In Joshua chapter 6, Isreal defeated Jericho, destroyed their city and took possession of the territory. God was with Joshua and his fame spread throughout all the country. The very next chapter 7, starts out by saying that the children of Isreal committed sin regarding the accursed things. This was because Achan from the tribe of Judah took the accursed things so the anger of the Lord burned against the children of Israel. On the back of a successful expedition in Jericho, Joshua sent men to Ai to spy on the land. The men went up to spy and came back and told Joshua, that he did not need to send the entire army. They suggested that he send a few thousand men to take possession of the land as the people were small number. To Joshua’s surprise and the surprise of the people, the men who went to Ai were struck down and chased out of the city. Joshua was distressed and tore his clothes, put ashes on his head and laid before the Ark of the Lord.

“And Joshua said, “Alas, Lord God, why have You brought this people over the Jordan at all—to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? Oh, that we had been content, and dwelt on the other side of the Jordan” ‭‭(Joshua‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬)! He asked God what would happen now that Israel had to turn their back on their enemies. He lamented that the Canaanites and the other surrounding cities would hear about their defeat and surround them and cut them off. God told Joshua to get up from where he was lying and told him that Isreal had sinned and went against his covenant. They had stolen what was accursed and hidden it among their things. This was why Isreal was defeated by their enemies, therefore they needed to get rid of what was accursed among them. Joshua was told to get up and sanctify himself and to also sanctify the people the next day and remove what was accursed from among them. 

Joshua was instructed to call all of the people together and God would separate the tribe where the sin was committed. From the tribe he would separate them by families and then by households and then single out the man who had stolen the cursed item. “Then it shall be that he who is taken with the accursed thing shall be burned with fire, he and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of the Lord, and because he has done a disgraceful thing in Israel ” ‭‭(Joshua‬ ‭7‬:‭15‬). Joshua gathered all of the people together the next day and the tribe of Judah was selected. He singled out the family of the Zarhites and then selected Zabdi and then his son Achan was selected. Joshua pleaded with Achan to confess what he had done and asked him not to hide anything from him. Achan confessed that he had sinned against the Lord and against Isreal. He had stolen a beautiful Babylonian garment, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels. He admitted that he had coveted them so he took them and hid them in his tent. 

Joshua sent men to Achan’s tent to retrieve the stolen items and they brought the items back to Joshua. Achan and all of his belongings and his entire family were taken to the valley of Achor and stoned and then burnt. Once this was done, the anger of the Lord was turned away from Isreal and the favour of God was restored. This is a difficult story and the end result for Achan was harsh and severe. We’re unlikely to see anyone stoned and their family and possessions burnt in any modern law abiding society. The essence of the story is appreciating the consequences of an association, with someone who was out of alignment or living in direct disobedience to God. Ideas, values, beliefs and attitudes are contagious and our close affiliations or alliances with people often determines our values and beliefs. Spirits are also easily transferred from one person to another. Our relationships and associations can affect our spiritual maturity and our relationship with God. We have to assess if our relationships draw us closer to God or pull us away from God. 

“As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend (Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭17‬).

Anneta Pinto-Young

In Mark chapter 1, Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist. This was after he declared that he was sent, as a voice crying in the wilderness to prepare the way of the Lord. He also declared that Jesus was mightier than he and he was not even worthy to tie his sandals. The irony was that after that statement, Jesus went to John to be baptised. After his baptism, as he came out of the water, the heavens opened and the spirit descended upon Jesus like a dove. “Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased”” ‭‭(Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬). After this Jesus was led of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil for 40 days. After his fast and temptation, he was strengthened by angels. He returned from the wilderness having been strengthened and started his ministry in Galilee. Shortly after Jesus returned, John was put in prison and he went about preaching the kingdom of God and calling people to repentance.

Jesus called his first disciples Andrew and his brother Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, James and John. He then went into Capernium and taught in the synagogue. The people were surprised that he taught with authority and not like the Scribes. While Jesus was teaching there was a man in the synagogue with an unclean spirit who cried out after him. “saying, “Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Did You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God”” ‭‭(Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭24‬)! Jesus rebuked the spirit and commanded it to come out of the man. The spirit convulsed the man and then cried out with a loud voice and came out of him. The people were amazed and asked among themselves what type new doctrine this was. They were amazed that he had authority over the unclean spirits and they obeyed him. After this incident, Jesus’s fame spread throughout all of the region around Galilee. 

After leaving the synagogue, Jesus and the disciples went to visit Peter’s home. Peter’s mother-in-law was sick with a fever and Jesus took her by the hand, raised her up and she was healed immediately and got up and served them. By the evening, the people in the city brought many to him who were sick and demon possessed. “Then He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him” ‭‭(Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭34). The morning after, Jesus went to a quiet place alone to pray. Peter and the disciples went in search of him and when they found him, told him that everyone was looking for him. Jesus told them that they should travel to the other towns so that he could preach there also as part of his assignment. As he travelled, a man with leprosy came to him and begged that he would heal him. Jesus was moved with compassion and laid his hands on the man and healed him. He told the man not to tell anyone about what had happened. The man did not listen, but told everyone wherever he went about how Jesus healed him.

As a result of this, Jesus could no longer go to the towns openly but spent a lot of time in deserted places. People were brought to him from every direction so that he would heal them. Jesus also found quiet places to be alone with God, in order to pray. His response to fame was not as typical, as some of our modern day ministers who thrive off of clout and followers. His focus wasn’t as much about fame, as it was about reaching the lost and bringing healing and deliverance to those who were hurting. Despite his fame, he did not neglect his quiet time with the father, to remain filled and to stay in alignment. Fame is not bad nor is a large following on social media or on television. We have to constantly examine our desire for fame and assess whether it is for our own self gratification or to reach people for God. We have to remember that only what’s done for God will have eternal value and significance. God will bless the work of our hands and our gifts will bring us before great men. We have to maintain relationships with people who will hold us accountable and keep us grounded so that we don’t lose our way. 

“So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed” ‭‭(Luke‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬).

Anneta Pinto-Young

Welcome to episode 4 of Season 2 of The ARC Logos Podcast! 🎉

🎙On this episode we have a special guest, Wayne Reid who is the Professional Office at the British Association of Social Workers (BASW). In this episode, he has a candid conversation about his career journey and his work in empowering social workers.

Hit that play button, stay tuned, and let’s get talking.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more great episodes!

~ This is a two part episode ~

Featuring our special guest Wayne and hosts Anneta Pinto-Young, Rose Tebere and Cherelle Wilson-Morrison AFHEA MA BSc.

https://youtu.be/xtg7KmuE5QU?si=mKlei4uimUuGceWp

You can also catch snippets and learn more about our wellbeing podcast on all social media handles.

Anneta Pinto-Young – A.P.-Y.

Welcome to Season 2 of The ARC Logos Podcast! 🎉

🎙We’re back and ready to dive into all the highs, lows, and lessons learned from launching and recording Season 1. Expect fun, banter, and thought-provoking conversations, as we reflect on the journey so far.

Hopefully, you haven’t missed us too much- but if you have, don’t worry, we’re making up for it!

Hit that play button, stay tuned, and let’s get talking.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more great episodes!

~ This is a three part episode ~

Featuring Anneta Pinto-Young, Rose Tebere and Cherelle Wilson-Morrison AFHEA MA BSc

https://youtu.be/A0c8QwaZIRA?si=7y388ui89UHWBnMv

You can also catch snippets and learn more about our wellbeing podcast on all social media handles.

Anneta Pinto-Young – A.P.-Y.

Welcome to Season 2 of The ARC Logos Podcast! 🎉

🎙We’re back and ready to dive into all the highs, lows, and lessons learned from launching and recording Season 1. Expect fun, banter, and thought-provoking conversations, as we reflect on the journey so far.

Hopefully, you haven’t missed us too much- but if you have, don’t worry, we’re making up for it!

Hit that play button, stay tuned, and let’s get talking.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more great episodes!

~ This is a three part episode ~

Featuring Anneta Pinto-Young, Rose Tebere and Cherelle Wilson-Morrison AFHEA MA BSc

https://youtu.be/h0uNh9vA3As?si=HJokkfthho_GXDF9

You can also catch snippets and learn more about our wellbeing podcast on all social media handles.

Anneta Pinto-Young – A.P.-Y.

Welcome to Season 2 of The ARC Logos Podcast! 🎉

🎙We’re back and ready to dive into all the highs, lows, and lessons learned from launching and recording Season 1. Expect fun, banter, and thought-provoking conversations, as we reflect on the journey so far.

Hopefully, you haven’t missed us too much- but if you have, don’t worry, we’re making up for it!

Hit that play button, stay tuned, and let’s get talking.

🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more great episodes!

~ This is a three part episode ~

Featuring Anneta Pinto-Young, Rose Tebere and Cherelle Wilson-Morrison AFHEA MA BSc

https://youtu.be/0WbDTpt4ksY?si=U3v3bZOPtw8aDSWR

You can also catch snippets and learn more about our wellbeing podcast on all social media handles.

Anneta Pinto-Young – A.P.-Y.

David wrote Psalm 35 concerning God being the avenger of his people. He starts by asking God to contend with those who contended with him and to fight against those who fought against him. David used analogies of war to pray the prayer of vengeance. He asked God to take hold of the shield and buckler and rise up to help him. David asked God to draw the spear and javelin against those who were pursuing him. David used the context of weapons used on the battlefield during his time in battle. We can imagine modern day weapons of war such as guns, missiles or other ballistic weapons of mass destruction.

David asked God to cause his enemies to be put to shame and dishonour who sought after his life. He prayed for them to be turned back and disappointed who devised evil against him. David asked for them to be like the chaff in the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them away. “Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them” (Psalm 35:6)! David’s contention was that they had set traps for him without a reason. Without a just cause they had dug a pit to destroy his life. David asked for destruction to come upon his enemies unaware. He prayed for them to be caught in their own traps and for the enemies to fall in the pit that they had dug.

This last verse reminded me of Haman being hung on the same gallows that he built for Mordecai (Esther 7:10). God is a God of justice and people will reap of the seeds that they sow. Our enemies will fall in the same traps that they have set for us. David declared that his soul would rejoice in the Lord when he had seen the destruction of his enemies. “Let not those rejoice over me who are wrongfully my foes, and let not those wink the eye who hate me without cause” (Psalm 35:19). David asked the Lord to arise and vindicate him. He asked God to vindicate him according to his righteousness, so that his enemies would not rejoice over him.

As we pray the prayer of vengeance, remember that this is not about revenge. Vengeance is God’s punishment for the wrongs done by others against his people. Vengeance belongs to God, so we ensure that we don’t hold any bitterness or harbour any resentment towards anyone. If we regard iniquity, the Lord will not hear our prayers. The battle that we fight is not against flesh and blood and it’s not against people. We fight against principalities and powers, the rulers of darkness of this world. The devil uses people as demonic hosts, but our attacks are against his spirits and demonic hosts of darkness. God wants every sinner to repent so that they can live in him. If they remain in sin, this leads to death.

A.P.-Y.

In Acts 8, Peter and John were sent to Samaria to pray for the saints, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. There was a Sorcerer in Samaria named Simon, who when he saw what happened, offered to give them money to receive power to lay hands on people, so that they also could receive the spirit. He had seen the Holy Ghost manifested through Peter and John, laying hands on saints and wanted to have this power. Peter’s rebuke was quick and sharp, ‘your money perish with you, because you thought the gift of God could be purchased with money.’ He was cautioned to repent and he begged Peter to pray so that none of the calamities he spoke of would come upon him. The Holy Ghost was given to the church to manifest the power of God. This manifestation includes signs, wonders and miracles. “And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover” (Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭17‬-‭18‬).

Jesus promised that we would do even greater works than he did during his time here. There are many ministers and believers who manifest the gifts of healing, deliverance, prophecy and other miracles. There are people, including some ‘ministers’ who have infiltrated the church arena and are using diabolical powers to mimic spiritual gifts. There are false preachers, apostles, prophets and teachers who are visiting Fetish Priests and witchcraft practitioners, to pretend to operate in the gifts of the spirit. Paul also cautioned the churches who were led astray by contrary teachings and false apostles. He reminded them that many deceitful workers had transformed themselves into apostles of Christ. “And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light” ‭‭(II Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭14‬). Some ministers and ministries have also become contaminated through demonic manipulation. Instead of leading people to Christ, people are being led astray and polluted by idolatry and demonic manipulation and control.

A minister who is anointed and living for God today, can become contaminated and veer away from the things of God, if they are not firmly planted.  It is important to know God for yourself, read and study the bible so that you can test every spirit, know sound doctrine and use the gift of discernment. We have to pray for our churches and church leaders, as the devil will send his agents on assignment, to infiltrate church circles and contaminate them. Agents of darkness try hard to get into close proximity to leadership, either by getting close to a minister or often getting close to their spouses. Some ministers become discouraged about small congregation sizes and meagre salaries and out of desperation, turn to demonic practices. This is often to try to control members through fear of losing them and some ministers will even try to steal members from other churches. 

Sometimes the guise may be to get members from other churches, to become partners in their church, to serve their ministry, give their tithes and offering into their church or to give a portion of it, while being members in another church. These practices are under handed and deceptive and should not be the case in church circles. Witchcraft involves the use of manipulation and control of people, for the purpose of getting them to do things outside of their will. While the charismatic movement focuses on the gifts of the spirit and walking in spiritual authority, charismatic witchcraft places leaders on a pedestal and emphasises their gifts over and above others. This places leaders in a position of superiority, encouraging members to become overly dependent on them and focuses on the anointing and power of the leader, rather than focusing on God. Churches should equip members to understand their identify in Christ, grow and mature in the things of God, develop and flow in their spiritual gifts and enable them to walk in dominion and authority. 

“lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” ‭‭(II Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬).

A.P.-Y. -Anneta Pinto-Young

For the purpose of this teaching, I will write two instalments on the subject of charismatic witchcraft and discuss how this manifests in the body of Christ. I will draw examples and make reference to points when this was seen in the Old and New Testament and share some of the insight from Jesus, Peter and Paul, in terms of how this manifests in the church. The term charismatic witchcraft can be referred to as the misuse of spiritual gifts, authority and influence within Pentecostal and charismatic Christian circles. This is in an attempt to manipulate, control or dominate people for the purpose of personal gain or hidden agendas. The term witchcraft relates to the use of supernatural powers outside of Christianity. However, charismatic witchcraft relates to spiritual manipulation, using Christian language and teachings to cover up or mask the true intention. – https://learn.openchristian.education/blog/sangwa/charismatic-witchcraft.

Peter spoke to the disciples in the New Testament, about the role of leaders who were assigned to care for the church. In 1 Peter 5, he spoke to the elders of the church about caring for God’s people. They were urged to care for the church with a willing heart and not out of obligation. They were to ensure that their desire for leadership in the church, was not in order to gain dishonestly from members. They were warned not to act as Lords over people or be domineering and controlling, but to live by setting an example. Peter said that when Jesus returns, the good leaders would receive a crown of glory that does not fade away. Jeremiah lived during a time when Jerusalem was led astray by false prophets and leaders. ““Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord”” (Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬). 

He called both the prophets and priests profane and there was wickedness in the house of God. There was fierce judgement prophesied over false prophets and leaders who spoke when God did not send them. “And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten’ ”” ‭‭(Jeremiah‬ ‭23‬:‭40‬). Jesus had several woes and condemnations for the religious leaders during his time, who shut up the kingdom of heaven, so they can’t enter and they also blocked others from entering. They did all of their good deeds to be seen by men and wore elaborate clothing. They wanted to be seated in the best places in the synagogues and loved to have special greetings from people calling them Teacher and father. “Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven” (Matthew‬ ‭23‬:‭9‬). It was within this context that Jesus said, that anyone who exalted themselves would be humbled and whoever humbled themselves would be exalted.

He also said that the religious leaders devoured widow’s houses and prayed long pretentious prayers. They traveled far to make a disciple and then made him twice a son of hell as themselves. They focused on the traditional things, such as paying tithes, yet they neglected the more important things such as mercy and justice. They pretended to be clean by outward showing, but internally they were unclean. All throughout the bible, there are examples of church leaders and congregations that veered away from the path of holiness and righteousness. Many churches are doing their best to lead people to Christ and prepare the church for Christ’s return. Similar to what was happening in the bible days, there are also congregations and leaders who have become deceitful and self seeking. We have to constantly test the spirits to see whether they are of God or they are of the devil. Don’t place any minister or ministry on a pedestal, as we are all human beings and are subject to failure.

“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil” ‭‭(Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭15‬-‭16‬).

A.P.-Y. – Anneta Pinto-Young

In Matthew 7, Jesus implored his disciples to keep asking, for everyone who asks receives and whoever seeks, finds and the person who knocks, the door will be opened. I listened to an online discussion recently where three entrepreneurs discussed our relationship with the word NO. One of them said a motivational speaker asked someone, ‘what if you are one hundred NOs away from a billion dollars?’ The guy’s response was that he would start today collecting his ninety nine NOs so he could get that one billion. It doesn’t really quite work out exactly the same way in God’s economy, but often answers to our prayers have many meanings. I’ve been told before than when we pray, God’s response can either be yes, no or wait. If you have a deeper understanding of the voice of God, He may even provide an explanation for a no or a wait. 

Sometimes, no matter how acquainted you are with God, there are times when He may not provide an answer and all you hear is silence. Often, God’s silence is during a test when our faith, trust and endurance is being tried. What do we do when we pray and don’t get an immediate response? There are many times when I have prayed to know the will of God concerning a situation and I don’t get an immediate response. Other times I get a response as soon as the question leaves my mouth or even when it enters my mind. “For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ” ‭‭(I Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬). An intimate relationship with God gives us some insight into his mind and heart. A good knowledge and understanding of the word also teaches us about the will of God. Nevertheless, no human being will come into a complete understanding of the ways and things of God. The bible says that while we are on earth, even prophets only see partially and know partly the things of God. 

This is because our human nature cannot fully contain or comprehend the complete nature of God. It is only when we strip off this mortal body and return to our immortal selves, that we will comprehend more of the things of God. “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known” ‭‭(I Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭12‬). Despite these human limitations, God still wants us to pray to Him about our desires. Even if the answer to a prayer request is no, persistent prayer will reveal to us the mind and the will of God. Eventually, God will help us to understand why he said no to a request. There are many times, long after I have prayed about something, received a no and grieved that thing, that I later realised why God said no. It is often after I understood, when I have gone back to God to thank him for saying no. When we seek Him, he will be found by us and he will abide and communicate with us. The presence of the Lord brings safety, security and healing. 

Most people want to be in the presence of people of significance, because they know of the benefits that this brings. God daily loads us with benefits and He is the only one who opens doors that no one can shut (Revelation 3:7). God will not hold back any good thing from us, so if we know that a door is meant to open to us, then we must keep knocking. It may not open at the first knock, but like persistent prayer, if we knock continuously, that door will open. “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” ‭‭(James‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬). A relationship with God gives us the boldness to come before His throne, knowing that we will find mercy and grace to help us in our times of need. We have to be clear about what it is that we want and then take our requests to God to get answers. Never stop praying, don’t stop asking and keep knocking until that door opens. 

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it” ‭‭(John‬ ‭14‬:‭13‬-‭14‬).

A.P.-Y. -Anneta Pinto-Young