KATHY GABLER—Do we set a bad atmosphere with our thoughts or emotions or words, or does the atmosphere hunt us down to dictate our thoughts or emotions or words?  I believe the answer is both.  We certainly have the ability to create an atmosphere for ourselves and everyone around us.  One person’s impatience in a waiting room can have everyone tense and walking on eggshells in a matter of seconds.  One person’s panic can clear a room.  Our expectations, meditations, fears or our mouthing against self can fill the air until it is lethal.  However, not only people are able to condition an atmosphere.  The devil is called “the prince of the power of the air” (Eph.2:2) for a reason.  He is skilled at blowing in a foul wind to influence people and situations.  The Old Testament word “ruach” is translated “spirit” most often, but it means “wind” or “breath”.  In the New Testament, the same word is “pneuma”.  A spirit or wind can carry a contradiction to the will of God into an atmosphere by blowing in a lie or fear or threat or opinion or accusation, etc.   The air becomes its infected storage place so that it can affect and influence thoughts and feelings when it finds an advantage, an open window.   Just as we breathe in air unconsciously, we can also come under the influence of what’s in the air  unconsciously.   It can become an influence over our emotions and thoughts and decisions. Prov.12:18,TPT—“Reckless words are like the thrusts of a sword, cutting remarks meant to stab and to hurt. But the words of the wise soothe and heal.”