We Must be Watchful (Day 3 from, Beside Still Waters)

             

            The second way God has given us is discernment, in Greek, the word means: to distinguish, to separate out by diligent search, to examine.  In Hebrews 4:12 we are told that the word of God is alive and active penetrating to divide soul and spirit to judge the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  The discerning person demonstrates wisdom and insight beyond what is often seen by others. Why do you suppose that is, because they have the word of God hidden in their hearts and have learned to depend on the Spirit; “But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14, NKJV). Scripture commands us to “hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9), but unless we have discernment how will we know one from the other.  In 1 Corinthians 12 speaks of gifts that are given to believers by God through the Holy Spirit as he wills (Spiritual gifts are listed in verse 12).  The gift of discernment of spirits is the ability to discern the spirit world, and detect the true source of circumstances or motivates of people. As Christians must grow in our spiritual maturity to be able to recognize the subtle differences between sound and unsound teachings; to distinguish between the influences of God, Satan, the world, and the flesh in any given situation.; and to warn believers when they are being led astray by false teachings.

I’ve been sitting here for the last few minutes looking out at the lake, it’s the beginning of February and the lake is still frozen over, you can’t distinguish where the purple loosestrife is nor how much of the water surface is covered by the water lilies. The floating island covered my cattails is still there but they are all brown. Winter has caused everything goes dormant and still; as I sit here staring out the window I've reminded me of the parable of the wheat and tares. My mind begins to apply it to the moment and I see the man sleeping at the lake in winter, the seeds were planted during the seasons before his sleep. This spring when life returns to the lake all the seed of plant life will begin to grow to add to the number of plants among them will be the purple loosestrife which is the tares before I was aware of its dangers I just saw its beauty. The water lilies are the wheat, which plays an important role in aiding the ecosystem. During the hot summer months, they provide shade that cools the water temperature as well as helps to control the growth of algae, absorb nutrients in the water that would normally feed undesirable the algae, keeping the water cleaner.  For now, they will grow together just like the wheat and the tares.

My friend I don’t know where you are in your Christian walk but I encourage you to hide the word of God in your heart, study his word and allow it to become a part of who you are, always remember Jesus said; “. . . If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32 NKJV). Ask the Holy Spirit to help you with your understanding as you read or study and help you to be more discerning and the wisdom to know good from evil. In the world we live in it is so important to be watchful, let’s pray; Heavenly Father, as we seek you help us to know the warning signs when we are being influenced by things that can harm us and lead us away from you. Give your daughter a desire to know you through your word and set before her your Holy Spirit to teach her as she studies your word. Open the eyes and ears of her understanding that you word becomes alive to her, making her aware see of the things around her, and alert to your still small voice. As she draws close to you Lord we rest knowing you will draw closer to her, in Jesus name we pray.