Scripture for Today, 11-14-20: Discernment

​The Power of a Discerning Spirit
"Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."

Hebrews 5:10-14; 1 Peter 2:2; Isaiah 28:7-12
 
11-14-20, Pastor Charles Stanley -- In a world filled with endless sources of information and opinions, believers need to develop a discerning spirit. Otherwise, how will we know what is true? Much of what we see and hear is based on a worldly perspective that is influenced by Satan, the Father of Lies [John 8:44]. Deception is found even in the religious realm: cults mix lies with enough truth to make some people consider them legitimate Christian institutions.
 
The only way born again believers [John 3:3, 7] can guard against deception is to ground themselves in God's Word. The more time you spend filling your mind with the Lord's instructions, precepts and thoughts, the more discerning we will be. However, just knowing biblical truth isn't enough. You must put what you learn into practice so that it becomes more than head knowledge; actually walk the walk.

The goal is to let God's Word become such an integral part of our thinking that it guides all our decisions. Even if the situation we're facing isn't specifically addressed in the Bible, scriptural principles provide the needed wisdom for every choice. In addition, the Holy Spirit was given to each believer as a Helper, whose job is to guide us into all the truth (John 14:26, 16:13).

However, our responsibility is to put God's Word into your mind so that He can bring it to your remembrance.
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What are you allowing into your mind? Is Scripture high in your priorities? Unless you're careful, worldly thinking will overpower spiritual discernment. It's difficult to keep God's perspective in the forefront if you spend two or three hours in front of the television and only ten minutes in the Bible. Galatians 5:16-17; Proverbs 15:21; Philippians 1:9-10; Romans 13:13-14; 1 Kings 3:9 Source​