Spiritual Discernment

Test spiritual teachings for truth by going to God’s Word for yourself. God reveals himself in His word, the scriptures. Men and women of God are His witnesses. Just remember that we are all human and our understanding is incomplete. We cannot depend only on the understanding of others. Search for greater spiritual discernment by searching the scriptures for yourself. Also, know that everyone on their spiritual journey is at a different place in their walk with God. When you choose a church to worship in, find a spiritual leader who is further along in his or her walk than you are. Choose a Bible believing church and a leader who is in prayer and is preaching from the word. If you are not growing, learning, and moving into a deeper walk assess the reason why. Start with a self assessment. Do not blindly accept teachings and a teacher without questioning and seeking God and His word for yourself. He will teach you and give you the gift of discernment when you seek truth. God will give you insight and lead you to Spirit filled people, teachers, and religious leaders who love Him and preach His word.

The more I learn the more I realize how much I don’t know. While walking through my journey of faith I continuously pray for and seek wisdom, truth, understanding, and a more intimate relationship with my Lord. I want to experience His power in my life. I want to be obedient and available to be used by Him where He places me.

If you haven’t started reading the bible, you should now. Before reading, ask The Holy Spirit to bring the words alive and to open your spiritual eyes and understanding. He will hear and answer your prayer. 30 years ago when I seriously started reading God’s word for myself I used a copy of The Good News Bible. God directed me to passages and books that addressed my pain, opened my understanding, and gave me direction. That bible is now taped together, underlined, highlighted, and very worn. I knew that He was with me and that He heard me when I called out to Him. I suggest that you choose a bible translation which is easy for you to read and understand. I love The King James Bible but I feel that it is a more difficult translation to start with. I am presently using The New Living Translation and The New International Version.

Become familiar with The New and Old Testaments. There are 66 individual books in the bible; 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in The New Testament. In The Old Testament, start with The Psalms and Proverbs. In The New Testament choose one of The Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Read one book at a time, not in any particular order. Bring your needs to God in prayer. He will speak to you through His Word. He directed me to the book of Job and I realized that Job faced greater suffering than I was going through but never doubted God’s presence in his life. God loved Job and I knew that He also loved me.

No matter where you are in your journey of faith, start where you are. God will grow you and place a hunger in your heart for a deeper understanding and a closer walk with Him. You won’t be disappointed.

Pray and have a conversation with God.
Seek truth.
Read His Word.
Grow in your faith.
Be strengthened in your mind, body, and spirit.
Be ready to walk with God through life into eternity.
Fear not because He is always with you.