Tag Archives: spiritual discernment

Walking in the Light Beyond Human Opinion

“But the one who is spiritual evaluates all things, yet he himself is evaluated by no one.” — 1 Corinthians 2:15, NASB

The man or woman filled with the Holy Spirit is governed not by the opinions of this world, but by the mind of Christ. “We have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God” (1 Corinthians 2:12, NASB). This Spirit-illumined life allows us to see, discern, and judge—not by fleshly instinct, but by eternal truth.

This means our worldview must be shaped not by culture or consensus, but by the Word of God applied through the Spirit of God. The Spirit’s judgment is not mere intellect—it is illumination. It is the light of the Lord causing our hearts to perceive what cannot be seen by human eyes. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105, NASB)

The Spiritual Man Is a Miracle

Scripture makes it clear: “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1 Corinthians 2:14, NASB) The one who walks in the Spirit is a mystery to the world. Their decisions seem odd, their standards strange. But they are living by a different wisdom—a wisdom from above. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits…” (James 3:17, NASB)

This is not a self-made man, but a Spirit-born one. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:6, NASB) He is a stranger to the world because he has been made new—“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NASB)

Beyond the Veil, at the Feet of Jesus

We cannot walk in the Spirit’s judgment unless we press beyond the veil into intimacy with God. The old man cannot enter there. “Who may ascend onto the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? One who has clean hands and a pure heart…” (Psalm 24:3–4, NASB)

There, in the secret place, the Spirit teaches us. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things…” (John 14:26, NASB). We begin to see people, situations, even our own hearts with fresh clarity. The Spirit’s judgment gives us God’s perspective. “For the Lord does not see as man sees, since man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7, NASB)

The Warning and the Comfort

Some wrestle with deep fear—“Have I committed the unpardonable sin?” Yeshua warned the Pharisees in Mark 3:29 that “whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness.” But what marked them? Hardness. Pride. A refusal to acknowledge the work of God. Their eyes were blind, their hearts cold.

If you tremble, if you weep, if you worry—that very fear is proof that the Spirit is still working in you. “A broken and a contrite heart, God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17, NASB) Conviction is a gift; apathy is the danger. As Hebrews reminds us, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:15, NASB)

The Spirit doesn’t come to condemn the believer, but to correct, lead, and restore. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:17, NASB) If you are convicted of sin, rejoice: God is still drawing you. Run to Him.

The world may speak, but I will stand,
With eyes alight by Spirit’s hand.
Their wisdom fades, their words grow dim,
For I have learned to walk with Him.

Prayer

Holy God, thank You for the Spirit who searches all things—even the deep things of You. I repent of leaning on my own understanding. Teach me to live by the Spirit’s judgment, not by what is seen, but by what You have revealed. May my life reflect heaven’s values and not earth’s applause. Let the mind of Christ dwell richly in me. Strengthen me to walk as one set apart—full of mercy, truth, and light. In the name of Yeshua, amen.

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The Wise Choice and the Right Way

July 21, 2024 warren

Embracing the Wisdom of God

Beloved, I urge you to embrace the wisdom and guidance of our Lord Jesus Christ and the enduring truths of the Scriptures. Choosing the wise choice and the right way is paramount in our walk with God. As Joshua implored the people of Israel, “choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). Commit your heart wholly to the Lord, as Ruth did when she declared, “Your people will be my people, and your God, my God” (Ruth 1:16). Moreover, seek the wisdom of Solomon, who asked God for a discerning heart (1 Kings 3:9), and walk faithfully in the path of truth, saying with the psalmist, “I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your ordinances before me” (Psalm 119:30).

“But only one thing is necessary; for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). Let us, too, choose the good part by dedicating ourselves wholly to Him. Furthermore, the Apostle Paul urges us to “learn to sense what is vital, and approve and prize what is excellent and of real value” (Philippians 1:10). Walk in the discernment given by the Spirit, aligning your life with God’s will. Additionally, Moses chose “rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25). Let us also choose the eternal over the temporary, following the narrow path that leads to life, as our Savior taught: “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14).

Walking in God’s Path

Walking in the right way is underscored when Moses instructs the Israelites to “walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper” (Deuteronomy 5:33). Moreover, wisdom’s paths are “pleasant ways and all her paths are peace” (Proverbs 3:17), illustrating the peace that comes from following God’s wisdom. “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21) assures believers of God’s guidance. Psalm 50:23 reminds us, “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.”

Jesus guides us, saying, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me” (John 14:6). Embrace the light of Christ, who came “to guide our feet into the way of peace” (Luke 1:79). “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved” (Acts 16:17). Let us walk in the wisdom of God’s guidance and the light of His salvation.

Reflection and Self-Examination

Reflect on these questions, dear ones: Are you choosing daily to follow Christ, the only way to eternal life? Do you seek what is truly valuable in God’s eyes, or are you swayed by the fleeting pleasures of this world? Are you walking in paths of peace and righteousness, guided by the Holy Spirit? Self-examination is crucial for maintaining a path aligned with God’s will. Like Solomon, we must continually seek a discerning heart, asking God to reveal areas where we need to grow in faith and obedience.

Consider the peace that comes from walking in God’s wisdom. Proverbs 3:17 reminds us that all of wisdom’s paths are peace. Are your daily decisions leading you towards this peace, or do they lead to unrest and turmoil? Jesus offers us a way to peace and fulfillment, guiding our feet in the way of peace (Luke 1:79). Are you allowing Him to guide your steps, trusting in His path over your own?

Commitment to the Narrow Path

The narrow path, though difficult, leads to life. Jesus teaches us that “the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:14). This path requires a commitment to following Christ above all else, forsaking worldly temptations for eternal rewards. Hebrews 11:25 tells of Moses, who chose to endure suffering with the people of God rather than enjoy fleeting pleasures. This choice is before us daily: to follow Christ, even when it means sacrifice and difficulty, trusting that His way leads to life everlasting.

Walking in God’s way also means living in a manner that honors Him. Psalm 50:23 states, “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors Me; And to him who orders his way aright I shall show the salvation of God.” Ordering our lives according to God’s will brings honor to Him and leads us to His salvation. This ordered way is a life lived in gratitude, humility, and obedience to God.

A Prayer for Guidance and Strength

Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts open to Your wisdom and love. Help us to choose the wise choice and the right way, to seek what is excellent and of real value in Your eyes. Grant us the strength to walk the narrow path, forsaking worldly pleasures for the joy of eternal life with You. Guide our feet into the way of peace and righteousness, as we follow Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. May Your Holy Spirit fill us with discernment and courage to live according to Your will. Strengthen our resolve to follow You wholeheartedly, even when the way is narrow. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Balancing Immediate Obedience and Strategic Planning: Discerning the Voice of the Holy Spirit in Christian Decision-Making

July 3, 2024 warren

Hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit and discerning when to obey immediately versus when to plan thoughtfully is a crucial aspect of Christian living. This balance can be beautifully illustrated through the lens of Scripture, where both immediate obedience and strategic planning are valued by God.

In the New Testament, we see numerous examples where immediate obedience to the Holy Spirit’s guidance is crucial. For instance, Acts 8:29-30 shows the Holy Spirit instructing Philip to go near and join a chariot, which leads to the conversion of an Ethiopian official. This spontaneous action, prompted by the Holy Spirit, underscores the importance of being sensitive and responsive to God’s immediate directions. Immediate obedience can often lead to divine appointments that fulfill God’s greater plan.

Conversely, the Bible also advocates for careful planning and consideration, especially in matters of significant commitment and resource allocation. Luke 14:28-30 says, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?” Here, Jesus uses the parable of building a tower to illustrate the necessity of planning and foreseeing the implications of our decisions.

The balance between these two can be found in the relationship of trust and stewardship with God. Proverbs 16:9 teaches, “A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.” This verse suggests that while it is wise to make plans, we must also remain flexible and open to God’s redirection. Our plans should not be so rigid that they cannot be adjusted or abandoned in response to the Holy Spirit’s promptings.

Therefore, in seeking the balance between immediate obedience and careful planning, one must cultivate a heart that listens to God, values the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and also uses wisdom to plan and prepare appropriately. The key lies in maintaining a posture of humility and surrender, recognizing that our understanding is limited, but God’s wisdom is infinite.

In practice, this balance might look like setting strategic goals based on the values and directions we discern from Scripture and prayer, while also staying attuned to the Holy Spirit’s nudges that might call for spontaneous action. Such a balanced approach ensures that we are both responsible stewards of the resources God has given us and obedient servants ready to act on His immediate call. This dynamic tension keeps our walk with God lively and our discipleship effective, helping us to build not just physical towers, but eternal treasures in the kingdom of God.

#Essay

Psalm 133