The Living Light Ministry International

WHAT IS THE OCCULT ?
One main channel through which demons gain access to humanity is the occult. If we do not understand the almost universal influence of the occult on the human race, we will not be able to deal effectively with demons.
Somewhere in every one of us is a deep longing to make contact with the unknown, with some "higher power"-something greater or wiser or more powerful than ourselves. This is true at all levels, from the teenage girl reading her horoscope, to the witch doctor in some remote tribe who has never seen a white man, to the scientist probing outer space and seeking to discover the secrets of the universe.
It was God who placed this longing within us, but His archenemy, Satan, has devised a way to divert seekers into deceptive, evil systems that bring them into bo***ge to himself. These deceptive systems can take countless different forms, but the generic name for them all is the occult. This raises the fourth question commonly asked concerning the realm of the demonic: What is the occult?

The word occult is derived from a Latin word that means "concealed" or "covered over." The power operating through occult practices or systems derives from Satan and is evil. But most people caught up in them do not know this. They have been enticed by labels or claims that make them appear highly desirable.
This is vivid to me because of my own experience. I was fascinated by all things connected with India, and at Cambridge I actually attempted to become a yogi. No matter how hard I tried, however, I could never attain the release or fulfillment I was searching for. This indefinable longing was finally satisfied when, by the grace of God, I had a supernatural encounter with Jesus, the Son of God.
Scripture calls turning away from the one true God to false gods "spiritual adultery." Thus the Bible's strong warnings against immorality and adultery also apply to all forms of involvement with the occult. The "strange [immoral or adulterous] woman" described in Proverbs vividly depicts the lure of the occult.
In Proverbs 5:6 we are warned against trying to study her ways, because they are "moveable" (KJV), "unstable" (NKJV) and "crooked" (NIV)-all of which apply to the occult. I have observed that as one deceptive error is refuted, two new occult practices or false religions rise up in its place. Rather than attempt to give a full list, therefore, I will point out ways by which they operate. Truth is the best defense against error.

The tragic end of those who permit themselves to be enticed and deceived by a "strange woman" is described in Proverbs 7:25-27:
Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, Do not stray into her paths; For she has cast down many wounded, And all who were slain by her were strong men. Her house is the way to hell, Descending to the chambers of death.
Scripture emphasizes that the victims of this "strange woman" are strong men. It is characteristic of these deceptive forces that they primarily target men with leadership capacity. Satan hates such men. Strong men become vulnerable when they place their confidence in their own strength and in their past successes.

The two main branches of the occult are identified in Scripture as divination and sorcery.

1. DIVINATION
Divination provides knowledge through supernatural means about people, events and situations. Frequently it predicts future events. The contemporary terms for this are fortunetelling, psychic predicting and extrasensory perception (ESP).A clear example is offered by the slave girl in Acts 16:16-22, who was said to be "possessed with a spirit of divination" (NKJV) or "a spirit by which she predicted the future" (NIV). Actually the Greek merely says "she had a python spirit." In classical Greek culture the python was often associated with the practice of divination or fortunetelling. The modern term for such a person is psychic.

2. SORCERY
The other channel through which the occult operates is sorcery. Sorcery can be considered the twin sister of divination, but it has its own special sphere of activity. It uses various means to make an impact on the physical senses. Some of its tools are drugs, potions, charms, amulets, magic, spells, incantations and various forms of music.

In speaking of the last days, Paul warns that "evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Timothy 3:13). The Greek word translated "impostors" means, literally, "enchanters," but because enchanting (incantation) is used in various occult rituals, it came to mean "wizards" or "sorcerers." Some contemporary forms of music, such as acid rock, fall into the same category and are used as channels of supernatural satanic power. This agrees with Paul's prediction that, as the age draws to its close, there will be a great upsurge of these occult forces.

- DEREK PRINCE ( They Shall Expel Demons )
- Spiritual Notes

Here are some verses that might bless you:

1. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
2. Psalm 32:8 - "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."
3. Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
4. Isaiah 30:21 - "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."
5. Psalm 37:23 - "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord."

Reflecting on these verses, you might be asking, "What's the significance of these verses in finding my divine location?" May God guide you to your land of promise and favor.

No wonder, the Bible calls them "the ungodly". Next, you are warned not to "stand" in the way of sinners. This implies that you should not be of the same behaviour with them. Standing in their way shows you're not just walking but have started to do what they also do, oftentimes contrary to God's way. Thirdly, the Bible warns you against 'sitting" with the scornful, the mockers, those who do nothing but ridicule others in other to pull them down. What a wrong place to be!

Beloved, you must know and maintain your correct position and association, so that you're not found among blockers and drainers of blessing. Are you there already? Make every effort to retrace yourself and come out from among them according to scriptures in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

How do you do this? Repent of your wrong company, confess all known sins, decide to come out and never be involved again. Ask God for grace to be on His side and be divinely connected.

*Morning Devotional:*

*"Morning Light"*

*Scripture:* "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" - Psalm 27:1

*Reflection:*

As morning dawns, God's light shines bright. Let His light dispel darkness and guide your path. Trust His presence and promises.

*Prayer:*
"Dear Lord, fill me with Your light and peace. Guide me today."

*May God's light and joy be with you today!*

A pastor asked an older farmer, decked out in bib overalls, to say grace for the morning breakfast.

"Lord, I don't like buttermilk", the farmer began.

The visiting pastor opened one eye to glance at the farmer and wonder where this was going.

The farmer loudly proclaimed, "Lord, I don't like lard."

Now the pastor was growing concerned.

Without missing a beat, the farmer continued, "And Lord, you know I don't much care for raw white flour".

The pastor once again opened an eye to glance around the room and saw that he wasn't the only one to feel uncomfortable.

Then the farmer added, "But Lord, when you mix them all together and bake them, I do love warm fresh biscuits.

So Lord, when things come up that we don't like, when life gets hard, when we don't understand what you're saying to us, help us to just relax and wait until you are done mixing.

It will probably be even better than biscuits. Amen."

Ok...carry on

Prayer er points for new month blessings:

1. *"Father, thank You for bringing me to this new month; may it be filled with Your blessings and favor."*
2. *"Lord, grant me wisdom, guidance, and clarity of mind throughout this month."*
3. *"I pray for divine protection, safety, and good health in this new month."*
4. *"Father, open doors of opportunity for me, and may I walk through them with faith and confidence."*
5. *"Lord, may this month be filled with joy, peace, and success in all areas of my life."*

Other points:

1. *Gratitude*: "Thank You for the gift of life and this new month."
2. *Divine Favor*: "May Your favor surround me like a shield."
3. *Prosperity*: "Lord, bless me with financial stability and prosperity."
4. *Spiritual Growth*: "Father, draw me closer to You and deepen my relationship with You."

*Scriptures to Declare:*

1. Jeremiah 29:11
2. Psalm 118:24
3. Philippians 4:13

*Pray with faith and expectation.*

Today's Sermon

*Title:* Accessing God's Glory: A Journey to Divine Presence

*Text:* Exodus 33:18-23, Psalm 63:1-11, 2 Corinthians 3:18

*Introduction:*
God's Glory is the manifestation of His divine presence, power, and majesty. As believers, we can access God's Glory and experience transformation, empowerment, and intimacy with Him.

*I. Hunger and Thirst (Psalm 63:1-11)*

- Develop a hunger: Cultivate a deep desire for God's presence and Glory.
- Seek Him first: Prioritize your relationship with God above all else.

*II. Humility and Dependence (Exodus 33:18-23)*

- Recognize your limitations: Acknowledge your need for God's intervention.
- Depend on God's grace: Rely on His strength and mercy.

*III. Obedience and Surrender (John 14:15-21)*

- Obey God's Word: Align your life with biblical principles.
- Surrender to His will: Yield to God's plan and purpose.

*IV. Faith and Expectation (2 Corinthians 3:18)*

- Believe in God's promises: Trust in His ability to manifest His Glory.
- Expect transformation: Anticipate spiritual growth and renewal.

*V. Intimacy and Worship (Psalm 27:1-14)*

- Cultivate intimacy: Develop a deep, personal relationship with God.
- Worship in spirit: Engage in heartfelt, sincere worship.

*Practical Steps:*

1. *Prayer and Fasting*: Seek God's presence through prayer and fasting.
2. *Worship and Praise*: Engage in heartfelt worship and praise.
3. *Scripture Meditation*: Meditate on God's Word to cultivate hunger.
4. *Community and Fellowship*: Surround yourself with believers who value God's presence.

*Prayer Points:*

- *"Father, I hunger for Your Glory and presence in my life."*
- *"Lord, help me surrender to Your will and obey Your Word."*
- *"I believe in Your promises and expect transformation, in Jesus' name."*

May we, like Moses, experience God's Glory and radiate His presence to a world in need!. Shalom ⭐

Rev Paul Onukaoguh

Unspoken Gratitude is In-Gratitude Spoken.
Read it Again. 🌄

*NO BODY IS AN ORDINARY PERSON IN LIFE*.

Holandia yogurt Is Expensive, But It Does Not Quench Thirst, Like Ordinary Water.

O'level(WASC/SSCE) is just an Ordinary certificate but without it you can't obtain a degree, Master's and PhD.

That Thing Called *‘Ordinary’* Does Not Mean It Is Not Valuable.
Water Might Be *‘Ordinary’,* But Without It, There Is No Life.

Value Ordinary People! They Can Save Your Life.

Don’t Be Too Proud To Respond When Your Gateman Greets You.

Don't Be Too Proud To Adjust When That Junior Staff Calls Your Attention To Issues.

Don't Be Too Proud To Listen To The Advice Of Your Follower Because Some Of Them Are Even Better Leaders But You Are Only Privileged.

Don't Be Too Proud To Listen To Your Subordinates As A Leader Because You Don't Know It All.

If You Treat The Ordinary People In Your Life Like Garbage, You May Die With Your Ailments.

Low-Class People Are Not Necessarily Low Life People.

Who Says You Are Better Than That Ordinary People?
Those Ordinary People Were Made By God And God Has Deposited In Them Strength And Weakness.

Don't Allow Your Pride To Destroy You, Call That Ordinary People, He or She Is Ready To Help You.

Wisdom Is Profitable To Direct And When We Do Things Together, We Do It Better.

```LET IT SINK INTO OUR MIND THAT ANYTHING CALLED ORDINARY HAS ITS VALUE.

FOOD FOR DEEP THOUGHT AND IN REFLECTION!!