DIVINE SPIRITUAL MATURITY (8)

GROWING IN CHRIST

Recap - Discernment grows as we read and study God’s Word, practice holy living as God desires, pray and ask, and gain experience. The discernment of spirits, is a spiritual gift communicated by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:10). Associated with wisdom, it involves specific knowledge given supernaturally. Because of this, the gift of discernment is sometimes considered a special expression of the word of knowledge.

Resuming - As believers, we should always seek after wisdom. What’s more, as James 1:5 and 6 remind us, we can be sure we’ll receive it when we ask in faith! We must understand that discernment serves as a catalyst to spiritual development: “The mocker seeks wisdom and finds none, but knowledge comes easily to the discerning” (Prov. 14:6, NIV). Why? Because the discerning Christian goes to the heart of the matter. He knows something about everything, namely that all things have their common fountain in God. Increase in knowledge, therefore, does not lead to increased frustration, but to a deeper recognition of the harmony of all God’s works and words.

Discerning of spirits involves distinguishing between the three possible sources of spiritual motivation and activity. The three areas of spirit activity are:

- The Spirit of God: Utmost important is being able to discern the activity of the Holy Spirit; He will also give the ability to recognize the activity and presence of angels.

-The spirit of man: It involves perceiving the true motivation or intent behind a person’s words or actions. Peter, for example, determined that Simon’s heart was not right in asking for authority to lay hands on individuals to impart the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:17-24).

- The spirit of Satan: Discerning the spirit of Satan or demons includes identifying when someone has a demonic problem, or determining when something is from Satan rather than God. Jesus demonstrated this type of discernment when He rebuked Peter by saying, “Get behind Me, Satan.” He rightly determined that Peter’s declaration came from Satan and was contrary to God’s purpose (Matt. 16:22-23).

  

How is such discernment to be obtained? We receive it as did Christ Himself—by the anointing of the Spirit, through our understanding of God’s Word, by our experience of God’s grace, and by the progressive unfolding to us of the true condition of our own hearts.

That is why we also should pray, “I am your servant; give me discernment” (Ps. 119:125, NIV).

Finally - Refining These Powerful Gift

“But solid food belongs to those who are of full age… who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Heb. 5:14)

Our Lord is bringing new heights of discernment to His people—discernment is like a weapon we can shoot and use often. If we desire to grow in the gift of discernment:

- Ask! We have a good heavenly Father who gives good gifts.

- Resolve to fellowship with believers who can help guide us as you gain experience.

- Pursue wisdom.

- Keep in mind that, like all gifts related to the prophetic, the purpose of discernment is to bring life and to build up the body of Christ—not to tear down.

By means of holy and divine discernment, we will be able to expose deception as well as recognize the presence of angels in order to cooperate with them to bring in the harvest!

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

DIVINE SPIRITUAL MATURITY (7)

GROWING IN CHRIST 

Recap: The writer of Hebrews tells us that everyone who lives on "milk" (rather than the "solid food" desired by the mature) is untrained in the word of righteousness; however, the mature Christian has been "trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

Resuming: Growing in Discernment - We must know the genuine so well that, when the false appears, we can recognize it. By knowing and obeying the Word of God, we will be "trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." We will know God’s character and will. This is the heart of spiritual discernment – being able to distinguish the voice of the world from the voice of God, to have a sense that “this is right” or “this is wrong.” Spiritual discernment fends off temptation and allows us to “hate what is evil; cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9).

 “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” (John 7:24)

·       Godly discernment is the divine ability to rightly judge what is going on. In its broadest sense, discernment is closely related to wisdom as an expression of the spirit of God. By this Spirit, we can function in the manner that Jesus did: “He [did] not judge by the sight of His eyes, nor decide by the hearing of His ears” (Isa. 11:2-3).

As believers, we ought always seek after wisdom. What’s more, as James 1:5 and 6 remind us, we can be sure we’ll receive it when we ask in faith!

Discernment grows as we read and study God’s Word, practice holy living as God desires, pray and ask, and gain experience.

A more specific form of discernment, discerning of spirits, is a spiritual gift imparted by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:10). It is also closely related to wisdom, but it is to some extent different in that it involves specific knowledge given supernaturally. Because of this, the gift of discernment is sometimes considered a special expression of the word of knowledge.

                                                           … ...to be cont'd

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

   

DIVINE SPIRITUAL MATURITY (6)

GROWING IN CHRIST

Recap: God who delivers wisdom to the "foolish" and the "weak" by way of a relationship with Jesus Christ. This way, “no human being can boast in His presence”

Resuming: We should understand that it is not wrong to retain knowledge or have an education, and it is not wrong to use reason and logic to solve problems. Nevertheless, spiritual discernment cannot be accomplished that way. It must be given by the revelation of Jesus Christ to the believer, and then developed by way of training in righteousness (Hebrews 5:14) and prayer (Philippians 1:9). Hebrews 5:11-14 shows how spiritual discernment is developed. 

The writer speaks to those who had become “dull of hearing,” meaning they had fallen out of practice discerning spiritually. The writer of Hebrews tells us that everyone who lives on "milk" (rather than the "solid food" desired by the mature) is untrained in the word of righteousness; however, the mature Christian has been "trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." The keys, according to this passage, are becoming skilled in the Word of God (by which we define righteousness) and "constant practice" (through which we gain experience)… ...to be cont'd

In Christ,
Janet Irene Thomas
Playwright/Screen Writer/Director
Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer
FOUNDER/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

DIVINE SPIRITUAL MATURITY (5)

GROWING IN CHRIST

Recap: We are to come to an understanding that God-given awareness of evil or good spiritual presences—the ability to tell if a demon is in the room is not the biblical meaning of discernment. Spiritual discernment has to do with wisdom and the ability to distinguish truth from error. 

Resuming: In the Book of Proverbs 1, wisdom is described as someone that we can "get to know" (vv. 20-33). The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is "wisdom from God" (1 Corinthians 1:30). 

Therefore, wisdom, or spiritual discernment, is something that comes from knowing Jesus Christ. The world’s way of getting wisdom is different from God’s way. Hence, how does one increase spiritual discernment? First, recognizing that God is the only one who can increase wisdom, pray for it (James 1:5; Philippians 1:9). Then, knowing the wisdom to distinguish good from evil comes by training and practice, go to the Bible to learn the truth and, by meditation on the Word, reinforce the truth. 

The well-educated of the world gain knowledge and apply reason to fact to solve problems, construct buildings and create philosophies. But our God does not make the knowledge of Himself available by those means. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31 says the "wisdom of the wise" is frustrated by God who delivers wisdom to the "foolish" and the "weak" by way of a relationship with Jesus Christ. This way, “no human being can boast in His presence” (verse 29). We learn to be spiritually discerning by knowing Him. 

                                                           ...to be cont'd

 In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

 

DIVINE SPIRITUAL MATURITY (4)

GROWING IN CHRIST  

Recap: Our life experiences contain numerous moving parts, and each of those parts are coming into position to allow new possibilities. Divinely-opened doors will present opportunities to accomplish what has been beyond our scope of imagination.

Resuming: We know now that our Lord, has gone before us and readied our way, and as we prepare to walk through Divinely-opened doors, we ought to commit to our hearts scripture’s Isaiah 2:5 ... come and let us walk in the light of the Lord. And as we read and meditate on the Word of God, knowing that….

Greater discernment will require spiritual purity

·      Discernment is defined as "the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure; an act of perceiving something; a power to see what is not evident to the average mind." The definition also stresses accuracy, as in "the ability to see the truth." Spiritual discernment is the ability to tell the difference between truth and error. It is basic to having wisdom.

Influences and deliberations surround spiritual truth because it is obscure. Jesus, speaking to His disciples about the Pharisees, said, "To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given" (Matthew 13:11). Satan has "blinded the minds of unbelievers"                       (2 Corinthians 4:4), so God must shed light on the human mind to enable us to understand truth. It is impossible to attain wisdom without God. He gives discernment or takes it away (Job 12:19-21).

Some have mistakenly defined spiritual discernment as a God-given awareness of evil or good spiritual presences—the ability to tell if a demon is in the room. While some people may possess this capability, it is not the biblical meaning of discernment. Spiritual discernment ultimately has to do with wisdom and the ability to distinguish truth from error.

                                                ...to be cont'd

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

DIVINE SPIRITUAL MATURITY (3)

GROWING IN CHRIST

Recap- Be on the lookout for various elements of our lives to fall into place, and it will be right for us to make the changes that we have considered.

There is a time and a season when everything lines up with My will and purposes for you, says the Lord. That time is just ahead of you. Do not lose hope. Ecclesiastes 3:17b "For there is a time for every purpose and for every work." 

Resume – ENTRANCE INTO A SEASON OF FINE-TUNING

Just as we take care to 'fine-tune' our vehicle, we aught FINE-TUNE our SPIRIT. We’ve learned in our SPIRITUAL MATURITY (2) posting that as we focus on growing in spiritual maturity, we are to first commit to reading and meditating on the Word of God and then spiritual adjustments will slowing begin to take place in our hearts and mind.

NEW YEAR: New Year means a FRESH beginning and with new and fresh, we throw out the OLD. 2018 is a new season of mentally and emotionally letting go of things that tie us to the past so that we can move and operate God’s purposes. Understanding that this will require a leap of faith, we are beginning to come into a place of authority and gratification that we have never known. Our life experiences contain numerous moving parts, and each of those parts are coming into position to allow new possibilities. Divinely-opened doors will present opportunities to accomplish what has been beyond our scope of imagination. 

These will be things that we cannot foresee or predict, but we can prepare and position ourselves spiritually by faith to progress when the time is right, says the Lord. Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight. Mark 1:3b

Trust Me to bring you through this awkward transition with great grace, says the Lord. All WE have to do is be willing and flexible.

And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9a      ...to be cont'd

In Christ,
Janet Irene Thomas
Playwright/Screen Writer/Director
Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer
FOUNDER/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

DIVINE SPIRITUAL MATURITY (2)

GROWING IN CHRIST

Recap- The Word teaches in Hebrews 6:1-2, therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

Resuming- What does this blessed New Year of 2018 have in store for us?

A grander and brighter-spiritual discernment-advancement

As we prepare ourselves for the supremacy of Christ’s advancement of His believers in the Spirit as we seek an honest, sincere and intimate relationship with Almighty God.

How can we achieve this?

Read. Read. Read the Holy Scriptures. - Hebrews 5:14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Then…..

Remember what scripture warns us of….Be on the lookout for various elements of our lives to fall into place, and it will be right for us to make the changes that we have considered.


There is a time and a season when everything lines up with My will and purposes for you, says the Lord. That time is just ahead of you. Do not lose hope. Ecclesiastes 3:17b "For there is a time for every purpose and for every work."

....to be cont'd

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas
Playwright/Screen Writer/Director
Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer
FOUNDER/CEO
Bible Stories Theatre of
Fine & Performing Arts
www.biblestoriestheatre.org.

DIVINE SPIRITUAL MATURITY - (1)

GROWING IN CHRIST

 Here we are enjoying the year 2018!  Hallelujah! Thank you, Jesus! Our Advent season of expectant time of holy and consecrated waiting and spiritual preparation for the celebration of the Nativity was observed in readiness of the return of Jesus at the second coming. Now, show us Your purposes for the new year. What would you have us do?          

What are the pieces of evidence/signs for what we can expect in the new year?

Primary, the number 20 signifies expectancy or things to look forward to.  Recall, Jacob waited 20 years to get possession of his wives and property.  Israel waited 20 years for deliverance through Samson.  Solomon waited 20 years for the completion of two houses.

Then there’s the number 18 in 2018—

• The Hebrew word for "life" has a numerical value of 18.

• In our country, as is in most countries, it is the "coming of age"--18 is the age of majority and the voting age.

The Word teaches in Hebrews 6:1-2, therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

What does coming into this New Year of 2018 and of age mean to us? 

                                       ...to be cont'd

In Christ,

Janet Irene Thomas

Playwright/Screen Writer/Director

Published Author/Gospel Lyricist &Producer

FOUNDER/CEO

Bible Stories Theatre of

Fine & Performing Arts

www.biblestoriestheatre.org.