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)