Spirits

Spirits

The Scriptures talk about the Holy Spirit and unclean spirits.

The Spirit of GOD is Holy and the demonic spirits are unclean.

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' - Revelation

Do I have a spiritual ear to hear what the Spirit of GOD says to the Churches?

The Almighty GOD anointed and  sent His Son JESUS CHRIST into the world with authority to cast out demons from people and to set them free from demonic oppression. After JESUS finished His mission on earth He was taken up to heaven. He then sent His Holy Spirit to anoint and fill His disciples so that they could have the authority to cast out demons and set people free. Now He has given us authority over unclean spirits and has commanded us to set people free from demonic oppression and possession.

Life and Liberty

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. - Romans 8:1-2

The Holy Spirit gives me victory over the guilt and power of sin.

Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. - 2 Corinthians 3:16-18

Love and Power

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. -

2 Timothy 1:7

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. - Romans 5:5

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. - Galatians 5:22-23

Truth

"However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. - John 16:13  

Although He is a Spirit of power, He is a submissive Spirit and teaches and helps me to

submit to authority. JESUS is the Truth. His Spirit is the Spirit of Truth.

The LORD JESUS, speaking to the religious leaders who opposed Him, said,

"You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it. - John 8:44

Wisdom and the Fear of GOD

There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD. - Isaiah 11:1-2

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." - Romans 8:15

Boldness

And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. - Acts 4:31  

Spirit of Intercession

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. - Romans 8:26-27

Women and the Quiet and Gently Spirit

Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-- rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God. For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in God also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror. - 1 Peter 3:3-6

A Person full of the Holy Spirit

When my motives and attitudes are right, it is easy for the Spirit of GOD to rule and reign and thrive in my life.

Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? - 1 Corinthians 3:16

And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, - Ephesians 5:18

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. - Ephesians 4:30-32

A heart with a wrong attitude filled with sin is a good foothold for unclean spirits.

Unclean spirits are controlling spirits while the Holy Spirit is gentle and submissive.

Do not quench the Spirit. - 1 Thessalonians 5:19  

Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? - Hebrews 10:29

As opposed to the LORD JESUS Who operated with a Spirit of grace, the scribes and pharisees displayed a legalistic religious spirit. They did not value GOD’S grace revealed through JESUS and they desired to justify themselves by keeping the law. Matt 23

I must learn to listen to the Holy Spirit and obey Him. I should not grieve, quench or insult this Spirit of Grace.

Led by the Holy Spirit

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. - Romans 8:14

Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, - Luke 4:1  

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: - Luke 2:25-28

A Person Possessed by Unclean Spirits

"When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' "And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. "Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first." - Luke 11:24-26

When demons are cast out of a person, it is important for him to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Then they came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gadarenes. And when He had come out of the boat, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no one could bind him, not even with chains, because he had often been bound with shackles and chains. And the chains had been pulled apart by him, and the shackles broken in pieces; neither could anyone tame him. And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying out and cutting himself with stones. - Mark 5:1-5

People possessed by demon spirits are often restless.

As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a man, mute and demon-possessed. And when the demon was cast out, the mute spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, "It was never seen like this in Israel!" - Matthew 9:32-33

Demonic possessions can manifest in physical illnesses.

Saul and the Holy Spirit

"Then the Spirit of the LORD will come upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. "And let it be, when these signs come to you, that you do as the occasion demands; for God is with you. "You shall go down before me to Gilgal; and surely I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and make sacrifices of peace offerings. Seven days you shall wait, till I come to you and show you what you should do." So it was, when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, that God gave him another heart; and all those signs came to pass that day. When they came there to the hill, there was a group of prophets to meet him; then the Spirit of God came upon him, and he prophesied among them. And it happened, when all who knew him formerly saw

that he indeed prophesied among the prophets, that the people said to one another, "What is this that has come upon the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?" Then a man from there answered and said, "But who is their father?" Therefore it became a proverb: "Is Saul also among the prophets?" - 1 Samuel 10:6-12  

When Saul was anointed as king of Israel by Samuel the prophet, he became a different man because he was given the Holy Spirit. Saul did not obey the Holy Spirit but quenched the Spirit by becoming rebellious. Therefore the Holy Spirit departed from Saul.

But the Spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and a distressing spirit from the LORD troubled him. And Saul's servants said to him, "Surely, a distressing spirit from God is troubling you. "Let our master now command your servants, who are before you, to seek out a man who is a skillful player on the harp. And it shall be that he will play it with his hand when the distressing spirit from God is upon you, and you shall be well." So Saul said to his servants, "Provide me now a man who can play well, and bring him to me." Then one of the servants answered and said, "Look, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a mighty man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a handsome person; and the LORD is with him." Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse, and said, "Send me your son David, who is with the sheep." And Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, a skin of wine, and a young goat, and sent them by his son David to Saul. So David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armorbearer. Then Saul sent to Jesse, saying, "Please let David stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight." And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him. - 1 Samuel 16:14-23

When David sinned he he cried out to GOD the following prayer:-

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence, And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, And uphold me by Your generous Spirit. - Psalm 51:10-12

Daniel and the Holy Spirit

"There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the Spirit of the Holy God. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in him; and King Nebuchadnezzar your father--your father the king--made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. "Inasmuch as an excellent spirit, knowledge, understanding, interpreting dreams, solving riddles, and explaining enigmas were found in this Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will give the interpretation." - Daniel 5:11-12

Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. ... So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, "Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you." ... Now the king was exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no injury whatever was found on him, because he believed in his God. - Daniel 6:3-4, 16, 23

The Excellent Spirit in Daniel was the manifestation of the Spirit of the Holy GOD in him. GOD’S Spirit is the Spirit of light , knowledge, understanding and wisdom, that enabled him to interpret dreams, solve riddles and explain enigmas.

He manifested the Excellent Spirit by believing in his GOD, by serving GOD continually and by being faithful.

It is through the Holy Spirit that GOD saves me and leads me on to my eternal destination  in my spiritual walk. Therefore I must be diligent in knowing, understanding and pleasing the Holy Spirit in my life.

"Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. "Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. - Matthew 12:31-32

Strength From GOD

Receiving Strength From The LORD

Then he said to them,

 "Go your way,

 eat the fat,

 drink the sweet,

 and send portions

 to those for whom nothing is prepared;

 for this day is holy to our Lord.

 Do not sorrow, for

 the joy of the LORD is your strength." 

 Nehemiah 8:10 

When the word of GOD was taught to the people of Israel, they were convicted in their hearts. They felt sorrow as they mourned for their sin. They repented and turned their hearts and faces towards GOD. This brought joy to the heart of GOD and strength to His people.

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And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9  

Do you feel cast down by your physical weaknesses?

Have you prayed and not received healing?

Seek the LORD diligently. 

He desires to reveal His glory to you by extending His grace over you. 

You will reflect GOD'S glory when you depend on His strength. 

He has promised to give you sufficient grace for each day. 

His grace will enable you to be what He wants you to be

 and to do what He wants you to do.

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But those who wait on the LORD

 Shall renew their strength;

 They shall mount up with wings like eagles,

 They shall run and not be weary, 

They shall walk and not faint. 

 Isaiah 40:31  

We are renewed in our strength when we wait on the LORD in prayer and in the study of His word. Repenting of our sins, turning to Him and connecting with Him brings new strength to us from GOD. 

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Then the LORD turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?" - Judges 6:14 

Gideon was fearful of the enemies of Israel who were oppressing them.

He felt small and inferior in himself and helpless.

Do you feel that way at times? 

In school?

In your workplace?

In your community?

In your Church?

The LORD will turn towards you

 so that you may go forth in His strength.

He has a task for you. 

He will use you to bring down the enemies of the people of GOD. 

GOD will use you to deliver His people

 from their enemies who oppress them.

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Road Signs

The Star

Where are you heading in your life's journey? Do you have a clear purpose in life? Is your journey worth the destiny you are pursuing?
Wise learned people who were studying the constellations, saw an unusual star indicating the birth of a King. They did not just seek knowledge. They decided to leave their books, scrolls and work-stations to pursue the real thing! It may have taken them many months of inconvenience and separation from family. Unlike these days, their journey was probably on camels, through field and fountain, moor and mountain, passing through unfamiliar countries and territories. They considered seeing and worshipping this special King, worth all the risks and dangers they would face. They diligently sought until they found. They patiently endured until they entered that humble home.

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. So they said to him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: 'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, Are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.' " Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, determined from them what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also." When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. - Matthew 2:1-10 

In our spiritual journey too when we diligently seek, we will find.

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. - Matthew 7:7  

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive. - Jeremiah 29:11-14 

After encountering, worshipping and receiving this Light into our lives, we become lights like that special star to lead people to the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, - Philippians 2:13-15 

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. - Matthew 5:16 

Those who are wise shall shine Like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness Like the stars forever and ever. - Daniel 12:3 

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The Angel

Then the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. "For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. - Luke 2:10-11 

Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. - Luke 2:17-18 

The Angel was a messenger from GOD who brought the news of the birth of CHRIST to the shepherds.
The LORD JESUS has commissioned those of us who have received this good news, to carry it to others.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. - Matthew 28:18-20

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John

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all through him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light which gives light to every man coming into the world. - John 1:6-9

John the Baptist was sent into the world specifically to prepare the way of the LORD and to clearly point people to the LORD JESUS. He was an indicator. A pointer.

Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, "Behold the Lamb of God!" - John 1:35-36  

John pointed those who followed him, away from himself to the LORD. It is important for us to carry that same attitude of John. He must increase. I must decrease!

"He must increase, but I must decrease. - John 3:30 

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You

Have you seen the star?

Have you heard the message?

Are you following JESUS?

Then be one to let others see, let others hear and let others follow the Way to GOD.

May you be like that special star that pointed the wise men to the LORD JESUS. Let your attitude be selfless, loving and humble - Christlike. 

Let your behaviour and your actions be beautiful. 

Let the Precious Holy Spirit within you have His way in you that He may shine forth through your life.

Be a messenger to speak the Gospel of the LORD JESUS. Share your testimonies and study and share the word of GOD with others. 

You are an Evangelist - An Angel carrying good news!

As a star, people will be attracted to you. As an angel, people will follow you. Be quick to point those who come to you and those who follow you to the LORD JESUS. 

Let JESUS be your joy. Let your purpose be to see others follow Him.

He is the Star! He is the Messiah!!

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Going Away From The Presence Of GOD

Going Away From The Presence Of GOD

And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD. - Job 1:12  

So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD, and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. - Job 2:7  

Satan went out from the Presence of the LORD to afflict His servant Job. Job's faith was severely tested and he came out as gold.
Satan continues to work against GOD'S servants and GOD'S people. He can have access to them only when GOD permits him with a specific purpose.

And they heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. - Genesis 3:8 

After eating the forbidden fruit Adam and Eve hid from the Presence of GOD in guilt and shame. Sinful disobedience resulting in guilt and shame make us hide from GOD.

After murdering his brother Abel, Cain went out from the Presence of GOD.

Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden. - Genesis 4:16 

But Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. He went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid the fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD. - Jonah 1:3 

Although Jonah was GOD'S servant, his desire for the people of Nineveh was different to GOD'S desire for them. The LORD wanted Jonah to take a message of warning to them so that they may repent and be saved. Jonah desired to see them perish. Therefore in blatant disobedience Jonah travelled a different direction from the Presence of the LORD.

Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. If I say, "Surely the darkness shall fall on me," Even the night shall be light about me; Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You. - Psalm 139:7-12 

Sin, disobedience and guilt cause us to turn away from the Presence of GOD.
We need to know that we cannot hide from the Omnipresent GOD Whose Presence fills the heavens and the earth.

Seek the LORD while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, And the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. - Isaiah 55:6-7