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authority, desires, discerning the spirits, dying to self, exhortation, experience, following Jesus, God's guidance, heart, joy, obedience, passions, peace, Satan, T.A. Sparks, The Anointing, the old self
Let’s say that we find ourselves in a situation of which we are not sure how we got there and how we might come out of it (alive), either. I am not necessarily speaking of big things here. Just take an everyday situation. For instance, you meet someone who asks you to do something for them and you spontaneously offer your help. How can we discern here whether our reaction was led by the Holy Spirit or not? Are we always to help everyone or are we to say no to them, too? And if so, when? If we meet ten persons who need our help and we only have time for two or three, we will know that we ought to listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, right?
From reading the Bible we know that God has His own timing for everything. Actually, how often tried Jesus’ disciples, Peter in particular, or his family members to destroy God’s perfect plan by forcing their self-willed schemes on Him? Even if they knew through prophetic anticipation that Jesus might do something, like his mother when she told Him at the wedding at Cana in Galilee that the wine had run out, our Lord was quite clear about Whom He always obeyed. Therefore, Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come. His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” (Jn 2:4-5 ESV) Look! Here we can find a spiritual principle confirmed! Has anyone noticed that Mary affirmed with her words what God told Jesus’ chosen disciples on the Mount of Tabor as a bright cloud overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Mt 17:5 ESV)? I need to admit that I just saw THIS for the very first time. 😉 [Emphasis in Scriptures added]
Dear brothers and sisters, it seems to me that God is only pleased with us if we have listened to Jesus and His Spirit’s guidance. This is not so much about reading the Bible daily or a good Christian book that deepens our understanding, neither is it about listening to a sermon in which a preacher tells you something you did not know before (although these things in themselves are not wrong), it is simply about being obedient to His Spirit’s nudges and urges from the inside. Let’s read what T. Austin Sparks had to say about it. He wrote,
“That is the thing that no one can teach us by words, by giving us a lesson. But it is a thing we can know. You know it by reactions, violent reactions often. You have taken a course, and you get a bad reaction. You strive in a certain direction to realize a certain thing, and if only you would stop for a moment and look at it, you know that you are trying to bring that about. You know quite well that this thing is not spontaneous, that this lacks the spontaneity which is a mark of the Lord. You know the Lord is not coming through there. You know quite well that you have no sense of spontaneity and peace. It has to be forced, to be driven, to be made to happen. More or less, I think, every one of you who is a true child of God knows what I am talking about.
“But remember, this is the Spirit’s instrument in the School for teaching Christ—life. The mark of a Spirit governed, Spirit-anointed, man or woman is that they move in life, and that they minister life, and that what comes from them means life, and they know by that very law of life where the Lord is, what the Lord is in, what the Lord is after, what the Lord wants. That is how they know. No voice is heard, no objective vision is seen, but deep in the spirit life arbitrates, the Spirit of life.” (1)
Just today I found myself in such a situation I described above. When I sense that several people indicate more or less overtly what I should do at a certain time according to their likes and I feel NO peaceful and joyful OKAY from God in my heart, I know what happens if I do not listen to Him. Peacelessness will follow, no doubt about this! Satan’s lies are so tricky as he tries to convince us that without our help, the whole world might break down (even if it is merely our own little world). Indeed, sometimes I think Satan is a ‘Christian’. Really! He is the one who keeps us busy when we try to ‘save’ those around us (or on the internet) and to appease all people’s needs, esp. the hunger and thirst of their souls only God can satisfy. Please note, our purpose in life is NOT to give others what they think they need, our only duty is to listen to God from Whom all good things will come to us… as we wait on Him and His provision in each and every case.
Below we can read a biblical example of how Jesus’ guidance through our Heavenly Father deviated from our human reasoning, ideas, logic, and principles.
Now the Jews’ Feast of Booths was at hand. So his brothers said to him, “Leave here and go to Judea, that your disciples also may see the works you are doing. For no one works in secret if he seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.”For not even his brothers believed in him. Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always here. The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil. You go up to the feast. I am not going up to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come.” After saying this, he remained in Galilee. But after his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly but in private. (Jn 7:2-10 ESV)
His brothers asked Jesus to go to this feast. He answered them that they should go, however, he would not. As he stayed in Galilee alone, God must have told Him that NOW he should leave and go, though. Does that make sense to anyone? Most probably only to those who are used to God unpredictable guidance and surprises, I guess… Another thought just came to my mind. Do we know where Jesus’ irresistible authority came from? He who had given up all His divine rights and power in order to become a weak human being displayed God’s power and authority BECAUSE of His perfect obedience. We read,
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. (Jn 5:19 ESV)
In fact, it is the same for us. We cannot claim to have any kind of authority because we believe in Jesus since, as we might know, Satan and his demons believe this as well. As God’s children, we have only been given the same authority Jesus had if we continually listen to what Christ’s Spirit in us tells us to do or what to omit. All Christians who wield authority over other Christians, whether in churches or on the internet (yes, these online ‘authorities’ exist!), who have not given up their Old Adam nature’s passions and desires, but act in their uncrucified old nature are servants of Satan. Dear reader, do you think I am carrying things too far?
(1) http://www.austin-sparks.net/english/books/001039.html
“In keeping with T. Austin-Sparks’ wishes that what was freely received should be freely given and not sold for profit, and that his messages be reproduced word for word, we ask if you choose to share these messages with others, to please respect his wishes and offer them freely – free of any changes, free of any charge (except necessary distribution costs) and with this statement included.”
Fred said:
You have answered my confusion that came up on Michael’s blog. I am thinking what happened was supposed to happen. I have become too dependent on seeking answers from others (either directly asking them or seeking videos, sermons and blogs ) and when this confusion came up I was stuck with only one thing and that was seek in prayer the answers. So it was meant for good.
Also last week around this time. Some one came to me on facebook and I wanted to help them. However I think GOD was telling me not to try and help him. I tried to help him any way. This was not smart on my part at all. I didn’t end up helping him and I ended up causing my self much harm. I felt so bad for this sin that I spent much of the week in sorrow. I also blocked that person on facebook in an attempt to repent as far as I know GOD does not want me talking to that person.
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Susanne Schuberth (Germany) said:
I am glad to hear you got some answers and relief from your confusion, dear Fred. As for this blocking on Facebook, I do such things at times here, too. Or in my Google mail inbox when I do not want to receive emails from people who are driven by evil spirits.
May God give us the strength to listen to Him as soon as possible so that confusion does not arise that often.
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Fred said:
I apologize for being such a pain to you and Michael. I can be very impatient. I hope you never end up blocking me. You both have helped me a lot and I want to thank you very much for the help you both have given me.
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Susanne Schuberth (Germany) said:
You are no pain to me, Fred, since I do know how confusion feels. I was just reminded of this verse that says,
“God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7 KJV)
Whenever we are confused, we might know the author was not God.
You are welcome as to any help I could give, my brother. 🙂
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Michael said:
Fred, No, You are not a burden, YOU’RE MY BROTHER. I will keep praying for you that you hear His voice and follow His leading and not need to consult many teachers when the Holy Spirit is within you. He can speak to you through prayerful Bible reading. Also, John Bunyan had great insight into walking by the Spirit. Love you. ❤
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dimple said:
Fred, I am happy you found the way out of your confusion, I have been praying for you!
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Fred said:
Thanks everyone for the prayers.
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Susanne Schuberth (Germany) said:
You are very welcome, my brother.
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dimple said:
No, Susanne, you are not carrying anything too far in this post. As I read it, I was reminded of what Jesus said to Peter after His resurrection:
“John 21:20 Peter, turning about, seeth the disciple whom Jesus loved following; who also leaned back on his breast at the supper, and said, Lord, who is he that betrayeth thee?
21 Peter therefore seeing him saith to Jesus, Lord, and what shall this man do?
22 Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.”(ASV)
Whenever I follow ANYONE else, I am in trouble. Even when the other, who is not Jesus, is doing something which God instituted and is blessing, if the Holy Spirit does not say to follow or help, and I do, then the fruit fails.
Father, help us to follow Jesus.
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Susanne Schuberth (Germany) said:
Thank you so much for your encouraging and confirming words, dear Louise! 🙂
The conclusions you drew from your own experiences with following Jesus are very wise, I believe. Thanks for sharing them with me, my sister! ❤
Amen to your prayer!
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dimple said:
You’re welcome. 🙂
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Susanne Schuberth (Germany) said:
🙂
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Kenneth Dawson said:
No you are taking right to the main point that you pointed out in that last paragraph–Good job!
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Susanne Schuberth (Germany) said:
Thanks so much, Ken. Am encouraged! 🙂
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Anna Waldherr said:
This is an important lesson for Christians, but not necessarily an easy one. We must learn to distinguish our own inclinations (and misdirection by others) from the voice of God.
Abuse complicates matters because it teaches victims not to trust themselves. We are, in effect, “trained” by repeated criticism and/or repeated violation to ignore that inner voice of warning. Deprived of discernment, but longing to please a/k/a longing to be loved, we seek to conform to whatever leadership we can attach ourselves. That leaves us vulnerable to still further abuse.
As you point out, Susanne, our only and best recourse is to seek direction from the Lord, Himself.
Bless you for your wisdom.
With love,
A. ❤
PS. Happy Valentine’s Day!
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Susanne Schuberth (Germany) said:
Anna, I do know how much easier it is to submit to the spirit of another person, even if I sense God’s leading goes into another direction. 😔 It is a very long process to first learn to discern His voice from other voices and then to eventually obey Him, too. We need our Lord’s grace here to set us free and to give us His strength to take a stand when needed. 💪😇 Happy Valentine’s Day to you as well, dear Anna! 💖🌹🍫🍬🍰🍭☕💖
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Michael said:
Susanne, as I read your exchange with Anna about how we find it so much easier to submit to the souls in people instead of the Spirit of God, I was thinking about how Adam who walked with God in the Garden of Eden, but caved into the will of His wife and ate of the forbidden tree. We want to be loved and accepted and to please men, especially those people who are close to us. I think that our salvation in this is to get ever closer to God by submitting to His love and then the wills of mere men will be seen for what they are. Boundaries! You have come a long ways in this matter in the three years I have known you. 🤗
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY, dear sister! 💖😇💖
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Susanne Schuberth (Germany) said:
Your example with Adam and Eve fits perfectly, my dear brother. 🎯🏆🏅 Thanks for your edifying comments! 😊 Happy Valentine’s Day to you, too, Michael! 💖🐣🍫🍬🍫🐣💖
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Michael said:
Susanne, Thank you for your post. It seems to fit with what I just wrote on my blog as well! 🙂
I love this story from John chapter seven about Jesus and His half-brothers. It was the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) and they were demanding that He go up to Jerusalem and even appealed to do what seemed logical, “Depart from here, and go into Judea, that your disciples also may see the works that you do. For there is no man that does anything in secret, when he himself seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, show yourself to the world.” (John 7:3-4, KJ2000). Can’t you hear the modern day logic in this, “Hey, man, you got a gift of healing. Exploit it. Don’t hang around Dog Patch, Tennessee, head for Nashville! Put up a big tent and hang wheelchairs and crutches from the overhead and put up big signs that say, ‘Healing Meetings Here Tonight!’ Don’t you know that it pays to advertise?”
It plainly says that His brothers did not believe in Him so their advise was from their flesh at best. Jesus told them that their time is always. The flesh can do whatever it wants, whenever it wants. It is like what Jesus said to Peter, “When you were young you dressed yourself and stretched forth your hand and went where you wanted.” But for those who are obedient to the Father, they only go when and say what the Father gives them. They are not about promoting themselves, but bid those who are healed to TELL NO ONE! Oh, how the church has fallen into the hands of Satan to do His will and ways! Is it any different if we as bloggers go out and give other bloggers “Likes” on their postings without even taking the time to read what they wrote so we can get them to come to our blogs? Carnal Christianity is all about SELF promotion. We have to get those ratings up! Yet, consider Jesus words,
“If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true.” (John 5:31-32, ESV2011).
The Feast of Tabernacles (Booths) is one of the three feasts that the Jews were required by the law to go up to Jerusalem, so these brothers thought that they had Jesus over a legal barrel, but He refused to go with them. We run into the same thing with church going Christians when they refuse to believe that we are REAL Christians because we don’t “go to church” on Sunday (Don’t forget the two feasts of Christmas and Easter!). Yet, when the Spirit leads me to go to a church “service” (find that one in your Bible), I go. Not going to church on Sunday is not a law that I am under, either, but rather I seek to follow the leading of the Spirit in all things. Like Jesus said, “The wind blows where it wills, and you hear the sound thereof, but cannot tell from where it came, and where it goes: so is everyone that is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:8, KJ2000). The wind does not blow by dictates of a clock or a calendar or do so the way men want it to, but by the design of our heavenly Father.
Sometimes, dear sister, we have to do the “unchristian” thing in the eyes of our families and friends if we are to obey the leading of the Spirit and let them judge and condemn us, but it is worth it to not loose the peace that is ours as we obey Him. Like He said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Thank you for being an example to us of what it means to follow His leading at the risk of being misunderstood. Funny, I have some easy listening music playing in the background and the song that is on as I finish this is “I Did it MY Way.” Oh, the subtle message of Satan to rebel against the Spirit of God is in everything of this world!
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Susanne Schuberth (Germany) said:
Yes, I also thought that our blog posts were complementary, Michael.
It is truly challenging to follow His leading when you are confronted with voices from people you love who can usually only share worldly wisdom with you. Taking a stand then is not that easy. Nonetheless, sometimes God speaks through them as well! From hence, there is no principle to be followed but to always have an open ear toward His guidance in each and every case.
Your example about Jesus and the one who thinks he has been gifted to exploit their (super)natural abilities in THIS world has been thought provoking for me. Indeed, I always wondered why God did not want me to publish a book about my experiences with Him. Getting money for a published book was the problem, too. Just lately I got to see this more clearly and your example above served as another confirmation for me. Thank you! 🙂
We merely need to compare our lives with Jesus’. HE was not famous regarding this-worldly standards. No title, no honors, no books written by Himself, no fan club that stuck close to Him even when He did NO miracles anymore…. and so on and so on.
As for the blogger like thing, I understand it as a worldly way to draw attention to yourself by giving other people a ‘follow’ and/or some likes, even if you did not read anything they shared on their blogs. I could not do this without a bad conscience anymore. From hence I only follow a handful of blogs. Although it is not ‘nice’ when I get more and more follows without giving them a ‘re-follow’. But sometimes when you check out their blogs, the only thing you can do is run or puke. 😛
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Michael said:
Susanne, I know about this test regarding publishing and selling our books as well. In the first place our message does not appeal to the average church going Christian because it does not fortify their commitment level to Christ and “average Christians” like to be told that they are just fine the way they are (as long as they are good tithers). “The cross of Christ need not apply!” It is like Paul told Timothy,
“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,” (2Tim 4:3, ESV2011)
And in the second place once we are picked up by a publishing house and the message of our book manages to get through their editors, the pressure is on by them to write more books that will make them more money. Mammon becomes the god that drives us and we start writing in obedience to that spirit and not in accordance with the voice of the Lord. It is the same with seeking lots of likes and follows in blogging. Popularity among the masses can seduce us away from following and obeying the loving voice of Christ. When I listened to the Lord and got off of Facebook, my likes and follows dropped to less than a third. He will always have us do what is not pleasing to the whims of the world.
Jesus warned, “As it was in the days of Lot… so shall it be in the coming of the Son of Man.” Lot sought the comforts of Sodom while Abraham took the lonely and hard path and sought that city whose Builder and Maker is God. It has always been that way for those in this world that belong to our Lord. His voice will always cause us to make a choice, whether to camp in the fertile plains of this world or to take the higher path.
“Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” ~ Robert Frost
I am so happy to be on this less traveled path with you, dear sister. 👣👣
I know that our Daddy has so much more for us as we seek His face. 👍
Hallelujah! 🙌😊
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Susanne Schuberth (Germany) said:
You are so right about our message not being acceptable to average Christianity. Therefore we could not find any popular editor and publisher, either, since who today really wants to hear the (painful) truth of the cross? I am so thankful to be on this less traveled path aka the narrow way with you, my dear brother! 😇 👞 👟 😇 🎉🎈🎊🌈 😊
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Michael said:
The joy is mine to be a member of the family our the Father with you, dear sister.😇👞 👟😇👍
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Susanne Schuberth (Germany) said:
💒🌅🌌🐝🌺🐞🌻🐳🐣🐢🐘🌵🐑🐫🌴🌷🌲🌹🎈💖👱👼👋
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