Cultivating Discernment

Daily Scripture Threshing for Sunday, January 5, 2025

Today's Text: Philippians 1:3-11

Key Verse: Philippians 1:9 (ESV): "And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment."

Biblical discernment is the God-given ability to differentiate between good and evil, truth and deception, and to make informed, spirit-led decisions. This vital concept is intricately woven throughout the Scriptures, from the Old Testament to the New, highlighting the crucial need to seek divine direction and rely on God's infinite wisdom to navigate life's challenges and complexities. As we step into a new year, many of us make resolutions to improve our lives, relationships, and spiritual walks. However, in the midst of setting goals and making plans, we often overlook this crucial aspect of our spiritual growth called discernment.

Discernment helps us to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and error, and light and darkness. It is a spiritual skill that enables us to navigate life's complexities with confidence and wisdom. In Scripture, discernment is not just a desirable trait but a necessary one for believers. It is the apostle's prayer that our love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment. Hebrews 5:14 says, "But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil." In these verses, we see the importance of discernment in our spiritual maturity. It is not something we are born with, but rather a skill that develops through practice and spiritual growth.

We cultivate discernment by seeking wisdom grom the Lord who gives wisdom. Proverbs assures us that from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding. We cultivate discernment by practicing spiritual discipline. We must regularly engage in prayer, fasting, and meditation on God's Word. We cultivate discernment by testing everything against the standard of God's Word, in keeping with 1 Thessalonians 5:21, to hold fast what is good. And, we must always seek godly counsel. Proverbs 11:14 says, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."

Action Steps: Ask God to reveal areas where you need improvement. Sharpen your spiritual disciplines. Seek godly counsel from trusted friends, family, or mentors. Test every teaching, experience, and decision against the standard of God's Word.

Quote for the Day: "Discernment is both desirable and necessary trait for every believer. It helps to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and error, and light and darkness." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Action Steps: Reflect on your resolutions and ask yourself if they align with God's purpose and plan. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to keep your resolutions and live a life that glorifies God. Study the Scriptures and seek to grow in your knowledge of God's Word.

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of discernment. Help us to cultivate this spiritual skill in our lives, that we may distinguish between right and wrong, truth and error. Give us wisdom, guide us in our decisions, and surround us with godly counselors. May our senses be trained to discern good and evil, and may we walk in the light of Your Word — in Jesus's most glorious name. Amen.

Additional Reading: Hebrews 5:11-14; Proverbs 2:1-15; and 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22.

Read the Bible Through in One Year: Genesis chapters 1, 2 and 3 (NIV).

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Daily Scripture Threshing is a devotional guide written for free distribution and edification of churches, homes, and individuals. For inquiries, free counseling, or deliverance, please, write or visit: The Darling Bishop, 2321 S Beltline Rd Suite 144 Grand Prairie TX 75051 USA.

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With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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