Building People of Substance for Works of Power
Nevertheless, 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 ESV
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4
My first trip to Haiti, which was my first time outside of the United States, was for medical clinics and evangelistic meetings. On day 4 or 5, we rode in a truck for hours over mountainous rocky roads to a small village called Anse du Clerc. We slept on the concrete floor of a thatched-roofed gazebo of sorts, located on the outskirts of the village, just a short walk from the Caribbean.
The next morning, I decided to go for a walk to the village. Before I got to the first houses, I was met by four or five men, I think. They were dressed in colorful costumes and had little feathered headdresses. They had their faces painted, and they carried sticks with feathers on them. They surrounded me and started dancing, chanting, and shaking rattles. I later learned that the rattles were made of coconut husks filled with chicken bones. I was pretty nervous. I prayed in tongues and did my best to look calm.
As I prayed and waited to see what came next, the oddest thing happened. From deep in my innermost being there arose a hearty guffaw. I suddenly saw these demonic dancers not as scary, but as ridiculous. I laughed long and loud. They stopped dancing and got quiet. After just a few moments of puzzled staring, they walked away. Thank God for the Holy Ghost!
We live in a world full of people who are demonically inspired. They might not even realize it. It may not be as obvious as my friends on the beach in Haiti. Sometimes it’s hatred-driven speech or behavior. It’s possible that true things are said in the wrong spirit, like spreading gossip or defaming someone. Other times it’s pseudo-spiritual religion, which pulls us away from devotion to Christ. No matter what challenges you face, you’ve got an advantage: The Spirit of God lives in you.
There are things you can do to strengthen your spirit and increase your sensitivity to the inward promptings that come from the Spirit of God. Make time to read the Bible. Make it a priority. Read it, think about it, and let it sink into your heart. Make a point to pray in the spirit whenever you get the chance. Those words you don’t understand are coming from your spirit, not your head. You need to become accustomed to hearing them.
Scripture reading: For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also. 1 Corinthians 14:14-15
Somebody Said: “ Just as the right relationship with Christ generates a Christian, so the proper relationship with the Holy Spirit breeds a spiritual man.” Watchman Nee
Here’s the Point: If you’re a believer committed to the Lord Jesus Christ, then you have the Spirit of God in you. When violence or hatred break out, you can instantly recognize the source. When someone is espousing something that is contrary to God’s Word, you can discern before you understand. You can have the right response in every situation. The One who lives in you is infinitely greater, wiser, and more powerful than the one that drives the world. He will show you how to respond.
Virgil Stokes
3141 W. Ironwood Hill Dr
Tucson AZ 85745
pastorvirgil.com 