Except John. A small, short man, standing there all alone.
The devil advanced towards him and said angrily: ‘Do you know who I am?’
‘Yes … I do’ replied John.
‘Aren’t you afraid of me like all the others?’ asked the devil.
‘No … I’ve been married to your sister for 25 years!’
The thing is, I knew John's wife. She was evil. Believe me, some people are really evil. They connive and plot in order to create havoc, chaos and ill-feelings wherever they are.
One question which is rarely asked these days is: Does the devil possess people?
Before answering this, let us remember that the devil, Satan, is a spirit. There is out there, all around us, a spiritual invisible world. An invisible realm or state of being. This invisible world consists of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit - who are spirits. It consists of Angels, and the souls of all people who have died. We are spirits. You and I are spirits - or souls is another word for it. We inhabit a body made mainly of water, chemicals and minerals. When the body disintegrates the soul/spirit lives on. And of course, the devils are also invisible spirits.
So, being spirits, evil ones, the devils can and have possessed people against their will. The Bible is full of such examples; and Jesus did on many occasions deliver people from their evil spirits or devils.
The Catholic Church believes that the devil can possess people and has appointed trained exorcist priests in every diocese. Other denominations and religions believe this also.
Thus, the devil can, if he wants to, possess people against their will. He can enter their souls and make them do his will. Very much like the Holy Spirit can enter our souls and help us and guides us in life - but only if we ask Him. The Holy Spirit does not abide in our souls without our express invitation.
However, the devil is clever. He does not possess people like he did in Biblical times. This is too dramatic. If he were to possess someone these days it would scare the **** out of us and make many people turn to God. Somewhat counter-productive, I think.
The devil is much more subtle. He influences people. He brings temptation in their way. And once influenced by his evil ways, he encourages those people to spread their evil influence everywhere around them. More effective and under the radar than outright possessing people, don't you think?
Our role and responsibility when we meet such people in our lives is to distance ourselves from their influence. It is not a sin to protect oneself. Just keep our distance and pray for God's protection and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is only a prayer away.
...there sure are a bunch of people that I try to distance myself from!
ReplyDelete... with good cause no doubt.
DeleteGod bless.
Yes, Satan is roaming freely among us ... lately more emboldened than I would have guessed. Even tho' some days it feels heavier than others, it's critical we put on our Armor of God each morning.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Mevely. He is emboldened because of peoples' attitudes these days. We make his job easier.
DeleteGod bless you.
I believe in possession. I am sure I have met a person like that. She could plan evil months and years in advance. Either it has 'worn off' or age has lessened her abilities, but I still would never trust her unless somehow I could know the demons had left..... just sayin'
ReplyDeleteSherry & jack
I know exactly what you mean, Jack. Yes, such people exist. Often it is very difficult to bring a priest or pastor to pray on/for them because people do not believe in possessions. You are wise to keep your distance.
DeleteGod bless you and Sherry.
Dearest Victor,
ReplyDeleteYes, there are many devils with devilish actions! Meeting the devil is not as scary as NOT MEETING GOD in the very end... Love that reply from John about his sister. Haha, there are lots of relatives still among us.
No, let's turn away from the Dope of the Devil; no good and certainly will ruin your frequent flyer miles accumulated thus far for Heaven.
Hugs,
Mariette
I like the "frequent flyer miles" to Heaven. The problem here is that people have ceased to believe ... in God, Jesus, the devil even. And the devil is laughing because he can influence people better if they don't believe in him.
DeleteGod bless, Mariette.
👹
DeleteYou can feel satan's presence in some people.
ReplyDeleteYes, you certainly can, Bill. Surely so.
DeleteGod bless.
Thank goodness that Jesus is only a prayer away!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Victor!
Amen Martha.
DeleteGod bless.
So, The Devil is a politician?
ReplyDeleteThe devil can take many disguises, JoeH.
DeleteGod bless.
Oh yes, I agree and believe people can be possessed.
ReplyDeleteI also believe that once we are saved, the Holy Ghost indwells in us and protects us from evil.
Amen.
DeleteGod bless, Happyone.
The Devil knows our weaknesses and uses them against us. I truly believe he also sends demon possessed people to spread ill will and mayhem. It is imperative that we remain alert at all times. Thanks for this reminder. God bless you, Victor.
ReplyDeleteYou are correct in what you say, Nells. The devil does use certain people to do his work and spread his chaos.
DeleteGod bless always.
When you meet evil people (and i've known a few), pray that the Lord will bind the evil away from them, and keep praying that. It's all we can do for them.
ReplyDeleteYou are very wise, Mimi.
DeleteGod bless.
1 John 4:4. The enemy has to flee in the name of Jesus. I don't fear the enemy yet know that he is out there. He is the father of lies and uses the same tactics from one generation to another. He was defeated at the cross and the resurrection. I belong to Jesus and NO ONE can snatch me out of his hand, John 10:28 :)
ReplyDeletebetty
Amen.
DeleteGod bless, Betty.