Further Up and Further In

Discernment is the tickling apart of truth from deceit. Discernment is the sharing authentically, and the noticing of emotion and reaction. Discernment is laying aside our pride and our fear and releasing to objective observation.   It takes humility.   It takes open ears.   It takes clear hearts. Discernment is well-done in community. Those who know you and who love you may be good sounding boards but they may also sway the decision to avoid their own pain, hurt, fear or baggage.   A trusted community with some healthy distance from the issue may yield the truest insights. God does not delight in being un-accessible.   God is not a trickster.   God is not hiding.   Deception comes from our hearts and from the evil one. Can we clear away the “noise?” Can we hear the heart of God?   What rings true? The Bible can offer a measuring stick.   Jesus himself used scriptures in Matthew 4 to rebuke the deceit of Satan. The wise and ...

But how do I know?  How do I know if I am choosing hard things or choosing self-abuse?  How do I know if I am being refined or being exploited? Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness… (Matthew 4:1) We must be Spirit-led. Even the most spiritual, selfless endeavors, if not Spirit-led are folly. David was a man after God’s heart.   He said to his prophet-friend Nathan, “my heart’s desire is to build a beautiful temple for God.   Here I sit in a palace of finery while God dwells in a dusty, blustery tent.” Nathan said – “God is with you, follow what your heart tells you.” But that night, Nathan had a dream. God said, “Excuse me? Were you going to get my input on these plans that you’re making for me??” (2 Samuel 7, paraphrase) Don’t get caught making plans for God. Oh sure, you are welcome to tell God all your great ideas. But then, let God be God of “the plan.” Man makes plans in his heart, but God directs the steps (Proverbs 16:9). Lea...

How is my relationship with God?             Is my heart oriented to seeking, listening and obeying or do I need to pursue a spiritual discipline to refocus?   Think of the parable of the vine and the branches in John 15.   Which areas of my life are producing fruit?   Which parts of me need pruning or other care from the master gardener? How is my relationship with myself?             Am I loving, kind, encouraging and supportive (to myself) like a good friend?   Have I become overindulgent to myself?   Or, the other extreme, am I lacking self-directed grace?   Read Colossians 3 and notice what speaks to you about yourself. How is my relationship with my community?             Are my eyes open to invest in those around me?   Am I open to receiving help from others?   Which c...