00:00:00
S1: Broadcasting from Chicago, across North America and beyond. It's Carl and crew. Come as you are an experienced guide, overcome what seems impossible and live as you never imagined delivering the truth daily.
00:00:17
S2: If it were possible to have every worldly gain available and you're forfeiting your soul, there's no amount of gain that would make it worth it.
00:00:26
S3: Our own way never ever works. Because it's apart from the life source, which is God.
00:00:32
S4: For me, growing up, love was always conditional and can be taken from you. Christ's love can't. And he went to the cross with my mind and my heart that night.
00:00:44
S1: Now, from the call of Hope Studios, this is Carl and Crew. Well, ask the experts and oh, we've got some help.
00:00:53
S5: Needed coming right out of the chute. Cathy is with us here today. And here's the question. We got paper everywhere, says someone. I struggle with. Getting rid of paper represents my life journey, and when I look at it, I just can't release it. Please help. What do you say, Kathy?
00:01:11
S6: Well, first of all, that may represent your life journey, but it's not your life journey. And so I just want to say there, there are levels of paper, you know, we're going to keep the passport, we're going to pay the bills. But one thing that I think is so important is so much of that paper needs to be kicked back into play. So some of it is bills that we are just hanging on to too long because out of fear, what if I don't? If I pay the electric bill, am I going to have enough money for the water bill? You know, so we we keep things too long because of fear of not having enough. And so that is something we definitely need to get a handle on. But if we're looking at older papers, things that are from your past, things that maybe their letters or something like that. You don't need to keep every letter that your boyfriend from eighth grade sent. Now I will say you keep one because those memories are sweet.
00:02:14
S1: He was a good dude.
00:02:16
S6: He was a good dude. He just wasn't your dude. Okay? And so.
00:02:22
S5: That's.
00:02:22
S6: Right. One and release the rest. And you know, when it comes to maybe relatives who have passed on, we don't need to keep everything that they've ever sent us, given us, keep the thing that is most representative of that person or your relationship, and hold that, dear. We need to curate, you know, if if our if our people that we love knew that we would be hanging on to these things for the rest of our lives, they would have sent us a lot less stuff. They don't want you carrying around that burden.
00:02:57
S2: Kathy whip with us right now. Author, speaker, blogger, podcast host. Her podcast is called the Clutter Free Academy. She also has a Facebook group that's wildly popular, clutter free. If you've got a question on clutter on Decluttering organization 805 557898, 800 555, 7898. Kathy. This whole topic can bring a level of shame because depending on the degree to which you feel like you're living under the weight of clutter, you feel like I just can't get it together. Everybody else is so much organized. I've tried so many times to get a handle on this house, speak to some of the emotions that sort of keep us stuck in these patterns.
00:03:43
S6: Yeah. You know, that feeling of everybody else has got their life together and I'm a loser is very prevalent. But UCLA did a study that said that 66% of women say that clutter is a big issue in their life. So you are not alone, friend. You just are not. And so to think about that shame, maybe the shame is over the money you've spent that on things. You know, those things that are hanging in your closet that maybe still have the tags that, uh, you know, they look like a great idea at the time, but they don't actually fit your life. Yeah. I just want to remind people, this is your first time on earth. Okay? We're all just figuring this out. So we all make mistakes. We all buy things we shouldn't. We all hold on to things because of the memories attached. And so part of maturing is saying, you know what? I made a mistake. I'm going to I'm going to release that. And I know I've told this story here before, but you guys, uh, when I was a single mom, we went to a goodwill to find my kids some shoes. And my son was desperate to feel a part of school, and all he wanted in life was a pair of cool shoes and we went to goodwill. Goodwill is not known for their cool shoes. Let's just say that that's not what their reputation is about. And we get there. And my my junior high going into high school is wearing a men's size ten. And so we go to the elevens to try to find something he can grow into. And he gives me this pair of shoes and he goes, mom, these are the ones I want. They were an eight and a half. Okay. That that we would have to cut the toes out. We finally I look at those shoes because they come from the eight and a half section. And guys, they were a size 11. And I just think about that guy or most likely his wife who says, you've never worn these. We need to donate them. They didn't know that they were the miracle that my kid needed that day. And I'm so grateful that somebody said, I can release these.
00:06:01
S5: I love that story. Taking your calls for. Kathi Lipp 805 557898. When it comes to clutter or hoarding, it manifests itself in a lot of ways. We want to talk solutions here. So if you've got questions, you're stuck. You want to get unstuck. Give us a call right now. Let's go light them up. Phone lines (800) 555-7898. We'll take test text messages as well. Those questions 805 5578 90. Let's go to the phone lines here Ali yeah.
00:06:32
S2: Porsha calling in first time caller from Bensenville, Illinois. Go ahead with your question for Cathy. Hi.
00:06:38
S7: I just have a quick question on laundry. Um, we have a family of six sports and extracurriculars, plus an in-law, and it seems like laundry is never ending in our house. There's like piles of it. It just, it just feels so much. Is there a system that I can put in place to make laundry easier and more efficient for our household.
00:07:00
S2: Great question. What do you say, Kathy?
00:07:02
S6: The such a great question. And Porsche keeping up with six people. I, I, you know I'm going to get tips from you. That's what I'm going to say. But one thing I have, uh, I have really released from my life is being precious about laundry. Uh, you know, fabrics are so much better than they were even ten years ago. And lots of people are sorting into like micro piles and it is causing more work than you actually need. So I would say, uh, don't be precious about it. And, uh, I love a shout. Stick more than anything else. That's the best invention of the past ten years, right? And so I.
00:07:46
S1: Don't know what that is.
00:07:47
S5: What's a.
00:07:48
S1: Shout?
00:07:48
S2: Stick stain remover.
00:07:49
S1: Oh, okay.
00:07:51
S6: It's a stain remover. That is just. It's fabulous. It it. Or there's the also the Oxiclean remover. But both of those, those are going, you know, you put them on there and then they sit. The other thing I would say, I don't know how old your kids are, but I think about 9 or 10 is a great time to start learning laundry. Or the first time a child puts clean clothes back into the laundry hamper. That's the sign that they need to start learning how to do laundry. So you start with folding and putting away, but then they can start managing some of that on their own. And I think with six people, you just have to resign yourself to the fact that laundry is an everyday habit. But if you can get into that everyday habit and it doesn't pile up, you're going to feel so much more at peace with all of those things. The last thing I'll say is we have we just have two people, but we have, um, laundry hampers on both floors if you have an upstairs and downstairs. And that's something we've just done recently that has has made a huge difference.
00:09:02
S5: Is this why moms sniff clothes?
00:09:05
S6: Yes.
00:09:06
S5: To see if it's dirty or not. Because moms, I've noticed moms, they just sniff laundry. It's it's a little odd.
00:09:14
S6: I, I have I have never been a person who struggles with deep, deep anger until I found clean clothes. I mean, I was going to say something more powerful there, but.
00:09:29
S8: No, no, it's powerful enough.
00:09:32
S6: You know, to find clean, folded clothes in your child's laundry basket.
00:09:38
S2: Yes.
00:09:39
S6: Is is is, you know, whatever crime is committed. After that, she is excused. And, um, you know, a jury of women would not convict. Uh, and I think a lot of it comes from overstuffed drawers. Our kids. Most of our kids aren't dealing with too little. They're dealing with too much. And they just it's hard for them to manage the symptoms. So getting those older clothes out of there, the things that, you know, maybe somebody bought for them that they don't wear overgrown, they're outgrown. Get those out. Because if they see a drawer that's too full, that's going to go in the laundry hamper.
00:10:17
S2: Cathy, live with us right now. Author, speaker, clutter Free Academy is her thing. You got a question 800 555 7898, 805 5578, 98. Coming up, we'll tackle this one. Heartfelt. Cathy, how do I help an elderly parent free up clutter? They asked for my help, but when I help, they don't want to get rid of anything that's coming up.
00:10:41
S1: Get in the know with life's biggest questions. It's Ask the Experts week with Carl and crew.
00:10:48
S2: Ask the expert. This half hour we have Cathy Lipp, clutter free expert. This question came in from a dear listener who says, Cathy, how do I help an elderly parent free up clutter? They ask for help, but when I actually help, they don't want to get rid of items that clearly they should. Cathy. This one is um. This is very near and dear to the heart of many.
00:11:10
S6: Yes, this is the universal thing that all of us are going to have to deal with with very few exceptions. So here's what I would say. Ask that parent what their goal is. They say they want to declutter, but why do they want to declutter? Is it because they want to be able to have people over? Or is there a safety issue? Uh, or do they just want less so that it's easier to clean? Or maybe they say, you know, think I don't want to leave all of this for my kids because you can go back to that answer over and over again. And when they are struggling to get rid of things, it's or to put things away to say, hey, mom, I want to make this a safe place for you to be able to walk around? I'm. I'm also worried about your safety. And so being able to say those kind of things put the goal in front of them. Um, I think it's really important to ask before you touch things like, um, can I go through this box? Can you know, we, we have to remember our people, our, our parents aren't former people. They are, they are people and they have whole lives. They have, you know, their, their boundaries. Um, and then to realize you're just going to have to go slow. Uh, sometimes they don't want to get rid of things because they're worried that the story is going to be gone. So you can ask, hey, tell me about this picture or tell me about this. And we also have to remember that they're grieving a season of their lives that, uh, you know, that people who maybe are near and dear to them are now gone and they can't share. So I would say keep it to short amount of time, 30 to 90 minutes. Um, pick one small area and I would start with safety first. I think that's the most important thing, especially if things are on the floor and start with easy wins the expired food. I know that some people are still going to hold on. Those are perfectly good fruit cocktails. But to say you know what, let's just start with a fresh pantry. The things that you're actually eating. Because a lot of that food was from a season that they are no longer in. And so start with those small wins. But safety is the most important thing. But also their emotional comfort is really, really important. And I think a lot we, we think about getting rid of stuff. It's probably going to be more storing stuff until it's the child's decision. That's, that's what I'm seeing more and more. It's not so much about getting rid of stuff. It's about storing things in a, um, a systemized way until it. Some people just are not equipped to make those emotional decisions.
00:14:04
S5: Love it. Kathy Lipp is our expert right now answering your questions. 805 557898. Going to give back the phone lines. Got a text that came in help. I got a husband who's a hoarder, doesn't care to get things organized, but then it obviously bleeds into my life and functioning. That's a tough one. Kathy, what do you say?
00:14:26
S6: Oh my goodness, I am with you guys. My dad was a hoarder. I saw my mom struggle with this not for years, but for decades. And so, um, a couple of things. If he wants help, there are now some hoarding programs. So you can Google this, um, that were not available even two years ago. So, but if he doesn't want help, then I think you have to put bigger goals in front of you as a couple as, um, then I just want to get rid of your stuff. So one of the goals can be I want to be able to feel safe in my own home. I want to be able to feel peace in my own home. I want to be able to have our kids. Or for a lot of people, it's a safe place for the grandchildren to come. That's really important. And sometimes this isn't a clutter issue. Um, it is a relationship issue to say I need safe spaces to respect. And so with some couples, we have to be able to say, hey, you get this room, I get this room. I'm not going to talk about anything that's in your room, but I need for our kitchen and our living room to be safe, clear spaces so that I can feel at peace. And for a you know, hoarding is a mental disorder that is not something that you can train out of a person. And so you need to get them in to get psychological help. Or if it's really just a clutter issue that may be marriage counseling and go see a marriage counselor that has dealt with clutter and stuff and hoarding before, because that's what you're going to, you're going to need somebody with some background. You really will.
00:16:23
S2: Kathy Lipp, our guest this morning, want to get as many questions as we can in these remaining moments. Anonymous caller from Miami, Florida. Go ahead with your question.
00:16:32
S9: Hi. Good morning. My problem is I have a department store at home and in the storage. I was a shopaholic and I still love to shop. I cut down, but now I'm trying to get rid of all of these clothes. And I too am embarrassed because I don't invite anybody to my house. My house is nice and clean, but it's full of clothes and I don't know. Sometimes I am very embarrassed and ashamed, and I have to apologize to God for the bad use of the money that he has given me. And I try to do sales, but I. I'll sit out there for a little while and I lock it up, but I really and truly want to get rid of this stuff every time I start to get rid of them, you know, it becomes so overbearing that I just it's my teeth and stop. So I yeah, it's like I'm not getting anything done on my own.
00:17:45
S2: Yeah. Anonymous from Miami. Thank you for that honest call. Go ahead. Kathy.
00:17:50
S6: Well, first of all, I just want to give her a hug. I really do, because, um, I know the shame of buying too much and feeling like I've abused the resources that God has given me. But I do believe that there is redemption in this. And one of the things I would say is, uh, cluttery people and shopaholics are some of the kindest, most generous people I have ever met in my entire life. And to our anonymous caller, I would really encourage you to find a program that is equipping women for the workforce or helping single moms who are struggling. And once we know, oh my goodness, there's a person on the other end who needs these clothes, who needs these shoes, who needs these for a job interview or to be able to go to church on Sunday and feel and feel confident. Find a program that works with those women. And once you know when whenever I talk with cluttery women or Shopaholics, if they know the things that they've bought can go to help somebody else. There's a release in that. There is a freedom in that. And so, um, maybe God can, you know, just redeem those decisions that you made when maybe you were in an emotionally vulnerable place or just didn't know how to deal with some of the emotions in your life. So shopping was the answer. And now you can use those results to help other women.
00:19:35
S5: Yeah, this is good stuff. Cathy Lip boy, we're getting a lot of questions here that we won't be able to get to all of them. And I think what we need to do is point people to an amazing website here. Right, Alli?
00:19:45
S2: Yeah. Just text the word clutter to 805 five, 5578, 98. This is going to connect you to many resources from Kathy on her website. You can get started on some of this today. Very practical. Just text clutter to 800 555, 78, 98.
00:20:03
S5: So grateful for the experts that we've had on today. This site is dynamite. Text cluttered 805 557898.
00:20:13
S1: You've got questions. They've got answers. It's Ask the Experts week with Karl and crew.
00:20:19
S5: It's Karl and crew final half hour. Ask the experts. Got a great man of God with us here today doctor Sam storms. We're answering questions around spiritual warfare 805 557898. Well good morning Sam. I want to kick this off with something very important. We you we prove it's almost proverbial. We either put our head in the sand or we're too kind of Western for it. We don't want to even talk about spiritual warfare, or we fixate on it to our own peril. Now, we've got to be alert to this, because Paul uses four different Greek words to describe this battle that's not flesh and blood. How do we get to a high ridge on this topic alone?
00:21:06
S10: Well, I think you're right when you say that there are typically two extreme responses by Christians, which is delightful to Satan. That's you. He would have us, uh, either ignoring the reality of who he is and what he does, or become utterly obsessed with it instead of taking a biblical perspective on it. And of course, you're talking about Ephesians six, where Paul talks about principalities and powers and and dominions and authorities. And what's amazing is that what he says before that, he says, we do not wage war against flesh and blood. And I think, my goodness, if anybody in the world wage war against flesh and blood, it was Paul. I mean, the Pharisees, the religious leaders beat him. They imprisoned him. They did everything they could to kill him. And yet he says no. He says that's real. But that's not really the real battle behind the forces of human flesh and blood are the forces of Satan. And I think that's why we have to remember that we are in a very real battle. I think so many Christians just kind of cruise through their life thinking that because there's nothing, um, you know, really spectacular happening to them, that somehow Satan has left them alone. And that's precisely where he wants you. That's how he wants you to think because that's when he launches his attack.
00:22:22
S2: Doctor Sam Storms, our guest, asked the expert this morning, let's go to the phone lines. Diana. First time caller from Tennessee. Go ahead with your question.
00:22:31
S11: My question was about unclean spirits. And if you get one out, do they come back? Multiply?
00:22:37
S10: Well, certainly it would seem to be consistent with Scripture if an unclean spirit is expelled or defeated or, um, you know, basically banished from your life. If there is not repentance for the sin that led to that attack. If there is not a commitment to Christ to fill your heart, your life, your mind with him. Certainly you can expose yourself to a return visit. And we need to be very careful about that because typically, um, if Satan or if a demon enters into a person, it's because they are living in unconfessed, unrepentant sin. And that's why it's so important that when a person is set free, that they take steps to embrace the fullness of Christ, the fullness of the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Because yes, they, they, you know, just give you a quick example. You remember when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan, and of course, our Lord resisted him at every turn. And at the end of that, it says that Satan left for a more opportune moment. So even in the case of Jesus, Satan is driven away. He's subjected to the power and the authority of Jesus. But he basically says, I'll come back at a later time when maybe you're a little less strong, when you're a little bit less aware of my presence. And if it was true of him, it certainly would be true of us all.
00:23:59
S5: Great stuff. Doctor Sam Storms is our expert for this half hour talking spiritual warfare. You got a question. Let's go. 805 557898. Give us a call if you can. 805 557898. Uh, Dolly in Kissimmee, Florida. What do you say?
00:24:18
S12: Good morning. Um, my question pertains of how you deal with this in ministry environments. Like I've, um, facilitated by facilitated Bible studies where I have understood that there is a presence within somebody in the group that returns or, you know, takes breaks and you understand that also, I, I serve in anti-trafficking environments and whenever there are certain Nat activities or the. Such. Pardon me like there is I can. I'm actually fine that I'm in that attack like flat tires. All the things that happen almost 80% of the time that I'm involved in something with anti-trafficking. How do I like, I guess I'm wondering in ministry, is there something, um, I should cling to? How do I deal with somebody sitting across from you in a, in a DBS, um, that, you know, is under um.
00:25:22
S5: Yeah, there's a, we, I think we got it. Dolly. There's a few layers there, but number one, Sam and Nick great that she's got her sleeves rolled up and she's in the fight here my man.
00:25:31
S10: Absolutely, absolutely. Um, I don't know if you're aware of Luke ten, verses 17 through 22. If you're not, you need to sit, sit down and read it. Actually 17 to 20. You remember when the 72 were sent out by Jesus. These were ordinary disciples. Not one of them is named. These aren't elders. These aren't apostles. These aren't pastors or seminary grads. These are just average followers of Jesus. And they came back and they said, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name. And listen to how Jesus responded. I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions. That's an Old Testament symbolic language for demons and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. So the place you have to begin is with the understanding of your authority that has been given to you by Christ through the power of the spirit. And you need to exercise that authority. And if you're sitting across from someone who is oppressed or demonized or whatever degree of influence there is in their life, you simply have to say in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I take authority over all demonic spirits. I command you to leave this person. I command that they would never return. Now what often happens is nothing occurs and you think to yourself, well, I failed. We have to remember that oftentimes a person who seriously demonized doesn't want the demons to leave. Their identity has almost been wrapped up in this experience they have had with the darkness of Satan's kingdom. So you have to really probe deeply into their life. Tell me about your background. Tell me about your childhood. Were there any instances of molestation? Um, have you been involved in any kind of unrepentant sin? Are you in it now? Have you confessed and sought forgiveness from the Lord Jesus? And I think when the Spirit of God, when the Spirit of God is present, as he always is, you will get clues as to how this person has opened the door to a demonic influence. And then you, in the name of Jesus, close it. And again, you ask them to repeat these very same words. They need to confess. They need to declare yes. Standing on the authority of Christ that they are seeking freedom, and I think you will find that it happens. Now, it may not happen instantly. Sometimes it takes quite a while. But the fact of the matter is. And that's why I say we command the demons to leave. Not. And they leave. But until they leave, you persevere in declaring the authority of Jesus over your life.
00:28:04
S2: Doctor Sam storms taking your questions. He's our expert. This half hour. Questions on Spiritual Warfare 805 557898, 805, five, five, 78, 98.
00:28:17
S1: When you don't know who's better to ask than an expert. You're listening to Carl and Cru.
00:28:23
S2: We've got our guest expert, Doctor Sam Storms, founder and president of Enjoying God Ministries, taking your questions on spiritual warfare. 805 557898 let's go to Jeffrey calling in this morning from Elmhurst, Illinois. Jeffrey, go ahead with your question.
00:28:41
S1: Hi.
00:28:42
S13: Good morning. God bless you guys. Um, so my question is, um password. Can you please describe the difference between I'll say consequences, you know, and uh, um. And um, being processed by God. I don't know if that makes sense.
00:29:06
S10: I think consequences and what, what was the last thing you said.
00:29:10
S13: And process, you know, when you process, you know, God, you're being processed by God. You know, of course we have to go through some difficult time, you know, like right now, I'm the reason I'm asking is because I need, I need help, you know, it's my fifth week without pretty much sleeping. Well, you know, and I'll be honest with you guys, uh, I was, you know, doing not things right before God, you know, especially with my cell phone and everything. And I fell into temptation. Temptation. And then, um, you know, I repented. You know, I walked away from that. And then, um, you know, and everything is great now, but, um.
00:29:50
S5: But you're getting harassed, I think, Jeffrey, I think you're raising a good point, Sam. You know, sometimes you fall to temptation and then you wonder, do I have lingering consequences? Can there be a spiritual war about caving into temptation of looking at something screwy on the internet?
00:30:09
S10: Yes, indeed. In fact, in Ephesians chapter four, the apostle Paul says, don't grieve the Holy Spirit, lest you give the enemy a foothold, a place, an opportunity in your life. So the key there is not, oh, we'll when we if we sin, we know we will. The issue is how do we respond to it? Do we immediately confess it? Do we take it to the cross of Christ? Do we say, Lord, I have failed again? I need your healing and powerful presence in my life. I need you to cut off all activity of the enemy who's trying to exploit this And lead me to think that maybe I'm not even a child of God at all. So I think in this kind of situation, yes, there are consequences. We are never at peace with the enemy. We are never at peace with the with the power of the flesh. You know, in Galatians five, Paul talks about how the flesh wages war against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh. And I think all of us can say, yeah, that's me. It's a constant battle. And that's why we need to continually avail ourselves of the benefits of the cross, lay our sins before the Lord with honesty and sincerity, and map out a plan for not yielding to that same sin again. We can't just go blindly into life thinking that we are automatically protected. If we were, Paul would not have said what he did in Ephesians six when he's speaking to a very mature church and he said, you've got to put on the armor of God each and every element of it. So I would encourage you to go to Ephesians six and start with verse ten and read through the end of the chapter, and I think that will help.
00:31:45
S5: Excellent. Doctor Sam Storms, our guest is going to go back to the phone lines here. Anonymous. Name. Anonymous. City and state. What's your question for doctor storms?
00:31:55
S14: Yes. Um, ten years into my marriage, my husband engaged in pornography, or I should say, reengaged in pornography. Um, things started happening, uh, in my home, in my family, to my children. My health started rapidly declining. Um, things were happening to my children in terms of exposure to, um, sexual things. Um, I did not know this. I was just recently informed about a year ago, um, that this took place 20 years ago. And, um, I want to know what sort of demonic portal or hold because my husband's involvement with pornography was brought into my home because it literally did feel like all hell broke loose in my family about 20 years ago.
00:32:47
S5: Thank you. Anonymous. What do you say? Sam?
00:32:50
S10: Is his use of photography still present? Is it ongoing today?
00:32:55
S15: Well, apparently.
00:32:57
S14: Involvement about a year ago. A year and a half ago. Um, but he says he does not have a problem with it anymore. But when we've had conversations with him, there's been a childhood involvement around 9 or 10 of exposure. And, um, I didn't know any of this information. So the family is basically broken apart and um.
00:33:20
S10: Yes. Thank you. Okay. And let me just say, um, that perhaps pornography is the single most, uh, frequent inroad of the demonic into people's lives today. It is so pervasive. It is everywhere. So I think that, um, you simply, of course, if you're I don't know the situation. Your husband is still with you. This has to be confronted. This has to be. You all have to take steps to make sure that there is no access to pornography. There are numerous other programs that you can get for your computer that will block any access to it. But the fact of the matter is, there very likely could have been a demonic intrusion as a result of that sin. So what you need to do with yourself and your children, and if your husband, if he's still living with you, but especially for your children, you have to pray over them constantly and consistently and say, Lord, um, they did not sin. They did not do this. This harassment from the enemy was an open door that was created by my husband's sin. So, father, I take authority in the name of Jesus and I ask that you would protect my children, give them wisdom, give them insight, give them power. Uh, make them aware of the fact that they are under attack. And the same thing goes for you as well. So again, if you know, I'm just having been in pastoral ministry for over 50 years. I'm oftentimes rather skeptical about men, particularly, who say, oh yeah, I used to be involved in pornography, but I'm not now. Uh, nine times out of ten, they're lying. The fact of the matter is that it's such a has such a powerful pull on the human flesh. So, um, what you need to do if you can't control that in your husband's life, you can control what happens to yourself and to your children in your home. And you have to simply trust the authority of Jesus, pray it daily, pray it constantly. Luke chapter ten, Jesus says to you and me, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. You need to memorize that text. You need to speak it out loud. Any time an attack is coming, and you just need to be alert to the fact that pornography is a massive open door to demonic influence.
00:35:39
S5: Yeah. So many listening to this right now. Uh, Wayne in Hobart, Indiana. We got to get you in here quickly. Let's go ahead. Wayne.
00:35:47
S16: Yes. Uh, my wife's been given a rosary from her. Her sister had it, and now her sister passed, and she's been giving that rosary and, uh, since, uh, since they prayed to Mary over that rosary and saved prayers to Mary. I believe that's, uh, an idol. And I believe it should be taken out of our house. But I'd like your opinion.
00:36:08
S5: What do you say?
00:36:09
S10: I completely agree with you, Wayne. I completely agree with you. Now, typically if somebody is using a rosary, all they're doing is as a as a way of reminding them what to pray for. But if they're praying to Mary, I mean, why in the world would we want to pray to a human being when we can go directly to the throne of God and pray to Jesus? That just simply doesn't make any sense. So yes, it can become an idol. It can become a form of divination in which there is a dependency upon the rosary for communion with the Lord or for spiritual power. And if that is the case, I think you need to do your very best to persuade your wife to get rid of it and to go directly to the Hebrews chapter four. We go with confidence to the throne of grace to find mercy and grace to help in time of need. So just ask, why would we want to go to a human being when we can go to God himself? I just I have never understood that part of Catholic theology.
00:37:03
S5: One mediator between God and man, and that is the Son of God, Jesus himself. Sam boy, we gotta stay there. Okay, guys, we have got a resource page for you. That is absolutely awesome, don't we, Ali?
00:37:19
S2: We do. Just text storm to (800) 555-7898 (800) 555-7898. Just text the word storm for more resources from our guest expert doctor Sam Storms, text storm 800 555 7898.
00:37:36
S5: For the questions that couldn't get answered, they may well be answered right there.
S1: Broadcasting from Chicago, across North America and beyond. It's Carl and crew. Come as you are an experienced guide, overcome what seems impossible and live as you never imagined delivering the truth daily.
00:00:17
S2: If it were possible to have every worldly gain available and you're forfeiting your soul, there's no amount of gain that would make it worth it.
00:00:26
S3: Our own way never ever works. Because it's apart from the life source, which is God.
00:00:32
S4: For me, growing up, love was always conditional and can be taken from you. Christ's love can't. And he went to the cross with my mind and my heart that night.
00:00:44
S1: Now, from the call of Hope Studios, this is Carl and Crew. Well, ask the experts and oh, we've got some help.
00:00:53
S5: Needed coming right out of the chute. Cathy is with us here today. And here's the question. We got paper everywhere, says someone. I struggle with. Getting rid of paper represents my life journey, and when I look at it, I just can't release it. Please help. What do you say, Kathy?
00:01:11
S6: Well, first of all, that may represent your life journey, but it's not your life journey. And so I just want to say there, there are levels of paper, you know, we're going to keep the passport, we're going to pay the bills. But one thing that I think is so important is so much of that paper needs to be kicked back into play. So some of it is bills that we are just hanging on to too long because out of fear, what if I don't? If I pay the electric bill, am I going to have enough money for the water bill? You know, so we we keep things too long because of fear of not having enough. And so that is something we definitely need to get a handle on. But if we're looking at older papers, things that are from your past, things that maybe their letters or something like that. You don't need to keep every letter that your boyfriend from eighth grade sent. Now I will say you keep one because those memories are sweet.
00:02:14
S1: He was a good dude.
00:02:16
S6: He was a good dude. He just wasn't your dude. Okay? And so.
00:02:22
S5: That's.
00:02:22
S6: Right. One and release the rest. And you know, when it comes to maybe relatives who have passed on, we don't need to keep everything that they've ever sent us, given us, keep the thing that is most representative of that person or your relationship, and hold that, dear. We need to curate, you know, if if our if our people that we love knew that we would be hanging on to these things for the rest of our lives, they would have sent us a lot less stuff. They don't want you carrying around that burden.
00:02:57
S2: Kathy whip with us right now. Author, speaker, blogger, podcast host. Her podcast is called the Clutter Free Academy. She also has a Facebook group that's wildly popular, clutter free. If you've got a question on clutter on Decluttering organization 805 557898, 800 555, 7898. Kathy. This whole topic can bring a level of shame because depending on the degree to which you feel like you're living under the weight of clutter, you feel like I just can't get it together. Everybody else is so much organized. I've tried so many times to get a handle on this house, speak to some of the emotions that sort of keep us stuck in these patterns.
00:03:43
S6: Yeah. You know, that feeling of everybody else has got their life together and I'm a loser is very prevalent. But UCLA did a study that said that 66% of women say that clutter is a big issue in their life. So you are not alone, friend. You just are not. And so to think about that shame, maybe the shame is over the money you've spent that on things. You know, those things that are hanging in your closet that maybe still have the tags that, uh, you know, they look like a great idea at the time, but they don't actually fit your life. Yeah. I just want to remind people, this is your first time on earth. Okay? We're all just figuring this out. So we all make mistakes. We all buy things we shouldn't. We all hold on to things because of the memories attached. And so part of maturing is saying, you know what? I made a mistake. I'm going to I'm going to release that. And I know I've told this story here before, but you guys, uh, when I was a single mom, we went to a goodwill to find my kids some shoes. And my son was desperate to feel a part of school, and all he wanted in life was a pair of cool shoes and we went to goodwill. Goodwill is not known for their cool shoes. Let's just say that that's not what their reputation is about. And we get there. And my my junior high going into high school is wearing a men's size ten. And so we go to the elevens to try to find something he can grow into. And he gives me this pair of shoes and he goes, mom, these are the ones I want. They were an eight and a half. Okay. That that we would have to cut the toes out. We finally I look at those shoes because they come from the eight and a half section. And guys, they were a size 11. And I just think about that guy or most likely his wife who says, you've never worn these. We need to donate them. They didn't know that they were the miracle that my kid needed that day. And I'm so grateful that somebody said, I can release these.
00:06:01
S5: I love that story. Taking your calls for. Kathi Lipp 805 557898. When it comes to clutter or hoarding, it manifests itself in a lot of ways. We want to talk solutions here. So if you've got questions, you're stuck. You want to get unstuck. Give us a call right now. Let's go light them up. Phone lines (800) 555-7898. We'll take test text messages as well. Those questions 805 5578 90. Let's go to the phone lines here Ali yeah.
00:06:32
S2: Porsha calling in first time caller from Bensenville, Illinois. Go ahead with your question for Cathy. Hi.
00:06:38
S7: I just have a quick question on laundry. Um, we have a family of six sports and extracurriculars, plus an in-law, and it seems like laundry is never ending in our house. There's like piles of it. It just, it just feels so much. Is there a system that I can put in place to make laundry easier and more efficient for our household.
00:07:00
S2: Great question. What do you say, Kathy?
00:07:02
S6: The such a great question. And Porsche keeping up with six people. I, I, you know I'm going to get tips from you. That's what I'm going to say. But one thing I have, uh, I have really released from my life is being precious about laundry. Uh, you know, fabrics are so much better than they were even ten years ago. And lots of people are sorting into like micro piles and it is causing more work than you actually need. So I would say, uh, don't be precious about it. And, uh, I love a shout. Stick more than anything else. That's the best invention of the past ten years, right? And so I.
00:07:46
S1: Don't know what that is.
00:07:47
S5: What's a.
00:07:48
S1: Shout?
00:07:48
S2: Stick stain remover.
00:07:49
S1: Oh, okay.
00:07:51
S6: It's a stain remover. That is just. It's fabulous. It it. Or there's the also the Oxiclean remover. But both of those, those are going, you know, you put them on there and then they sit. The other thing I would say, I don't know how old your kids are, but I think about 9 or 10 is a great time to start learning laundry. Or the first time a child puts clean clothes back into the laundry hamper. That's the sign that they need to start learning how to do laundry. So you start with folding and putting away, but then they can start managing some of that on their own. And I think with six people, you just have to resign yourself to the fact that laundry is an everyday habit. But if you can get into that everyday habit and it doesn't pile up, you're going to feel so much more at peace with all of those things. The last thing I'll say is we have we just have two people, but we have, um, laundry hampers on both floors if you have an upstairs and downstairs. And that's something we've just done recently that has has made a huge difference.
00:09:02
S5: Is this why moms sniff clothes?
00:09:05
S6: Yes.
00:09:06
S5: To see if it's dirty or not. Because moms, I've noticed moms, they just sniff laundry. It's it's a little odd.
00:09:14
S6: I, I have I have never been a person who struggles with deep, deep anger until I found clean clothes. I mean, I was going to say something more powerful there, but.
00:09:29
S8: No, no, it's powerful enough.
00:09:32
S6: You know, to find clean, folded clothes in your child's laundry basket.
00:09:38
S2: Yes.
00:09:39
S6: Is is is, you know, whatever crime is committed. After that, she is excused. And, um, you know, a jury of women would not convict. Uh, and I think a lot of it comes from overstuffed drawers. Our kids. Most of our kids aren't dealing with too little. They're dealing with too much. And they just it's hard for them to manage the symptoms. So getting those older clothes out of there, the things that, you know, maybe somebody bought for them that they don't wear overgrown, they're outgrown. Get those out. Because if they see a drawer that's too full, that's going to go in the laundry hamper.
00:10:17
S2: Cathy, live with us right now. Author, speaker, clutter Free Academy is her thing. You got a question 800 555 7898, 805 5578, 98. Coming up, we'll tackle this one. Heartfelt. Cathy, how do I help an elderly parent free up clutter? They asked for my help, but when I help, they don't want to get rid of anything that's coming up.
00:10:41
S1: Get in the know with life's biggest questions. It's Ask the Experts week with Carl and crew.
00:10:48
S2: Ask the expert. This half hour we have Cathy Lipp, clutter free expert. This question came in from a dear listener who says, Cathy, how do I help an elderly parent free up clutter? They ask for help, but when I actually help, they don't want to get rid of items that clearly they should. Cathy. This one is um. This is very near and dear to the heart of many.
00:11:10
S6: Yes, this is the universal thing that all of us are going to have to deal with with very few exceptions. So here's what I would say. Ask that parent what their goal is. They say they want to declutter, but why do they want to declutter? Is it because they want to be able to have people over? Or is there a safety issue? Uh, or do they just want less so that it's easier to clean? Or maybe they say, you know, think I don't want to leave all of this for my kids because you can go back to that answer over and over again. And when they are struggling to get rid of things, it's or to put things away to say, hey, mom, I want to make this a safe place for you to be able to walk around? I'm. I'm also worried about your safety. And so being able to say those kind of things put the goal in front of them. Um, I think it's really important to ask before you touch things like, um, can I go through this box? Can you know, we, we have to remember our people, our, our parents aren't former people. They are, they are people and they have whole lives. They have, you know, their, their boundaries. Um, and then to realize you're just going to have to go slow. Uh, sometimes they don't want to get rid of things because they're worried that the story is going to be gone. So you can ask, hey, tell me about this picture or tell me about this. And we also have to remember that they're grieving a season of their lives that, uh, you know, that people who maybe are near and dear to them are now gone and they can't share. So I would say keep it to short amount of time, 30 to 90 minutes. Um, pick one small area and I would start with safety first. I think that's the most important thing, especially if things are on the floor and start with easy wins the expired food. I know that some people are still going to hold on. Those are perfectly good fruit cocktails. But to say you know what, let's just start with a fresh pantry. The things that you're actually eating. Because a lot of that food was from a season that they are no longer in. And so start with those small wins. But safety is the most important thing. But also their emotional comfort is really, really important. And I think a lot we, we think about getting rid of stuff. It's probably going to be more storing stuff until it's the child's decision. That's, that's what I'm seeing more and more. It's not so much about getting rid of stuff. It's about storing things in a, um, a systemized way until it. Some people just are not equipped to make those emotional decisions.
00:14:04
S5: Love it. Kathy Lipp is our expert right now answering your questions. 805 557898. Going to give back the phone lines. Got a text that came in help. I got a husband who's a hoarder, doesn't care to get things organized, but then it obviously bleeds into my life and functioning. That's a tough one. Kathy, what do you say?
00:14:26
S6: Oh my goodness, I am with you guys. My dad was a hoarder. I saw my mom struggle with this not for years, but for decades. And so, um, a couple of things. If he wants help, there are now some hoarding programs. So you can Google this, um, that were not available even two years ago. So, but if he doesn't want help, then I think you have to put bigger goals in front of you as a couple as, um, then I just want to get rid of your stuff. So one of the goals can be I want to be able to feel safe in my own home. I want to be able to feel peace in my own home. I want to be able to have our kids. Or for a lot of people, it's a safe place for the grandchildren to come. That's really important. And sometimes this isn't a clutter issue. Um, it is a relationship issue to say I need safe spaces to respect. And so with some couples, we have to be able to say, hey, you get this room, I get this room. I'm not going to talk about anything that's in your room, but I need for our kitchen and our living room to be safe, clear spaces so that I can feel at peace. And for a you know, hoarding is a mental disorder that is not something that you can train out of a person. And so you need to get them in to get psychological help. Or if it's really just a clutter issue that may be marriage counseling and go see a marriage counselor that has dealt with clutter and stuff and hoarding before, because that's what you're going to, you're going to need somebody with some background. You really will.
00:16:23
S2: Kathy Lipp, our guest this morning, want to get as many questions as we can in these remaining moments. Anonymous caller from Miami, Florida. Go ahead with your question.
00:16:32
S9: Hi. Good morning. My problem is I have a department store at home and in the storage. I was a shopaholic and I still love to shop. I cut down, but now I'm trying to get rid of all of these clothes. And I too am embarrassed because I don't invite anybody to my house. My house is nice and clean, but it's full of clothes and I don't know. Sometimes I am very embarrassed and ashamed, and I have to apologize to God for the bad use of the money that he has given me. And I try to do sales, but I. I'll sit out there for a little while and I lock it up, but I really and truly want to get rid of this stuff every time I start to get rid of them, you know, it becomes so overbearing that I just it's my teeth and stop. So I yeah, it's like I'm not getting anything done on my own.
00:17:45
S2: Yeah. Anonymous from Miami. Thank you for that honest call. Go ahead. Kathy.
00:17:50
S6: Well, first of all, I just want to give her a hug. I really do, because, um, I know the shame of buying too much and feeling like I've abused the resources that God has given me. But I do believe that there is redemption in this. And one of the things I would say is, uh, cluttery people and shopaholics are some of the kindest, most generous people I have ever met in my entire life. And to our anonymous caller, I would really encourage you to find a program that is equipping women for the workforce or helping single moms who are struggling. And once we know, oh my goodness, there's a person on the other end who needs these clothes, who needs these shoes, who needs these for a job interview or to be able to go to church on Sunday and feel and feel confident. Find a program that works with those women. And once you know when whenever I talk with cluttery women or Shopaholics, if they know the things that they've bought can go to help somebody else. There's a release in that. There is a freedom in that. And so, um, maybe God can, you know, just redeem those decisions that you made when maybe you were in an emotionally vulnerable place or just didn't know how to deal with some of the emotions in your life. So shopping was the answer. And now you can use those results to help other women.
00:19:35
S5: Yeah, this is good stuff. Cathy Lip boy, we're getting a lot of questions here that we won't be able to get to all of them. And I think what we need to do is point people to an amazing website here. Right, Alli?
00:19:45
S2: Yeah. Just text the word clutter to 805 five, 5578, 98. This is going to connect you to many resources from Kathy on her website. You can get started on some of this today. Very practical. Just text clutter to 800 555, 78, 98.
00:20:03
S5: So grateful for the experts that we've had on today. This site is dynamite. Text cluttered 805 557898.
00:20:13
S1: You've got questions. They've got answers. It's Ask the Experts week with Karl and crew.
00:20:19
S5: It's Karl and crew final half hour. Ask the experts. Got a great man of God with us here today doctor Sam storms. We're answering questions around spiritual warfare 805 557898. Well good morning Sam. I want to kick this off with something very important. We you we prove it's almost proverbial. We either put our head in the sand or we're too kind of Western for it. We don't want to even talk about spiritual warfare, or we fixate on it to our own peril. Now, we've got to be alert to this, because Paul uses four different Greek words to describe this battle that's not flesh and blood. How do we get to a high ridge on this topic alone?
00:21:06
S10: Well, I think you're right when you say that there are typically two extreme responses by Christians, which is delightful to Satan. That's you. He would have us, uh, either ignoring the reality of who he is and what he does, or become utterly obsessed with it instead of taking a biblical perspective on it. And of course, you're talking about Ephesians six, where Paul talks about principalities and powers and and dominions and authorities. And what's amazing is that what he says before that, he says, we do not wage war against flesh and blood. And I think, my goodness, if anybody in the world wage war against flesh and blood, it was Paul. I mean, the Pharisees, the religious leaders beat him. They imprisoned him. They did everything they could to kill him. And yet he says no. He says that's real. But that's not really the real battle behind the forces of human flesh and blood are the forces of Satan. And I think that's why we have to remember that we are in a very real battle. I think so many Christians just kind of cruise through their life thinking that because there's nothing, um, you know, really spectacular happening to them, that somehow Satan has left them alone. And that's precisely where he wants you. That's how he wants you to think because that's when he launches his attack.
00:22:22
S2: Doctor Sam Storms, our guest, asked the expert this morning, let's go to the phone lines. Diana. First time caller from Tennessee. Go ahead with your question.
00:22:31
S11: My question was about unclean spirits. And if you get one out, do they come back? Multiply?
00:22:37
S10: Well, certainly it would seem to be consistent with Scripture if an unclean spirit is expelled or defeated or, um, you know, basically banished from your life. If there is not repentance for the sin that led to that attack. If there is not a commitment to Christ to fill your heart, your life, your mind with him. Certainly you can expose yourself to a return visit. And we need to be very careful about that because typically, um, if Satan or if a demon enters into a person, it's because they are living in unconfessed, unrepentant sin. And that's why it's so important that when a person is set free, that they take steps to embrace the fullness of Christ, the fullness of the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. Because yes, they, they, you know, just give you a quick example. You remember when Jesus was tempted in the wilderness by Satan, and of course, our Lord resisted him at every turn. And at the end of that, it says that Satan left for a more opportune moment. So even in the case of Jesus, Satan is driven away. He's subjected to the power and the authority of Jesus. But he basically says, I'll come back at a later time when maybe you're a little less strong, when you're a little bit less aware of my presence. And if it was true of him, it certainly would be true of us all.
00:23:59
S5: Great stuff. Doctor Sam Storms is our expert for this half hour talking spiritual warfare. You got a question. Let's go. 805 557898. Give us a call if you can. 805 557898. Uh, Dolly in Kissimmee, Florida. What do you say?
00:24:18
S12: Good morning. Um, my question pertains of how you deal with this in ministry environments. Like I've, um, facilitated by facilitated Bible studies where I have understood that there is a presence within somebody in the group that returns or, you know, takes breaks and you understand that also, I, I serve in anti-trafficking environments and whenever there are certain Nat activities or the. Such. Pardon me like there is I can. I'm actually fine that I'm in that attack like flat tires. All the things that happen almost 80% of the time that I'm involved in something with anti-trafficking. How do I like, I guess I'm wondering in ministry, is there something, um, I should cling to? How do I deal with somebody sitting across from you in a, in a DBS, um, that, you know, is under um.
00:25:22
S5: Yeah, there's a, we, I think we got it. Dolly. There's a few layers there, but number one, Sam and Nick great that she's got her sleeves rolled up and she's in the fight here my man.
00:25:31
S10: Absolutely, absolutely. Um, I don't know if you're aware of Luke ten, verses 17 through 22. If you're not, you need to sit, sit down and read it. Actually 17 to 20. You remember when the 72 were sent out by Jesus. These were ordinary disciples. Not one of them is named. These aren't elders. These aren't apostles. These aren't pastors or seminary grads. These are just average followers of Jesus. And they came back and they said, Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name. And listen to how Jesus responded. I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions. That's an Old Testament symbolic language for demons and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. So the place you have to begin is with the understanding of your authority that has been given to you by Christ through the power of the spirit. And you need to exercise that authority. And if you're sitting across from someone who is oppressed or demonized or whatever degree of influence there is in their life, you simply have to say in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I take authority over all demonic spirits. I command you to leave this person. I command that they would never return. Now what often happens is nothing occurs and you think to yourself, well, I failed. We have to remember that oftentimes a person who seriously demonized doesn't want the demons to leave. Their identity has almost been wrapped up in this experience they have had with the darkness of Satan's kingdom. So you have to really probe deeply into their life. Tell me about your background. Tell me about your childhood. Were there any instances of molestation? Um, have you been involved in any kind of unrepentant sin? Are you in it now? Have you confessed and sought forgiveness from the Lord Jesus? And I think when the Spirit of God, when the Spirit of God is present, as he always is, you will get clues as to how this person has opened the door to a demonic influence. And then you, in the name of Jesus, close it. And again, you ask them to repeat these very same words. They need to confess. They need to declare yes. Standing on the authority of Christ that they are seeking freedom, and I think you will find that it happens. Now, it may not happen instantly. Sometimes it takes quite a while. But the fact of the matter is. And that's why I say we command the demons to leave. Not. And they leave. But until they leave, you persevere in declaring the authority of Jesus over your life.
00:28:04
S2: Doctor Sam storms taking your questions. He's our expert. This half hour. Questions on Spiritual Warfare 805 557898, 805, five, five, 78, 98.
00:28:17
S1: When you don't know who's better to ask than an expert. You're listening to Carl and Cru.
00:28:23
S2: We've got our guest expert, Doctor Sam Storms, founder and president of Enjoying God Ministries, taking your questions on spiritual warfare. 805 557898 let's go to Jeffrey calling in this morning from Elmhurst, Illinois. Jeffrey, go ahead with your question.
00:28:41
S1: Hi.
00:28:42
S13: Good morning. God bless you guys. Um, so my question is, um password. Can you please describe the difference between I'll say consequences, you know, and uh, um. And um, being processed by God. I don't know if that makes sense.
00:29:06
S10: I think consequences and what, what was the last thing you said.
00:29:10
S13: And process, you know, when you process, you know, God, you're being processed by God. You know, of course we have to go through some difficult time, you know, like right now, I'm the reason I'm asking is because I need, I need help, you know, it's my fifth week without pretty much sleeping. Well, you know, and I'll be honest with you guys, uh, I was, you know, doing not things right before God, you know, especially with my cell phone and everything. And I fell into temptation. Temptation. And then, um, you know, I repented. You know, I walked away from that. And then, um, you know, and everything is great now, but, um.
00:29:50
S5: But you're getting harassed, I think, Jeffrey, I think you're raising a good point, Sam. You know, sometimes you fall to temptation and then you wonder, do I have lingering consequences? Can there be a spiritual war about caving into temptation of looking at something screwy on the internet?
00:30:09
S10: Yes, indeed. In fact, in Ephesians chapter four, the apostle Paul says, don't grieve the Holy Spirit, lest you give the enemy a foothold, a place, an opportunity in your life. So the key there is not, oh, we'll when we if we sin, we know we will. The issue is how do we respond to it? Do we immediately confess it? Do we take it to the cross of Christ? Do we say, Lord, I have failed again? I need your healing and powerful presence in my life. I need you to cut off all activity of the enemy who's trying to exploit this And lead me to think that maybe I'm not even a child of God at all. So I think in this kind of situation, yes, there are consequences. We are never at peace with the enemy. We are never at peace with the with the power of the flesh. You know, in Galatians five, Paul talks about how the flesh wages war against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh. And I think all of us can say, yeah, that's me. It's a constant battle. And that's why we need to continually avail ourselves of the benefits of the cross, lay our sins before the Lord with honesty and sincerity, and map out a plan for not yielding to that same sin again. We can't just go blindly into life thinking that we are automatically protected. If we were, Paul would not have said what he did in Ephesians six when he's speaking to a very mature church and he said, you've got to put on the armor of God each and every element of it. So I would encourage you to go to Ephesians six and start with verse ten and read through the end of the chapter, and I think that will help.
00:31:45
S5: Excellent. Doctor Sam Storms, our guest is going to go back to the phone lines here. Anonymous. Name. Anonymous. City and state. What's your question for doctor storms?
00:31:55
S14: Yes. Um, ten years into my marriage, my husband engaged in pornography, or I should say, reengaged in pornography. Um, things started happening, uh, in my home, in my family, to my children. My health started rapidly declining. Um, things were happening to my children in terms of exposure to, um, sexual things. Um, I did not know this. I was just recently informed about a year ago, um, that this took place 20 years ago. And, um, I want to know what sort of demonic portal or hold because my husband's involvement with pornography was brought into my home because it literally did feel like all hell broke loose in my family about 20 years ago.
00:32:47
S5: Thank you. Anonymous. What do you say? Sam?
00:32:50
S10: Is his use of photography still present? Is it ongoing today?
00:32:55
S15: Well, apparently.
00:32:57
S14: Involvement about a year ago. A year and a half ago. Um, but he says he does not have a problem with it anymore. But when we've had conversations with him, there's been a childhood involvement around 9 or 10 of exposure. And, um, I didn't know any of this information. So the family is basically broken apart and um.
00:33:20
S10: Yes. Thank you. Okay. And let me just say, um, that perhaps pornography is the single most, uh, frequent inroad of the demonic into people's lives today. It is so pervasive. It is everywhere. So I think that, um, you simply, of course, if you're I don't know the situation. Your husband is still with you. This has to be confronted. This has to be. You all have to take steps to make sure that there is no access to pornography. There are numerous other programs that you can get for your computer that will block any access to it. But the fact of the matter is, there very likely could have been a demonic intrusion as a result of that sin. So what you need to do with yourself and your children, and if your husband, if he's still living with you, but especially for your children, you have to pray over them constantly and consistently and say, Lord, um, they did not sin. They did not do this. This harassment from the enemy was an open door that was created by my husband's sin. So, father, I take authority in the name of Jesus and I ask that you would protect my children, give them wisdom, give them insight, give them power. Uh, make them aware of the fact that they are under attack. And the same thing goes for you as well. So again, if you know, I'm just having been in pastoral ministry for over 50 years. I'm oftentimes rather skeptical about men, particularly, who say, oh yeah, I used to be involved in pornography, but I'm not now. Uh, nine times out of ten, they're lying. The fact of the matter is that it's such a has such a powerful pull on the human flesh. So, um, what you need to do if you can't control that in your husband's life, you can control what happens to yourself and to your children in your home. And you have to simply trust the authority of Jesus, pray it daily, pray it constantly. Luke chapter ten, Jesus says to you and me, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. You need to memorize that text. You need to speak it out loud. Any time an attack is coming, and you just need to be alert to the fact that pornography is a massive open door to demonic influence.
00:35:39
S5: Yeah. So many listening to this right now. Uh, Wayne in Hobart, Indiana. We got to get you in here quickly. Let's go ahead. Wayne.
00:35:47
S16: Yes. Uh, my wife's been given a rosary from her. Her sister had it, and now her sister passed, and she's been giving that rosary and, uh, since, uh, since they prayed to Mary over that rosary and saved prayers to Mary. I believe that's, uh, an idol. And I believe it should be taken out of our house. But I'd like your opinion.
00:36:08
S5: What do you say?
00:36:09
S10: I completely agree with you, Wayne. I completely agree with you. Now, typically if somebody is using a rosary, all they're doing is as a as a way of reminding them what to pray for. But if they're praying to Mary, I mean, why in the world would we want to pray to a human being when we can go directly to the throne of God and pray to Jesus? That just simply doesn't make any sense. So yes, it can become an idol. It can become a form of divination in which there is a dependency upon the rosary for communion with the Lord or for spiritual power. And if that is the case, I think you need to do your very best to persuade your wife to get rid of it and to go directly to the Hebrews chapter four. We go with confidence to the throne of grace to find mercy and grace to help in time of need. So just ask, why would we want to go to a human being when we can go to God himself? I just I have never understood that part of Catholic theology.
00:37:03
S5: One mediator between God and man, and that is the Son of God, Jesus himself. Sam boy, we gotta stay there. Okay, guys, we have got a resource page for you. That is absolutely awesome, don't we, Ali?
00:37:19
S2: We do. Just text storm to (800) 555-7898 (800) 555-7898. Just text the word storm for more resources from our guest expert doctor Sam Storms, text storm 800 555 7898.
00:37:36
S5: For the questions that couldn't get answered, they may well be answered right there.
