The Overwhelming Importance of Discernment in a Believer’s Life!

Philippians 1:9.        And this I pray, that your LOVE may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement (discernment);

Ah friends, sorry for the lateness of the Bit, but the ole fella went to bed pretty late this morning and the lulling qualities of the early morning rain kept him abed longer than expected. (smile) Yes, at long last we’ve been blessed with some rain! The sun’s not shining, apparently it’s gone on vacation after such a long spell with us, leaving the day cloudy and dark, as the trees finally grasp that autumn’s truly here and quickly begin shedding their leaves, in preparation for a long, cold, lonely winter. 

And I guess we humans should also start preparing for that eventual season. (smile) But today, we won’t worry about winter, for we have the goodness and mercy of God to see us through anything. However, we want to share an interesting prayer from a Pamphlet put out by the Anglican Diocese of Toronto, called ‘Prayers through the Ages,’ highlighting prayers that our ancestors have offered up during the earlier days of Christianity. Today’s prayer comes from the medieval era, from German-Dutch Catholic canon Thomas à Kempis, (1380-1471). 

So please pray with me: ‘Grant to me, O Lord, to know what is worth knowing, to LOVE what is worth LOVING, To praise what delights you most, To value what is precious to you, And to reject whatever is evil in your eyes. Give me true discernment, so that I may judge rightly between things that differ. Above all, may I search out and do what is pleasing to you; Through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.’ Now, that’s a simple, but very thoughtful prayer, seeking to know and do what pleases our God; in other words, seeking that most important lesson of discernment, which so many of us so badly need but sadly lack in these turbulent and ungodly times. 

Yes my fellow believers, with all the mind boggling information floating around today, it’s difficult to know what is true and what’s not, as well as what is right and what’s wrong, and the only place to find that discernment is through Christ Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, who keeps reminding us that ‘I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6) That means to ever access the things of heaven here on earth, and heaven itself eventually, one must go through Jesus Christ. 

And this quote from Thomas à Kempis puts those words of Jesus in a most interesting light. He says: ‘Without the way, there is no going; without the truth, there is no knowing; without the life, there is no living.’ And that’s the awesome truth! If you don’t know the way to go, you cannot go. Likewise, if you don’t know the truth, you don’t really know anything; and if there’s no life, then obviously there cannot be any living! And that’s why discernment is so very important in this evil and topsy-turvy world. 

And what’s discernment, you ask? In it’s most basic form, discernment, in Biblical parlance, is the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, and to make wise and spiritually sound decisions. And there are many scriptures which deal with this most important subject, that’s possibly a blend between wisdom and understanding. But before we get into some scriptures on the subject of discernment, here is some interesting info on wisdom and understanding that I have written down, gotten from where I don’t remember, (smile) but which does enlighten us on those two important topics. 

It says: ‘Understanding is based on the acquisition of knowledge. Wisdom is an applying process. Understanding tells us what’s happening. Wisdom tells us why it’s happening. Understanding gives us the facts. Wisdom tells us what to do with those facts, what solution is best to pursue.’  And though that sounds somewhat confusing, if you spend a few moments and think about it, you’ll find that it’s all absolutely true; wisdom and understanding allows us to collect the facts of a situation, then make the wisest decision based on those facts. 

Now let’s look a few scriptures that preach or teach discernment. And I guess the best one comes from Cousin Sol’s famous words in Proverbs, that we all know, but don’t always put into practice. ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil.’ (Prov. 3:5-7) That’s the best way to get discernment my people! Totally trusting God and turning to Him in every matter, on every occasion, is the surest way to know what decisions to make.  

Then in 1 Corinthians, Bruh Paul writes: ‘But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.’ (1 Cor. 2:14-16) In other words, the Holy Spirit, which indwells all believers, is the One who gives believers the ability to discern spiritual truths, whereby we can know truth from lies and right from wrong. However, the unbeliever cannot discern spiritual things, because they don’t have the Holy Spirit indwelling them. 

Meanwhile, to the Philippians, Bruh Paul writes it thus: ‘And this I pray, that your LOVE may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement (discernment); That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.’ (Phil. 1:9-11) And as the scholars explain, that basically means Bruh Paul ‘hopes that as the Philippians LOVE increases in knowledge and discernment (vs. 9) they will be able to accurately distinguish the vital and worthwhile things in life from those that are not.’ 

Another commentary explains: ‘Here, discernment is linked to LOVE, knowledge, and pursuing what is morally excellent.’ And that’s exactly what Jesus expects from all of His followers. And we’ll close with this last quote from Christ Himself on the travails of discipleship. ‘Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore as wise as serpents, and harmless (innocent ) as doves.’ (Matt. 10:16) The scholars tell us, that means ‘a cautious wisdom was necessary in order to deal with the fierce opposition that the disciples would face.’ 

And the truth is that we’re still facing fierce opposition as we work for Christ, but we do have the tools to handle it, if we pick them up and use it. That’s where our problem lies; not using the tools we have. Anyway, let’s hope that what we’ve said to day will give us a wake up call and get us going in the right direction, with diligence and steadfast faith. Now, let’s go home declaring (yesss!!!) our Tuesday Mantra, letting all and sundry know to whom we belong, lock, stock and barrel. 

As one strong and sincere voice: ‘In God’s eyes, I’m not what I do. I’m not what I have. I’m not what people say about me. I am the beloved of God, that’s who I am. No one can take that from me. I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to hurry. I can trust my friend Jesus and share His LOVE with my immediate neighbours, as well as with the whole wide world! Glory be!’ 

Now, we are duty bound to go out and share the amazing LOVE and friendship of Christ with others, so that they too can come to know and LOVE Him like we do! Much LOVE!

…without discernment from the Holy Spirit…one cannot live a successful Christian life…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

The Enormous Importance of Keeping God FIRST PLACE in Our Lives!

Proverbs 3:1.       My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:

Well, it looks like another day filled with mostly sunshine, but not balmy temps; just seasonal ones! (smile) But we’ll take the sunshine anytime over the gloom, and thus we can joyfully shout: ‘TGIF! Thank God it’s Friday, and the weekend is here at long last! 

And I do hope that all of us gave much thanks to the Lord for allowing us to wake up and see another day on this amazing, though too sinful and ungodly earth, because it’s only through His goodness and mercies, His amazing compassions, which are new every morning, that we are not destroyed! (Lam. 3:22-23) And all God’s children gave a grateful shout of, ‘Thank You Lord for Your goodness and mercy to us undeserving children of men! We LOVE You and praise Your Holy Name! Amen.’ 

Now, if those words truly came from our hearts, if we were sincere in our prayer, then, let’s try and live up to it nuh, as we go about our lives today. And how do we do that? Basically by keeping God first place in our lives, and there are lots of scriptures that remind us of that, especially this one from Jesus, that we sometimes get tired of hearing, (smile) but which is oh so necessary for us to remember each and every day. ‘But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.’ (Matt. 6:33) 

Yes, it can be somewhat tiring to hear it, but we need to constantly remember it, so that we can practice it daily. God cannot get to be and stay first place in our lives unless and until we put Him there, and keep Him there! And that can only be done by having the Holy Spirit constantly reminding us of it. 

And we have that marvellous example of doing just that in Cousin Sol’s early days, when he asked the Lord for wisdom and understanding to rule His people Israel, and the Lord was so pleased, that he didn’t ask for wealth and long life and the lives of his enemies, that He gave him those very things; wealth and honour, power and wisdom like no other man before or after him. (1 Kin. 3:6-13) But there was also this most important proviso. ‘And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as thy father David did walk, then I will lengthen (prolong) thy days.’ (1 Kin. 3:14) 

Yes friends, Cousin Sol needed to walk in God’s will for all those blessings to continue and come to pass. But sadly, in his old age, he forgot about God and turned to the many gods of his concubines. And that’s why the Lord LOVED Bruh David and elevated him and his name so much; despite all of his wrong doings, he never turned away from the God of his forefathers, always had a place in his heart for Him, always turned to Him for guidance and wisdom. 

And it’s rather sad and unfortunate that Cousin Sol lost his way with God, especially after writing all the wonderful things in Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Solomon. Now, let’s check out this one passage from Proverbs that covers it all; that marvellous scripture in chapter 3, so aptly titled – Keep My Commandments. 

Please read and inwardly digest with me (smile). ‘My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace shall they add to thee.’  (Prov. 3:1-2) It’s the very same things the Lord had told Cousin Sol in the passage above from Kings. Then he continues: ‘Let not mercy (LOVING-kindness) and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding (high esteem) in the sight of God and man.’ (Prov. 3:3-4) 

More absolute truth my fellow believers. But here are the most practical guidelines ever, in keeping God first place in our hearts, minds, bodies and souls, all from the pen of Cousin Sol. ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth or straight) thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength, refreshment) to thy bones. 

Honour the Lord with thy substance (possessions), and with the first fruits of thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses (vats) shall burst out with new wine. My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be thou weary of his correction: For whom the Lord LOVETH he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.’ (Prov. 3:5-12) 

And that’s basically how we keep God first place in our lives! It’s not always easy, but that’s why we were given the Holy Spirit to help and guide us in doing so. Now, with all of that wonderful scripture under our belts, let’s go to the throne of grace, through our Friday Chant to get divine aid to help with our earthly problems. 

Altogether: ‘Oh Lord, thanks for getting me safely through this past week. You know it’s been rough…  because our many serious problems are escalating instead of improving. And it’s obvious we can’t fix them on our own, so Lord, we’re desperately crying out for your help. 

Oh heavenly Father, with your omnipotent help, and our trusting faith, we know that we can stand strong and steadfast and defeat the simmering unrest in our land. We therefore ask you Lord to give our leaders the wise guidance to handle these unexpected storms properly. And please help the rest of us to be responsible and to stay safe amidst all the anxiety and confusion of these ungodly times. 

We fervently pray too Lord that you’ll use the discontent and dissatisfaction in our land as a means of restoring faith in you. Return backsliders to your fold. Show them the error of their ways. And please introduce a new flock of believers, who will embrace your LOVE and compassion by the example, we, your faithful believers set. So that our sinful world can wake up and smell the coffee, wake up and smell it sweet and strong! We pray this in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen!’ 

But you know what friends, in the long run it all boils down to us being improved and better examples of Christian living. Unless that happens, we will not see any divine aid. Please, let’s remember that and act accordingly, Much LOVE!

…with God first place in us…there’s no need to worry…about anything…

Hear our podcast at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/randy-obrien

Today’s Scrip-Bit   10 March 2024 Proverbs 16:3.

Proverbs 16:3.        Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

And the days fly by so quickly, that without us even realizing it, Sunday has come around again. That means going to God’s house to fellowship with other believers, renew our vows and build our confidence for the upcoming week. And sadly, some of us don’t really realize that the awesome benefit of going to church on a Sunday is not merely to sing and praise God, but also very importantly to receive His strength and blessings so that we can handle whatever comes against us in the week with the utmost faith and confidence. Our God isn’t so selfish to tell us to come to church every Sunday just to praise and worship Him. No! He also has something valuable and important to offer us. 

So when we implore us to go to church, it’s because visiting God’s house is a two-way and not a one -way street. (smile) And we’ll open today’s worship with a beautiful song of praise titled ‘Let Go And Let God,’ written by Olivia Newton John, in tandem with the American pianist-composer Kim Bullard, and the Canadian singer-songwriter Amy Sky, who also produced it. The website songfacts.com, tells us that the song comes from John’s ‘Grace and Gratitude Album, which is filled with inspirational songs influenced by various religions. It is designed for meditation and healing, with instrumental interludes between songs. 

Olivia Newton-John is (was) Christian, but is (was) open to the teachings of other faiths. Inspired by the writings of Deepak Chopra and Carolyn Myss, “Let Go Let God” is a song about finding strength through surrender, something Olivia Newton-John did after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992. Her cancer returned in 2017 and again in 2020, but she remained resolute, telling The Guardian (newspaper): “I see it as my life’s journey. It gave me purpose and intention and taught me a lot about compassion.” She passed away in 2022 at 73. 

About 90 seconds into the song, the Buddhist chant of “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” comes in. This mantra was developed by the monk Nichiren (1222–1282) to signify the human capacity to overcome challenges and grow from them. The chant is designed to activate this power.’ However, we’ll leave out the chant today, because it’s too difficult to pronounce and may cause some confusion. (smile) And now that we know the song’s origins and what it stands for, let’s sing it, offer up sweet sacrifices of praise, in a mid-tempo soulful version, that will touch the hearts of all who hear it in heaven. 

Singing: ‘When you can’t find your direction, and your heart won’t guide you home – Let go – and let God. When your dreams are broken in the dust, and you’ve lost the will to trust – Let go – and let God. (Chorus: Let the signs remind you, we are passengers. Let the signs remind you to surrender, to surrender – Let go- and let God. (Background vocals – Chant… Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (4 times) When your faith is a dying fire, and there’s no spark to feed the flame – Let go – and let God. When your courage fails you, and the well of hope runs dry – Let go – and let God. (Chorus: Let the signs remind you, we are passengers. Let the signs remind you to surrender, to surrender – Let go- and let God. (Chant – Nam-myoho-renge-kyo (4 times) Let the signs remind you -to surrender, to surrender, to Let go – and let God, let go – and let God’ 

Ah friends, it definitely is an interesting song, filled with lots of faith and encouragement, but the major theme is total surrender to God, especially when you cannot find sufficient strength of your own to pull you up. And that’s wisdom in spades, for when you can’t handle a situation, the best thing is to turn to someone who can, as evidenced by Newton John’s own life’s journey. And our great God Jehovah can certainly handle any and every situation which may befall us. 

Now, how do we surrender to God, you ask? This commentary succinctly explains it. ‘It involves seeking His guidance, following His Word, aligning our will with His, and relying on His promises. In this act of surrender, we find true freedom and peace. We release the burden of trying to figure everything out on our own and instead embrace the assurance that God is in control.’  I could not have put it any better myself friends. It’s all about giving our lives completely over to the Lord and allowing Him to lead and guide them. And we have a very relevant scripture from Cousin Sol that says it like it is: ‘Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.’ (Prov. 16:3) 

And this commentary from the bibleref.com website enlightens us as to its meaning. ‘The best chance for success comes when plans are aligned with truth. That means those who submit to God’s will and seek Him are in a better position than those who ignore or reject Him. Following God is never a guarantee of earthly success (John 16:33).’ (Where Jesus tells us that in the world we will have trials and tribulations)  ‘However, acting in accordance with truth and goodness removes many dangers from life (Proverbs 1:7; 13:20-22). When someone’s efforts are fully entrusted to God’s will and His control—when they are “committed” to Him—those labors are less likely to cause their own downfall.’ 

And to prove that surrendering to God is man’s best choice, we also have the same advice from Bruh David in Psalm 37: ‘’Commit thy way unto the Lord, trust in him, and he shall bring it to pass.’ (Ps. 37:5) And I like how the website bibleref.com uses the example of Abraham sending his servant to his relatives to search for a wife for Isaac. It says: ‘Abraham charged his servant with the formidable task of finding a bride for his son Isaac, and his servant was successful in the commission of the assignment. He did not depend upon his own intelligence or preference. He asked the Lord to guide him to the right person (Gen. 24:42-44). When he found Rebekah, the right person, he offered thanks to the Lord for guidance (Gen. 24:48). When he asked her parents for permission to take her to Isaac, he said, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has prospered my way” (Gen. 24:56).’ 

It couldn’t get any clearer than that my faithful brethren. God is trustworthy right to the very end! And there are several other scriptures that advice us to put our absolute trust and faith in Almighty God, for we cannot ever go wrong by doing so. Thus, as bibleref.com further tells us: ‘When a believer sincerely depends upon the Lord for the understanding to do His will, he is not disappointed. Proverbs 3:5-6 counsels: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” 

And that’s the gospel truth my people! So let’s hope on this somewhat damp and cloudy Sunday morning in March of 2024, we will all heed those scriptural warnings, and wisely surrender our lives to our wonderful Creator, so that we can fully enjoy the abundant life that His awesome Son Jesus Christ died for us to have!  Much LOVE!

…All to Jesus, I surrender…All to Thee I freely give…I will ever love and trust You…In Your presence daily live…

 Hear our podcast at https://open.spotify.com/show/3aVfqIC1CqwGybISs9dZ

Today’s Scrip-Bit 29 June 2020 Psalm 9:10.

Psalm 9:10.     ​And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.
 

Oh my people, I’m sorry, but I must let you know that today is Monday! Yes, unfortunately that much disliked day has come around again, as it does every seven days. (smile) And we know what that means for many of us, getting up from our warm and comfortable beds and going out to labour, so we can make a penny to keep a roof over our heads and food on our tables.  For remember what Bruh Paul said to the Thessalonians; he who doesn’t work shouldn’t eat.  ( 2 Thess. 3:10) And since we all like to eat, I think we should get a move on so we can further the process. (smile)  

Sadly though, not much has changed for the better over the weekend. The pandemic is getting worse in several places. Some of them were never locked down, or did so, but opened too soon without enough safety precautions. And much to our chagrin, we still can’t agree on how best to handle it. Ah Lord eh! And who says mankind is the smartest animal on the planet eh? I beg to differ. 

As for the racial protests, that’s still going strong, though some people are ignoring it and still doing their racially provoked thing. That’s something else that boggles the imagination. Yuh see certain actions stirring up the populace, and not only one set, but everybody, and yuh still going to do the same nonsense that stirred it up in the first place? Steups! Is either you don’t care, or you believe the racially biased system will take care of you. But either belief is foolish in these troubled times where accountability is uppermost in many minds. 

And having said that, I guess you all are asking what’s next eh? Well my only suggestion, my best advice is for us to turn to the Creator and Controller of our great universe; the Supreme Being who created us from the dust of the earth, then breathed His Spirit of life into us. He has said that when problems overwhelm our finite minds, we should turn to Him to get His supreme wisdom and guidance. So let’s do that nuh; as one strong voice, with sincere hearts, let’s call out to Him right now, invoking our Monday Morning Battle Hymn, asking for His mercy, grace and divine guidance in the worldwide problems that we’re now facing. 

‘Our Father, who art in heaven, we, Your humble servants, praise Your Holy Name and thank You that this Monday morning we’re alive, and hopefully haven’t contracted the virus that’s causing havoc around our world. And our anxieties have been recently deepened because some restrictions have been lifted in the lockdown, so more of us are going out to work now without any guarantees of safety. Then to complicate matters Father, suddenly, and unexpectedly, just like the virus, worldwide strife and protests have also struck us in this sad time of pandemic, and we don’t have a clue how to handle either situation properly. 

Mass confusion is currently prevailing in our world, and we desperately need your help to solve both problems, as You are the ONLY One with the power and insight to successfully handle them. Heavenly Father, we admit that we have all sinned and seriously come short in obedience and compliance to Your Word, but we know that You are a merciful, forgiving and gracious God, and You have faithfully promised to hear and answer our prayers when we humble ourselves, pray, and sincerely seek Your face. 

That’s why we come to You now, with sincere repentance in our hearts, pleading with You to give us, ordinary folks, as well as our leaders, employers and medical personnel, wise guidance and direction. Please show us how to successfully handle these scourges that are currently plaguing Your beautiful earth. Please help our leaders to wisely quell the strife and protests, thus bringing unity and peaceful consensus, and the scientists to find a positive solution, a sure antidote to the virus as quickly as possible. 

And for those who have already contracted the virus, or been injured in the strife, we pray that You will ease their suffering and heal them. Father, please show them Your awesome grace and mercy, and keep Your promise that You’ll hear our prayer, forgive us, and heal our land if we turn from our evil ways. Show this evil world that You are indeed Jehovah Rapha; the God who heals! We pray this in the holy and blessed name of Your Son, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen! And again we say: Amen!’ 

Ah friends, we’ve prayed a humble but confident prayer, now we have to wait for the Lord’s answer. That includes releasing our faith, truly surrendering our lives to Him, and sincerely trusting in His goodness. Yes we know that all the current happenings don’t seem to make sense and are causing untold anxiety, but it’s in those uncertain and perilous times that we really need to buckle down and believe, and say ‘Your will be done Lord, not mine.’ Whatever the circumstances, we are called to trust in God’s LOVING-kindness! Remember, He who promised is faithful! (Heb. 10:23) 

That brings us to these awesome words of Bruh David – In Praise of God’s Justice. ‘O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end (finished forever): and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. But the Lord shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgement. And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgement to the people in uprightness. The Lord will also be a refuge (stronghold) for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee.’ (Ps. 9:6-10) 

Now that is the indisputable truth my brethren! The problem is for us to sincerely put our trust in the great God Jehovah! And if by chance, you didn’t believe Bruh David, then listen to his son, Cousin Sol (smile). ‘Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct (make smooth or straight) thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. It shall be health to thy navel (body), and marrow (strength) to thy bones.’ (Prov. 3:5-8) 

Oh friends, if Cousin Sol had never written anything else, those verses would have been enough to set him up for posterity, because they are possibly the best verses in the Good Book, verses that lay bare the Christian principles, short and sweet! So let’s take them all to heart nuh, and do what we know we ought to do to glorify our heavenly Father. Much LOVE!

…trust and obey…for there’s no other way…to be happy in Jesus…than to trust and obey…