Demons

Dearest Ones,

Some people think demons are part of the imaginative world of Halloween only. They dismiss them as one would a fairy tale. Whether one believes in demons or not, they are very real. They tormented Jesus Himself. Jesus talked about them numerous times in the Bible. Demons are ever so subtle and they are smarter than we are. They know the Bible better than we do, too.

Did you ever wonder what makes you do the things you don't want to do, but yet, it almost seems like you can't help yourself? You are not alone. All people, at some time or another, feel like this. St. Paul tells us that he was distressed because he did things he knew were wrong, but it was almost like he couldn't help himself. At times like this, it helps to remember Paul's words in Ephesians 6:12: "We are not fighting against flesh and blood enemies, but against evil spirits in the unseen world." Paul knew he was up against someone smarter than he was - but he also knew where to go for help.

Demons leave when they hear the name of Jesus. It helps to pray that name when we feel angry and upset with the world. Jesus said, "I have given you authority over all the power of the devil." Isn't that great? So, we have the power of Jesus to help us, if only we use it. But how do you know if the evil ones are gone? If evil spirits are around, there is confusion, anger and despair but there is the feeling of peace that comes after they leave. We can be sure that peace will come because Jesus promised, "The Spirit who lives in us is greater than the evil spirit." -1 John 4:4. That's enough for me. I must not listen to the lies of the evil one, "for he goes about like a roaring lion trying to devour souls and keep them from going to heaven." -1 Peter 5:8.

There's a spiritual war going on around us that never stops - its the angels against demons, but God gives us His help, if only we ask. Jesus gives enough grace to those who BELIEVE in Him! I think about what the apostle Paul said regarding the terrible things he endured: he was beaten, stoned, falsely accused, imprisoned and shipwrecked -yet he said, "Gladly do I rejoice in my afflictions, that the power of Christ may help me." -2 Cor. 12:9. Why would he thank God for troubles and rejoice in them? Because without his trials, he would never know the power of God and His love. So give God your broken heart, your aching heart and He will fill it with His love.

Thank God for everything! For all he gives and all he takes away. Thank Him for every affliction he sends, every cross he blends into our lives. For there's a blessing in everything. Pray for a thankful spirit! It will lighten many trials we have to carry along life's weary road on the way home to God.

Everyone of us will be faced at some time or another with problems, which are too big for us to handle alone. When we embrace them, give them to Jesus and carry on, we tend to be a lot happier. Jesus is always showing Himself in every situation if we only stop long enough to see what He is doing. Sometimes all that the devil accomplishes, after all his hard work, is to turn people more toward God.

We can choose to see life as impersonal and without God, or we can see it as a spiritual battle, us against the demons, in which prayer can make all the difference in the world! Help is only a prayer away.

With all my love and prayers,
Sister Francelle