Raj and I had been pretty good friends for some time. Having trained together on the master skipper boating course and gone on long boat trips, he trusted me so much, and I in him, that he allowed me to drag him into situations that I know he would avoid otherwise.
On this occasion, he somehow agreed to go to Mt Faber with Nic, the other master skipper of our trio, during the notorious hungry ghost month. Nic was curious to know if demons were real or just a bunch of hype. having heard that Raj and I could sense nd sometimes see them, she was curious and came along.
After spending several late night hours hanging around the deserted hilltop tourist attraction, we finally descended. Nic had not seen a thing, and Raj and I were getting discouraged since we did not want to add to her skepticism, We were certain we could see demonic entities cruising about.
As we descended the escalator to the parking lot, Raj went ahead of me while I paused and stared in the direction where I thought I saw a few demons cruising by. Raj noticed them too and began to ask if I saw what he saw when he suddenly doubled over in excruciating pain. As I asked if he was alright, he yelped for help and I saw what appeared to be a mean looking demon digging 3 claws into his shoulder.
I asked if Raj was alright, and he was clearly in pain and frightened. I sensed the Holy Spirit in me rise up and in uncanny boldness, I declared Raj a child of the living, true God and that he was already spoken for. I commanded the demon to leave in the name of Jesus and it did, reluctantly.
Shaken, Raj slumped over and panted heavily. Nic was stunned, and I was relieved but weary. We drove silently to a coffeeshop that was still open now that it was past midnight. We sat and ordered hot drinks, but said little. It was clear that Raj was grateful that I was there and survived the episode, and Nic seemed to be very disturbed by the entire incident.
Nevertheless, from that day on, Raj and I shared a special bond, and I could speak to him about spiritual matters without using 'Christianese'. Nic would never mention the incident again, refusing to talk about it.
~ Shien, Yahweh Sabaoth "The Lord of Angelic Hosts"
Friday, August 14, 1998
Saturday, August 8, 1998
Green Fog and the Hungry Ghosts
I met my best mate Raj through our common interest in boating. Over the years, as we trained and spent time together through numerous outings, I learned to trust his caution.
However, I somehow managed to bully Raj into some really hare-brained activities. One of which was to persuade him to crew with me for a boat trip to celebrate a friend's birthday party during the hungry ghost month.
I grew up oblivious to superstitions, and thought nothing of going out to sea when a supposed horde of ghosts or demons were roaming, but Raj was particularly nervous. There was little to be concerned about as we motored our way to our favorite anchorage. Yes, the sky was overcast, but there were gentle breezes and calm sea.
As sun-down approached both Raj and I became jittery, so we distracted ourselves by being part of the noisy party of giggling girls. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew through, followed by an eerie calm. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up even as Raj and I exchanged nervous glances. Even the flighty girls were spooked and were now talking in subdued tones.
Then, as the light waned, the sky took on an odd metallic green hue as a thick, fog-like mist rolled in with the same strange green color. "Shien, I think it is time to..." before Raj could say 'go', I had started the boat engine and he was on the anchor winch. But the anchor would not raise. We never had trouble at this site before.
The fog thickened and visibility dropped to just slightly beyond the boat. We were getting tense as I tried every trick in my playbook to raise the stuck anchor. Then I started praying and declaring God's authority over us, and invited His presence in our midst. In a few more seconds, the anchor freed, we motored out of the haze and returned to the marina. None of us spoke until we had tied off at the dock.
I told my Hindu friend that I had prayed. "I know", I could tell.
~ Shien, Yahweh-raah "The Lord my shepherd".
However, I somehow managed to bully Raj into some really hare-brained activities. One of which was to persuade him to crew with me for a boat trip to celebrate a friend's birthday party during the hungry ghost month.
I grew up oblivious to superstitions, and thought nothing of going out to sea when a supposed horde of ghosts or demons were roaming, but Raj was particularly nervous. There was little to be concerned about as we motored our way to our favorite anchorage. Yes, the sky was overcast, but there were gentle breezes and calm sea.
As sun-down approached both Raj and I became jittery, so we distracted ourselves by being part of the noisy party of giggling girls. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew through, followed by an eerie calm. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up even as Raj and I exchanged nervous glances. Even the flighty girls were spooked and were now talking in subdued tones.
Then, as the light waned, the sky took on an odd metallic green hue as a thick, fog-like mist rolled in with the same strange green color. "Shien, I think it is time to..." before Raj could say 'go', I had started the boat engine and he was on the anchor winch. But the anchor would not raise. We never had trouble at this site before.
The fog thickened and visibility dropped to just slightly beyond the boat. We were getting tense as I tried every trick in my playbook to raise the stuck anchor. Then I started praying and declaring God's authority over us, and invited His presence in our midst. In a few more seconds, the anchor freed, we motored out of the haze and returned to the marina. None of us spoke until we had tied off at the dock.
I told my Hindu friend that I had prayed. "I know", I could tell.
~ Shien, Yahweh-raah "The Lord my shepherd".
Friday, February 5, 1993
Why Should I Have to Listen to Him?!!
Some time had passed after arriving at College, and I was feeling very at home and accepted at the College Department and Church, so I got complacent and rather big in the head.
One day, the University brought in a speaker that they really hyped up. They made such a big deal promoting him that they made it almost mandatory to go listen to his messages. As we packed the indoor stadium of the University, I thought I had open mind... until I saw him.
When he stepped onto the stage, he had a plodding gate, wore an odd looking shirt with crazy southwestern colors, spoke hesitantly in a manner that I found difficult to assimilate. I was distracted by his hair, and overall I had a bad attitude about this guy. Soon, I found myself asking: "God, why should I have to listen to him anyway?!!"
Now that I was perfectly set up, God took me out with an understated reply: "You might want to take a look at the Angel I sent to Guard Him..."
With that, my eyes were opened to see 2 massive feet planted on either side of the stage. As I gawked, I saw the waist of the angel just below the dome ceiling of the indoor stadium, and the rest of it outside. Dumbstruck, I asked Him to forgive me for my pride and being judgmental. Later, I found out the speaker was none other than Max Lucado--duh.
I have since learned to ask Him how HE sees things lest I get a bad attitude and make an ass of myself from assuming.
~ Shien, Yahweh Sabaoth--"The Lord of hosts (angels)"
One day, the University brought in a speaker that they really hyped up. They made such a big deal promoting him that they made it almost mandatory to go listen to his messages. As we packed the indoor stadium of the University, I thought I had open mind... until I saw him.
When he stepped onto the stage, he had a plodding gate, wore an odd looking shirt with crazy southwestern colors, spoke hesitantly in a manner that I found difficult to assimilate. I was distracted by his hair, and overall I had a bad attitude about this guy. Soon, I found myself asking: "God, why should I have to listen to him anyway?!!"
Now that I was perfectly set up, God took me out with an understated reply: "You might want to take a look at the Angel I sent to Guard Him..."
With that, my eyes were opened to see 2 massive feet planted on either side of the stage. As I gawked, I saw the waist of the angel just below the dome ceiling of the indoor stadium, and the rest of it outside. Dumbstruck, I asked Him to forgive me for my pride and being judgmental. Later, I found out the speaker was none other than Max Lucado--duh.
I have since learned to ask Him how HE sees things lest I get a bad attitude and make an ass of myself from assuming.
~ Shien, Yahweh Sabaoth--"The Lord of hosts (angels)"
Midnight Prayerwalk
It was past midnight and I woke up thinking I needed to use the restroom. Yet I did not. Perplexed, I sat at the edge of the bed and asked God why I was wide awake and expectant.
He told me to put on my shoes and dress warmly (it was Winter). I started to ask questions, but thought better of it. So I dressed. Next, he directed me down the stairs, and out into the crisp, cold air of the University Campus. Thoughts raced through my head, mainly what I might say to the Campus Cop when he questioned me about my criminal wanderings!
Soon, I approached a familiar school building, and He directed me to pray for the teachers and students who use it daily. Specific insights came and went just as quickly as I walked past it.
I approached another building, and the insights poured in. This time, more vividly with images. This was getting interesting.
Then, I came to a complex of 4 buildings and saw what looked like a large, frightful creature draping itself over the complex and hissing: "It's mine--you can't have it!". I stopped walking and faced off with the creature--throwing at it whatever His Spirit willed and said. Eventually, the dark creature un-pinned its long talons from the buildings and flapped its sooty wings. As it loped off, a strange scent of burning leaves mixed with scorched engine oil wafted by.
Eventually, I walked back to my apartment, now cold and weary. It was at least 2am, and I had a test at 8:00am. But I realized that I was led to walk the campus once and had succeeded in praying over every building used by teachers and students! But there was the matter of the test, so I asked God for help, to wake me up refreshed in return for that neat midnight stroll with Him.
The phone rang while it was still dark, and I groaned as I reached over to answer it. There was no one there! "What now?!!" I began to grumble when God said: "Gotcha!" Then the alarm clock rang, and I realized I was waken minutes before the set time, fully alive!
~ Shien, El Roi--"The Lord who sees me"
He told me to put on my shoes and dress warmly (it was Winter). I started to ask questions, but thought better of it. So I dressed. Next, he directed me down the stairs, and out into the crisp, cold air of the University Campus. Thoughts raced through my head, mainly what I might say to the Campus Cop when he questioned me about my criminal wanderings!
Soon, I approached a familiar school building, and He directed me to pray for the teachers and students who use it daily. Specific insights came and went just as quickly as I walked past it.
I approached another building, and the insights poured in. This time, more vividly with images. This was getting interesting.
Then, I came to a complex of 4 buildings and saw what looked like a large, frightful creature draping itself over the complex and hissing: "It's mine--you can't have it!". I stopped walking and faced off with the creature--throwing at it whatever His Spirit willed and said. Eventually, the dark creature un-pinned its long talons from the buildings and flapped its sooty wings. As it loped off, a strange scent of burning leaves mixed with scorched engine oil wafted by.
Eventually, I walked back to my apartment, now cold and weary. It was at least 2am, and I had a test at 8:00am. But I realized that I was led to walk the campus once and had succeeded in praying over every building used by teachers and students! But there was the matter of the test, so I asked God for help, to wake me up refreshed in return for that neat midnight stroll with Him.
The phone rang while it was still dark, and I groaned as I reached over to answer it. There was no one there! "What now?!!" I began to grumble when God said: "Gotcha!" Then the alarm clock rang, and I realized I was waken minutes before the set time, fully alive!
~ Shien, El Roi--"The Lord who sees me"
Tuesday, March 5, 1991
Clouds Part in Juarez, Mexico
Our college department at church took an annual short term missions trip across the border in Juarez, Mexico. It was a really long drive from Waco, TX and at the time made the journey in an assortment of vehicles that were borrowed.
Once we got there, we worked with local churches to do outreach and follow up counseling. On our night to go to the barrios at the city dump, we settled into a frenetic Pentecostal Style Praise session, over-driven by speakers and amplifiers that were turned up beyond their capacity. It was so loud it was hard to think, but the speakers were turned out towards the ramshackle community, and they streamed into the courtyard in droves.
During the praise, I got an image of something flowing down like heavy syrup from above, trickling onto the walls and onto the floor, pooling and coalescing. It was almost 'trippy' if not for the context and I was a bit concerned about telling anyone what I was seeing lest they questioned my sobriety and well-being at that moment, but the images became more vivid and the flow increased. Soon, I was seeing what looked like translucent vapors and cold flames waving languidly off some people, especially the leaders of our group and the local church.
Finally, out of curiosity and genuine concern for my health, I told my leader about what I was experiencing. Without missing a beat, he said that I was receiving a vision and should consider sharing it. As I grappled with my nerves, I did not realize that a nasty thunderstorm was brewing outside that had the potential of dispersing the eager crowd outside.
As I took turns on the microphone with the translator sharing what I was seeing inside, outside the dark burdened storm clouds split a short distance away from us then blew past on either side shedding some rain and sizzling lightning for theatrical drama, and leaving a distinct spot of clear sky overhead. I was oblivious to the scene outside until a few minutes later, when one of our team members came in excitedly with the news!
Not only did many choose to follow Christ's that night, many were healed, and filled with Christ's Holy Spirit. We left in wonder that God parted the clouds over Juarez that evening and illuminated those who chose to follow Him.
~ Shien, Elohim--"The Creator"
Once we got there, we worked with local churches to do outreach and follow up counseling. On our night to go to the barrios at the city dump, we settled into a frenetic Pentecostal Style Praise session, over-driven by speakers and amplifiers that were turned up beyond their capacity. It was so loud it was hard to think, but the speakers were turned out towards the ramshackle community, and they streamed into the courtyard in droves.
During the praise, I got an image of something flowing down like heavy syrup from above, trickling onto the walls and onto the floor, pooling and coalescing. It was almost 'trippy' if not for the context and I was a bit concerned about telling anyone what I was seeing lest they questioned my sobriety and well-being at that moment, but the images became more vivid and the flow increased. Soon, I was seeing what looked like translucent vapors and cold flames waving languidly off some people, especially the leaders of our group and the local church.
Finally, out of curiosity and genuine concern for my health, I told my leader about what I was experiencing. Without missing a beat, he said that I was receiving a vision and should consider sharing it. As I grappled with my nerves, I did not realize that a nasty thunderstorm was brewing outside that had the potential of dispersing the eager crowd outside.
As I took turns on the microphone with the translator sharing what I was seeing inside, outside the dark burdened storm clouds split a short distance away from us then blew past on either side shedding some rain and sizzling lightning for theatrical drama, and leaving a distinct spot of clear sky overhead. I was oblivious to the scene outside until a few minutes later, when one of our team members came in excitedly with the news!
Not only did many choose to follow Christ's that night, many were healed, and filled with Christ's Holy Spirit. We left in wonder that God parted the clouds over Juarez that evening and illuminated those who chose to follow Him.
~ Shien, Elohim--"The Creator"
Saturday, October 6, 1990
Man, She's Hot!
That's what I thought about my wife when I first saw her. Granted I was hormone-charged at just 17 years old, and I was new in a big school, but I could not shake my first impression of her.
I was invited to a double birthday party, and there were a lot of people already there in their apartment. I hardly recognized anybody there being new, but they were making a big deal at how hot one of the birthday girls were even when she was much younger--even model like! Then, they passed a couple of pictures of her around in jest, and I saw their point! Yowza--this girl had a "thousand faces" as a model would.
Her personality was certainly bold and loud. And tomboy-ish. I was intimidated. She was after-all, an upperclassman. Nevertheless, she was not "weirded-out" by all the Asian Food things I liked to eat. A rare thing in a small Texas Town--awesome!
The best part was that she had a reputation for being a Godly-woman. My small circle spoke reverently of her devotion to Christ, and how she was faithful to Christ and a dependable leader. Wow. So, clearly she was out of my league, but she became the gold-standard for a woman to have.
It took me 8 years of knowing Monica, and watching her would-be suitors during that time crash and burn trying to court her, to find the nerve to ask her out for myself. It might have happened earlier if not for the fact that each time I spent time with her, her penchant for wrestling and tickling freaked me out!
Finally, I got to date my best friend, and marry her. We realized at some point that it was quite amazing of God to send me to Baylor at 16, and meet Monica during her senior year at Baylor. Monica had an offer for a paid-College education closer to her relatives, but opted instead to pay her way through her Baylor experience.
And that's why we think I was sent to Baylor at 16--to see about a Godly woman.
I was invited to a double birthday party, and there were a lot of people already there in their apartment. I hardly recognized anybody there being new, but they were making a big deal at how hot one of the birthday girls were even when she was much younger--even model like! Then, they passed a couple of pictures of her around in jest, and I saw their point! Yowza--this girl had a "thousand faces" as a model would.
Her personality was certainly bold and loud. And tomboy-ish. I was intimidated. She was after-all, an upperclassman. Nevertheless, she was not "weirded-out" by all the Asian Food things I liked to eat. A rare thing in a small Texas Town--awesome!
The best part was that she had a reputation for being a Godly-woman. My small circle spoke reverently of her devotion to Christ, and how she was faithful to Christ and a dependable leader. Wow. So, clearly she was out of my league, but she became the gold-standard for a woman to have.
It took me 8 years of knowing Monica, and watching her would-be suitors during that time crash and burn trying to court her, to find the nerve to ask her out for myself. It might have happened earlier if not for the fact that each time I spent time with her, her penchant for wrestling and tickling freaked me out!
Finally, I got to date my best friend, and marry her. We realized at some point that it was quite amazing of God to send me to Baylor at 16, and meet Monica during her senior year at Baylor. Monica had an offer for a paid-College education closer to her relatives, but opted instead to pay her way through her Baylor experience.
And that's why we think I was sent to Baylor at 16--to see about a Godly woman.
~ Shien, Ezer-Kenegdo "the servant function of provider of life, growth and development" 1 Cor 11:3
Wednesday, March 14, 1990
Come with Your Tank Full
When I was in College, I attended a Prayer and Praise Group on Friday Nights. There was a lot of earnest God-Seeking there, and much compassion to share. There was a lot of freedom to explore and emulate what Christ did and become his priesthood.
However, after a few months, it was clear that the group as a whole was not making much head way with some of these issues, as we seemed to revisit them week after week. So our leader taught us something I find valuable to this day: "As you follow Christ and are transformed by His Holy Spirit, exercise the disciplines of holiness so that you arrive on Friday Night with your spiritual tank full or fuller, ready to serve. then see what happens!"
I took the teaching to heart, and began asking God to make me more useful. At first, I just arrived at the meetings feeling less needy. Next, I began to pray for some people by name who came to the meeting. Then, I began to ask God if there was something I could do for him before, during and after the meeting.
Then one evening, as I left the restroom and strolled happily back towards the rocking praise booming out of the meeting room, God asked me if I was ready to be utilized by Him. "Uh... okay!", I replied naively. Nothing noteworthy occurred for a while, so I settled back down until the worship leader called for a spontaneous prayer time, and in particular, healing for chronic or long standing issues. Now my heart skipped a beat even as my spirit raced. His Spirit already began the infilling.
One of the leaders had come forward, he suffered from chronic back pain following a wrestling injury during his college days. As others gathered round to continue praying faithfully for him, I was given words to say to him, words that I didn't want to offer as it went something along the lines of: "Tonight, the Lord will demonstrate His Faithfulness and bring you a measure of healing." Yikes!
I waffled on obeying for a bit, but then took the plunge. I approached him and whispered in his ear. And he said he embraced the word, and was experiencing faith to believe. So he told the other leaders what was said to him, and they invited me to pray. I was not expecting that part. So I stammered out a really polished: "Uh, okay Lord--Your turn now, do as You said..." Nothing happened... for a while. The other leaders were very respectful and did not look at me, it was likely obvious that I was feeling intimidated.
Then Brett got on all fours and began to twist. He reported that he felt some relief that wasn't there before. As he continued to move, he reported a range of motion. "Yes, yes... I haven't been able to this for a while now." After a few tantalizing minutes, it became clear that he "...experienced a measure of healing." that was unprecedented. Glory to God!
I was so surprised that I did not know how to feel and behave, so I hid myself back in the crowd.
~ Shien, Yahweh-rapha--"The Lord who heals"
However, after a few months, it was clear that the group as a whole was not making much head way with some of these issues, as we seemed to revisit them week after week. So our leader taught us something I find valuable to this day: "As you follow Christ and are transformed by His Holy Spirit, exercise the disciplines of holiness so that you arrive on Friday Night with your spiritual tank full or fuller, ready to serve. then see what happens!"
I took the teaching to heart, and began asking God to make me more useful. At first, I just arrived at the meetings feeling less needy. Next, I began to pray for some people by name who came to the meeting. Then, I began to ask God if there was something I could do for him before, during and after the meeting.
Then one evening, as I left the restroom and strolled happily back towards the rocking praise booming out of the meeting room, God asked me if I was ready to be utilized by Him. "Uh... okay!", I replied naively. Nothing noteworthy occurred for a while, so I settled back down until the worship leader called for a spontaneous prayer time, and in particular, healing for chronic or long standing issues. Now my heart skipped a beat even as my spirit raced. His Spirit already began the infilling.
One of the leaders had come forward, he suffered from chronic back pain following a wrestling injury during his college days. As others gathered round to continue praying faithfully for him, I was given words to say to him, words that I didn't want to offer as it went something along the lines of: "Tonight, the Lord will demonstrate His Faithfulness and bring you a measure of healing." Yikes!
I waffled on obeying for a bit, but then took the plunge. I approached him and whispered in his ear. And he said he embraced the word, and was experiencing faith to believe. So he told the other leaders what was said to him, and they invited me to pray. I was not expecting that part. So I stammered out a really polished: "Uh, okay Lord--Your turn now, do as You said..." Nothing happened... for a while. The other leaders were very respectful and did not look at me, it was likely obvious that I was feeling intimidated.
Then Brett got on all fours and began to twist. He reported that he felt some relief that wasn't there before. As he continued to move, he reported a range of motion. "Yes, yes... I haven't been able to this for a while now." After a few tantalizing minutes, it became clear that he "...experienced a measure of healing." that was unprecedented. Glory to God!
I was so surprised that I did not know how to feel and behave, so I hid myself back in the crowd.
~ Shien, Yahweh-rapha--"The Lord who heals"
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