Do you believe Scripture? Any Christian who doesn’t believe God’s word from Genesis 1:1 through Revelation 22:21 can’t truly understand their faith. Every word is from God, and He doesn’t lie or deceive anybody. His truth is the only truth.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

There may be things that are hard to understand, but the fault is in us, not in Scripture. Most of us would like everything to be sunshine and roses, but Scripture prepares us to stand strong when things get tough.

Satan is still the enemy. He is a created being and is pure evil, but many people don’t want to hear such things. We live in a time that many prophecies are being fulfilled. Because many Christians have turned from a strict understanding of Scripture, the Holy Spirit is ignored. Many pastors and denominations today won’t teach about the evil forces described in Scripture, but only teach about happy things that tickle ears. By not teaching all of Scripture, many Christians are ill-prepared for the supernatural and demonic manifestations happening.

What do you believe about God? Is He a man-like being with a long white beard sitting in the heavenly realm? There is only one God, but He is three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. God exists outside of time as we know it and is in the spiritual realm. God the Son became flesh and took on the body of a man. The Father and Holy Spirit remain spirits. Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). To worship God in the spirit means that outward things we do aren’t true worship.

Going “to church” doesn’t mean you’re worshipping God in spirit. You may be fellowshipping there, but you may also just want people to see your car in the parking lot. True worship can happen anywhere and at any time. When you worship in truth, that means you worship according to the whole counsel of God’s word. You need to study Scripture in order to serve God on His terms. Taking the whole of God’s truth into consideration, we can see that there are evil spirits all around us. God has given a great effort to tell us there are demons and to save us from their power.

Where did this evil begin? Clues in Genesis tell us that angels, created beings, were created before Genesis 1:1. Genesis gives us the true account of the creation of the earth and all that’s in it. In Job chapter 38, God is speaking to Job and asking him about the creation. “Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if thou hast understanding” (Job 38:4).

No human was there to observe the creation, and anything contrary to Scripture is just fairytales. Since Scripture tells us God did it in 6 literal days, that’s truth. Believe it.

God continued His conversation with Job; “Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? Or who laid the corner stone thereof; when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38:6-7).

Here’s where it’s important to understand the original words. “Morning stars” and “sons of God” refer to angels. They were there when the earth was created, so they had to have been created first. Scripture is about the age of man, so it doesn’t tell us about the creation of angels. Still, we know they shouted for joy at the creation. We know that when God saw His creation, He was very pleased with it. We also know that evil was already at work. It didn’t take long for sin to enter. Sin is when God tells us how to behave, but we don’t listen to His directions. In this case, God told Adam not to eat the forbidden fruit, and Adam should have made that clear to Eve. She chose to listen to a lying entity and eat the fruit. Scripture says the “serpent” deceived her.

I encourage you to do your own study to see that this was Satan. Eve talked Adam into eating the fruit, and all of creation fell. Satan is pure evil and wants to separate all of humanity from God.

After the fall, things continued to get worse. Cain murdered his brother Abel, and we can see the evil of anger. Paul wrote about anger and that a Christian shouldn’t allow anger to rule. “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil” (Ephesians 4:26-27).

Anger is a tool of Satan. Anger causes much evil, and it was what caused Cain to murder Abel. Cain was angry because Abel chose to offer a sacrifice that pleased God. Cain gave God what was easy for him and not what honored God. Cain was angry, but God explained it to him. “If thou doest well, shall thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou shalt rule over him” (Genesis 4:7). Sin ruled over Cain and caused his anger to grow and to murder his brother. Satan tempted Eve to sin, and he tempted Cain to sin. You can be tempted, too.

Satan is unable to be everywhere at once. Only God can do that. Satan needed minions to help corrupt humanity, and he came up with a plan. He talked some of his fellow angels into rebelling against God. When that happened, sin became worse. “And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair, and they took them wives of all which they chose” (Genesis 6:1-2).

Remember in Job, the “sons of God” shouted with joy at the creation? Sons of God are angels. The angels mated with humans, and a hybrid race was created called Nephilim. These creatures were part human and part angel, and they weren’t at all nice creatures. Unfortunately, this truth isn’t preached from most pulpits. This leads to many false teachings. God saw that Noah and his family were genetically pure, so they were saved from His judgment. Enoch was also genetically pure and was raptured prior to the judgment.

Scripture doesn’t tell us where demons originated, but it’s my belief that they are the spirits of the Nephilim. Their spirits aren’t welcome in Heaven and wander in search of embodiment. Some people believe demons are the fallen angels. Study and come to your own conclusion. Either way, the fact remains demons are real and desire to possess people. How do I know demons are real and possess people? Scripture makes it clear.

You may think demons only go after non-Christians. The Holy Spirit indwells Christians so we cannot be possessed, but we can be harassed by demons. An example is found in the book of Acts. Paul was on a missionary journey and traveled to the city of Philippi in Macedonia. “And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, and brought her masters much gain by soothsaying” (Acts 16:16).

Paul and his companions were in prayer when this possessed woman began harassing them. She followed Paul and his friends around for days. “The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation” (Acts 16:17). Those words were true, but from this demon-possessed woman, they were meant to mock God.

Could someone like this woman be a part of your congregation? Or maybe a television preacher who sounds as if he is praising God when, in fact, he’s mocking Him by living a lifestyle that is contrary to Scripture. Jesus warns us not to be deceived in these final days in which we live. Study Scripture so you’ll be able to discern truth from lies.

Paul finally got tired of this woman following them. “And this did she many days. But Paul being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour” (Acts 16:18).

The name of Jesus is powerful. There was no “holy water” used, nor any fancy words. All it took was the name of Jesus and faith. We are not at the mercy of demons but have the mercy of God with us. This got Paul beaten and thrown in prison. What was meant for evil, God used for good. The jailer in that city came to salvation.

How can a person become demon-possessed? You must open a door and invite the demon to enter. Do you play with Ouija Boards? They aren’t just toys but an invitation to a demon. Drug use is another invitation to evil. When you numb your mind, you are unable to fight a demonic attack, and possession is easy. It’s not just street drugs that can open doors. Be very careful if you take any prescriptions that affect your thinking.

Another way is to live lifestyles that are opposed to God. Yoga and meditation are also ways to open yourself up demons. No Christian should practice any form of meditation, except for meditating upon Scripture. “I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways” (Psalm 119:15). Keep your mind and heart turned toward Jesus.

Jesus had many encounters with demons. Of course, those wicked spirits were no match for the King of kings and Lord of lords. Most people are aware of the demon-possessed man in the country of the Gadarenes. When Jesus arrived there, he was met by a man with an unclean spirit who made his home among tombs. He was a wild man who would break chains if anyone tried to bind him. “And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones” (Mark 5:5). Why would anybody do anything to open themselves up to this?

When this possessed man saw Jesus, the demon inside him recognized Jesus and ran and worshipped Him. Jesus wasn’t flattered by the worship of demons. “For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion; for we are many” (Mark 5:8-9). The demon begged Jesus not to send him away, so Jesus allowed this legion of demons to enter a large herd of swine. These evil spirits wanted a body to dwell in, even if it was swine. Those poor pigs were so tormented that they ran down the mountain into the sea and drowned.

Oddly enough, there were witnesses to this miracle, but they wanted Jesus to leave. Even though a man was healed from demon possession, they didn’t want Jesus around. The man wanted to go with Jesus, but Jesus told him to go to his home and friends and tell them what Jesus had done. Demons are real, but Jesus can set you free.

There were many instances where Jesus dealt with demons. He never made a circus of it, but He spoke with authority. He is our authority. His name is powerful. Christians need to not be afraid to confront evil in the name of Jesus. Don’t let your faith waiver, but take authority in Jesus’ name. Are you prepared to confront a demon? The supernatural world is all around us. There is God, whose love and promises are so reassuring. But there’s also the evil supernatural. I hope I never have to confront this evil, but if I do, I know what I need for the spiritual battle: spiritual weapons.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Even if we feel as if our enemy is a human being, our fight isn’t against people, but we must fight the spiritual powers and principalities that are using the human. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” (Ephesians 6:13).

Notice that it’s God’s armor that you need. It isn’t by your own power, but God’s power.

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; and for me, that utterance may be given unto me that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly as I ought to speak” (Ephesians 6:14-20).

It all sounds so easy, but as you study each piece of God’s armor, really think about what each piece is used for. Don’t wait until you’re deep in a spiritual battle, but practice using the armor now. Become familiar with the gospel of peace before you face battle.

How do you use the shield of faith? Figure that out before your faith is tested. Demons are real, and they will look for a hole in your armor to cause you to doubt your salvation and falter in battle. If you’re a pastor, you need to equip your flock for battle. The days are getting darker, and Christians need to be armed for battle. If your pastor doesn’t arm you for battle, arm yourself. Study Scripture and pray. Don’t wait. God will help you learn to fight the battle.

Demons are real, so be prepared. The first step is placing your faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and being sealed with the Holy Spirit.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham
twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com
www.prophecyupdate.com
www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).

“For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God” (Romans 14:11).

Daniel must have been a very special man. He was an attendant in the Jewish Temple and knew the requirements of the Law. He and three friends, among others, were taken captive when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, besieged Jerusalem. The friend’s names were Hannaniah, Mishael, and Azariah. Daniel and his friends may have been young when taken to the pagan city of Babylon, but these four young men loved God Almighty. In Babylon, the king attempted to change their hearts and turn them into pagans. First, their names were changed. Daniel was renamed Belteshazzar, Hannaniah was renamed Shadrach, Mishael was renamed Meshach, and Azariah was renamed Abednego.

Nebuchadnezzar had told Ashpenaz to bring him young captives. “And the king spake unto Ashpenaz the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring certain of the children of Israel, and of the king’s seed, and of the princes; Children in whom was no blemish, but well favoured, and skilful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the tongue of the Chaldeans” (Daniel 1:3-4).

And so, Daniel and his friends were taken to Babylon. We aren’t told how old they were, only that they were “children.” They were young, and Nebuchadnezzar thought he could brainwash them to follow the ways of the Babylonians. Nebuchadnezzar had no idea of the integrity of Daniel and his friends. They loved God and had unshakable faith.

Nebuchadnezzar started their training by providing them the best food and wine. He didn’t count on the strength of the faith Daniel and his friends had. Daniel would not defile himself. “But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).

How many children or adults do you know who would put honoring God above their own desires? God blessed him. Daniel and his friends weren’t able to return to their beloved Jerusalem, but they prospered in Babylon without becoming a part of the culture. Their faith wasn’t lip service, but they lived it. Christians could learn a lot from these young Jewish boys.

As we read further in the book of Daniel, we find out more about their faith. They wouldn’t eat the king’s food, and Melzar, their overseer, finally agreed to allow them to eat less fancy food for ten days. “Thus Melzar took away the portion of their meat and the wine that they should drink; and gave them pulse” (Daniel 1:16). What is pulse? Vegetables! They ate vegetables and drank water. God blessed them because of their faith.

Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that troubled him. So, he called the magicians and astrologers and sorcerers to tell him about his dream. The king had an incentive plan. “The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if ye will not make known unto me the dream, with the interpretation thereof, ye shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill. But if ye shew the dream, and the interpretation thereof, ye shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honour: therefore shew me the dream and the interpretation thereof” (Daniel 2:5-6).

He didn’t remember his dream, so he wanted them to tell him the dream and interpret it, or he would kill them. Their response was, “Are you nuts?” Well, maybe they used more tact, but that’s what they meant.

When the decree was told to Daniel, he asked for more time, then he and his friends prayed. I’m sure their prayer was from their heart because their lives depended upon God’s answer. God answered by giving Daniel a night vision as to what the king’s dream was all about. Daniel earnestly thanked God. It wasn’t a quick “Thank God” but a heartfelt prayer of praise and gratitude. Daniel was taken before the king, where he first made known to the king where the information came from.

“Daniel answered in the presence of the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded cannot the wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers, shew unto the king; but there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Thy dream, and the visions of thy head upon thy bed are these” (Daniel 2:27-28).

Then Daniel proceeded to describe the dream. The king had seen an image with a head of gold, his breast and arms of silver, his belly and thighs of brass, and its legs of iron, and his feet were part iron and part clay. Then, a stone that was cut out without hands struck the image. The interpretation was that the various kingdoms on Earth are represented by the metals in the image. The final kingdom will be the one that is set up by God. It shall never be destroyed.

Daniel’s faith was rewarded. “Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon. Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Daniel sat in the gate of the king” (Daniel 2:48-49). Daniel had great faith, and he never denied God. There is still a God in Heaven who answers prayers. Jesus Christ is always willing to hear prayers of Christians.

Even in a nation where idol worship was common, Daniel and his friends were faithful to God. They wouldn’t bow down before any idol. I admire these four young men for their integrity. Their faith was tested when Nebuchadnezzar erected a huge statue. It was decreed “That at what time ye hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, sackbut, psaltery, dulcimer, and all kinds of musick, ye fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king hath set up” (Daniel 3:5). The punishment for not bowing to this idol would be death by being thrown into a fiery furnace. Of course, these young Jewish friends refused to bow before any idol. Brothers and sisters, we should never bow before idols no matter what the threat is if we don’t bow.

Some men noticed that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow. I can’t imagine that Daniel would have bowed his knee to an idol, so he must have been away on business. The king called them before his throne to explain why they didn’t bow before the king’s gods. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O King. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image when thou hast set up” (Daniel 3:16-18).

These men honored God in spite of a government decree to bow to idols. If only our faith was as strong as theirs. They were thrown into an exceptionally hot furnace, but God protected them. Brothers and sisters, we need to encourage each other. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego helped each other to stand firm in their faith, and we need fellow Christians who won’t compromise to please the world.

Government rulers come and go, and eventually Darius became king in Babylon. Daniel continued to be a part of the government of Babylon, and he never compromised His faith. His faith wasn’t a show put on to draw media attention. It was true faith, and he wouldn’t compromise to please the world. His faith pleased God but didn’t make any friends among other government officials. “Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him” (Daniel 6:4).

Things don’t change much over time. Evil government officials care nothing about God’s truth and persecute those who serve the Lord.

All the members of the government conspired to get rid of Daniel. “Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God” (Daniel 6:5). They knew that Daniel would not compromise his faith in order to please the evil government. It seems we have the same evil over nations today. All manner of perversion is legal, and any god can be publicly worshipped except the one true God. Our schools teach evolution, homosexuality, sexual promiscuity, and libraries carry books that are pure filth, but the Bible is banned. What is the school board and government afraid of? Are they afraid a man like Daniel might ruin their agenda?

Well, back to Babylon. The government officials decided that a law must be made “…to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions” (Daniel 6:7b).

I’m always amazed that laws can be easily passed as long as the right people are flattered. Darius had a huge ego and went along with the plot. Where were the men of faith like Daniel a couple of years ago when the government of the United States forbade Christians to gather to worship God? Will there be any men like Daniel when they try to do it again? When God-fearing men keep silent, evil grows stronger. The American Constitution seems to be being torn to shreds. Shame on Godly men who won’t stand firm against tyranny and ungodliness.

What did Daniel do? “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime” (Daniel 6:10). Daniel didn’t change his habits. God ruled his heart, not evil men. The evil men could make his life tough, but they couldn’t make him compromise his faith. “Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God” (Daniel 6:11). They went and tattled to the king. Darius liked Daniel but realized his mistake too late. The law was established, and there was no choice but to put Daniel in the den of lions. Darius should have been smarter than to sign that law, but his ego was puffed up.

In America, as well as other nations, evil people are pulling the puppet strings of government leaders.

“Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee” (Daniel 6:16). Daniel had been a strong witness for God. He never compromised, nor did he allow human government to dictate his faith. I admire Daniel.

Darius spent a sleepless night concerned for Daniel, and very early in the morning, he went to check on Daniel. When he got to the lion’s den, he called out, “…O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?” (Daniel 6:20b). Daniel was an amazing man. He showed no bitterness but was respectful to Darius. “Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt” (Daniel 6:21-22).

Daniel honestly and continually honored God. It wasn’t something he only did when he was facing lions. Daniel lived his faith daily. The king knew of Daniel’s faith, but his enemies also knew. That’s how they trapped him. Daniel didn’t allow evil men to dictate his worship habits. Daniel’s faith is an example to all of us.

Babylon was filled with pagan idols and was a cesspool of wickedness. It’s not a city to be admired. The world today is very much like Babylon, with evil rulers and sin running rampant. Where are the men who will stand firmly upon the word of God? We need men like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who refuse to bow before idols. We need men like Daniel who worship God Almighty openly in spite of what they may face. We need Godly women who won’t settle for less than Godly men.

Christ entered His creation knowing full well that he would be persecuted and put to death. The evil men could only kill His body. Because of Christ, death has been conquered for all who believe in Him, and we need to live our faith and not just give lip service to Him. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Don’t compromise your faith.

Christians need open and true faith like Daniel. God will see us through whatever persecution we may face, but our faith must not waiver.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

twotug@embarqmail.com

Recommended prophecy sites:

www.raptureready.com

www.prophecyupdate.com

www.raptureforums.com

All original scripture is “theopneustos,” God-breathed.

If you would like to be on my mailing list to receive the commentaries, just drop me an email and let me know.

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee” (Psalm 122:6).