100. WE ALL NEED DISCERNMENT 1 Kings 3:9

In to-days world, “Discernment” is a very important asset or gifting from God. We all, (especially those of us who are in God’s Kingdom) need to be on the right track. And Discernment will tell you: Where you are at, Where you are going, Why you are going there, When it is time to move on. and How you are to get where God is leading you. If we don’t have the right answer to these questions in life, we will probably go with the crowed, and I’m sorry to say, most of the crowed are not going in the right direction to receive God’s discernment, leading and blessings; therefore will forfeit their right to the heavenly crown that awaits those who believe in The Lord Jesus Christ and His saving Grace. It is important to understand this “Discernment” Like all God’s gifts is inter-dependent. Our Faith in God can only be measured by how much trust we have in Him. Our love for God can only be measured by how much we are prepared to sacrifice for Him. Our discernment or understanding of God is measured by Our knowledge of Him. we have to study the hand-book. To know His requirements which are in The Scriptures” (God’s hand book) That’s why we are constantly being urged to “Read our Bibles.” so that we can learn, live and teach God’s Word, Many of this world’s Academia, both civil and religious organisations also countries, Governments and civil authorities have an agenda contrary to God’s Word, Will and way. I firmly believe, unless we pray constantly, and get God’s take on Discerning God’s Word and His agenda, many of us will be swept along with much of the crowed. Who are being Satan-led into everlasting darkness. This is not dramatics!, but the truth, Satan is smart, he has been around a long time, he knows The Scriptures far better than you or I, he also knows his time is short, and his greatest ambition is to get as many of God’s people as he possibly can to follow him to the pit of Hell. So be prepared, look to God’s Word, pray for and get “Discernment.” Especially when you are attracted by speakers on TV or other media outlets who profess to know “The Word” check them out with your Pastor or a Senior members of your church. There are a number of sharks and Charlestons out there. Who are only interested in extracting your money from you and don’t care about your relationship with God or your eternal destiny.. So be warned and beware.!!! In (1 Kings 3:5) We read , “The Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream... and said, ‘Ask, what shall I give you’ Solomon answered, “Give… your servant an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may “Discern between good and evil” Next we read (3:10) “the speech pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing.” But God wasn’t finished talking to Solomon. Because we read in the same chapter (3:13) ‘For I have also given you what you have not asked for, both riches and honour, so that there will not be anyone like you among the kings all of your days’ “Discernment” made Solomon one of the greatest kings that ruled in Israel. You have probably heard the saying, “Go with your gut feeling” Management consultant Robert Heller says:’Never ignore a gut feeling, but never believe that it’s enough’. Discernment doesn’t rely on intuition alone, nor does it rely solely on intellect or experience. We are told in (Proverbs 3:5-6) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding, In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” There are two kinds of discernment: Natural discernment, and Spiritual discernment One can fail you, - the other wont. When Natural discernment can’t take you a step further, Spiritual discernment enables you to keep going with Faith and Confidence in God. James tells us how to recognise the difference; see (James 3:17) The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy.’ When you have a decision to make, go very carefully through those recommendations by James, and get a positive answer to ALL of them before taking your final step. Yes, it may take a bit longer and be a bit drawn out, but, you have honoured God by doing things His way and He will bless, direct and be with you for doing so. Never leave God out of your decision making!! In 1815 before the Battle of Waterloo, the French General Napoleon Bonaparte, made the worst decision of His life, when at breakfast that morning, he told his Generals that the English were bad soldiers and he’d have them cleaned-up by lunchtime. Well we all know what happened there. William Orton President of “Western Union” refused an offer from Alexander Graham Bell to purchase the patents for the first telephone, and lost millions of Dollars. A month before Jimmy Hoffa disappeared in 1975 He was advised to hire a bodyguard which he refused. All these men had one thing in common, “Lack of Discernment” and it cost them dearly. When it comes to seeing life’s opportunities and solving its problems we all need Discernment. It enables us to see what others don’t. If you can see the root cause of the problem, you have a much better chance of solving it. That means when you stay in the area of your core gifting your Discernment will be stronger. So if you want to tap into your Discernment potential, work from the areas of your strength. But do more pray for “Discernment”. It’s one of the nine gifts of the Spirit offered to us in Scripture ((1 Corinthians 12:7-10) Some of Israel’s greatest battles were won when David was King, and when we study the make-up of his army, we read in (1Chronicles 12:32) “The sons of Issichar had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do”. Discernment enables you to see doors of opportunity where others only see brick walls. It will save you from pitfalls and show you what you ought to do . - So pray for “Discernment”. Thank you for reading these thoughts on seeking God for “Discernment” it stands right beside knowledge,Wisdom and Understanding they are inter-dependent and very closely connected. We need all these especially when making serious decisions. Trust our God and Saviour, who gives His gifts generously to those who ask. God Bless us all. Phaline