Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Philippians 1:9-10 NIV — And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.

This week we are exploring ways to be discerning. For the next few days, I will share some ways I practice being more open and ready for listening to God so I am in a posture for discernment.

The first practice I have is daily devotion. To discern God’s will I have to be still. Psalm 46:10 tells us — Be still and know that I am God. When I am in the hustle and bustle of my day I find it is hard to hear God’s voice. Therefore, every morning before I begin my day I spend time in devotion and prayer. I take this time to study scripture, meditate, and listen. Even during devotion time I can fail to discern God’s will if I do all the talking and never stop to be still and quiet.  

Another practice I have is journaling. As I have shared before, I enjoy journaling. Part of my devotion time includes journaling. Journaling for me has no certain formula and varies from day to day. Some days I write down scriptures or parts of devotions or insights that strike a chord with me and I want to be able to meditate on or come back to later. Some days I write down joys, concerns and prayer requests. And some days I write as if I am talking to God. I also like to take notes during sermons so later I can reflect on them. No two days look the same in my journal. I just write whatever I feel led to and also like to go back and see how God has answered prayers. Habakuk 2:2 instructs — Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.

Today I encourage you to not only have a daily devotion time, but to also be still and quiet instead of doing all the talking. Write down some of your revelations, joys, concerns, and requests. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank you Lord for Your holy presence as we meet together daily. Quiet my soul as I sit and listen to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

James 1:5 NIV — If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

How do I know what’s on the other side of the door of opportunity? Should I open the door and go through? What if I make the wrong choice? How can I discern the will of God?

Have you ever had these questions swirling through your head when you are in the midst of making a decision? I certainly have!  

Merriam-Webster defines discernment as the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure; an act of perceiving. How do you prepare to be open and ready for listening to God and be available for discernment? As we move throughout this week we will explore ways to prayerfully discern and accept the will of God.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, open my heart, mind, ears, and eyes as I prepare to discern and accept Your will. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Take some time to read the following scriptures that we will focus on this week. 

James 1:5 NIV — If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Philippians 1:9-10 NIV — And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ — to the glory and praise of God.

1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV — For God is not a God of disorder but of peace — as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

Isaiah 43:19 — Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Spend some time in worship listening to Thy Will by Hillary Scott. Allow God to guide your thoughts and may you listen for His will.

Another lesser known song to listen to today is Discernment by Quinn Throness. If you have time, read her notes about the song under the video.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV — All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

This week we have explored the topic of inspiration and remembered times we have been inspired. Today I encourage you to think of times you have been inspired by a sermon or by scripture. Have you ever read a scripture you have read dozens of times before, but this particular time the scripture inspires you in a different way? God’s Holy word, the Bible, is a vessel in which God speaks, brings Jesus alive in new ways, and causes the Holy Spirit to move within us in new and exciting ways, if we are open to receive His inspiration. When we hear or read scripture, we must listen and see with a surrendered spirit, ready for God’s individual message for each of us. God’s message for me may be different from His message for you. Let’s be ready to receive holy inspiration with a surrendered heart.

Let’s pray. Dear God, help me to have a surrendered heart, ready to receive Your holy inspiration through scripture. May I have open eyes, ears, mind and heart. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV — And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

This week we are exploring the topic of inspiration and remembering times we have been inspired. Today’s featured scripture encourages us to “spur one another toward love and good deeds”. Who are your friends who spur you on and encourage you to be more like Christ? I am blessed with friends from various aspects of life. I have friends from college, church, work, and those I met while raising my children. I am inspired to be a better coworker, be a better listener, be a better wife, be a better mother, and to react and respond as Christ. I pray that the inspiration of my friends has also allowed me to bear more fruit for Christ.

Each of my friends inspire me in different ways. Who are the friends who have inspired you? How have your friends’ influence helped you bear more fruit for Christ?

Let’s pray. Dear Lord, thank You for friends who inspire me. May I use their inspiration to bear more fruit for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Philippians 4:13 NIV — I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 

This week we are exploring the topic of inspiration and remembering times we have been inspired. Often we are inspired by our parents. My mom has always been an inspiration to me. From childhood until now, she has always encouraged and supported me. Whenever I was discouraged or pessimistic about situations she would recite today’s featured scripture to spur me on. Mom has always modeled perseverance and has always put others above herself. As an adult, I had the privilege of watching mom model servitude as she cared for her brother and mother as their health declined. 

Were you blessed with an inspiring parent? If not, was there a parent figure in your life who inspired you? Take time today to thank the parent figures in your life who have inspired you through the years.

Let’s pray. Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for parents who have inspired me over the years. Guide and direct my words and actions so I may inspire others. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion