Jeanie Martin Ministries

Be well balanced (temperate, sober of mind), be vigilant and cautious at all times; for that enemy of yours, the devil, roams around like a lion roaring [in fierce hunger], seeking someone to seize upon and devour. Withstand him; be firm in faith [against his onset – rooted, established, strong, immovable, and determined], knowing that the same (identical) suffering are appointed to your brotherhood (the whole body of Christians) throughout the world; (1^st Pet. 5:8-9 Amp.).

TEMPTATION

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it; (1^st Cor. 10:13 NIV).

Every person has a battle when it comes to temptation. The mind is the battlefield, and what the mind thinks it governs. In order to overcome negative thinking, you have to choose (on purpose) to think positive thoughts. The battle is won by responding to the initial prompting of the Holy Spirit. He will guide you into all truths pertaining to life. He will open your eyes and reveal the deceptive ways of the enemy.

(*Read 1^st Corinthians Chapter 10 in its entirety. Chapter 10 fully addresses the mistakes that the previous generations made, mistakes that cost them their lives.)

SPIRITUAL DISCERNMENT

First of all, you must know yourself. Get to know yourself by listening carefully and paying close attention to your thoughts. Listen intently to what you’re thinking about. Not every thought that you think comes from you. There are three distinct voices that you will hear in your mind. Your conscious, The Holy Spirit, and satan (the devil).

Spiritual discernment ultimately has to do with wisdom and the ability to distinguish truth from error. God has given every person a conscience to guide and guard them. Your conscience is actively processing information and analyzing situations. If you’re a believer, the Holy Spirit works through your conscience to remind you of your new identity in Christ. He helps us to remain focused on our goals. But, if you’re not a believer, you don’t have the Spirit of God.

The third voice is that of the enemy, and when satan speaks it’s always a lie! He told the first lie to Eve in the Garden of Eden; (Gen. 3). She believed the enemy’s lie and we’ve been in spiritual warfare every since that day. satan plants a seed in the mind and waits for us to take the bait… and the battle rages on!

Choose whom you will serve this day; (Joshua 24:15).

In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might; (Eph. 6:10 Amp.).

Resources: Holy Bible Parallel Version; BibleHub.com; Dr. Charles Stanley, “Is Your Conscience Your Protector?”

Images: Google Images

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