12/21/07 - Life Journal - Discerning His will, not mine

Now he did not say this on his initiative, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus was going to die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but in order that he might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.
John 11:51,52

Caiaphas thought the word of God he had received was an end to all his problems, a reuniting of all the Jews of the Diaspora and the continuance of his political power. In reality he foretold of the self sacrifice of Jesus, the uniting of believers around the world and the end of Caiaphas' system under the old covenant.

Man, was that a bad example of discernment, or what? I'd say from this example the first requirement when interpretting the word of God, whether through prophecy, dreams or scripture, is to take my personal agenda out of the equation. I can get His word to say what I want to hear if I try hard enough. A good way to tell if this might be happening is when you see a ... before and after a little clip of a verse. when I've already made up my mind to what the answer should be I can use the Bible to prove anything by taking His word out of context.

Father, You speak to me everyday. If I ever slow down enough to hear Your word or see Your hand working in my life let me digest it with Your will in mind and not mine.

11/1/07 - Life Journal - Hidden Spirituality

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you—
the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm—
he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going
both now and forevermore.

Psalm 121

Who out there doesn't sing the first two verses of this song. It's practically impossible since Casting Crown's "Praise You in the Storm" isn't it? Lyrics to Contemporary Christian Music are full of references to Scripture, especially Psalms since a good majority of them were meant as songs of Praise. Spiritual truths aren't just limited to Christian works. Secular music, books, art, movies, etc., are full of messages of triumphs of good over evil, battling addictions, moral decision making and searches for greater purpose that we can use to teach ourselves and teach others. Obviously they're not as blatent as a direct quote from the bible, but they are there. It is in our nature (Spirit) to search for higher meaning and an all powerful creator so it's no wonder that these themes constantly are running through our lives.

I need to live with my eyes wide open. Everywhere I look presents a chance to extract purpose from this world and point it out to those around me, they're just waiting to be discovered. His creation itself is witness to His greatness and love for us. When I become tuned in to this "hidden spirituality" I might be able to see through what people are saying and come back to them with the source of their thoughts and hungers and reveal the root of their depression, anxiety, discontentment, etc. A soul crying out for their Father in Heaven and their true purpose here on earth.

Father fill my eyes and ears with the sight of the Spirit so I can discern your truths in this world and the desires in peoples hearts. Also give me the wisdom to know what to do with this once I get it!

Johnny Mac's take on the discernment "watch-doggies"

To all of you discernment experts (e.g. Ken, Phil and Symphony of Scripture) that "claim" John MacArthur as your spiritual lead, I think you'd better re-read this chapter in "The Truth War"!

...from page 135...

Still, overzealousness is clearly a danger we need to guard against carefully. There are indeed some full-time critics operating today, always looking for a fight, taking fleshly delight in controversy merely for controversy's sake, and making judgements that may be too harsh or hasty. Don't fall into the trap of assuming that the most censorious and nitpicking opinions are automatically the most "discerning" ones. Watch out for the person who shows no caution or restraint about making severe judgements and yet claims to be a "discernment" expert. True discernment is gained by applying our hearts and minds to biblical wisdom, not by fostering a critical spirit.

As a matter of fact, Scripture says that those who are merely pugnacious or quarrelsome are unfit for spiritual leadership (1 Timothy 3:3). When Paul laid out the qualifications for church leaders, he was emphatic about this. "A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth" (2 TImothy 2:24-25). That is the spirit we must cultivate. Contending earnestly for the faith does not require us to become brawlers. Let's acknowledge that as plainly as possible and never lose sight of it.

Just thought I'd point this out. You guys have some good things to say but it's buried in all that manure you toss around so often.

9/17/07 - Life Journal - Don't Mess With the Word!

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
Revelation 22:18,19

The severity of the message Jesus gives us in the book of Revelation can be seen in His final warning to us. Nothing is to be added or taken away from His words.

This warning is very relevant today as different groups are taking sides in deciding church doctrine and the means in which the Word is delivered. I need to be "Berean" in that I must test everything I hear and read against scripture to see it's validity. A lot of new theories and methods may sound great on there own but in the light of His word is when the discrepancies will emerge.

Lord, don't let me get caught up in the latest teaching crazes or doctrinal changes without first coming to you for guidance.

9/08/07 - Life Journal - The Lamb with the Voice of a Dragon

11Then I saw another beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon.

Revelation 13:11

There will be many that look like the lamb but if we listen closely we will here the voice of the dragon! The bible is full of warnings of false prophets but through scripture study and prayer we will be able to discern the words of the wicked.

There is so much information readily available now. Hundreds of commentaries, thousands of blogs, books, podcasts of sermons........how are we to know the truth? The truth is in our hearts already, we just need to go to Him in prayer to give us the wisdom and constantly seek the truth. We will never achieve ulitimate wisdom here on earth but that is no excuse not to strive for it.

Lord help me filter out all the trash and guide me through the information overload to see Your simple message.