Volume 2 Jan. - Feb. 2011
Familiar Spirits and Soul Ties Journaling: The Intended Bond: Marriage
The Ties That Bind
T:7”
T:10”
You don’t have to be perfect to be a perfect parent. There are plenty of teens in foster care who would love to walk an extra block for you. 1-888-200-4005 • adoptuskids.org
Take time to
be a dad today.
Call 877-4DAD411 or visit www.fatherhood.gov
CONTRIBUTORS LaWanda Scott Craig Stafford
Veronica Bedford Deborah L. Jones
Geri McGhee
Cheryl E. McKnight
Anita F. Wilson
E. Chantaye Wilson
4| SPIRIT RISING
These homeowners were helped by the program. To hear their story, go to MakingHomeAffordable.gov
If you’re struggling to keep your home, there is help. Today, many people are at risk of foreclosure through no fault of their own. Making Home Affordable is a free program from the U.S. government that has already helped over a million struggling homeowners. The sooner you act, the better the chance we can help you.
MakingHomeAffordable.gov
|
1-888-995-HOPE (4673)
S P I R I T R I S I N G |5
Within these pages
11
Prayer
15
The Ties That Bind
19
Familiar Spirits and Soul Ties
24
Stop Turning Around and Understand the Realms that Bind
LaWanda Scott
Veronica Bedford
Geri McGhee
Elder Anita F. Wilson
31
Soul Ties - Deciphering Spiritual Communication from Within Craig Stafford
34
The Surrending Soul
42
The Intended Bond: Marriage
46
Let’s Talk About This: Love Unresolved
Deborah L. Jones-Allen PhD
Cheryl E. Knight
E. Chantaye Watson
SPIRIT RISING MAGAZINE is a bi-monthly publication designed to help readers live with strong and certain Biblical strategies as their guide. The magazine’s focus is to give very practical and applicable information on living in and through the Word of God. This is done through detailed per issue topic exploration. Topics relate to matters which directly affect a reader’s ability to live a fuller, more focused, more determined and purposed life. The subject matter discussed will be covered and explored through various angles.
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief LaWanda Scott Customer Service Brittney Smith Jean Washing
Whe hidi n you ta n s e e g i t . E v ke s t e r o A f a y o u f o r e n t u a l l ids, the y ke . A f r w h a t y ev e r y re’s no aud o o . An u real ne wil l aste ly ar risk e. .
Contributing Writers Veronica Bedford Geri McGhee Elder Anita F. Wilson Craig Stafford Deborah L. Jones-Allen PhD Cheryl E. Knight E. Chantaye Watson Creative Director E. Chantaye Watson Graphic Design Jenette Sityar Legal Counsel Vernita C. Williams, Esq. SPIRIT RISING MAGAZINE is published by Pecan Tree Publishing, www.pecantreepress.com, Hollywood, Fl 33020. Pecan Tree Publishing chose to present the publication in the online format to shatter the readership restrictions on some print publications. While there will be no subscription rate for the online edition, allowing free and continual access to issues; the publication may also be ordered in a print-on-demand basis for a nominal charge. For submission or editorial guidelines, as well as questions, comments or general feedback please email: spiritrisingmag@pecantreepress.com. For advertising inquiries, please email: solutions@ pecantreepress.com. Our office hours are Monday – Friday, 10a-2p. For inquiries not listed here, please call 877-207-2442.
DontBeAnAsterisk.com
S P I R I T R I S I N G |9
1 Corinthians 6:18-19 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. 19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own. 18
10| SPIRIT RISING
Soul Ties PRAYER BY LAWANDA SCOTT
Lord we know and acknowledge that there is fullness of joy in you and we are certain to experience this fullness when we are connected to You. Thank you for wisdom and the ability to be discerning in the connections we make in every aspect of our lives. Help us make sound decisions and be careful of who we align ourselves with in relationships, friendships and partnerships. We seek to live a life that is characteristic of You and is pleasing in Your sight. We lay aside things, people and experiences that hinder us from living in complete harmony with Your plan for our lives. We release pain, failure and fear and embrace peace, forgiveness and power. Lord we desire Your Will be superimposed over our will that our true purpose be fully manifested. Help us to be committed to our first priority which is the covenant we’ve made with You. Draw us to those spiritual connections that you’ve made to prosper us and be a blessing to others. In Jesus Name Amen.
PERSONAL PRAYER… Lord today I surrender all of my connections to you. I commit to being prayerful about all new and current relationships, friendships and partnerships, that they bring glory to You, myself and those with whom I’m connected. S P I R I T R I S I N G |11
Ephesians 6:10-18 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 10
12| SPIRIT RISING
Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God— this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 1
14| SPIRIT RISING
The Ties That Bind VERONICA BEDFORD
T
his topic of soul ties has been mentioned in numerous sermons, discussed in various conferences and many books have been written on the topic. But, what actually is a soul tie? While there was definitely a time when I believed in this concept, I am not so certain now. Traditionally, it has been defined as a deep knitting/tying of people in relationships. My struggle with whether or not I am fully persuaded that this issue can be related to a biblical concept is due to the fact that the Scriptural references used to explain this issue seems to be a bit exaggerated. It appears that this is a term that has been imposed upon Scriptures rather than the Scriptures speaking to the topic. The Bible does not specifically mention the term soul tie. I can already hear some saying, but neither does it mention the trinity or the rapture. True, it doesn’t, but that’s another article dealing with how Christian tradition has influenced Christianity. One of the passages of Scripture used to support the idea of soul ties is 1 Samuel 18:1, “After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” (NIV) Admittedly I am not a Hebrew scholar, but there are different translations/renderings of this passage. Some translations read soul while, as in the above mentioned reference, others render the word as spirit. This particular passage is quite controversial because it is the same passage used to justify/explain a sexual relationship between David and Jonathan. We must understand what lens we are looking through when we read the bible. Although, I am uncertain about this topic being justified biblically, I can understand what one means when using the word. I just wonder if the meaning is more akin to what would be S P I R I T R I S I N G |15
described as a strong hold versus a soul tie. An understanding of the soul is necessary to continue this discussion. The soul is essentially who we are. It is the place where our emotions, intellect and will are seated. Genesis 2:7 reads, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul [person].” It is here -the soul, where our battles take place. It is the soul that drives us and it is the soul that we must subject to the Spirit of God. While we speak of crucifying the flesh, ultimately the battle starts in the soul (our mind/intellect, emotions). If those thoughts are not checked there, it will manifest through the flesh. The psalmist demonstrates the need to bring the soul into subjection when he writes “Bless the LORD, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless his holy name.” It is a call to command the self (soul) to remember what God has done and to praise God for what has been done. When our soul is in a deep, emotional connection to another person or sometimes even a thing, we must call to question if it is of God. In the context of dealing with “soul ties”, these relationships are often seen as negative. However God can and does ordain us to become connected to one another. It becomes ungodly /unhealthy when the person or thing eclipses one’s view of God. Perhaps it is through this understanding, that I am more comfortable relating it to a stronghold. A stronghold is something/someone that keeps one from living in the fullness of the liberty, peace, purpose and joy of Christ. The Greek phrase for strong hold is translated as a castle or anything one relies upon. If we take the word in the literal sense it means the thing or person has strong hold (influence or control) over the life of the one impacted. While some may feel as if I am simply dealing with semantics, I believe that if we are going to use the Bible to justify a topic, it should be true to the word. These relationships however are not all negative. There are positive examples of strong holds. Nahum 1:7 says “The LORD is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knows them that trust in him. One can have a relationship with a person where you can “know” what is happening to and with them when you are not around them. There are times when we are so connected to others that we can finish their sentences or know what they are think16| SPIRIT RISING
ing without them having to speak. The problems arise when these relationships control or identify you. When you find yourself repeating patterns, attracting the same type of people/ problems; it is then a call to identify and question what is happening within you. It is time to ask what is missing within you or what is drawing you to situations where you are not whole. It is time to ask what vulnerability am I showing that attract these situations/people or what need am I trying to fulfill? When you become obsessed with the thoughts of the person/thing, then it becomes unhealthy. We can carry these thoughts, people and emotions around with us for years. As we carry them, they attract similar spirits which attach themselves to us. It can be quite difficult and painful to severe these connections, because they become such a part of who we are. Nevertheless, it is not impossible. We can only defeat these issues by first acknowledging they exist. This is oftentimes the most painful part – being honest with ourselves. Yet, after an honest assessment of who we have become and what we have let in, God allows a way of escape. As a child of God, we have the power to bind those spirits that rise up against the believer. Sometimes this is only done through prayer and fasting, two of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal for spiritual warfare. This authority is only operable when we are in right relationship with God. It is advisable for us to be careful who or what we allow ourselves to become connected to. Whoever or whatever garners most of our attention will be the person or thing that ultimately becomes our god. Before connecting to a person or a thing, seek God to inquire if it is in the will.
HelpÊProtectÊYourÊHomeÊandÊFamily AÊhomeÊisÊburglarizedÊeveryÊ9.1Êseconds,Êdon’tÊletÊyoursÊbeÊtheÊnext!
FREE
Home Security System! $
850 Value!
At no cost to you for parts and activation with only a $99 installation fee and the purchase of alarm monitoring services. Terms & Conditions below.
Available two-way voice that allows you to instantly communicate with an ADT Security Specialist.
24/7 PROTECTION only $35.99/mo. Get up to a 20% DISCOUNT on your home owner’s insurance! FREE wireless remote control with PANIC BUTTON!
Call Now and Help Protect Your Family!
1-888-474-8604 Mon-Fri 8am - 11pm - Sat 9am- 8pm - Sun 10am - 6pm EST
$99.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $35.99 per month ($1,295.64). Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT Security Services, Inc. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Licenses: AL-10-1104, AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DE-07-212, FL-EC13003427, EC13003401, GA-LVA205395, IA-AC-0036, ID-39131, IL-127.001042, IN-City of Indianapolis: 93294, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1082, MA-1355C, MD-107-1375, Baltimore County: 1375, Calvert County: ABL00625, Caroline County: 1157, Cecil County: 541-L, Charles County: 804, Dorchester County: 764, Frederick County: F0424, Harford County: 3541, Montgomery County: 1276, Prince George’s County: 685, Queen Anne’s County: L156, St. Mary’s County: LV2039R, Talbot County: L674, Wicomico County: 2017, Worcester County: L1013, MI-3601205773, MN-TS01807, MO-City of St. Louis: CC354, St. Louis County: 47738, MS-15007958, MT-247, NC-25310-SP-LV, 1622-CSA, NE-14451, NJ-34BF00021800, NM-353366, NV-68518, City of Las Vegas: B14-00075-6-121756, C11-11262-L-121756, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Department of State UID#12000286451, OH-53891446, City of Cincinnati: AC86, OK-1048, OR-170997, Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration Number: PA22999, RI-3428, SC-BAC5630, TN-C1164, C1520, TX-B13734, UT-6422596-6501, VA-115120, VT-ES-2382, WA-602588694/PROTEYH934RS, WI-City of Milwaukee: 0001697, WV-042433, WY-LV-G-21499. For full list of licenses visit our website www.protectyourhome.com. Protect Your Home – 3750 Priority Way South Dr., Ste 200, Indianapolis, IN 46240. "Crime data taken from http://ovc.ncjrs.gove/ncvrw2008/pdf/crime_clock_eng.pdf"
S P I R I T R I S I N G |17
My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism. My friend’s uncle’s second cousin’s son has autism.
Autism is getting closer to home. Today, 1 in 110 children is diagnosed. Early diagnosis can make a lifetime of difference.
Learn the signs at autismspeaks.org
18| SPIRIT RISING
The Familiar
Spirits and Soul Ties
BY GERI MCGHEE
T
hrough “Soul Ties,” you can carry the familiar spirits, the addictions, sicknesses, characteristics, ideas, habits, opinions and emotions, etc. of the persons with whom you have a soul tie. Many people are looking to the world to find solutions to their problems when the answer could lie in a soul tie. There have been many occasions when I have seen people instantly healed of pain when soul ties are broken. This has been especially true when a person repents of sin, forgives those who have hurt them physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually, spiritually or medically and breaks the soul tie that was formed through the offense. Grief and anger (vexation) towards the offender will hold the pain in whatever area that was hurt. ECC 11:10 says, “So, remove vexation (grief and anger) from your heart and put away pain from your body.” A soul tie involves the joining of a person’s human spirit and personality (his mind, will and emotions), which includes his heart and conscience. A soul tie is the joining or knitting together of a relationship. A soul tie cannot be seen with physical eyes. But if you could see as God sees or as angels and demons see, you would see people linked and tied together in the spirit realm. There are good and Godly soul ties and there are soul ties, which are evil and ungodly. S P I R I T R I S I N G |19
Godly soul ties are based upon God’s righteous law of love. Some examples of Godly soul ties are when like-minded believers are joined in the Lord, marriage partners, parents and children, believers to pastors, pastors to believers, etc. God approves of these kinds of soul ties. They represent the joining of persons together through agape love. In Colossians 2:2 it describes this kind of Godly soul tie where it says, “that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself.” Soul ties can be weak and loose or strong and overpowering depending upon the sin and strength and commitment of the relationship. Demonic soul ties are perversions of the good and holy and they can be yokes about our necks. Soul ties can affect us in a good or bad way. 1 Corinthians 12:26 says, “And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.” Soul ties can be broken when we repent and take accountability for our sin, forgive those who have hurt us or those with whom we have sinned, ask God to forgive us and break the ungodly soul ties. MAT 18:18 says, “Truly I say to you, whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” God’s Word says through repentance, He will gather us from all the places where we have been scattered through soul ties.
Geri McGhee has been in the deliverance ministry since 1982 and is the President of Abiding Life Ministries. She is a Member of the Advisory Board for the International Spiritual Warfare Team Committee. Geri is the author of “Clearing the Land,” a repentance booklet preparing people for deliverance, as well as “The Story of Wise Pig and Foolish Pig,” a children’s book. She has recently written two other books: “Resetting Life’s Negative Reaping Patterns” and “Grief” that will be in print soon. Her weekly television broadcast, “Overcoming Life’s Obstacles” may be seen on Saturday nights from 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM on cable channel 18 in Tyler, Texas. Since 1990, Geri has been teaching “Overcoming Life’s Obstacles—In the Word Deliverance and Healing Seminars,” throughout the United States. In February 1992, she founded the Abiding Life Fellowship in Lindale, Texas where she was pastor for ten years.
20| SPIRIT RISING
2 Corinthians 10:4-5 4
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
S P I R I T R I S I N G |21
DIRECTV has more of what you want to watch! The most full-time HD channels—over 160!‡
PACKAGES START AT
29
The Penguins of Madagascar on
$
99 mo.
Everyday Low Price The FAMILY™ package
Record and watch your favorite shows from any room with a single HD DVR!*
Dexter™ on SHOWTIME HD ® The undisputed leader in sports
Act now and get:
E FREE HD FREE E R 2UF S E D A R PG Offer ends 2/9/11
Limited-time offer
RECEIVER HD DVR & HD $
Limited-time offer
FOR 3 MONTHS
With 24
^
Offer ends 2/9/11
OVER 160 HD CHANNELS AVAILABLE‡ With CHOICE XTRATM package or higher, and Auto Bill Pay.†
12 Channels
Limited-time offer
FREE PRO INSTALL
IN UP TO 4 ROOMS
Get 21 movie channels!
298
Value!
™ package or higher. activation of CHOICE XTRA ice.° Models may vary. With t and activation of Whole-Home DVR serv mo. agreemen
Offer ends 2/9/11
IT’S FAST! IT’S EASY!
9 Channels
Over $70 Value! With CHOICE XTRA™ package or higher.
Custom installation extra.
Offer ends 2/9/11. Credit card required (except in MA & PA). New approved customers only (lease required). $19.95 Handling & Delivery fee may apply. Applicable use tax adjustment may apply on the retail value of the installation.
Switch today! 1-888-531-9083
NO EQUIPMENT TO BUY! NO START-UP COSTS!
°24-MO. LEASE AGREEMENT: Must maintain 24 consecutive months of any DIRECTV base programming package ($29.99/mo. or above) or qualifying international services bundle. FAILURE TO ACTIVATE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EQUIPMENT LEASE ADDENDUM MAY RESULT IN A CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER. IF SERVICE IS TERMINATED EARLY, A CANCELLATION FEE OF $20/MONTH REMAINING WILL APPLY. ALL EQUIPMENT IS LEASED AND MUST BE RETURNED TO DIRECTV UPON CANCELLATION, OR UNRETURNED EQUIPMENT FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. RECEIVER UPGRADES: Second advanced receiver offer requires activation of an HD DVR as the first free receiver upgrade and subscription to Whole-Home DVR service. Advanced receiver instant rebate requires activation of the CHOICE XTRA package or above; MAS ULTRA or above (or for DVR receiver, OPTIMO MÁS Package or above); Jadeworld; or any qualifying international service bundle, which shall include the PREFERRED CHOICE programming package (valued at $38.99/mo.). Additional advanced receiver upgrades available for a charge. INSTALLATION: Standard professional installation only. Custom installation extra. ^BILL CREDIT/PROGRAMMING OFFER: Free SHOWTIME for 3 months, a value of $38.97. Free Starz and SHOWTIME for 3 months, a value of $72. LIMIT ONE PROGRAMMING OFFER PER ACCOUNT. Account must be in “good standing,” as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion, to remain eligible. IF BY THE END OF PROMOTIONAL PRICE PERIOD(S) CUSTOMER DOES NOT CONTACT DIRECTV TO CHANGE SERVICE THEN ALL SERVICES WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONTINUE AT THE THEN-PREVAILING RATES INCLUDING THE $5/MO. LEASE FEE FOR THE 2ND AND EACH ADDITIONAL RECEIVER. PHOTO CREDITS: The Penguins of Madagascar © 2010 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. SHOWTIME and related marks are registered trademarks of SHOWTIME Networks Inc., a CBS Company. All Rights Reserved. In certain markets, programming/pricing may vary. *DIRECTV® Whole-Home DVR service: Limit one remote viewing per HD DVR at a time. DIRECTV Whole-Home DVR service requires a DIRECTV Plus HD DVR, a Whole-Home-enabled HD Receiver for each additional TV, HD Access ($10/mo.), DVR service ($7/mo) and Whole-Home DVR service ($3/mo). For more information, visit directv.com/wholehome. ‡To access DIRECTV HD programming, an HD Access fee ($10/mo.) and HD television equipment are required. Number of HD channels varies by package selected. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming subject to DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in first bill. PHOTO CREDITS: The Penguins of Madagascar ©2010 Viacom International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. SHOWTIME and related marks are registered trademarks of SHOWTIME Networks Inc., a CBS Company. All Rights Reserved. ©2010 DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, FAMILY and CHOICE XTRA are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.
22| SPIRIT RISING
S P I R I T R I S I N G |23
Forum
Stop turning around and
24| SPIRIT RISING
understand the realms that bind I
spent most of the earlier years of my life worrying about what people thought about me and allowing the wrong people to attach to me. You see I had an uninvited visitor who just continued to overstay their welcome. That visitor’s name was rejection. It wasn’t until I really began to explore who I was and how I was made that I was able to give rejection his eviction notice, and walk in a free life from people and things weighing me down. Because I fought rejection so hard, I was vulnerable prey for allowing things to connect to me that kept me in a bubble. Those connections were soul ties. I had heard sermon after sermon and studied and studied the subject - soul ties. I did the “turn around 7 times and you’re free” routine so many times in the heat of the revival that I was dizzy. Then I’d dry my tears, pick up my keys and me and my ties would get in my car and go home together - again. But one day I was not even looking for it (the truth) and yet there it was right in front of me. I was preparing to teach a class (that had nothing to do with soul ties) but was dealt with man’s likeness to God. I ran across a book called Dispensational Truth by Clarence Larkin. In this book is a dia-
gram that showed man as a triune being just like God. The more I studied his diagram, the more I began to realize that the answer I had waited for my entire life had arrived. I Thessalonians 5:23 says “And the
very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved.” This verse clearly divides a person into three parts: the spirit, the soul, and the body. Here the apostle mentioned the believers being sanctified “wholly.” This means that the whole being of the believer is to be sanctified. What did he mean when he said that a person is to be sanctified wholly? He meant that a person’s spirit, soul, and body are to be preserved complete. This is very clear; a complete person has a spirit, a soul, and a body. Clarence Larkin goes further to say that man’s threefold nature is like the tabernacle. Man is Body, Soul and Spirit, the tabernacle is Outer Courts, Inner Courts and Holy of Holy’s. There are five sense faculties in the Body realm: Sight, Smell, Hearing Taste and Touch. There are also five sense faculties in the Soul realm: Imagination, Conscience, Memory, Reason and Affection. What’s on S P I R I T R I S I N G |25
the Body realm corresponds to the soul realm through the sense faculties. Sight = Imagination, Smell = Conscience, Hearing = Memory, Taste = Reason and Touch = Affections. The only gateway from Body to spirit is your Hearing gateway. What goes into your hearing goes to your memory and then into your Spirit which also has five sense faculties: Faith, Hope, Reverence, Prayer and Worship. There’s one other significant piece of information here. The tabernacle had a veil that was torn from top to bottom at the time of the crucifixion of Jesus. Before we accept Christ into our lives, we are 2 dimensional - body and soul. But when we in accept Christ we become S:4.625 3 dimensional because our spirit is made alive. The veil in our make-up is our will. Our will then becomes
God’s will for our lives. The problem is, when it’s convenient, we continue to put this will up and separate our soul and spirit again. When that veil is up, we allow our soul realm to fill up with whatever we deal with in our flesh. This is where rejection loved to play his games in my life. A friend of mine once told me I had the tendency to pick up stray cats. I would put myself in position to help fill voids in people’s lives. Or better yet I would dress them up like paper dolls and put them in a place in my life that they didn’t belong. When they get hung up in the soul realm - in your emotions, affections, conscience, and imagination, it’s very hard to get them out of there. The veil is up and everything starts swimming around together. Not good. It’s creates a spiritual traffic jam. The right order is for the veil to stay down so that the Word of God that comes into your hearing can get to your spirit. Romans 10 and verse 17 says,
“Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” In your spirit realm are Faith, Hope, Reverence, Prayer and Worship. Matthew 12:34 says, “For out of
the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” Whatever is S:4.875 in
on the inside comes out. But if you never allow the right stuff into your hearing and if you never clear the gateway and pull that will down, the right stuff can’t come from out of your praise and worship and all of the spiritual sense faculties.
GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.
LIVE UNITED
™
Want to make a difference? Find out how at LIVEUNITED.ORG.
26| SPIRIT RISING
So many times I allowed the wrong stuff to get into my soul. I put them in the wrong place. I would
tend to hold on to it, thinking it was God, and they were meant to be there; actually they were only contaminating my life and blocking what God wanted to bless me with. So I had to deal with Mr. Rejection who used his little mojo to make me feel that I had to settle for whoever said they loved me or needed me. You don’t have to take just anything to feel worth something. Jesus was rejected and became the head cornerstone. You are important enough to properly evaluate every relationship: job, friendship, romantic, family, church etc. Clear your gateways, take down that torn will you keep stitching up and allow the right stuff to go in so it can reflect outward by the light that shines through you. S P I R I T R I S I N G |27
I Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved.
28| SPIRIT RISING
David Alan Harvey / Magnum Photos
1 in 8 Americans is struggling with hunger. Including people like your neighbor’s child playing outside, the parking attendant at your job, or the coffee shop employee around the corner. Who’s the 1 in 8 in your life that needs help? Go to feedingamerica.org to see how your support can help those in need.
S P I R I T R I S I N G |29
“
I never became a boy scout and I never learned how to tie knots, but I did learn knots and ties come in the form of people, places and things.
30| SPIRIT RISING
�
THE COUNSELING PERSPECTIVE
Soul Ties —
Deciphering Spiritual Communication From Within BY CRAIG STAFFORD
G
rowing up as a young boy in grade school I would always hear the other boys talk about being boy scouts and going on camping trips. The camping trips never really appealed to me
but the one thing that did was their stories of learning how to tie all sorts of knots. So, one day I asked a boy scout what knot tying was all about and I must say his face lit up like a Christmas tree in the North Pole. I found out that knot tying ranges from basic to advance and are taught as an essential survival skill. Some people even knot tie as a hobby. I never became a boy scout and I never learned how to tie knots, but I did learn knots and ties come in the form of people, places and things.
S P I R I T R I S I N G |31
If we think about it life is all about knots and ties. When a couple gets married we say they “tied the knot.” When we put our shoes on we have to tie our shoe laces so we don’t trip and fall. The term “I have knots in my stomach” is used to describe nervousness and so on and so on. Knots are a unique and universal art form. The important thing to remember is that knots can either strengthen or weaken the rope. The same hold true for the rope of life. Sometimes the decisions we make can tie our life to disaster and sometimes our decisions can tie us to destiny. As a Life Coach I call these “Life Knots” also known as Soul Ties. Our soul is where we experience inward life while physically we move, live and have our being outwardly. When we have a good soul life we are sure to have a good social life. The breadth of the Lord awakened Adam to a living soul and our soul can be awakened just the same. I admonish you to be not entangled in your soul but to be enlightened. Stand and stand thereof in the assurance that you were created to be a life scout skilled to tie knots of blissful victory. As you being a creation created to create take confidence in knowing that you are joined to an unlimited supply of innovation. You are an heir and joint heir of blessed Soul Ties. I encourage you in the fact that the joints of your soul are lubricated with the oil of supreme good. With God being the housekeeper of your soul you are sure to live and not die. You are sure not to climb Jacobs Ladder but to climb your own ladder. You are sure to have an open path to clear, concise and creative communication that will lead you to your destiny. Remember a Soul Tie is anything you tie yourself to. So, tie yourself to the soul of your personal God. May the cords that bind - bind you to God’s words so that you would hide them in your heart and by doing so you will not betray your soul. Until next time-may the breath of life flow strong within you.
Craig Stafford is an Ordained Minister, Life Coach; Scientific Prayer Practitioner; Fashion Stylist; Writer. For information on Life Coaching services, visit www.morelifelab.com
32| SPIRIT RISING
MAYA & MIGUEL and associated logo is a trademark of Scholastic Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved.
A) Jumping Bean B) Jack’s Bounce C) Jumping Jacks D) None of the Above T:7 in
Even if you don’t know the answer, all you need to know is that any activity is a good activity. So play sports, run, dance, jump in place, ¡Lo que sea! whatever, just get up and play at least one hour a day! For fun activities and ways to stay healthy visit
www.letsmove.gov
S P I R I T R I S I N G |33
DEBORAH L. JONES-ALLEN, PHD
The Surrendering
Soul
34| SPIRIT RISING
s a minister of the broken hearted, I am well acquainted with the innermost secrets of many hearts. Even the most successful person has realized that at some point of their life, they have altered their destinies because of an immoral sexual relationship. In many cases, some were disappointed because an intimate relationship did not result in a dream marriage. Instead, their story book romance ends abruptly and seemingly without just cause, leaving the weaker one drowning in emotional pain without hopes of going on. Our lives are predestined by God, but as humans our soul has a tendency to make forbidden stops, that take both Christians and preChristians alike off course. This happens particularly, when we fail to yield counsel, regarding the spiritual, emotional and physical implications of ungodly soul ties. There are many instances when soul ties are responsible for your emotional pain and a possibility to gain temporary pleasures to meet physical needs. Does God guide us when making relationship
A
choices and decisions? In Rev. Liberty Savard’s book GPS for the Soul, takes you behind the scenes of soul ties and explains how people soul desires to follow its own path, regardless of the consequences. “The Holy Spirit always tries to warn us of an impending wrong agreement we are about to get involved with. We choose to ignore His warnings when our soul and the soul of another exert too much influence and control in our lives. If you block or ignore enough of God’s warnings, there are times when He will let you tumble into hard consequences to make sure He has your attention in the future. Soul ties come into being when you enter into a wrong agreement with someone because you both can see a personal benefit in doing so. These wrong agreements can range from minor mutual soulish expectations all the way to fornication, blackmail, or crime. Most people, however, enter into wrong agreements with others for a mutual benefit of meeting each others’ unmet needs. All soul ties have the potential to dissolve into undue influence, manipula-
tion, and ultimately control. The longer soul ties are in place, the stronger the dominant soul will become”. Surprisingly, many people are trapped within their mind, will and emotions representing the soul and wondering if love will be enough to meet their needs. Some individuals are seemingly ensnared between a performance-based relationship and high expectations of another to fulfill them emotionally. It is not difficult to understand these philosophies, given that self-centeredness, soulish prayers and fear is the driving force in many of today’s relationships. How many people both men and women fail to develop healthy relationships, because of their un-met needs? Usually, when a person seeks counsel, they are in despair and prepared to examine the source of their pain. Counsel is used as an attempt to regulate their emotions. Soul ties can occur as a result of sexual abuse, one person terminates the relationship without regarding the other person feelings, or an adulterous relationship within a marriage. In either case, an emotional invest-
S P I R I T R I S I N G |35
ment has been made both intimately and sexually. This is by far one of the most challenging issues to deal with in counsel. Specifically, defensive attitudes and an unwillingness to relinquish possessions that holds sentiment value. These values can range from garments, jewels, pictures, telephone numbers and treasured memories. In such cases, the desire to hold on is preferred, rather than releasing painful experiences, in order to gain a healthy perspective. One of the goals of counseling is to 36| SPIRIT RISING
teach the counselee how to let go emotionally in efforts to disengage from the bondage of a soul tie. In the biblical case of Tamar, King David’s daughter, a soul tie resulted from sexual abuse. Amnom, her step-brother was possessed by a dysfunctional love towards her. A forced act of sex held Tamar captive to family disgrace, shame and guilt. No sooner had Amnon raped her, he felt intense hatred toward her. Instantly his hate was greater than the love held for her before the ungodly
act. Tamar’s virginity was stolen by the one who loved her, leaving her to live an estranged life engulfed in bitterness and loneliness. This soul tie falls into the realm of sexual abuse. Amnon intent was sexual, a perceived love, that escalated into unwanted penetration by force and mental torment (2 Samuel 13:3-20). Recently a client actually, thought that by getting married she could experience completeness through her husband. She experienced numerous marriages,
only to discover that her life remained fragmented and disillusioned. Without knowledge, she was leaving parts of her intimate self with these men. She understood that, “it was better to marry than burn.” Her rash vows were anything but godly. After several encounters with her, it was apparent that she was angry, exhausted, and filled with human guilt, questioning her sexuality and searching for answers of abandonment. Now there’s the dilemma of a wife who intentionally set out to spite her husband in order to prove they are all but centered on their marriage agreement; a principle sure to destroy a relationship and lacking conscience of their vows. Innocent behaviors, such as a quick glance and mental getaways turned into an intense belief that, things would not get any better. Leading a wife to find satisfaction outside the marriage relationship, resulting in an adulterous affair, as the soul of another was in control. Making reconciliation almost impossible, ongoing verbal conflict and fear that unfaithfulness is inevitable.
It was apparent that breaking off the relationship did not automatically sever the soul tie, as the intimacy of spouse’s deed influenced the marriage in the spiritu-
al realm. Soul ties have the power to create temporal and false illusions between both involved. The immoral relationship was broken off; however, in this case withS P I R I T R I S I N G |37
out forgiveness and time, strong imagines remained on the brain including the pain. How can one heal from a soul tie? Counsel must be wise, accountable and focus on helping the counselees learn how to surrender their souls to God. In doing so, healing, forgiveness, wholeness and deliverance transpires, as well as, breaking the control of ungodly soul ties of previous relationships. 38| SPIRIT RISING
The power of agreement is not merely a legal binding contract, in the kingdom of God it’s an inevitable right. It’s a promise to meet unmet needs. “And my God shall supply all my needs according to his riches in Christ Jesus.” God’s design has always been for man and woman to flourish with authority and blessings. This plan exists to join flesh to flesh and bone of bone. A spiritual joining that brings two souls together as one, naked and unashamed
before the presence of the Lord with a promise to inherit the earth. Amazingly, godly soul ties strengthen families and honors God. As people we must learn to walk in the spirit and avoid fulfilling the lust of our flesh. Wise counsel seeks to assist people in understanding the power in surrendering their souls to Christ. In return, he lovingly turns us back into right relationship with our Creator.
Amos 3:3 3
Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?
S P I R I T R I S I N G |39
Save 64%
on the
Family Value Combo
Plus, 3 Free Gifts
to every shipping address in your order.
FREE
6-piece Cutlery Set FREE Cutting Board
6 FREE
Omaha Steaks Burgers
©2010 OCG OmahaSteaks.com, Inc.
40| SPIRIT RISING
Family Value Combo 45069BRS
2 (5 oz.) Filet Mignons 2 (5 oz.) Top Sirloins 4 (4 oz. approx.) Boneless Chicken Breasts 4 (4 oz.) Omaha Steaks Burgers Save 4 (3 oz.) Gourmet Franks $ 01 4 (5¾ oz.) Stuffed Baked Potatoes 89
Reg. $13900 | Now Only
4999
$
Limit of 2 packages. Free Gifts included per shipment. Offer expires 4/15/11. Standard shipping and handling will be applied per address.
To order: www.OmahaSteaks.com/print13 or call 1-888-457-9068
12714-f
No aNNual coNtract
No commitmeNt
Only pay $14.99/mOnth fOr hOme phOne service fOr the first three mOnths, then Only pay $25.99/mOnth. (PLUS FEES AND TAXES.)
WHEN YOU ADD IT ALL UP, NOTHING ELSE STACKS UP! • Unlimited local and long distance. • Calls to more than 60 countries.* • Great features like readable voicemail and simulring.
EASY TO SWITCH, EASY TO SAvE • Keep your existing phone number^. • Vonage® works with your existing home phone and high-speed Internet connection. • 25 Premium Features at no extra cost. • FREE activation.
FREE
ACTIVATION
Call: 1.888.552.1442
Limited time offer; new lines only. † Rates exclude surcharges, fees and taxes. High-speed Internet required. Subscribers agree to be bound by the Terms of Service. See Vonage.com/tos for details. Unlimited calling and other services are based on normal residential rate and are subject to Terms of Service on Vonage.com/tos *In-plan international calling may exclude certain call types such as calls to cell phones depending on the destination. Out of plan calls are charged at our low per minute rates. Offer valid in the US only. See Terms of Service for details. ^ Where available. The number transfer process may take up to 10 business days from the time you confirm your transfer request. Vonage 911 service operates differently than traditional 911. See www.vonage.com/911 for details. TTY, Alarms and other systems may not be compatible. ©2010 Vonage.
S P I R I T R I S I N G |41
Journaling
The Intended Bond:
42| SPIRIT RISING
Marriage BY CHERYL E. KNIGHT
S
he is beautiful. The outfit is perfect. The hair and makeup are impeccable. This is the day that she has been waiting for since she was a little girl. She is also extremely nervous. Her
first date has just arrived to the house and the door bell is ringing. She knew it was coming. The question: “What is your intention with my daughter?” Especially when you were a child, the instructions of your parents did not always make sense. Sometimes, you just didn’t understand why you could not do it your way. When you like about some of the instructions in the Bible, a similar thought may come to mind. What makes perfect sense to you may be in direct opposition to God’s expectation of you. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. Isaiah 55:8 The Bible is clear regarding God’s intention for sex to occur within the marital union. “Marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled.” (Hebrews 13:4) God honors marriage. He desires that the precious gift of sex is shared only within the commitment which is shared between husband and wife. Today, many individuals including Christians may disagree. Furthermore, even when the intention is clear, obedience in this area is not easy. Because you have the power of God living inside of you, all things are possible. As you journal, have a conversation with yourself about these questions:
1 2
Is there a disregard of this intention in today’s society? If so, what factors contribute to it?
If you were aware of a Christian who has sinned in this area, how would you respond? Would you pray? Would you remind them that there is no condemnation in Christ? How
would you encourage them to obey God? S P I R I T R I S I N G |43
2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 14
44| SPIRIT RISING
S P I R I T R I S I N G |45
LET’S TALK ABOUT THIS
Love Unresolved
E
ver walked away from love only to have it find its way back to you? You thought time was on your side when reality revealed that your heart never lost that feeling...it was tucked away safe inside...why? Matters unresolved. Soul ties. So now you’re facing that love again. You’re not the same, the other person is not the same, yet there’s that connection. The unknown. Of what loving that person in total liberty would feel like. And although life has taken you down roads totally separate from each other, nevertheless, it’s still... 46| SPIRIT RISING
Love Unresolved…
By E. Chantaye Wilson
You walk back into my life After all the years… Don’t know why but My heart has switched gears… You pull my strings And like a puppet my heart responds Can’t understand it… This hold on me I thought was long gone Now thoughts of you Won’t leave me alone Love unresolved. Unsaid words… Pent up emotions Wide and deep Like the ocean. Each wave that comes Pulls me out there Closer to what was left behind To a place I would swear… I could never revisit. But here I am… Staring at it in my space The truth in my eyes Showing on my face. Love unresolved.
So, let’s discuss this. 1. Do you feel that any of your ex’s can walk back into your life after a period of years? If yes, who? And why? 2. Do you think soul ties have anything to do with unresolved relationships? 3. How important is it to break all soul ties before getting involved with someone else? 4. How do you break soul ties? S P I R I T R I S I N G |47