Seeing and hearing

Like anything else in life, if we don’t use it or practice it on a regular basis, we can become less acquainted with that which we used to do on a regular basis.

This past Saturday, i was seeking God and wanting to go out again and be led of the Spirit to where He wanted me to go. This is a big part of the ministry that the Lord has given me and called me to over the years. I have seen some really divine moves of God into this realm of the Spirit. My heart craves for more of the Spirit of God to “see” and to “hear”, then to move into that realm.

As we were waiting upon Him, He soon gave us the route to take and the place to go. We were to head out on foot east, then turn north and walk up to the “Target” store. As we walked, we prayed, and at the same time looked around to see if there was any people around that He might be leading us to. During the approximate mile long walk, there was no one who we sensed we were to talk to. Soon we were at the Target store and walked into the restroom. Once inside, we spotted a young guy washing himself at the sink. We knew immediately that he was the one to speak to. However, not at the present time.

We left and went outside after hearing to wait out there for him to come out. After a few minutes, we looked ahead down the walkway and spotted him. Our immediate thought was “wow, he sure looks different from when he was under the lights in the restroom”. We proceeded to follow him. Up ahead, we saw him take a left into the store next door. We heard to wait there for him to come out. After waiting a few, he comes out, and we say to him, “Hey brother! Come on over here and tell me what God is doing in your life”. We saw that he had a shirt on that had a small cross on it and a ministry name under it.

He began to share his testimony of being saved right after getting out of prison, and being now clean for 30 days. He shared how God had delivered him and how thankful he was. I asked him if he has been tempted to use again since being clean. He said “oh yes”. I then heard that i was to pray for him regarding this help. So i asked him if i could pray for him. He smiled and said “sure!”. As we did, we really prayed for his protection. We covered him in the armor of the Lord, from his head to his toes. When finished, he was blessed and encouraged. We soon parted our ways. He went down the walkway, i took off to my left and went across the parking lot.

After about 10 minutes and turning to my right to follow the sidewalk, i look up ahead to the intersection and i see him and a guy standing with him at the light. As i walked up, i immediately noticed that the guy that was with him was the guy that i originally saw in the bathroom. I said to him, “Hey you were the one who i saw in the restroon”. He said that he remembered seeing me also. I then was amazed at what had just been revealed to me…..

Here i was in the presence of these two guys, one who i thought was the one from the restroom in which i prayed with, the other who i didn’t pray with which was the guy from the restroom. Just how did my “seeing” and “hearing” play into this all? Was God once again just showing his sovereignty? Would things of changed out differently if i were to of “saw” and “heard” differently? Was this just how it was all to play out, i.e. the guy that i prayed with was the reason why i was to go to “Target” in the first place?

I find it all interesting.

Then the guy introduces me to the other guy. He quickly shares his testimony of being saved and how he was also clean from addiction. He lit up as he was sharing about God’s power to save and keep him. They were both there that day to also collect money at the intersection for the ministry that they were a part of. All three of us rejoiced at God’s goodness and how our divine appointment all transpired.

Someday we will see clearly, see completely. Until now, i endeavor to “see” and “hear” more clearly as i approach the gates of heaven.

“Not ignorant of Satan’s devices”

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2Cor.2:11)

In this text of scripture, the Apostle Paul was saying that “unforgiveness” is one way that Satan could take advantage of us. (see previous verses 1 through 10). However, as we all know, this is certainly not the only way in which he works. Our main emphasis here should be that we “are not ignorant of his devices”. The word “ignorant” here meaning that we are “not knowing through lack of information”. And in some cases, it could be that we don’t want to know for many different reasons.

But according to this verse, there is a good reason to know. Because if we are ignorant of Satan’s devices (purposes), then he could well get an advantage of us. Yes, even us believers. Who wants to be taken advantage of by Satan? None of us. Thus we need to be informed, aware of his purposes and how he works.

There seems to be a thread that circulates through the many churches today. That being, that all we need to do is just draw close to Jesus. Don’t worry about the enemy. Don’t give him the time of day. Don’t look into how he might work. The only problem with this thinking or teaching is that Satan is the god of this world, and we being in this world but not of it, should be wise to a certain extent of his wiles or ways in which he works. Why? Because those who have yet to be born again, are under Satan’s influence. He has them blinded.

“In whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not,” (2Cor.4:4a)

“To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God,” (Acts.26:18a,b)

One good reason to understand Satan’s purposes, is so that those who are lost and under his control, that we come in contact with, we might have a better understanding how he is working in their lives, and through the Holy Spirit, be able to minister to them.

The Apostle Peter knew a little how Satan worked, right? He said that we must be “sober” and “vigilant”. Why? “because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about seeking whom he may devour.” (1Pet.5:8). The word “sober” here means, “be discreet and watch”. Where have we heard that word “watch” before? “watch and pray…..”

The word “vigilant” here means, “keep awake”. Keeping awake keeps us not ignorant.

We are not to be learning of Satan’s devices so that we can give him credit for all he is doing today. No. We are to be wise so that he would not have an advantage on us. Oh he has never had an advantage on me, you say? Well, if that’s the case, then you have just put yourself in a class above the Apostle Paul.

“Therefore we wanted to come to you, even I Paul, time and time again; but Satan hindered us.” (1Th.2:18). He said “time and time again”. Sounds like it might have happened more than once, you think?

Another main reason to be wise of Satan’s devices, is so that when we are tempted of him, we will be quick through our understanding of him, to resist the temptation. This is where the being “sober” and “vigilant” comes in handy. Also, always “watching and praying” so that we “will not enter into temptation”. If any one knew about this, Jesus did. Thus, he gave us this admonition.

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Mt.26:41)

It is a no brainer that Satan works through our flesh. They are in kahoots for sure. Being in the Spirit is the key to overcoming the works or the temptations of the flesh. (see Rom.8)

Another good reason to “not be ignorant of Satan’s devices” is so that “our minds would not be corrupted from the simplicity that is found in Christ”. The Apostle Paul in his letter to the church at Corinth, said…..

“But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” (2Cor.11:3). In these verse, he speaks of the reality of Satan and how he can deceive believers. In the context of this verse is the fact that Satan can come through false teachers and false doctrine. Just one of the many ways he works. Thus the need to be aware of how he works.

We must always be reminded that we must be pro-active. There is no automatic’s in this life. Like I have said many times, if we think that all we have to do is sit back and enjoy the ride, then we have been deceived already and Satan is very content.

In our pro-activeness against the devil, there is a very important thing that we must do daily. And that being….. “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Eph.6:11). If there was no need, or no battle to fight against the devil in this life, than why are we instructed to “put on the armor?”

The reality is that we are in spiritual warfare. Now of course, if we bury our heads in the sand, and say that the battle has already been won, and that there is nothing we need do except just abide, then we are not in reality and we are not out in the world which is the battlefield.

Now to bring it home and to close this post, lets look at this the next verse in this passage. It is the reality of the world in which we live in. Remember, this passage was not written to non-believers, but believers. “Finally, my brethren,…..

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities (chief in rank or order), against powers (delegated influence, authority, jurisdiction), against the rulers ( a world ruler, an epithet of Satan) of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Eph.6:12)

Now, for all those who have been taught that this is only about spiritual warfare in the “heavenly realm”, I remind you that the word “places” here means, “in all places, everywhere, all”. So, it is not only in the heavenly realm, but right here where we are living on earth.

In closing, be open and prayerful about becoming more aware of Satan’s devices (purposes) so that he would not have an advantage on you and so that you can know how to battle in this world (the battlefield) for God and his kingdom. God bless you!

Remember, they can’t receive nor understand.

This one is very easy to forget. Why? Because if we have any God-given desire to see the lost saved, we will be out there sharing, trying to get them to receive what we are sharing in hopes that they might be saved.

However, we must all be reminded (I believe continually) that the unregenerate person cannot receive nor understand the things of God which are spiritual. How many hours have we spent trying to convince the natural man, with his natural mind, to understand or believe spiritual things? It happens more than we care to admit for sure. We so easily fall into trying to “convince” them of the truth’s of God. If we are not careful, we would even find ourselves getting into a doctrine debate with one who has yet to be born again. That’s futile.

We have to review the scriptures on a regular basis and be reminded of the fact that they must be born of the Spirit first. This is the starting place. Thus, the great need of sharing the gospel. Always being led to steer the conversation back to their need of being saved first. If not, its guaranteed that we will fall into trying to convince a spiritually dead person to receive and understand spiritual things. It just doesn’t work that way. It was never designed to. The need for Christ is always first.

There are several scriptures we could look at to back this all up with, but we are going to use only a couple here.

First off, I always like to start with the book of John, chapter 3. The very popular story of Nicodemus. Without taking a lot of time on this story, only a few very important points to be reminded about here. Basically, Nicodemus was a teacher of the Jewish religion. No doubt, a very well-educated man. But, our main focus here should be the fact that he was unregenerate like anyone else. His status in life makes no difference here unless you are speaking with someone who thinks that by their religion they can be saved.

After Nicodemus had said to Jesus,  “for no man can do these miracles that you do, except God be with him”, Jesus’ reply is very key here for our reminder. “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God”. That little three-letter word is of extreme importance here.

SEE: “to see, to know, (have) knowledge, perceive, understand”.

Without being born again first, one cannot SEE the kingdom (realm) of God.

Another scriptural reminder is found in 1 Corinthians the second chapter. Again, some very popular verses that we probably have heard countless times. However, we must be reminded if we are going have an effect on the lost for the kingdom, we must get this.

The whole chapter (2) is good and is highly recommended here, but we will only focus on a few verses.

Verse 9 is a good starting point. The apostle Paul referring to the prophet Isaiah says, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, (what?) the things which God has prepared for those that love him.”

The word “seen” in its spiritual application here is “to see, discern, perceive“. The word “heard” also has to do with “discern, perceive, understand“.

“the things which God has prepared”….. The spiritual things of God.

In the next verse, verse 10, he says, “But God has revealed them to us (who?) (how?) by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yep (added), the deep things of God. By His Spirit they can and are revealed. But only, by His Spirit. We can even know the “deep things of God” if He chooses to reveal them to us. (I will add this though, He knows our heart, the motivations of our heart as to why we want to know the deep things of God. And if there is any wrong, prideful motives, he will not reveal. He does not bypass unholy motives.

In verse 11, he divides the natural man with the Spirit of God. He says that no man can know the things of God except through the Spirit. Its point-blank.

Verse 12 is to all those who have received the Spirit of God that they might know the spiritual things of God which are freely given to us. And I might add here, that in verse 13, it is very important to take notice that “the Holy Spirit (Ghost) teaches“. Man can and has taught, but it can only come through the one who has been born of the Spirit. One who is living in the Spirit and not of the “spirit of the world”. It only comes through a spiritual vessel.

Ok, I am just about finished here. I never have liked “long posts” so I must end here. And this is the way to sum up our study here with a final verse (14) that does truly make its point very clear.

“But the natural man (one who has not been regenerated) receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness to him: neither can he know them (why?), because they are spiritually discerned.”

So there it is. Man must be born again of the Spirit of God before he can understand, perceive, know, anything about God and his kingdom (realm). Thus the great need to get the gospel out to all those who He leads you to. Spend little time in debating with an unbeliever. Listen a lot. Remain in the Spirit. Speak only what is given by the Spirit of God to them.

…….and remember………they can’t understand till their born again 🙂

God bless you!

Caution in the “laying on of hands”

Received some good understanding/revelation this morning on being careful in the “laying on of hands”.
Through a personal experience that took place last night, i gained the following and hope that you also might be enlighten into the danger of being too quick to let someone or several people put their hands on you and pray.
First off, i highly recommend, that if you don’t know the person or person’s that are praying for you, it is best to politely recline. Tell them that it is nothing against them personally, but that you do not know them. If they just want to pray for you without laying their hand on you, that would be fine if you are comfortable with that.
The “laying on of hands” has the ability to transfer in the spiritual realm. Many believers are either not taught this, just don’t believe it, or have no idea to the spiritual ramifications and are just naive to this truth.
Found in God’s word is a truth regarding this subject.
While the following passage is most often taking for us not laying hands on just any ole’ person, i believe the reverse is also to be included.

“Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep yourself pure.” (1Tim.5:22)

I have found through experience that if the person or person’s, that are laying hands on you are not walking in obedience/holiness, then you could be a “partaker” of their sins. Thus, the reason, we must “keep ourselves pure”.
Now the problem here is that we don’t know the person or person’s individual walk. That is why we must side on the side of caution. Unless the Spirit of God within us is bearing witness to us that it is OK for them to lay hands on us, we best not.

The minute i woke up this morning, i knew something was drastically wrong spiritually. It was like a night and day difference from the previous morning. My mind was all cluttered and with no clarity. I began to inquire of the Lord. He took me back to last night where there was several people who gathered around me and layed hands on me and prayed. A short time afterwards, i prayed for a guy there and i could not even pray in the spirit, but knew as i was praying that something had gone wrong. At the time, i didn’t know. Soon i left, and felt that something wasn’t right.

Praise God, he showed me this morning what had happened. We went to prayer and cast off the unclean spirits, through them out, and put up the blood of Jesus to seal them from their return!

I hope someone else is blessed by this and uses caution and wisdom and learns from this reality.

God bless you!