BVOV Magazine 2013 - present

In the same way, our spirits can be defiled by thinking and meditating on the wrong things. Second Corinthians 7:1 reminds us to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and the spirit. When we yield to self-pity, depression, angst, envy and offense, we defile ourselves with spiritually dark things. People talk about spiritual things as though they’re imaginary, but the universe has more than one dimension. Angels, demons, the devil, miracles, and signs and wonders are all real. In Romans 8, Paul wrote: "For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit. So then those who are living the life of the flesh [catering to the appetites and impulses of their carnal nature] cannot please or satisfy God, or be acceptable to Him. But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the [Holy] Spirit of God [really] dwells within you [directs and controls you]. But if anyone does not possess the [Holy] Spirit of Christ, he is none of His [he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God]" (verses 5, 8-9, The Amplified Bible). Paul is not talking about living in a physical body when he writes that those “in the flesh” can’t please God. If he were, then no one who was in a physical body could please God. No, he’s saying that those who live in the flesh and operate in the flesh have set their minds—their focus—on the physical alone. And the Word is clear that living this way does not please the Father. Simultaneous Focus Throughout the Epistles, we learn about living and walking in the spirit. First Corinthians 14:13-16 says: "Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?" Our focus determines what we see. Our minds contact the physical and the spiritual simultaneously all the time. We can see out, and we can see in. We can hear out and we can hear in. We can touch out, and we can touch in. Our senses go both ways. Of course, the devil tries to keep everyone in darkness, ignorant of this spiritual dimension. His objective is for us to be blind, dumb and deaf, only living and operating in the physical. If we only focus on the physical dimension, then we are only connecting with death. We are relying on the world’s system, which always leads to death, and doing so shortchanges all that Jesus provided for us through His death and resurrection. You and I are not only physical beings, we are born of God. We became new creations. Old things have passed away. There’s no death in our spirits. We’re made in the likeness and image of the Almighty. We’re brilliant, shining beings of light and truth, and we don’t have to wait until we die to touch the spiritual realm. Focus on the Unseen So how can we see what is unseen? We must open our spiritual eyes and ears and look at it. We must feed on the Word and spend time in prayer so that we connect with the spiritual that is right in front of us. Luke 11:33-34, in Wuest’s New Testament Expanded Translation says, “No one having lit a lamp puts it in a cellar or under the grain measure, but upon the lamp stand in order that those who are entering from time to time may see the light. The lamp of the body is the eye.” Jesus is talking about our spirits. Our spirits will contact life or death, depending on our focus. Just as our five senses receive information about our surroundings, our spirits receive information too. Our spirits assimilate whatever surrounds us—either good or bad. So let me ask you: Have you been paying attention to your spirit? Have you been listening to it? Have you been living multidimensionally—focused on both the physical and spiritual dimensions at the same time? Focusing on the spirit realm should be a natural part of the Christian life. You don’t have to be a prophet to live multidimensionally, but you must exercise your ability to open your eyes and ears and look for it. James 4:2 says we have not because we ask not. So many things are available to us if we’ll just ask for them, look for them and listen for them. Simply close your natural eyes, focus on the Lord and remain focused there. Say, “I can see! My eyes are blessed. I can hear! My ears are blessed. I am focused and living multidimensionally, ready to see and hear whatever the Holy Spirit is saying. Amen!” V About: Keith Moore is founder and president of Moore Life Ministries and Faith Life Church in both Branson, Mo., and Sarasota, Fla. For more information or ministry materials write to Moore Life Ministries, P.O. Box 1010, Branson, MO 65615; call 1-417-334-9233; or visit moorelife.org. 24 : BVOV

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