The Closer we get to God the more little devils are assigned to us to bring us down?

[Dusty52]

I am sure this true
I know in my own life the closer I try and do the things I should be doing with the aim of getting closer to my Heavenly Father the more problems, adversity etc happens to me to knock me off course!
Is the adversary aware of my effort?
How's does he know?
Depending on your level of obedience does the adversary assign more and more little devils to you?
Does he know of your potential?
How does he get to know all these things?
Can he read our minds?
I don't understand this?
I know he wants to make everyone miserable like unto himself?
So as a lowly teacher in Sunday school he would assign 10 little devils to me but one of the 12 he would assign thousands?
Do I understand this correctly or have I got the wrong end of the stick?

[Blessed]

I don't think it is a question of "more little devils". And frankly, if you are becoming more righteous, those spirits probably don't enjoy being in your presence. Not that they'll leave you alone, but I doubt they are just hanging out all the time, either.

I think the problem is, that as we grow in power, there is a tendency to feel self-sufficient and less reliant on God. I think at the point that we (with God's help) have overcome all the little devils, new spiritual dangers arise. Maybe things not so blatant, more subtle.

[TrueIntent]

yeah, so i think the persecution comes in hotter because the devils influence the other people who listen to them. But you are not influenced by the little devels (you have power to crush the serpents head), and so you continue on the path in spite of persecution because angels bear you up.

[I AM]

I don't know if this was a church handout from a class
or where I got this, or if it's totally accurate, but just thought there might be
some good information here to think about.



SATAN CANNOT



1. Compel any person to do anything.



2. Tempt any person beyond that person's capacity

to endure.



3. Know the mind and will of God.



4. Know our thoughts or intents of our hearts.



5. Answer a prayer of faith.



6. Intercept revelation from God to man.



7. Enter a body which is enjoying the companionship

of the Holy Ghost.



8. Withstand the Priesthood or the authority of the

name of Jesus Christ.



9. Tempt anyone before the age of accountability.



10. Prohibit our receiving the blessings or the spirit

of the Lord according to our faith.



11. Pass beyond any bounds which the Lord sets for him.



12. Use the spirit of Christ as reward for evil.



13. Appear in the form of or give the sign of the dove.



14. Avoid detection by the spirit and/or signs given us.



15. Destroy life.



16. Triumph over the Lord.

[I AM]

some of you have seen this already but thought
I'd throw this in as well.

SATAN'S MEETING


SATAN'S MEETING: (Read even if you're B U S Y )

Satan called a worldwide convention of demons.
In his opening address he said,

"We can't keep Christians from going to church."
"We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth."
"We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their savior."
"Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken."
"So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time,
so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.."

"This is what I want you to do," said the devil:
"Distract them from gaining hold of their Savior and maintaining that vital connection
throughout their day!"
"How shall we do this?" his demons shouted.
"Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes
to occupy their minds," he answered.
"Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow."
"Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands
to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles."
"Keep them from spending time with their children."
"As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!"
"Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice."
"Entice them to play the radio or CD whenever they drive."
"Keep the TV, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store
and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly."
"This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ."

"Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers."
"Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day."
"Invade their driving moments with billboards."
"Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes.."
"Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. "
"Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night." "Give them headaches too! "
"If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere."
"That will fragment their families quickly!"
"Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas."
"Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death."
"Even in their recreation, let them be excessive."
"Have them return from their recreation exhausted."
"Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation."
Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead."
"Keep them busy, busy, busy!"

"And when they meet for church, involve them in gossip and small talk
so that they leave with troubled consciences."
"Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus."
"Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family
for the good of the cause."

"It will work!"

"It will work!"

It was quite a plan!

The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier
and more rushed, going here and there.
Having little time for their God or their families and friends.
Having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives.

I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes?

You be the judge!!!!!

Does "B U S Y" mean:
B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke?

[e-eye2.0]

Dusty - You are 100% correct. Shared in GC in 1981 by Carlos E Asay:

"On November 1, 1857, Elder George A. Smith delivered a memorable discourse, which included this old Chinese fable:

“A man travelling through the country came to a large city, very rich and splendid; he looked at it and said to his guide, ‘This must be a very righteous people, for I can only see but one little devil in this great city.’

“The guide replied, ‘You do not understand, sir. This city is so perfectly given up to wickedness … that it requires but one devil to keep them all in subjection.’

“Travelling on a little farther, he came to a rugged path and saw an old man trying to get up the hill side, surrounded by seven great, big, coarse-looking devils.

“‘Why,’ says the traveller, ‘this must be a tremendously wicked old man! See how many devils there are around him!’

“‘This,’ replied the guide, ‘is the only righteous man in the country; and there are seven of the biggest devils trying to turn him out of his path, and they all cannot do it.’” (Journal of Discourses, 5:363–64.)

After relating the fable, Elder Smith added that “the devil has the world so perfectly at his disposal that it requires few devils to keep it in subjection” and that “the whole legion of devils has nothing to do but look after the ‘Mormons’ and stir up the hearts of the children of men to destroy them—to put them out of existence.” (Journal of Discourses, 5:364.)"

[Kingdom of ZION]

The adversary and his servants can see when a person offers up true prayers by offering up signs. They can see visitation, like when Joseph had the First Vision. The adversary when he got his chance (was allowed), he even tried to kill JS. And after a while when temptations are continually resisted, they tempted weaker souls around you, that they might attack you through them.

Does this persecution happen to everyone? No! Only the ones the adversary can identify who they are or that it appears to be someone he is expecting. The Messiah was targeted, and then in turn, the Twelve Apostles. He cannot use up his allotted powers of apposition needlessly, so he selects the most probable people that count convince many of the truth. The Branch Dravidian's are a good example of this, as he thought they might have been the Davidic Servant/King prophesied to come? So the adversary targeted them, and eventually had them murdered by his servants.

The Third Part of Heaven that was cast down here, excluding Lucifer himself, ALL GET BODIES!!!

Opposition in all things, IS a Telestial world! So, sure you can disbelieve me, and you can continue to cross your arm and bow your head (making no Signs to Heaven that you want Visitation), and close your eye, so if someone does shows up, you will not see them... and you can continue to have a nice peaceful life, amassing assets, and holding hand with the world (Babylon).

It is your choice, just start offering up prayers: Three Times A Day, toward the New Jerusalem (Temple Mount), in the True Order, and you can watch Hell begin to rain upon you for yourself and know what real opposition feels like!

Shalom, Shalom

[XEmilyX]

there are levels of devils. So it's not necessarily more devils, but stronger ones. But sure they can assign more devils.
no he can't read our thoughts, but he can guess with some pretty great accuracy, he's been stalking you your entire life. lol
He can attack you through others.

[scottja]

The adversary and his servants can see when a person offers up true prayers by offering up signs. They can see visitation, like when Joseph had the First Vision. The adversary when he got his change (was allowed), he even tried to kill JS. And after a while when temptations are continually resisted, they tempted weaker souls around you, that they might attack you through them.

Does this persecution happen to everyone? No! Only the ones the adversary can identify who they are or that it appears to be someone he is expecting. The Messiah was targeted, and then in turn, the Twelve Apostles. He cannot use up his allotted powers of apposition needlessly, so he selects the most probable people. The Branch Dravidian's are a good example of this, as he thought they might have been the Davidic Servant/King prophesied to come? So the adversary targeted them, and eventually had them murdered by his servants.

The Third Part of Heaven that was cast down here, excluding Lucifer himself, ALL GET BODIES!!!

Opposition in all things, IS a Telestial world! So, sure you can disbelieve me, and you can continue to cross your arm and bow your head (making no Signs to Heaven that you want Visitation), and close your eye, so if someone does shows up, you will not see them... and you can continue to have a nice peaceful life, amassing assets, and holding hand with the world (Babylon).

It is your choice, just start offering up prayers: Three Times A Day, toward the New Jerusalem (Temple Mount), in the True Order, and you can watch Hell begin to rain upon you for yourself and know what real opposition feels like!

Shalom, Shalom

Are you saying that the spirit children of Heavenly Father that rejected his plan in the pre-existence and were cast out ( commonly refered to as the 1/3) in fact DO have bodies here on earth? Can you share some reading material?

[Kingdom of ZION]

The adversary and his servants can see when a person offers up true prayers by offering up signs. They can see visitation, like when Joseph had the First Vision. The adversary when he got his change (was allowed), he even tried to kill JS. And after a while when temptations are continually resisted, they tempted weaker souls around you, that they might attack you through them.

Does this persecution happen to everyone? No! Only the ones the adversary can identify who they are or that it appears to be someone he is expecting. The Messiah was targeted, and then in turn, the Twelve Apostles. He cannot use up his allotted powers of apposition needlessly, so he selects the most probable people. The Branch Dravidian's are a good example of this, as he thought they might have been the Davidic Servant/King prophesied to come? So the adversary targeted them, and eventually had them murdered by his servants.

The Third Part of Heaven that was cast down here, excluding Lucifer himself, ALL GET BODIES!!!

Opposition in all things, IS a Telestial world! So, sure you can disbelieve me, and you can continue to cross your arm and bow your head (making no Signs to Heaven that you want Visitation), and close your eye, so if someone does shows up, you will not see them... and you can continue to have a nice peaceful life, amassing assets, and holding hand with the world (Babylon).

It is your choice, just start offering up prayers: Three Times A Day, toward the New Jerusalem (Temple Mount), in the True Order, and you can watch Hell begin to rain upon you for yourself and know what real opposition feels like!

Shalom, Shalom

Are you saying that the spirit children of Heavenly Father that rejected his plan in the pre-existence and were cast out (commonly referred to as the 1/3) in fact DO have bodies here on earth? Can you share some reading material?

Yes, that is exactly what I am saying. That was never taught in Joseph Smith's dispensation until Joseph F. Smith did in his 3 volume set on Doctrines of Salvation (Vol. 3). This is not all the doctrinal errors found within those covers, though Bruce R. did far more damage with his book Mormon Doctrines.

In the Temple, Lucifer is found in the Garden, but thereafter Satawn (Satan) takes over because Lucifer, without a body cannot come into this realm (having not once been, is or will be born into this creation. This law which was taught initially by Joseph Smith, is one of the main reasons we know that Sons of Perdition are here in the flesh.

Of course there is the Book of Jude, that instructs us about Sons of Perdition among us, but it is more archaic in its wording and would be missed by all who do not take the time to study it out and understand what Jude was saying. The Key to understand that book is to understand the wording "Before of Old", which means 'before ancient times', which correctly interpreted is before this world or from the previous world. LDS call it the Per-Existence, but it is actually the Millennium from the last Creation (just as the Millennium shortly to come here on this world, will be the First Estate for another countless spirits, and they will watch the Great Ones [Third and Fourth Estate Beings, who have bodies because they are older souls, not spirits] once again debate the great questions (Agency, Freedom, Eternal Progression, and such).

Sorry there is no grand discourse upon the topic... but then everyone would know the truth and we would not be talking about it! I believe JS did know this and he probably thought everyone knew it. He called William Law and a few others Sons of Perdition, so they had to have been part of the third part of heaven that fell or they were older souls, Fourth Estate Beings, who chose here to turn away. That is what I believe that happened! Remember the Messiah when He warned the Pharisee's about blaspheming the Holy Ghost. That that was a possibility to do if they were not careful, and they would not be forgiven in this world or the world to come! (And what are we going to do in that world... as most think they are going straight off to being G_d's and making worlds! Arriving to Godhood is a far far longer path then has been previously revealed!

Shalom

[scottja]

Wow. Thank you. I've got some more reading and study to do

[EmmaLee]

I think what was said in the OP is largely true, as I've had some pretty intense, unmistakable spiritual experiences that bear the idea out - as far as when I'm doing my best to try to be my most spiritual/true self, is when I get attacked the most and hardest by the adversary. Also, when a person is sincerely trying to be close to God, Satan works just as hard to get others to tear you down and puts stumbling blocks in your way. There really is opposition in ALL things. I have found in my life that when I'm at a spiritual 'high' - I will, every time, get bombarded by evil.

Also, Satan has no veil - he knew us all very well (and we knew him) in our pre-earth life - he remembers all of that - we don't. He and his minions have literally nothing else to do - they don't have to work, sleep, eat, be distracted by anything - 100% of their time is focused on us. That gives him/them 'advantages' that we don't have. But, we have access to MUCH greater advantages (if we will only grasp and hold onto them) - the Holy Ghost - the gospel of Jesus Christ - the covenants we have made (and hopefully, keep) - the Savior of mankind on our side - which means we win, if we will not only endure, but endure WELL.

[Kingdom of ZION]

I think what was said in the OP is largely true, as I've had some pretty intense, unmistakable spiritual experiences that bear the idea out - as far as when I'm doing my best to try to be my most spiritual/true self, is when I get attacked the most and hardest by the adversary. Also, when a person is sincerely trying to be close to God, Satan works just as hard to get others to tear you down and puts stumbling blocks in your way. There really is opposition in ALL things. I have found in my life that when I'm at a spiritual 'high' - I will, every time, get bombarded by evil.

Also, Satan has no veil - he knew us all very well (and we knew him) in our pre-earth life - he remembers all of that - we don't. He and his minions have literally nothing else to do - they don't have to work, sleep, eat, be distracted by anything - 100% of their time is focused on us. That gives him/them 'advantages' that we don't have. But, we have access to MUCH greater advantages (if we will only grasp and hold onto them) - the Holy Ghost - the gospel of Jesus Christ - the covenants we have made (and hopefully, keep) - the Savior of mankind on our side - which means we win, if we will not only endure, but endure WELL.

Yes, it it true about us knowing each other to varying degrees (us and the adversary). However, he does not know us at first glance. He watches, and when he see a person offering up signs and penalties, it is like us shooting up a flare or bottle rocket into heaven. He then starts paying more particular attention to us! When Joseph received the First Vision, that is when the adversary sought to kill him. I have at three different times in my life, gathered weekly with others to pray in the True Order of Prayer (Prayer Circles). The last time, two out of the five started hearing voices, with one hurting themselves and ending up in the hospital and the other had to move and back away from such prayers, as he was having lots of dark thoughts and feelings of hopeless and suicide. The first time brought great contentions between friends and a fracturing of unity.

This is not something you want to do, unless your willing to stay the course and repent of all your sins. I has attacked physically the first time, and the other times, through other people I associated with. If you are not really grounded doctrinally as to your faith and testimony, it could destroy you spiritually! I would not recommend women to pray in such circles, really under any circumstances. If you have not put on the whole armor of G_d, you are not ready to get down into the trenches and do battle for the kingdom!

Shalom

[kirtland r.m.]

I don't know if this was a church handout from a class
or where I got this, or if it's totally accurate, but just thought there might be
some good information here to think about.



SATAN CANNOT



1. Compel any person to do anything.



2. Tempt any person beyond that person's capacity

to endure.



3. Know the mind and will of God.



4. Know our thoughts or intents of our hearts.



5. Answer a prayer of faith.



6. Intercept revelation from God to man.



7. Enter a body which is enjoying the companionship

of the Holy Ghost.



8. Withstand the Priesthood or the authority of the

name of Jesus Christ.



9. Tempt anyone before the age of accountability.



10. Prohibit our receiving the blessings or the spirit

of the Lord according to our faith.



11. Pass beyond any bounds which the Lord sets for him.



12. Use the spirit of Christ as reward for evil.



13. Appear in the form of or give the sign of the dove.



14. Avoid detection by the spirit and/or signs given us.



15. Destroy life.



16. Triumph over the Lord.

This is a really, really good list. I would only expand on eleven and say that Satan cannot counterfeit the feelings(influence) of the Holy Ghost the Lord gives us to confirm, and or comfort us. He does not or ever will have that power.

[kirtland r.m.]

there are levels of devils. So it's not necessarily more devils, but stronger ones. But sure they can assign more devils.
no he can't read our thoughts, but he can guess with some pretty great accuracy, he's been stalking you your entire life. lol
He can attack you through others.

So true, I have been told by someone whom I believe knows, that of these spirits who followed Satan, some work harder and are more committed, and harder to get rid of than others. I also believe being around righteous people wears them down some and makes them even more unhappy. The experience of the early Apostles right after they arrived in England is very enlightening and sobering too.http://www.moroni10.com/mormon_history/ ... stles.html