Jean Oathout shares with us
first, some thoughts about what
is taught about Discernment.
is taught about Discernment.
We need to learn the
difference between
discerning what is wrong,
and what may be just our
critical thoughts.
And, what about Deception?
Where does that fit in?
Isn't Wisdom involved here too, somehow?
In Proverbs, that are many verses on wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Prov. 2:2; 2:10,11; 9:10 are but a few to check out.
Many times we are given discernment about a situation that
we believe is not right. What we think, say, and do about it
is important to God, as it's His desire that we ask Him how
to handle it.
We're to ask for His direction, how to pray, and who to speak to, if anyone.
God wants us to hide His Word in our hearts and minds, as then we'll be able to distinguish what is true, and what is false. Col. 3:16 tells us to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..."
If we see a sin that needs to be dealt with because of its effect on others, then do it according to Matt. 18:15-17. It can restore relationships and heal churches if used correctly. We're admonished to first go to the person, and try to help them make a correction themselves, so it won't be necessary to involve others.
Many times if we pray about something we observe, we can help most by seeking the answer in prayer.
Once the person is repentant, then the offense can be dealt with, and the solution for the sin or issue can be resolved.
We can't stop a person from being ignorant, but we can help them become more aware of what God wants of them. When they offend us, we have the right to speak up for ourselves, and to not allow them to dishonor us. You'll see that others will take note, and they'll do the same.
{This makes me think of an incidence while living in PA many years ago. The boys and I heard several motorcycles drive into our driveway. I marched right out there and asked if there was something I could do for them. They said no, and would be on their way shortly.
My sons were peeking out from the curtains, watching me. I'd like to think it helped them be bold to confront challenges over the years.}
We need to depend upon God's Word to give us the guidance in our discerning of what is right and wrong, and how we are to act and react in every situation.
What matters is how we handle it, and that we use the loving hands of Jesus Christ in the situation.
This is what the Lord spoke to me:
"I'm listening, and I want to help each of them to
choose their words and attitudes carefully, as they'll
have an effect of folks' feelings and reactions."
As to spiritual discernments; we'll need God's Holy Spirit living
within us to be able to have His perspectives where His Word
is concerned. He can give believers understanding on what
others say about His Word, as to whether or not it is Truth.
1 Cor. 2:14-16
May our hearts be in the right place when moving in any discernment we may have. We need to ask God to help us see the broad spectrum, use His wisdom, and then do what we know to do, so we won't be deceived and cause someone's hurt.
This is why studying His Word is so important!
Discernment vs. Criticism Jean Oathout
On Saturday, 8/2, I'll post Part 2, which covers the subject of Criticism. Hopefully, we'll see it's effects and learn how to avoid being critical.
difference between
discerning what is wrong,
and what may be just our
critical thoughts.
And, what about Deception?
Where does that fit in?
Isn't Wisdom involved here too, somehow?
In Proverbs, that are many verses on wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. Prov. 2:2; 2:10,11; 9:10 are but a few to check out.
Many times we are given discernment about a situation that
we believe is not right. What we think, say, and do about it
is important to God, as it's His desire that we ask Him how
to handle it.
We're to ask for His direction, how to pray, and who to speak to, if anyone.
God wants us to hide His Word in our hearts and minds, as then we'll be able to distinguish what is true, and what is false. Col. 3:16 tells us to "let the word of Christ dwell in you richly..."
If we see a sin that needs to be dealt with because of its effect on others, then do it according to Matt. 18:15-17. It can restore relationships and heal churches if used correctly. We're admonished to first go to the person, and try to help them make a correction themselves, so it won't be necessary to involve others.
Many times if we pray about something we observe, we can help most by seeking the answer in prayer.
Once the person is repentant, then the offense can be dealt with, and the solution for the sin or issue can be resolved.
We can't stop a person from being ignorant, but we can help them become more aware of what God wants of them. When they offend us, we have the right to speak up for ourselves, and to not allow them to dishonor us. You'll see that others will take note, and they'll do the same.
{This makes me think of an incidence while living in PA many years ago. The boys and I heard several motorcycles drive into our driveway. I marched right out there and asked if there was something I could do for them. They said no, and would be on their way shortly.
My sons were peeking out from the curtains, watching me. I'd like to think it helped them be bold to confront challenges over the years.}
We need to depend upon God's Word to give us the guidance in our discerning of what is right and wrong, and how we are to act and react in every situation.
What matters is how we handle it, and that we use the loving hands of Jesus Christ in the situation.
This is what the Lord spoke to me:
"I'm listening, and I want to help each of them to
choose their words and attitudes carefully, as they'll
have an effect of folks' feelings and reactions."
As to spiritual discernments; we'll need God's Holy Spirit living
within us to be able to have His perspectives where His Word
is concerned. He can give believers understanding on what
others say about His Word, as to whether or not it is Truth.
1 Cor. 2:14-16
May our hearts be in the right place when moving in any discernment we may have. We need to ask God to help us see the broad spectrum, use His wisdom, and then do what we know to do, so we won't be deceived and cause someone's hurt.
This is why studying His Word is so important!
Discernment vs. Criticism Jean Oathout
On Saturday, 8/2, I'll post Part 2, which covers the subject of Criticism. Hopefully, we'll see it's effects and learn how to avoid being critical.
A Prayer for Peace
2008 by Diana C. Derringer
"Lord, why can’t we see that peace is better than conflict,
that love is better than hate,
that following your way means giving up our way,
and daily we’re to live like you?
Why can’t we see that disagreeing does not mean destroying,
that our opinion is not the last word,
that a crises, though dangerous, offers opportunity too,
and we all are important to you?
Lord, keep our eyes ever on you.
Live through us as never before.
Help us remember St. Francis’ request:
Lord, make us your instruments of peace."
"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."
2008 by Diana C. Derringer
"Lord, why can’t we see that peace is better than conflict,
that love is better than hate,
that following your way means giving up our way,
and daily we’re to live like you?
Why can’t we see that disagreeing does not mean destroying,
that our opinion is not the last word,
that a crises, though dangerous, offers opportunity too,
and we all are important to you?
Lord, keep our eyes ever on you.
Live through us as never before.
Help us remember St. Francis’ request:
Lord, make us your instruments of peace."
"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it."
Psalm 34:14 (KJV)
Let’s pray:
Father, when I'm given
discernment about a situation,
help me bring it to You, first.
I want to be able to see the
bigger picture, and be careful
not to make a wrong judgment.
Help me pray first, asking
for true discernment, and then
to go the person privately.
Or go to the person in charge, if that's what You direct.
I ask that my heart be kept pure, Father. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
discernment about a situation,
help me bring it to You, first.
I want to be able to see the
bigger picture, and be careful
not to make a wrong judgment.
Help me pray first, asking
for true discernment, and then
to go the person privately.
Or go to the person in charge, if that's what You direct.
I ask that my heart be kept pure, Father. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.
(Google images added)
Today’s Bible verse: Prov. 3:13 "Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
Today’s quote:
Some thoughts today: Whatever we put our hand to; we’re to act, think, and speak in godly ways, and follow the laws of love and grace. Real success begins with our treating others this way.
- Coming under authority, we learn it’s not about us. It’s a good way to learn to live for a purpose to help others dream, acknowledge their visions, and their goals.
- Don't worry about what you'll say. God will put His message in you to share His Life.
29th- Tuesday's post: #105 Communicate Regularly C. Peter Wagner
31st- Thursday's post: #106 Letters to Intercessors C. Peter Wagner
8/2 Saturday's post: Discernment vs. Criticism Part 2 Jean Oathout
3rd- Sunday's post: Walking Through Dark Valleys Dr. Charles F. Stanley
 |
| Could it be that God really did hear our 7-days of prayer? |
A popular post: Be Defensive. Keep the Serpent Out!
Dutch Sheets tells us, “Adam was told in Genesis 2:15
to guard or ‘keep’ the garden. From what? It had to be
the serpent! I assert this because first of all, it is much
in keeping with the nature of God to have warned him."
Dutch Sheets tells us, “Adam was told in Genesis 2:15
to guard or ‘keep’ the garden. From what? It had to be
the serpent! I assert this because first of all, it is much
in keeping with the nature of God to have warned him."
I invite you to check out the above link, to see the many interesting topics of Christian Poets and Writers.
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Marriage, Counseling, & Help) (Volume 1)
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