How to Break Sinful Habits of the Flesh

Do you want to win the battle against
habitual sins of the flesh and live in victory? Its a battle with eternal stakes as Galatians chapter 5 warns believers can be lost by a continuing practice of the works of the flesh (see below). And as it says in Romans 8,13  “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.”

If you are in a state of trying everything and nothing works it will most likely be because of Idolatry. Under your struggle and failure against sin is a false god, a love for sin or something that has taken the place of God. It must be dethroned before the Lord will reign in and through you. But be encouraged there is a way out of habitual sin. Jesus came to be Lord of your life and set you free and empower you to live holy. Lets see how:

1.) Repentance. It starts with acknowledging your sin and humbling yourself. He gives his grace to the humble, and he forgives the sins of those who confess them. Get real with God and He will get real with you. You must crucify the flesh daily, dying to sin , living to Christ. Renounce the sin and idolatry, and proclaim Jesus as Lord over that area of your life and over all of your life. Repentance loosens the enemies grip. We are told to `Give no place to the devil‘ (Eph 4,27), so ensure to confess your sins, and close the door on them by committing your ways to change to His ways. Appropriate the work of the cross and receive the cleansing of the blood of Jesus to wash you whiter than snow.

— Prov 28,13 “He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.”  and  2Cor 7,10″For godly sorrow produces repentanceleading to salvation, not to be regretted”

— John 1,6-10: “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.”
2.) Understand His grace is sufficient for you and his power is made perfect in your weakness. His grace and power are here to deliver you and empower not to sin. Through the Cross, Jesus has made the way for you to be free from sins dominion, its yours by his grace. Now ask, believe and receive His grace and power into your life everyday.

— 2Cor12,9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” and – Rom 6,14 “Sin will have no dominion over because you are not under law but under grace”.

3.) Rebuke every demon spirit related to your sins. The Lord has given us authority “in my name you shall cast out demons”(Mark16,17) so use it. Resist them, Renounce them, Rebuke them and cast them out of you. Breathe out strong as you cast them out. Praise God for your deliverance.

— 1Peter5,8-9 “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith”

4.) Fast. Go on regular 3 day fasts with just water (or consuming just a small amount of juice or yogurt to keep the hard pains away). In this time you will be denying your flesh and cravings and be strengthened in the spirit. You will be surprised at the great results. Do this every few weeks for a season of breakthrough. After you have the initial victory practice fasting as the Lord leads.

— Matt 6,17-18 ” when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly

5.) Permanent fast of all immoral and worldly influences – TV, magazines, movies, bad websites, computer games etc to starve the lusts and worldliness. Repent of them, renounce them once and for all, and be free of their defilement. Read the word of God lots to renew your mind and interests. And maintain good godly fellowship with believers who are going in the right direction, even though it will often be few. Forsake those friendships that are poisoning you with compromise and worldliness, as the word says “Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin” (1Cor15,33-34)

— James 4,4-5 “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?

— 2Cor 7,1:”Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

6.) Learn to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. Read and listen to the word of God lots, know the word, meditate on His word. When bad thoughts come respond with “It is Written …” quoting the suitable scripture for the issue. Then replace the thoughts with thinking again about what God says. As you resist the devil he will flee (James 4,7-8).

— 2Cor 10,4-5 “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”

7.) Set yourself a true and consistent devotional life, including praying first thing everyday (for 30-60mins) with prayer and worship, and then later at night also. And determine to read/listen to around 10 chapters of the Bible a day. Obey what you read. Build a faithful and loving relationship Jesus and follow Him. The more you love Him, the more you will hate sin and it will lose its attraction. Loving God is a great cure for sinning. You need to discover your main life purpose, loving God, for He made you for Himself.

— Matt 22,37 “Jesus said to him, “‘You shalllove the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

8.) Walk in the Spirit. Set your mind on the Spirit, look unto Jesus, focus on His glory, His word, His plans and purposes, His will for your life. Be baptised in the Holy Spirit and empowered. Yield to the Holy Spirit in prayer, worship in Spirit and truth and fellowship with Him as you walk by faith throughout the day.

— Galatians 5,16-26 “Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery,fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

YOU CAN LIVE IN VICTORY

Be encouraged that those in CHRIST have access by Faith to a continual abundant supply of Grace and Divine Power through the Holy Spirit. This is His provision to empower us to live a life worthy of His calling, in godliness, holiness, obedience, faith, love, good works, and to overcome the world, the flesh and all the traps of the enemy. Ask, receive and abide in His Spirit and power

If you put these into consistent practice you will surely see the difference and experience new freedom. Never give up, persist and yield to God. If you fall don’t run from God, run to Him. Jesus came to set the captives free, and he who the Son sets free will be free indeed – be sure of that!

SCRIPTURES:

— “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” (Col 3,1-10) 

– “To those who have obtained like precious FAITH with us by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ: GRACE and peace be MULTIPLIED to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as HIS DIVINE POWER HAS GIVEN TO US to us ALL things that pertain to LIFE and GODLINESS, through the knowledge of HIM who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us Exceedingly Great and precious PROMISES, that through these you may be PARTAKERS of the DIVINE NATURE, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” (2Pet1,1-4)

– “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the THRONE OF GRACE, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb 4, 14-16)

– “the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses.” (Roms 8,26)

– “For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Roms 8,1)

– “But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us Wisdom from God—and Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption— that, as it is written, “He who glories, let him glory in the Lord.” (1Cor 1,30-31)

– “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more” (Rev 3, 10-12)

**** If led SHARE with those who need it ****

WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH: A Key Teaching and Revelation

The Lord appeared to a minister
 back in the 1980’s and showed him a church service and said “These modern day Charismatic’s know a little about praising me, but they know little or nothing about true worship.”

The Lord went on to say that the church was substituting brass for gold (explained below). God has His plan for worship and if we want to experience His presence, anointing and manifest glory in our lives and services we need to follow His plan, not our own styles and traditions. If you desire a deeper true worship experience then invest 15 mins in reading the rest of this teaching. I will share some of things the Lord told this man of God and what he told 3 other people in prophetic experiences, as well as teach the word of God. This is not about any denominational style, but true worship for any true Christian. *** You will soon go permanently deeper, and will cease to do certain distracting practices common today! ***

GOD’S ORDER OF WORSHIP

In the Old Testament we see in exodus that God spent 6 chapters instructing Moses in great detail how to construct the Tabernacle and all the important furnishings to be used in worship and service. The same when Solomon built the Temple. Because He is the person of worship and He is Holy and gave His plan for how they were to draw near to Him. It had to be followed. They weren’t to just do their own thing. For the OT saints the Bible has much to say about their God-given order of worship that we wont go into now.

JESUS CHANGED THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

In the encounter with the women at the well Jesus announced a profound change would be coming to the God-given order of worship.

— John 4,19-24: “The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship. Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour is coming, and now is, WHEN THE TRUE WORSHIPERS WILL WORSHIP THE FATHER IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH; FOR THE FATHER IS SEEKING SUCH TO WORSHIP HIM. GOD IS SPIRIT, AND THOSE WHO WORSHIP HIM MUST WORSHIP IN SPIRIT AND TRUTH.”

She was wanting to know who had it right between the Samaritans and the Jews but Jesus pointed to something greater. After the birth of the church at Pentecost, People would no longer have to go to the Temple at Jerusalem to present themselves before God where the Spirit of God dwelled in the holy of holies, now they would become his temples with the Holy Spirit indwelling them.

— 1Cor 3,16-17 “Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are.”

The Old Testament (OT) saints were spiritually dead, the New Testament (NT) saints are born again New Creations and spiritually alive and reconciled to God. Everything would now be done in partnership and in the presence of the Spirit of God dwelling in us. The Lord is concerned that the church is filled with His Spirit, baptised in His power, abiding in His presence, drinking in the rivers of living water, worshipping in union and communion with Him – in Spirit and Truth. Eph 5,17-18: “Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit”

ARE YOU BRINGING BRASS OR GOLD?

Where the Lord said to that Minister that the church was substituting brass for gold, he was comparing it to an incident that occurred with Israel. The Lord had instructed Solomon that the furnishings of the house of the Lord were to be made of pure gold, and the shields of pure gold, which he did (2Kings7,48-50). Years Later a change happened after the King of Egypt invaded Israel:

— 2Chron 12,9-10 “So Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the LORD and the treasures of the king’s house; he took everything. He also carried away the gold shields which Solomon had made. Then King Rehoboam made brass (or bronze) shields in their place, and committed them to the hands of the captains of the guard, who guarded the doorway of the king’s house.”

Brass looks a lot like gold but is actually an alloy, a cheaper mix of copper and zinc. As Rehoboam had substituted brass for gold shields, the church today has substituted brass for gold, with worship that looks similar but has a worldly mix, and even a mix from the OT order.

Consider this as we look the details of NT order of worship:

PSALMS, HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS

— Col 3,16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

— Eph 5,17-20: “And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.“

Psalms are an inspired songs/poem such as the 150 songs in the book of psalms and many new ones the Lord gives His people. Hymns are songs of worship, not meaning singing just from a traditional hymn book, but singing worship in union with the Spirit of God songs both new and old that flow with HIm. These songs should also have teaching of truth in them, the word of Christ, in the words that may be sung to yourself, others and to God. Spiritual songs are songs that are given you directly by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit that you speak or sing forth. It may start with one verse that then flows on from there as you step out and follow His lead. These can be done on your own with God, and also in gatherings.

It does not mention music and instrumentation here. These are fine to use but they are to be the minor element and should not eclipse the singing of worship or distract but simply complement. The church today has added to this list by bringing in the worldly styles of Rock n roll, Rap, Reggae music – this is BRASS, a mix with the world, that actually distracts from pure focus on God and dissipates true worship. (See more on that in the testimonies below)

— 1Cor 14,26 “How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.” See that full chapter for more on these points.

WHAT ABOUT DANCING ??

Many today dance to the music as part of their worship or churches have choreographed dance teams on stage and they say its Biblical using, 2Sam 6,14:“Then David danced before the LORD with all his might”. But this is more Brass, it’s a mix with the old order of worship in OT and worldly things. You will not find one single scripture on dancing before the Lord in the New Testament. What David did then was perfectly right for then, but today we do not dance BEFORE the Lord or to the beat of the music, but we may dance IN the SPIRIT if the Holy Spirit manifests in us that way, moving us by his power and directing our steps. The two are entirely different things. If you bring Brass you will grieve Him.

WHAT ABOUT CLAPPING ??

It is a very common modern thing in Charismatic churches to clap to the music of the fast songs, to clap at the end of the song, and as directed by the leader or Pastor to give the Lord a clap offering. And it as often quoted: Psalm 47,1 “Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!”. But again this is but the OT order, and such clapping is offering more Brass and grieves Him. Clapping is even applause rather than worship. You will not find one single scripture instructing us to clap our hand in worship in the New Testament. Rather you will find instructions to lift our hands,1Tim 2,8: “I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting”. Prayer, praise, worship are all direct communion with God, praise is a high form of prayer. As we lift up our hands in worship we will often feel His glorious presence and are more still to purely focus on Him (which does not happen when clapping).

REJOICING AND THANKSGIVING

As we give thanks and rejoice in the Lord we may laugh in the Spirit as the Spirit manifests the fruit of joy in our hearts, such joy is our strength, Phil 4,4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!”

— Eph 7,21: “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.”

— Col 3,17:”And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him”

REVERENCE & TRUTH

These two are big keys to worship, and need to be better set in order in a believers life if they desire more of God. He is a great King and He is holy, and must be reverenced in awe and godly fear. We must also walk in transparent truth and holiness, and not worldly compromise or hypocrisy lest we grieve Him. The worldly, lukewarm & disobedient, Christians need to repent to enter into true worship, and even to stay saved.

— Heb 12, 23-24 “let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”

— 2Cor 7,1 “having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

LIVING SACRIFICES

Going beyond expressive worship and communion our whole lives are to be given in worship of God, laying down self, living holy & acceptable to Him, changing our thoughts to His thoughts, our ways to His ways, renewing our mind, seeking His will.

— Rom 12,1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.”

WORSHIP OR IDOLATRY ?

Worshiping in spirit and in truth does not involve the use of images, statues, idols, objects, no saints or prayers to Mary. Such things are forms of idolatry that God hates. We are also not to become fixated with people, obsess over favourite preachers or singers, or denominations but keep our focus on worshipping God.

— Rev 22, 8-9 “ Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, “See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God.”

— 1 John 5,21 “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”

MORE ISSUES THAT NEED TO CHANGE IN CHURCH WORSHIP

The following are some negative issues common in some churches today that are a distraction from true worship and that need to change.

1.) Having music that is only designed to be relevant to one age groups eg just the youth, or just the older people. We are here to serve all people
2.) Having the music sound system so loud its almost deafening. Blasting people with volume wont help them focus on God, but will hinder them.
3.) Having only young pretty girls with good figures on the worship team as singers. And/or wearing tight, revealing or sexy cloths. Flesh focus! Dress modestly and help others focus on Christ alone and dont be a source stumbling for others.
4.) Having the worship team lead like rock stars at a concert, stealing the focus, copying the world. Instead we need to lower ourselves and lift up the Lord.
5.) Musician showing off with drum solos and guitar solos, distracting the focus.
6.) Worship leader trying to hype up the congregation with clapping and dancing and various antics, when all you need to do is encourage them to turn their eyes on Jesus
7.) The use of very large video screens, disco type lighting, and even some churches use smoke machines. More distractive brass!
8.) Also we are not called to follow an old denominational tradition that hinders the flow of the spirit and denies His inspired gifts. We must welcome the Spirit of God and follow His lead.

Lets get back to simplicity & purity in devotion to Christ. The Father seeks those who will worship Him in Spirit and Truth. He desires us to be continually filled with His Spirit and true worship helps achieve that. Its so simple.
***** THREE TESTIMONIES *****

1. DAVID.E.TAYLOR – WHY THE LACK OF POWER IN THE CHURCH

Preacher David Taylor testified of how he was caught up in the Spirit and the Lord Jesus showed him why there was a lack of power and demonstration of the Spirit in the church today including issues such as: worldliness in the congregation, worldly music being used by the worship team, fear of man in the Pastors. This was hindering a great a glorious outpouring. He was shown churches where worldly music styles were being used by the worship team and that the pastor knew in His heart that it was wrong but feared the people and keep silent. The church needs to repent and put away worldliness, put away worldly rap & rock music & seeker sensitive strategies, and shun the fear of man and return to the fear of God. Watch the video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vift1BEL1wA

2. RODOLFO ACEVEDO – UNHOLY MUSIC IN THE CHURCH

From His testimony of Heaven and Hell and the Condition of today church : “Now the Lord showed me a disco and a church and the Lord told me: “observe well” and I looked and saw that the church just looked like the disco! There was no difference! They had the same sound systems, same music, same equipment that is entering from the world into the church! The world should convert to Christianity but not the other way around. We are bringing the world into the church! Also I have to tell you this: We cannot praise and worship God with Reggaeton, with Bachaton or Rock. Even today there are Christians songs that are being sung to God and then to the world, using the very same words! They don’t mention God but only mention the word ‘love’.

I also saw Rap music and Perreo in the church and that is unacceptable. The Bible says that we must worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Rock is satanic and it was invented in hell. Pastors and evangelists, please get that Cursed music out of the churches!!! (Read the rest here )

3. ANGELICA ZAMBRANO – WORLDLY MUSIC STYLES IN THE CHURCH

From her 3rd testimony of Heaven and Hell: The LORD said “I will show you another sin that takes place on the alter of churches. It is regarding music.” The Lord showed me people playing and listening to rock music, rap music and reggae music in the alter at churches. This displeases the LORD. The word of God says He wants us to worship Him in Spirit and Truth. He does not say He seeks for those who will rap for Him in spirit and in truth.

We moved to another location in Hell and I saw a young christian man who was singing christian rap or reggae style music. I asked the LORD ‘Why is he here? LORD I really want to know why is he here? Why is he singing?”. At this time I was remembering how many musicians are in Hell; Selena, Michael Jackson, , and many other musicians are burning in Hell. I asked “LORD did he sing in the church?”. He replied “Yes daughter he sang at church”. The LORD did not say anything else after that statement.

I began speaking with this young man. He said “My name is Mark. I am in this place because I did not worship the LORD . I sang rap style music instead. I would sing these songs at church but I did not like to pray, I had no prayer life. I did not like to seek God’s presence. My purpose in singing these songs was to attract young people to church. I wanted gang members to come to church, I didn’t realise it is God who must draw them. It is He alone who deals with there hearts.”

I asked “How long have you been in this place? and is there any other reason you are here?”. He said “4 years. Yes I had a lot of pride, I am also here because of that. Here the demons torment me and continually laugh at me they say ‘Worldly music is an instrument that we use to bring young people to this place.‘ Mark was completely bound while he talked with me. His arms and body were tied up with snakes.

He would cry and ask me “Can you help me?”
I said “No Mark, I would if I could but I cannot”.
He replied “I know I will never get out of here. Look at me, I am in torment. When I died I fell into a tunnel. After I descended from the tunnel my body exploded as I landed in Hell. Worms came out of my body and I have remained in torment until now. I have become disfigured and the flames of Hell continue to burn me. I cant stand it anymore. The demons say this is my kingdom and that satan is my god”.
I said “I understand, but Mark on Earth you had a chance to repent.”

He cried and said “Tell the young people to worship Jesus. Tell the whole church to worship. God seeks true worshippers!” After Mark had spoken a flame came between us. He became engulfed by the flames as soon as I stepped away. While we had been speaking the flames had only risen to his waist, after his last statement his torment continued as before.

The LORD said “Daughter, many people think that with certain music and certain programs they are able to attract the world and reach the gang members and drug addicts. No! It is not men that bring conviction of sin, it is the Holy Spirit that deals with and convinces man of his sins. It is I who touches hearts. It is I who deals with the hearts of man, I alone am able to save. Men think they are the saviours.”

This is what the LORD told me. I cried. This was so difficult for me, it is still difficult. I think that if you are listening to this type of music you must STOP. This is between you and God though. As I fulfil God’s will in telling you, I am no longer responsible because I told you what God said. If you want to accept it, accept it. If you want to reject it, reject it, I fulfil my responsibility. This is something He required of me. If I don’t obey Him, Hell awaits (Ezekiel 3,16-21). I don’t want to go to that place & end up in torment, I have already visited there 3 times, its more real than life in Earth. As we left Mark’s cell he began to blaspheme. The LORD told me ‘When we leave this place tell My church to worship Me in Spirit and in Truth”. (Read the rest here)

— John 4, 23 “the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

WORSHIP SONGS, EXAMPLES

These are some examples from songs that are on You Tube that I consider acceptable worship songs. I give example as some people have asked for them. One song does not endorse all the songs by an artist (as many singers today have both good and bad songs), but each song should be judge on its own merits.

1. You Are Holy – Hillsong
2. Before you I Kneel – Keith and Kristen Getty
3. Bless the Lord oh my soul – Matt Redman
4. I worship you – Julie True
5. God, I love you so – Freddy Hayler
6. I worship you Almighty God – Kent Henry, Hosanna Music
7. He is lovely, To keep your lovely face, How Marvelous – Bob Fitts
8. In Christ Alone – Keith and Kristen Getty
9. Jesus, what a beautiful name – Hillsong
10. Let us worship the Lord Jehovah – Maranatha Singers

— SHARE WITH OTHERS WHO NEED TO KNOW (IF LED) —

How to be Led by the Spirit of God

We see in the Book of Acts the LORD places much importance on being led by the Spirit of God in ministry and for guidance in all situations in life. If we learn how to truly hear from God we can: navigate through all deceptions & confusion and walk in truth; discern between true & false prophecy or predictions; make right life choices; be alert to either dangers or opportunities before us; and know what ministries areas to be involved in or help support.

Even for Internet sites, the media, churches or the many claims made in some You Tube videos that could be true or complete falsehood, He is here to lead us into all truth. There are other important issues in doing this such as correct bible doctrine, following the word of God, prayer, obedience etc, however this teaching is purely about the aspect of being led by the Spirit.    

A.)   FOUNDATIONS FOR BEING LED

1. Our connection to God

–  We are a spirit, we have a soul, we live in a body (1 Thess 5, 23)
–  If we are to connect with God we must worship him in spirit and truth, as God is Spirit, and he is wholly true (John 4, 23-24)

2. Led by the Spirit of God

–  Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. (Rom 8,14). This is for born again believers
–  Guides us into all truth, Our helper and comforter, the greater one in us (John 14, 15, 16)
–  God for us, with us, and in us, and has qualified us to be ministers of the new covenant in the Spirit

3. What else can we be falsely led astray by?

‘Stiff necked uncircumcised in heart & ears, always resisting the Holy Spirit’ Acts 7,51

–  Our flesh, our self, own desires
–  Our unrighteous judgments, ambition and pride
–  Demons, delusions, wounds, lies & heresies
–  The world, peer pressure, opinions, mans wisdom, human ideals
–  Traditions of men, denominationalism
–  the Media, sensationalism & hype
–  Good ideas, but not God ideas
–  Human compassion, particularly in ministry
–  Fear of man, and other people’s opinions
–  Fearfulness rather than faith

B.)   HOW HE LEADS US

There are at least 6 ways that the Spirit of God leads us. Some of them are very subtle and some are very spectacular. They are all from God, but the KEY to not missing God is to understand the subtle very well and not be distracted by seeking the spectacular. They are all Supernatural means, but the subtle is common & easy to miss, the spectacular is rarer but harder to miss.

1. The Inward Witness

This is the PRIMARY WAY, the main way that God leads us by His Spirit. Although not easy to describe, the inner witness is not a voice, but rather an inner feeling, confirmation, check, red or green light, a peace or disturbance witnessing for or against, it is the Yes or No of God given by the Holy Spirit to our spirit. Many people often say “God said this or that” many times a day, but this is very unlikely. In most cases they are hearing their own soul and getting deceived, as the most common way is not a voice but a supernatural witness.

In my personal experience am I led by the inner witness most of the time. So it is far more profitable to focus on learning to discern God in this area.

–  “It is the Spirit bearing witness with our spirit …” (Rom 8, 16)

–  “now when they had gone through phrygia and the region of galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the spirit did not permit them.” (Acts 16, 6-7)

–  “it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us …” – (Acts 15, 28)

–  “now after these things, Paul resolved in the spirit …” (Acts 19,21)

–  “Paul advised them saying ‘sirs, I perceive that the voyage will end in injury & much loss” (acts 27,10)

–  “and let the peace of God rule in your hearts” – (Col 3, 12)

–  the unction/anointing teaches us – (1 john 2, 26-27) (Prov 20,27) (John 14 & 15)

We see from the words in bold that it is very subtle supernatural communication and therefore requires us to be humble, sensitive, prayerful to not miss God. The inner witness comes to us many times a day in given situations as He guides us, even without asking, and it also comes in prayer times as we ask the Lord directly to confirm answers to issues.

It is for every Christian, including a prophet. They have particular gifts for ministry, but they also need to hear from God for themselves about many things the same as other Christians.

2. The Voice of God

This can come as a still small voice as in Elijah’s case on the mountain (1 King 19,11-13), or as a clearer stronger direct voice, which is hard to miss.

–  “and the Spirit said `go up and join his chariot`” (Acts 8,29)

–  “and the Spirit said to them ‘behold three men are looking for you, arise and go, and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them'” (Acts 10, 19-20)

–  “The Holy Spirit said ‘Set apart for me Saul & Barnabas for the work to which I have called them'” (Acts 13, 2)

3. Dreams

A key sign of the last days outpouring of the Spirit since the day of Pentecost is dreams & visions (Acts 2, 17). Although these are more spectacular and hard to miss, they may require us going to prayer to obtain the inner witness confirmation or clarity of what they mean.

–  “For God may speak in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, When deep sleep falls upon men, While slumbering on their beds, Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction.” (Job 33, 14-16)

–  “And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Acts 16, 10) + (Acts 18,9)

4. Visions

There are 3 different levels of visions:

–  A Vision in the spirit: in which God allows you see & hear into the spirit realm; “Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, ‘Ananias’. And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go to the street called Straight’ …” (Acts 9,10-16)

– An Open Vision: like watching on a big screen:  “As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ …” (Acts 9,3-6)

– A Trance: in which you interact in the vision such as happened to Peter … ‘he fell into a trance and saw heaven opened and an object like a great sheet bound at the four corners, descending to him and let down to the earth. In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the air. And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” But Peter said, “Not so, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.” And a voice spoke to him again ….’ (Acts 10, 10-16)

5. Messages delivered by Angels

This is a suspicious & controversial way to the fearful who are more concerned about deceptive `angels of light` rather than hearing from God. But lets remember that some very important messages were delivered by Angels such as the virgin birth message to Mary, and some end times messages given to Daniel etc. Just ensure it completely lines up with the word of God.

– “an angel of the Lord said to Philip “Rise and go toward the south to the road that goes down to Jerusalem to Gaza” (Acts 8, 26)

– “Paul stood in the midst of them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me, and not have sailed from Crete and incurred this disaster and loss. And now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For there stood by me this night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve, saying, ‘Do not be afraid… (Acts 27,21-26)

6. Prophets, or another believer

The Lord may speak and led us through a Prophet using the gift of a word of Knowledge, word of wisdom, or a prophecy. And also through our brethren by an anointed word or prophecy, for we are one body with many members. We will need to confirm the word by the inward witness & that it is Biblical. A prophet’s message is often corrective and it is therefore important that it is received by faith. His truth may expose us to requiring vital corrections & changes, but these are to be embraced not rejected through fear, remembering God is leading us in His will

– “And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea.” (Acts 11, 27-29)

Finally, all of these ways and anything we hear MUST line up with truth of God’s word in the Bible – as anything truly from the Holy Spirit always will. So stay in the word of God, prayer, good fellowship, right doctrine, and really learn & seek Him to be more & more led by His Holy Spirit. All Glory to God!!

~ Whoever has an ear to hear let him hear what the Spirit says
to the churches, Rev 3, 22 ~