Discerning of Spirits




DISCERNING OF SPIRITS
THE POWER OF THE WORD OF DISCERNMENT
February 2013

 10 Amazing & Life changing Examples from the past few days in
To discern, to perceive, to be aware of the actual “spirit/root” influencing, inspiring, a given action, word, deed or atmosphere. To establish origin, motive and intention behind a situation or event.
 
1 Cor 12v 7  But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8  For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;9  To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10  To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:11  But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Nov 1975 Christ appeared to me, I saw Him and He spoke my name and told me many things, He exposed my sins there below his nail pierced feet and it shattered my hard cold heart. I cannot praise and thank Him enough for that night and the amazing grace He has poured on my faltering steps ever since.

From the countless life altering outcomes of that night, one that has continued to have life changing affect and not only in my own but in the life of countless others.

At that time, without releasing it I seemed to have been given the Gift of Discerning of spirits. Not something I can switch on and off at will, but often it’s as if I clearly know the difference between a person’s stated intention and their actual motive. Sometimes, by Gods grace I’m able to detect what spirits are at operation in a given area and spirit led responsive prayer can change that atmosphere quite quickly. We have hundreds of testimonies of that.

NOT EVERYTHING IS AS IT SEEMS

However, at that time I knew absolutely nothing about such a gift or its effective use as a spiritual weapon to reveal, expose and pull down strongholds.  The out working of not only that gift but all the gifts is so naturally, It used to astonish me that not everyone could see what I saw or discern what to me was obvious. There is no trembling, or shaking, its just as if everything is perfectly normal. 

Though now I'm better able to discern what is spiritual revelation and what is merely natural perception. I understand what might be revealed to one is not necessarily revealed to another. So, to this day it’s of pleasant surprise to be in the company of others that "discern". 

Often, if the word given is a bit salty, a person may deny the word as true. Despite having being vindicated countless times I can’t recall an occasion of anyone coming back to say “By the way you were actually correct I'm sorry that I lied".  The usual knee jerk reaction to giving someone a more positive discernment is for them to weep and give thanks to God. Quite a contrast to those who are given a word of exposure and in shock they defend and sometimes right out lie regarding what has just been brought to the light.

No matter, such acknowledgments are no longer expected or required. Several decades and thousands of occasions later, I can smile as I’m reminded of many incidence when I personally would be so shocked as regards a particular discernment or word of knowledge I was receiving, even to the point of disagreeing within myself, arguing internally, that such a thing could not possibly be true, only for the Lord to clearly expose and confirm what He was showing me as absolutely true and I would have to humble down as wrong again.

I have come to realise that things are hardly as they seem outwardly. And that discerning of spirits is indeed a gift that not everyone has and therefore most people will not see what you see or understand what you understand. So it is therefore not unusual to be misunderstood.  Life lived with an awareness of an unseen dimension can be disconcerting for those that are around you or your ministry as you deal and speak with what is true, what is real and not what either people or demons would prefer you to think is real. Often the bright light of TRUE is shocking to those that are more comfortable with the darkness.

GROWING DISCERNMENT DIFFERS FROM THE GIFT OF DISCERNMENT

The gift of discernment should not to be confused with the increasing discernment of those that progress in their Christian experience from milk to strong meat as stated by the writer to the Hebrews.

Heb 5v 12  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.13  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

For confidentiality sake I’m not going to mention names

10 AMAZING & LIFE CHANGING EXAMPLES
Three Days in Discernment – A Typical Snapshot of one of Gods Great Gifts to Us in Action

Heb 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

Example 1 “You have rebellion in your heart and the Lord is cautioning you”

A few evenings ago we had been asked to attend a family weekly bible study, which we did. Maybe 15 or so attended. At the close several requested prayer and by the grace of God there was opportunity to minister in the gifts of the Holy Spirit as He leads. One of the people I had discernment of was a young lady. I cautioned her that she had rebellion in her heart, was dishonouring her parents, had opened her heart to sin through Facebook & texting and that if she did not repent quickly it would not go well with her as her rebellion was actually against the Lord and not only her parents and that my speaking to her publicly was an advanced warning from the Lord since she had readily ignored His prompts up until that time.

Her expression, as per usual was one of shock, embarrassment and disbelief. Then the tears and one of the young ladies in our team counselled and prayed with her. We received report back from the elder sister two days ago. The difference in behaviour and attitude is magnificent. The mother feels she has her loving daughter back. A lot of deleting off the phone took place that night. Jesus is Lord again in the young ladies life as a result of discerning of spirits.

EXAMPLE 2 “With Head Bowed, Tears Falling From His Face”

 Three days ago a missionary sister came to visit at our home. On leaving she explained that she had a family member lived nearby and she would go there for a while. As it was close and we were enjoying the fellowship I and another team member said we would like to walk the short distance with her. On route we passed a house, she explained a friend lived there and she would like to ask her to join her for the family visit. So a young woman duly came out the house and walked with us. Before I saw her face I heard the whisper of the Holy Spirit about her. Other than “Hi” we did not speak with each other as she chatted with her friend for the remainder of the short journey.

Soon, we reached the house and a young man in his early twenties opened the door. He was thick set, shaved head, small under chin beard – Actually looked like a door man at a night club. We were invited in to say hello and then we would leave. Someone had mentioned that this man had a Christian background; Straightaway I asked directly if he would like me to share what I had just discerned about his life? With a slight glance of disbelief he half nodded so I began to share the words and sentences as the Holy Spirit streamed them to me. Soon with head bowed, tears falling from his face his large shoulders convulsed as he wept, the man acknowledged the words as true and shared his discouragement in his Christian experience. In moments he was openly stating that he wanted to restore his life to the Lord. We agreed to stay in touch. But that meeting was a typical example as to how much counselling and conversation would it take to reach that point of recommitment without the gifts of the Holy Spirit?

As expected a large man suddenly and without warning or seeming cause bursting into tears kind of catches the attention of everyone else present and is a conversation stopper to say the least.

EXAMPLE 3 “look of shocked disbelief”

Next, I asked the young woman who had joined us if I she also would like to know what the Spirit had revealed to me about her?

The Holy Spirit is so gracious in that he often does not direct me to expose the sin I see but rather declare the cure. The listener, by the input of the Holy Spirit will usually understand quite quickly and exactly the point the Lord is referring to regarding their lives and with that understanding the brokenness begins. The Lord usually brings first the revelation of His mercy and not His judgement as people often expect. Often I am directed by Him to totally avoid the explicit mention of the sin that he has showed me in their life but rather He reminds them of His great love for them, His calling on their lives – Indeed a soft answer breaks the bones.

Another look of shocked disbelief and soon the loud wailing began. We left her friend to comfort her and headed back the short walk to our house. A brother that accompanied us said, you do not know it but that lady was a missionary to Muslims but got discouraged after some sad things happened in her life. Many people have spoken to her about a fresh surrender to Christ but until today nothing. He was surprised at her outburst and tears. We are not so surprised since by Gods grace we experience such several times a week if not several times a day.

EXAMPLE 4 “how do you know all that about me”

That night we had an appointment at a local celebrity’s home. While waiting the body guard stood and spoke to us for a while. I asked him the usual question “would you like me to share what the Lord had showed me about you”? Within about 30 seconds of speaking to him he jumped back, visibly stunned, saying “how do you know all that about me”. I spoke gently and said there’s more let me share it with you. Within a few minutes he was telling me that he wanted to give his life to Jesus as he knew that was the best thing.

EXAMPLE 5 “staring in a stunned or surprised silence”

The following night, I was invited to speak at a missionary sending group. Wonderful people dedicated to equipping and sending people to far and often dangerous places. There were nine and at the end of encouraging and reminding them all that Christ “looks for and expects fervent love” I began to speak to all nine individuals directly as to what I discerned about their lives and what was revealed to me. Soon and as expected people are staring in a stunned or surprised silence as deep things, hidden things, hopes and dreams often long buried and given up as youthful wishful thinking and revived in an instant and brought to light and life through His great love and tender words.

EXAMPLE 6 “Interpreting Dreams”

The following day, Saturday past, we were invited to a beach birthday party. Typically if possible I aim to avoid such public gatherings as I so enjoy the presence of the Lord that I have found nothing to equal that and tend to avoid anything that can distract from that. Without wishing to sound overly spiritual, for me, the times of refreshing come from the presence of the Lord Acts 3:19, and it is a loss of spiritual altitude to exchange that for any worldly pleasure irrespective of how innocent it is. I have found the secret place of the most high and labour to stay there Ps 91:1, In His presence there is fullness of joy. At thy right hand there are pleasures for ever more Ps 16:11. However, though the “Gift of Discernment” does not operate all the time it seems that a heightened sense of discernment does and it is not readily switched off like a radio. Go into the wrong place, wrong gathering and the effect is quite spiritually disturbing. Better to avoid.

But, I felt clearly in my spirit that we should attend. Am so glad I went with that leading. The lady whose birthday it was confirmed the accuracy of a word I’d spoken to her a week or so previous and the positive impact it was having on her life now.

She then told me that over a period of time she had had three very vivid and uniquely different dreams. She knew they were from the Lord but did not know what they meant. As she relayed each dream I knew the exact interpretation in detail before she got to the end. All three dreams were a part of the same message. It was an astonishing message of the end times and the deception that will overtake many believers.

Now, it was my turn to be stunned and amazed, I could barely restrain from weeping. I had only met this quiet unassuming lady on two brief occasions, other than my passing on a discernment and a prophetic word to her, we really knew nothing about each other, but here she was at the beach, affirming to me in great detail the consistent basis of most of the prophetic teaching we give in this place regarding what the Spirit is saying to the Churches “Awake Awake, the time is far spent and the night cometh when no man can work! A sword cometh, a judgement cometh and the enemy has seduced the church into a false peace and rendered them inactive”.

Here, as in most places there is great spiritual ignorance and therefore danger. For him that has eyes to see the plan of the Lord and deception of the devil both heaven & hell’s agendas seem obvious. Tragically, those that love the title of being “leaders” in the body of Christ are for the most part clueless, yet here is a young woman, stood at the beach, telling me in great prophetic detail the plan of the enemy as exposed by the Lord.

EXAMPLE 7 “Yes, the Lord is very aware of your situation”

When we arrived, a minivan passed close by me carrying more guests for the birthday celebration, I glimpsed a woman on that vehicle and received an instant discernment as is usually the way. I knew the Lord would arrange a meeting later. I noticed soon after Jo, my wife and this woman in deep conversation, later still when Jo came over and sat beside me, I said “Honey, please do not tell one thing about that lady”! Jo already knows exactly what I mean by that.

After a while the lady sat next to me and I asked the usual question “Would you like me to share with you what the Lord shows me”. Soon tears began to run down her face as the Lord affirmed that “Yes”, He was very aware of her situation, and yes, He was in control, and Yes He had a pain management for the circumstances she found herself in and that was He, Himself, only draw close Him and he’ll heal your bruised heart. She looked questionably, over at Jo, sat on the other side of me, I explained “I have no idea what you and my wife spoke about; she has deliberately said nothing to me”. He gives more hope again. She acknowledged the words as true.

EXAMPLE 8 “She immediately clapped her hands to her face in sudden grief, wailing,”

Our next meeting was a student gathering later that afternoon. We had been invited to minister at a student’s outreach a couple of weeks ago and these were the students that wanted to continue in fellowship. The fields are so white here as I think 14 students showed up all eager to continue with regular Saturday afternoon meetings. At close, two wanted to give their lives to Christ. Another two sat beside us wishing to share and ask questions about spiritual things. They shared how they were leaders already and all the exciting things the Lord was doing in their young ministries.

I asked the usual question “would they like to know what I had discerned in their lives” “Yes Yes brother George”. I leaned forward and whispered just five words in the ear of the young lady closest to me. She immediately lurched forward at the waist, clapped her hands to her face in sudden grief and began wailing, then holding her stomach and rocking as if punched, this sudden rocking back and forth accompanied with face covering and shocked wailing noises continued for a while, during which I spoke with the other young woman who’s heart preparation before the Lord was very much different. She was far more surrendered. She smiled and nodded warmly at the comfort of the words spoken to her, despite the noisy animations of her friend there beside her. The Lord affirmed this lady that He knew her love for Him, I also was impressed to share some future events that would shortly occur in her life and that she could be at peace and know it was the Lord. She has since sent the warmest text of appreciation. Strangely, no texts from her rocking wailing friend yet.

EXAMPLE 9 “staring, eyes wide, jaw agape and in stark disbelief”

We were invited to join a few believers at the McDonalds here. While we waited for the order to be delivered to the table, I introduced Jo & myself to the two ladies sat directly opposite us and as usual asked if they would like to know what the Lord had just showed me regarding them. I prefer to do this as early as possible when meeting someone, often whilst we are shaking hands.

The purpose being that the person I’m speaking to will realise that there is no way I can know so much about them within seconds unless the Holy Spirit has revealed it. That way they are assured it would be impossible for me to fabricate all the information so soon. Many people are fast judges of character but that can be mere human perception and used for shrewd manipulation.

In fact, anything a person may reveal about themselves prior to my giving them a discernment will have little influence over the original impression received from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes their words will confirm what you already know to be the truth and sometimes their further words will expose them as liars to who they actually are. Often what is revealed is in stark contrast to the life that is portrayed.

So, in this case we have just said hi and so they are looking at me strangely, probably never having been asked that question before and possibly never considering that God in heaven would even reveal something personal about another’s life to an unknown third party.  Well God does, and He did and right now in McDonalds was such an occasion.

Within a few sentences, the dear lady opposite me is staring, eyes wide, jaw agape and in stark disbelief. Just a few sentences more and the reality of Christ’s eternal awareness of the deep issues of her soul are revealed in such caring and comforting words well beyond my personal ability to perceive or declare. Clearly she is now oblivious to the fact that she is sat in a mobbed Fast Food restaurant as tears begin to flow in torrents, she reaches two hands over the table, grips my hand ever so tightly, lowers her head to rest between her arms on the table, then, wailing, her body racked with sobs she begins to say “thank you, thank you, thank you Jesus”. She was tormented by a fear that Christ was either ignorant of her situation or indifferent. Discernment, words of knowledge the prophetic word, calmed her fears, assured her troubled soul and returned the joy of her salvation. Within minutes you would not have known this was the same woman. Bright, cheerful, optimistic. Next day, she attended a teaching I gave to some missionaries, she looked so different, younger that I did not immediately recognise her as the same person.

EXAMPLE 9 “Stronghold shattered by the word of discernment”

For some time I have observed that one of our own team would display a slightly out of character reaction in some social situations. I’ve watched this for a while and waited prayerfully for the right time and liberty to speak into this. That time came yesterday morning at breakfast. As usual, deep inner fountains are broke up and convulsing sobs wrack the body after just a few words of eternal and illuminating significance. Dark and hidden strongholds are exposed, torn down and the prison door is opened. It is virtually a daily delight for us to see, again and again Heaven shatter Satan’s soul binding strategies over people’s lives with just a few words.

We are frequently blessed in that we often get to meet again people we have spoken words of discernment to during our travels. The above examples have occurred in just the last few days. So, imagine our delight to see fruit that not only remains but is growing and is often now producing its own fruit.

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