The word ‘influence’ is only used once in the King James version of the Bible. It was when Yahweh
asked Job this question:
Job 38: | 31: “Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?” |
But in the final analysis, it is the powers behind the thinkers, the real influencing powers, the unseen spiritual powers in heavenly places that determine whose influence will be the stronger, for good or for evil.
Genesis 32: | 24: “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. 25: And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 26: And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 27: And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob. 28: And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” |
Verse: | 24: “And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.” One wrestles with Yahweh alone - often at dead of night. It is never a quick match; but lasts one's whole life through. |
Verse: | 26: “And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.” Yahweh often gives the appearance of wanting to leave us. Though in actual fact He is extremely keen on blessing us. But He must be certain that His blessing is really wanted. So He makes out that He needs to leave; but is all the while awaiting the invitation to stay. This divine trait is seen in (Luke 24: 28) “And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further.” |
Verse: | 27: “And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob.” What is your character, your true self, your aims and purposes? Yahweh always examines a believer's motives before He blesses. |
Verse: | 28: “And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Often a change of Name (character) is needed before the Most High can bless. But because you have displayed perseverance and good motives, you will be given a new name. (ISRAEL - Ruling with God) You will be allowed to rule with the Most High. |
Verse: | 31: “And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose upon him, and he halted upon his thigh.” The limp. In actual fact we are no match for Yahweh. And even though He allows us to rule with Him, our personal powers are very limited. Even in victory we limp. Indeed, when we feel our weekness - we are at our best. When we are proud, we are useless to Him and to all others! |
Ephesians 6: | 12: “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” |
Here is an example of their power.
Daniel 10: | 12: “Then said he unto me, Fear not, Daniel: for from the first day that thou didst set thine heart to understand, and to chasten thyself before thy God, thy words were heard, and I am come for thy words. 13: But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and twenty days: but, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me; and I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14: Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days: for yet the vision is for many days.” |
Leviticus 17: | 7: “And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.” |
Ephesians 4: | 27: “Neither give place to the devil.”
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1 Peter 5: | 8: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:” |
James 4: | 7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” |
Luke 10: | 17: “And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.” |