Know The Spirit That Influences!

Now the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons, through the hypocrisy of liars whose consciences are seared. They forbid marriage and demand abstinence from foods that God created to be received with gratitude by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, since it is sanctified by the word of God and by prayer. I Timothy 4:1-5 HCSB

If we know that Satan’s job is to influence others in stealing, killing, and destroying, encouraging lying since he is the father of liars, and manipulating deception, why are we surprised by anything that happens in the world?

There are two reigning spirits in our atmosphere: Holy Spirit who speaks to our hearts when He resides within and Satan–who speaks to the mind, causing flesh to react to external forces.

Holy Spirit will only speak those things to our hearts which we have learned of God and in living according to God’s Word, reminding us that it’s all about Jesus!

Satan will tell people to do whatever feels good to you. It’s all about you!

Holy Spirit speaks truth as He leads us to living peacefully among all people, doing all things decently and in order.

Satan is the master of confusion and chaos and he is only concerned with the destruction of mankind.

If we’re honest with ourselves–willing to take a good look in the mirror, shedding the scales that blind us to truth--we’ll see which spirit influences everything we think, say, and do. Once we can see truth about self, we can look at others and see truth about them as well, but until we are able to see and accept truth about self–we will never see truth about others.

This is why we have so many people confused about who the best person is to sit in the White House. When people can support bigotry, hatred, racism, and narcissism in a candidate, they are actually saying those character traits reside in them.

There is no perfect candidate in this election year, but we can seek God and allow His Spirit to direct us in all things and we know–because we know who He is and how He operates, that He will only direct us to the person who is more likely to be living according to His Word–full of compassion and love for all people.

When we begin to understand The Word of God is intended to be a blueprint by which we live, and apply it to our lives on a daily basis, we will see the benefits of living according to The Word. The bible is not just some ancient book of myths as Satan has some believing; it is clear instructions for living a Godly life, a life in which one can expect peace and harmony, and enjoy life while here on earth. When we know God–we know love; when we know love, we will not entertain thoughts of destruction or hate. Mankind is God’s most precious creation and Satan hates us with everything in him and will influence the vulnerable and weak-minded into thinking there is no God of creation, and people can do whatever they want to do.

Remember–Satan is the liar–the influence behind all destruction and confusion, hate and bigotry.

Now, who is influencing what you think, say, and do?

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When Hidden Things Are Revealed!

Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 2 Corinthians 4:1-4 NKJV

What ministry do we have? We have the ministry of the Holy Spirit reigning in our lives, dwelling in our hearts, and leading us along the path of righteousness–if we are willing to hear Him.

It is because of Holy Spirit ministering to our spirits that we have renounced, given up and now avoid those things that bring shame to us and who we serve. We are no longer walking in darkness, doing the bidding of the evil one, nor are we blinded by his influence, but the shutters have been removed with the Truth of the Gospel and hope in Jesus Christ so we can see–in His marvelous light–the path He desires us to take.

When we know truth, we can walk in truth and speak truth, confidently–to everyone we meet or has a question regarding our faith. There is nothing hidden in what we do–we have no hidden agendas since our desire is to please God and preach Christ crucified for our sake. We no longer have to hide behind lies and deceitfulness or deception because our lives are an open book and we are ready for inspection and to be read by any who dare to want to know Truth.

If how we live is not an open book that others can read with clarity, then we have neglected the gift that is in us and are quenching Holy Spirit from operating in our lives. We don’t have to grin in anguish to hide our feelings, nor do we have to hide our joy and exaltation because of the joy of the Lord rising in us. We can be open about our feelings about the state of the world and in doing so–promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ so everyone will have a benchmark to use to measure our words. If our words do not align with the Word of God, then we must examine ourselves to see what hidden thing yet abides within us.

We love and not hate, we help and not hinder. We are compassionate, not dispassionate. We love the light rather than the deeds of darkness. We are imperfect, flawed human beings who understand our shortcomings and stand ready to receive correction and instruction from the only Wise God through Holy Spirit. We are confident, not arrogant about our relationship with God. We have no need to lie or deceive since doing so would represent Satan and not Jesus Christ. We understand who our Father is and will not serve another. We have no hidden agenda–our openly disclosed agenda–to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ is widely known and we will not keep silent nor will we allow the influence of the enemy to deter us–no matter what fiery darts are launched our way.

The hidden things that kept us from receiving God’s best in our lives are no longer hidden, but revealed as we move through this journey, sharing our experiences and God’s love for all. This is what happens when the hidden things are revealed–we can openly confess our love for God and receive His many benefits.