The knowledge of God, a function of the spirit, is not head knowledge of God that comes from philosophy nor is it knowledge of Bible verses about God.

         It is that intuitive knowledge of God that comes to us when our spirit is alive toward God.

There are three functions of the spirit, which is similar to the three functions of the soul.
           1) knowledge of God,
           2) communion with God, and
           3) a functioning conscience.

the soul functions are:
           1) intellect
           2) emotions, and
           3) will.

As the blood is to the body, bringing life to flesh and bone, keeping the flesh supple and the bones fed, so our will is to our soul.

                Love must have a free will to operate effectively.

As flesh is to the body, giving movement and form, so the emotions are to the soul, giving activity to the thinking.

                   Emotions should be our servant to bring joy and life to our thinking, not our master.

Just as the bone is to the body, giving it  shape and structure;
so is the intellect to the soul.

                           Logical thinking gives shape and structure to the soul, it is its backbone.

The body can easily be defined, but the soul is more abstract.

         The definition of the soul becomes more complex and not as clear as the body.
         But there are some parallels between them.

The will is our capacity to make decisions.
It is a soul realm function.

        The will draws facts from the intellect and the emotions to make a judgment of what we should do or what we want to do.

The mind is a wonderful thing as God created it; now modern science is beginning to understand it.

Defining the intellect of the mind is difficult from the Word of God since the Hebrew and Greek words of the Bible are not translated intellect.

                 It uses other words such as mind, thought, think, meditate, know, reason, etc.

Of themselves, emotions and emotionalism are self defeating.

     Without emotions we find no life, but with them we find satisfaction of life.

          We cannot go by emotions, but positive emotions are given to us by God to enjoy.

               Before we were born again emotions ruled our lives; but now we should be ruled by the Word .of God.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5

Happy New Year 2013!