Cultivating Godly Relationships
The Bible offers profound insights into the unseen forces that can shape our lives. Today’s devotional from Open Heaven Reflection, titled “Recognise Agents of Divine or Satanic Flows into Your Life,” delves into this concept, urging us to cultivate relationships that bring us closer to God and sever ties with those that lead us astray.
The Story of Joseph: A Testament to Divine Influence
The passage highlights the story of Joseph (Genesis 39:2-3) as a prime example of how individuals can bring blessings or challenges into our lives. Joseph’s presence in Potiphar’s house ushered in an era of prosperity (Genesis 39:2). Potiphar, unfortunately, failed to recognize this “divine flow” and ultimately distanced himself from the blessing by imprisoning Joseph (a foolish decision chronicled in Genesis 39).
Learning from Jacob’s Experience: Recognizing Blessings
In contrast, Laban, Jacob’s father-in-law, serves as an example of someone who understood the positive influence another person can bring. He recognized the “blessing flow” that Jacob brought to his business endeavors (Genesis 30:27) and wanted him to stay. Laban’s wisdom stands in stark contrast to Potiphar’s shortsightedness.
Identifying Relationships that Nurture Your Faith
The devotional emphasizes the importance of identifying individuals who bring “divine flows” into your life. These could be your pastor, spouse, parents, or even an employee. These relationships deserve to be nurtured with “honour, respect, intelligence, and seriousness.” Prioritize spending time with such individuals, for they can be instrumental in your spiritual growth.
Guarding Yourself from Negative Influences
The message also cautions against those who might introduce “demonic flows” into your life. These individuals can be a source of negativity, temptation, or discouragement. The devotional urges readers to “ruthlessly cut off all channels” of such influences. Discerning these negative influences and taking steps to distance yourself from them is crucial for protecting your spiritual well-being.
The Power of Prayer and Discernment
The accompanying prayer is a powerful tool to cultivate discernment. By asking for the “spirit of wisdom and revelation,” you open yourself to a deeper understanding of the forces at play in your life. Discerning the positive and negative influences will allow you to make choices that strengthen your relationship with God.
Living a Life Guided by God
The devotional from Open Heaven Reflection offers a valuable reminder that we are not alone on our spiritual journeys. By surrounding ourselves with positive influences and severing ties with negativity, we create an environment conducive to spiritual growth. Through prayer, discernment, and a commitment to nurturing relationships that uplift us, we can navigate life’s complexities and move closer to God.
Remember, the Bible itself is a source of immense divine flow. The devotional’s suggested readings for today (Judges 11:1-12:15, John 1:1-28, Psalm 101:1-8, Proverbs 14:13-14) offer guidance, wisdom, and inspiration. By incorporating scripture study into your daily routine, you expose yourself to a continuous flow of God’s word, strengthening your faith and helping you navigate the spectrum of influences in your life.
