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Spiritual Guidance

Navigating Life with Truth and Spiritual Discernment

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In search of truth

Can we agree that truth is important?  But how do we handle the growth in mis-, dis-, and counter-information we receive daily?  Because of these increases, individuals, communities and institutions have become more strategic in response to these truth crushers.

These strategies include educational campaigns that recognize unreliable sources and the creation of fact-checking organizations.  Social media companies and technology platforms have implemented partnerships that identify misleading and harmful content.

Individual strategies include unfollowing or blocking habitual spreaders of falsehood, fact-checking, and withdrawing from platforms with disinformation.  Despite all these efforts, unfortunately, people tend to trust misinformation that aligns with their beliefs.

If truth is ultimately found, how do we use it, especially in our faith walk?  Truth is best used in practicing spiritual discernment.

What is spiritual discernment?

Discernment involves the process of keen insight and good judgment.  People express discernment about things that are important to them.  For example, if you are watching your weight, you will be very discerning about the food you select and its preparation.  If you need legal advice, you will exercise great discernment in the selection of the best lawyer to assist you.  In similar manner, spiritual discernment helps believers “judge well”.

Spiritual discernment encompasses separating divine truth from error.  This is a difficult task as we are torn between the world’s influence, our human flesh, and Satan’s deception.  First Thessalonians 5:21 advises us to “Test all things; hold fast to what is good.”  The world has told us there is no such thing as “good”—no standard of right or wrong; it is all relative, based on each person’s unique situation.

Spiritual discernment, however, depends on truth.  It is the God-given ability to perceive, understand, and judge what is true, right, and aligned with God’s will.  It does not rely on personal feelings, cultural trends, or partial knowledge.  Spiritual discernment without truth leads to confusion, error, and deception (Hebrews 5:14)

Our source of spiritual discernment

First and foremost, as believers, we accept God’s Word as the ultimate source of truth.  It is our spiritual “warning system” for detecting error.  It is the perfect standard by which we distinguish right from wrong.  Spiritual discernment is sharpened through deep knowledge of Scripture.  Without truth from the Word, spiritual discernment becomes subjective or distorted.

    • For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12)
    • The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. (Psalm 119:160)

Secondarily, The Holy Spirit, living within us, is the Truth Discerner, who will lead us into all truth.  He knows the mind of God and will direct us based on God’s purpose and plan for our life.

    • But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come. (John 16:13)
    • So, I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16)

Spiritual discernment is a Spirit-empowered ability to apply truth to every life situation and decision we make.

A Closing Warning

The Apostle Paul warned Timothy in 67 C.E.  that the time would come “when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold,  and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable].”  (2 Timothy 4:3-4, Amplified)  

God has given us His Word and His Spirit to guide us in all wisdom and knowledge, that we may live righteous and holy lives (2 Peter 1:3-4).  If we seek only to be “healthy, wealthy, and wise”, we will not be spiritually discerning.  It is our responsibility as children of light (Ephesians 5:8) and defenders of truth (1 Peter 3:15) to embrace and cultivate spiritual discernment.   Spiritual discernment is critical for navigating 21st century living.

Spiritual Endurance

The Spirit of Truth for the 21st Century

 

Truth’s Beginning

In our family, the truth was highly valued.  It was critical to raising children and instilling one of  the most important measurement of one’s character.

We were told to tell the truth even if it meant punishment.  Why?  Because we truly believed that a lie, which would ultimately be discovered,  carried grave consequences.   Guess what?  Lies still carry grave consequences especially in the 21st century when truth is not valued.

Truth Warning

John F. Kennedy, the thirty-fifth President of the USA, shared the following observation about truth.

The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie — deliberate, contrived, and dishonest — but the myth — persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic.  

What are the myths we are embracing today?   In our personal lives, in our families, in our nation.   What are the persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic myths we are “choosing” to include in our belief systems and personal views?

The Apostle Paul warned his young minister Timothy of the dangers that await him as new converts would “turn away their ears from the truth, and be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:4).

Truth today is often packaged in many forms.  Many are more speculation and creative editorializing, than substantive truth.  Because of this trend, it is important that believers have a “real-time” reliable and trustworthy compass by which to navigate in this world.  While our primary guide is the Word of God, as we discussed last week, God has also provided another source—the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth.

The Source of Truth

Earlier we defined truth as that which agrees with reality. For the believer, our reality has been defined by what God has placed in His written Word.

For Jesus’ disciples, however, there was no written Word as they faced a hostile world without the presence of their Beloved Jesus (John 15:18-20).  It was Jesus’ presence that gave them the courage to challenge the spiritual tyranny of the religious leaders.  They would need God’s truth as they turned their focus to witnessing (Acts 1:8), baptizing and teaching (Matt. 28:19-20).

In John 14:16-16, Jesus promises to send the Spirit of Truth that would abide with them forever.  It was the Holy Spirit Who would now come to live within them.  We generally think of the Holy Spirit in terms of gifting or empowering believers to accomplish the purposes and ministries of Christ.  However, the attribute Jesus chose to share with His disciples in John’s text focused on “truth”.  It would be the Spirit of Truth that would assist the disciples as they were persecuted for their belief in Jesus Christ.

The Spirit of Truth-Yesterday, Today, and Forever

The Spirit of Truth would assist the disciples in accomplishing the “greater works” promised by Jesus (John 14:12).   Jesus was indeed “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”.  After Jesus’ departure, the ministry of truth would continue because the Spirit of Truth.

Like the disciples of the first century, believers in the 21st century have the assistance of the Spirit of Truth to assist them especially in exposing the spirit of error.  The spirit of error is seen in the morays and life styles of the world.  For unbelievers, it leads them to be deceived and disobedient to the purposes of God in their life (Ep. 2:2).

For the believer, the spirit of error tempts them to doubt God truth and draw them away from the leading of the Holy Spirit (2 Thess. 2:15).  The Spirit of Truth stands ready to silence the lies, myths and fables of the 21st century.  Our confidence lies in the promise, power, and presence of the Spirit of Truth.  He is our True Compass as we search for truth.

Spiritual Maturity

Livin’ my Best Life: Best Life Recapitulated

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Best Life Recapitulated

Recapitulated—What have we learned?

Recapitulate means to summarize and state again the main point.

These past few weeks we’ve been attempting to define what “best life” looks like. We began by evaluating best life from a worldview.  In fairness to this overall process, we also considered the biblical perspective.  Before moving forward, a decision was needed as to which view believers were to follow.

It was at this point that a decision was needed.  Believers must draw a spiritual dividing line in order to insure that the influence of the flesh and the world cannot remove our distinctive difference.

Using the Bible as the final authority on what we embrace and follow in our lives, believers are to follow God’s definition of best life based on our new life and new allegiance to God  (2 Cor. 5:15-17).  We are also to focus on eternal things and “life outcomes” that are god-honoring.

Time to Decide

Based on what we have learned, there are two questions that may help us finalize our description of best life.

The first question was asked and answered last week: “What does God say about best life?”

The second question is this.  Of the two views (worldview and biblical view), which one is more likely to satisfy the longing that we may have? Self-directed or Christ-directed?

If we reach self-actualization in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, are we guaranteed that we will be content and fulfilled?  Those we see as “having it all” still deal with dissatisfaction in their life.  Self-actualization may not give all it promises as evidenced by the incidents of depression, substance abuse, and suicide among great artists, celebrities, and business moguls.

For those of us who identified with the things people wanted in life, the question is the same.  Does possession of any or all those items on the “wish list” guarantee contentment?  Remember there was only one tangible item on the list—money.  The rest were intangibles—unable to be touched or grasped but understood or felt in the heart.

Let’s find a Best Life SME (Subject Matter Expert)

At this point, what might be helpful would be to interview someone who had not only pursued best life but also attained it.  They had reached self-actualization and the one tangible (money) on the “10 Most Wanted” list.

In addition, this person should be familiar with “spiritual” options.  Let me introduce our special SME, King Solomon, the king of the United Kingdom of Israel.

Solomon was a fabulously wealthy and sensible king of the United Kingdom of Israel who succeeded his father, King David. Solomon was the biblical king most famous for his wisdom. God granted Solomon not only wisdom but also great wealth and fame because he did not ask for self-serving rewards. (1 Kings 3:7-14).

Solomon authored the book of Ecclesiastes, in which, he built the case to show that the pursuits of this world are vanity.  “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity” (Ecc. 1:2).  Vanity in this context is the quality of being worthless or futile.  Ecclesiastes is located with the other wisdom literature of the Old Testament.

Chapter after chapter, Solomon (“The Preacher” as he identifies himself) presents the case that the vanities of this world are insufficient to make us happy.  He contrasts the vileness of sin, and its certain tendency to make us miserable, with the wisdom of being religious (godly and god-honoring).  Our well-being and satisfaction are only possible through our allegiance to God and our love for man.

In closing, Solomon, by way of exhortation, directs his readers (and us 21st century believers) to remember our Creator, to fear Him, and to keep His commandments.  Solomon gives no recommendation to pursue best life.

Conclusion

God alone can satisfy our hierarchy of needs—basic, psychological, and self-fulfilling.  God is our Jehovah-Jireh (Gen. 22:14).   Our intangible desires are readily available through God’s Spirit (Gal. 5: 22-23).

King Solomon, the Apostle Paul, and more importantly, Jesus have given us the essence of what best life looks like.  It is not a list of “dos and don’ts” but a standard of life.

Livin’ our best life is…

    • a life style that acknowledges the reality of God. God is the Creator and Source of all life who has been uniquely made known to us through His Son Jesus Christ.  We live confidently in the reality of His presence, His power, and His provision.   (Acts 17:28)
    • a life choice that recognizes the authority of God in our life. God’s will and purpose for our lives is revealed in His Word and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  We choose to trust in the goodness and greatness of God to direct our life’s journey. (Gal. 2:20)
    • a life vocation that commits to the purpose God has chosen for us. We are persuaded that the Kingdom of God has arrived in the coming of Jesus Christ and is imminent in Jesus’ return.  We, therefore, focus our energies on doing those things that honors and glorifies God.  (Phil. 3:12-14)

Livin’ our best life can only be realized through a relationship with God and in Christ Jesus.  Through this relationship, we have all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Pet. 1:3-4) and blessings that exceed our expectations (Ep. 1: 3-14).  Therefore, in Christ, we are livin’ our best life.

Spiritual Maturity

Livin’ my Best Life: The Answer for Best Life

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The Answer for Best Life Options for best life

The 21st century offers many options for our lives.  That is why it is important that we, as believers, discern what voice we “actively” listen to.  This is especially true when it comes to determining what living our best life should look like.

In our series, we determined that some individuals make their choice based on who they are and what’s important to them.  Last week we attempted to identify what best life looks like.  We determined that the essence of best life can be based on our human needs and things we most desire.

So, what is the answer for best life!  I concluded last week’s teaching with a statement that will help to set the context for best life for believers in the 21st century.  Which choice most accurately represents “best life for us”?  For believers, we are to go to The Source, Who is to be the final authority on everything we do (or it should be).  That authority is God and His Word.  It is now time to consider the number one question, “what does God say about best life.”

The Dividing Line

The believer’s life is to look vastly different from the world we live in.  We are to seriously demonstrate and witness to our new life in Christ.  That being the case, our best life should reflect a life lived for Christ.

The Barna Institute reports the increasing difficulty in distinguishing believers from the unsaved world.  Unfortunately, we are not seen as living any differently than our unsaved family, friends, and acquaintances.  We have basically lost our saltiness and our light (Matt. 5:13-16).

This lack of distinction could be attributed to a number of factors including fear of abuse, lack of spiritual discipling, or spiritual immaturity. Some believers have even walked away from the traditional Church because of personal wounding or disillusionment with leadership.  What the future Church looks like, especially after COVID-19, is yet to be determined.

However, the imperfect nature of the Church does not negate the expectation that God has for His people.  We are to continually examine ourselves to insure we are living a life of faith under the direction of Jesus’ Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:10).  What does best life look like for believers?

Caution

Jesus shared what best life “was not” in the Sermon on the Mount Discourse.  He gives a command that will provide us a framework for identifying what best life looks like.  Jesus begins with his first instruction (Matt. 6:19-21).

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Jesus closes with this requirement (Matt. 6:33).  

But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

The verb “seek” is an imperative in the Greek language.  An imperative expresses a command to the hearer to perform a certain action by the order and authority of the one commanding.  What Jesus gives is not a casual invitation but an absolute command requiring full obedience.  “All these things” lovingly includes not only our needs but also the desires of our heart (Ps. 37:4).

Jesus knows we have needs.  It is His desire that we not worry nor become preoccupied with possession of things.  By faith we know that we will be cared for.  Focusing on Christ lessens our anxieties as we attempt to live during these uncertain times (Phil. 4:6-7).

Moving to best life

The Apostle Paul further clarified Jesus’ teaching to the church at Colosse.  He pointed them to how to find best life (Col. 3:1-2).

If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.  Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.   

Seek and set are also verbs that are in the imperative.  As with Jesus’ use in Matthew, it expresses a command to the hearer to perform a certain action.  It is not an invitation.  Both verbs are in the present tense which means it is a fact or reality occurring in actual time.  Therefore, we are commanded to keep seeking and keep setting our attention.  Where?

Notice the place where the “things and the affections” are found.  They are not on this earth but in heaven.  This directs our attention to those things that have eternal value and heavenly consequences.  Unfortunately, 21st century technology has created vehicles to capture the lusts of our flesh, our eye, and the pride of life (1 John 2:15-17).  We are continually bombarded with marketing messages and media that focus our attention on what we don’t have versus what is of greater value to the kingdom of God.

In the remainder of Colossians 3, Paul maps out the essence of best life for Christians.  Best life for Christians is life lived in Coram Deo.  Coram Deo summarizes the idea that Christian living is lived in the presence of, under the authority of, to the honor and glory of God.

We will conclude this study next week as we decide what best life looks like for each of us.

Our Faith Walk

Two Boats and a Helicopter

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Two boats and a helicopter

The choices we make

I’m sure you have heard the story about the man who faced imminent danger as a result of a flood that begun to ravage his community.  The flood waters became higher, forcing him to retreat to the roof of his house.  On two occasions, individuals in boats beckoned him to climb into their boats and save his life.  But he refused and shouted back from his roof, “I’m a Christian! God will save me!”

Finally, the waters rose to the edge of the roof.  Suddenly a helicopter appeared and begged the man to grab the dropped latter and be saved.  Well, you know what happened!  The man refused and ultimately died.  When he entered heaven, he demanded to see God.  “Why did you let me drown?”  Instead of striking him down with a lightening bolt, God calmly replied, “Hey, I sent you two boats and a helicopter.”

As we face the challenges and problems in our life, we often fail to watch and follow the leads that God sends us.  Many of these are given to us before we enter our trial.  However, when we’re in that dire situation, so is God!  God is there AND He wants us to use the resources He has provided for us.  Such was the case with Moses as he faced his first hurdle–leaving Egypt.

After Moses and the Israelites left Egypt, Pharoah had “seller remorse”.  God hardened his heart and caused him to regret letting the Israelite slaves leave (Exodus 7:14).  He probably felt like he had been duped.  Who would do the work that the Israelites did?  Egypt’s economy would probably suffer, not to mention their quality of life—who would cook, clean, and serve them?   So much for Pharoah right now, let’s return to Moses’ dilemma.

The dilemma

As Pharoah and his army approached, the Israelites looked up, and there were the Egyptians, marching after them. They were terrified and cried out to the Lord. They said to Moses, “Weren’t there enough graves in Egypt that you brought us out here to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?”

The complaints escalated.  Moses tried to reassure the Israelites that everything would be alright.  He tried to coach them to “stand firm” and “be still”.  God would fight for them! (Exod. 14:13-14).  Moses told them that they would see the salvation of the LORD on that day.  But all they could see were Egyptians bringing up the rear fast.  They could not see God!

As I read this passage, I saw myself when facing hard times and challenges.  I tend to see only what I can look at with my physical eyes—loss of health, injustice, change in relationships, economic uncertainty.

It’s even harder for me to “be still”.  I need to fix this situation and now.  I see only me standing before the Red Sea.  But all is not loss—I’ll tell you why in a few.  Back to Moses.

“Any old help will do.”

I’m sure Moses cried to God.  Exactly what he said is not included in the scripture text.  But the Lord used this moment to speak directly to Moses.  Was God going to tell him that help was on the way?  Was He sending two boats and a helicopter?

The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward” (Exod. 14:15).

Moses probably thought, “Really?  Red Sea before me and Egyptians behind me.”  Sometimes when we pray, God’s answers don’t always make sense to us at first. But that’s where our faith in God—His greatness and His goodness—reinforces the need to obey His instructions (Heb. 11:1).

God gave Moses an answer he didn’t expect: “Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.” (Exod. 14:16)  

Moses had the answer to His dilemma “right in his hand” PLUS the power of God.  Moses and his staff would be the conduit God would use to not only deliver the Israelites but also glorify God.  This act of deliverance would spread throughout the countryside including to the potential tribes in the Promise Land whom the Israelites would need to conquer (Exod. 14:18).

When you need help…

From this study, I came to the following conclusions about what to do when I need help.

    1. Assess what I currently have available to address my problem. I will not only inventory what I have with my “physical eyes” (my mind and my intellect) but also with my “spiritual eyes”.  When I read God’s Word, especially His promises and follow that with prayer, I can expect God to show me what to do.  I have learned that God’s ways, methods, and timing are not the same as mine (Is. 55:8-9).  THEY ARE BETTER!
    1. “Lift up to God” the resources He has already provided for my solution. Moses failed to remember that God had told him that He would go with him on the journey to the Promised Land. He had forgotten how God used Moses’ staff in the court of Pharoah (Exod. 4:3).  Sometimes I refuse to move forward until I have “all the information and answers”.  When that happens, it is important for me to call to remembrance (Is. 46:9,10) where God has stepped in to join me in my battles (2 Chron. 20:6-7, 12).
    1. Move forward. I am still learning each day to move forward when directed by God.  I guess it’s part of being human.  I am learning to move “more quickly” when God directs me and learning to trust Him more.

In my moments of prayer and meditation, I ask God to show me those areas of my life where I sin by being prideful or self-reliant.  He uses that time together to gently redirect my attention away from my problems and look to Him.  God is greater than any problem we may face and better equipped to solve them.  Only God can guarantee our success!

When God created us, He not only placed His purpose within us but also placed the ability to complete that purpose (Phil. 1:6).  As God prepares our path, He also prepares us for the path.  It is our responsibility to believe, to trust, and then obey.

Conclusion

The next time you need help, deliverance, or an answer for life’s challenges, don’t always look for a miracle from God.  He doesn’t need to come to our rescue.  God is always with us.  We daily live not in God’s miracles but by His lovingkindness and grace.  He is there to help us see the resources He has already provided for our escape (Eph. 1:17-20).

Prayer:  O Heavenly Father, grow within us the faith we need for the challenges we face.  Train us to look at our problems as opportunities to partner with You in their resolution.  Forgive us when we lean on our own understanding.  Place in our heart an expectation that You are with us and will always act on our behalf.  Lord, finally, help us to “Go forward” in Your name and by Your power.   Amen

Eastertide

Never Forget Redemption!

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Another Easter.

Is this our response on the Monday after Easter?  Many of us participated in several Lenten season activities that concluded with the celebration of Resurrection Sunday.   Now it’s time to put away the bunny baskets and hide the remainder of the candied eggs from our children (and ourselves).  But there is one thing we don’t want to put away until next year.  Recognition of God’s redemption.

For we believers, Resurrection Sunday is much more than the culmination of the 40-day Lenten season.  It’s more than a Sunday on the calendar in the spring.  Resurrection Sunday is celebrated in memory of the extraordinary price Jesus paid for not only our freedom (from sin, from death, from destruction) but also the greatest gift any person can ever receive (and Christ can only give)—eternal life.  Eternal life begins on earth and culminates when we return home to be with Jesus (John 17:3).

For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16, Amplified)

Just as the birth of Christ was orchestrated by God, so it was with His crucifixion and glorious resurrection (Genesis 3:15). Our understanding of God’s redemptive plan is critical knowledge that must be DAILY applied, integrated, and assimilated into our hearts, our minds, and our spirit (John 17:17-26).

The Best Plan

God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) fashioned a plan whereby “He Himself” would become human and finally resolve the problem of sin (1 Peter 2:24). But why did this plan require Jesus Christ to take on flesh and blood?

Therefore, since [these His] children share in flesh and blood [the physical nature of mankind], He Himself in a similar manner also shared in the same [physical nature, but without sin], so that through [experiencing] death He might make powerless (ineffective, impotent) him who had the power of death—that is, the devil. (Hebrews 2:14, Amplified)

Only Christ could satisfy the “righteous requirements” of the law (Romans 8:4).   The Mosaic Law demanded that blood be shed, in the form of an animal sacrifice for the “forgiveness of sin” (Hebrews 9:22). This process of sacrifice was repeated continuously, generation after generation, until Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 9:23-28).

Christ would be able to share in our humanity. He would be able to understand our weaknesses and temptations. As a partaker of flesh and blood, He “might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people” (Hebrew 2:17).

Christ’s defeat of Satan would free believers from sin’s power (Romans 6:6-7).  It is in the destruction of Satan’s power that we are now able to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4).  We can live victoriously in and for Christ.

 Our Part in the Plan.

God’s salvation does not require us to lay down our physical life for Him but God does ask us to die, spiritually, to the control which our flesh, the world and Satan exert upon us.

The Apostles gave us hints as to the best way to live in the remembrance of redemption.  These are great scripture to use during your time of devotion and meditation.

Paul stated:  I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:20, Amplified)

Peter reaffirmed this thought in his letter to God’s scattered elect: Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh [and died for us], arm yourselves [like warriors] with the same purpose [being willing to suffer for doing what is right and pleasing God], because whoever has suffered in the flesh [being like-minded with Christ] is done with [intentional] sin [having stopped pleasing the world],  so that he can no longer spend the rest of his natural life living for human appetites and desires, but [lives] for the will and purpose of God. (1 Peter 4: 1-2).

How can we continue remembrance of God’s plan of redemption in 2025?  We can include in our daily devotions activities that recognize and acknowledge God’s gift of redemption.  Scripture memorization, meditation, and journaling are great starters.   Being intentional in our efforts will ensure we never forget what Jesus Christ has done and continues to do for us! (2 Corinthians 1:9-10)

Spiritual Maturity

Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared

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Practicing Watchfulness: Be Prepared

Everybody’s watching something.

Is it easier access to information or a heightened sense of alert that has us watching what’s happening around us?  We rise early and sleep late to hear what’s happening nationally and internationally.  Is the cost of living rising or falling?

With the upcoming elections, we are watchful to see what will happen politically as potential candidates jockey for leadership.  We are eagerly waiting to see who emerges in the key positions on our favorite sports team.

Watchfulness is something that we all do, but the question is, are we watching the right things? Today we will begin a new series entitled, “Practicing Watchfulness”.

What is watchfulness?

Watchfulness is defined as to attend or to observe someone or something closely; being alert and vigilant.  Watchfulness suggests a preparedness in order to avoid being taken unaware by an enemy.  It involves fighting carelessness to reach a desired goal.

Scripture offers great insight into watchfulness.  In Proverbs 8:34 it says, “Blessed is the man who listens for me watching daily at my gate waiting at the post of my door.”  In Nehemiah 4:9 it is written that “Nevertheless we made our prayers to our God and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.”

In the New Testament, three basic emphases on watchfulness are found.  The first is in being prepared for the Lord’s return (Mark 13:32-37).  The second is in our guarding against temptation (Eph. 5:15-16).  And finally, watchfulness in our prayers (Eph. 6:18).

A lesson on watchfulness.

To introduce this study on watchfulness, we will share the familiar parable of the Wise and the Foolish Virgins found in Matthew 25:1-13.  The lesson on watchfulness is found in verse 10.

 But while they [the foolish Virgins] were going away to buy oil, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding feast; and the door was shut and locked. (Amplified)

Jesus taught this parable to His disciples knowing they might lose heart after He left them.  They would need the help of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-18).   His future Church would also need encouragement as they watched for His Second Coming (Matt. 24:42-44).

In 2024, we too, need encouragement as we go through these extremely perilous times.  As we look around, there are serious issues in the world around us.  We may become fearful and feel hopeless.  But Jesus wants us to be encouraged.  We are never alone.  As we watch, He stands with us (John 15:4).

Undesired consequences.

In Jesus’ parable, 10 virgins awaited the bridegroom’s return.  Unfortunately, only half of them were prepared.  They were watchful even in light of the bridegroom’s delay.

Jesus’ parable gives us ample warning about watchfulness and the need for spiritual preparation.  Anyone found lacking in either of these, risks eternal consequences.

F. B. Meyer, noted theologian and teacher, shares five (5) mistakes the foolish virgins made. Let us not do the same!

    1. They made no preparation for the continuation of their light. How do we keep our spiritual lamps burning?   Are we reading God’s Word, praying, and in fellowship with other Christians?
    1. They slept. Are we awake and alert today?  Are we watchful and ready to serve?
    1. They thought they could procure oil from the wise virgins. Are we personally prepared to serve and maintain our relationship with Jesus? Are we depending on others to make the connection for us?
    1. They thought that they could get in. Do we think our past actions or positions will guarantee us entrance into eternity?  What is our current relationship with Jesus?
    1. They thought the bridegroom would recognize them. When He returns, will Jesus recognize us (John 10:14)?

Watchfulness is important to us today.  Even more than in the 1st century.  “Keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matt. 24:42).  More to come next week on Practicing Watchfulness.

The Holy Spirit

Meeting the Holy Spirit Series: What will we do with the Holy Spirit? Epilogue

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What will we do with the Holy Spirit?

What have we learned?

The Holy Spirit is God.  While it is important to understand the unique purpose of each member of the Trinity, it is especially true with regard to the critical role the Holy Spirit plays in the believer’s daily faith walk.

The Holy Spirit’s work as the third person of the Trinity is, not only, to make known God the Father and Jesus Christ, but also to continue the work of salvation in the life of believers.  Most important being achieving God’s purpose in their life.

It is the Holy Spirit who can accomplish the transformational work of sanctification in our lives.  Only the Holy Spirit can change us from “the inside out” (Phil. 1:6). As we grow in the knowledge of God and Jesus Christ, we develop a personal relationship with God’s Spirit.  The more time we spend with Him, the more we begin to look like Him—being conformed to Jesus’ image (Rom. 8:29).

Our conversion can, however, be hindered by our quenching or grieving the Spirit.  What are those behaviors, habits, or thoughts that we continue to hold on to that impede our relationship with God?  Unforgiveness, cravings of the flesh, and/or pride in our achievements and possessions?

Life lived in the Spirit

We would do well to be intentional in submitting to God and in acknowledging His presence in our lives.  Life for believers is to be lived coram Deo:  In the presence of, under the authority of, and to the honor and glory of God.

This life cannot be lived in our power or our strength (Rom. 7:22-25).  It is ONLY THROUGH the Holy Spirit’s filling that we can live holy and righteous lives (Phil. 4:13).  And the result of that filling is an abundant life evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit:  love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (Gal. 5:22-23, KJV).

The Holy Spirit living within us leads, guides, and empowers us to accomplish the purpose which God pre-ordained before the foundations of the world (1 Pet. 1:20).  He ensures God’s will is realized in our lives.  He will always lead us in the way that results in God’s purpose.  As the Spirit occupies more of our life, we receive “exceeding great and precious promises that are ours as partakers of God’s divine nature” (2 Pet. 1:4).

What will we do with the Holy Spirit?

In this study, we recommended several books to expand our “head knowledge” about the third person of the Godhead.  More importantly, we pray that we have created a greater desire for a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit.

We begin that relationship through reading and meditating on God’s Word.  God’s Word and the Holy Spirit are the only means by which we can understand God’s will.  It is the Holy Spirit who speaks to our spirit.  It may be felt as a gentle nudging, counsel from a Christian friend, or even a closed door to an opportunity.  The Holy Spirit is always there to lead us to God’s purpose and our destiny.

We close with this recommendation from the great theologian and teacher, the late Dr. Charles F. Stanley from His book, The Spirit-filled Life:  Discover the Joy of Surrendering to the Holy Spirit.

A Spirit-filled life is a life of dependency on and sensitivity to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Distinguishing him from the messages around us is no easy task. But it is essential for our survival. And it is essential for the survival of the church.  

Within you is housed the power necessary to face whatever life throws your way, for you are a recipient of the life of Christ. Through the person of the Holy Spirit, He longs to express his life through your personality, your lips and your hands. You have been granted the incredible privilege of being his representative on earth.

What will we do with the Holy Spirit?

The Holy Spirit

Meeting the Holy Spirit: From Head to Heart, Part 1

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From Head to Heart

From Head to Heart

Last week we discussed the value of experiential versus intellectual knowledge, as we develop a personal relationship with the Lord.  Each day, we should grow in our knowledge of the Lord (2 Pet. 3:18).  When we do, we begin to move God from our head to our heart.

How do we do that?  By reading God’s Word.  This is His primary way of communicating with us.  God’s Word is “living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  (Hebrews 4:12, Amplified).

Although we may not hear God audibly, God does speak to us through His Holy Spirit.  HIS Spirit speaks to OUR spirit.  How well we hear Him is determined by, “are we trying to hear” (are we tuned in?) and “are we trying to listen” (is the volume turned up?)

The Spirit speaks

The Holy Spirit has always existed.  As the third person of the Godhead, He was present during the creation of the world (Genesis 1:2). However, in the early Scriptures, the Spirit does not emerge as a “distinct personality”.

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit was most commonly designated as “of God” or “of the Lord”.  The Holy Spirit appears as God’s agent of creation, a mode of God’s interacting with humans (Gen. 6:3), God’s agent of revelation (Gen. 41:38; Num. 24:2), and a mode of empowering select leaders of God’s people such as Moses and Joshua (Num. 11:17-29; 27:18).[1]

 In the books of Judges, Samuel, and Kings, supernatural activities of the Spirit begin to appear. We see God’s Spirit now emerging upon significant individuals such as judges, prophets, and kings.  He becomes an energizing power, temporarily equipping leaders for physical prowess and military victory.

In the writings of the prophets, additional insights about the Holy Spirit are disclosed as they share a future time when the Spirit would empower all God’s followers through the creation of a “new spiritual community”.  Most notable of these prophetic descriptions of the Holy Spirit’s ministry are found in Isaiah (Isa. 32:15; 34:16) and Ezekiel (Ezek. 36:24-27).  One of the most notable is Joel 2:28-32, which Peter quotes at Pentecost (Acts 2:17-21).

In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit begins to dominate the theology and experience of the major New Testament witnesses.  Throughout the gospel, the work of the Holy Spirit is acknowledged and celebrated.  It begins with the Immaculate Conception (Luke 1:35), the anointing of Jesus (Matt.3:11) and concludes with the resurrection of Christ by God’s Spirit (Rom. 8:11).

It’s Personal Now

We are so fickled!  We are easily impressed by the hottest fad, the newest technology, and the latest pop-culture entertainment!  How foolish we are if we desire the things this world has to offer (1 John 2:17).  None can compare with God and His gift of the Holy Spirit.

Unlike the Old Testament saints who experienced a temporary anointing of God’s Spirit, we now have Deity dwelling within us, 7 by 24, 365 days a year (2 Tim. 1:14).  It’s personal now! The Holy Spirit is speaking!  Are we listening?

[1] Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, “Holy Spirit”, 344.

Victorious Living

Be Still and Know!

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Be Still !

Be still!

 Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations,

 I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalm 46:10, NKJV)

This is the closing instruction the Psalmist gives in the 46th division of Israel’s song book.  It was to be remembered and recited as they worshipped Jehovah in the Temple.  Perhaps it was read during times when the nation was threatened by foreign nations.  It could even be cited as kings prepared to bring a somber message or bad news to their subjects.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea.  Though the waters be therefore roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof.  Selah

With the latest mass shooting in Kansas City after the Chief’s Super Bowl parade, we ask ourselves the question, “Lord, when will the madness stop?”  It seems as if evil is on every hand—locally, nationally, and without a doubt internationally.  We may even ask, “is God in control?”

The Answer

Psalm 46 answers those questions in its final verses.  Yes, God is still in control.  And in response to the problems we face, we are to “be still and know” who God is and His ability to address the issue at hand.  To know (yada) means: (1) to know by observing and reflecting, and (2) to know by experiencing.  It is to have an intimate knowledge of Him.

As we reflect on our lives, where have we seen God at work?  When has God come to our rescue or given us the strength to endure trying times?  Have there been situations where we realized that God had gone before us to make a way out of no way (Psa. 50:15)?  God is awesome and available and much, much, more.

A Mighty Refuge

As I process the trauma of the senseless shooting, this time, in “my city”, I recall the words from the powerful hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God”, which is said to be a paraphrase of Psalm 46.

A mighty Fortress is our God

A Bulwark never failing

Our Helper He amid the flood

Of mortal ills prevailing

The concept of fortress appears numerous times throughout the Bible, often carrying deep symbolic meaning beyond just a stronghold or place of defense (Psa. 18:2; 62:6-8).  Fortress is most often used metaphorically to represent God as a source of refuge, protection, and salvation for His people.  These verses portray God as an unshakable fortress or tower that provides safety and security for those who trust in Him.

This thought continues with the Psalmist’s use of the word, bulwark.  A bulwark is a wall meant to provide protection.  “Mortal ills” are human sins we must deal with while operating in our “human flesh”.  These often result in negative outcomes in our personal life and in society.

Words to Remember

Jesus in His final moments with His Disciples presented a “sobering expectation” of their future: “In this life you will have tribulations.”  That message is still true for us in the 21st century.  But Jesus adds the “blessed reality and result” of our relationship with Him.  “Be of good cheer (take courage), I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

In other words, Jesus’ victory over death and sin by way of the Cross, would be the same victory we would experience as we encountered life’s trials—individually or collectively.  Victory includes our ability to persevere and to succeed regardless of the circumstances we may experience (Eph. 1: 18-19).

As we navigate tragedies and misfortunes, we must remember that we live in a fallen world.  And while we have been delivered from the penalty and power of sin, we must still expect and deal with the consequences of its presence.  Our knowledge of God assures us that His presence will go with us (Deut. 31:8), His power will protect us (2 Thess. 3:3), and His peace will sustain us (John 14:26-27). Therefore, we can be still (relax).