Day 1 – What Are Spirits? Understanding the Invisible Realm | Series: Spirits That Transfer: Understanding Spiritual Influence and Alignment

Main Scripture:1 John 4:1 (NKJV) – “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.”

Now, I must admit, from the get-go, that this is another topic that is personal to  me. 

There were times in my life, looking back, when I could now identify that there was something off. Now, I was not as spiritually mature then to understand that it was a spirit. But as I am delving more into the Bible, I am getting a clearer understanding of these things/emotions/actions/spirits in operation in us as humans.

This week, I am inviting us to think seriously about stuff that has happened and even now taking place in our lives, with a view to cleaning up, becoming better, and walking in the Light of the Lord, according to His Holy Spirit.

 Now, when we talk about spirits, many people think of ghosts or superstition. But the Bible gives a much deeper truth. 

Scripture consistently describes a spirit as an unseen being or influence that affects life in the visible world.

The Hebrew word ruach and the Greek word pneuma both mean “breath” or “wind.” You can’t see the wind, but you can feel its power. In the same way, you can’t see a spirit, but you can sense its effect. 

Some spirits come from God, others do not. Both operate beyond sight, yet their fruit is visible in how people act, speak, and live.

From the very beginning, the Spirit of God has been at work. Genesis 1:2 (NKJV) says, “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” 

Before creation took shape, the Holy Spirit was present, bringing order to chaos. Job 33:4 (NKJV) adds, “The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.” 

So, life itself began because God breathed His Spirit into humanity. That means every living soul carries something of the spiritual within.

Yet the Bible also reminds us that not all spiritual activity is holy. Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) warns, “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” 

There is an invisible war around us that plays out in our thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Sometimes what we call “bad vibes” or “a heavy atmosphere” is a reflection of that unseen battle. When you step into a place and instantly feel tension or peace, that’s not imagination; it’s a spiritual environment revealing itself.

The Apostle Paul cautioned the church about deception. 2 Corinthians 11:14–15 (NLT) says, “But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness.” 

In other words, not everything that looks or sounds spiritual comes from God. Some voices may use His name but carry motives that divide, control, or confuse. That is why John’s command to “test the spirits” matters so deeply.

The good news is that believers are not left to figure this out alone. Jesus promised help. John 14:26 (AMP) declares, “But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and He will help you remember everything that I have told you.” 

The Holy Spirit is a Person who dwells within those who believe. He guides, corrects, comforts, and exposes what is false. When you walk with Him, discernment grows naturally. You start to sense when something doesn’t carry His peace or truth.

In everyday life, this becomes very practical. 

Think about how one person can shift an entire atmosphere just by entering a room. Some people carry peace, patience, and gentleness because they host the presence of God. Others carry agitation, gossip, or fear because of the spirit influencing them. 

Proverbs 25:28 (NKJV) says, “Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.” Without spiritual boundaries, anything can enter—anger, envy, or discouragement. 

The company we keep, the media we consume, and the environments we choose, all open doors to certain influences. If we constantly entertain negativity, we absorb it. If we dwell in worship and truth, God’s Spirit shapes our inner world.

Romans 8:14 (NLT) teaches, “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” To be led by the Spirit means living with awareness. We pause before reacting, we listen inwardly before deciding. We ask, “Lord, is this You?” That small habit separates a Spirit-led believer from a flesh-led one.

Today is a good day to ask yourself: Who or what has been influencing my spirit lately? Do I feel peace, or am I constantly anxious and drained? Have I been filling my atmosphere with God’s Word and worship, or with things that stir fear and frustration? 

The spiritual world is not make-believe, it is the truest world. We are spirit, living in a body, and we attract the atmosphere that matches what’s within us. 

That’s something for us to take note of. Who do you prefer to be around? People who condone your wrongs just to keep you as a friend, or those who love you enough to correct you in truth? One feeds your flesh; the other strengthens your spirit. So again, I say: the company we choose reveals the spirit we value.

John 4:24 (NKJV) says, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” To walk with God is to stay aware that every decision, every conversation, every emotion has a spiritual root. 

Each day, you and I decide which spirit gets to influence our hearts: fear or faith, pride or humility, bitterness or love. 

And sometimes, we have to make tough decisions: to speak up, stay silent, step away from certain people, keep praying, or simply do whatever the Spirit of the Living God leads us to do. It may not be easy, but obedience to the Holy Spirit is always worth it.

So let’s make this our prayer: “Holy Spirit, I welcome You. Fill every part of me—my mind, my emotions, my words. Teach me to recognize what comes from You and what does not. Guard my spirit so I remain aligned with truth and peace. Amen.”

Family, when we invite Him like that, the atmosphere shifts. 

The same Spirit who hovered over chaos in Genesis still hovers over our lives today, ready to bring order, healing, and light wherever we let Him in.