The Holy Spirit is not merely a mystical presence but the very breath, wisdom, and power of God working in and through believers. Isaiah 11:2 offers one of the clearest biblical outlines of the Holy Spirit's attributes, describing seven distinct manifestations—often called the seven powers or spirits of the Holy Spirit. These powers were fully embodied in Jesus Christ and are given to believers to live godly and victorious lives. Isaiah 11:2 (KJV) " And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. " Let’s look at each power in detail: 1. The Spirit of the Lord This is the foundational presence of the Holy Spirit—the sovereign power of God that rests upon a person for divine assignment. It represents God’s anointing, approval, and presence. ...
Manipulation is a form of control that seeks to influence others through deceit, fear, guilt, or pressure. The Bible warns against such behavior, as it is rooted in selfish ambition, deception, and often spiritual warfare. Breaking free from the spirit of manipulation requires discernment, setting healthy boundaries, and relying on God’s truth. 1. Understanding Manipulation in the Bible The Bible provides many examples of manipulation, showing how it operates and how to overcome it. ● Eve and the Serpent (Genesis 3:1-6) – The serpent manipulated Eve by distorting God's word, planting doubt, and making sin appear desirable. ● Delilah and Samson (Judges 16:4-21) – Delilah used emotional manipulation to weaken Samson and betray him. ● Jezebel’s Control (1 Kings 21:5-16) – Queen Jezebel manipulated her husband, King Ahab, and others to achieve her selfish goals, leading to destruction. ● Pharisees and Jesus (Luke 20:20-26) – The religious leaders ...