Destruction in the Church

This blog is devoted solely to the purpose of showing how destructive and hurtful religion is.

Several months ago I had mentioned to the leaders of the church we were attending and their wives that I was being led in my quiet time to let Holy Spirit be my only Teacher, but to remain in fellowship with them outside of Sunday morning service. After several attempts to schedule times of fellowship, this dialog occurred, seemingly due to my posting on FB of exciting new revelation I've received during my time of being alone with the Holy Spirit. It appears as though the church leadership, who has a big problem with my new found beliefs, had absolutely no intention of informing me of their stance until I reached out this final time for fellowship.
Please let this blog not be read with the thought that I am angry, vindictive, or hurt because I absolutely am not. The Comforter is quite good at Her job, and I still totally love these beautiful friends!

Nor did I ask my husband or best friend to stick up for me. I wasn't even aware that they had until afterwards. That's just what lovers of Christ and people do when they see an injustice.
This blog is me flipping tables in the temple courts to stop the destruction that religion causes. I, in no way whatsoever, hold these leaders solely accountable for their actions, but rather know that this is the direct result of the teaching that has been passed down to the masses since the Pharisees. These teachings are such... that our interpretations of the Bible supercede our ability to love others when they don't share in our exact beliefs, unless we can persuade them to our belief system.
This has caused wars, genocides​, riots, hate demonstrations, racism, bigotry, prejudice​, and everything else wrong with this world. They all are rooted in religion, judgement, and self-righteous pride.
Please read this dialog with compassion in your heart, and a desire to change the world through the unconditional love that our Father has for every single one of us!


I, Amber Siravo (congregant) text KH(associate pastor's wife) after a long span of time with no communication:

Hey lady, I couldn't remember if you said after Easter or after April but I figured I'd check again about a playdate.

KH (associate pastor's wife):

Hi Amber. You're sweet to have remembered and to reach out again. Unfortunately, because of the viewpoints you have been declaring on Facebook, I'm not going to be comfortable or able to make a play date happen. I love you and am praying for you, but that's as far as our relationship can go at this point in time.

Me(congregant):

Wow. Ok. I'm sorry you feel that way. That really surprises me coming from you.

I'm so confused. Are you not friends with other denominations? Atheists? Agnostics? Why should inclusion be any different when it comes to being a person of unconditional love? I'm so hurt by this religious separation from all my "friends".

KH(associate pastor's wife):

I'm sorry to hear that. This inclusion that you are talking about is always with the goal in mind to bring both parties to a deeper love and understanding of God. You seem to have your mind very much made up. I know that I am not going to influence you otherwise. So at this point, I will not be able to continue forward in our friendship.

Me(congregant):

Thank you so much for that response! I am completely at peace with this now.

KH(associate pastor's wife):

Ok hun.

Marvin Siravo(my husband /congregant) after hearing about this exchange then leaves a very loving and inquisitive voicemail message for AH(associate pastor) saying something to the extent of I'm hoping to find out what's going on because there was some messaging between our wives.

AH(associate pastor) text response:

Hey, just got your voicemail – as far as I know they already talked things through 👍🏻

But in short, the things Amber has been sharing about Hell being fictitious and everyone being saved (among other things) clearly requires one to basically throw out huge portions of the Bible. Plain and simple, her version of God's love and truth regarding those issues is not His and it has the potential to lead people away from His heart instead of towards it. Plenty of people have tried to shed light on the truth regarding some of the issues - and have pointed out many of the same things I would - but it's only fueled the fire so to speak. That's her prerogative to keep believing and posting about what she wants, as it is yours.

We love you guys, and our history together will prove that - which is why we are also willing to separate ourselves from you guys in order to protect what we believe to be the integrity of the Gospel in the people we have been given the responsibility to shepard as well as to hopefully help you guys realize the deception that has crept in. Hopefully you can see the error and begin to lead your family well-beginning spiritually by leading them in sound doctrine. Praying for you bro.

Marvin Siravo(my husband/congregant):

So my idea of what it means to love someone is regardless of what they believe it would seem instead of separation that one would pour in to them like a lost sheep..... Go after the one the rest are good for the moment...... And that's just an example considering your definition of lost..... It would seem that as a friend one would continue as a friend in person and not from a distance... We've never lead anyone astray nor intend to... But in fact point people to the gospel of Jesus through love by being love in all situations all seasons of life to all people. Living a life of love like Jesus means befriending those you might not agree with in all things to be thee example..... And especially too those you've had a relationship with but instead everyone sees it for to wash their hands and move on. Really Amber is the one hurting more then me because the friends she thought she had are gone.And then there is me I'm good either way but deep down I'm hurt that the people I held so high or looked up to would act in such a way. I thought for sure cornerstone church people were better then that. I thought about you guys as able to love anyone anytime no matter what and now we are being treated as lepers, cast out and pushed away.....I say I'm good because throughout my life that has been a recurring theme, so callused , and for a moment we thought we had a place of refuge in a way free from judgment and fakers, people capable of loving me for me. After everything it's come to this....... We love you and are praying for you..... But don't hang out with us anymore. 

Also I'm not mad or coming from anger I'm coming just as I would in any discussion humbly and seeking.

Caitlin Milbauer (my best friend/congregant), after hearing about the messages to me and my husband, then sends multiple text messages, over a span of days,  for AH asking to discuss what's happening to me.

AH(associate pastor) text response:

In order to alleviate anything that's been causing concern or confusion, I'll just quickly break down where I'm coming from. Basically it comes down to my responsibility as both a leader of my family as well as a pastor of our church to deal with what I consider to be false teaching - meaning something that undermines/contradicts fundamental truths that the Bible clearly teaches (ex. Hell doesn't exist, all people are saved, etc). It's not something that we take lightly - nor was it something that Jesus, Paul, John, etc took lightly. Because we love Amber and Marvin, and because we love you, on our end we are willing to separate ourselves from our relationships with you guys in the hope that you would see the deception that has crept in and the destruction that can and will result the further along that path you travel. If/when that deception is dealt with we would love to have fellowship restored.

We love you guys. I don't feel the need to defend that fact to anyone questioning it, as we've proven our love and genuine concern for all of your lives in lots of different ways over the last 4-5 years that we've known you. Our love for you all - and our love for the people in our church - continues to be at the core of why we've made the decision we have.

Caitlin Milbauer(my best friend/congregant):Me:
Can I just say how heart broken I am. Seriously. AH, what is going on? You haven't come to Amber, Marvin or me personally about any of this? No one from the church has. You end long time relationships over text messaging, like one would end a one night stand. How can you tell me that is love? I come to you asking to meet face to face and I am instead given this leprous shun. I never knew this to be Jesus. But I guess if it is your version of Jesus then I don't want him.... because what shame and isolation I feel.

This is so confusing because You and your wife are amazing. You both are filled with LOVE AND KINDNESS and MERCY. Where is that for those you judge as lost? What sin have we committed? How are we suppose to see "truth" when those who have 4 years of showing love won't even personally come and talk to us?

AH, please tell me. Please don't ignore this ONE question... is my family and Amber's family no longer allowed to fellowship with others at cornerstone if we continue to believe what we believe? I just need to know so I can tell my husband tomorrow.

AH (associate pastor):

Neither yourself nor Amber felt the need to come to us and let us know you had major disagreements with central doctrines before you began to post them on social media for everyone (including those in Cornerstone) to see either. Unfortunately, it's impossible for me to see love in the bold and blatant disregard of truth - especially when that same deception is then publicly portrayed as truth with the intent to have others see it as such.

With that being said, you can choose to think/believe what you want with regards to our love for each of you - as well as my chosen means to communicate. Fortunately, my concern isn't with what you guys think of me or my family or Cornerstone Church. With regards to this matter my concern lies solely in defending the integrity of the Gospel and protecting the flock I've been called to shepherd. 

Consider these texts a warning - you are headed down a dangerous road, one that demands that I take measures on my end to distance myself from you. Thankfully it's not too late to turn back and be restored. My prayer is that you and Amber and Marvin would do exactly that (I can't speak specifically to Bob because I honestly don't know where he stands on these issues one way or the other).

However, if you do choose to keep walking down that road, rest assured that neither my family nor the people of Cornerstone will be following you.

Love you guys. Praying for you.

Caitlin Milbauer (best friend/ congregant):

Thank you so much for your reply. I will let Bob know we are no longer welcome in your flock. 

I will not change what I believe because what Holy Spirit has been showing me is producing way to much amazing fruit of joy, peace, patience, kindness and above all LOVE. 

So thank you for the offer but I will continue to follow Jesus on this one! 

We love you and will continue to honor you even though you have made this decision!!! We are always open to hang out now and in the future as friends and family! Let us know when that can happen on your side! Bless you AH and KH!!!!

Caitlin Milbauer(best friend of Amber/congregant) then texts KH(associate pastor's wife) directly:

Hey KH,

AH told me that we can no longer be friends or fellowship with your flock because of what I believe. I am really sad that you don't want to talk about this face to face before pushing my family away. But none the less.... I want to let you know that I am so thankful for the friendship that we had. Thank you and your husband for being there for Bob and I as we went through rough times and good times! Thanks for accepting me openly when we first came to cornerstone. You are such a beautiful daughter of the King! He is so proud of you and so am I! You are an amazing wife, mother and friend to all who meet you! And you had been a huge inspiration to me as a woman who is in love with Jesus! 

If you guys ever want to be friends/ family again we would love to have you over for dinner or breakfast! 

KH (associate pastor's​ wife) response:

Hey Caitlin. You have always been one of the most encouraging women I know, and I so appreciate your tender words towards me. I have been sad that these relationships have gone downhill so abruptly, but since you and the Siravos have started openly sharing your viewpoints on a gospel that is contrary to the one we know from God's Word and hold dear, we have felt it necessary to not hang out for the time being. These things fundamentally undermine the Bible, and they are deal-breakers for fellowship. In fellowship, the goal in mind is to bring both parties to a deeper love and understanding of Jesus and His Word. You guys are obviously sold on what you believe, and I know that others have said all of the same things we would to dissuade you, and so there isn't much left we would have to add to it all. We love you and continue to pray for you, but we can't let friendship take precedence over the integrity of the gospel and our stewardship of it. 

Caitlin Milbauer (best friend/congregant):

Sigh. 

I just pray that you and your family never get treated this way by your friends that you have fellowshipped with. That you will never face the humiliation of coming to the abrupt realization that people have been talking behind your back and never cared enough about you to actually reach out. To feel the stress of not knowing if the person in leadership will continue to babysit your child because she was informed by that same leadership to "protect the flock". I pray that you will never have to tell your child that they cannot play with their friends because Mama and Papa are a danger to others because of the belief in Jesus' finished work. I pray that you never have to be faced with awkward situations when you see someone in the community as they look at you suspiciously because for leadership to push out a congregation attendee, one who they were suppose to encourage and support must be so horrible that they must be feared. I pray that you and your family will never go though this belittling ostracization by the very people they broken bread with. 

Could you please do me a favor? If I have any voice left in your life. Please for the sake of your growing church, please adhere to the biblical practice of disciplining someone you believe to be in sin. What the leadership has done to my family and Amber's is anything but. And that is the saddest thing about the actions of cornerstone as a whole. How the leadership continues to go about this does not show God's love but instead reflects the same attitude of the Pharisees. ☹️ 

We are real people that only want unity and peace between us and cornerstone church. Whenever you would like to talk face to face about this we would love to do so. 

AH (associate pastor) then responds to Caitlin(best friend/congregant):

Sorry for the delay - just to be clear I didn't say you weren't welcome back at cornerstone. I only said we are distancing ourselves from you as a family - and part of that is because of my role as a leader at cornerstone. I'm not willing to associate with what I believe to be people who are compromising the Gospel. 

We will talk through things as a staff and together make a decision on how to handle things moving forward as a church.

Caitlin Milbauer(best friend/congregant):

My heart is truly wretched right now as it seems that you do not seem to understand how hurtful your actions (or lack there of) and words have been to our families. You literally said to me that I am still welcomed to your church but you will continue to distance yourself from us, mainly because you are a leader? Why would I ever subject myself and my family to a church that is anti my well being and growth in Jesus? Why would I place myself under such a leadership that has no issue turning away from me and my husband when you yourself deem that I am so lost and hurting? How could I ever sit and listen to you teach on stage about how you have such a high integrity of the scriptures when I now know that when you are off the stage you have no issue with with going against scriptures by not holding to the biblical standard of correction. Let alone honor Jesus' commands for loving your neighbor as yourself.

You say I am still welcome to come? When you tell me blatantly that you personally will flee from me and my husband presence to uphold your standard and a position title? 

I am cut to the core over this idea you have currently.... your church  boasts in the catch phrase, "Welcome home."

I never want my children to have such a distorted and heartless view by your definition of how you treat a family in your church. 

AH. Your shunning of us is so hurtful. You say that Jesus takes the shame off us.... but through your actions of distancing without ever approaching us first,  that you yourself proudly say you will not back down from even though I plea for friendly dialog and unity it is actually putting shame on me and my husband. And you are now encouraging others in leadership to follow suit. 

Why would I ever want to put my husband and children through that shame and belittlement that you seem to be so keen on generously offering. 

No thank you. I will continue to follow and surround myself with Jesus who is loving, patient, kind, merciful, accepting, understanding, genuine, and above all will never ever leave me or forsake me. No matter what I believe.

End scene...

Please, for the love of Jesus and being His shining example to this world, let this hurt that I have experienced for the fourth time in my life be a light that casts out all the darkness that religion has caused.

Live loved!!!

www.purusamor.com

LET THE COLD CRAP OUT

As I was letting the water warm up for my shower this morning I thought, "why is this water so cold for so long? Our water heater is only 2 years old!". Holy Spirit then started to show me how the water sits in the pipes until somebody turns the faucet on, and that's why when it's terribly cold out the pipes will freeze. I instantly felt a burning in my spirit and knew there was more to this.
I asked Her to reveal the lesson that She had in store for me. She began to show me that the water in the pipes is like Her presence. She's inside each and every single person, but it's not until somebody actively turns the faucet on (aka "accepts Jesus") that they're aware of Her presence moving in and through them.
Most people, like myself , turned the faucet on just a little bit and got so excited that we never turned up the pressure fully.
In the last several months, I've been crying out for Daddy to help me to understand grace.
I was desperate!
I couldn't live in this comfortable ineffective sheep fold any longer!
I felt stagnant.
This turned the pressure up!
As I turned​ the pressure up, a lot of cold crap started gushing out.
It was scary.
It was frustrating.
The assembly described it as backsliding and demon possessed.
I know now that when you want to understand grace, you have to be willing to let all the freezing cold garbage flush out of you to experience the heat.
To be the heat!
Religion will pinch off that flow, because it gets messy.
It doesn't look like what we've been taught Christians are supposed to look like.
It gets raw.
It gets ugly.
And if we are willing to be set apart from what everybody else thinks we're supposed to look like ...
WE WILL SCORCH!!!
The way that seems right to man doesn't just apply to the world...
it applies to believers as well!
Jesus was accused of being a drunkard and a glutton, a friend of sinners, demon possessed, and a blasphemer!
This is the only life that truly satisfies!
No more pretending everything is always good!
No more smiling when your falling apart inside!
Jesus is real!
He showed very real emotions!
He didn't desire the approval of man...
Or the religious elite!
Jesus came to love the ones that religion scorned
and set straight the ones who judged and suppressed!
Now that I'm starting to understand grace more,
I KNOW there is NO judgement!
I KNOW there are NO sinners!
I KNOW there is NO eternal punishment!
I KNOW there are NO devils actively influencing or attacking mankind!
Christ is all, AND IS IN ALL!!!
The finished work is exactly that...
FINISHED!!!
Our "job" now is to rest!
Be children of God!
We're seated in heavenly places!
We're in our Father's house!
We aren't servants!
We're sons!!!
All of us!!!

My advice to anyone who truly wants to know the heart of God more deeply...
Let your heart cry be unhindered by comfort and approval!
Cry out for a deeper understanding of grace
no matter the cost,
no matter the discomfort,
no matter the junk that comes up,
no matter the loss!!!
Let your life reflect rest, peace, and limitless love!

Live loved!!!

Your Rod and Staff Comfort Me

How often have you read and tried to make sense of the Old Testament? 

I mean, if God is love, then why all the ugliness?! 

It all boils down to the Truth found in Psalm 23:4,
"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." So many have read these tools to be weapons of discipline, however that truly is not how it is. The psalmist clearly states that these things bring comfort, so how is it that we've come to see them through such a brutal lens? 

Let's gain understanding...

A shepard's rod was used to fend off predators; namely wolves, lions, and bears. Shepard's put their life on the line each and every day to protect their flock. 

A shepard's staff was used to direct the flock. This was often times the only thing that kept a wayward lamb from strolling nonchalantly off the end of a cliff to their death. 

The Truth is, the Old Testament, when read through this perspective, is a beautiful story of God's protection, provision, and guidance.

When we get to know the person of Jesus in the gospels, the visible image of the Father, the Old Testament is seen through the lens of love and faithfulness!

Know Him and the Word will take on a whole new light!

Run (in relationship) with me Church!

Www.Purusamor.Com

Flame On or Flame Out

It was said to a friend and I, upon getting born again, "Slow down, or you're going to burn out."
It seemed like such a ridiculous phrase to us at the time. How could anyone in love with Jesus possibly burn out?
That my friends, is where the key lies!
How many times have you heard the term newlyweds and honeymooners in reference to people that are visibly in love with one another?
The phrase is meant in a way to say that after time passes, so does the excitement  of being in love, thus the thrill is gone, and they'll fall into the daily grind of going through the motions. All too often this is the case! People forget why they fell passionately in love with one another, and they just start doing life together like a machine. Rarely a well oiled machine at that. This is the same thing that happens to Christians! They forget why they fell in love with Jesus. They lose the thrill. The spark. The passion. It becomes a "going through the motions, doing life, daily grind." Sure their lives don't look exactly as they did before, but neither do married folks. The sad part is that they've become roommates rather than lovers.
I'm here to testify that this need not be true for us!
We can remain passionate about this perfect love affair!
We can absolutely stay marked by awe day after day, year after year!
But just like any fiery marriage, it's going to take a time commitment!
When I fell in love with my husband, I couldn't get enough of spending time with him. He was the most wonderful man I had ever laid eyes on, and the biggest blessing God had ever given me! If I lose sight of that, we're finished! I might as well change my name back because we'll become strangers living in the same home!
The same is absolutely true for Jesus! When I fell in love with my Bridegroom I couldn't get enough of Him! I'd stay up all night reading His Word. I'd talk with Him all day, everyday, without breaking. I couldn't stop telling everyone I saw about how amazing He is.
If I lose sight of that, it's all over! I might as well not call myself by His name anymore, because we're strangers living in the same home!
If I'd rather sit in front of the television or the computer, than spend intimate time with Him, then we have a serious problem!

So here's the decision we are all faced with...
Do I remember how absolutely positively freakishly amazing Jesus is? Do I remember how He saved my life from the pit of self destruction?
Does this keep my passion ignited for letting Him not only be IN my life, but actually BE my life!
Will I devote my every breath to pursuing the One who pursued me to the point of brutally shedding His blood?

OR will I choose to slowly conform to the ways of this world to satisfy my own cravings, comforts, and desires?...while slowly fading into the lifestyle of singleness once again?

Flame On.....OR......Flame Out!?!

Choose life more abundant!!!

Run with me Church!
Www.Purusamor.Com

Pet peeves

Have you ever noticed little things that just severely irritate you, that don't seem to have any affect on the vast majority of people?
I have personally had MANY pet peeves over the years, however, very few of them carried over into my redeemed being.
Praise God!
A few that I still joke about, are people mispronouncing words like "exit", people using their teeth for things other than eating, and repetitive speaking. I'm still aware of the fact that I don't care for these things, but they don't have an emotional affect on me like they did my fallen nature.
There are, however, a few that did carry over.
Things like lying, being wasteful, and gossiping still drive me crazy!
However, one of the worst ones is when Christians say things that aren't biblical and it costs the world Truth that will set them free.
The phrase that ranks at the top of this list is, "God is in control". This causes the world to look at all the pain, suffering, and destruction and wonder why anyone could love and serve a God so heartless.
The good news is...

God is NOT in control!

First John 5:19 tells us, "We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one."

Did you catch that? The WHOLE WORLD  lies in the power of the evil one!
What does that mean?
It means, when you look out your window, watch the news, or visit the hospital, it should be abundantly clear that God is NOT in control! God is NOT a God of confusion and disorder, but One of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). These things are all the evidence of the devil running the show here on earth! Please don't misunderstand me! I AM NOT saying that the devil is more powerful than God!
Absolutely NOT!
God is so powerful that He lets love draw us by free will rather than controlling us like mindless puppets!
What I AM saying, is that in the Garden of Eden, when God created man, He told Adam that everything was given to him and that he then had dominion over all! Then at the fall, Adam handed that dominion over to satan! That ugly serpent has been wreaking havoc on this planet ever since!

The enemy even confirms this while tempting Jesus in the desert.

Matthew 4:8-9 says "Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to Him, 'All these I will give You, if You will fall down and worship me.'"

Jesus of course refused to worship satan because He knew that all the kingdoms of the world would be given to Him again! Woohoo!
After Jesus died on the cross, and before He returned resurrected, He made a little pit stop in hell and took the keys of dominion back from the enemy!

Well then, wouldn't that mean that God IS in control?
Nope!
You see, Jesus did this outside of time!
Whaaaaat?
I know this is a tricky concept to understand, but did you catch the part where I said Jesus went to HELL to get the keys from satan?
During this age, we know that our adversary is prowling the earth to and fro like a roaring lion, looking for any he can devour (1 Peter 5:8).
It's not until the end of ages that the devil who deceives us, is thrown into the lake of burning sulfur where he will be tormented day and night for ever and ever (Revelation 20:10).
Jesus, while "in the grave", LEFT TIME as we know it, went to sprinkle His blood on the mercy seat, and regained dominion. Jesus has GIVEN that dominion to all who believe and call on His name!
Did you get that?
Jesus GAVE dominion to believers!

So... Christians are in control?

Yes and no.
Christians HAVE been given control,
but the issue arises in the fact that few in the Church understand and walk in the authority they've been given, so rather than shutting down the demons party in this world, many are submitting to it! Thus, the enemy remains in control.
THIS is why WE, the Body of Christ, are called to RISE UP and destroy the works of the devil!
We are called to
spread the Good News that sets the captives free,
heal the sick,
raise the dead,
cleanse the lepers,
cast out demons,
and love as we've been loved
because love NEVER fails!
As we continue to walk in this authority,
pushing back the gates of hell,
and claiming what is rightfully ours,
dominion WILL BE RESTORED!!!

Are you ready to rise up, and

RUN WITH ME CHURCH!?!!!
Www.Purusamor.Com

I JUST DON'T SEE IT

Go to church on Sunday.
Come home and watch tv.
The news is filled with horror.
God we really need Thee.
Getting crunk on Friday.
The bartender knows my name.
Share the love of Jesus,
As long as you can hang.
Each night it's time for porno.
I struggle like them all.
Everyone's a sinner.
Didn't you read about Paul?

This is the sound of the western world.
A people proclaiming faith.
I just don't see this in my bible.
Aren't we sick of being fake?

I like to watch action movies.
Zombies, killing, sex, and crime.
Sure I'd like to read my bible,
But I just can't find the time.
I let a cuss slip here and there.
I know I'm not a saint.
Sometimes I get so angry.
Even Jesus lost restraint.
The club is full of people
That definitely need saving.
I can't reach them if I don't drink,
Pop some pills, and do some raving.

I hear excuses all the time.
Why we can't be free.
I just don't see this in my bible.
Is it only me?

Did you hear about John and Jess?
I heard John just moved in.
No, we're not gossiping.
Just praying for their sin.
I got the new Drake album.
His beats are frickin raw.
Sure he degrades women,
But I'm not under law.

So many people claiming Christ.
Not an Acts church to be found.
I just don't see it in my bible,
The only real is underground.

Picket signs and condemnation.
Mouths have been red taped.
Yes that baby's a living person,
But so is the girl who just got raped.
Some have chosen a life of sin.
They've decided to live in doubt,
But them being cold isn't as bad,
As the luke warm that get spit out!

No I'm not a radical,
A Charismatic or Pentecostal!
I'm a CHRISTIAN! No compromise!
And my friends, THIS is the gospel!

Is music JUST music?

Let's go back in time. Way back. Before time even existed. Before the earth was ever created. All that was, was the Godhead in three Persons, and a host of angels. There were three main angels, called arc angels. One of these arc angel's name was Lucifer, and he was in charge of worship. This arc angel became proud and wanted to make a god of himself, which resulted in him getting demoted to the arch enemy of God, satan. When demoted, he didn't forget the gifts he was given, and now uses them to destroy God's people. You may be asking yourself, why would God put one of the most powerful creatures He had created at that time in charge of something as silly as worship?! And, how could it possibly destroy people?! The answer to this is astounding! Worship (which all music is, since it's used to exalt or idolize something or someone) is incredibly powerful! Music, if used correctly, can bring you great victory. Accounts in the Old Testament tell of armies who put worshippers on their front lines, and we're miraculously victorious! It continues to bring great victory for people all the time today! Music can also, if used incorrectly, cause great destruction and sorrow. No matter which course you go, it has the power to control you.

Let's look at some examples...
Have you ever been really tired or unmotivated when you needed to clean the house or do work, and turned on upbeat music to get yourself motivated?
Have you ever been super stressed or tightly wound from a hard day and put on some mellow music to soothe you or put you to sleep?
Have you ever had difficulty concentrating while studying or preparing a project and put classical music on to get your brain engaged?
Have you or your spouse ever put romantic music on to "get you in the mood"?
Have you ever had plans to go out with people at night, but felt too exhausted, so you turned on some dance music to get you pumped up?

These are all very real examples of the every day use of music to control your emotions, energy level, mental capabilities, etc., and it goes much further beyond this!

Do you struggle with anger?
Check the music you listen to!
Is it angry and violent?

Do you struggle with lust, perversion, or pornography?
Check the music you listen to!
Is it very seductive and sexual?

Do you struggle with depression?
Check the music you listen to!
Is it very defeated and hopeless?

Do you struggle with addiction?
Check the music you listen to!
Is it glorifying drug and alcohol use?

I have personally lived through every single one of these examples!

I was filled with rage until I met Jesus and He revealed my need to stop listening to gangsta rap. Not only rage, but a complete lack of purpose for my life.
I remember every single time I would hear the song "Move b****h (get out the way)" by Ludacris, I would find myself driving at ridiculously excessive speeds down the highway, dipping in and out of traffic, putting not only mine and my children's lives in danger, but everyone else's as well.

I was filled with lust, addicted to promiscuity and pornography. Jesus revealed to me that those behaviors were rooted in my daily habit of filling my ears and mind with sensual R&B.

I was addicted to just about every substance in the book while partying to music that was all about getting drunk and high as a lifestyle. The songs made it seem as though this behavior would lead to more fun and excitement, but only left me empty and craving more.

On the flip side of this equation, now, if I feel anger trying to make an appearance, I start worshipping God, or simply turn on Christian worship music. Almost instantly I can sense my affections turn towards Him, instead of being focused on myself, and my problems. When this happens, anger doesn't have any power to advance.

My entire family used to have difficulty sleeping at night because of wandering minds, worries, nightmares, etc, but that's no longer an issue since we starting playing a Spirit infused piano instrumental CD every night while we're in bed!

I no longer struggle with any lust, addiction, rage, or lawlessness. I no longer feel the desire to fill my ears with noise that degrades me, others, or God! I no longer feel any emotional attachment to songs from my past that once held a dark sentimental meaning. There are no longer songs that bring me painful debilitating memories!

I'm no longer a slave to tunes that strum my heart strings to the beat of an evil war drum! My heart rejoices to the beautiful sound of Abba singing and dancing over me!
Sometimes it's a love song.
https://youtu.be/X5x_3uzyf-I

Sometimes it's a shout of confidence.
https://youtu.be/p2wf9DvhrPw

Sometimes it's the roar of victory.
https://youtu.be/Xk_b0VweDx8

Sometimes it's a battle cry.
https://youtu.be/QtLGNYeIZQ4

Sometimes it's just soaking in His presence.
https://youtu.be/i07ZG4dnC3c

Whatever the sound, it always speaks grace, mercy, love, and identity! It always speaks a positive word over my soul! And it always leaves me on a high note!

Run (to the beat of His heart) with me Church!
Www.Purusamor.Com