discernment

26
Jun
2024
Don’t Get Led Astray: Finding Truth in a World of Confusion

Don’t Get Led Astray: Finding Truth in a World of Confusion

Let’s be honest, navigating life can be confusing. There are a million voices out there, each one offering a different opinion on everything from the best way to make coffee to the meaning of life.

As Christians, we have the added layer of deciphering truth claims, within the never-ending landscape of religious beliefs.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, addresses this very issue. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, he warns:

“Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’

1 Corinthians 15:33

Why Does This Verse Matter?

This short verse packs a powerful punch. It reminds us that the people we surround ourselves with have a profound impact on who we are and the choices we make.

Just like a sponge absorbs water, we absorb the attitudes and behaviors of those we spend time with.

Think about it. If you constantly hang out with negative people who gossip and complain, it’s easy to find yourself slipping into those same patterns.

On the other hand, surrounding yourself with positive, uplifting people who encourage your faith journey can do wonders for your spiritual growth.

Finding Your Tribe

So, how do we find these positive influences, these wise companions Paul talks about?

The good news is, you’re not alone! The church is meant to be a community of believers, a place where we can support and encourage each other.

Get involved in a Bible study group or volunteer for a ministry that aligns with your passions.

But it goes beyond just showing up. Be intentional about building relationships with people who share your values and who will challenge you to grow in your faith.

Look for those who are actively seeking truth and living a life that reflects their beliefs.

Power of Scripture and Prayer

Remember, the Bible is your ultimate source of truth. When faced with confusion, turn to scripture for guidance. There’s a reason it’s called God’s word – it holds the power to illuminate our path and lead you closer to Him.

Prayer is another essential tool. Talk to God, ask for His wisdom and discernment. He promises to guide those who seek Him (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Remember, you are not on this journey alone! Surround yourself with wise companions, immerse yourself in scripture, and pray for discernment.

By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of life and find the truth that sets you free (John 8:32).

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Discipline
09
Jun
2024
Don’t Quench the Holy Spirit: Staying Open to God’s Guidance

Don’t Quench the Holy Spirit: Staying Open to God’s Guidance

Have you ever had that feeling – a nudge in a certain direction, a flicker of intuition that seems to know the right path? That, my friend, could very well be the Holy Spirit whispering guidance in your ear.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, the Bible tells us “Do not quench the Spirit.” But what exactly does that mean? How can we quench the Holy Spirit, and how can we stay open to His leading?

The Holy Spirit: Our Internal GPS

Think of the Holy Spirit as God’s built-in GPS for our lives. He guides us, corrects us, and empowers us to live according to God’s will.

He speaks through that feeling in your gut, that quiet voice urging you towards kindness or away from temptation.

But just like any GPS, the Holy Spirit’s guidance can be muffled if we’re not paying attention. Here’s how we might, unintentionally, quench the Spirit’s flame:

  • Distractions: We live in a noisy world. Constant busyness, social media, and entertainment can drown out the subtle promptings of the Holy Spirit.
  • Disobedience: When we knowingly choose to go against what we believe is the right thing to do, we push away the Spirit’s guidance.
  • Unbelief: Doubting God’s presence or guidance creates a barrier between us and the Holy Spirit.

Staying Open to the Holy Spirit

So how do we stay tuned in to the Holy Spirit’s frequency? Here are a few tips:

  • Quiet Time: Make space for daily prayer and reflection. This allows the Spirit’s voice to rise above the daily noise.
  • Bible Study: Reading God’s word equips you to recognize the Spirit’s leading, as He often guides us based on biblical principles.
  • Living a Holy Life: The more we strive to live according to God’s will, the easier it becomes to recognize and follow the Spirit’s promptings.
  • Discernment: Not every impulse is the Holy Spirit. Pray for wisdom to discern the Spirit’s voice from your own thoughts or desires.

By staying open and receptive, the Holy Spirit can become an incredible guide in your life.

He will lead you to make God-honoring choices, convict you of sin, and empower you to live a life that glorifies Him.

So, listen closely, and don’t quench the flame of the Holy Spirit within you!

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
05
Mar
2024
Embracing God’s Wisdom

Embracing God’s Wisdom

“When you enter the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there.” – Deuteronomy 18:9 (NIV)

Allure of Detestable Ways

In this world, we are constantly bombarded with temptations to embrace detestable ways – ways that promise fulfillment but ultimately lead us astray.

The nations around us often present a seductive allure, inviting us to adopt their customs, beliefs, and practices. Yet, beneath the surface, these ways are empty and destructive.

Resisting the Allure

Resisting the allure of detestable ways requires wisdom and discernment. It means recognizing that the ways of the world are not aligned with God’s design for our lives.

We must be willing to stand apart, to swim against the current, and to hold onto the truth that God’s ways are infinitely better.

Embracing God’s Wisdom

Embracing God’s wisdom is not just about avoiding the detestable ways of the world; it’s about actively pursuing a path of wholeness and fulfillment.

God’s wisdom is not a set of arbitrary rules but a framework for living that leads to genuine flourishing. When we embrace His wisdom, we discover that His ways are not burdensome but life-giving.

Path to Wholeness

By embracing God’s wisdom, we find ourselves on a path to wholeness – a journey of becoming fully human, as He intended.

This path is not always easy, but it is profound. It requires us to let go of the empty promises of the world and cling to the truth that God’s ways are the only ones that can truly satisfy our deepest longings.

As we walk this path, we find that God’s wisdom transforms us from the inside out. Our perspectives shift, our priorities align, and our lives take on a new depth and richness.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Trust
26
Feb
2024
Recognizing the Spirit of Truth

Recognizing the Spirit of Truth

“This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God” (1 John 4:2)

John provides practical advice for discernment in a world with many false teachers seeking to deceive believers.

We can test every spirit by its view of Jesus Christ – specifically whether they acknowledge the core truth of the incarnation.

The Incarnation

The concept of God taking on human flesh at a point in time is central to the Christian faith. Jesus, eternally existent as the divine Son, added humanity to His deity when He was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.

This mind-blowing, divisive reality – the infinite, unseen God wrapped in fragile human skin – ushered in our salvation. The pure, spotless Lamb of God took on the punishment we deserved.

Those who deny this vital truth reject the very heart of the gospel message.

Exposing Counterfeit Voices

John equips us to differentiate between truthful and deceptive spiritual voices. Those who follow the true Spirit will always affirm biblical teachings about who Jesus is – both fully God and fully man.

When we encounter messages downplaying Christ’s deity or resurrection, we can recognize the voice of false religion rather than divine truth.

Voices that distract from the Son’s centrality should raise instant red flags in our minds. Leaders who stir controversy and division over clear Scriptural principles should give us great concern as well.

We must filter every theological debate through this grid – does it align with apostolic writings on Jesus Christ?

Standing Firm in Truth

As we study Scripture, praying for discernment, we can learn to distinguish truth from warped gospels and false teachings.

We must choose to stand firm, rather than getting blown off course by persuasive arguments or cultural trends that undermine biblical faith.

By anchoring ourselves to the cornerstone of Christ and testing every spirit against this measure, we can mature in spiritual insight and avoid deception. Celebrate the profound mystery: God with us!

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith
11
Feb
2024
Value of Wisdom

Value of Wisdom

“And he said to the human race, ‘The fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.” Job 28:28

Wisdom Begins with Reverence

In a world obsessed with wealth, power, and pleasure, we need to refocus on what holds real value. This verse teaches that true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

More than mere respect, the fear of the Lord is deep awe, reverence, and submission to God. It’s recognizing His unmatched greatness and bowing humbly before Him.

Do you approach God with a trembling, obedient heart?

Proper fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. It realigns our priorities and perspectives. When we stand in awe of the Almighty, earthly troubles grow smaller. Pursuit of selfish gain loses appeal.

Focusing our minds on His majesty floods our hearts with priceless wisdom. Ask the Spirit today to instill godly fear and wisdom within you.

Understanding Through Obedience

The second half of this verse equates understanding with shunning evil. As we walk closely with God, listening to His voice, wisdom produces moral discernment. We gain ability to spot wickedness and walk the other way.

Understanding guards us from foolish choices and the heartache they bring. We develop spiritual instincts to flee anything disruptive to our intimacy with Christ. But this understanding only flourishes through obedience.

As James 1:22 states, we must “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Active surrender to God allows Him to sharpen our discernment.

Obedience and wisdom feed one other in a beautiful cycle. Are there areas of obedience God is calling you to? Take steps to submit today. Watch understanding blossom!

Greater Worth than Riches

Proverbs 8 lavishes praise on the excellency of wisdom, declaring it more valuable than rubies, gold, or silver. All the money in the world cannot purchase wisdom! It springs from a heart surrendered to the fear of the Lord.

A life applied in obedience to God blooms with discernment and insight no amount of wealth can replicate. Don’t envy those with overflowing bank accounts or prominent positions. Covet instead the priceless wisdom only God provides to the humble and obedient.

He is eager to grant it to those who earnestly seek Him. Treasure time spent in the Word, in prayer and worship, allowing healthy fear to take root. This is investment into eternally precious wisdom!

Pillars of Spiritual Maturity

As we journey through life with Christ, may we build our homes on the twin pillars of godly fear and spiritual understanding. One leads to the other in a cycle of growth and maturity.

When we awake with an awe-filled heart, eager to revere and obey God, He directs our paths and grants keen discernment. As we then walk out that obedience, the wisdom He imparts strengthens our resolve to honor Him above all.

This day, commit yourself fully to this beautiful process. Determine to treasure nothing above intimacy with God. The rewards of wisdom He bestows on the faithful heart are beyond measure!

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock