Philippians 4:9 NIV — Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

In yesterday’s featured scripture, Philippians 4:8, Paul instructed us on what to think about. In today’s scripture he challenges us to follow his example. In other words he was leading by example. Isn’t that what you and I are called to do as Christians? Others should see Christ in our words and actions. We are called to put into practice all we have learned and heard about being a Christian. 

Examine your words and actions today. When others hear that you are a Christian they will be watching to learn what being a Christian means. How does a Christian act and react in times of struggle, temptation, or disappointment? How are others seeing Christ in you when you fail? Do you let them see when you are remorseful and repent? After all, only Christ is without failures and sin. Those watching need to learn the full picture of Christian living. How are you reflecting Christian living for others to see?

Let’s pray. Dear God, forgive me when I do not reflect You in my words and actions. May I be aware of how I am showing others what it means to be a Christian. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Philippians 4:8 NIV — Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 

The book of Philippians was written by Paul to the Christian congregation he had helped to establish. He was instructing them on the meaning of being a Christian and on Christian living. The above scripture is an example of how Paul explains to live as a Christian. He instructs them, and us, on what to fill our minds with so as to stay on track in our Christian living.

Examine your thoughts today. How do you fill your mind with whatever is right, pure, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy?

Let’s pray. Dear God, forgive me when I fail to fill my mind with the right things. Guide my thoughts today so I may focus on You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Philippians 4:8 NIV — Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. Philippians 4:9 NIV — Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Spend some time in worship listening to 10,000 Reasons by Matt Redman. Prayerfully consider what Christian looks like to you as we prepare for our week together.

Discernment is hard. Discernment doesn’t come easily. However, having a daily relationship with God does bring us closer to being in tune with God’s will. What steps are you following today to seek discernment? How do you know which way to go? Will you go through the door or choose a different door?

As we finish this week together focused on discernment, take a moment to read this article titled A Story About Discernment: Like a Child by Kasey Hitt.

Let’s pray. Dear God, may each of us have a child like faith so we can discern Your will like a child. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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.

Another practice I have when striving to discern God’s will is to be open. I have to be ready to receive God’s word by having open ears, eyes and mind. I have to be willing to accept that His message for me may come in so many ways. Sometimes God speaks through the most expected outlets such as through scripture, prayer and devotion and sometimes God speaks in the most unexpected outlets such as through another person, a song, or even nature. However, if I am not open to all these opportunities to listen then I may miss out on discerning God’s will.

Lastly, as I strive to discern God’s will I also seek peace. Often when I am trying to discern God’s will I feel much turmoil. I want to make the right decision. Sometimes the turmoil inside me is because I know what God wants me to do but I don’t want to. Therefore it requires my submission and obedience. While arriving at a decision may cause turmoil within me, when I finally arrive at a decision and have peace about it, I know that was the choice God wanted me to make. Submission to God’s will brings peace. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my ears, eyes, mind, and heart to discern Your will. Prepare me for Your will and give me strength and courage to obey so I may feel the peace that only You can give. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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 and being available 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.