God speaks in many ways . . .

The more common ways include dreams and visions, through others, through environment, and certainly through the intuition of our regenerated spirit.

Our spirit is vital to all issues of life in God. New birth is something that happens entirely within our spirit. Man’s soul does not relate directly to God. Man’s spirit relates to God. God is Spirit and all who worship Him, therefore, must worship in spirit. Your spirit alone has the capacity to commune with God.

The Bible references:

Serving with my spirit i
Knowing through the spirit ii Worshiping in spirit iii
Receiving revelation in the spirit iv

When our spirit is in its proper position, our perception of the people and things around us is dynamically different.

When God gives discernment – are you listening?

Discernment about the people and situations that surround you will come through your spirit. Do not allow your natural man, your soul, to override your discernment.

Be alert and attentive, especially at the beginning of a new situation or relationship.

What impression is your spirit receiving? It is vitally important to pay attention and not let go of it!

Perhaps you are certain that you would not do such a thing. Remember, however, that just past the initial moment of discernment, you enter into another zone. Natural, rational thinking will seek to supplant your discernment!

Discernment allows us to perceive beyond the natural.

Discernment can be positive or negative, or a combination. All discernment needs to be held in our heart.

It allows us to discern a person's present condition. For instance, if they are spiritually and emotionally healthy, struggling, or bound.

It can give you insight to help, as well as possible cautions you may need. You may detect spiritual, emotional, or mental problems.

Positive discernment about people or situations will help us if questions or misunderstandings arise. It does not mean everything is right or wrong, but the initial discernment is a qualifier to wait and not be hasty to judgment, especially if there is controversy around the person or issue.

Remember, beyond the initial moment of your meeting, your natural inclinations may want to override, so remaining spiritually sensitive is vital.

The enemy will work to supplant your discernment by using natural observations.

In situations where you discerned possible problems:

You see emotional distress, a tear streaming down the cheek and it evokes your sympathy ...
You hear spiritual insight that seems so profound ...
You hear convincing explanations that explain away contradictions and discrepancies in speech or behavior ...

On the other hand, the opposite can happen:

You hear negative things that run contrary to your initial positive discernment ...

Hold tight to that discernment while you walk through the situation.

Hold tight to that discernment while you walk with the person or persons involved.

Remember, God gives discernment for your protection as well as on behalf of others. God is positioning you to be available to help those who need help, while avoiding any traps or pitfalls.

His ways are not our ways. You must walk by and in the Spirit to accomplish His plans and purposes in the earth and on behalf of others.



Photo by celticaga

Rom 1:9, 7:6, 12:11

[ii] 1 Cor 2:9-12

[iii] Jn 4:23-24; Phil 3:3

[iv] Rev 1:10; 1 Cor 2:10