Discernment

John Maxwell – “Discernment goes deeper than knowledge, resembling intuition. At times, discernment is a gift; at other times, it results from much experience. Discernment brings a profound perception of what is occurring, either on the outside or the inside of a person.”

Lifting People

"The strong man does not prove how strong he is by standing on top of a stack of weights; he demonstrates his strength by showing how much weight he can lift. Neither does an effective leader prove anything by putting people down. Leaders are weightlifters." - J. Mark Jordan Living and Leading in Ministry, p. 46

"Sin Lieth at the Door"

God warned Cain.

Sin is waiting.

It's ready to pounce like a tiger stalking its prey.

"... if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it." (Genesis 4:6, ESV)

Cain had no reason to be angry with God.

His offering was not acceptable.

God is very interested in our offering.

He pays attention to the attitude and spirit behind our gift.

We have to have a right relationship with our brother before we can bring anything to the offer God (Matthew 5:23-24).

If we do well - God will accept us and our offering (Genesis 4:5).

If we do not well - sin is waiting and ready to pounce on us.

"present your bodies a living sacrifice" (Romans 12:1)

"let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually" (Hebrews 13:15)

"By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain..." (Hebrews 11:4

WHAT KIND OF AN OFFERING WILL GOD RECEIVE TODAY?

Christian Perfection

"I am called to live in perfect relation to God so that my life produces a longing after God in others lives, not admiration for myself" - Oswald Chambers

The Superiority of the Son of God

Just a few notes about the superiority of Jesus Christ from Hebrews 1:

• the Son has been appointed heir of all things (v2)
• He is the brightness (radiance) of God's glory (v3)
• He is the exact imprint or express image of God's nature (v3)
• He sustains all things by the word of His power (v3)
• the Son has purified of us from our sins (v3)
• He occupies the position at the right hand of the Majesty on high (v3)
• He became much superior than the angels(v4)
• He has inherited a more excellent name than the angels(v4)
• all the angels of God have been told to worship Him(v6)
• His throne is forever and ever (v8)
• His throne is established in righteousness (v8)
• the Son was anointed with the oil of gladness above His companions
• He created the heavens and the earth (v10)
• He remains and His years have no end (vs11-12)
• His enemies have been made His footstool (v13)

The Land of Blessings and Battles

Moses sent 12 spies, one from each tribe, to examine a land that was promised to them. They were encouraged to go throughout the area and "see what the land is" (Numbers 13:18). The spies went from the North to the South, to the East and to the West. During their espionage they acquired some of the fruit of the land; a cluster of grapes, some pomegranates and figs.

The 12 spies also noted people dwelling in fortified cities, the descendants of Anak, and several other groups living in the land flowing with milk and honey.

It quickly became apparent to these 12 representatives that the land they were commissioned to spy on was not only a land with abundant blessings but also a land where battles would be fought. In order to enjoy the blessings God had for them, they were going to have to fight some battles. When asked for their report of the land, two of them gave the thumbs up to move forward and take the land. The other ten were not convinced.

Blessings and Battles

In order for people to take possession of the blessings in store for them, there will be battles they will have to fight. God's blessings often don't come without sacrifice. His favor is frequently found in the midst of a struggle.

Walking with God is the greatest privilege this life affords a human being. But, this privileged life doesn't come without first having to fight some battles and driving out the enemies that currently possess this promised land.

Finding A Place for God

Life is busy.

People are busy.

There never seems to be a lack of things to do.

A person that is bored in this day and age chooses to be so.

However, in the midst of busy-ness, there must be room for God in a life.

The Psalmist said it so well,

Psalms 132:3-5 (English Standard Version)

3 "I will not enter my house

or get into my bed,

4 I will not give sleep to my eyes

or slumber to my eyelids,

5 until I find a place for the Lord,

a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob."

So the question must be asked:

Does God have a "dwelling place" in my life?

The cares of life seem to have a way of choking out the important things in life (Luke 8:14).

When Mary and Joseph sought a place to stay the night because of her pregnancy we are told, "there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2:7)

Lots of things seem to crowd God out of a person's life:

• Money
• Greed
• Hobby
• Entertainment/amusements
• Envy
• Vacation
• Bitterness
• Education
• Career
• Relationships

The list could go on and on but the fact remains that each person must be willing to lay aside some things to be make room for God! (Hebrews 12:1)

God's Knowledge

As the Old Testament patriarch faced the scrutiny of his "friends" he responded with this question. "Will it be well with you when He searches you out?" (Job 13:9 NKJV). Job was facing much criticism from his accusers. It ultimately led him to ask the question in hopes of causing them to realize their own shortcomings.

It is sobering to consider that God has the ability to know every aspect of a man. Reading through Psalm 139 reveals God's omniscience...

Psalms 139:1-17

O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.

2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.

3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.

5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.

7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.

9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.

11 If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.

12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.

14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.

16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

17 How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!

Our position doesn't veil God's awareness about us. He knows whether we are lying down or standing up straight. Our location doesn't keep God's eye from following us to and fro. He is able to perceive if we are in heaven or in hell. The time of day has no bearing on God's profound ability to know us. If it is dark or daylight, he knows all about us.

The writer of Hebrews gives a glimpse of God's unmatched ability:

Hebrews 4:12-13 (ESV) For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

What is the result of being under God's microscope? What kind of things show up? Pride? Lust? Envy? Bitterness? Dishonesty? Anger? God has more than just a surface knowledge of a person. It is futile for a person to think they might be concealing their true identity from a God that possesses limitless knowledge.

The upside to this realization is that God not only sees every fault and shortcoming in a man, but He is also keenly aware of every hurt, victory, scar, disappointment, problem, sickness, mountain, valley, heartache, thorn, emotion, celebration, etc... that a person experiences. The Lord not only knows the bad side of a person, but He can see the positive also.

The Apostle that wrote to the saints in Rome said it well, "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." (Romans 11:33).

The Greatness of God

O Lord my God,

When I in awesome wonder

Consider all

The works Thy Hand hath made,

I see the stars,

I hear the mighty thunder,

Thy pow’r throughout

The universe displayed;

Carl Boberg wrote the words to this well known hymn "How Great Thou Art" in 1886. They are reminiscent of David's words in Psalm 8 - "When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou has ordained; what is man, that thou art mindful of him?"

More recently Chris Tomlin penned the words to a song that is sung weekly in churches all over. "The splendor of the King, clothed in majesty; Let all the earth rejoice; All the earth rejoice. He wraps Himself in light, and darkness tries to hide; And trembles at His voice; Trembles at His voice."

There are no words that can adequately encapsulate all that God is or sufficiently describe His greatness. Carl Boberg, David, and Chris Tomlin have all made laudable attempts but in reality the task is overwhelming. David would later write in the 143rd Psalm - "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable." Perhaps the Lord Himself said it best when He inspired the prophet to write, "To whom will ye liken me, and make me equal, or compare me, that we may be like?"

There is no God - like our God!

Contentment Is Learned

Philippians 4:11-13

11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

12 I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

The same writer that penned the letter to the Corinthian church wrote the words above. "I have learned...to be content."

The Apostle had been on both ends of the spectrum and through his experiences he "learned" that contentment is not based on circumstances. His attitude was that in "whatsoever state I am" - he would be content. Contentment is often "learned." It is through good times and bad times that we learn. It is through opportunities gained and opportunities lost that we learn. Many people strive to climb another rung on the ladder of success hoping they will find fulfillment and satisfaction, but when they arrive - they "learn" it was NOT what they were looking for.

The ability to maintain a steady and contented spirit in every circumstance and situation in life is definitely not something that comes natural to us humans. It takes the grace of God. It takes a constant infusion of His influence.

Joni Eareckson Tada recently wrote a book entitled, "A Lifetime of Wisdom: Embracing the Way God Heals You." In it, she makes the following statement. "How we need this abundant, free-flowing stream! It requires a special act of grace to accommodate ourselves to every condition of life, to carry an equal temper of mind through every circumstance."

She later writes, "The New Testament word translated contentment in our English Bible means "sufficiency." I've been told that Paul uses the same Greek root here in Philippians that he does in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where he says God's grace is sufficient."

The amazing grace of God is a teacher (Titus 2:11-12). If we will allow God to teach - we can learn. That is why Paul could write - "I can do all things through Christ which strengheneth me." (Philippians 4:13).

Where is Contentment Found?

The Apostle Paul is not like a typical American. He said he was content "with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities." How odd is that? In weaknesses? During persecution? What was this guy thinking? But Paul had a series of prayer meetings that proved to be insightful. In one of these meetings, the Lord spoke to him and said, "My grace is sufficient for you..." Because of God's sufficient grace - Paul was content.

Most of us seem to think we will be able to find contentment in something we purchase. Because of this lack of understanding we are motivated to buy another car or another home looking for that feeling of fulfillment.

Ultimately, we can find what we are looking for in the power of Christ. In our times of weakness and hardship, the strength of the Lord is perfected in our lives.

That is why this man could say he found contentment. As long as he was facing trouble and insults, he understood that the grace of God would be present!

May God help us live abundant and fulfilled lives in the midst of our circumstances.

Blessings!

2 Corinthians 12:7-10 (ESV)

7 So to keep me from being too elated by the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.