Discernment
By Penny Williams
Years back, I was walking on the beach one day with a good
friend from Canada and she was telling me how she prayed every day for
discernment so she wouldn’t be deceived in the days ahead. Since then, I have
taken a chapter out of her book and asked my Heavenly Father to keep me filled
up with discernment. I cherish individuality in people. Every one of us has a book inside of us and I
believe we go through our own unique customized trials to help others.
My mother used to call earth a testing ground. This is a
place where we are tested. I am inclined
to agree with her. We are tested by God but tempted by Satan. The decisions we
make right here on earth will determine our future.
In my earlier years as a believer and growing in the Holy
Spirit like a weed, I can remember how I saw a dividing line drawn upon the
sand [in the spirit] and as the years passed the line thickened, until today
our enemies are boldly unashamed with their mouths. Uncaring, they easily tell
on themselves, [all a discerning person must do, is to listen to them] without
a care many stay up all night thinking about how to trap us, lie about us and
accuse those who love God with the evil schemes they themselves are doing. Purposely
planned, they manufacture what they have gathered up in their hearts to smear
another’s name.
“For
they cannot sleep till they do evil, they are robbed of slumber till they make
someone fall.” Proverbs 4:16 NIV
“Even
on his bed he plots evil; he commits himself to a sinful course and does not reject
what is wrong.” Psalm 36:4 NIV
“Woe
to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning’s
light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. Micah 2:1 NIV
They do these things because they can. Even a child will
continue to do wrong when they can get away with it. When anyone continues to
do wrong and is sheltered without consequences and those in power refuse to
stop them, there should be bells and whistles go off inside of you. Plain and
simple, they are not just breaking the Constitution but breaking God’s law. Without
consequences, that appeals to the flesh can be like throwing candy inside of
the pit they are digging for themselves. More is never enough.
If I had only known
this when I was younger. Very few of us have had good godly beginnings and
those of them that did will usually find themselves back at the starting gate, eyes
wide open to learn about the ways of the WORLD and this time, with a repentant
heart. We’ve all been there too. We open the floodgates for demons to harass
and accuse us by their seducing and subtle invitations, from spirits that lie,
divide, seduce and appease our flesh. Everything is involved with the FLESH in
the beginning. In our yesterday’s, few
would talk about such behaviors that have been desensitizing believers for many
years and are now common ground, commercialized and even recruited. No longer
is modesty the guardian of chastity. Anything goes. There are politicians who
are Republicans in name only and hold their positions only to bring the
righteous down. These people cannot tell the truth because they cherish their sin
and unbelief. Some stand on the street corners angrily urging violence through
their seducing lies. They visibly execute the lies they have been taught and
believe. We are living in a time when many are unable to sleep at night having
lost their power. Although they cannot see it at the time, there will always be
consequences and a price to pay.
They try to pass laws that are against the constitution.
They are an angry bunch because all their covering up of greed, fraud,
cheating, leading double lives, lies and more lies, even killing the innocent
are all finally being exposed! Remember their favorite lines?
“No one is above the law!”
Every time I turn on the news, I hear a good thing and
then a horrible thing.
Today, believers desperately need discernment to “Know
your enemy.” Understand, they pervert everything. Perversion has no boundaries.
The Opposition Teaches:
Christianity is violent
Never admit when you are wrong, never apologize. Why
apologize when they believe they are always right?
Being humble is a weakness!
Love yourself above everything. Always me first! [I am glad Jesus didn’t think that way] Always put yourself first.
Keep things stirred up, ever accusing.
Self-pride is your strength and take all the glory, you
deserve it! These people are proud of the wrong they do and will boast about
it.
They believe in their own lies.
In that way, they continue with their schemes to rob,
steal and destroy, not realizing just how much they themselves are being used
and controlled by spirits. Only the Holy Spirit can open a person’s eyes to the
truth.
I have reason to believe we are in the days of Noah and
Lot. Everything is backwards today. Rd Genesis 6.
“Woe to those who call evil good and
good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter
for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and
clever in their own sight. Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine and
champions at mixing drinks, who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice
to the innocent. Isaiah 5:20-23
Sound familiar?
You must remind yourselves that these people are dead
spiritually and God’s truth is not in them to give. They pervert everything. What
they accuse you of, they themselves are doing. All you must do is listen
closely to them.
Noah was 500 years old when his 3 sons were born, and
about 600 years old when the floodwater came. It is not surprising that during
Noah’s day only 8 people were selected to come into the Ark. The people thought
Noah to be a fool because he heard from God and warned those around him.
Why did God bring the floodwaters?
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that
every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” Ge.
6:5 KJV
Jesus said the latter days will be as in the days of
Noah. The earth was filled with violence and every kind of sin imaginable.
Think about, “The Thoughts of his [man’s] Heart were evil
continually.”
They imagined evil thoughts continually. They followed
through with those thoughts constantly in their HEARTS. Everything
they looked at and all their efforts were worked out hourly and daily and in a
full 24 hours were of constant evil, ALL the time. Are you getting the picture?
Though I believe we have been given a temporary reprieve,
we cannot take our new freedoms for granted, nor take our foot off the
accelerator. When we study and pray God’s promises it is like an arsenal we
store up for when we need it. Complacency is as much of a sin as doubt and
unbelief.
What we think about goes into our hearts and eventually
will come out of our mouths and if we entertain those thoughts, we will follow them
through with life reactions that will affect everyone. The days of Noah were
like a Merry go round without the merry for Noah and his family. During that time,
it had never rained on the earth. When things needed to be watered, the Lord
brought the water from inside the earth from the aquafers to water the plants.
But this time was different.
I see the people of that day had become like the idols
they served. They had ears but would not hear. Eyes but did not see or
understand God’s truth because they were given a reprobate mind. A conscience
that was seared, dulled and deadened. They loved their sin more than God and
the Bible says, “He gave them over to a reprobate mind.”
Have you not noticed that if you ignore that small voice
inside of your conscience long enough it begins to become dimmer as time goes
by? Finally, by not listening your conscience shuts down and is replaced by a new
voice from the world and appealing to your flesh.
There is a new battle going on inside of you. The Spirit
vs The World or the Flesh.
These entities will stop at nothing to bring a believer
down. Our job is to recognize the difference and know how to deal with them in
our own lives.
Try not to be too impatient with yourself. Everything
takes time.
This is why I decided to write an article on how to keep
you from falling and how to be an Overcomer. I am not talking about working
your way to heaven, because that involves love, grace and faith. Not to be perfect, for our only perfection is God’s
righteousness in us through Jesus Christ. I am touching on giving God the glory
that only He deserves through our hearts, minds, souls and bodies.
Let’s read 2 Peter 1:1-11 KJV
2 Grace
and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our
Lord,
5 And
beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue
knowledge;
6 And
to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;
7 And
to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.
10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give
diligence to make your calling and election sure: for IF YOU DO THESE
THINGS YE SHALL
NEVER FALL.
Think about it, an amazing thing happened to Peter when
he wrote these verses. I believe his words are a real key to guiding and directing
us in our walk.
I believe it is God’s will that you use your mustard seed
faith. Peter was given the SECRET to being an overcomer and felt it was
important enough to share with all those who strive to bring God glory. Do not
forget, He created us to be pleasing to Him and to give Him glory.
We are all to have God’s grace and peace and it is to be multiplied
within us through the promises of His knowledge through study, so we can give His
promises to others. It is something like, “We received it, now let’s give it
away!”
Jesus received instructions from His Father and He gave
to those who would hear Him. Peter received from The Holy Spirit and then he gave
it to those who would hear the truth.
God’s Grace is given to us every time we ask for it and
times when we do not ask for it. Think back how His grace has saved you from so
many rash decisions, bad health or an accident. Have you ever wondered why He
took the time with you to do this? Because God loves you and knows you inside
and outside and all your deepest motives and intents. You are unique! He
created you exactly as He desired! In fact, you are one of a kind!
His Peace is unquestionable and surpasses anything here
on earth that we can understand, as it comes from God. What is the one thing
that is repeated over and over in the Word?
“Do not fear.” “Do not worry.” I can remember Jesus
saying, “Tomorrow will take care of itself.”
We have everything we need because we have the knowledge
and love of Him who has called us by His own glory and excellence. Holiness,
Glory and Excellence is who God is and everything we have comes from Him. Your
faith can take you across the river without taking a ferry! I knew an east
Indian who was called to minister God’s Word. He was a short humble little man
who was filled with God’s love and faith. He never doubted God’s word. He walked
everywhere and would go and stand upon the banks of a rushing river; eyes
closed and make up a song of praise to God. When he was finished, he was on the
other side of the river. In India they have millions of gods, but He chose the
King of Kings. True story.
Have you ever thought how much we are privileged to receive
His great and precious promises? It is through His word that we can escape the
immoral corruption that is in the world. Through growth, we become salty with
His divine nature. God is faithful and will always make a way of escape when we
are tempted by the lust of the world. We are to resist the devil, and he will
flee from you.
Time to learn to be diligent. Use what God has given to
you.
Exercise the faith God has given to you [when you do
this, your faith will increase]
Develop moral excellence. You are His Ambassador and can
be filled with integrity at all times. [In all areas of your life]
Seek His knowledge which will give insight, discernment
and understanding
Be realigned in your heart, your priorities and stay
focused
Examine your conscience [daily. Be honest with yourself]
Meditate upon God’s promises and walk them through.
Increase your faith and learn to expect your prayers to
come to pass.
Pray over everything.
When you study about God’s character; get to know Him. Ask
the Holy Spirit to teach you. Learn His ways and His will, His kingdom. The
Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Learn how to
listen and wait when the Holy Spirit is speaking and when He isn’t. Learn how
to know when your anointing comes and when to know He is finished. This takes
humbleness and time.
We were all born with the original sin and when we are
born again, we become a new creation in Christ. We are given a new heart and
become teachable. Honor one another above yourself. This is what Jesus did
throughout His ministry and on the cross. You can do this by putting all unselfishness from
you and to be sensitive to help those who are in need. The more you practice
these virtues, the more you will grow. The more you grow, the more productive
you will be and the more understanding you will store up to help others.
Little by little, walk away from the things of the world.
They will only stunt your growth,
confine you and take away your precious time, your purpose and get to know The
King of Glory.
“I
beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that ye present your
bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable
service. And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the
renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and
perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1,2 KJV
When you present yourselves to God in prayer, it is He
who takes you the rest of the way. Do not try to clean yourself up first before
you come to Him. That is an impossible task. Before I came to the Lord, I kept
telling myself, “I must clean up myself before I go to Him.” The truth is, we cannot clean ourselves up
because we do not have anything inside of us that could do the job. I did not
realize that at the time, therefore I kept putting it off. Things of the world
can have a strong stranglehold on us, especially in the beginning. Once you get
right with God, it is His Holy Spirit that begins doing the house cleaning.
Your job is to recognize it and allow your conscience to become sensitive to
His voice and just let those old ways fall to the wayside. When you give your
all to God, it is He who takes you the rest of the way. It is not an easy walk,
but He never gives up on you. You become a new person in Christ and will look
at everything in a new light. There will be times you will be tempted and
tried, just like Jesus was when he was in the wilderness. There will be times
when your faith will be tested. The more growth, the heavier the tests. Jesus spoke
the word when He was tested by Satan, and he left. God already knows that you
will pass some and flub on others. When that happens, He wants us to see our
own reactions and shortcomings so we can ride through a little bit smoother the
next time around.
And so, it is the lusts of the world that seduce our
flesh, the Bible calls it “The old man” whom we have put to death. We once
belonged to the old man and was a slave to sin [the father of lies], but no
more. We have been set free in Christ. Why keep digging up “The old man” and
keep giving him the glory that God deserves? We have been crucified with
Christ.
In verse 10, Peter promises us that if we do
these things we will never stumble and fall.
If you are a believer and find yourself struggling with
the things of the past. Hold on to the hope God has given to you. Nothing is
easy that is worth fighting for when it involves eternal life. You are not
alone. Begin little by little, in your walk with the faith that God has given
to you to put down one thing, only one thing from the world and replace it with
a virtue. Learn to depend upon talking to Him in prayer and upon The Holy
Spirit to break through your worldly ties and see more clearly His will in your
life. Ask for Him to give you more grace.
Luke 10:27chapter context similar meaning copy save
If you have taken the time to read this, first let me
congratulate you! I realize I can be long winded and have tried to shorten my
articles. If you are an unbeliever and have been thinking to yourself, “I want
to know this Jesus, I want to be an overcomer, I want to have eternal life and
peace. I need grace! I need to know I am loved by Jesus. I want to know God! “Picture
right now, His hand extending out to yours and offering you repentance. This is
the most important decision you will ever make in your life. With your whole
heart, pray this prayer:
Heaven Father,
I know I am a sinner, and I know I have not been right
with You. I repent from all my past. I need help Father, I need strength. I ask that You take me out of the pit that I
have dug for myself and come into my life and forgive my sins against You and all
those whom I have hurt. Forgive my selfishness, my dishonesty, greed and lies.
Name the ones you can recall__________. Heal my pain and give me a new heart
and new eyes so I can see and understand. Send your people around to help me
into this new life. I ask that You direct my steps wherever I go and increase
my faith. Assure me and secure me of Your love for me. Build within me a strong
temple and feed me Your word. In Jesus name I ask, amen.
If you
have prayed this prayer with a sincere humble heart, the Bible says that you
have been born-again. If you do not have a Bible, buy one as soon as you can;
or they give them away at thrift stores. Hook up with a good Bible believing
church and join a small study group who will pray for you through the times
ahead. Through this you will make new friends as they will love you and hold
you accountable when you need it. Rejoice! You are a new creature in Christ!
