Prophetic Ministries Today

The fall of mankind was not in what he ate but in whose words he believed. In the beginning, Adam was given the choice to believe the words of his Creator or the lie of his accuser, Satan. This process of choosing whose words we will believe does have a direct effect on our destiny, for each and every one of us is offered daily choices to incorporate as a part of our systematic beliefs. To believe something is right or wrong is more than just to think it is. Believing is a process of coming into agreement with a deed or statement that we embrace as a part of our will. You can think something is evil and still consciously entertain that same evil. On the other hand, if you believe that a particular evil thing is wrong, you will program yourself not to practice it. There is a difference between what you think and what you believe.

The word belief and faith are the same word in the Greek language, "pistis", which is defined in the Strong's concordance and Greek and Hebrew dictionary as being- persuasion, conviction, etc. In Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, we find the definition of faith to be- firm persuasion, a conviction based upon hearing. Belief is simply the mind’s recorded decision to accept that which has come by faith. Faith comes by hearing from the spirit realm. The verse of scripture that we use to define faith is found in the book of Hebrews.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1

As born-again Christians, we stand firm in the belief that when we die we will go to be with Jesus and live with Him forever. A large majority of born-again Christians have never seen heaven, yet their belief is heaven exist. This belief was made by accepting the implanted word of God by faith. (Ref. James 1:21) How does this convicting word come to the unbeliever? From the scriptures we find that we are saved by grace through faith which is the gift of God. (Ref. Ephesians 2:8,9) Now we know the definition of faith, but how do we receive it? The answer once again is found in the Bible.

The word, "WORD", used in this verse is the rhema word, not logos, which is the spoken word of God, by the Spirit. To accept and agree with the word of God is to do the word of God, if you really believe Him. To hear the word only and not do His word is where the line is drawn between the believer and the unbeliever. The word of God is very persuasive, yet there are those who still do not incorporate His word into their beliefs. Many hear His word and believe, thereby receiving the promise of eternal life with Him in His kingdom. If you reject the word of God, you will still receive eternal life; however, your residence will be with Satan.

My point is that we are allowing our minds to be programmed by coming into agreement with either God or Satan. The choices over a life time are innumerable. They vary from where we will live for eternity to what words we will use in any given conversation. We are like human antennas walking around receiving spiritual signals coming either from heaven or hell. These signals are sorted and stored in the second part of our created being, the soul. The spirit of God birthed within us is all- knowing, but the soul is where the decisions of what we believe are cataloged. The renewing of the mind requires changing what already has been programmed in our soul. The effects of what has been retained in our soul will measure the level of prosperity in our health, wealth and mind.

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John 1:2

We all have heard reports of people hearing voices telling them to do evil things. Fighting to reject these evil voices defines spiritual warfare.

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12

Coming into agreement with these evil voices will lead to ultimate destruction. In reference to adultery, Jesus said, "Whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." (Ref. Matthew 5:28) If we entertain a thought long enough, we will eventually execute what we have been ruminating. Whether it is good or evil thoughts, the process works all the same. Anger comes and you plot within your heart (a place where the soul and spirit, good or evil, agrees as one) how to avenge your anger. Satan will help you in fulfilling your heart's desire. The end result will lead you into more trouble. Entertaining the words of those who are planning to do evil will only give opportunity for evil to manifest in your life. We should not be found in the presence of evil because it can easily find a way into our hearts. Some feel it is okay to dwell upon evil thoughts as long as you do not act them out, but Jesus says differently. If you meditate on evil things, even for a short period of time, you can open the door for an evil spirit to take control of your actions.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.“ James 4:7

Tryon Edwards sums it up all in one sentence, "Tell me what a man believes, and I will tell you what he will do."