Author: astherainandsnow

“Show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’ have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?.. Love your neighbor as yourself… The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness… No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God… If you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.”  James 2:1-4,8; 3:6,8-9,14

“Put away… malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. Put off the old self with its practices” Colossians 3:8-9

There is much chatter these days, and when we are not in person, there seems to be less filter on what is said. Beware the heart and the tongue it controls! My spirit detects rumble warnings when I perceive ‘putting up,’ idolizing and esteeming certain people by way of parroting their verbiage or pandering to their appearance, qualifications, perceived importance, or opinions. I get just as uneasy hearing a barrage of ‘putting down,’ criticizing, castigating, or dismissing those who disagree in view or by vote. The Bible says of both, put off! (Luke 6:45)

There is no place in the Christian life for erecting pedestals, for playing favorites, for idolatry of people we prefer, valuing (and even revering) them as more more important, as though they are exclusively superior. Nor is there any place for riding astride a high horse with irreverent or disrespectful talk, denigrating others based on their disparate views, judging their motives, ultimately diminishing them as inferior to our pompous, enlightened selves. Our distorted allegiances have thrown civil discourse of ideas and principles off kilter to the detriment of fruitful discussion of truth.

We are called to be discerning and wise, and also to respect and upbuild. There is no way to put on kindness, reason, and love to all if we are trapped in polarized affections, esteeming some and snubbing others. Putting these ungodly attitudes and ingrown habits off frees us to be renewed in the spirit of our minds so we can be imitators of God in the way we interact with and speak of others. (Ephesians 4:22-26,29-5:2)

Whom have we put on pedestals, and for what reasons? Does aligning or agreeing with certain people make us feel more important or esteemed? Whom are we trying to impress, and do we recognize we’ve made idols of them too? Whom have we dismissed, or disparaged before others, belittling them to try to make ourselves big? We dishonor God when we dishonor His image bearers. (Proverbs 11:9,12-13)

Lord on high, reveal to me where and when I lift too high or abase another. By Your Spirit I put off these practices to exalt You alone, and to honor others in Your grace.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and all that is within me,
    bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity…

The Lord is merciful and gracious,
    slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
He will not always chide,
    nor will he keep his anger forever.
He does not deal with us according to our sins,
    nor repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
    so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
As a father shows compassion to his children,
    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
For he knows our frame;
    he remembers that we are dust.” Psalm 103:1-3,8-14

“David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.'” 2 Samuel 12:13

“Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus… Sin will have no dominion over you.” Romans 6:11,14

It is hard for a human mind to grasp the distance from east to west, but that is just the illustration David gives for the infinite space God puts between us and our sin when He forgives us in Christ. The Almighty, who Himself is beyond measure, describes in this treasure of a psalm the vast, unfathomable mercy of God in a way that compels us to bless Him and to live reverently unfettered.

The king had been miserable under the burden of his unconfessed sins, yet at the moment of recognition and acknowledgement, that sin bore no more sting, its guilt and penalty separated from him forever. Blotted-out sin cleans the heart, renews the spirit, and restores joy. Fully forgiven and dead to sin means alive to Christ as His changed and ever-being-transformed child. We are, in Christ, new creatures, as different as east from west. So how shall we then live? What does it look like to consider ourselves alive to God? (Psalm 32:1-5; 51:7-10,12; 2 Corinthians 5:17)

We live as the psalmist, continually blessing the Lord for His manifold benefits: He has washed us in mercy, invigorated our strength, guided our steps, worked for us righteousness, and loosened our tongues to proclaim His excellencies in praise and witness to others. David determined to teach sinners His ways so they, too, would be contrite and know His forgiveness. (Psalm 51:13-17; 103:4-7)

Living in the joy of our salvation means we are unencumbered by guilt, which Jesus has vanquished, and by shame, which we can nonetheless nurse ourselves in opposition to what is actually true about us. It means we are free to put off old ways of thinking and behaving and responding, and have power through the resurrection to put on Christ instead. We allow Him to control our mindset, our tongue and tone of voice, our flesh desires, our selfish impulses. (Colossians 3)

Loving Lord, You have separated me from my sin unto Yourself. May I, with steadfast zeal, live and rejoice in the “no going back,” ever blessing You as You deserve.

“But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption… He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant…  For Christ has entered… into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself repeatedly, as the high priest enters the holy places every year with blood not his own, for then he would have had to suffer repeatedly… But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.

“And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified… Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 9:11-12,15,24-28; 10:10-12,14,23

The gospel is good news. Good news that breaks bright on a dark day, that penetrates wrangling uncertainty with assurance, that shines hope into desperation. Jesus came once for all, times two. He paid the penalty for sin with death once for all, proclaiming It is finished! to the yearly sacrifice for sins, and He won Calvary’s victory once for all who would come, all who are called by His name and are now being sanctified. Twice good news! (John 19:28-30)

This hope we can receive by faith and claim as ours for good is that Jesus died instead of me, and He died for me. Just as His once-for-all substitutionary death fulfilled the annual sacrifices made by priests, it is also the full recompense for my sin. I am free to surrender self-effort at winning God’s favor and live unshakably secure because Jesus, in immeasurable love toward me, achieved forever my favored place with Him through His blood.

Believing His once for alls also stirs great motivation to spread the good news. Held-fast confession becomes resounding, glad profession: Come, all who are weary and burdened! Jesus offers freedom and spiritual rest! Come, all who thirst! Jesus satisfies with living water! Blessed are you whose transgressions are forgiven! He came and did all for you, and He lives to redeem all of you who come! (Psalm 32:1-2,5; Isaiah 55:1; Matthew 11:28; John 4:10,14)

Lord Jesus, may I faithfully proclaim your glorious once for alls with word and deed.

“Our great God and Savior Jesus Christ… gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works… Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work… The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people… And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” Titus 2:13-14; 3:1,8,14

Good works accompany genuine faith, and about good works it is clear we are to be zealous, ready, careful, and fully devoted. We have been redeemed and purified to do good works, and designed for particular ones within the Body of Christ. These works are the hallmark and proof of our faith, evidence of Christ’s transforming of the very inclination of our hearts. Bearing the fruit of good works is no option for the believer in Jesus– it is our life mission, the very purpose for which we were saved. (John 15:8,16; Ephesians 2:10; James 2:18,22,26)

How does the way we spend our time, money, and other resources identify us as Christ’s possession? Does the unbelieving world see us expending ourselves for our own benefit, pleasure, and promotion, or for a higher purpose? What do our deeds betray about our allegiances and motives? Do they draw others to ourselves in pride, or to the worthy King we serve? In what ways does our submission to those in authority over us free us from self-will, preparing us to do good work with glad abandon?

Would we begin each morning seeking the specific work God has for us this day, and trust that even if we do not understand it or especially feel so inclined, it is excellent, worthwhile, and profitable in His divine economy? Would we be willing to step outside the comfort boundaries we have delineated, into the place or task we know God has prepared, and therefore provided for? When our zeal flags, and focus and devotion wane, would we ask in confident hope that God’s Spirit would renew our fervency and empower our service? “God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (Romans 12:11-12; 2 Corinthians 9:8)

Gracious Lord, Holy Fuel of my passion and commitment, ignite me each day to do the good works You deign for me. May I so demonstrate my faith and honor Your redemption of my soul, to the praise of Your goodness and glory.

“Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said,.. ‘Be of good courage and bring some of the fruit of the land…’ So they went up and spied out the land… 

“At the end of forty days they returned… and showed them the fruit of the land. ‘We came to the land to which you sent us. It flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large.’ But Caleb quieted the people and said, ‘Let us go up at once and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it.’ The men who had gone up with him said, ‘We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.’ Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and… all the people of Israel grumbled… ‘Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword?’ 

“Joshua and Caleb said to all the congregation of Israel, ‘The land is an exceedingly good land… Do not fear the people. The Lord is with us.’ ..And the Lord said to Moses, ‘How long will this people not believe in me?'” Numbers 13:17,20-21,25-28,30-31; 14:1-3,6-7,9,11

The Israelite spies lost sight of God’s promise for their future and the lush fruit of the land because fear of the enemy and defeat blocked their vision, obliterating any bravery and hope. But Joshua and Caleb’s resolve to trust God’s pledge invigorated boldness, swelling their holy desire into confidence to conquer and see God glorified. Since when had their Captain commanded they stay safe?

I recently read a book about today’s “safety” culture. After eons of ‘preparing children for the road,’ we have morphed into ‘preparing the road for children,’ determining that safety should be our number one focus, at all cost. Is this scriptural? In everyday life, with each challenge faced, we are confronted with choosing whether to trust God in the good conquest, or fear for our safety, and retreat. These tests of our faith, which are really a measure of our belief in God, He presents continually as opportunities to build our faith.

Where have our priorities fallen prey to the world’s message and mold? Have we become deaf to the heavenly call, and lost sight of God’s ability and eternal benefit for the muddle of temporal obstacles, discomforts, and risks? (1 Peter 5:7)

Have we succumbed to fearing what lies ahead, instead of the God who calls us forward? Certainly we should exercise discernment and prudence, but are we more concerned with our safety than our courage to trust His care and purposes? Faith muscles atrophy from misuse and protecting ourselves from every possible peril. Jesus frequently met His disciples in dangerous situations with the admonition not to fear, and the Scriptures command us to trust the Lord completely, obey and work wholeheartedly, witness boldly,  forgive lavishly, speak truth lovingly, wage battles bravely, not ‘be safe.’ They teach us that hiding in Him and His name is our place of safety, no matter what happens. They give numerous examples of heroes who lived by this faith. Will I be one? (Psalm 4:8; 37:3; 91:1-2; Proverbs 18:10; 29:25; Isaiah 41:10; Daniel 3:17-18; Matthew 18:21-22; John 6:18-20; 20:19; Ephesians 4:15; 6:12-13,19-20; Colossians 3:23; 2 Timothy 4:18; Hebrews 11:23,27,32-34)

Lord, may I unhaltingly fight the good fight of faith. In every risk of heeding Your call, into Your strong, able hands I commit my spirit, my life, and my times. (Psalm 31:5,14-15; 1 Timothy 6:12)

“Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

To Titus, my true child in a common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” Titus 1:1-4

In any introduction, to a letter, a publication, a message, it helps to have an aim, to know why we are presenting what we are. To Paul, his motive is singular, his purpose clear. His letters are as his life, wholly composed and communicated for the sake of faith in those God had entrusted to him. In everything he did and spoke and preached, he endeavored to open the way for others to grow in their understanding of the gospel, apply its truths, and walk more closely with God. The faith that had captivated him, by which he was drastically saved and set free, now shaped the mission of his days on earth. (Acts 9:3-18; Romans 1:16-17; 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9; 1 Timothy 1:5)

Paul was encouraged by and delighted to hear of lively faith within the churches, and thanked God for it. He rejoiced in their development and expression of faith, and urged that people continue in it so it would grow abundantly. He commended them to take it up as a potent shield in waging spiritual battles. He counted it a privilege to suffer for the sake of others’ faith. He encouraged unity and cooperation in the faith, and prayed that it would be shared effectively. He encouraged Timothy to set an example of faith and to train others in it. (Romans 1:8,12; Ephesians 1:15-16; 6:12-13,16; Philippians 1:12-14,27; Colossians 1:3-4,23; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3; 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4; 1 Timothy 4:6,12; Philemon 4-6)

What about me? What do my words and conversations reveal about my real inspiration and intentions? How clearly do I live and speak for the sake of Jesus and faith in Him? Where can I be more deliberate in introducing the concept of faith to a spiritual novice, or encouraging faith in someone less practiced or knowledgable?

With whom in my family and church and the places I minister can I invest in developing faith, taking opportunities to speak of God’s ability and trustworthiness? How faithful am I to cheer them on to be strong and not to waver? In what situations at home, work, or in my community, can I better exemplify faith with courage and joy, even if it seems subversive or strange? (Romans 4:20)

Lord, may my words unlatch the way for Your gospel, that others hear of You and Your gift of salvation. May my love for others open wide Your arms to them, that they sense Your limitless and grace-filled affection. May every aspect of my life invite others to behold the beauties of Your mercy and faithfulness. O God, may I live and breathe for the sake of faith, and keep it all my days. (2 Timothy 4:7)

“Their land is filled with silver and gold,
    and there is no end to their treasures;
their land is filled with horses,
    and there is no end to their chariots.
Their land is filled with idols;
    they bow down to the work of their hands,
    to what their own fingers have made.
So man is humbled,
    and each one is brought low—
    do not forgive them!
Enter into the rock
    and hide in the dust
from before the terror of the LORD,
    and from the splendor of his majesty.
The haughty looks of man shall be brought low,
    and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled,
and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

For the LORD of hosts has a day
    against all that is proud and lofty,
    against all that is lifted up—and it shall be brought low;
against all the lofty mountains,
    and against all the uplifted hills;
against every high tower,
    and against every fortified wall;
against all the ships of Tarshish,
    and against all the beautiful craft.
And the haughtiness of man shall be humbled,
    and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low,
    and the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.” Isaiah 2:7-12,14-17

The LORD, who is high and holy, reigns over the seesaw of man. He watches us, thinking ourselves highly important, and through our years and efforts amassing treasures, piling accomplishments, experiences, degrees, material goods, and accolades to give heft to our lives. Actually, instead of elevating us, these weighty idols only abase. To all our pushing to rise, all our collecting and bowing, to our self-made loft and our little-g gods, He says ‘come down.’ His divine gravity rules, and brings us low. He alone is exalted.

One advantage to less structure and more quiet in our lives is the opportunity to contemplate those things with which we fill our ‘land’ of hours. We have time to breathe, to look beyond the immediate and take in the wider view, to consider the likely future of our life if we were to keep on the same trajectory. In this day the Lord of hosts has for us, where are we building, what are we gathering, whom are we worshiping?

What idols is my Lord identifying today? Control and use of my time, just the way I want with no interruptions or outside demands? Possessions that give me a sense of security or self-worth? My identity from what I’ve earned or achieved? My children, my family, my heritage? Do I recognize how I have elevated these things above Him in my attention and affection? Will I stop my swinging up and down on this temporal seesaw, cease the pride and changing values, and gratefully extol the truly exalted One?

“Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
save in the death of Christ, my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.”  ~Isaac Watts (1707)

O high and lifted up LORD, whose name is holy, pause me and steady me into a proper view of self before You. Loosen my hold on idols of this world that I can cling, with no guile, to You. (Isaiah 57:15)

“And Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, ‘We are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, “I will give it to you.” Come with us, and we will do good to you, for the Lord has promised good to Israel.’ But he said to him, ‘I will not go. I will depart to my own land and to my kindred.’ And he said, ‘Please do not leave us, for you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you will serve as eyes for us. And if you do go with us, whatever good the Lord will do to us, the same will we do to you.’ 

“So they set out from the mount of the Lord three days’ journey. And the ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them three days’ journey, to seek out a resting place for them. And the cloud of the Lord was over them by day, whenever they set out from the camp. And whenever the ark set out, Moses said, ‘Arise, O Lord, and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.’ And when it rested, he said, ‘Return, O Lord, to the ten thousand thousands of Israel.’” Numbers 10:29-36

It might be assumed that Hobab had accompanied his brother-in-law Moses since he met back up with Reuel (Jethro) his father-in-law at the base of Mount Sinai. However long he had been with the great leader, at a particular moment he faced a dilemma common to man, and hesitates in accompanying Moses further. The place of good was promised yet unseen, and home and family were known, so Hobab wanted to stay. Moses urges him further: ‘you can help us, your knowledge is valuable to us, and good will be yours if you come.’ (Exodus 18)

Every morning, every free hour, every open door to the unknown, is a similar place of decision. The choice to come God’s way is to forsake what is comfortable and familiar, to cast in our lot with the One who ordains our particular gifts and how He wants to use them to bless His world. To follow is to keep in step with the guiding cloud, however opaque, to trust the heart behind the invisible, beckoning hand.

Sometimes God ordains others who, like Moses, present us with new opportunities, and encourage us on in faith. Sometimes, we are the ones called to lead those who are reluctant, to plod on boldly with grit, prayer, and dependence, pointing them to the Lord. It is vital for our fruitfulness that we be willing to slough off our natural bent to comfort and perceived safety, and take up with our Master, wherever He leads.

The place of blessing is the place beside Him along the road, of serving Him and His people in the wilderness, of being eyes for the blind and comfort for the broken, of trusting His promises. His goodness, His rest, His provision, come throughout the journey. Will we refuse or accept to embark with Him?

“The Lord hath promised good to me,
His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be
As long as life endures.”  ~John Newton (1725-1807)

Lord, to Your every invitation, “Here am I.” (Isaiah 6:8)

“Peter said to him, ‘Even though they all fall away, I will not.’ And [Jesus] took with him Peter and James and John, and… he said to them, ‘My soul is very sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch.’  And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed… And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, ‘Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour?  Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.’ And again he went away and prayed… And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. And he came the third time and said to them, ‘Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough.’ 

“And they led Jesus to the high priest… And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard… One of the servant girls of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, ‘You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.’ But he denied it, saying, ‘I neither know nor understand what you mean.’ And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, ‘This man is one of them.’ But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, ‘Certainly you are one of them.’ But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, ‘I do not know this man of whom you speak.’ And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept.” Mark 14:29,33-35,37-41,53-54,66-72

Peter was taken into the inner circle, and commanded to watch, then specifically by name to watch and pray that weak flesh might not win over his willing spirit. But he fell asleep, followed only at a distance, and in the dark of the scandalous night and heat of the pressured moment, his resolve of fealty crumbled. The rooster crowed, and conviction pierced.

What does it take for us to remain in Christ? To be vigilant, stay alert, resist Satan’s seduction? God has graciously given many cautions in His word, steps to make us strong in faith and against temptation. While it’s easy to spectate and disbelieve Peter’s fall, where have we refused God’s clear warnings against sloth, deception, gossip, situations that dangle sin-traps? When does apathy or personal comfort, selfish priority or fear of man, keep me at a distance and in danger of denying my Lord? (Proverbs 16:27; 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:14-15; 4:8)

Boasts are made easily when life is smooth, but once enters an irritant, a challenge, an enticement, and emotional promises made can evaporate in an instant. Would we pray in reverent dependence, be accountable with a friend, and diligently heed Christ’s words before the pain of the rooster crow?

Lord, keep me tightly connected to You, deep in Your word, faithful in fellowship, snug in your armor, that I may claim and proclaim You under any circumstance, with great joy. (Ephesians 6:10-17)

“About this we have much to say, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Therefore, go on to maturity.” Hebrews 5:11-6:1

“Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?” “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting.” “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1 Kings 3:9; James 1:5-6; 1 John 4:1 

Recent musings on a flurry of opinions and dictates from experts on everything from immunology to politicking, from economics to journalistic persuasion, have brought to light the dire need for discernment. It has been said we need to ‘train a child for the road, not the road for the child,’ and, ‘we need to be trained how to think, not what to think.’ It is vital to our fruitful living as Christians to be able to understand the world and events in our culture through the filter of inerrant biblical truth.

In a day when we have access to a glut of information from a myriad of sources, it is a challenge to know what to read, where to tune in, how to discern. It is also easy, because of information fatigue or simple exhaustion, to become ‘dull of hearing’ and fail to question and test what we are being fed. God commands that we grow mature and wise by taking seriously our spiritual training in His word. He also promises to provide wisdom and guidance when we seek it. (Psalm 32:8; Proverbs 2:1-11)

To distinguish between true and false we need to be familiar with the Bible, and to train our perception by applying it in our day to day. Counterfeit money specialists study the real thing so they recognize the false when they see it. We can practice assessing truth in conversation with others by understanding objectives and listening keenly to arguments, trusting God’s Spirit to train us to discern what is fact and how that might be colored by personal vantage point.

Are we curious and brave enough to seek true information, not just confirmation of what we want to hear and believe? In whatever information we take in, do we expend the time to ponder, the mental and spiritual effort to truly discern? The conviction of the Spirit is far superior teacher to lazy reception of others’ views, and it is ours for the asking. (John 14:26; 16:13)

O Lord, send me daily Your light and Your truth. Hone in me the proper fear of You and holy discretion. By Your Spirit, shape my powers of discernment and lead me. (Psalm 43:3; 1 Corinthians 2:13-16)