Christian Living - How to Live a Life Pleasing to God

Gods of Santeria. Santeria, also sometimes referred to as, La Religión, Regla de Ocha, La Regla Lucumí or Lukumi, is an ancient religion that is practiced in the U.S. and beyond. When African slaves came to America, they bought their language and religion. The practice Santeria in Puerto Rico, Brazil, Santa Domingo, all across South American, Caribbean, Haiti, and all over the United States. Slaved married the native peoples of the islands they were taken to and with the mixing of people the passing on of this religion. I am a servant of Jesus Christ. He is my Lord and Savior. I am covered with the blood of Jesus Christ. The angel of the Lord surrounds me. NO weapon formed against me shall prosper and every tongue, negative prayer or a any curse sent to me is returned to the sender and shall be condemned! In Jesus name. Amen! The Practice of Santeria Many practiced in secret because they were forbidden to practice openly. They used their religion to ask their gods for help, healing, and freedom. Later in countries where Catholicism was the main religion, the priest allowed them to practice their religion if they promised to become Catholics. That is why you will see many of Catholic symbols represented in this religion. Though practiced among Hispanics and blacks, people of all races, cultures and social standings practice Santeria. If you have no religious knowledge, you would think it was a benign cultural religion practiced by people who related to that culture. But it is much more than that. How I became involved in Santeria In my 20’s I became involved with Santeria when I had knocked on a stranger’s door to let them know their door was open. The women who lived there invited me in, and later told me when I came to her door, she saw a large African Spirit, behind me. She said this was a spirit that protected me. This woman became my godmother and began the process of cleansing me. She told me to the Babalawo, who told me who my orishas were, and how my commadre was to proceed with me. I then received my elekas and made my madam which was a black doll who would communicate with me. Why I didn’t run for my life right then and there, I do not know. She told me I had to make Orcha or be made a priestess in the religion. I found the process very exciting, as I was coming out of a tough time in my life, and everyone was kind and accepting of me. Animal Sacrifices One evening I attended a ceremony for one of my brothers in the religion. The Babalawo came into the room and opened a case of ceremonial knives. The men brought A goat into the room, and its throat was cut, and its blood drained into a wooden bowl. They also sacrificed pigeons, ducks, chickens as well. This ceremony bothered me. I sat in the kitchen with my godmother who was dunking pigeons in boiling water and plucking their feathers. I stayed a little while longer; then I left her apartment. Oh, yes, they were sacrificing animals in an apartment in the Bronx, New York! This thing so shook my life, as I was walking home, I said, “I don’t understand. God, why were people still sacrificing animals today? I heard his voice tell me that Jesus was the lamb of God, slain from the foundation of the world. God was telling me, His son, Jesus, was the original and only blood sacrificed the world needed. From that day, I began to distance myself from my godmother and Santeria. A few years I became pregnant and felt I should get rid of all the things I had that was offered to the orishas. When my child was about nine months old, I gave my life and heart to the Lord Jesus Christ and became Born Again. I realized that Jesus was all I needed, for salvation, healing guidance, protection, and inspiration. Today I am serving God and a Minister of the Gospel. For more on that read: Set Free from Demonic Oppression and Voodoo Practiced in the U.S. today. Gods of Santeria – Orisha These gods of Santeria have different abilities and powers. They are called orisha. These gods of Santeria or orisha are assigned to different people. These are the orisha you pray to and offer sacrifice and food, alcohol, offerings. Once you are assigned your orishas, you are given beaded necklaces or elekes with the colors for those orishas. Your godmother or godfather who will teach, guide and pray over you. This religion is all around us. Some practice for so-called good and some for evil. If you want to know how Santeria lines up with the Bible, please continue to read. ORISHA The Orishas are the so-called emissaries (spirit guides) of Olodumare (God). They rule over the forces of nature and the endeavors of humanity. They manifest themselves at drumming parties by possessing a priest or priestess. What the Bible says. Psalm 103:19 – The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and His kingdom ruleth overall. Embe A drumming party that is given to honor to the Orisha (spirits). What the Bible says. Psalm 9:2 – Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Trance Possession Trance Possession: A trance possession usually takes place at a bembe (a drumming party for the orishias). The Orisha (spirit guide) is invited to join the party by entering into one of the priests. This referred to as being ‘mounted’ by the Orate or that the Orate has come down from heaven to be with them. What the Bible says. 2Kings 17:17 – And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. Oshos Know as the warrior. He is the hunter and the scout of the Orishas (spirits). What the Bible says. Psalm 24:8 – Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Elekes Beaded necklaces representing the Orishas (spirits). Receiving your elekes is the first passage into the religion. They represent a tearing away from your old life and walking in the way of the Orishas (spirits) from the time one receives them; they are under the spiritual care of your godmother’s or godfather’s Orishas (spirit guides). What the Bible says. 2Kings 22:17 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched. Elegba Also referred to as Elegua. He is said to be the owner of the road and doors to this world. They believe that nothing can take place in the spirit or natural world without his permission. He must be the first one called. What the Bible says. John14: 6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Yemaya She lives and rules over the seas and lake. Her full name is Yeye Omo Eja, meaning Mother whose children are the fish. What the Bible says. Genesis 1:9 And God said, Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together unto one place, and let the dry land appear: and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters called the Seas: and God saw that it was good. Ogun (St. Peter) God of iron, war, and labor or Chango ’s brother. He is the first one to be fed after animal sacrifice. What the Bible says. Psalm 24:8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Jeremiah 51:20 Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms Chango Chango: (The Catholic St. Barbara) Chango is the most popular of the Orishas. Chango rules over lightning, thunder, fire, drums, and dance. He is said to be strong-willed and hot-blooded. He represents the love of food dance, song, and women. What the Bible says. Luke 10:18 And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Deuteronomy 4:24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. Obatala Obatala: (Our Lady of Mercy) He represents the friendly father of all the Orishas and all humanity. He is considered the owner of all heads and the mind. What the Bible says. Isaiah 44:6 Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last, and beside me, there is no God. Oya Oya is the ruler of the winds, the whirlwind and the gates of the cemetery. She rules over the dead. What the Bible says. John 11:43 And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. v44 And he that was dead came forth. Jeremiah 30:23 Behold, the whirlwind of the LORD goeth forth with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain upon the head of the wicked. Oshun Rules over the brooks, streams and rivers, love and fertility. Most often approach money matters. What the Bible says. Psalm 24:2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Psalm 113:9 He maketh the barren woman to keep house and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD. Orunmila This represents wisdom and divination. His priests the Babalawos or “Fathers of the Secrets” must devote themselves entirely to the practice of divination. What the Bible says. Jeremiah 14:14 – Then the LORD said unto me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart. The Last Word The bible is very explicit on how God feels about the practice of the occult. Even though spiritualists, mediums and the pursuit of the paranormal are now mainstream and be made popular by television shows, God has not changed His mind about the matter. For everything that is real, there is a counterfeit; and the occult is a counterfeit try to mimic true Spirituality. When you open that dark door, you open yourself to a dark and demonic spirit that can eventually take you far away from God and His peace. The devil knew that God had a purpose for my life and he wanted to abort my destiny. Because the hand of the Lord was on my experience, the enemy could not have me. Who the Son sets free, is free indeed! God can change your life too! Allow the Lord to make you a vessel pleasing to Him. If you are involved in the Santeria or the occult, you can change your direction find forgiveness, healing, and deliverance, through Jesus Christ. If you want to worship a god, worship the God of All Gods! He will not fail you or forsake you. Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Break the Curse Associated with the Gods of Santeria If you want to be free or come out of Santeria or any religion that practices witchcraft, you must renounce any spirit that is not the Holy Spirit and repent for your sins. He will save you, forgive you and protect you again the enemy. Let’s pray. Father God, I believe that Jesus Christ is your son, and that died for my sins. I have worshiped witchcraft, Santeria, and demonic practices. I ask that you forgive me for my sins. I reject Satan and all his power. I reject Santeria; I reject tarot cards, I renounce everything I have done that is not pleasing to you. Satan, I want no part of you or your works. Jesus, wash me in your blood and take over my life. I receive you as my Savior, in Jesus Name, Amen! Clean you Home of Everything Related to this Religion Clean your home. By removing everything associated with Santeria and dispose of it by fire. Burn everything so someone else can’t use it. Burn your elikas (prayer necklaces), Madama dolls, clothes used for rituals books, pictures of Saints, records, anything sewn into pillows or anything given to you for luck, any item given to you by anyone in the religion, candles used in prayers, incense, plates, Soperas De Santo (soup bowls), and statues! Invite strong Christians into your home to anoint it with oil and pray over your home!

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