Walking in the Spirit in Times of Disaster Austin Disaster Relief Network

“That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me.” John 17:21 (AMP)

“If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, and Standby), that He may remain with you forever. The Spirit of Truth, Whom the world cannot receive (welcome, take to its heart), because it does not see Him or know and recognize Him. But you know and recognize Him, for He lives with you [constantly] and will be in you.” Jn. 14:15-17 (AMP)

In times of disaster, when danger may be all around us, one of our greatest needs and gifts as Christians is the ability to walk in the Spirit and to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading and promptings. In some circumstances, it may be a matter of life or death that we do nothing but follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and resists our flesh/soul. What an incredible treasure we’ve been given to help us walk in union with God and to overcome difficult situations!

Testimony: Woman in flood story

“’Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Zech. 4:6

Our soul (mind, emotions, will) and flesh (sinful appetites) is where our greatest attacks occur and where we fail as Christians most of the time

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thes. 5:23

In times of crisis, rather than seek God’s face, appropriate His provisions, walk in the fruits of the Spirit, lean on/trust in Him… it can be easy to fall back to walking in our own strength. In difficult situations, you might find yourself lashing out, verbally attacking someone, become defensive or be afraid rather than trust in God and the leading of His Holy Spirit. One of the worst things we can do in a time of crisis is to allow our soul and flesh to dominate and overcome our spirit. Unfortunately, when we do this, we don’t reveal the nature of God, glorify His Son and manifest His presence/His goodness to those around us. Instead, we become a conduit for darkness to manifest in the earth if we chose to walk in the flesh. To put it more bluntly, we become co-workers of Satan and his demons to spread darkness into our environment, giving victory to the prince of darkness.

“Hear, O My people, and I will admonish you! O Israel, if you will listen to Me! …..“But My people would not heed My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. So I gave them over to their own stubborn heart, to

1 walk in their own counsels. “Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their adversaries. The haters of the Lord would pretend submission to Him, but their fate would endure forever.” Psalm 81:8,11-14 (NKJV)

The good news is that there is another way! The good news is that not only did Jesus Christ come into this world to set us free from the oppression of the devil, reunite us with the Father through the shedding of His blood, and grant us eternal life by accepting Him as our Lord and Savior, but He gave us powerful provisions, promises, legal rights, His word and the Holy Spirit to overcome every temptation and trial and bring light into this dark world.

“Anyone who trusts in Him will not be disappointed” Romans 10:11 (NCV)

Walking in the Spirit is about overcoming and becoming a Ready Christian! Jesus is the greatest example of a Ready Christian because He walked in the Spirit day and night, night and day. His soul and flesh did not dominate His spirit and He only did what the Father told Him to do and say.

The Fall of Man (Genesis 3:1-8) In the beginning, God walked with man and man walked with God in the garden of Eden. Man walked in perfect relationship with God. Man did not know the knowledge of good or evil but only followed God’s ways. Sin was not in the camp! Life was good the way God intended it to be.

Unfortunately, man/woman believed the voice of Satan (the father of lies) and ate from the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, and sin entered the heart of man. Man now has the knowledge of good and evil and became “like God” and through pride, went astray like sheep without a shepherd. Even though goodness was everywhere, man used his free will (his knowledge of good and evil) and chose to walk without God and was guided by his own soul/flesh being dead to God’s spirit.

There was only One solution, One way to fix it! God humbled Himself and came down to the earth through Christ Jesus, to destroy the works of darkness and provide “a way” to overcome our sinful nature and the lusts of our flesh. Jesus became our propitiation and averted the wrath that was due to us and bore it Himself! He did it for us so we could be “born again” into His kingdom and brought back into a relationship with the Father in Spirit and Truth! The only way to overcome from partaking in the knowledge of good and evil is by walking in the spirit! Jesus told His disciples not to leave the city until they were filled with His Holy Spirit.

“And behold, I will send forth upon you what My Father has promised; but remain in the city [Jerusalem] until you are clothed with power from on high.” Luke 24:49 (AMP)

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4 (NKJV)

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” Romans 8:14 (NKJV)

“But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His” Romans 8:9 (NKJV)

“Jesus said to him, I am the Way, the Truth and the Life” – John 14:6a (NKJV)

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying “I am the Light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 (NKJV) 2

“And He said to all, If any person wills to come after Me, let him deny himself [[a]disown himself, [b]forget, lose sight of himself and his own interests, [c]refuse and give up himself] and take up his cross daily and follow Me [[d]cleave steadfastly to Me, conform wholly to My example in living and, if need be, in dying also].” Luke 9:23 (AMP)

The ONLY way to not fulfill the lusts of the flesh is to humble ourselves and follow Him by walking in the Spirit. There are many ways we can walk in the Spirit and follow Jesus but without the leaning, trusting and depending upon Him (humility), we will not be able to achieve what God has in store for each of us as His people, bought with a price and made ready to accomplish His purposes. Are you ready to begin this journey of walking in the Spirit, to prepare you for times of disaster?

Transformed by the Word of God (My Own Testimony): One of the greatest books in the bible for me has been the Song of Solomon, which has empowered me to walk, live and be led by the Spirit more than any other book in the bible. It has awakened my heart to the revelation of the beauty of Jesus as Bridegroom King and his passionate affections/enjoyment for His church and me. Also, the book has revealed to me the beauty of an individual believer in the eyes of our Lord, even in our weakness! It has revealed to me principles needed to grow in love and mature partnership with Jesus. The Song of Solomon also paints an incredible picture of the biblical progression of a believer’s heart as they mature in their walk with Jesus, becoming a mature bride in partnership with Jesus. I believe our highest purpose in life is intimacy with God – there is no greater “readiness” than this! “Man does not rest until he finds his rest in God” – Augustine

Song of Solomon outline: I. Song of Solomon: The Divine Kiss and the Bride’s Life Vision (Song 1:2-3) II. Her Journey Begins with the Paradox of Grace (Song 1:5-11) III. Understanding Her Identity in God’s Beauty (Son 1:12-2:7) IV. Challenging the Comfort Zone (Song 2:8-17) V. She Experiences God’s Loving Discipline (Song 3:1-5) VI. A Fresh Revelation of Jesus as a “Safe Savior” (Song 3:6-11) VII. The Prophetic Heart of the Bridegroom God (Song 4:1-8) VIII. The Ravished Heart of the Bridegroom God (Song4:9-5:1) IX. The Ultimate Two-Fold Test of Maturity (Song 5:2-8) X. The Bride’s Response to the Two-Fold Test (Song 5:9-6:5) XI. Jesus Praises Her after the Season of Testing (Son 6:4-10) XII. The Vindication of the Persecuted Bride (Son 6:11-7:9A) XIII. The Bride’s Mature Partnership with Jesus (Song 7:9B-8:4) XIV. The Bridal Seal of Mature Love (Song 8:5-7) XV. The Bride’s Final Intercession and Revelation (Song 8:8-14)

What is the Holy Spirit Baptism and Why must Walk in the Spirit? 14 Now when the apostles (special messengers) at Jerusalem heard that [the country of] Samaria had accepted and welcomed the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 And they came down and prayed for them that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit; 16 For He had not yet fallen upon any of them, but they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then [the apostles] laid their hands on them one by one, and they received the Holy Spirit. Acts 8:14-17 (AMP)

The baptism with the Holy Spirit is a glorious experience in which a born again believer passionately invites the Holy Spirit (whom Christ has made available) to indwell his human spirit. When you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, He will make available to you His wisdom, direction, character (fruit), power (gifts), revelation and leadership – if you meet the conditions He sets forth. 3

The Holy Spirit’s purpose for indwelling born again believers is to make available to us the same character and power He manifested through Jesus while He lived on earth.

“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask[a]anything in My name, I will do it.” John 14:12-14 (NKJV)

This scripture states that all Spirit-filled/led believers can do everything Jesus did and even greater things than He did. Not just special selected individuals, but every Holy Spirit baptized believer. Holy Spirit supplied faith in Christ is the condition for being able to do the things Jesus did and to be like Him.

God’s plan for those He has chosen is that they be so transformed in character (fruits of the Spirit) and power (gifts of the Spirit) that the world can see Jesus living through every Christian. We must make it a permanent habit to walk in the Spirit and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our soul so that His character manifest through us.

“For those whom He foreknew [of whom He was [a]aware and [b]loved beforehand], He also destined from the beginning [foreordaining them] to be molded into the image of His Son [and share inwardly His likeness], that He might become the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:29 (AMP)

“You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and I have appointed you [I have planted you], that you might go and bear fruit and keep on bearing, and that your fruit may be lasting [that it may remain, [a] abide], so that whatever you ask the Father in My Name [as presenting all that I AM], He may give it to you.” John 15:16 (AMP)

Christians (in and out of the disaster field) are to be an expression of God’s character, love and power toward man, in the same way that Jesus was an expression of God’s character, love, and power as He walked on the earth. As a believer, it is important that you accept, agree with and be irrevocably committed to God’s stated plan for your life (Rom. 8:29 & John 14:12-14). The Lord chose you to fulfill a specific function in establishing the “Glorious Church,” (Eph. 5) for which Jesus will return. God expects you to fulfill your function. Therefore God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) has made available everything you need to successfully do so (see Biblical Readiness training).

I. Walking in the Spirit: Being Proactive in our War Against the Flesh

”For you...have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh... 16 I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust (sinful desires) of the flesh (great promise!). 17 For the flesh lusts (wars) against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the (holy) things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law...25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” (Gal. 5:13–18, 25)

A. In Gal. 5:13, the Holy Spirit’s agenda is to grant us liberty. Our “flesh” (body/soul) includes physical pleasures (sensuality, gluttony, alcoholism, etc.) and emotional desires (pride, bitterness, defensiveness, etc..).

Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. (2 Cor. 3:17)

The Holy Spirit is fully God! When He is received and we are engaging Him, there is liberty!

4

B. In Gal. 5:17, Paul described the violent war that every believer faces. The flesh is waging a full- scale war against the Holy Spirit’s mandate in our lives. We need a revelation of the violent clash of powers that is involved in this war. We must not get ourselves in a position where we trust our flesh to choose right. It is in violent opposition to the Holy Spirit. We must guard against it.

“I beg you as...pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. (1 Pet. 2:11)

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, (set their minds on) the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor can be.” (Rom. 8:5-7)

“I find then a law (principle), that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. 22 For I delight in the law of God...23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law (principle) of sin, which is in my members. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 I thank God-- through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. (Rom. 7:21-25)

C. The war will not just go away (we cannot go to a prayer line and have it go away). The Holy Spirit in us is greater than the devil and the flesh, but His power works in us only as we actively engage with the Him. We cannot make peace with our spiritual dullness, barrenness and bondage. This war is real. There is nothing comparable to the life the Spirit gives our heart. We need to be replenished daily. We will not be able to win this war with a relationship we had with the Holy Spirit 3 months ago. We need to experience Him, interact with Him daily to overcome every kind of crisis in our lives and those around us.

“He (Holy Spirit) who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 Jn. 4:4)

How do we Prepare and Replenish our Spirit daily? SOS. 1:1-4 (NKJV)

The Shulamite Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth—For your love is better than wine. 3 Because of the fragrance of your good ointments (perfume), your name is ointment poured forth; Therefore the virgins love you. 4 Draw me away!

The Daughters of Jerusalem We will run after you.

The Shulamite The king has brought me into his chambers.

The Daughters of Jerusalem We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will remember your[e] love more than wine.

The Shulamite Rightly do they love you.[f]

5

Take-away 1: The Bride is saying.. “BECAUSE of the fragrance of Your interior life (emotions, affections, thought life), my heart is stirred towards You Jesus! Your name will ultimately be the supreme reality over all of the earth…THEREFORE.. the immature believers love you!

The Bride understands that there is only ONE THING (Psalm 27:4) that transforms our heart, His affections, emotions and thoughts towards us! It is the “perfume” that will change the hearts of young, immature believers too! It will cause a dull person to become an extravagant lover of God! The name of Jesus is truly a perfume that changes the atmosphere!

Take-away 2: Power will not have the same impact on a believers heart although it might touch the heart for a little while. You may see people healed by God from a prayer meeting but months later, they have fallen back into their old ways. The Israelites saw the awesome power of God but quickly reverted back to unbelief. All around us, God’s awesome power is displayed in the earth but I don’t believe it has the same impact as the fragrance of His good ointments. David saw God’s emotional make-up ad thought life and it wrecked his life in an eternal way!

There is no substitute for His perfume. My encouragement to you is to study the entire bible and highlight all of His emotions, affections and thoughts and study them, pray around them and ask the Lord for deeper wisdom. It will change your life! His perfume will help eliminate spiritual boredom!

Take-away 3: In Song of Solomon 4:16, the Bride wants His perfume to flow through her to impact the world around her. This is a bold prayer but she now has revelation that He is a Safe Savior!! When you come to this place of maturity with God, you will find yourself praying these kinds of prayers!

“Awake, O north wind, and come, O south! Blow upon my garden, that its spices may flow out. Let my beloved come to his garden and eat its pleasant fruits.” Song of Solomon 4:16 (NKJV)

ENCOURAGEMENT: You cannot go ta famous restaurant to ONLY study the menu, you must taste the food, fill your stomachs to truly understand why the restaurant is famous! The same with the Song of Solomon. You must not only read it, take the Song of Solomon course (FREE online at mikebickle.org) but eat the scroll, chew on His word by meditating, praying it back, have a conversation with the Holy Spirit who will be your Teacher if you ask. Become an EXPERT on His emotions/His good perfume! The most neglected subject of God is God! The Apostle Paul said, “I count all things loss for the excellence (His perfume) of the knowledge of Jesus Christ” Phil. 3:8 (NKJV) Paul was lovesick! It is why he could endure shipwrecks, stoning, chains, beatings, etc.. Prepare your heart! Be Ready like the 5 wise Virgins! In a time of disaster or crisis, with a lovesick heart, you can overcome anything!! (SoS 5:10-16)

Airplane Analogy: Law of Gravity (sin) vs. Law of Lift/Aerodynamics (Holy Spirit)

• When Airplane is flying, the Law of Aerodynamics is working (engine is on, exerting energy and stronger than the law of gravity) • Turn engine off and experience the power of the Law of Gravity instantaneously • Law of Gravity/Sin never ceases! • Our victory over the flesh is not about the Law of Gravity/Sin disappearing but introducing a greater law that will overcome it! • If the Pilot turns off the engine, the law of gravity will have dominion! • Our interaction with the Holy Spirit is similar to the superior Law of Aerodynamics. We must be in daily interaction with the Holy Spirit today, tomorrow, Thursday, Friday, etc.. to have victory or the law of sin will gain dominion! 6

• It is very common for Body of Christ to underestimate the value of the relationship with the Holy Spirit. Many don’t value or focus on this relationship on a daily basis. • How do we crash the plane? When we turn off the engine and gravity pulls us down. The same with the Holy Spirit. When we do not feed our spirit with life giving prayer, worship and bible reading (fuel), we may find ourselves quickly crashing because of temptation leading to sin. • The only way to get right with God “fix the plane” is to repent, apply the blood, tell the Lord what you will do to change and push the delete button! This repairs the plane and gets you back on course to get the plane back in the air! • The Law of the Spirit of Life will work every time as long as you engage with the Holy Spirit!

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 NKJV)

1 John 4:4 only works if we have interaction with the Holy Spirit on a daily basis or the devil will have the upper hand.

TESTIMONY: Singing Lessons

EXERCISE 1: Watch video: 4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice by Mark & Patti Virkler (10 mins) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8czdKN4U0hc) - Practice Time (15 mins)

Step 1. Quite yourselves down Step 2: Fix your eyes on Jesus Step 3: Tune to spontaneity Step 4: Write/Journal (remember not to “hmmm” or question your writing until you are done) Step 5: Check your journal entry according to the Word of God. Make sure it is from God. Step 6: Have 3 advisors read your journal entries for the 1st year to make sure you are hearing from God

EXERCISE 2: Who does God say you are? Ask Him to share how he feels about you.

“Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove’s eyes.” SOS. 1:15 (NKJV)

Testimony: Daniel’s “Beautiful” story (Alabama)

D. In Gal. 5:16, Paul gives us an essential command, “Walk in the Spirit,” with a great promise, “You shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.” We desire to see this promise fulfilled more in us.

E. We can only find liberty from sinful fleshly desires as we maintain a vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul used three verbs to describe a dynamic interactive relationship with the Spirit. He called us to walk in the Spirit (v. 16), to be led by the Spirit (Gal. 5:18), and to live in or by the Spirit (Gal. 5:25). We need to pursue these three facets of the “diamond” of our relationship with the Spirit.

F. We must be proactive in our relationship with the Spirit as the only way to overcome our lusts of the flesh. It is not enough to “believe” in or to possess the Spirit; we must live in active fellowship with Him. When we behold Him, we become like Him and in this place, we will experience transformation!

“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 1 Cor. 3:18 (NKJV)

7

“The love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14, NAS)

G. To “walk” in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16) means to walk out our daily life choices by embracing what the Spirit values and refusing what the Holy Spirit is grieved by (Gal. 5:19-22). We must be determined to walk in the Spirit’s values and make continual quality choices. Denying our flesh is good but not as powerful as cultivating a relationship with the Holy Spirit to have dominion over your fleshly desires. The cool thin about Walking in the Spirit is that a brand new believer can do it after 5 minutes of instruction!

“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 (NKJV)

“…that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:4 (NKJV)

“Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” (John 5:19 NKJV)

KEY to Walking in the Spirit: You cannot walk in the Spirit without talking to the Spirit. An active running dialog is key!

Testimony: VOAD Meeting

2-MINUTE PRACTICE: If your emotions are stirring after someone is critical, you need to thank the Holy Spirit for “peace” and “patience” and you will notice that the “steam” will go away. The Holy Spirit gives you 9 resources to help you deal with your flesh. It is real power when you depend on the 9 fruits of the Spirit (Gal. 5). It is not a psycho-sematic stirring. If the “tone” of your spirit is harsh and out of order, than ask the Holy Spirit for “gentleness.” We need the fruit of the Spirit of gentleness when our “tone” does not line up with His word. This is walking in the Spirit. You must remember that the Holy Spirit has an infinite amount of love, joy, peace, patience/longsuffering, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

H. To be “led” by the Spirit (Gal. 5:18) is to follow His leadership by being watchful of the Spirit’s promptings, especially in our spiritual life (thoughts, words and deeds). We honor instead of ignore the Spirit’s leadership in the small decisions of our spiritual life. We cultivate an awareness of the Spirit’s leadership in what we say (speech), what we look at (eyes), how much time we give to feed our spirit (schedule) and how we spend our finances (money). The one who has minimal fellowship with the Spirit, will walk in lust. We must refuse the lie that the Holy Spirit is not Lord, viewing His promptings as optional. This is devious. We love Him and cannot do well without His leadership. We want to be led by the Spirit and to engage Him more. Remember to “thank Him” for His leadership. This can lead to a great quiet time with Him!

"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God." Romans 8:14

KP#1:It is important to spend equal or more time in asking the Holy Spirit about the way He thinks about you or how to respond to someone when they are critical towards you vs. how to wear your hair or what toothpaste to buy. For some, the Holy Spirit is telling you more often what not to do then what to do. Also, it is important to invite the Holy Spirit in on small everyday life decisions rather than paying attention to what the Holy Spirit would say only on the big life decisions.

8

Testimony: Hope Family Thrift Store – Hanger need; Preparing for Meetings/Date Nights

KP#2: We must tune into our inner-life (small things) and allow the Holy Spirit to help us so our spirit does not become injured. To prevent this, it is vital to engage with the Holy Spirit throughout the day so in a moment of testing, we don’t lose it (i.e. rage while driving).

KP#3: We must also give the Holy Spirit leadership (to be “led”) over every area of our life, including how to spend our money, our relationships/marriage, work life, etc.. We must always refuse the lie that would tell us it is up to us whether or not to obey or not what the prompting of the Holy Spirit is telling us (or “God gave me a brain so I don’t need help with my finances”). The Holy Spirit is part of the Holy Trinity. He is part of the Godhead! Turn to His superior leadership in all areas of your life. This is what Jesus meant when He said “If anyone desires to come after me (or be My disciple), let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matt. 16:24). He is only Lord in the areas of your heart where He is not resisted.

NOTE: Self-denial is saying “no” to eating something you shouldn’t eat but the benefit is for YOU or “self.” Denying yourself is saying “no” to something you want to do but Jesus has asked you to forfeit it for the benefit of Him. Your benefit vs. His benefit is the big difference between the two.

Testimony: John is offered three jobs – which one should I take?

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me.” (Acts 20:22-23 NIV)

Testimony: Thrift Store Story (promptings followed by confirmation - $$)

Class Exercise: Share Your Testimony

I. To “live” in or by the Spirit (Gal. 5:25) is to be empowered with the Spirit’s life as we are fed by the Spirit’s food, which is the Word of God (fuel for the engine). It matters how much time we give in our schedule to feed our spirit. One who has an under-nourished spirit will walk in lust (venting, acting out, defensiveness, anger, bitterness, etc..). Our authority is found in our inner life with the Spirit. We need the release of God’s life within us that the Spirit promises (how much fuel does our engine need to fly the plane? It doesn’t matter how good the track record of the plane is…you must have fuel for today!). It truly matters in how much time we feed the Holy Spirit (i.e. Mary of Bethany).

Note: Reading and praying the scriptures daily is essential to live in the Spirit. Also, when we sing/pray about the beauty of God in worship, this is another important way to engage with the Holy Spirit and prepare our hearts to follow Him. We must remember, what we gaze upon, we become.

• Impressions are typically of the Holy Spirit. Talk back to Him. Thank Him! The way of the kingdom is typically small discernable measures that impact in small ways upon your emotions, mind and body. It will strengthen you over time like a meal does (2-5 hrs). • IF you dialog with the Holy Spirit several times per day for one year, you will truly experience a new strength in your inner man like one would eating a meal, 3 times per day for a year. You won’t manifest a rambling mind and all the other fleshly 9 manifestations. You will feel His power on your mind, emotions and body. Your mind will be illuminated, your heart will be bolstered to obey and your body will be given energy or maybe righteousness to overcome the lusts of the flesh. • No one can drink 30 gallons of water in a day but 3 glasses of water per day so it is with the small impressions/touches we receive from the Holy Spirit to get us through the day if we seek Him. Fellowshipping with the Holy Spirit is so vital for the strengthening of your mind, emotions and body. • When your BODY is not under dominion of appetites, the Holy Spirit helping you! • When your MIND is not “rambling” and focused on God, the Holy Spirit is helping you! Fantasy is of the flesh, when it is gone, the Holy Spirit is helping you. • When your EMOTIONS are not going wild (full of fear, anxiety, anger, bitterness, etc..), the Holy Spirit is helping you. • You must learn to quiet our spirit and heart (turn off the TV, cell phone, computer, etc..)

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5 (NKJV)

“Now in those days it occurred that He went up into a mountain to pray, and spent the whole night in prayer to God.” (Luke 6:12 AMP)

“The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” Matthew 6:22-23 (AMP)

“We all…beholding…the glory (beauty) of the Lord, are being transformed…(2 Cor. 3:18)

“Beauty is the battlefield where God and Satan contend…for the hearts of men” Dostoevsky

The Bride’s heart cry to “live in the Spirit”, to be with Jesus: “One thing I have desired of the LORD, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in His temple” Psalm 27:4 (NKJV)

Jesus/Bridegroom’s response to His Bride’s heart cry in Psalm 27:4: Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My Glory (beauty) which you have given Me; For You loved Me before the foundation of the world….and I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” John 17:24, 26 (NKJV)

Jesus is basically saying…I desire YOU to be with Me where I am so you can gaze at My beauty (this is a direct answer to the Bride’s prayer)! Then, to take it beyond the TOP, He declares that the same love the Father had for Him be in us. Jesus wants a “lovesick Bride” for Himself! He could have stopped here but He goes one step further and says “I in them” or in other words…I want to be in their TEMPLE! You are the temple of God. David cried to be in His temple and inquire in His temple (relationship) and Jesus just said, I want to be in your temple so ultimately, He can be ONE with us! What extravagant love our God has for us!

PRACTICE: Gazing at His Beauty (God You’re Beautiful, performed by Bethel Church)

J. As we pursue all three facets of the “diamond” of our relationship with the Spirit (walk, led and live by the Spirit), then we are renewed in the spirit of our mind (atmosphere of our inner man).

10

“Be renewed in the spirit of your mind and...put on the new man... (Eph. 4:23-24)

“ Be transformed by the renewing of your mind...” (Rom. 12:2)

K. We remove darkness from a room by turning on the light, not by taking out buckets of darkness.

“Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend (overpower) it.” (Jn. 1:5)

L. We declare war on everything that quenches the Holy Spirit and thus, our spirit. We refuse to grow accustomed to a quenched and dull spirit. The Spirit beckons us to a continual flow of life- giving fellowship with Him. The Holy Spirit is our only power source to overcome sinful lust.

M. We resolve to fill our heart with God’s Word because we know that the “voice of the Spirit and the Word” is much stronger than the “voice of sinful lust.”

II. Discerning the Voice of God

A. 4 different voices that may whisper in our ears: a. God (audible, whisper…leads to humility) – like learning a new language! b. Fleshly desires (usually feeds the lust of the flesh) c. Devil (leads to pride) d. Others

"The steps of a good (righteous, born-again) person are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand." Psalm 37:23-24

"Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:12-13)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"...and the sheep follow Him, for they know His voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." (John 10:4b-5)

NOTE: Elisha and the Lost Axe Head (2 Kings 6:1-7) & Sign & Wonder vs. His Voice

B. The writer of Hebrews tells us that we can train our ear to recognize the voice of God above all the noise. "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14). It is by practicing, by reason of use, that we are able to discern whether what we hear is of God, our flesh, the Devil or others.

"Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," Whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left." Isaiah 30:21

11

C. When you hear the Holy Spirit in your heart, you must be careful -- especially when you are a young Christian -- that you objectively confirm that you are following the Holy Spirit and not another voice. Our own flesh can scream pretty loud (especially when we are under pressure, or we want something very badly). And the Devil is the father of lies -- he is the great deceiver.

D. So how can we know whether we're hearing the voice of God? The Bible gives us seven basic keys or filters through which every possible leading should be judged. We are to carefully examine the thoughts and intentions of our hearts -- and the words of godly people who may have influence on us by their words and actions -- through the use of these seven keys:

• Scripture: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (II Timothy 3:16-17).

• The Holy Spirit speaking to our heart: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach everyone his fellow citizen, and everyone his brother, saying, 'know the Lord,' for all will know Me, from the least to the greatest of them" (Hebrews 8:10-11).

• The Prophetic (word of knowledge, word of wisdom, personal prophecy): "Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophetic utterances. But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good" (I Thessalonians 5:19-21).

• Godly counsel: "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).

• Confirmation: "By the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed" (Matthew 18:16).

• The peace of God: "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful" (Colossians 3:15).

• Circumstances/Timing: "After these things he (Paul) left Athens and went to Corinth. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working; for by trade they were tent-makers" (Acts 18:1-3) This relationship between Paul, Aquila and Priscilla -- which happened as a result of circumstances -- became one of the most important strategic partnerships in the book of Acts.

Testimony: October 2008 Journal Entry (oil field)

III. Our Inheritance as Born Again Believers: a Fully Alive Heart & Mind in God

"This is the covenant (promise) that I will make with them... “I will put My laws (Word) into their hearts (emotions) and in their minds (understanding) I will write them..." (Heb. 10:16)

A. God promises to release the spirit of revelation to our mind until we progressively gain living understanding of His Word. Heart: God promises to empower our emotions until we feel the

12 power of His Word with new holy desires. God promises to write His Word on our heart and mind (2 Cor. 3:3) as He wrote the ten commandments on tablets of stone (Ex. 31:18).

”Did not our heart burn (with desire) within us...while He opened the Scriptures to us?...45 He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. (Luke 24:32, 45)

B. God writes His Word on our heart as we live by it. We are to live by or be spiritually healthy in our heart by feeding on God’s Word. Our heart lives and becomes strong and healthy by feeding on God’s Word in spirit and truth. The opposite is also true. Our heart dies and becomes weak and sick without feeding on God’s Word. The most substantial way in which we feed our spirit and bolster our spiritual strength is by feeding on God’s Word in spirit and truth (each applies this differently). Many are spiritually in the ICU with a sick heart and a diminished spiritual appetite (“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” Matt. 5:6). The “voice of the Spirit and the Word” is stronger than the “voice of sinful lust.”

“He (Jesus) said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" (Mt. 4:4)

C. Prayer, fasting, meditation on the Word, and obedience positions our heart before God to freely receive. These activities do not earn us God’s favor. Analogy: we put our cold heart (like frozen meat) before the bonfire of God’s presence by seeking Him in the Word in spirit and truth (no microwave process with God!). God opens His Word to us progressively (little portions) and in accordance to the time we feed our spirit on His Word.

IV. The Power of Unbelief (faith in self) vs. the Power of Belief (faith in God) “I complained and my spirit was overwhelmed” Psalm 77:3 (NKJV) • Complaining is unbelief voiced out. You have essentially bought into a lie, which is the opposite of trust in God. You are now walking in your flesh, out of your own strength. • Complaining is poison to others around you. Like a poisonous snake that has bitten you, you are now giving your poisonous venom away, allowing your unbelief to be heard with those around you (it can be contagious) • Complaining overwhelms your spirit because you are consumed in unbelief. A lie has overtaken you and you are saying in your heart “God, you cannot help me!” • Complaining is self-pity and self-centeredness • Unbelief is a horrible disease of the soul! • The fruit of belief in God is faith, which is demonstrated by taking steps of action towards what you believe God is saying (declaring His promises). Trusting in God. • People who walk in unbelief complain and people who walk in belief have faith to trust God for all! • Psalm 78 talks about why people fall into unbelief what complaining sounds like to God (scary stuff!)

“For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children. 6 That the generation to come might know them, the children who would be born, that they may arise and declare them to their children, 7 that they may set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments; 8 And may not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set its heart aright, and whose spirit was not faithful to God. 9 The 13 children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. 10 They did not keep the covenant of God; They refused to walk in His law, 11 and forgot His works and His wonders that He had shown them. 12 Marvelous things He did in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.13 He divided the sea and caused them to pass through; and He made the waters stand up like a heap. 14 In the daytime also He led them with the cloud, and all the night with a light of fire. 15 He split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink in abundance like the depths. 16 He also brought streams out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers. But they sinned even more against Him by rebelling against the Most High in the wilderness. 18 And they tested God in their heart by asking for the food of their fancy. 19 Yes, they spoke against God: They said, “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness? 20 Behold, He struck the rock, so that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed. Can He give bread 21 also? Can He provide meat for His people?” Therefore the LORD heard this and was furious; So a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel, 22 Because they did not believe in God, and did not trust in His salvation.23 Yet He had commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven, 24 had rained down manna on them to eat, and given them of the bread of heaven.25 Men ate angels’ food; He sent them food to the full. 26 He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens; and by His power He brought in the south wind. 27 He also rained meat on them like the dust, feathered fowl like the sand of the seas; 28 And He let them fall in the midst of their camp, all around their dwellings. 29 So they ate and were well filled, for He gave them their own desire. 30 They were not deprived of their craving; but while their food was still in their mouths,31the wrath of God came against them, and slew the stoutest of them, and struck down the choice men of Israel.32 In spite of this they still sinned, and did not believe in His wondrous works.33 Therefore their days He consumed in futility, and their years in fear. 34 When He slew them, then they sought Him; and they returned and sought earnestly for God. 35 Then they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God their Redeemer. 36 Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, and they lied to Him with their tongue; 37 For their heart was not steadfast with Him, nor were they faithful in His covenant.38 But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and did not destroy them. Yes, many a time He turned His anger away, and did not stir up all His wrath; 39 For He remembered that they were but flesh, a breath that passes away and does not come again. 40 How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, and grieved Him in the desert! 41 Yes, again and again they tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. 42 They did not remember His power” Psalm 78:5-42 (NKJV)

V. Encountering God: Pray-Reading the Word (communing with the Word)

“You search the Scriptures (Bible study), for in them you think you have...life; these are they which testify of Me. 40 You are not willing to come to Me (dialogue) that you may have life. (Jn. 5:39-40) Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard (encountered) His word. (Lk. 10:39)

A. It is not enough to study the Word, we must give our heart to God and receive from Him as we read it (when we read the bible and turn it into a dialog with the Holy Spirit, it will transform our heart vs. just reading it). We allow it to create an active dialogue with God as it gives us the “conversational material.” We must actually speak the Word back to God and against Satan’s attack on our lives. Many do not speak the Word back to God or against Satan (they only speak it to others).

14

“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’”[a] 5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple,6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.’”[b]Jesus said to him, “It is [c] written again, ‘You shall not tempt the LORD your God.’” Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” Then [d] Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”[e] Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Matthew 4:1-11 (NKJV)

Testimony: Daughters Prayer Time (anxiety)

B. Two broad categories of truth related to pray-reading the Word (meditating on Scripture): First, Scriptures that focus on exhorting us “to believe” God’s Word. For example, use Scriptures that declare that God loves, forgives, leads, protects, or provides for us, etc. Second, Scriptures that focus on exhorting us “to obey” God’s Word. For example, use Scriptures that command us to bridle our tongue, serve one another, humble ourselves, give time and money to Him, etc.

C. We actively dialogue with God by praying truths back to Him that exhort us “to believe” His Word. Spiritual warfare: we speak these truths against Satan’s attack on our lives.

1. First, we thank God for a particular truth. We turn these truths into simple declarations of thanksgiving or trust. For example, we declare, “Thank you that You love me or have forgiven me. I trust that You will lead, provide and protect me.

2. Second, we ask God to reveal (release) particular truths to us. Ask God to release a spirit

of revelation (Eph. 1:17). For example, pray, “Father, reveal to me the certainty of Your provision, how much You love me, forgive me, or how I have ravished Your heart. Father, I ask You to release Your promised guidance, provision, and protection, etc.

D. We actively dialogue with God by praying truths back to Him that exhort us “to obey” His Word. Spiritual warfare: we speak these truths against Satan’s attack on our lives.

1. First, we commit ourselves to obey God in the specific way set forth in a biblical person or passage. Make simple declarations of your resolve to obey the Word or imitate the faith of the godly. For example, declare, “I set my heart to love You and obey You with my speech, time and money, etc. or, I set my heart to love you like David, endure hardship like Paul, pray like Daniel or do miracles like the apostles in the Book of Acts.”

2. Second, we ask God to empower us to obey a particular truth or imitate the example of the godly. Ask God for help to obey in specific areas. For example, pray, “Father help me to love You, to bridle my speech, or to use my time and money in full obedience.” Pray, “lead me away from temptation (Mt. 6:13) or deliver me from the works of the evil one” (Jn. 17:15), or, “Father, I resolve to love You more, or give me power to love you like David, endure hardship like Paul, pray like Daniel or do miracles like the first apostles.”

15

E. Two ways to focus our mind in seeking God: God on His Throne (“Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallow by thy name” and Rev. 4) and God who lives in our spirit. This is a great way to redirect our minds from fleshly thoughts or fantasy (anger, bitterness, rejection/not just sexual) – especially if we are about to be deployed and thoughts of fear invade our minds. We will behold His glory when we connect with His Spirit.

“..The love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14, NAS)

“Out of his heart (belly, KJV) will flow rivers of living water...” (Jn. 7:38)

F. Linger in God’s presence: in dialoging with God in the Word. Take time to linger as you speak slowly to God (include declaring your love and praise, praying with your spirit and being quiet).

G. Journaling: take time to record thoughts and prayers as you “pray-read” through Scripture. This helps us capture the truths that the Spirit gives us and to grow in our prayer dialogue with God. The anointing of the Spirit in you is your best teacher. When you pray the Word in spirit and truth, you and the Spirit work together to provide you with a tailor made teaching in the Word.

“The anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things..” (1 Jn. 2:27)

NOTE: Take 5-10 times per day (2-5 minutes) to Pray-Read the word to strengthen you and commune with the Holy Spirit daily. This would radically your life in 6 months!! Remember, reading the bible is good but interaction with the Holy Spirit as you read the bible is even better. It is the launching pad for dialoging with the Holy Spirit. We cannot walk in the Spirit without talking with the Spirit.

The good news is that the newest believer can do this! Every believer can behold the glory of God in their inner man. “Living flame of love, touch my heart!

H. The Holy Spirit is our emotional resource. He has infinite amount of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. He is saying “I have all you need!” The 9 fruits of the Spirit are made available but not automatic.

PRACTICE SESSION: Thank You Holy Spirit for peace! …pause….Thank You Holy Spirit that You are always here and have overflowing peace for me!

I. Joy takes pressures away. It touches your inner man, strengthens you and refreshes your heart. It cleanses you. Thank You Holy Spirit for Joy!

J. Gentleness will give you a different tone on your heart vs. a stirred up heart. These 9 resources are real power on the human heart (not psycho-sematic)!

K. Caution: Be cautious for the heart that says “I don’t smoke, have issues with sexual lust, etc…I am doing okay” but your mind and emotions are all over the place. Also, today’s freedom does not guarantee tomorrow’s breakthrough. Your breakthrough today will only be contained if you stay in a day-to-day fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The Law of Sin and the Body of Death are screaming at you and without the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, they will dominate and take over! The Law of Sin functions the same way every time unless a greater law is introduced.

16

L. The Law of the Spirit of Life will work every time as long as you engage with Him.

M. Over the next 25 years of your life, you will have to drink and eat many, many times to stay alive. The same is true with our fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will only cooperate to the degree you invite Him in on His terms. I am not saying to say “Bail me out God” and you keep going on with what you are doing wrong. No. The Spirit is saying “I am on your side, in the battle but you have to invite Me into the battle.”

IV. Examples of Pray-Read the Word

A. Jesus promises to reveal the Father’s personality to us as the way to impart love in us for God. Pray: I thank You for desiring to reveal Your Father’s heart to me, please release it. I thank You for Your commitment to impart Divine love to my heart, please release it. I set my heart to be filled with the knowledge of God and walk in love for You. Spirit, help me do this consistently.

PRACTICE SESSION: “I (Jesus) have declared to them Your name (Father’s), and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” (Jn. 17:26)

“You shall love the LORD...with all your heart...and with all your mind.” (Mt. 22:37)

B. God promises to show His power to those who are loyal to Him. Pray: I thank You for desiring to show Yourself strong in me, please release it. I set my heart to be loyal to the Holy Spirit’s leadership in all that I do with my speech, eyes, actions, time and money and with my commitment to prayer with fasting (Sacred Trust). Release Your power to help me walk this out.

“For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” (2 Chr. 16:9)

C. Jesus promises to manifest God’s presence to those who obey His commandments. Pray: I thank You for desiring to manifest Your presence to my heart, please release it. I set my heart to keep (obey) Your Word in my speech, time, money, etc. Holy Spirit, help me to do this. Note: the Father loves everyone in the sense of valuing, caring for and pursuing them. However, He only loves the lifestyle, choices, sacrifices and fruit of those who pursue 100-fold obedience.

PRACTICE SESSION: “He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him...” (Jn. 14:21)

D. We are called to obey the Holy Spirit’s leadership in our speech. God promises that our whole body (our humans passions) will be bridled as we obey the Spirit in our speech. Pray: I set my heart to keep (obey) Your Word in my speech. Holy Spirit, help me to do this with consistency.

PRACTICE SESSION: “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips. (Ps. 141:3)

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit....” (Eph. 4:29-30)

17 “If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body (human passions)... The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.” (Jas 3:2-6)

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may be blameless.” (Phil. 2:14)

“In everything give thanks... Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thes. 5:18-19)

E. God promises to save or deliver those who lay aside filthiness as they meditate on His Word. Pray: I thank You for desiring to deliver my soul from filthiness in me, please release it. I set my heart to lay aside all filthiness and to implant your Word in my heart with meditation and meekness. Please help me to do this with consistency.

PRACTICE SESSION: “Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh (sensuality, addictions, etc.) and spirit (pride, anger, etc.), perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Cor. 7:1)

“Lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save (liberate, deliver) your souls.” (Jas 1:21)

F. God promised that we are a new creation based on giving us the gift of God’s righteousness. Pray: I thank You and declaration my trust that you have given me the righteousness of God, please reveal it to me more by the spirit of revelation. I declare, that all things are new and the old things of my guilt has passed away in Your sight.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new...21 For He (Father) made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Cor. 5:17-21)

VI. Walking in the Spirit in Times of Disaster

“5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:5-11 (NKJV)

A. As believers in the disaster field, the whole inward atmosphere of our spirit will impact the lives of those we help just when they encounter us. It is important to remember the essence of being Born Again, that Jesus not only died to forgive us of our sins and grant us eternal life with Him forever but the third person of the trinity now resides within us! Out of our belly flows rivers of living water! When survivors talk with you, they should see it, experience it!

“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From [a]his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” John 7:38 (NASB)

18

B. Be open to fresh ideas that may come out of nowhere, perhaps a word of encouragement for a survivor, or maybe a solution to a problem that comes from a dream. We walk in the Spirit by talking with the Spirit. Keep a dialog with the Holy Spirit in the disaster field.

“The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (NASB)

C. Position your heart for the Holy Spirit to be active in you. How? Pray as you drive to the disaster scene, worship in the car, pray back memorized scriptures that move your heart and begin dialoging with the Holy Spirit. Other examples (class examples). The Holy Spirit will wait until you invite Him into your situation because God honors our free will. It was His initiative that He drew us near to Him. Now we must abide in Him and He will abide in us.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” John 15:4 (ESV)

D. Our words can quench the Holy Spirit and hinder His work. We can activate the Holy Spirit working within us by inviting Him into the situation and we can deactivate Him through our words and sin.

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:29-30 (NKJV)

E. The Holy Spirit will speak to your heart sometimes in dire situations but typically when things are not right and will warn you to stop through a subtle impression in your heart or mind. This is really good but there is so much more to walking in the Spirit when we talk with the Holy Spirit.

F. Most people “hope” they are walking in the spirit. Every time we talk with the Holy Spirit, we release power on the inside. We experience the Holy Spirit in “small portions” like our natural body does with food. It strengthens us over the year as we continuously eat small portions throughout the year. Some want a man of God to pray over them hoping for enough to last us a year vs. constant dialog and feeding to sustain us, day after day.

G. The first hour of a new believers life can be a conversation with the Holy Spirit! Holy Spirit, thank You for Your peace! There is no anxiety stronger than You!!

H. Don’t say…”I will try this once and if it doesn’t work, go on with life as usual.” If you fasted for 40 days and eat one meal, you shouldn’t expect to be strengthened after eating one meal. It is the same with the talking with the Holy Spirit for the first time. We are used to walking in our flesh (body/soul). Most don’t know how to connect with their spirit. Most believers have never talked directly to the Holy Spirit. You can’t call anyone a friend that you don’t talk to. We must talk to this consuming fire within us!

I. How to break the cycle of walking in the flesh? 2-5 minutes per day, 10x per day. Try it for 30- days and you will experience the beginning of a transformed life!

19

VII. T-R-U-S-T

Here is a five-letter acronym, T-R-U-S-T, used by Mike Bickle, Founder of International House of Prayer (IHOPKC). He uses this to pray through on a daily basis.

T: Thank You

The first thing is to turn our attention inward to recognize the Spirit’s presence and simply thank Him for His indwelling presence. I say, “Thank You, Spirit, for Your presence in my spirit.” Occasionally add affectionate phrases like, “I love You, Holy Spirit, and I enjoy Your presence.”

R: Release revelation of Your glory

Paul prayed that the Father of glory release the spirit of revelation to His people (Eph. 1:17) Moses prayed, “Please, show me Your glory” (Ex. 33:18). Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see the realm of God’s glory that you may encounter more of His glory and heart.

U: Use me

Paul exhorted us to seek diligently to be used in the gifts of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:31; 14:1). The Spirit promised to release His gifts through every believer (Acts 2:17-21; 1 Cor. 12:7). Thank the Holy Spirit for His gifts and ask Him to release them to you in a greater measure. Ask Him to give impressions to you to bless people, that you may be a vessel of His presence to glorify Jesus.

S: Strengthen me

The Spirit will strengthen our inner man by touching our minds and emotions with the might of His presence. We can draw on His strength by thanking Him for the reality of His power that is already in our born-again spirit. Because the Spirit lives in us, the fruit of the Spirit— love, joy, peace, and so on—is in our spirit now. We can experience more of the power of this fruit by thanking Him that it is already in us. 16…to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man. (Eph. 3:16)

22The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23)

T: Teach me

The Spirit is the Teacher who leads us into God’s will and ways so that we are able to live in partnership with God. We ask the Spirit to teach us about God’s Word, will, and ways by giving us wisdom and creative ideas for every area of our life, including how to steward our money, excel in a career, manage our time, prosper in relationships (in our family, church, workplace, etc.), function in ministry, and walk in purity and health (physically and emotionally). He will guide us in ways that help us walk in holiness, have health in our bodies, and so on. 26But the Helper, the Holy Spirit…He will teach you all things… (Jn. 14:26)

Note: Special Recognition and thanks to Mike Bickle, Founder of the International House of Prayer (IHOPKC), Disciples Training Center Founder, Dr. Jim Boswell and Mark & Patti Virkler, author of “4 Keys to Hearing God’s Voice” and Christian writer, Craig von Buseck. ADRN has resourced some of their to bring this teaching to you. 20