Day 16 – Discerning of Spirits

Scripture

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” — 1 John 4:1

Promise

The Holy Spirit equips us to discern what is truly from God, what is of human origin, and what is influenced by darkness.

Quote

“The gift of discerning of spirits is not suspicion—it is supernatural perception into the spiritual realm.” — Dr. Daniel LeBlanc

Devotion

Among the Revelation Gifts, the Discerning of Spirits is perhaps the most vital for spiritual safety and purity. It is not the same as suspicion, judgment, or natural intuition. It is a supernatural ability given by the Holy Spirit to distinguish the source of spiritual activity—whether it comes from God’s Spirit, the human spirit, or demonic spirits. In Acts 16, Paul encountered a slave girl possessed with a spirit of divination. Though she spoke words that sounded true, Paul discerned that the source was not God. By the Spirit’s discernment, he cast the demon out, and the girl was set free.

This gift is essential in a world filled with deception. It guards the church from false teaching, protects believers from spiritual attack, and reveals the authentic move of God. It also helps us recognize when the Holy Spirit is at work—so we can say, “Hello Holy Spirit, I welcome You,” and align ourselves with what He is doing.

Discerning of spirits is not about hunting for demons or criticizing people—it’s about seeing with spiritual clarity. Sometimes it comes as a knowing, a check in your spirit, or even a vision or impression. The more we walk closely with the Spirit, the more sensitive we become to His discernment.

Let’s make some application now. Think of a situation where you’ve wondered, “Is this God, just human effort, or something darker?” Pray: “Hello Holy Spirit, I welcome You. Sharpen my discernment so I can see what is truly happening in the spirit.” Trust Him to open your eyes to recognize His presence and guard against the enemy’s schemes.

Declaration

I am baptized in the Holy Spirit, and I walk in discernment. Today I say, “Hello Holy Spirit, I welcome You. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to know what is of You and what is not.”

Prayer

Hello Holy Spirit, I welcome You. Thank You for giving the gift of discernment to Your people. Guard me from deception, protect me from fear, and give me clarity to recognize Your hand at work. Help me to walk in wisdom, purity, and boldness as I follow Your leading. Amen.