THOSE THAT MOURN WILL BE COMFORTED

by | Mar 19, 2016 | Devotional, Podcast

Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Multitudes throughout the ages have known what it is to mourn. We may mourn the passing of a loved one, the loss of a child, a war casualty, calamities, or the loss of property such as a house or finances. Consider the oppression people suffer throughout the world. Modern day news coverage allows us to observe people weeping and lamenting their present day circumstances. Because of these first-hand observations, many become moved with compassion to share their resources with those who are suffering. Many times believers have experienced the prompting of the Holy Spirit to reach out in practical ways to those in need. There is a good reason why Jesus called the Holy Spirit “the Comforter.” Only the Spirit of God can completely comfort those who are mourning. True comfort can only be brought by what Jesus promised in Matthew 5:4.

Have you ever been hindered by your lack of words or ability to comfort another? Have you ever felt helpless during times when a person has experienced the death of a loved one, a calamity of some kind, or when their life is being oppressed by some difficult circumstance? At these times, it can be humanly impossible to bring comfort. As a believer, we have received the necessary grace from the Holy Spirit, to come alongside an individual and speak a word of comfort through the inspiration He gives. There will be a day in which we will know the totality of the Spirit’s comfort. The Scriptures speak of the day in which all our tears will be wiped away. “He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death, there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

The only answer for the conditions found in a fallen world, is found in Christ. The believer has the answers dwelling within through the person of the Holy Spirit. All His fruit, His gifts, and His power is available to those who have put their faith in Christ. Allow the Holy Spirit freedom and total access to use you for the glory of God.

As the old gospel song declares, “The Comforter has come, the Holy Ghost from heaven, the Father’s promise given.” Today, allow His comfort to be your portion. He will give you peace and assurance in every situation. He will use you to minister comfort to another.

TO ANOTHER, THE DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITS

by | Feb 23, 2015 | Devotional, Podcast

1 Corinthians12:10 – To another, the distinguishing of spirits.
The Bible reveals four areas relating to the subject of “spirit.” The first is the Holy Spirit, for whom this devotional is dedicated. Next, the human spirit, which becomes regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit when one repents and is converted. The third is angels, who are called ministering spirits. The fourth is demonic spirits, who are associated with the realm of darkness.

In the Gospels, these spirits of darkness are referred to in a number of ways. They are called devils, evil spirits, and unclean spirits. The gift of discernment, translated in the NASB as “distinguishing of spirits,” is a gift the Holy Spirit gives so the body of Christ knows with what realm of the spirit world it is dealing. This is a necessary gift in helping to bring freedom to those bound by evil spirits. It is also beneficial to help an individual find God’s eternal purpose for their lives as they learn to be led by the Holy Spirit.

Because of the influence of the occult in society, both in Bible days and in ours, the problem of spirits is a real issue. Many people come to Jesus, but have not received ministry regarding their past, when evil spirits attached to their lives. The early church understood the spiritual battle in which they were engaged and ministered “deliverance” from evil or unclean spirits so that the new believers could walk in freedom in their new faith in Christ.

The gift of discernment is a powerful tool that the Holy Spirit wants to impart to willing believers. It can be used to discern spiritual realms in the corporate gathering, in times of ministry to an individual, and in our personal walk with the Lord. God wants us to know how the enemy is battling against our success in Christ. The Bible is clear about our warfare not being with flesh and blood. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Ask the Holy Spirit today to heighten your discernment of the enemy’s territories. Yield yourself to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to show you the battle in which you are engaged. Ask for discernment as you minister to others. Father, I thank You for Your Word that tells of our spiritual battles. Cause me to be discerning as I fight the good fight of faith.