in disunity. Alone we are all weak, together we are strong.
Your dreams and goals are the mountains of your lives. There will be peaks and valleys, storms and obstacles. Climb the mountains of life with Christ who gives you strength. What a friend we have in Jesus.
Last week some guys from Man Cave hike to the top of Humphreys Peak 12, 633’. The guys hiked and watched each other’s backs. Sometimes we did a caterpillar hike to match each other’s speed. Sometimes we waited. They all waited for me at the top.
One sign said “Don’t cut the trail.” Too often in life we cut the trail and travel the way of no conflict. We won’t grow without conflict.
Trees were carved with a peace sign and Covid.
Why would someone use a type of destruction to a tree to carve a peace sign?
Why would someone carve a message of death into a live tree?
The following comments was copied from the Active Faith Devotional on BibleGateway
Run your own race! Hebrews 12:1-2
“THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [Ps. 110:1.]”
Hebrews 12:1-2 AMPC
Don’t compare your race to anybody else’s. God has given us all our own race to run. Do not get distracted by the enemy or by comparing. Stay focused on Jesus and what HE has for YOU. Don’t look to the side or look back, keep your eyes focused straight ahead on Jesus.
2. Run to win! 1 Corinthians 9:24
“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 MSG
Our God is a God of excellence. He is the best and He wants the best for us. Whatever your race may be, run it to the best of your ability with intentions of winning! Give God your best as you pursue whatever He has for you. Don’t run just to be running. Run to win!
3. Trust God when you feel like stopping. Isaiah 40:31 HSCB
“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. [Heb. 12:1-3.]”
Isaiah 40:31 AMPC
We all face times when we feel like giving up. Or times when we are running through life and it seems like we aren’t getting closer to our goals. These are the times that we must trust God. We have to trust that He is leading us on the path that is best for us and that He will take care of us. When we learn how to trust God regardless of our circumstance, He renews our strength and allows us to keep running!
Mental illness is more common that demon possession. How can you tell the difference? You pray and wait for the Holy Spirit’s revelation.
Demons look for bodies to inhabit or possess - that are human or animal. Humans can open themselves up to demonic influences through many things; the occult, alcohol, drugs, horoscopes, mediums, astrology, Palm readers, clairvoyants or psychics are only a few examples.
Oppression is a heavy weight pushing us down in an attempt to keep us from sharing the Good News of Christ. Oppression can be brought on by guilt, evil people or circumstances. Oppression can be brought on by ourselves if we dabble in things that are ungodly. The devil will use oppression in an attempt to gain possession.You have power to stop the oppression through the written Word.
"Listen! I gave you power to walk on snakes and scorpions.
I gave you more power than the Enemy has.
Nothing will hurt you."
Luke 10:19 ICB
"And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power.
Then Jesus went around doing good and healing
all who were oppressed by the devil,
for God was with him."
Acts 10:38 NLT
Some folks have the ability through Christ to cast demons out of people. It’s extremely important to stay humble Christ is doing His work through you. Don’t get haughty or prideful, it’s not you, it’s Christ." It's important to know the difference between possession and oppression. The devil is behind all illnesses - anything that steals, kills or destroys life.
Unity in Christ will help anyone with any illness. The devil fights against unity because he knows there's strength in unity. There is power in wearing God's armor.
Wear the Full Armor of God
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his great power.
Wear the full armor of God.
Wear God’s armor so that you can fight against the devil’s evil tricks.
Our fight is not against people on earth.
We are fighting against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness.
We are fighting against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world.
That is why you need to get God’s full armor.
Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong.
And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing.
So stand strong, with the belt of truth tied around your waist.
And on your chest wear the protection of right living.
And on your feet wear the Good News of peace to help you stand strong.
And also use the shield of faith.
With that you can stop all the burning arrows of the Evil One.
Accept God’s salvation to be your helmet.
And take the sword of the Spirit—that sword is the teaching of God.
Pray in the Spirit at all times.
Pray with all kinds of prayers, and ask for everything you need.
To do this you must always be ready.
Never give up.
Always pray for all God’s people."
Ephesians 6:10-18 ICB
(Note:The rest of this article contains our notes. Please feel free to comment or ask questions.)
Thanks for your time. Go do something nice for somebody. Jesus loves you and so do we.
#mancave #ywap4Christ #JLYASDW
[The following was copied from Active Faith Devotional on BibleGateway
“He brought out the most physically impressive warrior in his ranks and also the smallest and least conspicuous soldier. In front of the great warrior he placed a small scraggly pony and in front of the smaller soldier he placed a mighty war horse. He then gave each the task of pulling out the horse’s tail, but by two very different methods. The stout soldier was instructed to pull off the tail in one clump while the small soldier was told to do so one hair at a time. You can guess the outcome. It was the weaker soldier who triumphed over the war horse and the mighty soldier who failed despite all his apparent advantages. A horse’s tail is strong because of its many strands.
A wise leader will succeed by attending to the many seemingly small principles for life’s success offered by God. These principles will be like the multitude of strands on the horse’s tail making it impervious to being overpowered by brute force. A foolish person relies on individual gifts and personal strength; however, this is the epitome of weakness, because there is no unity of purpose supporting his efforts. Therefore, he stands alone. Leadership finds its strength by pulling together the many hairs of the horse’s tail.”]
“I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God, even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him. For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use, So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another]. Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: [He whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith;”
Romans 12:1-6 AMPC
In mountain hiking, running, washing dishes, cleaning toilets or any other physically demanding activity, there comes a time when you feel like quitting. That’s when strong men keep going. You have to mentally push your body past exhaustion. The strength of a team is in unity. The weakness of a team is in disunity. Alone we are all weak, together we are strong.
Your dreams and goals are the mountains of your lives. There will be peaks and valleys, storms and obstacles. Climb the mountains of life with Christ who gives you strength. What a friend we have in Jesus.
Last week some guys from Man Cave hike to the top of Humphreys Peak 12, 633’. The guys hiked and watched each other’s backs. Sometimes we did a caterpillar hike to match each other’s speed. Sometimes we waited. They all waited for me at the top.
One sign said “Don’t cut the trail.” Too often in life we cut the trail and travel the way of no conflict. We won’t grow without conflict.
Trees were carved with a peace sign and Covid.
Why would someone use a type of destruction to a tree to carve a peace sign?
Why would someone carve a message of death into a live tree?
The following comments was copied from the Active Faith Devotional on BibleGateway
Run your own race! Hebrews 12:1-2
“THEREFORE THEN, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. [Ps. 110:1.]”
Hebrews 12:1-2 AMPC
Don’t compare your race to anybody else’s. God has given us all our own race to run. Do not get distracted by the enemy or by comparing. Stay focused on Jesus and what HE has for YOU. Don’t look to the side or look back, keep your eyes focused straight ahead on Jesus.
2. Run to win! 1 Corinthians 9:24
“You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally.”
1 Corinthians 9:24-25 MSG
Our God is a God of excellence. He is the best and He wants the best for us. Whatever your race may be, run it to the best of your ability with intentions of winning! Give God your best as you pursue whatever He has for you. Don’t run just to be running. Run to win!
3. Trust God when you feel like stopping. Isaiah 40:31 HSCB
“But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. [Heb. 12:1-3.]”
Isaiah 40:31 AMPC
We all face times when we feel like giving up. Or times when we are running through life and it seems like we aren’t getting closer to our goals. These are the times that we must trust God. We have to trust that He is leading us on the path that is best for us and that He will take care of us. When we learn how to trust God regardless of our circumstance, He renews our strength and allows us to keep running!
Please join our email list to keep up to date on YWAPportuniies to serve youth and their families. YWAP empowers people to become collaborators in a community effort to create a better world for children and their families. Investing in youth is a preemptive strike against sexual abuse, drug addiction and human trafficking. Our new program is called “Strong Men Great Dads.” Men gather in a “Man Cave” through a partnership of transparency and accountability. A fatherless generation is lacking the knowledge of a Father’s Love. Our goal is to help guys become Christ-centered men who respect women and accept the responsibilities of becoming a dad. We don’t hibernate in the Man Cave, we believe in Community Engagement through god neighborliness. The YWAP Directors serve in Pastoral Leadership by ministering to Youth Ministry Teams and Prayer Teams. We teach Biblically based best practices from a 25 year background in ministry. We appreciate your prayers and support. For more information about YWAP programs, to volunteer or become a guest speaker, please call us at: 716-830-8240 or email, [email protected].
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