Knowing is the Difference

How many times have you heard me say, "Knowing the Difference is the Difference"? It is among my most common sayings (it's a tight race between; Job, Noah and Daniel, Ears to Hear and the above, by my estimation).Knowing you heard from God and thinking you heard are two entirely different things. One you live by, the other you react to, maybe. One requires that you believe and act accordingly the other is emotionally questioning. One excepts responsibility the other says I'm willing to change my mind.

Many scriptures come to mind in deciding into which category you place yourself; Skillful in the use of strong meat /in need of milk, should be a teacher /in need of instruction, ever learning never coming to the knowledge, faith comes by hearing/ fearful and unbelieving receiving anything, every man is given the measure of faith, perfect love casts out all fear, the double minded man unstable in all his ways. You get the picture. People say, "I believe, I believe", yet they are blown in the winds of doctrine. Their lives are turned upside down with fear and doubt.

Perhaps a simple self examination would help simplify any question as to where you are at in "Knowing the Difference".
Do I believe that the Bible is the Word of God?
Do I believe that God is who He said he was?
Do I believe that Creation is exactly as it is written?
Do I believe that all of Biblical Prophecy will be fulfilled?
Do I believe that Jesus is a historical person, that came in the flesh, and is the only begotten Son of God?
Do I believe that Jesus accomplished all He said and all that is written about Him?
Do I believe that the Comforter will lead me into all truth?
Do I believe that I alone am responsible for my own salvation?
Do I believe that God is for me?
Do I believe that God actually speaks to me?
Do I believe that if God is who He said He was, what He said to do is reasonable?
Do I believe everything I just stated, I truly believe 100%?
Now for the nebulous.
Do I think all I have to do is just show up?
Do I think that half hearted attempts will get anyone anything?
Do I think that any ones opinion counts to God?
Do I think that just being a good person accounts for anything?
Do I think that good intentions carry any weight with God?
Do I think that organized religion can save me?
Do I think that people get a second chance after death?
Do I think that I can please God if I do whatever I want?
Do I think that creation and evolution can co-exist and have faith?
Do I think that I or anyone can understand the Bible apart from the Holy Spirit?
Do I think that "Christian Fellowship" automatically gets me closer to God?
Do I think that praying in tongues insures my deliverance from "Wrath to Come".

These question while somewhat defining are by no means complete. But if there is any room for confusion, question or lack of understanding one couldn't say that they "Know", could they. Anyone of the questions answered incorrectly could exclude you from entering knowing as you are built on something that will not stand. Now put the simple child like faith issues aside and enter the realm of "Life in the Spirit". Any one who had any difficulty with the simple will most likely have problems here. Life in the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of God, the Comforter who leads us into all truth is where we enter the confirmation (sound familiar) of Son ship. Salvation empowers us to enter this zone but the deposit of "The Earnest of the Spirit" is God's Spiritual stamp or mark of acceptance. To us it would stand out like a fluorescent stamp under a black light. Nothing else looks like it or stands out like it. It's highly visible and undeniable. That is the difference between those who have it and those who don't. God has made a deal with you and you have accepted it and have been accepted. Sure speaking in tongues are the initial indication but by far from the full package. Speaking in tongues is like getting the front bumper of a car. It's what comes first but by no means is it the whole car.

Now, just as you received salvation, by faith, the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues, by faith, you now can prophecy according to your "measure of faith". This is not the Ministry of a Prophet, but the Gift Prophecy. The one referred to as "all may prophecy". Our first timid explorations of this gift is often quoting a scripture or just confirming what someone else says. But it's the knowing that something is different about the "feeling" or "knowing" that we must pay attention to allowing us become "sensitive" to the Spirit. You can remain in perfect peace if your mind is stayed or anchored on the Lord. In the same way, that very peace is required to hear what the Spirit is saying. When the Spirit speaks it is "easily entreated". The nature or presence of the Holy Spirit is peaceful Himself and easily entreated. Almost as easily overlooked or ignored to some, mistaking it for being relaxed. The difference being not battling for control of thoughts, but giving into the humble voice that will not fight to be heard. It's being still knowing God's presence is upon you.

After you have learned what not to do (it seems like) and have become comfortable with the one who's very presence is "Comfort", hence "Comforter". You grow in confidence of what is required of you to "hear". Not that you haven't heard but do to your growing confidence, boldness toward God, the very confidence of "Son ship" allows you to enter what is referred to "the Mind of Christ". The very thoughts of the Anointed One. Within that faith, boldness, confidence, humble peace (no not Nirvana this can be any time any place under any condition as it is a matter of the heart not an altered state) attitude you have immediate access to the Throne of Grace, instantly in season, judging all things yet you are not judge by any for you have been transformed by the renewing of your mind. You are aware of your own carnal thoughts as well as the voice of "Truth". This is not meant to be a secret formula, only an observation of my own path.

This knowing is also the reason why fallen angels have no room for repentance. This knowing is why once you have come to this place in the Holy Spirit there is no further sacrifice for repentance. This is why once you have come, to depart from this level of Truth, you offend the Holy Ghost who speaks of Jesus, (the mind of Christ) Truth, and if you speak contrarily, their is no more forgiveness. But this level of truth is the Way, the Truth and the Life, and it is why Jesus had to leave so He could send this level of proof (by believing and trusting more than your own senses) as a witness to Truth. Thus so we who he loves would not be left without this Witness, Proof Positive, Seal that he would never leave us or forsake us. This is why the apostles themselves must need to have been converted (to the Mind of Christ).

Knowing the Difference is the Difference.

L,J,P&HG
Dave