Chapter 1
Things Change
The thick raindrops falling through the night sky seemed heavier as they landed.
Not far above the crash site, suspended in the air, two large ominous figures were watching.
A low satisfied growl emanates from one of them. It is the sound of a predator hovering over its prey
just after the kill. “Our master will be pleased” said one to the other. “Yes,” the other answered, “very pleased.” Over the sirens, the loud rush from their powerful wings
filled the night sky. But no one below seemed to hear it.
Chapter 2
Origins of Influence
Through the ages the use of drugs were considered a form of sorcery to connect to the “spirit realm.” Today this connection is veiled from most. They are unaware of the dimension lurking behind the use of
drugs. Unseen wicked spirits are constantly on the prowl, searching for the exposed soul who has
opened the gateway of Pharmakeia.
Chapter 4
Dimensions Unseen
He turned to walk away and then looked over his shoulder and said. “Deceive him with lies and seal his demise.” The Adversary realized early that the battle for the “eternal spirit” must be fought through the soul; that is in the mind, will, and emotions. The Arch Enemy of God and man continuously reminds his
forces. “What dominates the innermost places of the soul will reign.” He was filled with pride as he
walked away saying. “Always remember the best lie is one told softly.”
Chapter 6
Stalked by The Past
“Has holding on to whatever it is, that obviously still troubles you been worth it? Has holding onto this been worth the loss of Taylor and Brittany’s lives, worth six years of your own?” “No!” Joshua answered. “Can you see how this has robbed you and is continuing to rob you? By remaining a secret, it maintains power over you. It has the power to subtly or dramatically consume your life, even to destroy you if you let it.” Ms. Norton could see that they had reached a critical moment. “Josh, understand that sometimes our lives can become as sick as our secrets.”
“After everything that’s been lost is it still worth holding onto?” “No it’s not worth it. It never was.” He began to cry. And through tears reflecting years of anguish Joshua told Ms. Norton the secret.”
Chapter 7
Choice Is the Subject of the Meeting
The Adversary rarely called a meeting summoning each leader of legions from the four corners
of the earth. These were the vilest and the most powerful strongmen. “We know that through
the righteousness of their Advocate, The Son of God, Jesus Christ, humanity carries the power
of the Godhead within them.” The room fell still as they faced the truth of the absolute
sovereignty of Jesus. “The soul of man holds the key. For this is where you whisper your
enticements. The mind, will, and emotions of man are the critical link to his most
important characteristic. I believe we continue to neglect giving it the proper attention it
deserves.” He stood to his feet and spoke with renewed vigor. “It is in fact so sacred that not
even the Almighty himself treads there.” “That sacred place of such reverence is the free will of
man.”The Adversary began to walk the room.
“Once this is accomplished we have sealed their
doom and banished them to share our fate in the eternal lake of fire.”
“Therefore, choice is the subject of this meeting. For it is from man’s
free will they exercise their co-creative power. By their ability to choose
we are given or denied access into their lives.”
Chapter 8
Fear Floats
Ashley was locked into avoidance and perfectionism.
Perfect appearance, perfect attendance, perfect presentation of herself in
all of her endeavors was a must.
But it was an illusion. She knew something was wrong.
Like so many others suppressing difficult feelings like rage and sorrow,
Ashley feared acknowledging her stronger emotions in even the slightest
way. She was afraid of completely losing control.
Because no matter how much performance, alcohol or any other
addiction someone buries it under; “fear floats.”
Chapter 9
Tested
The deceitful neon sign beckoning its promise of relief was “Joshua’s test.” Joshua considered
how things would end if he failed. After a few drinks, he would want to use drugs. Standing
trance like at the bar room door, Joshua stared into the amber darkness.
“This is the pivotal moment. The trap is set.”
Just by walking into the bar with the intention to drink he would be exposing himself to the
transferring and migrating demons in the atmosphere. He would once again be realigned with all
the entanglements of the diabolical sorcery of Pharmakeia.
Chapter 10
Measure of Grace
Within the highly organized ranks of Pharmakeia there is a dedicated unit called ‘The Thu-o.’ The absolute obliteration of God’s children is their ultimate goal. However, the Thu-o work in the
most excruciating and gradual manner. These agents of evil specialize in corrosive annihilation
until by all appearances the person’s life is beyond salvaging. The Thu-o are extremely skilled in
delaying the final blow. Therefore, there would be no loosening their grip upon Ashley. It has
never been their way.
The Adversary expressed his approval after hearing their latest strategy.
Occasionally, coming down off ecstasy and hung over from drinking,
Ashley would wake up to empty bottles, an empty room and a very
familiar emptiness inside. With the shame of each parasitic affair she was being drained of her
true identity. The Thu-o requested that they be joined by a very powerful demon. This
cruel manipulator, called upon many times in the past had never failed
an assignment. He is The Betrayer also known as The Imposter.
Presenting its human host as personable and kind, this vile one and
those like him become all things to all people. Behind the facade of alluring promises is the
malicious heart of a pretender. This evil chameleon is host to legions. Principalities of extortion,
verbal, physical, and sexual abuse hides behind its charming mask.
When two become one flesh a soul tie is created. Unknowingly through her promiscuity Ashley
had formed evil alliances with diabolical spirits within her sex partners. None of these
attachments were ever part of God’s plan for her life. Until each soul tie was renounced in the
name of Jesus Christ though separated physically these connections would still hold influence in
the realm of the spirit. The purpose of their presence was to stifle her growth, continually
manipulate her choices, strip her of personal power, and ultimately to destroy her.
Chapter 12
Born From Commitment
“We cannot allow the dark days to consume us. If we do we will miss
out on the blessed ones. And sweetheart, like your Aunt Ruth has said life is far too precious
a gift for that.” With that Grandma stood and held out her arms to give Ashley a
long hug filled with healing and love. While she held her she said.
“Ashley, you witnessed your mother’s struggles firsthand. You are the generation of promise in
this family. The cycle of addiction and abuse ends with you! Your new path begins right here,
right now! Your future is so much greater than your past and the best is yet to come.”
Josh couldn’t wait home and begin his research.
He googled for a Greek lexicon, went to the site and entered the word “PHARMAKEIA.”
He was struck by a burst of excitement as he read the screen which Pharmakeia: meaning
medication which by said extension or through its use is sorcery or witchcraft.’
He leaned back in his chair remembering what Baby Girl had said.
“I can’t get out.” Josh wondered. “Addiction is about a loss of control. What if it is true then that
the substance that led to the loss of power and the forces behind it were absolute evil?”
Chapter 17
Fulfillment of Purpose
In the dimension of the spirit Jophi-él stood next to him.
His guardian angel rested his enormous hand on Joshua’s shoulder.
As the introduction was being completed Jophi-él spoke directly to
Joshua’s spirit. “Child of God, your moment of great service has come.
And the mission you have been fully equipped to accomplish God will be faithful to complete.”
Joshua took a quick tug at his blue blazer approached the podium and began.
“What roles do spirituality and the spirit realm itself play in the cause and the cure of addiction?”
The mention of the “spirit realm” was unsettling to most of the audience.
Joshua remained un-phased. He added. “Yes, the spirit realm.”
A young man sitting near the back of the auditorium raised his hand.
“I have a brother, who unfortunately has been losing his fight with addiction to
methamphetamine and pornography. He’s extremely intelligent and has every reason in the
world not to do these things. He has a beautiful family. But he can’t seem to help
himself. He is like “Jekyll and Hyde.” When he is using drugs he becomes a totally different
person. “For days at a time he leaves his wife and children without a clue
where he is or what he is doing. When confronted he is hostile and more
than once has become violent. He is like a man possessed.”
Joshua spoke directly to him. “I appreciate your question and my heart goes out to you, your
brother, and your family. I recently read the following: ‘For we do not wrestle against flesh and
blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the ruler’s of the darkness of this age,
against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” With impelling force the word of
God was released like fire from Joshua’s mouth. It moved through the audience dividing a large
number who now believed from a few who had yet to believe. Joshua said with authority. “Know
that a spiritual wickedness of the worse kind calls for a spiritual solution of the Supreme kind.”
This is a spiritual battle. Because the true power of addiction lies in the unseen.”
Chapter 18
The Message
The Mighty Angels appeared directly behind Joshua and Ashley. Then one by one other
heavenly beings materialized. The angels were ablaze! They emanated a reddish orange
splendor brighter than the core of the sun. Then without warning their ivory wings trimmed in
gold, suddenly unfurled! Their wing span was enormous! They extended upward and forward.
Their double-edged swords rose to an apex creating an arch of living
incandescent flame. Jophi-él and Luminaria ascended above Joshua and Ashley.
From carafes covered in illustrious emeralds and rubies they poured the balm
of Gilead upon them. The supernatural anointing immersed their souls
with the fragrant essence of God’s eternal love.
In that defining moment the voice of the Holy Spirit proclaimed.
“By faith you have persevered enduring severe testings not by might
nor by power but by My Spirit. Therefore, no longer will you chosen vessels
remember the former things nor consider the things of old, for through
you I will accomplish a “new thing!”