Bible Ballistics: BBs #632   #3 Of The 5 “D”s Of Readiness???

An Edited Repost of Bible Ballistics: BBs #13

 

As we continue this week, we’ll consider the 3^rd of our 5 D’s: Debt, Diligence, Discernment, Decency, and Dependence. 

Discernment- “The ability to judge well”.

To be “ready” for Jesus’ return, we must judge with wisdom in our everyday choices.  We must be discriminating— “having or showing refined taste or good judgment”. (Remember that ‘discrimination’ in and of itself isn’t a ‘bad’ word!)

“But the manifestation of the Spirit 

is given to every man 

to profit withal. 

8 For to one is given

by the Spirit

the word of wisdom…

… to another discerning of spirits …

…11 But all these worketh

that one and the selfsame Spirit,

dividing to every man severally as he will..”                          Portions of 1 Corinthians 12:7-11

The gift of the Spirit listed here, ‘discerning of spirits’, is our subject today; to render supernatural judgment in spiritual matters.  Spiritual gifts are given to “every man” (believers), “to profit withal” (all the believers) at the Holy Spirit’s will (verse 11).  Spiritual gifts are given to every believer, for the good of all, at God’s direction.  As Ecclesiastes 8:5b says:

“and a wise man’s heart

discerneth both time 

and judgment.”

In Ezekiel 44:23, the prophet gives a great insight straight from God that we might know we are called to “discern” truth!

“And they shall teach

my people

 the difference

between the holy

and profane,

and cause them

to discern

between the unclean

and the clean.”  

So, we are to be diligent to seek God’s ways, that His ways may become our ways!   Being discerning means making choices based on God’s Word, not the whims, fashions, and charms of the world.  It means paying attention to God and His Word as we make His ways our priority; it means  choosing the “holy” not the “profane”. God will teach us if we will but tune in to HIM rather than the world, as God said to Isaiah:

“For my thoughts

are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways

my ways,

saith the LORD.

9 For as the heavens

are higher than the earth,

so are my ways

higher than your ways,

and my thoughts

than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain cometh down,

and the snow from heaven,

and returneth not thither,

but watereth the earth,

and maketh it bring forth and bud,

that it may give seed to the sower,

and bread to the eater:

11 So shall my word be

that goeth forth out of my mouth:

it shall not return unto me void,

but it shall accomplish that

which I please,

and it shall prosper

in the thing whereto I sent it.”  Isaiah 55:8-11

So, won’t you join me in making God’s Word and His ways the pursuit of our daily living by:

reading His word,

praying

and listening to His Spirit!!!

Let us keep looking up, continually seeking to be— 

Debt free,

Diligent and 

Discerning—

As we await the return of our Lord and pursue the increase of His kingdom.  By His power, for our good and the good of a lost and dying world, and always in all things seeking God’s glory.

“But thanks be to God,

which giveth us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren,

be ye stedfast, unmoveable,

always abounding in the work of the Lord,

forasmuch as ye know

that your labour

is not in vain

in the Lord.”  1 Corinthians 15:57-58

Amen and Amen!!!