SEDUCING SPIRITS
by Kathy Pegram
I don't usually have a problem sitting down and putting pen to paper, but several years ago I just kept being stopped over and over again before I could write the things I wanted to write. God had placed a burden upon my heart for the marriages of His children. I feel that Satan is attacking homes more than he ever has before. It is so sad to see the heartbreak and discontentment that Satan is bringing into homes today. It was at this time that God placed a column into my hands from a friend of mine that He wanted me to share with you. Pam Stone, wife of international evangelist, Perry Stone wrote a column for their monthly magazine "Voice of Evangelism" it was entitled "Seducing Spirits On the Loose." With permission from Pam Stone and the offices of "Voice of Evangelism," I would like to share Pam's column with you.
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"Several years ago Perry's father came to the old office, greatly troubled in his spirit. He shared with us a dream he had weeks before. He said, "I was standing in the sanctuary of a large church, here in Cleveland (Tennessee). Outside, in the atmosphere, I saw what appeared to be strong spirits directly over the church. This spirit would latch onto certain couples in the sanctuary. As long as the people sat in the worship service, they were not hindered. However, as couples were leaving the sanctuary, certain men were locking eyes onto certain women in the church. There are at least five couples in each church that this was happening to. It was a seducing spirit, placing thoughts of adultery in the minds of these couples."
Since the time of this dream to the present (January 1999), there have been three well known ministers in our city who have fallen into sexual immorality. There have also been several prominent couples in area churches who have also fallen into this snare of the enemy.
There is no doubt that seducing spirits are on the loose. The Bible has warned us to watch and pray, that in the latter time,"...some will depart the faith giving heed to seducing spirits" (I Timothy 4:1).
Perry once told me, "Pam, often the ministers who have fallen into immorality are men who have been critical of the power of the Holy Spirit and are very unsupportive of ministers who believe in the Power of God". How can any man be critical of the very power that can keep him from falling? I believe ministers should follow certain protective guidelines.
- Travel with you companion when possible. If not possible, never be alone with a member of the opposite sex.
- Be careful around the opposite sex. Do not jest or joke in a manner that would lead to sexual misconduct.
- If, married, do not develop a strong friendship with a member of the opposite sex, especially one that you sense an attraction or a strange feeling for.
- If you are a man, have several male friends that you can confide in, when you are encountering a season of testing or stress. Choose men that will stand with you until the battle is over. If you are a woman, find a female companion that you can trust to pray with you. In both cases, choose people who are worthy of your trust.
- If married, never hide secrets from one another. Have your companion pray for you if you are under attack of Satan.
A seducing spirit feeds off lust. You must guard what enters your mind through the gates of the eyes and ears. Guard your conversation and above all, keep your marriage alive by spending quality time with your companion and your children. Never hide problems from one another. The enemy loves darkness. Don't give the Devil any place in you. God Bless You All!
ÓPam Stone, "Voice of Evangelism" 1999
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Many of you are probably saying," well this says this is a guideline for ministers." No my friends, this is not just a guideline for ministers! This is a guideline that every Christian couple should follow. Our Lord is soon coming, He is coming for a pure and holy bride. Let's keep our marriage beds undefiled and our eyes upon God. Maranatha!
Love in Christ,
Kathy