SEVEN SPIRITS OF GOD

 

Seven Spirits of God

 

 

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.

 

1.      The shoot or branch will come from the stump of Jesse.  This is the Messiah who comes later. 

2.      From his family and from the promise given to David that a future Messiah and earthly sovereign would come.  This is given to him in 2 Sam 7:14. 

3.      This person would bear certain fruit.  It would be exhibited in his thoughts, word, deeds, attitudes, motives.

 

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him, the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord 3 and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.

 

1.      The Sevenfold spirits of God are talked about four times in the Bible.  They are manifestations and characteristics of the nature of the Holy Spirit.  There are not seven spirits or angels as some have interpreted.  They are as follows:

 

A. The Spirit of the Wisdom – The ability to apply the knowledge, information and strategy presented.

B. The Spirit of the Lord – This is the character, nature, and essence of the trinity in action.  The holiness, purity, love, grace, mercy, wisdom, and immutability of the trinity.

C. The Spirit of Understanding - Understanding in the Bible means God-given perception of the nature and meaning of things, resulting in sound judgment and decision-making. It can also mean to gain insight into something, or to discern spiritual truth and to apply it to human disposition and conduct1. Understanding can also refer to the ability to arrange or connect different parts or to interpret the Bible carefully and accurately.

D. The Spirit of Counsel - The meaning of counsel in the Bible can refer to the advice or guidance given or received by God or his people. Counsel is also a gift of the Holy Spirit that enables Christians to judge how best to act in times of trouble and trial, and to defend the faith without fear. Counsel is the perfection of the virtue of prudence, which helps us to choose what is good and pleasing to God.

E. The Spirit of Power - Power in the Bible means the ability and authority of God to accomplish his will and purposes.  Power belongs to God, and he can use it or give it to whomever he wills. Power can also refer to the miraculous works of God or the angelic beings that serve him. Power is an attribute of God's nature and a manifestation of his sovereignty.

F. The Spirit of Knowledge - In the Bible, “knowledge” refers to examples, truths, and commands that God wants us to know, believe, and heed. Knowledge is information we gain through reasoning, experience, or people, and wisdom is the ability to judge what is right and true. Understanding is another term the Bible uses that act as a bridge between knowledge and wisdom. When we have knowledge of God, we understand his nature, his character, and who he is.

G. The Spirit of the Fear of the Lord – True Piety.  Having a deep reverence and respect for the sovereignty, power, dignity, and authority.  You are not walking in fear or dread but hope and love.

 

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes or decide by what he hears with his ears; but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.

He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips, he will slay the wicked.

Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist.

 

1.      The Messiah will not judge with what he sees or hears.  He will judge with righteousness aware of the needs and concerns of the needy.  He will judge with justice and fairness when he makes decisions for the vulnerable and poor of the earth.

2.      He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth and the breath of his lips slaying the wicked is a direct prophetic, snapshot and vignette of the battle of Armageddon. 

3.      Righteousness will be his belt. Knowledge to the truths, and commands that God wants us to know, believe, and heed.  Knowledge is information we gain through reasoning, experience, or people, and wisdom is the ability to judge what is right and true. Understanding is another term the Bible uses that act as a bridge between knowledge and wisdom. When we have knowledge of God, we understand his nature, his character, and who he is.

4.      Faithfulness is the sash around his waist.  Faithfulness in the Bible means the firmness or constancy of God in His relations with men, especially with His people. It is a characteristic of God's ethical nature and an aspect of His truth and unchangeableness. Faithfulness is also a quality that God wants to reproduce in His people through Christ, so that they can be reliable and trustworthy in their responsibilities and promises.

 

QUOTES FOR MASY 3, 2026

 

THE SILVER CUP

 

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants, and he cried out, “Have everyone leave my presence!” So there was no one with Joseph when he made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard him, and Pharaoh’s household heard about it.  3 Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.

 

Lesson One:  All the years, the tension, the emotion and the suspense are too much for Joseph.  It was the moment of truth.  He saw that his brothers had truly changed.  The test was over.  It was time for the truth.  He orders all the attendants out .  He cries out with every fiber of his being.  This is the moment for him and his brothers.  They scurry like rats.  Confusion and panic on the faces of his brothers.  What is going to happen now?

     There was no one from Egypt.  They were all alone, just the brothers and Joseph.  He begins to weep, all the years, the sorrow, the pain, the hiding.  Joseph weeps so loud, that even though no one was in the room he could be heard by people throughout the complex.  His tears flowing his heart is releasing, he cannot do this any longer.  Here are seven reasons why we should cry.  Tears help us see. Starting with the most basic function of tears, they enable us to see.  Tears kill bacteria. No need for Clorox wipes.   Tears remove toxins.  Crying can elevate mood.   Crying lowers stress.  Tears heal.  Tears release feelings.  Egyptians heard, Pharaoh’s household heard.  They probably thought he lost his mind.  I can see messengers running to Pharaoh with the news.  Something is happening at the house of the Prime Minister.  Something that was about to shake two worlds,Egypt and Canaan.

     Then Joseph says to his brothers.  I am Joseph, is my father living?  His brothers were not able to answer him because they were terrified.  Was he going to kill them?  He had the power of life and death.  Can you see the shock, mouths open.  Questions running through their minds.  Does he wasn’t revenge?  Look what he had done already?  What was going to happen now?  Joseph did not look like them, act like them, talk like them.  He was so different from them.  When redemption and forgiveness does it work we are never like people around us.  Salvation is the greatest work of all.  It changes us to righteous holy, loving, forgiving, graceful and merciful.

 

  4 Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! 5 And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. 6 For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. 7 But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

 

Lesson two:  Joseph had been so changed by his experience to the good.  In that moment they saw a loving and gracious man.  He calls them to him and when they have overcome their fear, their shock and guilt.  Oh the guilt, the shame, the remorse, the pain they have caused. 

     Then Joseph reassures them.  He releases them.  He has forgiven them.  We saw this as Joseph has already wept twice before.  He is Joseph they sold into slavery.  He tells them not to be distressed or angry for selling Him there.  God sent him there.  Joseph knew why.  God had done all this.  Can you imagine.  All his will now revealed.  God has eternal purposes.  Joseph had figured it out.  All the years of slavery, prison, dreams, waiting, elevation and preparation.  God had sent Him ahead.  He was to save lives.  That is why we must do all we can in our world.  The message of salvation saves lives.  There is no greater message.  No more important task, more noble calling than the eternal calling.  We are the Joseph’s in our world.  Your life has significance purpose.  You have a high and holy calling.  You are ambassador of an eternal kingdom.  You bring life and death.  Heaven and hell are in your hands.  God has sent you into your world ahead to save others.  It is always about others. 

     Now we get the time period.  It has been twenty two years since they had seen Joseph.  They are heading into the third year of the famine.  They will be no plowing or reaping for the next five years.  Joseph knew the times he lived in.  Do you?  Do you know what is going around you and what is happening in your world?  We must be like the men of Isaachar, we must discern the times we live in.

     Joseph then reveals two more things to the brothers.  God sent him ahead to preserve them as a remnant.  A remnant is a called out people, different than others, not the same as everyone else.  They are people with an eternal purpose.    They are people who survive a major disaster. A remnant of people is what is left  following a catastrophe.  Terms for remnant in the Old Testament derive from six roots and occur some 540 times.  Theological hues when it becomes the object of God's address and/or action.  God has called Joseph to save and preserve them by a great deliverance.  Joseph now understood all this.  Now he was revealing it to them.  This was God and God alone.  Can you see the relief.  God was working even in a place like this.  God can work anywhere.  Remember that.  In your family, vocation, community, province and country.  God is working never forget that.  When you feel like giving up, frustrated, annoyed and distressed.  God is working.

 

8 “So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. 9 Now hurry back to my father and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me; don’t delay. 10 You shall live in the region of Goshen and be near me—you, your children and grandchildren, your flocks and herds, and all you have. 11 I will provide for you there, because five years of famine are still to come. Otherwise you and your household and all who belong to you will become destitute.’

 

Lesson Three:  Joseph then reveals four things.  It was God who sent Him there not them.  God used them but God did this.  God and God alone.  You need to see the hand of God in everything.  You have to have eternal eyes and view or you will miss do much.  He made Joseph father to Pharaoh.  Lord of his entire household.  Joseph was his friend and trusted advisor.  Pharaoh loved and trusted Joseph like no man.  They were friends, brothers and family.  He is ruler of all Egypt.  A Hebrew prince, slave and prisoner had become ruler of all Egypt.  Quite a rags to riches story.  A true fairytale.  Hollywood could never have come with this script or screen play.  God writes the best stories and right now he is writing yours.  That is why you need to seek him and follow Him.  Yours is being written moment by moment.

     Joseph was sending them back.  Hurry, tell him Joseph is alive. God has made him lord over Egypt.  Come and see me, do not delay.   Bring all you have.  You will live in Goshen and be near Him.  Goshen was chosen because it was near.  They were shepherds so the land was best suited for their lifestyle.  They could live godly lives in that land but not have to be part of the land.  Like Jacob we in are in the world but not of the world.  Remember you are a pilgrim passing through.  This is not the best.  We like Abraham are looking for a city whose maker and builder is God.  Bring the whole family.  Everyone is to come and all they have.  Joseph knew they could not stay where they were.  Sometimes God moves us to preserve us.  Never stay in a place where you could die.  Move to where God wants you to be. 

     Joseph wanted them close so he could provide for them.  There was still five years left and they would become destitute.  God wants to provide for us.  He is Jehovah Jireh.  He will supply all your needs.  He has eternal and abundant life for you.  You will see his hand of provision for you. 

 

12 “You can see for yourselves, and so can my brother Benjamin, that it is really I who am speaking to you. 13 Tell my father about all the honor accorded me in Egypt and about everything you have seen. And bring my father down here quickly.”  14 Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. 15 And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward his brothers talked with him.

 

Lesson Four:  He tells them as they can see for themselves what God has done.  Proof is in the pudding.  When we prosper God gets the glory.  Do not take the credit for God has done.  The in this moment he turns to Benjamin.  It is me your brother Joseph.  Can you see the love in his eyes, the compassion and the absolute friendship.  They were the sons of Rachel.  Their mother had died giving birth to Benjamin.  They were blood.  They shared the same DNA.  Benjamin tells dad three things.  First, all the honor that has been given to me in Egypt.  The boy you thought was dead did good.  Dads always want their boys to succeed.  It reflects on them.  Next, tell him everything you have seen.  You are my witness of all that you have seen.  Did you know we are witnesses for God in our world?  Tell those around you what you know, seen and experience.  That is why our purpose is on this planet.  It is not about family, friend, vocation, wealth, fame, fortune and status.  Your life is so much more than this.  You have an eternal purpose.  Please do not forget that today.  Thirdly, tell dad to come down here. 

     He throws his arms around Benjamin and they weep together.  The years are gone in that moment.  They are reunited and it feels so good.  It is divine and holy moment.  They embraced as brothers.  Everything is right in their world in this moment.  It will be a moment they will never forget.  He did the same for his brothers.  In that moment they experience true divine purpose.  They were forgiven, restored, heal and truly love.  This is true moment of grace.  They is like the moment the prodigal felt.  This is like the moment Paul felt went Ananias laid hands on him.  The chiefest of sinners had come home.  They weep and all is forgiven and forgotten well at least as Joseph is concerned.  Afterward they talk and enjoy each other.  Talk about my vision of heaven of meeting old friends, family and loved ones, then seeing Jesus.

 

       

Six things a Godly Dad Does

 

Six things a Godly Dad Does

 

The words of Paul in Ephesians 6 remind Christian fathers that our parenting has a great end towards which we must aim. God gave us the task of teaching, correcting, disciplining, loving, and training our children so that they come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and walk in a way which pleases him.

 

A Godly Dad Keeps Growing

 

A man can only be an effective father as he continues to grow spiritually.  This means that fathers must spend time in our Bibles, in prayer, and actively seeking to walk in obedience by the power of God’s Spirit.  We must grow in knowledge and wisdom.  The work we have been called to as fathers and husbands is too important for us to take a lackadaisical approach to our walk with Jesus.

 

A Godly Dad Loves His Wife

 

Men, before the call to parent our children is the call to love our wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.  We need time together with our wives without our children around. Date nights will prove to be important, especially when our children are young.  Get your kids in bed or in their rooms at a decent hour so you can talk, read together, watch a movie together, or simply hang out in the same room. This will give you the time together you so desperately need for your marriage to grow and give you joy.  Tyson has often said, “Men do yourself a favor and love your wife.”

 

A Godly Dad Teaches Consistently

 

Moses tells fathers to talk with their children about the commands and statutes of the Lord as they sit in their houses and walk by the way.  Family devotions are not the only way for a father to teach his children, but they certainly can play a key role in the formation of our children.  If you can set aside the time to have family devotions four nights a week, you will read, pray, and sing with your children over thirty-five hundred times before they leave for college. There won’t be a major breakthrough or “aha” moment every night, but the consistency over the course of years will make a major impact.  I have prayed for my children and grandchildren everyday of their lives from when they knew we were having kids to this day.  I claim the promise of Acts 16:31,  Voddie Bachman audio

 

A Godly Dad Disciplines Patiently

 

In Proverbs 29:17, it states “Discipline your son and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.” Consistently teaching, correcting, and disciplining our children can be exhausting work. We must patiently and consistency discipline our children. When our children are wrong and need to be disciplined, it is imperative that we take the time to calmly and patiently talk with them about what happened  We should talk with them about the foolishness or sinfulness of what they did, what the Scriptures say about what they have done, and remind them that we discipline them because we love them. This takes time and is definitely not the easy way out, but it will train the hearts of our children and be better for them in the long run.

 

A Godly Dad Repents When He is Wrong

 

“What I said to you and the way I said it was wrong. Will you forgive me?” I don’t know that there is a more difficult thing for a father to say to his children. We will sin against our children at some point in our parenting, either through losing our temper, accusing falsely, speaking harshly, or in a thousand other ways. When we sin against our children, we must repent to the Lord and repent to our children.

 

The greatest temptation you will face when apologizing to your kids is seeking to justify your sinful behavior based on their sinful behavior. Resist this urge with everything you have because you sinned and that is all that matters. Repenting and asking for forgiveness will model repentance, humility, and the Gospel to your children. It will also teach them that they will be hurt throughout their lives and must learn how to forgive. Also, this process of repentance and forgiveness builds trust with your children. They know that what you say about repentance is real, and they also know that you value your relationship with them enough to humble yourself and admit you are wrong.

 

A Godly Dad Knows He Needs the Power of the Holy Spirit

 

Because we must work hard and give ourselves in a way that is not natural to us, we need the power of God’s Spirit. We need his help to stay encouraged, to love, to exercise self-control, and to make our labors effective because we cannot change the hearts of our children. As Paul said, we labor in the strength that God provides, and pray that he would use our labors in our homes to change our children’s lives and bring glory to Himself. 

 

 

STAND BY ME

 

Today I want to share with you how the Lord will stand by you and be faithful.

1.       GOD IS FAITHFUL TO FORGIVE SINS WHEN THEY ARE CONFESSED.  He was faithful to humble himself, become a man, live a sin free life, go to cross, shed his blood, and pay the penalty for sin.  Without His faithfulness, we would not have the wonderful benefit of being forgiven. 

 

a.      We can be assured that when we confess our sins, pardon will be granted, and forgiveness given.  John writes in 1 John 1:9  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

 

b.       The good news is when we come and confess our sins, He forgives. He pardons. He accepts us and we can become His disciples,  be assured that God is faithful and will forgive.

 

2.      GOD IS FAITH TO NOT ALLOW YOU TO BE TEMPTED BEYOND WHAT YOU ARE ABLE.  1 Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”

 

a.       God is right there with you.  He won’t let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. The faithful God will always provide to you a way of escape.  God is in the battle with you.

b.      You will never be overcome, conquered or be a victim.

 

3.      GOD IS FAITHFUL TO COMPLETE THE WORK HE STARTED IN YOU.  You may not realize this, but the moment you sincerely gave your life to Jesus Christ. God enrolled you in his plan. His plan for you is your ultimate transformation. He desires for you to become like Jesus Christ.  God’s goal is that you would become mature and complete. His plan for you is that you would walk in victory.

 

a.      Here are some things to consider.  God finishes what He starts.  God didn’t get halfway through creation and then give up. Rather, in six days he created the earth and the heavens and on the seventh day he rested. He looked at what he did and he said it was good.

 

b.      Jesus didn’t go halfway to Calvary and then cast the cross aside and say I won’t complete my mission.  He went all the way until he was able to utter those beautiful words on the cross, “It is finished!”

 

c.      When he saved you. He said I am going to complete the work I began.  Philippians 1:6 NLT  “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

 

d.      There are many believers that are in a position to say the following:  I may not be all that I should be. I am not what I used to be. I am still under construction. God is not done with me.

              God is faithful. If he saved you. He can sanctify you. In other words, He can set you apart for his 

              purposes.

 

e.      1 Thessalonians 5:23-24  “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.”

 

f.       God will finish the work that he started in you.  He will do that as you are exposed to the Word, as you receive the promptings of the Spirit, He will continue working in your life.  God has His ways to move us toward becoming like Him. God will complete the work.  1 Corinthians 1:8-9  “who will also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

 

4.      GOD IS FAITHFUL TO PROVIDE YOUR NEEDS  Philippians 4:19  “My God shall supply all of your needs according to his riches in Glory by Christ Jesus.”  He is your provider. Just think of his faithfulness. He feeds the birds. He provides food for the oxen. The flowers of the field are more beautiful than Solomon in all his splendor.  He is the faithful God.

 

 

5.      GOD IS FAITHFUL TO GO WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY.  In our relationship to a faithful God He promises to guide us.  As we connect with Him on a daily basis, his hand guides our life. We sense God cheering us on.  He becomes our biggest fan. He is telling us by His Spirit, I am with you! You will make it to the end.  If we need guidance, God can lead us.  God knows how to give us strength no matter what the circumstances.  God will be faithful to walk with  you every step of the way!

 

a.      Paul tell us in Romans 12:1-2, that as we submit to God, We can know the perfect and acceptable will of God..  You do not have to be in the dark about the will of God.

b.      As we go out from this place.  You now know that God will stand by you throughout this week.

 

Show God’s faithfulness.

 

 

 

 

QUOTES FOR APRIL 29, 2026

 

NEW SEASON

 

     Well summer holidays are over and the school season has started.   I love the staples commercial that states it is the most wonderful time of the year.  September is also the season where the leaves begin to change and we enter one of the most gorgeous times of the year.  When the leaves turn their beautiful colors God is just showing off.

     Well as we are talking about change I am going to give you some reasons that change is good.  Here are five reasons why change is good for you:

 

You are pushed out of your comfort zone.

Life in the comfort zone is easy. You simply follow a routine and you can predict the consequences.   This makes life boring.  Outside of the comfort zone, your assumptions are challenged. Your opinions, mindset, and belief system are tested.  God changes our circumstances that we can grow in Him.  You must find new ways to articulate who you are and what you believe. The idea of doing the same thing over and over without question is discouraged and also can cause great frustration.  Getting out into the world and doing something new and different is a fostered approach to life.  Jesus wants us to have an abundant life and this is one way it happens.

 

You get to experience more.

Change is good because you have the opportunity to embrace new experiences.  1 Pet 3:18 tells us that we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.   New perspectives are waiting for you at the doorstep. Opportunities are plentiful. When you look back on your life, all of the really amazing things are because of a new experience you had. All of those vacations you took and all of the people you have met have taught you more than you ever learned in school. God brings people and change into your life so you can become more than you currently are.  These experiences now make up who you are today.

 

You get to find out who you really are.

When you are going through a transition, your mind expands in way that is hadn’t in the past. You find out about what you can handle and what you can’t.  When the Lord is leading this it can really make you into the person God intended you to be.  You learn about your limitations and God’s unlimited wisdom.   You figure out what you are really made of when you trust in Him.  Learning about yourself, including what you cannot handle, helps you to figure out a better path to take in life.  It also makes you trust the Lord more.  You are open to the possibility of learning that what you have been doing in the past isn’t suiting the future.  You become more wise and resourceful.

 

Makes you more flexibility creative and adaptable.

Without a doubt, change makes your more flexible, creative and adaptable. You learn to embrace chaos in a way that seems foreign but acceptable and achievable.  God helps you walk through this times because you are trusting in Him. Then, you are armed with more confidence as you walk into the next uncomfortable situation.  You have learned through His wisdom and strength you are more than you thought.  You begin to thrive in new situations because you have proven to yourself, to God and others that you can, not only handle change, but FLOURISH.

 

You have more fun.

When you are open to change, you are open to saying YES to more. You are open to more experiences and opportunities.  You are willing to risk and be more daring.  You have the opportunity to meet more people too.  God will bring people into your life to help you grow and expand.  When you add all of these things together, you are going to have a more robust life and you’ll have a ton of fun figuring it all out along the way   Remember trust the Lord with all your heart do not lean to your own understanding but in all ways He will direct you path. — there’s no doubt about it.  You are an overcomer, victor and more than a conqueror when you trust God and are willing to embrace change.