Please let me start by saying I haven’t had time to visit anyone this week. I have been on the go! Sorry friends! I hope to come by to see you soon!
Now for the purpose of this post. I recently listened to some teaching CDs by John Fenn concerning our spiritual senses and I thought you might be interested in what I learned.
First, John shared how he wanted us to renew our minds with the book of Acts — understanding that ACTS is NORMAL Christianity. I couldn’t agree with him more. Ok, with that thought out there …
John shared the ways that the Holy Spirit speaks to us.
John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. KJV
Did you notice there are 3 ways listed in this scripture? GUIDE, SPEAK, AND SHOW are three of the ways the Holy Spirit speaks to us. TWO of the ways are NON verbal. That is HUGE because we are often crying out for God to SPEAK to us.
John talked about our spiritual senses (same as our senses in the natural). He gave the example of the story in Luke 16:19-31 (Lazarus and the Rich Man). This is not a parable. These are real men, both dead – yet they talk, see, hear, feel, etc … They still had their “physical” senses.
The root of our physical senses is located IN our spirit. Our spirit receives information from our spiritual senses. Picture our MIND in the center with NATURAL SENSES on one side and SPIRITUAL SENSES on the other. God gives us both to use.
This teacher, John Fenn, said that Jesus taught him these things and therefore he wanted to pass this information on to us. I want you to understand why I might say, “Jesus said” in this post. Jesus directed John to Mark 2 — the story where the lame man was let down through the roof.
Mark 2:8
And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? KJV
Jesus PERCEIVED what they were thinking in their hearts. Father God didn’t tell Him — He perceived it.
Do you remember the story of the woman with the issue of blood?
Luke 8:46
And Jesus said, Somebody hath touched me: for I perceive that virtue is gone out of me. KJV
Again, Jesus PERCEIVED.
Was Jesus the only One who used His spiritual senses to perceive?
Acts 14:9
The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed … KJV
Paul steadfastly beheld him — meaning he locked his eyes on him and studied him. He perceived that the man had faith to be healed.
Hebrews 5:14
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. KJV
As mature believers, we should be exercising our senses to discern good and evil. Doesn’t the scripture say “by reason of use” … we should use these and allow God to teach us.
We should obey the little “checks” in our spirit. Sometimes we feel like we should do something out of the ordinary (take a different path, choose a different route, contact a friend). We should lay down our plans and just obey (without any need for the answer “why”).
Each of us have had friends come across our minds out of the blue, right? We should take a moment and pray for them until we feel released.
There is more, but I thought I’d leave you chewing on this. To some, this may seem way out there, but to those who have smelled holy smells (and unholy), felt a presence (angelic or demonic) in the spirit realm — this isn’t unfamiliar territory.
Many Christians are leery of some spiritual things because they think “NEW AGE” — I’m outta here. But GOD created these gifts for His purposes. Even psychics are people gifted in prophesy, but they are tuned into the wrong voice.
I’ll share more later. If you want to read more, watch for my next post …
(On another note. I pray everyone understands from my last post about spiritual roots & sickness that I was by NO MEANS stating that all sick people have spiritual sin/issues in their lives. In some cases, those are the root. In my family, I have seen it first hand. But remember, there is also the story in the bible where the disciples asked Jesus who had sinned “this man or his parents” because he was afflicted. Jesus said, “Neither” but his sickness had a purpose. I just wanted to throw that out there. Nobody said anything — I just wanted to make sure nobody felt I was judging or condemning in any way.)
Blessings and prayers,
andrea
I learn so much from your blog sis, bless you.
Thanks for the wonderful post 🙂
to those who have smelled holy smells (and unholy), felt a presence (angelic or demonic) in the spirit realm — this isn't unfamiliar territory.
oh yes, girl…I'm off to read the other post now….I'm chewing too girl…yum yum
"As mature believers, we should be exercising our senses to discern good and evil.", absolutely!! Great post. As we mature in our faith…we should be able to sense "things". Love ya! You were on my mind alot yesterday.
Amen my friend! We need to pay attention to the nudgings of the Holy Spirit. Thank you for that great reminder!
It has taken me years to develop my senses to hear and perceive, but now it is like breathing when a face comes before me while I'm busy in my day and I know I'm to pray. Same thing with diserning smells. I'm getting confirmation here, too, about what I read in Mark about the importance of my faith as I claim the Word.
OK…I have to admit…I did not read this or the previous…but I will, Promise…even if it has to be in Google Reader…
but BLESSINGS & CONGRATS BETH!
Go visit Internet Cafe here if you don't already know…
http://internetcafedevotions.com/features/top-100-2009/
oooh you know…but do you know
why I'm so excited???
Love ya'
I've been busy, too but I'm glad I had the time to come by here tonight and read this awesome post! Thank you for sharing. Congratulations also for being in the top 100 blogs [2009-Internet Cafe Devotions].
Blessings to you sister!
This is very interesting stuff. I'll definitely be watching out for more of it. Thanks for what you've shared so far Beth. A lot of food for thought.
Blessings,
Vickie
Always learning from your posts.
Blessings
Betty xx
I think that's the same book I'm reading…it sure sounds like it. Anyway, very good stuff!
Your link in the post above this one didn't work. What is the name of this CD? I want this meat. Yes I am very familiar but there is still so much to learn.
Just last week I reconnected with someone who was my best friend in Jr high. Our friendship had ended on a bad note (my fault) and I have wanted to apologize to her for years but could never locate her. I have googled her name and checked fb many times but always came up short. Last week I tried again on fb and was praying that God would connect us. I found her almost immediately and we have been messaging our life's stories these last several days. The first thing I found out is that she started radiation treatment for breast cancer that very day. She is not a Christian.
I have been praying continuously for her healing both physical and spiritual and for opportunity to discuss or present salvation. Last night I had the opportunity to tell her in great detail how and why I fell in love with Christ and gave my life to Him.
I can say with confidence that I have perceived that God orchestrated this re-connect at this time. I want to live my life walking in the Spirit and being aware with my spiritual senses. I have never heard it explained that way before but it makes so much sense!
Sorry this is so long. I got excited. It's hard to slow me down when I get excited. 😀
Rich blessings to you!
Just tried the link again and it came up this time. Not sure what happened first time but I'm good. 🙂
Thanks!