DISCERN AND ESCHEW THE WRONG THOUGHTS
📖For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry… (1 Samuel 15:23).
The word witchcraft used in 1 Samuel 15:23 specifically refers to divination, a form of spiritual manipulation that God forbids. However, this is not the only kind of witchcraft mentioned in the Bible. In 2 Chronicles 33, we are introduced to King Manasseh, a ruler who led Judah into terrible idolatry and demonic practices.
2 Chronicles 33:1-6 says, “Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. But did that which was evil in the sight of the LORD, like unto the abominations of the heathen… And he caused his children to pass through the fire also, he observed times, and used m enchantments, and used witchcraft….”
In the passage above, another Hebrew word is used for “witchcraft,” which primarily refers to whispering spells, practices that involve the use of words and thoughts to manipulate spiritual forces. Nonetheless, witchcraft, in its
various forms, is often about the work of demons. But one key aspect is whispering spells, which involve sending spirits through words and thoughts.
These spells are communicated via spoken words with spiritual intent, designed to summon or dispatch demons. What’s particularly remarkable is that these demonic whispers often arrive as thoughts. They reach people as internal prompts, seemingly harmless at first. But remember, words are thoughts clothed in vocabulary. So, be quick to reject the wrong thoughts. Not every thought is from God, and not every thought you have originated from your own mind. Thoughts can come from multiple sources: from God, from your own mind, and from demons. That’s why it’s crucial to inundate your heart and mind with the Word of our God.
Only through the discerning power of the Holy Spirit, combined with knowledge of the Word, can you distinguish between divine thoughts and demonic whispers. The Bible
instructs us to test every spirit (1 John 4:1). You must be vigilant to examine the source of every thought and impression.
It’s part of the reason you must give yourself wholly to the Word (1 Timothy 4:15); let it dwell in you richly (Colossians 3:16). With a deep knowledge of God’s Word and the leading of His Spirit, you’ll discern and reject the wrong thoughts and influences and embrace only the right ones.
PRAYER
Dear Father, thank you for your Word and the gift of the Spirit. My heart is guarded with truth and wisdom to reject every thought that’s contrary to your Word, your will, and your destiny for my life. I walk in spiritual discernment and in the clarity and light of your Spirit, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
If you’re blessed by this devotional, believing every word you heard by faith in your heart, and would love to make Jesus the lord of your life, then speak the confessions below out loud, and mean them with your heart:
“O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised Him from the dead. I believe He’s alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. Through Him and in His Name, I have eternal life; I’m born again. Thank you Lord, for saving my soul! I’m now a child of God. Hallelujah!”
If you just prayed the prayer of salvation, we have a gift for you. First, kindly click this link so we can connect with you and help you grow in Christ.
Then click here to get your gift. Thank you, and God bless you.
Message by Rev. Chris Oyakhilome Dsc. Dsc. DD.
📚FURTHER STUDY:
Philippians 4:8; 1 John 4:1; Romans 12:2
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Luke 11:14-36 & Judges 3-4
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN
Romans 8:12-19 & Psalm 110-111
