Wisdom and Discernment

"The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer."
-1 Peter 4:7

I am a firm believer that Jesus is coming back. That time is drawing closer with each day that goes by. The Bible is clear that in the last days, there will be quite a bit of chaos. In addition to the increase of wars and natural disasters, people will fall away from their faith and many will be led astray by false doctrines and teachings.

As Christians, it is vital that we really know the Word of God and use the wisdom and discernment that He provides to us.

When Peter tells us to use sound judgment, the Greek word used is Sophroneo, and it means to be self-controlled, moderate as to opinion or passion. When things get tough, we need to do our best to not give in to assumptions, opinions, or even emotions, but to be grounded in God's truth. We all know that we can't believe everything that is told to us via media, so this is where the importance of knowing Scripture comes in. By knowing God's Word, we always have something to compare and judge things against. Even beyond that, there is so much invaluable WISDOM throughout the Bible.

Secondly, Peter tells us to be sober in spirit, and in the Greek that means to be calm and collected in spirit. When you accept Jesus Christ as your personal savior, God gives you the Holy Spirit...a guide, instructor, and helper. When there is chaos surrounding us, we must not react, but instead take the Word of God and the wisdom He gives us, and use that together with the Holy Spirit to respond the way He leads us to. Using DISCERNMENT.

I am so thankful for the tools that God gives us to navigate life. I am thankful that in the midst of all the craziness and chaos that this world can bring, God is always there, that He is steadfast, and that He will never leave me.

Be Sober

"The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."
-1 Peter 4:7-8

Worship God

Worship is a vital part of our Christian walk. For me, it's a way of escaping whatever I'm dealing with and remembering that God loves me and is in control over my life. It places my focus on Him above anything else, including myself. It gives me the opportunity to give Him thanks and glory for all He has done.

For the month of April, as we celebrate Easter, I am challenging you to set aside time each day to put on a song and simply worship. Sit down, quiet your mind, and really listen to the song. Let the words sink in, let them minister to your heart. Worship God for what He has done and for Who He is...

because He is worthy.

Recalled

"Our callings remain a hope until we allow our eyes of our hearts to be enlightened and choose to accept them."
-Beth Moore

For a long time, I believed God had a specific call on my life. Yet due to my own laziness, disobedience, and just life happening, I never pursued it. I thought about it, and even took some baby steps forward, but never went after it with whole-hearted abandon. As a result, I thought that calling was void and a great opportunity had passed me by.

re·call
to call back; ask or order to return

I am sensing a renewal. I am feeling that my name as been recalled.

The Bible is filled with stories of mistakes, failures, and missed opportunities. But the Bible is also filled with many stories of redemption, renewal, and second chances.

So here I am again. I am feeling God leading me in a certain direction and, this time, I am throwing my hat over the fence so that I have no choice but to go for it. As I look ahead, it's almost overwhelming. I know it's going to take a lot of hard work and overcoming some hurdles, but I know that as I walk in obedience, one step at a time, God will meet me and allow the eyes of my heart to be enlightened.

What about you? Is there a missed opportunity that God may be bringing back around? Are you ready to throw your hat over the fence?