Tag: SpiritualDiscernment

April 15, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

The Natural Man Understands Not

Opening Verse

“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
—1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV)

Introduction

There’s a difference between hearing God’s Word and truly understanding it. Many hear sermons, read Scripture, and even quote verses—but without the Holy Spirit, the truth remains hidden. The Bible tells us plainly: the natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit. It’s not a matter of intelligence or education. It’s about the heart.

Devotional Story

A man once walked into a revival meeting, drawn in by curiosity. He had read the Bible before but saw it only as literature, not life. As the preacher spoke of sin, repentance, and the blood of Christ, the man scoffed. “Foolishness,” he muttered under his breath. He couldn’t understand why people around him were weeping, raising their hands, crying out for mercy.

Later that week, a co-worker gave him a Bible and shared her testimony. He tried reading again, but it still didn’t make sense. “I don’t get it,” he told her. She replied gently, “Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes.”

That night, something changed. Alone in his room, he prayed—not with eloquence, but with desperation. “God, if You’re real, show me.” The Word of God, once dull and confusing, suddenly pierced his heart. He saw his sin, he saw Christ, and he wept.

It wasn’t logic that saved him. It was the Spirit of God.

What This Means

Without the Holy Spirit, the Bible will seem strange, even foolish. The “natural man” tries to understand divine truth through human reasoning, but God’s truth is spiritually revealed. That means only those who are born again can grasp the things of God.

This verse is a warning and a wake-up call. If the Word of God feels lifeless to you, ask yourself—have you truly been born of the Spirit? Because until that happens, the truth will remain locked, like a sealed book.

Think About This

Are you trying to follow Christ with a natural mind? Do the things of God seem foolish or boring to you? If so, you must be born again. The Spirit brings light, conviction, and understanding. Ask Him to open your eyes before it’s too late.

Prayer

Lord, I don’t want to live blind to Your truth. If I’ve been walking in the flesh, forgive me. I ask for the Holy Spirit to reveal Your Word to me. Let me not be a natural man who rejects Your wisdom. Change my heart. Give me eyes to see, ears to hear, and a spirit that trembles at Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”
—John 3:6 (KJV)

March 22, 2025 Devotional Post a Comment

From Hiding to Holding the Line

Opening Verse

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
— 2 Timothy 2:3 (KJV)

Introduction

When God lifts you from the shadows and places you at the front lines, it isn’t a promotion in the eyes of man — it’s an assignment from heaven. You were once hidden, protected, refined. Now, you’re positioned to protect, to speak, and to act while others freeze in fear.

Devotional Story

Yusef never asked to be noticed. He preferred staying behind the scenes, helping where needed, rarely drawing attention to himself. But everything shifted the day the tornado came.

The sirens screamed. People scattered. Debris whipped through the air. While others dove for shelter, Yusef stood still. Not because he felt brave — but because the Holy Spirit told him, “Look again.”

Through the chaos, he saw a child standing alone in the open. Frozen. Terrified. While others kept running, Yusef stepped forward. He didn’t yell. He didn’t panic. He walked straight to the child, covered them with his coat, and whispered, “I’ve got you.” Shielding them with his own body, he led them to a safe spot under a collapsed awning just seconds before another gust ripped through the street.

Later, Yusef realized the child was more than just a life needing rescue — it was a picture of something God had long ago entrusted to him. A spiritual gift. A calling. Waiting to be picked back up and carried forward.

That day, Yusef didn’t just survive a tornado. He stepped into his assignment.

What This Means

When others are gripped by fear and frozen in place, God sends those who have been tested — not in comfort, but in chaos. Yusef’s story isn’t just about bravery; it’s about obedience, discernment, and stepping into the role of protector.

You may be the one God is calling to step in while others step back. That “child” might be someone you’re called to intercede for — or it might be your purpose, waiting to be held again. Either way, this is your moment.

Think About This

  • Are you waiting for someone else to act when God is calling you?
  • Has your gift been buried under fear, doubt, or distraction?
  • Who or what is the “child” in your life that you’re meant to protect or restore?

Prayer

Lord, I thank You for keeping me through every storm. Just like Yusef, I want to respond when You call. Give me eyes to see who or what needs rescuing. Let me be bold, not frozen. Help me to protect what You’ve placed in me and around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”
— Deuteronomy 31:6 (KJV)

December 4, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

The World is Satan’s, But Victory is the Lord’s

Opening Verse

“And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.”
— 1 John 5:19, KJV

Introduction

The Bible describes Satan as the prince of this world, a deceiver who entices through fleeting pleasures and false promises. Yet, we are reminded that while the world is under his influence, it is not his to claim. God is the ultimate authority, and He calls us to resist Satan’s schemes and trust in Him.

Devotional Story

A young man once entered a grand casino in search of wealth. The lights dazzled, the music thrilled, and every game promised the chance of winning it all. He started small, and for a while, it seemed like luck was on his side. But as the night wore on, he lost not just his money but also his peace. The “house” always wins, he thought bitterly, leaving with empty pockets and a heavy heart.

In his despair, he walked into a quiet church across the street. The pastor was preaching on 1 John 2:15-17:

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

He realized the “house” that always wins is not just a casino—it is the world, designed by Satan to ensnare and devour. But the message didn’t end in despair. The pastor spoke of Jesus, who said,

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33, KJV).

The young man knelt and prayed, giving his life to Christ. He left the church not with worldly riches but with eternal treasure: salvation and peace.

What This Means

The world may seem unbeatable, like a system rigged to win at our expense. Yet, Scripture assures us that Satan’s dominion is temporary. Jesus Christ has already conquered sin, death, and the world. Our victory lies not in earthly gain but in eternal life through Him.

Think About This

  • Are there “games” in your life where the house seems to always win?
  • How can you turn your focus from the world’s empty promises to the eternal hope found in Christ?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, remind us that the riches and rewards of this world are temporary, but Your love endures forever. Help us to resist the schemes of the enemy and cling to the eternal treasure found in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Give us wisdom and strength to walk in Your light, even when the world feels overwhelming. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
— Colossians 3:2, KJV