Aren’t my thoughts – my thoughts? What difference does it make if I just “think” about something? If I don’t actually do what I’m thinking about – who cares?
God does.
“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses. We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ,”
2 Corinthians 10:3-5
Many struggle when they hear the Holy Spirit told someone to do something. Are they just using that as a power statement? After all, if God told me to do it I’d better do it! Are they just making me feel bad by implying they have a “hotline” to God – but I don’t?
“I’ve heard about “listening prayer” but I was warned about it because how do I know if it’s demons who are speaking?”
Paul commanded us to “pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17. How do I do that if all my prayers are just petitions to God? Doesn’t He get sick of me just asking for stuff? Besides, I run out of things to ask for!
“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
1 John 4:1
How do I “test the spirits”?
“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.”
Romans 8:14
Some say being led by the Spirit of God means knowing God’s Word and being obedient to it. But is that all? If we have the Bible why did Jesus say it’s better for Him to leave so the Holy Spirit can come and guide us?
“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.”
John 16:7
How does He “Help” us?
“Then Satan stood up against Israel and moved David to number Israel.”
1 Chronicles 21:1
How did Satan “move David”? Was it an audible voice? Did Satan use a person to plant the idea? Did Satan simply plant the thought in David’s mind so David thought it was his own?
Is it possible that Holy Spirit and evil spirits are trying to plant thoughts in our minds all the time? Is it possible that the origin of the thought might not even be our own?
Jesus often said “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 11:15
“But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,”
1 Timothy 4:1
Many believe we are at the end times of “the end times”. Do you have “ears to hear”? If thoughts are placed in your mind by “paying attention to deceitful spirits” are you equipped to discern?
Can you identify the Holy Spirit when He speaks to you?
It’s In The Book!
Sons of God Wartime Field Manual: The Pathway to True Freedom in Christ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1625863454?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_ud_dp_E5TX8ZVVD8AK12P3AEMA_3&bestFormat=true&language=en-US
Kim
This is so timely! I have been praying about what does it mean to be anointed with the Holy Spirit. I want all that He has to run in and through me and just not sure what that looks like but that’s ok!
Thanks for challenging me in my walk!
Love you brother!
Todd
Another timely and good word from the Word. Thanks for sharing your Holy Spirit insights with us.