What Does Demonic Oppression Do To A Person?

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

The answer I was given a number of years ago was this: demons oppress people by breaking them down physically, emotionally, and spiritually; often to the point where they are at their wits end…. or even end their own lives. The manner in which the demonic do this is limited only by their extensive, depraved imagination….and they are relentless. It is obvious that they get a perverse pleasure from causing a person or relationship to unravel. It is not uncommon for an oppressed person’s home to be a pig-sty….an outward symbol of inner, psychic dislocation; and they are laughing at both. I think of Jim Morrison, the poet of psychic dislocation, in People are Strange: “…women seem wicked when you are unwanted, roads seem uneven when you are down…” People’s perceptions become strange when oppressed.  (and under the effects of acid!)

In 1979 I enrolled in a three year Masters of Divinity degree, and afterwards was ordained in 1985. Once I put the books aside and got involved in actual pastoral ministry, I learned the following truths in a visceral way: ministry is messy, and hurting people hurt people. Both are intensely biblical. Though all Christians could benefit from being reminded of these facts of life, I wish to apply them specifically to those who have been called to help those suffering from demonic oppression. My daughter texted me tonight Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden…” Bone weary from sleep deprivation, and heavy laden with the effects of chronic and acute diabolical torture, we approach our clients at the nadir of their lives. It is so humbling to hear, “This is the lowest I have ever been. Had you not come when you did, I am not sure what I would have done because I can’t take it anymore. Thank you for coming to help me. Everybody else had given up on me….” To hear those words is humbling and precious, isn’t it?

Oftentimes family and friends give up on them because they don’t understand. To make matters worse, the average person I have assisted has been turned away by several pastors. And to top it off, many have been neglected, mis-diagnosed, or judged harshly by Christian demonologists. Friends, what are we doing? Physically, emotionally, and spiritually these folks are wrecks, which means they just might not be doing very well spiritually; their patience may be very thin which means they are short-tempered and angry; and they just might not live up to our standards of responsibility when they are struggling to stay alive. C’mon, how do we feel when we miss just one nights full rest? Try being a young mom who hasn’t had a decent night sleep in months because of being tormented by demonic shadows every night or possibly even being raped by these supernatural putrid perverts. Jesus showed his most tender and gentle side to those who had been beaten down by demonic oppression/possession…or those with had symptoms similar to it.

“Don’t mess with that case because he is nothing but an attention seeking king, and he gets angry at everyone who has tried to help him in the past. It is all in his head… He has gotten so good at faking it, he even has his wife and kids in on it.”  That is a composite of warnings I have received from folks over the years. I ALWAYS listen carefully, but occasionally I want to find out for myself…especially IF they are seeking my help—in EVERY case I’m glad I did (because it turned out they were wrong). You know the drill…certain people get a reputation, and soon nobody wants to help them. If you have uttered similar words, perhaps you need to remember what we have been talking about—the deleterious effects of demonic oppression. DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT WRITING SOMEONE OFF, UNLESS YOU SPEND THE HOURS NEEDED TO SIFT THROUGH THE WRECKAGE—AND COMMUNICATE THAT YOU REALLY CARE FOR THEM AND ARE NOT JUST AFTER DATA ACQUISITION.

Just a basic knowledge of psychology is helpful here. The nexus of attitudes and behaviors of the demonic oppressed is complex and unique to each individual. We really need to cry out to the Holy Spirit for wisdom before we dismiss someone. My point is this: the very things that we see as red flags in our criteria for determining those who are faking demonic oppression (attention seeking, anger, irresponsibility, inconsistency in memory, seeming exaggeration, and so on), these are often part of the complex of symptoms  that demonic oppression causes! Again, the very signs we look for in spotting the fake cases, are often the signs of a case being genuine! To put it simply, hurting people hurt people (we will get hurt), and I trust we all would agree that demonic oppressed folks are hurting. But often when folks display hurtful behavior we see that as a red flag, when it is the very thing we should expect from those experiencing diabolical torture. I am reading John Mc Cain, his autobiography, and he speaks of the savagery of his captors while a POW. The NVA and VC seem to know demonic tactics well. As I get older it is being impressed upon me of how madness surrounds demonic activity...sheer madness.

Why do we believe that demonic oppression breaks people down so comprehensively (especially spiritually), but then turn around and question: is their faith in Christ real or strong enough to do this cleansing successfully, when Jesus NEVER asked that question before he exorcised anyone? What of the power of faith the size of a mustard seed? Spiritually is where folks are hammered the worst. One can’t say everything in a blog, but certainly Jesus is the only means by which we can liberate folks. However, am I being a Pharisee by expecting people to clean up their lives before I deem them “cleansable”? It is similar to cleaning up ones act before becoming savable….which is a false gospel.

To be forewarned is to forearmed—expect folks to be tough to deal with at times. Sure we need to be discerning, and establish ground rules, but hurting people hurt people, and ministry is messy….especially this ministry. In the pastoral ministry I saw all kinds of evil and the effects of evil, but it did not compare with the relentless and savagery of the evil found in helping folks with demonic oppression. I bow before the Lord in worship for calling us to be co-workers with Him in liberating the captives. Please, let us be extremely careful that we not dismiss one of God’s wandering and savaged sheep.

God's Forgiveness

By Stephen Piersall,

God’s Preservation Ministry, sfprs.org       

     

Here are an amazing prophecy and promise from Jeremiah, a humble minister of God who had to watch the Babylonian captivity take place before his own eyes. God is speaking to sinful Israel (and speaking to you): "I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more" (Jeremiah 31:34). God Remembers Our Sins No More! Is God absentminded? Does he have heavenly Alzheimer's disease? If God is omniscient, how could he lose track of data like this? The answer is that God chooses not to remember our failures (a feat; we are not capable of). He can indeed forgive and forget.

You know all about the reluctant way we "forgive" one another and "Well; I'll forgive, but I can't forget!" Since we cannot forget, ugly memories keep coming back and draw out our inclination to forgive. This is one of many sins that we do so often and do not realize we are inviting evil into our lives. It is called a Legal Right. Clergy, Exorcists, Demonologists, and those in the Deliverance Ministry cannot no matter how many times they command it removed in the name of "Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior!" ONLY YOU can remove this. You allowed it in your life through an invitation, and you are the one that can give the command to cast it to the abyss.

I can tell you the number-one reason for removing a huge burden in my life. It was when I forgave someone who has wronged me or perceived to have wronged me. I can give you a list a mile long; ex-wife, children, clergy, parents, friends, family, and the biggest one of all…ME! It is difficult at times to forgive, but know God commands it. It hurts when you forgive someone, say through an email, text message and the person does not even reply. If that is the case, then that person has now sinned against God. Jesus has taught us in the Gospels, of how we should treat each other. That is why I cannot read the Gospels enough times throughout the year. Even old dogs like me can learn new tricks; I always learn something every time I read them.

Do not pray about this with expectations God will bless you. Pray about this and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what you need to come clean about in your life. Just to have that burden lifted from you will help you have a healthier lifestyle. Pray about it right now.

What Does Demonic Oppression Do To a Person?

By Reverend Mark Hunnemann

The answer I was given a number of years ago was this: demons oppress people by breaking them down physically, emotionally, and spiritually; often to the point where they are at their wits end…. or even end their own lives. The manner in which the demonic do this is limited only by their extensive, depraved imagination….and they are relentless. It is obvious that they get a perverse pleasure from causing a person or relationship to unravel. It is not uncommon for an oppressed person’s home to be a pig-sty….an outward symbol of inner, psychic dislocation; and they are laughing at both. I think of Jim Morrison, the poet of psychic dislocation, in People are Strange: “…women seem wicked when you are unwanted, roads seem uneven when you are down…” People’s perceptions become strange when oppressed.  (and under the effects of acid!)

In 1979 I enrolled in a three year Masters of Divinity degree, and afterwards was ordained in 1985. Once I put the books aside and got involved in actual pastoral ministry, I learned the following truths in a visceral way: ministry is messy, and hurting people hurt people. Both are intensely biblical. Though all Christians could benefit from being reminded of these facts of life, I wish to apply them specifically to those who have been called to help those suffering from demonic oppression. My daughter texted me tonight Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me all who are weary and heavy laden…” Bone weary from sleep deprivation, and heavy laden with the effects of chronic and acute diabolical torture, we approach our clients at the nadir of their lives. It is so humbling to hear, “This is the lowest I have ever been. Had you not come when you did, I am not sure what I would have done because I can’t take it anymore. Thank you for coming to help me. Everybody else had given up on me….” To hear those words is humbling and precious, isn’t it?

Oftentimes family and friends give up on them because they don’t understand. To make matters worse, the average person I have assisted has been turned away by several pastors. And to top it off, many have been neglected, mis-diagnosed, or judged harshly by Christian demonologists. Friends, what are we doing? Physically, emotionally, and spiritually these folks are wrecks, which means they just might not be doing very well spiritually; their patience may be very thin which means they are short-tempered and angry; and they just might not live up to our standards of responsibility when they are struggling to stay alive. C’mon, how do we feel when we miss just one nights full rest? Try being a young mom who hasn’t had a decent night sleep in months because of being tormented by demonic shadows every night or possibly even being raped by these supernatural putrid perverts. Jesus showed his most tender and gentle side to those who had been beaten down by demonic oppression/possession…or those with had symptoms similar to it.

“Don’t mess with that case because he is nothing but an attention seeking king, and he gets angry at everyone who has tried to help him in the past. It is all in his head… He has gotten so good at faking it, he even has his wife and kids in on it.”  That is a composite of warnings I have received from folks over the years. I ALWAYS listen carefully, but occasionally I want to find out for myself…especially IF they are seeking my help—in EVERY case I’m glad I did (because it turned out they were wrong). You know the drill…certain people get a reputation, and soon nobody wants to help them. If you have uttered similar words, perhaps you need to remember what we have been talking about—the deleterious effects of demonic oppression. DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT WRITING SOMEONE OFF, UNLESS YOU SPEND THE HOURS NEEDED TO SIFT THROUGH THE WRECKAGE—AND COMMUNICATE THAT YOU REALLY CARE FOR THEM AND ARE NOT JUST AFTER DATA ACQUISITION.

Just a basic knowledge of psychology is helpful here. The nexus of attitudes and behaviors of the demonic oppressed is complex and unique to each individual. We really need to cry out to the Holy Spirit for wisdom before we dismiss someone. My point is this: the very things that we see as red flags in our criteria for determining those who are faking demonic oppression (attention seeking, anger, irresponsibility, inconsistency in memory, seeming exaggeration, and so on), these are often part of the complex of symptoms  that demonic oppression causes! Again, the very signs we look for in spotting the fake cases, are often the signs of a case being genuine! To put it simply, hurting people hurt people (we will get hurt), and I trust we all would agree that demonic oppressed folks are hurting. But often when folks display hurtful behavior we see that as a red flag, when it is the very thing we should expect from those experiencing diabolical torture. I am reading John Mc Cain, his autobiography, and he speaks of the savagery of his captors while a POW. The NVA and VC seem to know demonic tactics well. As I get older it is being impressed upon me of how madness surrounds demonic activity...sheer madness.

Why do we believe that demonic oppression breaks people down so comprehensively (especially spiritually), but then turn around and question: is their faith in Christ real or strong enough to do this cleansing successfully, when Jesus NEVER asked that question before he exorcised anyone? What of the power of faith the size of a mustard seed? Spiritually is where folks are hammered the worst. One can’t say everything in a blog, but certainly Jesus is the only means by which we can liberate folks. However, am I being a Pharisee by expecting people to clean up their lives before I deem them “cleansable”? It is similar to cleaning up ones act before becoming savable….which is a false gospel.

To be forewarned is to forearmed—expect folks to be tough to deal with at times. Sure we need to be discerning, and establish ground rules, but hurting people hurt people, and ministry is messy….especially this ministry. In the pastoral ministry I saw all kinds of evil and the effects of evil, but it did not compare with the relentless and savagery of the evil found in helping folks with demonic oppression. I bow before the Lord in worship for calling us to be co-workers with Him in liberating the captives. Please, let us be extremely careful that we not dismiss one of God’s wandering and savaged sheep.

Personal Care: After the Deliverance

By Stephen Piersall,

God’s Preservation Ministry http://sfprs.org/       

I am sure many of you will agree with me after completing deliverance on someone, you might be exhausted. Keep in mind too, that this is NOT going in and doing a Cleansing or a Blessing. There are and SHOULD be many hours of preparation for you and whomever goes with you in research; interviewing, reviewing questionnaire answers, doing a walk-through, fasting, Bible study, and prayer. Effectively ministering to the client, you should also be doing follow up to ensure they are; attending a local church, reading their Bible, etc. MANY levels of clergy, demonologists, exorcists, deliverance personnel that perform some sort of deliverance will end it right after they walk out the door. Follow-up with the client in Christian counseling is just as important if not more! (1 Kings 19:5-7) He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, "Arise, eat." Then he looked and behold, there was at his head a bread cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched him and said, "Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you."

The impact of deliverance affects every part of you and here are some examples of what to do and how you might feel:

Just remember we cope in diverse ways

Body is tired, no energy, eat a good meal to include plenty of protein to rebuild the body.

You may feel defiled, and unclean. Take a long warm relaxing shower or bath

Soul may feel empty, drained and vulnerable, variety of emotions, weepy, depressed, negative, discouraged; loss of desire for ministry, an attraction to fleshly things

Want to be away from people.

You may experience emotional pain, grief, and emptiness.

You may experience backlash or reaction from spirits or occult.

Your spirit needs to be refreshed and restored:

You need to learn how to refresh your own soul; do something you enjoy that takes little effort, go out for a walk in nature, fishing, swimming, etc.?

Play worship music continually.

Have time alone in the Word of God

Receive ministry by friends or intercessors

Have a good restful nap and most importantly get a good night’s sleep.

Stay hydrated

Read (Psalm 23:2-3) “He restores my soul”

Follow-up care for the client (things that come to mind):

Ministry in deliverance is often progressive. One visit may not be enough; in fact, more issues may emerge.

Notify Pastor of the Church they will be attending so follow up can take place.

Contact the person to find out how they are doing, do they need support or counsel?

Teach the person how to maintain their freedom, and how to deal with old thoughts, ideas, mannerisms, and habits

Seek medical/mental assistance as needed.

Develop a strong consistent prayer life, as a minimum first thing in the morning and before going to bed at night (1 Thess 5:17; Eph 6:10-17)

Read, believe and live by the Word of God (Matthew 4:4; 1 Thess 2:13)

Praise God in all circumstances (good and bad) and expect his blessings (Isaiah 61:3; 1 Thess 5:18)

Join a local church, get involved, and cultivate good Christian relationships (Heb10:24-25)

Make forgiveness a way of life (Matt 6:14-16)

Be alert for, and resist spiritual attacks (1 Pet 5:7-9)

The devil will try to come back and invade their lives. Submit to God, Resist evil, and draw near to God (James 4:6-8) “God gives grace to the humble”

Cultivate discipline and self-control (Matt 28:19)

Separate yourself from objects, places and relationships those are catalysts for sin or spiritual bondage (Rom 13:14; Acts 19:19)

Cultivate respectful attitudes to authorities in your life

Watch over your relationships; avoid those that draw you away from God’s plan.