On the earth we have two basic influences, the kingdom of God and the kingdom of Satan, there is no grey area. If we want to be people who carry the presence of God, we are called to discern the two kingdoms and act on God’s alone—not only for our sake but also for the sake of others.
What does this look like? Here are three ways:
- We have to recognize what has been given to us. I personally believe the greatest gift for the believer is the presence of God. When we immerse ourselves in the presence of God and His Word we become more discerning between good and evil. What is of the presence of God and not of the presence of God. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in hell, you are there (Psalms 139:7-8). Learning to rely or stay in His presence is the key to knowing what He is like and grow in discerning the two clashing kingdoms.
- Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). The way we interpret the spirit is by knowing what is in heaven and what is not. Just as a person who studies counterfeit money that can recognize real vs fake, we are supposed to, as believers, study or recognize what kingdom is being established within us and around us. Heaven is our model—we pray from heaven to earth, not earth to heaven. Which means, what is in heaven should be our experience on earth, not the opposite. We can’t always change the atmosphere in our midst, but we can control what we let into ourselves. The consideration of this instantly puts us into wanting the agreement of heaven within us when we know what is possible.
- Communion is the means of sharing or exchanging our most intimate thoughts and feelings. One of the ways God provides an opportunity of being filled with His presence is by creating a place of communion in the atmosphere of our enemies. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies (Psalms 23: 4-5). What I personally like to do is recognize the person of the Holy Spirit with me and let His power come and fill me or rest upon me. As I focus on Him, I simply talk to Him or ask questions.
We shouldn’t be affected by the kingdom of darkness when we truly submit to God. We do this by first acknowledging the atmosphere, acknowledging His presence, submitting to Him and staying in communion.
How do you sense His presence in your life?
