Comments on: Personal Devil http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/ Official site of Shaun Groves - musician, speaker, advocate for children living in poverty Wed, 23 May 2012 17:38:19 -0500 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v= By: Holy Water Salt http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8471 Holy Water Salt Fri, 08 Feb 2008 22:11:27 +0000 http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8471 <p>FYI: If you are posessed, you can have multiple demons in you. </p> <p> And tehre are multiple formsof temptations in the world. </p> <p> I blog on exorcism, narcissism, psychopaths,the Devil and evil. </p> FYI: If you are posessed, you can have multiple demons in you.

And tehre are multiple formsof temptations in the world.

I blog on exorcism, narcissism, psychopaths,the Devil and evil.

]]> By: shaunfan http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8470 shaunfan Fri, 08 Feb 2008 13:45:15 +0000 http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8470 <p>Joe K. said: “I’ve been a Depeche Mode fan long before I became a Christian.  I was truly happy when my questions were answered straight from the horses mouth (again, for lack of better terms).” </p> <p> Joe, thanks for your post.  I’ve also been a Depeche Mode long before I became Christian and somewhat credit them for my seeking.  I also saw them on the “Songs of Faith & Devotion” tour in 1993 in Philly and by then I could tell Martin had figured out his faith which is when I started figuring out mine.  I have been very encouraged by the band’s transformation from 1981 to the most recent “Playing the Angel” in 2005, in particular the song “Precious”.  Lyrics here: <br /> <a href="http://www.depechemode.se/P/precious.htm" rel="nofollow">http://www.depechemode.se/P/precious.htm</a> </p> <p> I’ve made that same transformation and also hold Jesus as “precious”.  God Bless! </p> <p> Kevin </p> Joe K. said: “I’ve been a Depeche Mode fan long before I became a Christian.  I was truly happy when my questions were answered straight from the horses mouth (again, for lack of better terms).”

Joe, thanks for your post.  I’ve also been a Depeche Mode long before I became Christian and somewhat credit them for my seeking.  I also saw them on the “Songs of Faith & Devotion” tour in 1993 in Philly and by then I could tell Martin had figured out his faith which is when I started figuring out mine.  I have been very encouraged by the band’s transformation from 1981 to the most recent “Playing the Angel” in 2005, in particular the song “Precious”.  Lyrics here:

http://www.depechemode.se/P/precious.htm

I’ve made that same transformation and also hold Jesus as “precious”.  God Bless!

Kevin

]]> By: Sonflower http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8469 Sonflower Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:04:59 +0000 http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8469 <p>Is it possible these “devils” come from our own hearts?  Yes, there is evil and yes, it can from Satan and his minons but usually Satan doesn’t have to help at all for evil to come from our hearts… many just prefer to blame him. </p> Is it possible these “devils” come from our own hearts?  Yes, there is evil and yes, it can from Satan and his minons but usually Satan doesn’t have to help at all for evil to come from our hearts… many just prefer to blame him.

]]> By: David Martin http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8468 David Martin Thu, 07 Feb 2008 21:51:45 +0000 http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8468 <p>I’ll admit that I tend to roll my eyes at the Charismatic types who see demons and devils lurking around every corner, waiting to ensnare you. (I grew up in that tradition, so that’s probably why I have a knee-jerk reaction to it now.) I’m not the superstitious type, so I don’t see the world as being full of evil spirits that need to be exorcised. </p> <p> I do believe that Satan is real, just as I believe that God is real. And I’m sure that things like angels and demons exist; the Bible refers to them. But I get tired of the assumption that God’s angels are watching over you because you good a good parking space despite being five minutes late to church, or that Satan’s minions were attempting to thwart you because you got a flat tire along the way. I guess I don’t like all of that because it trivializes the Christian faith. </p> <p> What I know about God is that God is good, and everything good that we do comes from God. Satan is the antithesis of that, so one could argue that every sinful thing we do comes from Satan, though this is often used to get us off the hook in a “Devil made me do it” sort of way, which is why I don’t like talking about Satan all that much when I’m around people who aren’t Christians and/or have simplistic beliefs on the subject. It makes more logical sense to me to say that yes, there is a Satan, but at all times, I’m the one who gets to decide whether I’m going to be influenced by him or not. If I sin (which everyone does in at least some small way on a daily basis), I only have myself to blame. </p> <p> I think that there is an active evil force conspiring to make me sin on a regular basis, and I suppose you could personify that as a demon if you wanted to. Regardless of whether you believe it’s an actual spiritual being, or just an unclean state of the human mind, the result is the same - we need to resist it and pray against it and hold ourselves accountable. I think that helps to bridge the gap between me and some of the “superstitious” folks, in terms of keeping our eyes on the important lesson to be learned from it. </p> <p> But blaming the Devil for bad things that happen to me which aren’t my fault? I’m not so sure about that. Sometimes it’s because they’re not actually bad things - they’re actually God’s provision in disguise. Sometimes it’s because they’re just the frustrating inconveniences of life, and they don’t seem to be a result of anyone’s sin. So I tend to not engage in the Satan talk most of the time, simply because I don’t know whether good or evil forces are behind some of the things I encounter in my life. </p> <p> Lots of things considered to be demonic by some people, such as alcohol or rock music, are actually neutral. They’re tools that can be used by both sides. We’ve seen how Satan has used them, so we assume they’re only tools of Satan, but in reality, I think that it’s only God who creates things, and Satan who rips them off and manipulates them in ways they weren’t meant for. Hence, it’s very rare that I classify any one category of things or group of people as “evil”. </p> <p> I’m not sure if that answered your question, but that’s my random thought tangent on the subject. </p> I’ll admit that I tend to roll my eyes at the Charismatic types who see demons and devils lurking around every corner, waiting to ensnare you. (I grew up in that tradition, so that’s probably why I have a knee-jerk reaction to it now.) I’m not the superstitious type, so I don’t see the world as being full of evil spirits that need to be exorcised.

I do believe that Satan is real, just as I believe that God is real. And I’m sure that things like angels and demons exist; the Bible refers to them. But I get tired of the assumption that God’s angels are watching over you because you good a good parking space despite being five minutes late to church, or that Satan’s minions were attempting to thwart you because you got a flat tire along the way. I guess I don’t like all of that because it trivializes the Christian faith.

What I know about God is that God is good, and everything good that we do comes from God. Satan is the antithesis of that, so one could argue that every sinful thing we do comes from Satan, though this is often used to get us off the hook in a “Devil made me do it” sort of way, which is why I don’t like talking about Satan all that much when I’m around people who aren’t Christians and/or have simplistic beliefs on the subject. It makes more logical sense to me to say that yes, there is a Satan, but at all times, I’m the one who gets to decide whether I’m going to be influenced by him or not. If I sin (which everyone does in at least some small way on a daily basis), I only have myself to blame.

I think that there is an active evil force conspiring to make me sin on a regular basis, and I suppose you could personify that as a demon if you wanted to. Regardless of whether you believe it’s an actual spiritual being, or just an unclean state of the human mind, the result is the same – we need to resist it and pray against it and hold ourselves accountable. I think that helps to bridge the gap between me and some of the “superstitious” folks, in terms of keeping our eyes on the important lesson to be learned from it.

But blaming the Devil for bad things that happen to me which aren’t my fault? I’m not so sure about that. Sometimes it’s because they’re not actually bad things – they’re actually God’s provision in disguise. Sometimes it’s because they’re just the frustrating inconveniences of life, and they don’t seem to be a result of anyone’s sin. So I tend to not engage in the Satan talk most of the time, simply because I don’t know whether good or evil forces are behind some of the things I encounter in my life.

Lots of things considered to be demonic by some people, such as alcohol or rock music, are actually neutral. They’re tools that can be used by both sides. We’ve seen how Satan has used them, so we assume they’re only tools of Satan, but in reality, I think that it’s only God who creates things, and Satan who rips them off and manipulates them in ways they weren’t meant for. Hence, it’s very rare that I classify any one category of things or group of people as “evil”.

I’m not sure if that answered your question, but that’s my random thought tangent on the subject.

]]> By: Cali Amy http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8467 Cali Amy Thu, 07 Feb 2008 20:00:14 +0000 http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8467 <p>I could see it being possible that there is a demon specifically assigned to us to make our lives miserable. </p> I could see it being possible that there is a demon specifically assigned to us to make our lives miserable.

]]> By: Joe K. http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8466 Joe K. Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:34:30 +0000 http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8466 <p>I had the wonderful & rare opportunity to be able to talk w/ Martin Gore on a few occasions here in Chicago when they were on tour.  The 1st time I hung out with him was Friday October 29, 1993 (I’ll never forget that day—I scored an all-access pass from a friend’s father).  I’ve asked him several questions regarding his writings of faith—especially the album “Songs of Faith & Devotion” (1993) & Blasphemous rumors.  This really meant alot to me for I hoped that the meaning wasn’t blasphemy (for lack of better terms) I was releaved!!!  He DID say that he does read the bible & he DID make reference to Job as the reference @ <a href="http://www.songmeanings.net" rel="nofollow">http://www.songmeanings.net</a> said.  As for the Album, he said that he considers himself a Christian, believes in Jesus & is fascinated with the scriptures saying, “they’re most brilliant writings in existence”.  He wrote the album with the thought that he wanted to try to have some positive music with good meaning & symbolism be absorbed by “The Masses” He’s a true gentelman & very open to my questions.  An opportunity that I’ll never forget. </p> <p> I’ve been a Depeche Mode fan long before I became a Christian.  I was truly happy when my questions were answered straight from the horses mouth (again, for lack of better terms). </p> <p> Joe </p> I had the wonderful & rare opportunity to be able to talk w/ Martin Gore on a few occasions here in Chicago when they were on tour.  The 1st time I hung out with him was Friday October 29, 1993 (I’ll never forget that day—I scored an all-access pass from a friend’s father).  I’ve asked him several questions regarding his writings of faith—especially the album “Songs of Faith & Devotion” (1993) & Blasphemous rumors.  This really meant alot to me for I hoped that the meaning wasn’t blasphemy (for lack of better terms) I was releaved!!!  He DID say that he does read the bible & he DID make reference to Job as the reference @ http://www.songmeanings.net said.  As for the Album, he said that he considers himself a Christian, believes in Jesus & is fascinated with the scriptures saying, “they’re most brilliant writings in existence”.  He wrote the album with the thought that he wanted to try to have some positive music with good meaning & symbolism be absorbed by “The Masses” He’s a true gentelman & very open to my questions.  An opportunity that I’ll never forget.

I’ve been a Depeche Mode fan long before I became a Christian.  I was truly happy when my questions were answered straight from the horses mouth (again, for lack of better terms).

Joe

]]> By: shaunfan http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8465 shaunfan Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:46:17 +0000 http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8465 <p>That Zechariah 3 passage is just like Job’s challenge and questioning his faith.  Another 80’s band who spoke on this topic is INXS with the song “Devil Inside” and how pride is “the devil inside” and the very last line is very telling: “it’s hard to believe we need a place called hell”.  Lyrics here: <br /> <a href="http://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=38690" rel="nofollow">http://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=38690</a> </p> That Zechariah 3 passage is just like Job’s challenge and questioning his faith.  Another 80’s band who spoke on this topic is INXS with the song “Devil Inside” and how pride is “the devil inside” and the very last line is very telling: “it’s hard to believe we need a place called hell”.  Lyrics here:

http://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=38690

]]> By: euphrony http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8464 euphrony Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:34:54 +0000 http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8464 <p>I’ve often wondered what this scene (Zechariah 3) looked like through Joshua’s eyes.  We get the picture of the revealed spiritual contest that is given to Zechariah, but how was it to the man living it? </p> <p> With Zechariah 3, we have almost the picture of a court battle.  Satan, the accuser, tries to send Joshua up the river.  But the angel says not so fast.  The picture Satan wants God to see is Joshua in shambles (filthy clothes), but the angel changes the picture by changing his clothes.  A very personal battle, with Satan contending for one man (much like with Job).  It’s a good thing that Jehovah is not fooled by lawyer tricks! </p> I’ve often wondered what this scene (Zechariah 3) looked like through Joshua’s eyes.  We get the picture of the revealed spiritual contest that is given to Zechariah, but how was it to the man living it?

With Zechariah 3, we have almost the picture of a court battle.  Satan, the accuser, tries to send Joshua up the river.  But the angel says not so fast.  The picture Satan wants God to see is Joshua in shambles (filthy clothes), but the angel changes the picture by changing his clothes.  A very personal battle, with Satan contending for one man (much like with Job).  It’s a good thing that Jehovah is not fooled by lawyer tricks!

]]> By: trevor http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8463 trevor Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:31:06 +0000 http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8463 <p>I’m not sure that the Devil or his minions are personal.  I think I could give them the benefit of being well organized and high intentional in the actions. <br /> However I do believe that our sin is personal. <br /> I once heard a sermon on pride entitled, “The Devil I Never Knew” (a play off Yancey’s “The Jesus I Never Knew").  The closing line of the sermon was, “The devil I never knew was the pride inside of me.” </p> I’m not sure that the Devil or his minions are personal.  I think I could give them the benefit of being well organized and high intentional in the actions.

However I do believe that our sin is personal.

I once heard a sermon on pride entitled, “The Devil I Never Knew” (a play off Yancey’s “The Jesus I Never Knew”).  The closing line of the sermon was, “The devil I never knew was the pride inside of me.”

]]> By: Grovesfan http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8462 Grovesfan Thu, 07 Feb 2008 17:22:41 +0000 http://shaungroves.com/2008/02/personal-devil/#comment-8462 <p>I believe demons can be very personal.  While Frank Peretti’s books are certainly fiction, “This Present Darkness” and “Piercing the Darkness” are two that address the personal attacks by demons on those who are vulnerable.  Emotions like fear, doubt, worry, anxiety, depression, etc. can be personal demons and they can attack when we least expect it.  When satan fell, he didn’t leave heaven alone.  He took a third of the angels with him.  I don’t think they’re hanging out in hell doing nothing. </p> <p> Beth </p> I believe demons can be very personal.  While Frank Peretti’s books are certainly fiction, “This Present Darkness” and “Piercing the Darkness” are two that address the personal attacks by demons on those who are vulnerable.  Emotions like fear, doubt, worry, anxiety, depression, etc. can be personal demons and they can attack when we least expect it.  When satan fell, he didn’t leave heaven alone.  He took a third of the angels with him.  I don’t think they’re hanging out in hell doing nothing.

Beth

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