Years ago, we had living next door to us an elderly couple. They are both gone now, but their lives impacted me in a way that will never be forgotten.
Gene and Stella were the grandparents we never had. They lived so close that we could look out our window and see into their house next door.
Over the years we developed a close relationship. One day we were told that Stella was dying. She
opted to stay in their home and die there, it took her six weeks before passing over. We spent time going back and forth during these very hard days, to uphold Gene and comfort and serve Stella.
One night during those sad days, I lay awake so long in bed with many thoughts about their life, especially wondering if they were saved. I had spoken to them of the gospel on a couple of occasions over the years, they said they knew it but never left the Catholic church. Stella finally passed on Thanksgiving day, the day of their wedding anniversary.
On this sleepless night, I rose and went to the old Underwood type writer that I purchased in a garage sale for $10, and began to write a poem about those last few weeks we had with Stella. We were involved with the pro-life movement back then, and often I thought of the state of our world and the way it was going, so rapidly away from Christ, even in the churches. From those thoughts came this poem, I will share it with you now.
We were in the throws of the "Death with Dignity" legislation then, and it was beyond my thinking that anyone would want another person to die for the sake of their own convenience.
Gracious Departing by Gwendolyn Wehage: Written in 1987
No predicament can be known more difficult,
Than braving the pain and anguish in seclusion.
Adversity subsides to a tolerable degree,
when family and friends commit to thee.
Unbearable they agony when absent thee be.
Cease not they sacrifice of love.
Choose gladly, encumbrance of time and space,
That loneliness of heart exhibit not upon thy face.
Not long have I to dwell upon this earth.
Support mine head and lift thou my spirits,
Only a glimpse of time shall this circumstance be,
Be thou a companion to me.
Let thine eyes cry on my behalf, the tears gladly shed.
Allow time to cease to be thine own,
Money; count it a trivilaity.
Look not upon thy sacrifice as severe,
but training for thy future.
Pray not a speedy death with dignity,
but rather, life with gracious dependency.
Gwendolyn Wehage 1987
Friday, November 16, 2012
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Gospel in the Stars By Dave Hunt
The Gospel in the StarsHunt, Dave
For the last several months, we have been calling attention to the alarming fact that even among evangelicals, in apparent fulfillment of Paul's warning concerning the last days, sound doctrine is being set aside in favor of myths . These are being foisted on the church by some of the most respected church leaders—and being embraced by millions of Christians, who seemingly have insufficient discernment to recognize today's deceptions. Most of these myths derive from "Christian psychology." This month we will consider one that does not: the seductive and dangerous idea of the "Gospel in the Stars."
This theory was popular in the late 1800s. Some of the books published then have lately been brought back into print, among them E. W. Bullinger'sWitness of the Stars and Joseph A. Seiss's The Gospel in the Stars . It is asserted that the signs of the zodiac were originally designed by God to communicate the "gospel"; that this "Gospel in the Stars" was known to those living before the flood; that it was later corrupted into astrology; and that the alleged recovery of the "gospel interpretation" of the zodiac is a great witness to God and His Word.
Not one shred of historical evidence can be offered in support of this theory. It is based not upon fact but speculation. Seiss even admits that the insights leading to his thesis came "in connection with his studies of the marvelous wisdom embodied in the Great Pyramid at El Giza" (p 5). The alleged "Gospel in the Stars" is simply a "Christian" interpretation of astrology and occultism, in the same class as pyramidology—and equally dangerous.
It is claimed that "by way of the Bible itself we reach the idea of the GOSPEL IN THE STARS" (Seiss, p. 13). Not so! While the Bible frequently states that the heavens are given for "signs," it never even implies that these "signs" present the gospel . The Bible indicates that creation reveals God's glory and power , which are "clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made" (Rom:1:20) and that "there is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard" (Ps:19:3). Never does it say that the heavens or any other part of creation declare the gospel . That is presented only by God's Word and preaching—and that not even by angels, but only by men.
The idea of "The Gospel in the Stars" puts an alleged witness from creation on a par with the revelations contained in the Bible. If this thesis is correct, then there are many places (Ps:19:1-4
, Rom:1:19-24
, Heb:1:1-2
, 2 Pt 1:21, etc.) where the Bible could have told us that the "gospel is in the stars"but it does not. Hebrews:1:1, for example, tells us that God "spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets" but fails to say that He also spoke in the stars. Why does the Bible never propose this idea? Obviously because creation witnesses to one thing, prophets to something else. The creation witnesses to God's eternal existence and power and wisdom; the Bible takes it from there and explains the gospel. This distinction is destroyed by asserting that the gospel is contained in the stars.
Actually, those who promote this myth admit that the gospel can't be seen in the stars themselves, but that it comes from a "Christianized" interpretation of the fanciful "signs" of the zodiac assigned by the ancients to certain constellations. Nor can these figures be seen in the natural formations of the stars; they are the arbitrary product of human imagination. D. James Kennedy, one of those who promote Seiss's thesis, admits in his sermon "The Gospel in the Stars" that "You can look at the stars in Virgo until you are green in the face and they would never look like a woman." And even if they did, one would not know from that "sign" that the Son of God and Savior of the world was to be born of a virgin—much less that He would die in our place and offer pardon for sin as a free gift of God's grace. One simply cannot derive the "gospel" from the starry heavens, or from any other part of creation!
Therefore, in no way can the alleged "Gospel in the Stars" be equated with what the Bible says the "heavens declare"—a message that Paul reminds us is "clearly seen" (Rom:1:20) and understood by all those who observe God's creation, no matter what their language (Ps:19:3). That this is not the case with the "Gospel in the Stars" is obvious. In fact, the very idea that the "gospel" is in the stars would never have entered the average Christian's (nor pagan's!) head from looking up at the starry heavens. Yet, in complete contradiction both of Scripture and common sense, it is declared that the gospel "in all its length and breadth, stands written upon the stars....(Seiss, p 14). The truth is that the alleged "Gospel in the Stars" is not contained in the stars at all. It is found only in the books that tell us about this supposed wonder of the heavens and pretend to give us the original meanings allegedly conveyed in ancient oral traditions—for which there can be found no historical evidence today.
Even the Southern Cross, which is the only constellation that really forms a somewhat recognizable figure (and thus is "Exhibit A" for those who promote this myth), fails on at least two counts. First of all, the "gospel" is not clear from looking at a cross. One can only wonder that evangelicals, who reject the notion that the gospel is preached by a cross in a church, would suggest that it is preached by a much less clearly formed "cross" in the sky. Even the physical meaning of such a symbol was unknown before Roman times; and to this day the spiritual meaning of the Cross is unknown to those who have never read the Bible or heard the gospel preached by men .
Secondly, the fact that the Old Testament doesn't even mention the Cross is reason enough to reject any suggestion that an oral tradition interpreting the stars presented that truth before Christ's advent. David's statement in Psalm 22 ("they pierced my hands and my feet") was only understood after its meaning had been revealed through its fulfillment in Christ. So even a "cross" clearly depicted in the stars could not possibly have conveyed the "gospel," which was not revealed until after Christ's crucifixion. How much less, then, could any other symbol do so—then or now!
To suggest that there was an oral tradition connected to the stars that presented the gospel , when even the Old Testament did not present it, puts oral tradition above Scripture and thus undermines God's Word. In the Genesis 3 statement by God that the seed of the woman would bruise the serpent's head, the gospel is contained only in embryo and in mystery, and was not understood until the New Testament revealed it. Even were the "signs of the zodiac" distinct, without the Bible, and with only the stars themselves to look at, no one could understand the gospel from them. In fact, the symbols of the zodiac have universally served to support occultism and astrology since the earliest times. To suggest that the "gospel" was their "original meaning" promotes a deadly delusion.
The word "gospel" is used 101 times in 95 verses in the Bible (all New Testament) and it is never associated with the stars or the witness of creation. The gospel is always preached by men and must be made perfectly clear for it to be of any effect. The alleged "Gospel in the Stars" fails on both counts. Moreover, Matthew:24:14, Mark:13:10, etc. indicate that the gospel must yet be preached to all nations, and thus it clearly had not been preached in the stars—certainly not in "all its length and breadth..." as Seiss, et al. enthusiastically but erroneously declare.
The Bible indicates that the gospel began to be preached with the advent of Christ (2 Tim:1:10). Paul refers to "the beginning of the gospel" (Philippians 4:15) and states that it had been a mystery until then " kept secret since the world began" (Rom:16:25). It is a contradiction of Scripture to suggest that for thousands of years before it was made clear in the Bible, the gospel had been proclaimed in an oral tradition associated with the stars. Yet Seiss claims that "men who lived almost a thousand years [i.e., those before the flood]" were taught the "gospel" by God from the stars. Then why did Christ, during His time in Hades, preach the gospel to those who had lived before the flood (see 1 Pt 3:19-20)—and why didn't Noah, in his preaching to these people before they died, present the "gospel" that was in the stars?
It just doesn't add up from any angle. Yet Seiss, for example, swept up in an enthusiasm that carried him far beyond facts and reason, expansively declared: "...all the great doctrines of the Christian faith were known, believed, cherished, and recorded [in the stars] from the earliest generations of our race, proving that God has spoken to man, and verily given him a revelation of truths and hopes precisely as written in our Scriptures, and so fondly cherished by all Christian believers" (p 15). That is quite simply false. And such speculation, far from supporting the Bible, actually undermines it and gives mankind an excuse to look to oral traditions instead of only to God's written Word.
If the "gospel in the stars" is biblical, why doesn't the Bible even once refer to it? Why didn't the prophets mention it for support and build upon it? Why on the day of Pentecost didn't Peter, who referred to signs in the sky (Acts:2:19), use this great "sign"? One would think that such a witness would have had a powerful effect upon Jews "who require a sign." Why didn't Paul, in reasoning with the Greeks at Athens (or in his many debates with unbelievers elsewhere), along with referring to what their "own poets have said" (Acts 17), mention this great "sign" in the heavens? Why didn't Jesus, who quoted so often from the Old Testament and continually used illustrations, make at least one reference to the gospel in the stars?
Such total silence throughout Scripture upon a topic that we are now told is of great value disproves this thesis. Notice that Paul, in reasoning with his audience from creation, did not go beyond what creation declares plainly to all and that which is known by all in their consciences. The very claim that the "gospel" is in the stars is inconsistent with the knowledge that Scripture attributes to creation and with the manner in which Christ and His apostles referred to creation for a witness. When it came to the gospel, Paul based what he said upon Scripture and Christ's life, death and resurrection—not upon the signs of the zodiac!
Why devote a newsletter to the "Gospel in the Stars"? We do so because this currently popular myth encourages a deadly mixture of humanism and Christianity—the very ecumenical/syncretistic delusion that is growing in our own day. It is similar to the "All truth is God's truth" myth that makes Freud, Jung and other godless humanists—or Buddha, Krishna, Mary Baker Eddy, et al.—legitimate sources of God's Truth. Preaching the gospel from the signs of the zodiac is like presenting it from Star Wars or other occultic stories, which some have done. Seiss himself fell into that trap.
In his chapter titled "The Suffering Redeemer," Seiss declares (p 38), "In the divine triad of Brahmanic deities the second, the Son, the One who became incarnate in the man-god Krishna, sits upon his throne cross-legged, holding the cross in his right hand; and he is the god of deliverance....It is the same story of deliverance and salvation through the Cross-bearer, the divine Son of the Virgin." This is the kind of syncretistic folly presented by such cults as Unity and Science of Mind, and which is now coming even into the evangelical church in so many ways. Though its promoters may be sincere, the "Gospel in the Stars" is just one more means of causing similar deadly confusion. Let's devote ourselves to the study of God's Word as our only and sufficient source of Truth! TBC
Gospel in the Stars
https://www.thebereancall.org/content/gospel-stars
Every so often there is a new heresy or interpretation of the Bible that becomes popular and takes root for a time and then dies out of conversation, however, in the process of dying from conversation, there are many who incorporate it into
their thinking as though it is fact and teach it as such.
One of those that I will touch on today is the notion that the gospel is demonstrated in the stars. This is a dangerous myth, that was resurrected from times past. There is nothing new under the sun, everything that emerges in modern day was tried and propagated in the past in one form or another.
It seems that the Bible is not enough for many "believers", that there is a need to have special new knowledge that others do not have. It is also an attempt to continually gain knowledge as a means of elevating self.
2 Timothy 3:6-7
"For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth."
I get the impression that this verse is speaking of a lust for knowledge but not true knowledge that comes from God.
Everything that the next generation thinks is brand new, is just old regurgitated paganism. Satan must re-introduce his lies with each new generation, making them think that they have something special, appealing to the ego and pride is the business of our enemy and the enemy of Christ.
Godly men of old did not miss this "hidden" wisdom as so many gullible women think, but they possessed the Holy Spirit and could and did have the whole truth.
John 16:13 "But when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come."
A very good article on the subject of "Gospel in the Stars" is below.
https://www.thebereancall.org/content/gospel-stars
Every so often there is a new heresy or interpretation of the Bible that becomes popular and takes root for a time and then dies out of conversation, however, in the process of dying from conversation, there are many who incorporate it into
their thinking as though it is fact and teach it as such.
One of those that I will touch on today is the notion that the gospel is demonstrated in the stars. This is a dangerous myth, that was resurrected from times past. There is nothing new under the sun, everything that emerges in modern day was tried and propagated in the past in one form or another.
It seems that the Bible is not enough for many "believers", that there is a need to have special new knowledge that others do not have. It is also an attempt to continually gain knowledge as a means of elevating self.
2 Timothy 3:6-7
"For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth."
I get the impression that this verse is speaking of a lust for knowledge but not true knowledge that comes from God.
Everything that the next generation thinks is brand new, is just old regurgitated paganism. Satan must re-introduce his lies with each new generation, making them think that they have something special, appealing to the ego and pride is the business of our enemy and the enemy of Christ.
Godly men of old did not miss this "hidden" wisdom as so many gullible women think, but they possessed the Holy Spirit and could and did have the whole truth.
John 16:13 "But when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come."
A very good article on the subject of "Gospel in the Stars" is below.
https://www.thebereancall.org/content/gospel-stars
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Narcissism Is Growing
Narcissism is growing because 2 Timothy 3 is being fulfilled in front of our eyes.
2 Timothy 3:2-5 says;
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
3:2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3:3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
3:4 t
raitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"
What are the characteristics of people described in the 2 Timothy passage? In our modern day these people are referred to as "Narcissists."
Narcissists are people who have little concern if any for anyone but themselves.
1. Selfishness, without regard to the needs or desires of others. All their decisions are made on the basis of their own whims.
2. No remorse for abuse, outbursts or mistakes or misdeeds. Ever.
3. Unreliable, undependable, does not finish projects for others and often proud of it as though it is a manipulative tactic to control the victim.
4. Cares not about the consequences, but when challenged about their attitude they become angry.
5. Projects their faults on others, attempting to make their own bad behavior or mistakes someone else's fault.
6. Little if any conscience for harming or inconveniencing others.
7. Insensitive to the needs of others especially those who are closest to them. Make snap decisions that they demand be carried out immediately.
8. Vengeful when confronted with their sinful behavior.
9. Isolates his victims, who depend on him, from others, to be able to control them.
10. Easily angered and tendency to rage when someone disagrees with them or exposes them.
11. Humiliates those he hates in public and in subtle ways that are hard to detect for onlookers but are obvious to the victim.
12. Manipulates others through intimidation in order to get their own needs and desires met.
13. Twists conversations and elevates voice to intimidate and control others in the conversation and to elevate self.
14. Pathological lying, often by omission and are secretive.
15. Must control situations, conversations and others in their path.
16. Has only superficial values, situational ethics and is enraged when confronted to change.
17. Uses superficial and phony caring and understanding to control others.
18. Sets people up to fail, by negating everything they do.
19. Jumps to conclusions about matters refusing to discuss them.
20. Laughs at the pratfalls of others, but has no sense of humor otherwise.
21. The only real emotion he/she is likely to display is anger, relatively emotionless.
22. Never expresses sorrow or shame for anything they do.
23. Controls money, and makes decisions apart from their spouse.
24. Buys big items for themselves, but rages when others buy little things.
25. Controls the comings and goings of spouse, forbids travel without permission.
26. Contradictory, makes no sense when in an argument because winning is more important than truth.
27. Does not discuss openly his hidden agenda.
28. Has no personality, because hiding causes us to be so outwardly controlled that every part of us is hidden. This person is burdened continually with never being discovered.
29. Kind only if this person is getting what they want.
30. Does not forgive others, and even uses vengeful acts to dig at their target. Some of these acts are very subtle.
31. If trapped in a conversation, this person will talk so fast and so long that no one else can be a part of the conversation.
32. Shows little interest in what the other person is saying, is always in defense stance to win. Interrupts a lot and is angry if someone else does to be a part of the conversation.
33. Enjoys annoying others.
34. Ignoring special days and expected kindnesses as a subtle way of revenge for perceived wrongs done to them, will not talk about it, nor listen if confronted.
35. Hatred toward the target is continual but subtle, to unnerve the victim. If the victim is strong enough and educated enough to ignore the attacks, then the narcissist retreats and isolates himself and his family from the target.
36. Begins projects and often does not finish them, mostly to irritate those who would like them finished, or out of lack of concern for others.
37. Has no compassion for those who are ill.
38. Seldom expresses appreciation for others or encouragement for their efforts, but expects it for himself.
We have all known people like this, often they tend to be runners, because they burn out their victims, when the victims catch on and take control of their own lives, then the narcissist runs.
I have been meeting more and more of these kind of people, many more in the 40 something crowd, than in the "great generation" of World War II.
I am convinced that this condition was precipitated by the teaching of self esteem and by divorce and remarriage, often the people suffering from this had no fathers in the home and they have had little instruction or discipline as children. They were left to themselves, so that the only person they were responsible for was themselves.
This is also the reason they are not teachable and are such a frustration to those who have to live with them.
How do we deal with these people? We do not allow them to control us by their tactics simply by ignoring them. When they have a tantrum, we simply do not respond to the silliness and continue to tell the truth. Never get angry with a narcissist, this only fuels them, making them believe they have won.
If someone like this continually acts out, and they are not a spouse, then we must get away from them. If this person is a spouse, then the best thing to do is stay in constant prayer.
One of the tactics of these people is to attempt to make their victim feel guilty continually. If they can keep their victim in a state of sadness or feeling guilty then their tactics work and they will keep doing it.
In prayer evaluate your own actions, if there is no reason to be guilty then dismiss it as false guilt. Soon you will be able to identify easily the manipulation and tactics of the narcissist and they will modify their behavior if they see it is not working. Their biggest weapon, is keeping their victim continually frustrated, angry, depressed and feeling helpless.
Do not be helpless, you have the Lord, and if you are not guilty of anything and know it, then the narcissist has no power over you.
Be honest, if you are guilty confess it to the narcissist and do not allow him to continually use your confessed sin to control you. Simply state calmly that he said he forgave you and you know God has too and with a smile on your face, get on with your life.
Manipulators and narcissists count on your mental condition to be in a miserable state, when they see they cannot control you this way, they will quit or leave.
I write about this because narcissism is increasing and to be educated on the subject, will empower those who have to endure the foolishness of a narcissist.
Married people do not have to divorce over this, they can become strong and even have a peaceful marriage even if the narcissist never changes. God is in control of our hearts, and what goes on in our hearts is more important than what anyone will do to us.
Psalm 46:1 "To the Chief Musician. [A Psalm] of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble."
Stay close to God, a narcissist can cripple us in our walk and even ruin our witness by their attitudes and actions. We must not allow evil men to control our walk with the Lord.
John 3:19 ""And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
Romans 12:17 "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men."
Be strong and bold, but never violate God's Word in the doing.
Titus 3:2 "to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men."
Luke 6:22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile [you], and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake."
Romans 8:39 "nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God did give us permission in 2 Timothy 3, to keep these people out of our lives unless they are family members living in the same household, then we will need more prayer and strength from the Holy Spirit.
Pray for them!!!!
2 Timothy 3:2-5 says;
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
3:2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3:3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
3:4 t
raitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"
What are the characteristics of people described in the 2 Timothy passage? In our modern day these people are referred to as "Narcissists."
Narcissists are people who have little concern if any for anyone but themselves.
1. Selfishness, without regard to the needs or desires of others. All their decisions are made on the basis of their own whims.
2. No remorse for abuse, outbursts or mistakes or misdeeds. Ever.
3. Unreliable, undependable, does not finish projects for others and often proud of it as though it is a manipulative tactic to control the victim.
4. Cares not about the consequences, but when challenged about their attitude they become angry.
5. Projects their faults on others, attempting to make their own bad behavior or mistakes someone else's fault.
6. Little if any conscience for harming or inconveniencing others.
7. Insensitive to the needs of others especially those who are closest to them. Make snap decisions that they demand be carried out immediately.
8. Vengeful when confronted with their sinful behavior.
9. Isolates his victims, who depend on him, from others, to be able to control them.
10. Easily angered and tendency to rage when someone disagrees with them or exposes them.
11. Humiliates those he hates in public and in subtle ways that are hard to detect for onlookers but are obvious to the victim.
12. Manipulates others through intimidation in order to get their own needs and desires met.
13. Twists conversations and elevates voice to intimidate and control others in the conversation and to elevate self.
14. Pathological lying, often by omission and are secretive.
15. Must control situations, conversations and others in their path.
16. Has only superficial values, situational ethics and is enraged when confronted to change.
17. Uses superficial and phony caring and understanding to control others.
18. Sets people up to fail, by negating everything they do.
19. Jumps to conclusions about matters refusing to discuss them.
20. Laughs at the pratfalls of others, but has no sense of humor otherwise.
21. The only real emotion he/she is likely to display is anger, relatively emotionless.
22. Never expresses sorrow or shame for anything they do.
23. Controls money, and makes decisions apart from their spouse.
24. Buys big items for themselves, but rages when others buy little things.
25. Controls the comings and goings of spouse, forbids travel without permission.
26. Contradictory, makes no sense when in an argument because winning is more important than truth.
27. Does not discuss openly his hidden agenda.
28. Has no personality, because hiding causes us to be so outwardly controlled that every part of us is hidden. This person is burdened continually with never being discovered.
29. Kind only if this person is getting what they want.
30. Does not forgive others, and even uses vengeful acts to dig at their target. Some of these acts are very subtle.
31. If trapped in a conversation, this person will talk so fast and so long that no one else can be a part of the conversation.
32. Shows little interest in what the other person is saying, is always in defense stance to win. Interrupts a lot and is angry if someone else does to be a part of the conversation.
33. Enjoys annoying others.
34. Ignoring special days and expected kindnesses as a subtle way of revenge for perceived wrongs done to them, will not talk about it, nor listen if confronted.
35. Hatred toward the target is continual but subtle, to unnerve the victim. If the victim is strong enough and educated enough to ignore the attacks, then the narcissist retreats and isolates himself and his family from the target.
36. Begins projects and often does not finish them, mostly to irritate those who would like them finished, or out of lack of concern for others.
37. Has no compassion for those who are ill.
38. Seldom expresses appreciation for others or encouragement for their efforts, but expects it for himself.
We have all known people like this, often they tend to be runners, because they burn out their victims, when the victims catch on and take control of their own lives, then the narcissist runs.
I have been meeting more and more of these kind of people, many more in the 40 something crowd, than in the "great generation" of World War II.
I am convinced that this condition was precipitated by the teaching of self esteem and by divorce and remarriage, often the people suffering from this had no fathers in the home and they have had little instruction or discipline as children. They were left to themselves, so that the only person they were responsible for was themselves.
This is also the reason they are not teachable and are such a frustration to those who have to live with them.
How do we deal with these people? We do not allow them to control us by their tactics simply by ignoring them. When they have a tantrum, we simply do not respond to the silliness and continue to tell the truth. Never get angry with a narcissist, this only fuels them, making them believe they have won.
If someone like this continually acts out, and they are not a spouse, then we must get away from them. If this person is a spouse, then the best thing to do is stay in constant prayer.
One of the tactics of these people is to attempt to make their victim feel guilty continually. If they can keep their victim in a state of sadness or feeling guilty then their tactics work and they will keep doing it.
In prayer evaluate your own actions, if there is no reason to be guilty then dismiss it as false guilt. Soon you will be able to identify easily the manipulation and tactics of the narcissist and they will modify their behavior if they see it is not working. Their biggest weapon, is keeping their victim continually frustrated, angry, depressed and feeling helpless.
Do not be helpless, you have the Lord, and if you are not guilty of anything and know it, then the narcissist has no power over you.
Be honest, if you are guilty confess it to the narcissist and do not allow him to continually use your confessed sin to control you. Simply state calmly that he said he forgave you and you know God has too and with a smile on your face, get on with your life.
Manipulators and narcissists count on your mental condition to be in a miserable state, when they see they cannot control you this way, they will quit or leave.
I write about this because narcissism is increasing and to be educated on the subject, will empower those who have to endure the foolishness of a narcissist.
Married people do not have to divorce over this, they can become strong and even have a peaceful marriage even if the narcissist never changes. God is in control of our hearts, and what goes on in our hearts is more important than what anyone will do to us.
Psalm 46:1 "To the Chief Musician. [A Psalm] of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble."
Stay close to God, a narcissist can cripple us in our walk and even ruin our witness by their attitudes and actions. We must not allow evil men to control our walk with the Lord.
John 3:19 ""And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
Romans 12:17 "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men."
Be strong and bold, but never violate God's Word in the doing.
Titus 3:2 "to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men."
Luke 6:22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile [you], and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake."
Romans 8:39 "nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God did give us permission in 2 Timothy 3, to keep these people out of our lives unless they are family members living in the same household, then we will need more prayer and strength from the Holy Spirit.
Pray for them!!!!
Narcissism Is Growing
Narcissism is growing because 2 Timothy 3 is being fulfilled in front of our eyes.
2 Timothy 3:2-5 says;
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
3:2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3:3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
3:4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"
What are the characteristics of people described in the 2 Timothy passage? In our modern day these people are referred to as "Narcissists."
Narcissists are people who have little concern if any for anyone but themselves.
1. Selfishness, without regard to the needs or desires of others. All their decisions are made on the basis of their own whims.
2. No remorse for abuse, outbursts or mistakes or misdeeds. Ever.
3. Unreliable, undependable, does not finish projects for others and often proud of it as though it is a manipulative tactic to control the victim.
4. Cares not about the consequences, but when challenged about their attitude they become angry.
5. Projects their faults on others, attempting to make their own bad behavior or mistakes someone else's fault.
6. Little if any conscience for harming or inconveniencing others.
7. Insensitive to the needs of others especially those who are closest to them. Make snap decisions that they demand be carried out immediately.
8. Vengeful when confronted with their sinful behavior.
9. Isolates his victims, who depend on him, from others, to be able to control them.
10. Easily angered and tendency to rage when someone disagrees with them or exposes them.
11. Humiliates those he hates in public and in subtle ways that are hard to detect for onlookers but are obvious to the victim.
12. Manipulates others through intimidation in order to get their own needs and desires met.
13. Twists conversations and elevates voice to intimidate and control others in the conversation and to elevate self.
14. Pathological lying, often by omission and are secretive.
15. Must control situations, conversations and others in their path.
16. Has only superficial values, situational ethics and is enraged when confronted to change.
17. Uses superficial and phony caring and understanding to control others.
18. Sets people up to fail, by negating everything they do.
19. Jumps to conclusions about matters refusing to discuss them.
20. Laughs at the pratfalls of others, but has no sense of humor otherwise.
21. The only real emotion he/she is likely to display is anger, relatively emotionless.
22. Never expresses sorrow or shame for anything they do.
23. Controls money, and makes decisions apart from their spouse.
24. Buys big items for themselves, but rages when others buy little things.
25. Controls the comings and goings of spouse, forbids travel without permission.
26. Contradictory, makes no sense when in an argument because winning is more important than truth.
27. Does not discuss openly his hidden agenda.
28. Has no personality, because hiding causes us to be so outwardly controlled that every part of us is hidden. This person is burdened continually with never being discovered.
29. Kind only if this person is getting what they want.
30. Does not forgive others, and even uses vengeful acts to dig at their target. Some of these acts are very subtle.
31. If trapped in a conversation, this person will talk so fast and so long that no one else can be a part of the conversation.
32. Shows little interest in what the other person is saying, is always in defense stance to win. Interrupts a lot and is angry if someone else does to be a part of the conversation.
33. Enjoys annoying others.
34. Ignoring special days and expected kindnesses as a subtle way of revenge for perceived wrongs done to them, will not talk about it, nor listen if confronted.
35. Hatred toward the target is continual but subtle, to unnerve the victim. If the victim is strong enough and educated enough to ignore the attacks, then the narcissist retreats and isolates himself and his family from the target.
36. Begins projects and often does not finish them, mostly to irritate those who would like them finished, or out of lack of concern for others.
37. Has no compassion for those who are ill.
38. Seldom expresses appreciation for others or encouragement for their efforts, but expects it for himself.
We have all known people like this, often they tend to be runners, because they burn out their victims, when the victims catch on and take control of their own lives, then the narcissist runs.
I have been meeting more and more of these kind of people, many more in the 40 something crowd, than in the "great generation" of World War II.
I am convinced that this condition was precipitated by the teaching of self esteem and by divorce and remarriage, often the people suffering from this had no fathers in the home and they have had little instruction or discipline as children. They were left to themselves, so that the only person they were responsible for was themselves.
This is also the reason they are not teachable and are such a frustration to those who have to live with them.
How do we deal with these people? We do not allow them to control us by their tactics simply by ignoring them. When they have a tantrum, we simply do not respond to the silliness and continue to tell the truth. Never get angry with a narcissist, this only fuels them, making them believe they have won.
If someone like this continually acts out, and they are not a spouse, then we must get away from them. If this person is a spouse, then the best thing to do is stay in constant prayer.
One of the tactics of these people is to attempt to make their victim feel guilty continually. If they can keep their victim in a state of sadness or feeling guilty then their tactics work and they will keep doing it.
In prayer evaluate your own actions, if there is no reason to be guilty then dismiss it as false guilt. Soon you will be able to identify easily the manipulation and tactics of the narcissist and they will modify their behavior if they see it is not working. Their biggest weapon, is keeping their victim continually frustrated, angry, depressed and feeling helpless.
Do not be helpless, you have the Lord, and if you are not guilty of anything and know it, then the narcissist has no power over you.
Be honest, if you are guilty confess it to the narcissist and do not allow him to continually use your confessed sin to control you. Simply state calmly that he said he forgave you and you know God has too and with a smile on your face, get on with your life.
Manipulators and narcissists count on your mental condition to be in a miserable state, when they see they cannot control you this way, they will quit or leave.
I write about this because narcissism is increasing and to be educated on the subject, will empower those who have to endure the foolishness of a narcissist.
Married people do not have to divorce over this, they can become strong and even have a peaceful marriage even if the narcissist never changes. God is in control of our hearts, and what goes on in our hearts is more important than what anyone will do to us.
Psalm 46:1 "To the Chief Musician. [A Psalm] of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble."
Stay close to God, a narcissist can cripple us in our walk and even ruin our witness by their attitudes and actions. We must not allow evil men to control our walk with the Lord.
John 3:19 ""And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
Romans 12:17 "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men."
Be strong and bold, but never violate God's Word in the doing.
Titus 3:2 "to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men."
Luke 6:22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile [you], and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake."
Romans 8:39 "nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God did give us permission in 2 Timothy 3, to keep these people out of our lives unless they are family members living in the same household, then we will need more prayer and strength from the Holy Spirit.
Pray for them!!!!
2 Timothy 3:2-5 says;
"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come:
3:2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3:3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good,
3:4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,
3:5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!"
What are the characteristics of people described in the 2 Timothy passage? In our modern day these people are referred to as "Narcissists."
Narcissists are people who have little concern if any for anyone but themselves.
1. Selfishness, without regard to the needs or desires of others. All their decisions are made on the basis of their own whims.
2. No remorse for abuse, outbursts or mistakes or misdeeds. Ever.
3. Unreliable, undependable, does not finish projects for others and often proud of it as though it is a manipulative tactic to control the victim.
4. Cares not about the consequences, but when challenged about their attitude they become angry.
5. Projects their faults on others, attempting to make their own bad behavior or mistakes someone else's fault.
6. Little if any conscience for harming or inconveniencing others.
7. Insensitive to the needs of others especially those who are closest to them. Make snap decisions that they demand be carried out immediately.
8. Vengeful when confronted with their sinful behavior.
9. Isolates his victims, who depend on him, from others, to be able to control them.
10. Easily angered and tendency to rage when someone disagrees with them or exposes them.
11. Humiliates those he hates in public and in subtle ways that are hard to detect for onlookers but are obvious to the victim.
12. Manipulates others through intimidation in order to get their own needs and desires met.
13. Twists conversations and elevates voice to intimidate and control others in the conversation and to elevate self.
14. Pathological lying, often by omission and are secretive.
15. Must control situations, conversations and others in their path.
16. Has only superficial values, situational ethics and is enraged when confronted to change.
17. Uses superficial and phony caring and understanding to control others.
18. Sets people up to fail, by negating everything they do.
19. Jumps to conclusions about matters refusing to discuss them.
20. Laughs at the pratfalls of others, but has no sense of humor otherwise.
21. The only real emotion he/she is likely to display is anger, relatively emotionless.
22. Never expresses sorrow or shame for anything they do.
23. Controls money, and makes decisions apart from their spouse.
24. Buys big items for themselves, but rages when others buy little things.
25. Controls the comings and goings of spouse, forbids travel without permission.
26. Contradictory, makes no sense when in an argument because winning is more important than truth.
27. Does not discuss openly his hidden agenda.
28. Has no personality, because hiding causes us to be so outwardly controlled that every part of us is hidden. This person is burdened continually with never being discovered.
29. Kind only if this person is getting what they want.
30. Does not forgive others, and even uses vengeful acts to dig at their target. Some of these acts are very subtle.
31. If trapped in a conversation, this person will talk so fast and so long that no one else can be a part of the conversation.
32. Shows little interest in what the other person is saying, is always in defense stance to win. Interrupts a lot and is angry if someone else does to be a part of the conversation.
33. Enjoys annoying others.
34. Ignoring special days and expected kindnesses as a subtle way of revenge for perceived wrongs done to them, will not talk about it, nor listen if confronted.
35. Hatred toward the target is continual but subtle, to unnerve the victim. If the victim is strong enough and educated enough to ignore the attacks, then the narcissist retreats and isolates himself and his family from the target.
36. Begins projects and often does not finish them, mostly to irritate those who would like them finished, or out of lack of concern for others.
37. Has no compassion for those who are ill.
38. Seldom expresses appreciation for others or encouragement for their efforts, but expects it for himself.
We have all known people like this, often they tend to be runners, because they burn out their victims, when the victims catch on and take control of their own lives, then the narcissist runs.
I have been meeting more and more of these kind of people, many more in the 40 something crowd, than in the "great generation" of World War II.
I am convinced that this condition was precipitated by the teaching of self esteem and by divorce and remarriage, often the people suffering from this had no fathers in the home and they have had little instruction or discipline as children. They were left to themselves, so that the only person they were responsible for was themselves.
This is also the reason they are not teachable and are such a frustration to those who have to live with them.
How do we deal with these people? We do not allow them to control us by their tactics simply by ignoring them. When they have a tantrum, we simply do not respond to the silliness and continue to tell the truth. Never get angry with a narcissist, this only fuels them, making them believe they have won.
If someone like this continually acts out, and they are not a spouse, then we must get away from them. If this person is a spouse, then the best thing to do is stay in constant prayer.
One of the tactics of these people is to attempt to make their victim feel guilty continually. If they can keep their victim in a state of sadness or feeling guilty then their tactics work and they will keep doing it.
In prayer evaluate your own actions, if there is no reason to be guilty then dismiss it as false guilt. Soon you will be able to identify easily the manipulation and tactics of the narcissist and they will modify their behavior if they see it is not working. Their biggest weapon, is keeping their victim continually frustrated, angry, depressed and feeling helpless.
Do not be helpless, you have the Lord, and if you are not guilty of anything and know it, then the narcissist has no power over you.
Be honest, if you are guilty confess it to the narcissist and do not allow him to continually use your confessed sin to control you. Simply state calmly that he said he forgave you and you know God has too and with a smile on your face, get on with your life.
Manipulators and narcissists count on your mental condition to be in a miserable state, when they see they cannot control you this way, they will quit or leave.
I write about this because narcissism is increasing and to be educated on the subject, will empower those who have to endure the foolishness of a narcissist.
Married people do not have to divorce over this, they can become strong and even have a peaceful marriage even if the narcissist never changes. God is in control of our hearts, and what goes on in our hearts is more important than what anyone will do to us.
Psalm 46:1 "To the Chief Musician. [A Psalm] of the sons of Korah. A Song for Alamoth. God [is] our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble."
Stay close to God, a narcissist can cripple us in our walk and even ruin our witness by their attitudes and actions. We must not allow evil men to control our walk with the Lord.
John 3:19 ""And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil."
Romans 12:17 "Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men."
Be strong and bold, but never violate God's Word in the doing.
Titus 3:2 "to speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men."
Luke 6:22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile [you], and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man's sake."
Romans 8:39 "nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
God did give us permission in 2 Timothy 3, to keep these people out of our lives unless they are family members living in the same household, then we will need more prayer and strength from the Holy Spirit.
Pray for them!!!!
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