Tag Archives: 1 Corinthians 15:57-58

HIS Power NOT Mine??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 12

24 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Armor of God, Choices And Consequences, Distractions, Faith, Fighting With God's Weapons, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, Full Of what?, Holy Spirit, I Know Whom I Have Beleived, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Only One Way, Salvation, Strong Tower, The Little Things., The Things of God, The Word, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done, Trendy Or Truth, True Knowledge, Walking With Jesus, Who are YOU following?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 12    HIS Power NOT Mine???

 

“O the depth of the riches

both of the wisdom

and knowledge

of God!

how unsearchable

are his judgments,

and his ways

past finding out!

34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord?

or who hath been his counsellor?

35 Or who hath first given to him,

and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

36 For of him,

and through him,

and to him,

are all things:

to whom be glory for ever.

Amen.”   Romans 11:33-36

I saw something the other day, and the gest was that because I have faith “I” have power to do _____, whatever you want to put in the blank.  What I want to say is that it is never my rights, my power, my strength, or my wisdom that I am to walk in!  It is all about God!  It’s HIS power, HIS grace and HIS strength that motivates, empowers, and sustains me for HIS work.  For when I yield to Jesus’ work in me, HE will accomplish all that He is calling, leading, equipping, and directing me to be and do!

“I can do all things

through Christ

which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13

When we are born again by The Spirit of God, we are enabled to walk in that very Spirit, accomplishing the works of God and not the flesh.  Yet, when we presume to take things upon ourselves, we will find that we are caught up in self-will, self-indulgence, and often disregard of God’s will and His Word! Jesus tells us how to keep our focus right through prayer when HE instructed us to pray, “Thy kingdom come…..Thy will be done”, God’s will not mine—a totally opposite agenda than what many purport today!  We are called to “let this mind be in you” (See Philippians 2:5-11) and to let His Word “dwell in you richly”.  His Word, His way, His will—His power NOT mine!

“Put on therefore,

as the elect of God,

holy and beloved,

bowels of mercies,

kindness,

humbleness of mind,

meekness,

longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another,

and forgiving one another,

if any man have a quarrel against any:

even as Christ forgave you,

so also do ye.

14 And above all these things

put on charity,

which is the bond of perfectness.

15 And let the peace of God

rule in your hearts,

to the which also ye are called

in one body;

and be ye thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ

dwell in you richly

in all wisdom;

teaching

and admonishing one another

in psalms

and hymns and spiritual songs,

singing with grace in your hearts

to the Lord.

17 And whatsoever ye do

in word

or deed,

do all in the name of the Lord Jesus,

giving thanks

to God

and the Father

by him.”   Colossians 3:12-17

It is with and in the power of God that we are to function, not our own resources!

“I am the vine,

ye are the branches:

He that abideth in me,

and I in him,

the same bringeth forth

much fruit:

for without me

ye can do nothing.”  John 15:5

Paul gives the ultimate description of where our resources come from when we put on the armor of God.

“Finally, my brethren,

be strong in the Lord,

and in the power

of his might.”   Ephesians 6:10

Paul reminded us that by the power of God we are to put on that “armor of God”—not by our own intelligence, wisdom or even our “faith”!  My faith is only as strong as the object in which it is placed—Jesus!  We can choose to be a channel of God’s work or produce our own—and the fruit will reveal our choice.  And that “shield of faith” is what will “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked”—not because of my faith in me, or even my faith in faith, but because of my faith in The One who saves and delivers me, allowing His power to be displayed through my life!

“For other foundation can no man lay

than that is laid,

which is Jesus Christ.

12 Now if any man build upon this foundation

gold,

silver,

precious stones,

wood,

hay,

stubble;

13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest:

for the day shall declare it,

because it shall be revealed by fire;

and the fire shall try every man’s work

of what sort it is.

14 If any man’s work abide

which he hath built thereupon,

he shall receive a reward.

15 If any man’s work shall be burned,

he shall suffer loss:

but he himself shall be saved;

yet so as by fire.”   1 Corinthians 3:11-14

It’s all about Jesus—not me!  HE is my all in all, my “strong tower”!  And believe me, I run into that tower often!

“For in him

we live,

and move,

and have our being…”. Acts 17:28a

All because of Jesus and the price that HE paid for my sin and yours—it’s why HE came!  He came not to be just an example—though HE was one.  Not just to show us the way to God—although HE did—but because HE IS the way, by His substitutionary, atoning sacrifice for sin–mine and yours!

“And she shall bring forth a son,

and thou shalt call his name JESUS:

for he shall save his people

from their sins.”  Matthew 1:21

When I order my steps in God’s ways, by His power and for His glory, great and mighty things will be accomplished for the kingdom of God—not because I have great faith, or great wisdom, but because I love, follow and adore The One who is Lord of Lords and King of Kings—the ONLY way to God.

“Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me.”   John 14:6

It is only by God’s grace that we can be of service to our King!  WE win because God has provided all we need in Jesus, our soon-coming King!

“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

The work of The Lord—oh what a glory—to serve The One who gave HIS life for me; knowing that HE loves us/me and can be seen and glorified in us/me as we yield to HIS will!  May we never become so distracted by the outward blessings and elements of God’s grace and power that we forget it’s all about HIM not me!

“In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

the forgiveness of sins,

according to the riches of his grace;

8 Wherein he hath abounded

toward us in all wisdom

and prudence;

9 Having made known unto us

the mystery of his will,

according to his good pleasure

which he hath purposed in himself:

10 That in the dispensation

of the fulness of times

he might gather together

in one

all things

in Christ,

both which are in heaven,

and which are on earth;

even in him:

11 In whom also

we have obtained an inheritance,

being predestinated

according to the purpose

of him who worketh all things

after the counsel

of his own will:

12 That we should be

to the praise of his glory,

who first trusted in Christ.”    Ephesians 1:7-12

And as the author of Hebrews reminds us, may we find power, comfort and delight in this loving Lord Jesus, without being distracted or forgetting Who is our power and might!

“Now the God of peace,

that brought again from the dead

our Lord Jesus,

that great shepherd of the sheep,

through the blood

of the everlasting covenant,

21 Make you perfect

in every good work

to do his will,

working in you

that which is wellpleasing

in his sight,

through Jesus Christ;

to whom be glory

for ever and ever.

Amen.”   Hebrews 13:20-21

HIS Power NOT Mine!!!

Amen and Amen!

 

 

A Saddened Heart??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 11

17 Sunday May 2020

Posted by in Approved Unto God, By Him We Live, Choose You This Day!, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Do all things decently, Faithfulness, Filled With His Spirit, Follow Jesus, God's provision, Gospel, Holiness, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, IN Jesus!, Listening To God, Living Right, Only One Way, Perseverance, Righteousness, Saved by grace, The Word Or The World?, Trendy Or Truth, Victory IN Jesus!, Who are YOU following?

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 11    A Saddened Heart???

 

As I sit here thinking of the things that I have seen come and go, the things that I have loved and lost, the things that I have treasured seemingly vanishing before our eyes, there is a scripture that is often overlooked but it comes to my mind so often, and I believe we ought to consider it as we watch things change all around us.  What are we willing to hold on to and what are we willing to not only let go of but abandon with no regard!

“Thou shalt not remove

thy neighbour’s landmark,

which they of old time

have set in thine inheritance,

which thou shalt inherit

in the land that the LORD thy God

giveth thee

to possess it.”   Deuteronomy 19:14

Many today are not only ‘removing’ the landmarks, they are denying that there ever were any landmarks.  Many are running to abandon the God of The Bible, and The Bible of God Almighty!  Isaiah said it better than I could:

“Woe unto them

that call evil good,

and good evil;

that put darkness for light,

and light for darkness;

 that put bitter for sweet,

and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe unto them that are wise

in their own eyes,

and prudent

in their own sight!

22 Woe unto them

that are mighty to drink wine,

and men of strength

to mingle strong drink:

23 Which justify the wicked      

for reward,

and take away the righteousness

of the righteous from him!

24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble,

and the flame consumeth the chaff,

so their root shall be as rottenness,

and their blossom shall go up as dust:

because they have cast away

the law of the LORD of hosts,

and despised

the word of the Holy One of Israel.”  Isaiah 5:20-24

Just as timely, and so much like history, it is said “those who don’t learn from it are doomed to repeat it” (credited to George Santayana), it seems that our nation, as well as the world around us, are choosing to walk in our own way rather than God’s, and He will requite in HIS own time, yet we can gain a great deal of insight from HIS Word!

“For our transgressions

are multiplied before thee,

and our sins

testify against us:

for our transgressions are with us;

and as for our iniquities,

we know them;

13 In transgressing

and lying against the LORD,

and departing away from our God,

speaking oppression

and revolt,

conceiving and uttering

from the heart

words of falsehood.

14 And judgment

is turned away backward,

and justice

standeth afar off:

for truth

is fallen in the street,

and equity

cannot enter.

15 Yea, truth faileth;

and he that departeth from evil

maketh himself a prey:

and the LORD saw it,

and it displeased him

that there was no judgment.”   Isaiah 59:12-15

We must choose what we are going to do with God, His Word and His Son, Jesus!  Even as Joshua called Israel to choose whom they would serve.

“And I have given you a land

for which ye did not labour,

and cities

which ye built not,

and ye dwell in them;

of the vineyards and oliveyards

which ye planted not

do ye eat.

14 Now therefore fear the LORD,

 and serve him in sincerity and in truth:

and put away the gods

which your fathers served

on the other side of the flood,

and in Egypt;

and serve ye the LORD.

15 And if it seem evil

unto you

to serve the LORD,

choose you this day

whom ye will serve;

whether the gods

which your fathers served

that were on the other side of the flood,

or the gods of the Amorites,

in whose land ye dwell:

but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD.”   Joshua 24:13-15

Even as Joshua made his choice, he called those around him to make their choice—and we are faced with that same challenge today, yet it saddens my heart that we are becoming more and more averse to God’s call to holiness and more and more open to the lies of the enemy of our souls, and the world.  How about you?  Have you given up on God’s call?  Have you decided to just “go along, to get along”?  Or are you hearing and responding to God’s call?

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope

to the end

for the grace that is to be brought

unto you

 at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy

in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here

in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know

that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

 as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition

from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish

and without spot:

20 Who verily was foreordained

before the foundation

of the world,

but was manifest

in these last times

for you,

21 Who by him

do believe in God,

that raised him up

from the dead,

and gave him glory;

that your faith and hope

might be in God.”   1 Peter 1:13-21

Where is your faith?  Is your faith in God, His Word and His Son?  Are you living a holy life, even as God called Israel to when He gave them the Law through Moses?

“For I am the LORD your God:

ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves,

and ye shall be holy;

for I am holy:

neither shall ye defile yourselves …

…45 For I am the LORD

that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt,

to be your God:

ye shall therefore be holy,

for I am holy.” Leviticus 11:44-45

A simple consideration for us today, “What will you/I do with God’s call upon your/my life?”  Will we bear God’s burden for the lost and dying world around us, sharing Jesus at every opportunity; or will we disregard their plight and continue on with life “as usual”, living worldly lives of compromise,  rather than drawing near to our Lord, and fulfilling that for which He has saved and equipped us.  May we remember that when Jesus saves us out of darkness, and transforms us from being children of the devil, to being Sons and Daughters of God, we “are bought with a price”.

“But as many as received him,

to them gave he power

to become the sons of God,

even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born,

not of blood,

nor of the will of the flesh,

nor of the will of man,

but of God.”   John 1:12-13

As Paul makes so clear, we can choose the “joy of The Lord” or the sadness of the world!

“And you hath he quickened,

who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2 Wherein in time past

ye walked according to the course

of this world,

according to the prince

of the power of the air,

the spirit that now worketh

in the children of disobedience:

3 Among whom also we all had our conversation

in times past

in the lusts of our flesh,

fulfilling the desires of the flesh

and of the mind;

and were by nature

the children of wrath,

even as others.

4 But God,

who is rich in mercy,

for his great love

wherewith he loved us,

5 Even when we were dead in sins,

hath quickened us together with Christ,

(by grace ye are saved;)

6 And hath raised us

 up together,

and made us sit

together in heavenly places

in Christ Jesus:

7 That in the ages to come

he might shew the exceeding riches

of his grace

in his kindness toward us

through Christ Jesus.

8 For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

 unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.”   Ephesians 2:1-10

When God births us into HIS kingdom, we can rejoice in HIM, HIS Word and HIS ways rather than settle for the darkness of the world—for we no longer belong to the works of the devil; and God has already ordained “good works” for us to produce!

“Giving thanks unto the Father,

which hath made us meet to be partakers

of the inheritance

of the saints

in light:

13 Who hath delivered us

from the power of darkness,

and hath translated us

into the kingdom of his dear Son:    

14 In whom we have redemption

through his blood,

even the forgiveness of sins:”  Colossians 1:12-14

Paul also makes it clear that there is a distinction between the works of The Spirit and the works of the flesh/the devil.

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust

of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things

that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit,

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath,

strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

of the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit

the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law.

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

 let us also walk in the Spirit.”   Galatians 5:16-25

Where are you walking?  In the Spirit or the flesh? May God help us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” living ‘kingdom’ lives.  May our hearts be burdened that those around us will see Jesus in us—in all we do.

“Whether therefore

ye eat,

or drink,

or whatsoever ye do,

do all to the glory of God.”   1 Corinthians 10:31

“To whom God would make known

what is the riches

of the glory

of this mystery

among the Gentiles;

which is Christ in you,

the hope of glory:”   Colossians 1:27

“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!

The Battle Belongs To God??? Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 08

26 Sunday Apr 2020

Posted by in Choices And Consequences, Confidence, Consider Your ways, Dependence, Encouragement, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Follow Jesus

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: Vol. 15 No. 08  The Battle Belongs To God???

 

The battle really does belong to the Lord—but we often try to get in the way and think we can run things our own way!  Remember when Saul offered David his own armor to face Goliath.  I love David’s response!  He knew he had to rely upon the One who had been with him in his previous battles!

“And David said unto Saul,

Thy servant kept his father’s sheep,

and there came a lion,

and a bear,

and took a lamb out of the flock:

35 And I went out after him,

and smote him,

and delivered it out of his mouth:

and when he arose against me,

I caught him by his beard,

and smote him,

and slew him.

36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear:

and this uncircumcised Philistine

shall be as one of them,

seeing he hath defied

the armies of the living God.

37 David said moreover,

The LORD that delivered me

out of the paw of the lion,

and out of the paw of the bear,

he will deliver me

out of the hand of this Philistine.

And Saul said unto David,

Go,

and the LORD be with thee.”  1 Samuel 17:34-37

Saul didn’t really understand, and like many of us, came up with a solution of his own– in the flesh.

“And Saul armed David with his armour,

and he put an helmet of brass upon his head;

also he armed him with a coat of mail.

39 And David girded his sword upon his armour,

and he assayed to go;

for he had not proved it.

And David said unto Saul,

I cannot go with these;

for I have not proved them.

And David put them off him.”  1 Samuel 17:38-39

My question for us today is, “What have you proved?”  Have you proved God’s faithfulness in your life by walking with HIM?  Or have you been running things your own way, and when others offer solutions in the flesh we decide to try the flesh rather than relying on God.  We choose to approach things in the flesh rather than remembering what David knew—

“And all this assembly shall know

that the LORD saveth

not with sword

and spear:

for the battle is the LORD’S,

and he will give you into our hands.”  1 Samuel 17:47

So, my encouragement for us today is right from God’s Word, and I invite you to rehearse and ponder on this Psalm with me this week, and may you find courage, comfort and rest in The Lord God Almighty as you do!

“God is our refuge

and strength,

a very present help

in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear,

though the earth

be removed,

and though the mountains

be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof

roar and be troubled,

though the mountains

shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4 There is a river,

the streams whereof

shall make glad the city of God,

the holy place of the tabernacles

of the most High.

5 God is in the midst of her;

she shall not be moved:

God shall help her,

and that right early.

6 The heathen raged,

the kingdoms were moved:

he uttered his voice,

the earth melted.

7 The LORD of hosts

is with us;

the God of Jacob

is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the LORD,

what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh wars to cease

unto the end of the earth;

he breaketh

the bow,

and cutteth

the spear in sunder;

he burneth the chariot

in the fire.

10 Be still,

and know

that I am God:

I will be exalted

among the heathen,

I will be exalted

in the earth.

11 The LORD of hosts

is with us;

the God of Jacob

is our refuge. Selah.”   Psalm 46:1-11

No matter the trial, difficulty, confusion or stress that surrounds you, remember that God hasn’t been caught by surprise—and you can have victory through Jesus—if you just keep your eyes on HIM.  Look up, walk right before God and press on dear ones!  We win.

“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

May God’s Spirit draw near to you as you draw near and depend on HIM!

“Draw nigh to God,

and he will draw nigh to you.”   James 4:8a

Amen and Amen.

#4 Of The 5 “D”s Of Readiness??? Bible Ballistics: BBs #633

15 Sunday Mar 2020

Posted by in Be not conformed to this world, Do all things decently

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , ,

Bible Ballistics: BBs #633   #4 Of The 5 “D”s Of Readiness???

An Edited Repost of Bible Ballistics: BBs #14

 

As we discuss this 4th of our 5 D’s, Decency, (Debt, Diligence, Discernment, Decency, and Dependence) what does it really mean? A big question in our culture.

Decency– “Behavior that conforms to accepted standards of morality or respectability; modesty and propriety”.

For our purposes, “God’s standard, and Biblical respectability”.  Because we are called to live ready for the return of our Lord, ‘decency’ is imperative.  Our behavior is to “conform” to God’s standard.  Remember what Paul reminds us of:

“And be not conformed

to this world:

but be ye transformed 

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect, 

will of God.”   Romans 12:2

I know we’ve used this verse a lot lately, but I believe it is one we need to keep before us, as ‘conformity’ seems to be the order of the day for most in our culture, our world.  Yet we need to remember we are called to be ‘non-conformists’ in regard to the world’s ways, but rather evidence of God’s transforming work before a lost and dying world (which by the way, isn’t our home)!

As Paul told the church at Corinth:

“Let all things be done decently 

and in order.”  1 Cor. 14:40

Simply stated, in context, this refers to the use of spiritual gifts within the body of Christ, but it also has a general application to our individual daily lives.  We are called to practice ‘decency’:

in all that we do;

wherever we are,

to every one,

all the time!!!

A seemingly small order but a big demand.  It means I must think about my actions—all of them —moment by moment, Biblically!!!

“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

Yet we will only succeed in this challenge as we pursue the “mind of Christ Jesus” as Paul instructed us in his letter to the Philippians.

“Look not every man

on his own things,

but every man also

on the things of others.

5 Let this mind be in you,

which was also in Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in the form of God,

thought it not robbery

to be equal with God:

7 But made himself

of no reputation,

and took upon him

the form of a servant,

and was made

in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man,

he humbled himself,

and became obedient

unto death,

even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also

hath highly exalted him,

and given him a name

which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus

every knee should bow,

of things in heaven,

and things in earth,

and things under the earth;

11 And that every tongue should confess

that Jesus Christ is Lord,

to the glory of God the Father.”    Philippians 2:4-11 

All because “God so loved” me, how can I do less than reflect His love and character to all, and in all I do.  May my life be a testimony of the life-changing redemption of Jesus my Lord; as I behave with decency, considering my love for HIM, and the effect it may have on others….   Love always affects others—God’s love that is!!!  

So?  Keep looking up. Remember the acrostic

J-Jesus (died for me)

O-Others (need to see HIM)

Y-You (are His messenger to the world)!

Simple but profound.  Amen and Amen!!!

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

13 Friday Mar 2020

Posted by in Abiding In Jesus, Discernment, Judgment, Just Jesus!

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , ,

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 3rd 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!!!