Tag: discernment

May 30, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Blinding of Bar-Jesus

Opening Verse

“And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?”
— Acts 13:10 (KJV)

Introduction

In the book of Acts, we encounter a man named Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas the sorcerer. He used his cunning and deceitful ways to mislead people, opposing the truth of God’s word. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of falsehood and the ultimate triumph of truth.

Devotional Story

Bar-Jesus was a false prophet who used sorcery to influence and deceive the people. He tried to turn the proconsul Sergius Paulus away from the faith when Paul and Barnabas were sharing the gospel. Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, rebuked him sharply, and Bar-Jesus was struck with blindness. This physical blindness mirrored the spiritual blindness he was spreading among the people.

Just as Bar-Jesus used his skills to lead people away from the truth, there are many today who employ persuasive speech and deceitful practices to keep others from seeing the light of Christ. These modern-day “sorcerers” may not use magic, but their words and actions can be just as misleading and harmful.

What This Means

Bar-Jesus’ temporary blindness was a direct result of his attempt to blind others from the truth. It symbolizes how spiritual blindness can afflict those who choose to deceive and those who are deceived. In a world full of distractions and false teachings, it is crucial to stay rooted in the word of God and discern truth from lies.

Think About This

– Are there areas in your life where you might be influenced by deceitful teachings or false information?
– How can you strengthen your understanding and discernment of the truth?
– Consider the ways you can help others see the light of Christ amidst the confusion of today’s world.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we pray for wisdom and discernment in a world filled with deception. Help us to see clearly through the lies and to stand firm in your truth. Guide us to be lights in the darkness, leading others to the clarity and salvation found in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.”
— Acts 13:12 (KJV

May 12, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Hidden Weeds Among Us

Opening Verse

“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.” (Matthew 13:24-25, KJV)

Introduction

In these verses, Jesus begins to explain the reality of the kingdom of heaven using a simple story, a parable, about a farmer who faces a subtle yet profound challenge.

Devotional Story

A farmer took great care in sowing his field with good seeds, expecting a bountiful harvest of wheat. However, under the cover of night, an enemy stealthily scattered seeds of tares (weeds that closely resemble wheat) among the planted good seeds. These actions went unnoticed until the plants began to grow and the weeds appeared among the wheat.

What This Means

This parable illustrates a spiritual reality: the kingdom of heaven on Earth is mixed with both genuine believers and impostors. The enemy, much like the sower of the weeds, works in secret, planting falsehoods and deceptions. It’s a reminder that not everything that looks good is good, and discernment is necessary.

Think About This

Consider how weeds can sometimes grow in your own life, resembling the good but potentially choking spiritual growth. How can you cultivate discernment to recognize these weeds and remove them?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to discern between the good and the bad in our lives. Help us to nurture the seeds of Your truth and love in our hearts, and to identify and uproot any deceit that might hinder our spiritual growth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;” (Matthew 13:37-38, KJV)

April 27, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Favor Over Labor

Opening Verse

 “Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:41-42 (KJV)

 

Introduction

In the quiet moments of life, it is crucial to discern what truly merits our attention and energy. The story of Martha and Mary beautifully illustrates the virtue of discernment in choosing the better part.

 

Devotional Story

In the village of Bethany, Martha opened her home to Jesus, dedicating herself to serving Him. While she was engaged in preparations, her sister Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, listening intently to His teachings. Martha, feeling overwhelmed by her tasks, sought Jesus’ support to encourage Mary to assist her.

 

However, Jesus gently corrected Martha, highlighting that her concerns, though well-intentioned, were secondary to the opportunity to learn and grow spiritually. Mary’s choice to focus on Jesus’ words was commended as the better part, a choice that enriched her soul and was eternal.

What This Means

Jesus’ gentle admonition to Martha is not a critique of her service but an encouragement to prioritize spiritual enrichment over daily tasks. It reminds us that spiritual growth and attentiveness to God’s word are the most valuable pursuits.

Think About This

How often do we let our responsibilities overshadow our time with God? Are there areas in our lives where we need to reorder our priorities to focus more on spiritual growth?

Prayer

Dear Lord, grant us the wisdom to recognize the better part as Mary did. Help us to choose what is everlasting and nourish our souls with Your teachings. Guide us in balancing our duties and our spiritual life, so that we may grow closer to You each day. Amen.

Closing Verse

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

 

April 23, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Where Do You Dine?

Opening Verse:

“And Jesus said unto them, ‘Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.'” (Luke 12:15)

Introduction:

In our daily choices, just like when choosing between two restaurants, we often face the decision between what pleases the eye and what satisfies the deeper need. Let’s explore this through a simple analogy of two dining experiences.

Devotional Story:

Imagine two restaurants in your town. The first is breathtakingly beautiful with an enchanting ambiance—sparkling chandeliers, plush seating, and a vibrant buzz that makes you feel like you’re in the heart of luxury. However, the food is notably bland and uninspiring.

The second restaurant stands in stark contrast: it’s plain, almost drab, with none of the aesthetic pleasures of the first. But the food? It’s exceptional. Every dish is a masterpiece of taste, worthy of being called the best in the world.

Despite the superior culinary experience, most people flock to the first restaurant, drawn by its visual and social appeal. This scenario paints a perfect picture of how often, in various aspects of life, appearances can overshadow substance.

What This Means:

Our story reflects a spiritual truth: what is seen is often valued more than what is unseen but essential. In the context of faith, we are sometimes drawn to what looks attractive or what everyone else seems to favor, rather than what truly nourishes our souls and brings us closer to God.

Think About This:

How often do you choose form over function? Are there areas in your life where you prefer the “beautiful restaurant” at the expense of what truly feeds you spiritually? It’s important to assess where we are putting our efforts and desires—are they in the fleeting pleasures of the world, or in the eternal nourishment from God?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to see beyond the superficial attractions of this world. Help us to value and seek what truly satisfies our souls. May our decisions reflect our deep hunger for Your truth and righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse:

“For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.” (Psalm 107:9)

April 8, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Deception of Fear

Opening Verse

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7)

Introduction

In a world where information is at our fingertips, distinguishing between truth and deception can be challenging. Social media and news outlets often spread propaganda and lies, creating a climate of fear and uncertainty.

Devotional Story

Consider the story of Maria, a woman who spent hours each day scrolling through her social media feeds. The more she read, the more anxious she became, fearing the worst about the world around her. One evening, her grandmother noticed her distress and shared a piece of wisdom: “Fear is not from God. He offers us peace and clarity, not confusion and chaos.” This conversation led Maria to reevaluate how she consumed news and to seek peace and truth in God’s word, rather than in the turbulent waves of media.

What This Means

The Scripture reminds us that God does not instill fear in us; instead, He equips us with power, love, and a sound mind. When faced with the daunting waves of misinformation, we are called to anchor our hearts in this truth, not in the shaky grounds of sensational news and social media narratives.

Think About This

How much of your day is spent absorbing news and social media? Reflect on how this influences your emotions and thoughts. Are you allowing these external sources to sow seeds of fear in your heart?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, guide us in discerning truth amidst the noise of this world. Help us to focus on Your promises and not be swayed by fear or deception. Grant us the strength to seek Your peace above all, trusting in Your sovereign hand over our lives. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

March 16, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Urgency of Truth

Opening Verse

“And her prophets have daubed them with untempered morter, seeing vanity, and divining lies unto them, saying, Thus saith the Lord GOD, when the LORD hath not spoken.” – Ezekiel 22:28 (KJV)

Introduction

In a world brimming with messages, discerning truth from falsehood has never been more crucial. Ezekiel 22:28 warns us of the dangers of false prophets—those who claim to speak for God without His commission. This verse challenges us to seek authenticity and truth in our spiritual journey.

Devotional Story

Imagine a small, ancient village, where a well-respected man claimed to have visions from God. He was eloquent, persuasive, and his words were like sweet honey. People gathered from far and wide to hear his prophecies. Yet, there was a young shepherd who harbored doubts. This shepherd noticed discrepancies in the man’s words compared to the Scriptures he knew by heart. Driven by a quest for truth, the shepherd began to question, to research, and to pray. It wasn’t long before the truth was revealed—the man’s prophecies were self-serving lies. The village was shocked but grateful to the shepherd for reminding them that true guidance comes not from the eloquence of words, but from the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

What This Means

Ezekiel 22:28 serves as a stern reminder that not everyone who speaks in the name of God is truly sent by Him. It underscores the importance of discerning the truth through the lens of Scripture, encouraging us to be like the Bereans, who examined the Scriptures daily to see if what they were taught was true (Acts 17:11).

Think About This

How do you discern truth in your spiritual journey? Are you consulting God’s Word to verify the authenticity of what you hear? Let us be vigilant, seeking wisdom and guidance through prayer and the Scriptures.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant us the discernment to recognize Your voice among the many that clamor for our attention. Help us to seek Your truth in all things, to be anchored in Your Word, and not to be swayed by the smooth words of false prophets. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” – John 17:17 (KJV)

 

March 5, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Subtle Twist

Opening Verse

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.” – 2 Corinthians 11:3 (KJV)

Introduction

In our spiritual journey, understanding the nature of our adversary, the Devil, is crucial. He is not just a foe to be underestimated; he is cunning, crafty, and skilled in the art of deception. It is his subtlety, the ability to twist and manipulate, that poses a significant danger to our understanding and living out of God’s Word.

Devotional Story

Consider a moment in a peaceful garden, where everything began. Here, the Devil, taking the form of a serpent, approached Eve. His tactic? He simply twisted God’s words, changing just one little word, to sow seeds of doubt and disobedience. This wasn’t a grand gesture or a blatant lie; it was a subtle twist, yet it had profound consequences. From this moment, humanity’s relationship with God was altered, illustrating how potent a single word can be when twisted by the enemy.

What This Means

This means we must be vigilant and discerning. The Devil’s tactics have not changed; he still seeks to pervert God’s Word by altering it ever so slightly. A word here, a concept there – it might seem insignificant, but it can lead to confusion, doubt, and a departure from the truth. The purity of God’s Word is our foundation, and any alteration, no matter how small, can lead us away from the path God has set for us.

Think About This

How often do we critically evaluate the information we receive against the unchanging truth of the Bible? Are we aware that even the smallest deviation from God’s Word can have significant implications for our faith and life? The enemy is cunning, using half-truths and subtle changes to lead us astray. It’s a reminder to not only read the Bible but to study it, understand it, and ask the Holy Spirit for discernment.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, grant us wisdom and discernment to recognize the subtleties of the enemy’s deceptions. Help us to hold fast to Your Word, examining everything in the light of Your truth. May we not be led astray by the cunning alterations of the evil one, but stay firm in the simplicity and purity of our devotion to Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” – 2 Corinthians 2:11 (KJV)

March 4, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Consuming What Nourishes

Opening Verse

“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4 (KJV)

Introduction

In a world abundant with choices, it’s crucial to discern between what truly nourishes us and what merely fills us. This discernment applies not only to our physical sustenance but, more importantly, to our spiritual and emotional intake.

Devotional Story

Imagine sitting in a restaurant, surrounded by images of delicious meals. Instead of ordering a meal, you cut out pictures from the menu, attempting to satisfy your hunger with them. This absurd scenario mirrors how we sometimes attempt to fill our spiritual and emotional voids with superficial substitutes rather than seeking genuine nourishment.

What This Means

Our spiritual journey demands that we consume what is truly beneficial. Just as the body requires healthy, nutritious food for sustenance, our souls need the spiritual ‘food’ that comes from God’s Word, prayer, fasting and communion with the God. Consuming merely for the sake of consumption—be it material goods, empty entertainment, or superficial interactions—leaves us spiritually malnourished.

Think About This

Reflect on what you consume daily in your spiritual and emotional life. Are these things enriching and nourishing your soul, or are they akin to the empty calories of cut-out menu pictures? How can you make more nourishing choices?

Prayer

Lord, help us to seek and consume what truly nourishes our souls. Teach us to discern between the empty temptations of this world and the profound, fulfilling sustenance found in Your Word and presence. May we always hunger for the spiritual food that satisfies completely. Amen.

Closing Verse

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:” – 1 Peter 2:2 (KJV)

March 1, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Balance of Wealth and Spiritual Focus

Opening Verse:

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” – 1 Timothy 6:9 (KJV)

Introduction:

Wealth and possessions, in themselves, are not inherently wrong. Scripture does not condemn being wealthy or having material things; it’s the love of money and overconsumption that can lead us astray. The challenge for believers is to enjoy God’s blessings without letting them distract us from our spiritual journey and relationship with God.

Devotional Insight:

The Bible offers wisdom on managing wealth without allowing it to consume us. 1 Timothy 6:17 instructs,

“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy.”

This passage acknowledges that God provides abundantly for us to enjoy but warns against placing our trust in wealth over God.

Overconsumption diverts our focus from God and can lead to placing our identity and security in material possessions rather than in our Creator. The key is finding a balance where we can appreciate and utilize our wealth in ways that honor God, help others, and do not detract from our spiritual growth and purpose.

Application to Life:

  1. Gratitude for Blessings: Recognize and thank God for the wealth and possessions you have, acknowledging them as blessings from Him.
  2. Purposeful Stewardship: Use your resources to glorify God and assist those in need, reflecting Christ’s love through generosity.
  3. Spiritual Priorities: Regularly evaluate your lifestyle to ensure that your wealth and possessions are not becoming obstacles in your relationship with God.

Reflective Questions:

  1. How can you ensure that your possessions do not become your focus over God?
  2. In what ways can you use your wealth to further God’s kingdom?
  3. How does generosity help in balancing the enjoyment of wealth without overconsumption?

Closing Prayer:

Lord, bless us with wisdom to manage the wealth You provide responsibly. Help us to enjoy Your blessings without becoming consumed by them. Guide us to use our resources for Your glory and to keep our hearts focused on You, ensuring that our wealth does not distract us from our spiritual path. Teach us the joy of generosity and the peace that comes from trusting in You above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Concluding Bible Verse:

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:” – Matthew 6:19-20 (KJV)

February 11, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The Idolatry of Leadership

Opening Verse

“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” – Acts 20:28 (KJV)

Introduction

In a world craving for guidance and wisdom, it’s easy to place our faith and devotion in those who lead us. However, when admiration turns into idolatry, we risk placing human leaders on pedestals meant only for God.

Devotional Story

In a small town, there was a church known for its charismatic pastor, David. People flocked from miles around to hear him preach, captivated by his eloquence and passion. David was indeed a man of God, but over time, the congregation began to revere him more than the Lord. They hung on his every word as if it were divine, rarely consulting their Bibles to verify his teachings.

One day, a young girl named Lily joined the congregation. She noticed how people seemed to worship Pastor David, taking his words as ultimate truth without seeking confirmation from Scripture. Concerned, Lily decided to study the Bible diligently, comparing what she learned with David’s sermons. She realized that while David was a gifted preacher, not everything he said aligned perfectly with God’s Word.

Lily bravely approached David, expressing her concerns. To his credit, David listened with humility and recognized the unintended idolatry that had developed. He addressed his congregation, urging them to remember that no human leader is infallible and that their ultimate allegiance should be to God alone. He encouraged them to always turn to the Scriptures for confirmation and guidance.

What This Means

This story reminds us of the importance of discerning leadership. While pastors and spiritual leaders play a crucial role in guiding and teaching, they are not above God. Our ultimate source of truth and authority is the Bible, and it’s essential to verify the teachings we receive against Scripture.

Think About This

Are you placing more trust in human leaders than in God? How often do you consult the Bible to confirm what you’ve been taught?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, grant us the wisdom to discern Your truth in all teachings. Help us to respect and learn from our pastors but keep our worship and ultimate trust in You alone. Guide us to always turn to Your Word for verification and direction. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” – John 5:39 (KJV)