Tag Archives: The Holy Spirit

A New View of Surrender, Part 2

September 22, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What, why, when, how… to surrender?

It is not easy for us to surrender. It is, therefore, important to understand how surrendering operates in our daily lives. This is where we will begin today.

As we stated earlier in this study, to surrender means to give up power, control, or possession of a thing. For believers, that thing is us! Spiritual surrender is the relinquishing of our will to the will of God. Each day we are tempted by our flesh, the world, and Satan to give up power, control, or possession of our life (1 John 2:15-17). That’s why it is important to be alert and watchful to decisions that lead us to death or to obedience (Romans 6:16).

Why surrender?

This question, for me, was a game changer! To truly understand “why” surrender, it is important to understand what it means to be “filled by the Spirit”. While the definition of “filling” or “indwelling” of the Holy Spirit may vary based on one’s denomination, I will share the most common understanding by theologians.

The filling of the Spirit refers to a continual process of spiritual growth and maturity, where believers are constantly controlled by the Holy Spirit in their mind, emotions, and will. It is not a feeling or emotional experience, but rather the yielding of one’s life to the Lord. The filling of the Spirit empowers us to live the surrendered life.

When to surrender?

At the moment of salvation, we surrender to the Holy Spirit who brings us to repentance (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit regenerates our spirit and we become new creatures in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:16-17). It is at that time that the Holy Spirit takes permanent residence in our life (1 Corinthians 3:16).

We continue this process of surrender so that we will “act more like Jesus” or “be conformed” to His image (Romans 8:29). This is only possible through our obedience to the Holy Spirit.

How to surrender?

As we stated earlier, the Holy Spirit’s filling is the yielding of our life to the Lord. Key to this definition is the word, yielding. Yielding implies an act of cooperation by us as recipients of the Spirit. Unlike our initial salvation, it is a continual process in our spiritual growth. This is the daily work of surrender (2 Corinthians 3:18).

I offer three “R’s of Surrender” to help us practice this critical element in our Christian walk.

- Repentance. Continually examine our life to identify those things that act as idols and influences. Be brutal in discarding those things that hinder our absolute surrender. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)
- Realization. Depend wholly on the directions and leanings of the Holy Spirit. Surrender cannot be accomplished by our “good works” or best efforts. It is the work of God. (Luke 18:27)
- Relationship. Understand the will of God by spending time with Him. Prayer, meditation, and His Word are direct paths to surrender. Practice His presence throughout the day. (Psalms 42:1-2)

God blesses when we surrender

To live in the fullness God has planned for our life, it is important that we surrender to God. This means we must give up those things that hinder the Holy Spirit’s work in our life. This includes not only personal sin, but our self-will, self-confidence, and self-effort.

I close with these insightful words from Andrew Murray as to the blessings associated with our surrender to God.

I say again, God will bless you. You have been praying for blessing. But do remember, there must be absolute surrender. At every tea table you see it. Why is tea poured into that cup? Because it is empty and given up for the tea. But put ink, or vinegar, or wine into it, and will they pour the tea into the vessel? And can God fill you, can God bless you if you are not absolutely surrendered to Him? He cannot.[1]

To be filled, we must empty ourselves. We must surrender.

[1] Absolute Surrender, Andrew Murray

Our Faith Walk

A New View of Surrender, Part 1

September 15, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

What does surrender look like?

To surrender means to give up power, control, or possession of a thing. It is often used in military terms to express a point of “handing over” a town or a fortification to an enemy. It is punitive, in nature, when viewed from this vantage point.

However, from a spiritual standpoint, surrendering offers greater benefit when viewed from our loving God. Spiritual surrender (surrender to God) is based on His grace and love (Ephesians 2:4-8). Through His Holy Spirit, we respond with trust and obedience. We learn to surrender to God!

Sin and surrender

Sin and surrender have more in common than their first letter. Sin has at its core the stubborn resistance to surrender oneself to the authority and rule of God. Remember Adam and Eve?

Often, we fail to see the spiritual reality of these two conflicting influences in the world. Each day we, unknowingly or knowingly, choose one we will surrender to. Who will rule, control, and influence our life? This requires that we continually examine our position of surrender. In his letter to the church in Rome, the Apostle Paul makes clear this truth.

Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

God Expects Our Surrender

Surrendering to God allows the Holy Spirit to accomplish the plans and purpose that God has created for us (2 Timothy 1:9). Through our surrender, we understand and live a life that reflects our prayer, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

The perfect example of surrender is seen in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. He often proclaimed that His life was focused only on the things of God. God’s will versus His own (John 8:29). Revisit Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and see how the Holy Spirit undergirded our Savior as He agonized between His fleshly will and the will of the Father (Matthew 26:38-42). Strengthened by an angel, Jesus fulfilled the purpose for which He came to earth to save mankind.

Absolute Surrender

In his book, Absolute Surrender, Andrew Murray gives a key as to why we must surrender to God.

You know in daily life what absolute surrender is. You know that everything has to be given up to its special, definite object and service. I have a pen in my pocket, and that pen is absolutely surrendered to the one work of writing, and that pen must be absolutely surrendered to my hand if I am to write properly with it.

If another holds it partly, I cannot write properly. And now, do you expect that in your immortal being, in the divine nature that you have received by regeneration, God can work his work every day and every hour unless you are entirely given up to him? God cannot.[1]

For God to accomplish His purpose in our life, we must be absolutely surrendered to Him.

[1] Absolute Surrender and Other Addresses, Andrew Murray

The Holy Spirit

Myths, Lies, and Misunderstandings about the Holy Spirit

July 21, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Danger ahead…MLMs

As we discussed last week, myths, lies, and misunderstandings (MLMs) are dangerous to the spiritual welfare of both believers and nonbelievers. The best strategy to guard against MLMs is God’s truth.

That truth is available through the Holy Spirit and the Bible. Because Satan is continually exposed by both, it is not surprising that these two are frequently the subject of many MLMs.

Today, we will share MLMs most often repeated about the Holy Spirit.

Top MLMs about the Holy Spirit

Though not exhaustive, here are my top MLMs concerning the Holy Spirit. The source of this list are frequent questions I have received concerning the third person of the Trinity.

Myth: “The Holy Spirit is for Super Christians. He is not for everyone.”

Unfortunately, this myth has been around for quite some time due to religious and denominational differences. The devastating result of this myth is that people question whether they are indwelled by the Holy Spirit. In addition, this myth gives the perception that Christians receive the Holy Spirit based on their merit.

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, Jesus gifts us with the Holy Spirit (Galatians 3:14). While we can’t control the Holy Spirit, we can, however, hinder His work. We can quench the Holy Spirit by refusing His guidance or grieve Him by continuing to do sinful acts.

As we surrender our will to God’s will, we will receive greater filling by the Spirit. “Filling” means we empty ourselves of self and make room for MORE of HIM. This results in the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and conforming to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29).

Lie: “The Holy Spirit is actually our inner spirit guiding us on the path to our true purpose and destiny.”

It’s a path alright. A path to nowhere. This is perhaps the most egregious lie designed by the devil. It denies the reality of God. Satan’s MO is to always have man look to himself as the primary source of power and control. This is a “self-directed” belief (lie) that keeps people from coming to the “glorious gospel of Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:4).

This strategy of Satan is intended to keep us bound, broken, and discouraged. We fail to reach God’s designed purpose for our lives. Why? Because we attempt to do what only God can do through His Holy Spirit in us (John 15:5; Ephesians 3:20).

Misunderstanding: “The Holy Spirit is like an angel that God sends to help people.”

This belief reflects a lack of understanding of who God is and the work of the Trinity. First and foremost, God is one God with three distinct, eternal, coexistent persons. God is the Creator of all things (Genesis 1). Jesus, who is God’s only begotten Son is also God. And finally, the Holy Spirit, who is God’s Spirit is also God.

Regarding these three manifestations of our one, God, we must recognize their distinctions, but not separate them from one another. We will never understand all that God wants us to know about him without having full knowledge of each representation of him. [1]

Without a correct knowledge of God, we risk “being tossed to and fro by every wind of new teaching and influence, when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth” (Ephesians 4:14, NLT). The best approach to deal with MLMs is to know the truth. Be alert to myths, lies, and misunderstandings that threaten our walk of faith.

Next week we will focus on MLMs pertaining to the Bible.

[1] Lead Me, Holy Spirit: Longing to Hear the Voice of God, Stormie Omartian

Spiritual Renewal

Defending the Abundant Life

July 8, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Who stole our abundant life: Recap

In our early discussions on abundant living, we acknowledged the forces that vie for our attention and inevitably drain us of living the abundant life promised to us, by Jesus in John 10:10. These forces are described as thieves that creep into our lives to “steal, kill, and destroy”: to steal our peace, to kill our hope, and to demolish our lives.

Abundant life, offered by Jesus, is a life vigorously devoted to and in personal relationship with God and with others (John 15:4-5)). Abundant life offers spiritual freedom and eternity with God to those who put their trust in Christ (John 3:16).

We concluded that abundant life is only possible through the leading (filling) of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). The result? Life lived “in the presence of, under the authority of, to the honor and glory of God. (Coram Deo)

To close the study on abundant living, let’s detail three key threats to our abundant life.

The Thieves

God’s Word warns us of three “thieves” that have operated in the world since its creation and continue with extraordinary success today. They are the areas that are responsible for the demise of not only individuals but also families and nations.

These thieves have mastered the art of seduction and deception. They use not only our personal weaknesses against us (Hebrew 12:1) but also information gleaned from social media and digital platforms. The three thieves attempt to stand between us and God. Their intent? To damage our relationship. To stop, block, and damage our source of abundance, which is God alone. They create breaches in our spiritual wall that result in the lack of God’s abundance. These thieves are the world, Satan, and our flesh.

The World and Satan

As followers of Christ, abundant life is not dependent on the world’s view of abundance. While God blesses us with provision and favor in this life, we are not dependent on the things offered by the world for our needs.

The world attempts to dictate our identity based on computer algorithms and logic versus our identity in Christ. (Galatians 2:20) The world demands our attention and fosters the belief that our best life centers on wealth, power and influence. The world draws us away from the true source of all our needs (John 15:5).

What can we say about Satan? He does sin very well. He is a master of deception and lies. It is his intention to keep us as far away from God and the truth as possible.

One way He does that is by developing “counterfeits” to the real things that are possible only through our relationship with Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 11:14-15; 1 John 4:1)

Satan rarely invents; he imitates and corrupts. God offers truth; Satan substitutes deception. God offers life; Satan promises life but produces death. God offers eternal joy; Satan offers fleeting pleasure with lasting consequences. The Holy Spirit gives discernment so we believers can recognize the difference.

Our Flesh

The quote “We have met the enemy and he is us.” is most famously attributed to Walt Kelly, creator of the comic strip Pogo, written for a 1971 Earth Day poster. Kelly’s quote pointed to the source of many of our problems—our actions, attitudes, and choices. Our flesh controls those actions, attitudes, and choices.

Awareness of our flesh’s weakness is offered in passages such as:

- - Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all things…”
  - James 4:1 – “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”
  - Romans 7:18 – “I know that in me dwelleth no good thing.”

Our flesh’s desire to satisfy our needs (versus God’s will) result in disobedience and sin (1 John 2: 88). We can’t blame everything of the world and Satan. Sometimes the enemy is “in me.”

Defending God’s Gift of Abundant Life

How do we defend our abundant life? Short list.

1. 1. Grow in the knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. (2 Peter 1:2)
  2. Pursue and maintain an intentional, intimate walk with Jesus. (James 4:8)
  3. Be filled (obedient) with the Holy Spirit. (John 10:27)

Meditate on the scriptures cited on the short list. Begin implementing the offered solutions in your life. Then watch God’s abundance flow freely into your life.

Spiritual Renewal

Seeking Abundant Living

June 30, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Seeking an abundant life?

What is abundant life? In Hebrew, abundance or abundant, range in meaning from “blessings” (the good things one is blessed with) to “plenty and much”. Under the Mosaic covenant, God promised that obedience would bring rich material blessings to God’s people. (Deuteronomy 30:9-10) It was there that man viewed abundance as material wealth, riches, and possessions. This is also the world’s view of abundance. Abundant living follows as a natural consequence of material possessions.

These “negative” aspects of the kingdom run counter to a heresy that is gaining ground around the world, the so-called “prosperity” gospel. A growing number of false teachers are gathering followers under the message “God wants you to be rich!” But that philosophy is not the counsel of the Bible—and it is certainly not the counsel of Matthew 6:33, which is not a formula for gaining wealth. It is a description of how God works. Jesus taught that our focus should be shifted away from this world—its status and its lying allurements—and placed upon the things of God’s kingdom.[1]

Seeking worldly success?

Why do we seek material abundance? It is an indicator of our identity with personal success and standing. While I’m not saying anything is wrong with material abundance, I only caution our pursuit and dependence on it to validate who we are.

Jesus cautioned in Luke 12:15 that a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. Using this warning as an introduction to the parable of the rich fool, Jesus concludes with this sad observation for those who seek physical abundance.

And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many good things stored up, [enough] for many years; rest and relax, eat, drink and be merry (celebrate continually)”. But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own all the things you have prepared?’ So it is for the one who continues to store up and hoard possessions for himself and is not rich [in his relationship] toward God.” (Luke 12:19-21, Amplified)

What hinders our abundant life?

How do we know if we’re truly seeking God’s kingdom first? There are questions we can ask ourselves. “Where do I primarily spend my energies? Is all my time and money spent on goods and activities that will certainly perish, or in the service of God—the results of which live on for eternity?” Believers who have learned to truly put God first may then rest in this holy dynamic: “…and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Finding abundant life.

Abundant living is only possible through the leading (filling) of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Abundant living is everything we need to reclaim our lives—balance, energy, peace, simplicity, and happiness.

Abundant living differs from worldly success by focusing on spiritual fulfillment through love, joy, peace, and purpose rather than financial prosperity or personal gain. Biblical characteristics of abundant life include love, joy, peace, purpose, growth, freedom, and hope, all stemming from a relationship with God.

Like the rich fool, we will be disappointed if we place our focus on the world’s view of abundant living. For life to truly be enjoyed, it will be through our personal relationship with God. God is more than our sufficiency. He is our Great Reward. (Genesis 15:1; Matthew 5:12)

[1] Got Questions, “What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God?”

Spiritual Maturity

Truth: The Divine Perspective

June 2, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Truth is an incredibly significant concept. Our view of truth shapes not only our personal lives but also our society. It especially impacts our relationship with God including our view of Scripture.

Our definition of truth is affected by what we watch, what we read, and even the opinions of our friends. Add to that the sway of social media, your “truth” is being adjusted with every post and tweet you receive. Imagine there are 500 million tweets sent every day[1]. Scary isn’t it.

Let’s face reality! We live in an age where we are being bombarded by varying opinions as to what is or isn’t truth. Because of these deceptive trends, it is important that we have a reliable and trustworthy compass by which to navigate in this world. We need guidance from God. We need God’s divine perspective.

God’s perspective of truth

In the Old Testament, truth is rendered as true or faithful. In either case, the Hebrew concept communicates reliability and trustworthiness. This trustworthiness is frequently used to describe God’s divine faithfulness (Psalms 31:5; Jeremiah 42:5).

In the New Testament, truth emphasizes reality as God has revealed it in creation (Romans 1:18) and in the gospel (Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 1:5; 1 Timothy 2:4). God’s perspective of truth is given to us through His Word and through the Spirit of Truth—the Holy Spirit. Armed with these divine gifts we are provided a continual source of truth.

Truth in action

Adherence to the truth was critical during the formation of the early Church. Pressured by the Judaizers to continue with the practice of circumcision, the church at Galatia was in danger of spiritual error. They were rejecting the truth (salvation through Jesus Christ alone) to avoid persecution. We at one time or another have been guilty of quietly accepting error versus being truth tellers. That is to our shame.

In Galatians 5:7, Paul poses a question to this young church: “You were getting along so well. Who has interfered with you to hold you back from following the truth?”

Paul continues by stating emphatically, “This persuasion does not come from the One who calls you.” When we drift from the truth that God has revealed, we can be assured of its origin—the puppeteer of deception and lies, Satan.

Coram Deo is a Latin phrase translated “in the presence of God”. It has its origin is Christian theology which summarizes the idea of Christians living in the presence of, under the authority of, to the honor and glory of God. Truth is to be lived Coram Deo.

Practicing God’s divine perspective

Truth is to be practiced not only within the church but also outside its four walls. Imagine the impact that error has on every aspect of our society—in our homes, in the workplace, and in our institutions. Practicing God’s divine perspective acknowledges the importance of sharing truth in every sphere of our life.

Using God’s revelation, we have access to reliable knowledge—divine truth—about God, about ourselves, and how we are to live in relationship with our fellow man. Unfortunately, we often separate our “faith walk” from our “lifestyle”. God’s truth should permeate every area of our life. Practicing God’s divine perspective requires that we walk in God’s truth continuously.

Dependency on the Divine

Our dependence on God’s truth is not based on emotional sentimentalities but firmly grounded in the nature of God (Deuteronomy 7:9). We walk in accordance with His moral realities and act in harmony with His divine revelations (Psalms 26:3). Practicing God’s divine perspective recognizes God’s trustworthiness.

Knowing the reliability of God and accepting the reality of God, we can begin to operate from God’s divine perspective. God’s divine truth becomes the vehicle by which we can successfully navigate in this 21^st century postmodern society.

[1] Brandwatch.com

Victorious Living

A Better New Year’s Resolution, Part 2

January 13, 2026 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

A better new year

As we previously shared, new year’s resolutions are not the best way to create change in our life. Strength of character and self-will, often fall short in taking us where we really want to be. We determined that “the best way” to introduce real change in our lives is through our relationship with Jesus Christ. We must put on our “new man”. In Christ we have a new identity.

Embrace our identity in Christ

When I began my Christian walk, the meaning of “in Christ” was a mystery to me. I tried to understand it based on those things I was familiar with. For example, I established membership in the local church. I was in fellowship with its members to serve and glorify God in my life. But “in Christ”, what did it mean?

In Christ is the present experience of the risen Christ indwelling the believer’s heart. Through the Holy Spirit we take on the personality of Christ. It is more than an imitation of the life and teaching of Jesus. It describes the believer’s union with Christ as a result of the divine action of grace by God. The result of that action is the believer is transformed into a “new man.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Renewed in knowledge

Knowledge is defined as general awareness or familiarity gained by experience of a fact or situation.

However, in Colossians 3:10 knowledge means “precise and correct knowledge”. It is used in the New Testament of the knowledge of things ethical and divine. It is this type of knowledge that is needed today to navigate the challenges of our times.

Paul tells the church at Colosse to “put on the new man” who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. “New man” and “old man” were terms introduced by Paul to contrast the believer’s new versus old behaviors and lifestyle (Romans 6:6; Ephesians 2:15; 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-11).

So why did Paul tell the church to put on the new man? Because the new man has access to the “precise and correct” knowledge needed for righteous living (living in right relations with God and with mankind). This knowledge is provided through the Holy Spirit living within the new man (John 16:13). This is where transformation takes place.

In addition, this new man’s knowledge is further strengthened as a result of being created in the image of God. In Christ we possess God’s divine nature—His DNA. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a self-replicating material present in nearly all living organisms. It is the unique string of characteristics that make us who we are—physically and mentally. In Christ, we have been given a new spiritual DNA that equips us for the purpose and plan God has created for our lives.

True Knowledge

In Christ, we not only have renewed knowledge but also “true” knowledge. Paul describes this in 2 Peter 1:2-4.

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 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.

Knowledge (of God) protects us against error and deception, regardless of its source. It helps us discern and use God’s truth to guide our life. True knowledge sharpens our spiritual eyes to see not only potential dangers but also the possibilities that God has in store for us.

Promise of a better year

If we want a better new year, we must be intentional. Our aim should not be wasted on things that never work. Our focus must continue to be on the Person who has the authority and power to “make all things work together for our good.” (Romans 8:28). That person is Almighty God (Psalm 97:1-2).

Our divine truth is this. Being in Christ and knowledge of God will provide us with everything we need to be successful not only this new year, but also all the way to glory. Let us diligently seek the Lord more this year than last. This is the best way to a better new year.

Spiritual Renewal

Rest in the Wilderness

November 18, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Finding our wilderness rest

Rest. Who needs rest? We all do! Health professionals agree that the need for rest is critical. It is essential for our overall well-being. This includes our emotional health and cognitive performance.

But how can we rest? 21^st century living has introduced a unique set of challenges that radically impair our ability to rest. Our current life experiences have resulted in heightened anxiety within our families, our cities, and our nation.

Similarly, rest for believers has always been (and will continue to be) challenging. This is because we live in a fallen world. However, the writer of Hebrews (Hebrews 4:9-11) offers a “viable solution”. He invites believers to enter God’s rest.

Defining rest

Webster defines rest as not only sleep but also as freedom from worry or trouble. Rest in the Bible is used most frequently in non-theological terms.

However, it takes on spiritual meaning when used in relationship to God and His people. Most specifically, when used in reference to the Old and New Covenant.

God addresses wilderness rest

In the Old Testament, Sabbath rest is first introduced in Genesis as God ceases from His work of creation (Genesis 2:2-3). God later commanded Sabbath rest as part of the Mosaic Law (Exodus 31:15). He knew that all living creatures needed physical renewal.

Canaan rest began with the deliverance of the children of Israel from Egypt. Rest was defined as deliverance from slavery. Canaan rest established protection from and victory over Israel’s enemies as they entered into the Promised Land (Joshua 14:15). By following God’s commandments, Israel would no longer be threatened by attack from Canaanite inhabitants (Joshua 23:1). Peace in the land would be their rest.

Most importantly, Jesus Christ’s arrival and selfless act of atonement introduced us to God’s Eternal rest. This rest surpassed those previously offered beginning with precious promises (2 Peter 1:4) and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (John 14:17, 26). Believer’s eternal rest will culminate with Jesus Christ in eternity.

Accessing God’s rest

Accessing God’s rest is possible through development of an intimate relationship with Him. Our rest can be found in listening to His voice and obediently acquiescing to His will (John 10:27). For example, believers should let God’s Word and Spirit guide us. God has already provided solutions for our problems therefore releasing us from unnecessary anxiety and fear.

On this matter of rest, Lawrence O. Richards, noted theologian writes: “The struggle Christians are engaged in is not that of finding their way through life but of entering God’s rest.” That is, believers need to be more responsive to the Lord.

Responding to rest in the wilderness

We can find rest as we listen for and respond to the Lord’s voice. We trust the Creator of all rests—Sabbath rest, Canaan rest, and Eternal rest.

Only Sovereign God can create, deliver, and protect. He gives use victory over the challenges we face (Romans 8:37). God knows the end from the beginning and His purpose will stand (Isaiah 46:8-10). It is God’s desire that we live more fully as recipients of His gift of rest. He invites us to draw near.

Spiritual Guidance

Navigating Life with Truth and Spiritual Discernment

August 5, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

In search of truth

Can we agree that truth is important? But how do we handle the growth in mis-, dis-, and counter-information we receive daily? Because of these increases, individuals, communities and institutions have become more strategic in response to these truth crushers.

These strategies include educational campaigns that recognize unreliable sources and the creation of fact-checking organizations. Social media companies and technology platforms have implemented partnerships that identify misleading and harmful content.

Individual strategies include unfollowing or blocking habitual spreaders of falsehood, fact-checking, and withdrawing from platforms with disinformation. Despite all these efforts, unfortunately, people tend to trust misinformation that aligns with their beliefs.

If truth is ultimately found, how do we use it, especially in our faith walk? Truth is best used in practicing spiritual discernment.

What is spiritual discernment?

Discernment involves the process of keen insight and good judgment. People express discernment about things that are important to them. For example, if you are watching your weight, you will be very discerning about the food you select and its preparation. If you need legal advice, you will exercise great discernment in the selection of the best lawyer to assist you. In similar manner, spiritual discernment helps believers “judge well”.

Spiritual discernment encompasses separating divine truth from error. This is a difficult task as we are torn between the world’s influence, our human flesh, and Satan’s deception. First Thessalonians 5:21 advises us to “Test all things; hold fast to what is good.” The world has told us there is no such thing as “good”—no standard of right or wrong; it is all relative, based on each person’s unique situation.

Spiritual discernment, however, depends on truth. It is the God-given ability to perceive, understand, and judge what is true, right, and aligned with God’s will. It does not rely on personal feelings, cultural trends, or partial knowledge. Spiritual discernment without truth leads to confusion, error, and deception (Hebrews 5:14)

Our source of spiritual discernment

First and foremost, as believers, we accept God’s Word as the ultimate source of truth. It is our spiritual “warning system” for detecting error. It is the perfect standard by which we distinguish right from wrong. Spiritual discernment is sharpened through deep knowledge of Scripture. Without truth from the Word, spiritual discernment becomes subjective or distorted.

- For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)

- The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. (Psalm 119:160)

Secondarily, The Holy Spirit, living within us, is the Truth Discerner, who will lead us into all truth. He knows the mind of God and will direct us based on God’s purpose and plan for our life.

- But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13)

- So, I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16)

Spiritual discernment is a Spirit-empowered ability to apply truth to every life situation and decision we make.

A Closing Warning

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy in 67 C.E. that the time would come “when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable].” (2 Timothy 4:3-4, Amplified)

God has given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us in all wisdom and knowledge, that we may live righteous and holy lives (2 Peter 1:3-4). If we seek only to be “healthy, wealthy, and wise”, we will not be spiritually discerning. It is our responsibility as children of light (Ephesians 5:8) and defenders of truth (1 Peter 3:15) to embrace and cultivate spiritual discernment. Spiritual discernment is critical for navigating 21^st century living.

Spiritual Maturity

Spiritual Sight: A Deeper Perspective, Part 2

April 8, 2025 ITWMinistries Leave a comment

Looking beyond what we can see

The ability to see has been associated with many things in the biblical record. It has been linked to wisdom (Job 42:5), to salvation (Ephesians 1:18), and to discernment (John 7:24). This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it helps to expand our understanding of spiritual sight. Spiritual sight help us to “look beyond what we can see”.

To see or not to see

The prophet Jeremiah was a heartbroken prophet with a heartbreaking message. He labored for more than 40 years proclaiming a message of doom to the stiff-necked people of Judah.

Hear this now, O foolish people, Without understanding, Who have eyes and see not, And who have ears and hear not: (Jeremiah 5:21-29)

Despite Jeremiah’s many warnings, they did not see that their behavior was headed for a collision with the judgment of God. Judah continued to worship idols, disobey God’s covenant, and practice social injustice. Their lack of vision and refusal to surrender to God’s will resulted in exile to Babylon for 70 years. Judah’s loyalty had become divided and had blinded her to the things of God.

How would we evaluate our current world and the choices being made? Who has eyes and sees not and ears yet hears not?

Barriers to seeing spiritually

The “usual suspects” stand as barriers to using our spiritual sight. They are our flesh, the world, and Satan.

Our flesh is the natural or “unredeemed” part of us that take us away from the purpose of God. Our flesh sees with natural eyes and refuses to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit. Paul the Apostle notes that it is impossible for the natural man to see with spiritual eyes (1 Corinthians. 2:13-16).

The world is that which is contrary to the things of God. It includes the lusts of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16). We are told by the Apostle John, that those who love the world do not love God (1 John 2:15). Divided loyalty ultimately leads to disobedience (Titus 1:16).

Satan does what Satan always does: he discourages, he deceives, and he destroys. Of all the barriers, Satan is the greatest challenge. Why? Because most people don’t believe he exists. He remains the unseen “puppeteer behind the curtain”. But be assured he is very real. Look for him where there is conflict, confusion, and chaos (James 3:16). However, to see him, we will need our spiritual sight.

Our flesh, the world, and Satan keep us from viewing the world as it really exists. In addition, the postmodern, 21^st century worldview has created a “distorted” picture of what we see. This is especially true with identifying sin.

Our “spiritual sensibilities” are slowly being dulled. The ultimate goal, of course, is complete spiritual blindness.

How do we gain spiritual sight?

First and foremost, we need to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Jesus shared with His Disciples the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding them in all truth (John 16:13-14). Each day it is important that we invite the Holy Spirit to join us through reading scripture, meditation, and prayer. As we do, we train our spirit man to “listen for the Spirit’s voice” as He communicates with us.

Secondarily, we can practice the presence of the Holy Spirit. Practicing the Holy Spirit’s presence acknowledges the fact that God, in all His fullness, is always with us (Psalm 139:7-12). Because of that, we should not limit this practice to our devotion and prayer time only but also include it in our “normal rhythm of life“.

Finally, we must be intentional in our pursuit of the knowledge of God and our growth in Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Seeing with spiritual sight is not a natural attribute for believers. Therefore, it must be developed.

Give all diligence

The Apostle Peter describes this process as “giving all diligence to add to our faith” (2 Peter 1:5-8). Diligence translated means earnestness in accomplishing, promoting, or striving after anything. Peter describes the results for believers who lack that diligence: “They are short-sighted, even to blindness…” (2 Peter 1:9)

Let us make a commitment today to develop our spiritual sight. While it’s been said that “the eyes are the windows of the soul”, it is more important to believe that spiritual sight will “keep your soul.” (Matthew 6:22-24).