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Straight from the Heart
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 BEHIND
THE MASK
- By Carolle Bautista
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It could well be one of the most unpleasant experiences -
to write an article about evil spirits. Not only is the subject
so disturbing. Also as I begin to write, it seems that I could not
continue as my imagination is filled with horrible and fearful
thoughts. But I know I must go on. For otherwise, I would not have
shared some truths, which we might have thought all along are harmless
to our faith.
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In Revelation 12:7-9, it says, “And there was war in
heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the
dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough and
they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down --
that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole
world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.”
These verses show how the angels and evil spirits are real. For was it
not that Lucifer, the leader of all evil spirits, was an angel, but
chose to be evil, together with his followers, in rebellion against God?
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How does Satan lure people on earth? Would you ever want
to be associated with something horrible and fearful, unless you do not
actually see what is behind the mask that the devil wears
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to disguise himself? 2 Corinthians 4:4 is clear
on this: “The god of this age (meaning Satan) has blinded the
minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the Gospel
of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” It is because of
the simple truth that people do not see beyond the mask of the devil
that they choose eternal damnation over eternal salvation offered by God
when He died on the Cross to saved us from our sins.
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In real life, unknowingly, demon possession is opened
once people play with Ouija boards, tarot cards and the like, even for
those who practice witchcraft or act as mediums to communicate with the
dead. I’ve read somewhere that mediums do not really communicate with
the dead, but with familiar spirits, i.e., evil spirits familiar with
the dead and are in effect just imitating the one who has died.
Usually, the bottom line of all these is that people want to predict
their future and resort to such mediums, soothsayers, and even
to astrology. Of course, the consequence of a chilling prediction is
worry, fear and frustration. If people allow themselves
to be influenced by these things, they lose their faith in God who alone
knows what is in store for their future.
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It is also a simple fact that when we sin, we are
actually influenced by Satan. For is not the devil happy when he sees
the misery brought about by our disobedience to God? Anywhere, evil
lurks behind masks. But if we trust in God, He will protect us; He will
be with us, and the devil would run away in fright. In Matthew 28:20,
Jesus said to His disciples, “…and surely I am with you always, to
the very end of the age.” His promise to His disciples is also His
promise to us.
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I am glad I mustered
enough courage to write this article. God is indeed stronger than my
fears! He is the source of hope and the road to everlasting joy and
peace.
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- TELL US LIKE IT IS!
- Has something
wonderful and unique happened in your life lately? Did God answer your
prayer in a very unexpected way? Did you, like Isaiah, meet God’s
whisper?
- Have you felt His
powerful hand working in your life recently?
- Everyday, people are
experiencing God’s mighty Word in their lives and it is a pity that very
few know about it. Do you have a story to tell? Some Good News to
share?
- E-mail us (genesis@catholic.org) or fax us
(021-6627384), and tell us about it. That’s right! You don’t have to be
a great writer to do this. We can help you write it – just tell us like
it is!
- Don’t forget to write
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IN THIS ISSUE:
HIS Servant
by Bro. Pete Lapid
Our Faith
By Fr. KJ Veeger, MSC
Place of Refuge
By Philip Yuson
Surabaya Corner
By Ramon Martillano
Inspirational
Community Life ~ Here's the Latest
By Beth Manibog
Genesis Chronicles
By Chen Manabat
Surabaya Sharing
By Bombet Malinao
Straight from the Heart
By Carolle Bautista
On Focus
By Sansu Garin
Saint for the Month
Source: Catholic Online
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