Summary of "How to Walk by the Spirit (2021) - Session 10"
Overview
Mark Virkler teaches two related pastoral/spiritual skills:
- Ministering “heart to heart” — hearing and responding to the real condition of someone’s heart rather than only reacting to outward words or your theology.
- Understanding the “transference of spirits” — how moods, faith, hope or negativity move between people.
He provides biblical examples, practical steps, journaling questions and everyday self‑care practices to protect your spirit and help others grow.
Key skills and methods
Ministering heart-to-heart (method and practical steps)
- Pause and check inwardly: ask the Holy Spirit what is going on in the person’s heart.
- Ask what the person needs to hear right now — not everything you know, only the one next step they can receive.
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Speak life, not condemnation; combine freedom with gentle instruction for the future.
Speak life, not condemnation.
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Use stories or parables to break through defenses — pictures reach where argument often fails.
- Focus on root causes: ask what need is being filled by the behavior rather than only addressing surface behavior.
- Be the adult: when tensions arise (for example with children), take responsibility to bring healing.
Journaling as a spiritual/productivity tool
- Use journaling to hear God’s direction about the next step for someone or for yourself.
- Journal specific questions (see the sample prompts below) over several days for spouses, children or friends.
- Expect God to often give one actionable next step; take that step, then watch for the next instruction.
Managing and preventing transference of spirits (self-care & group leadership)
- Be aware that spirits (moods, negativity, faith, hope) transfer between people.
- Protect yourself:
- Limit exposure to negative influences (for example, excessive negative news).
- Use worship and prayer to receive life from God and restore peace, joy and faith.
- Pray protective prayers (the speaker recommends praying the blood of Jesus as a spiritual boundary).
- In groups, seek to carry a stronger, positive spirit so you transfer life to others rather than absorbing negativity.
- If conversation turns negative, redirect with positive questions, stories or examples.
Emotional and spiritual discernment vs. rigid theology
- Don’t let fixed theology or memorized verses override immediate spiritual discernment — peace in the heart is a useful barometer.
- Practice humility: be willing to re-check scripture and assumptions when life or stories challenge your theology.
Counselling / recovery approach
- For persistent issues (such as addiction), explore root wounds and needs (via journaling/prayer) rather than only giving commands.
- Reinforce repeated, small next steps and expect gradual breakthrough rather than instant perfection.
Practical, actionable tips you can apply now
- Before answering someone, pause and inwardly ask: “Lord, what is in their heart? What can they hear now?”
- Use short, story‑based examples to communicate truth when direct argument won’t work.
- Start a daily journaling routine asking for one next step from God about a problem or person.
- When your spirit flags, prioritize worship or prayer to receive God’s life again.
- Limit consumption of negative media; replace it with stories or reports of good outcomes.
- If in a group that’s becoming negative, introduce a positive story or question to reset the tone.
Sample journaling questions
- Lord, would you show me how to see the heart of my spouse/children/friend — what’s behind their words and actions?
- Lord, what would you have me say to minister to what you’re showing me in their heart?
- What is the root need behind this behavior and how can it be healed?
- When have I experienced transference of spirits? What should I learn about it?
- How can I protect or intentionally transfer life to others in this situation?
Biblical examples and lessons referenced
- 1 Samuel 16 — Samuel anoints David: God looks at the heart, not outward appearances.
- Luke 18 — Jesus discerns the idol (wealth) in the rich ruler’s heart and prescribes the necessary heart-change.
- Mark 2 — The paralytic lowered through the roof: friends’ faith, Jesus ministers both forgiveness and healing.
- John 8 — The woman caught in adultery: Jesus’s gentleness, no condemnation, instruction for future living.
- Nathan and King David — using a story to bring repentance and breakthrough.
- Proverbs 13:20 and 1 Corinthians 15:33 — cautions about choosing companions and guarding influence.
Other people / sources mentioned
- Presenter: Mark Virkler
- Biblical characters: Samuel, Jesse, David, the paralytic and his friends, the rich ruler, scribes/Pharisees, the woman caught in adultery, Nathan and King David.
- Scripture references: 1 Samuel 16; Luke 18; Mark 2; John 8; Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33.
- Additional influencer: Derek Prince (as someone who influenced the presenter).
Available extras
- One-page checklist version of the ministering steps suitable for printing and carrying.
- Short journaling template based on the session’s questions.
Category
Wellness and Self-Improvement
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