Nougat 13

Have you ever been impacted by the powers of hell? Consider today’s Holy Nougat

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8:38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The distinction between demons and powers of hell are perhaps levels of wickedness and of spiritual authority. So many people might scoff at others’ belief in demons, but most would acknowledge that there is a force/system that seeks to undermine God’s purposes and plans for our lives.

As a Jamaican, we have our fair share of ‘duppy’ stories. And since duppies are ghosts or ‘jumbies’, it is easy to assume that duppy stories are more about demons and unholy spirits than about powers of hell. However Caribbean folklore is replete with anecdotal stories about wizardry and witchcraft practiced at all levels of society. In many spaces, they have been baptized and syncretized, yet one might argue these indigenous inter-predations of Christianity are not as insidious as overt expressions of satanism.

Mine is not the task to judge. But I dare suggest that (religious) systems that are intentional in conflating success with financial, social or even political gain at the expense of another’s life is suspect as a ‘power of hell’. Thus any system that endorses worship of a deity who thrives on the destruction of human life and dignity is under hell’s authority.

Unfortunately, we tend to place our focus on Afrocentric and indigenous religious practices; failing to realize that there are other ways to be entrenched in the power system of hell. Some practitioners are actively engaged in the work of the church. Others eschew church or other organized religious (especially since the secularization of societies), but that does not mean they are not engaged informally in acts that deny the value of human life and dignity.

You see, Christ’s death and resurrection eliminated the need for human sacrifices. And, there’s therefore no cause for murders (blood sacrifice), identity theft, potions, scams, incantations, or other rituals to be perpetuated across the globe; regardless of religion, class, or creed. We need not fear those who seek to destroy the body however; for with *all authority* resting in Jesus (see Matthew 28:18); His power supersedes hell’s dominion.

Moreover, Jesus’ famous last words at Calvary, ‘Father Forgive …”, indicates that if we are/were counted among those who are entrenched in hell’s systems; there’s room for redemption. For forgiveness can encompass everyone – if we choose to receive it. We all have access to being saved by God’s grace; which is rooted in Love. By confessing our sins to Christ, we each gain the love and forgiveness that restores us to God’s fold.

That’s love

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May all we seek be found in Christ