The Fruit of Discernment

Discernment is a skill that comes through much practice. The devil is a liar and only speaks words of deceit. His lures are camouflaged with an enticing bait, but they are snares that entrap us.

In 1975 I found a house that I wanted to buy. It required a $1,500.00 deposit which I didn’t have. The Lord specifically told me not to borrow the money. Some days later I walked into my bank. Mildred said, “Marilyn, we have a new product. Come over to my desk and I will tell you about it. It’s called a credit line. We can advance the money, and you pay it back little by little.” It was a timely solution and I swallowed the hook! That choice to disobey the Lord cost me dearly.

We circumvent the devil’s wiles as we hide God’s word in our hearts. Memorization and meditation implants truth that will impart discernment. It will enable us to distinguish a lie from the devil, and quickly move away from the tantalizing temptation.

Much later in my life, James 1:14 helped me to understand the hidden root of falling for a temptation. It says, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” In 1975 my burning desire to buy that particular house set me up to be ensnared through the devil’s hidden trap. I followed man’s way instead of the Lord’s. It is a lesson learned that remains to instruct my heart.

Father, I am so grateful for your written word. Through it you continually remind me that your ways are far higher than my own. It is a consistent voice of encouragement to walk in the Spirit. Then I can discern what choice I need to make at the moment, so I don’t walk into an evil entrapment. Thank you for the succulent fruit of discernment that nourishes me spirit, soul, and body.

Throughout this Day: Be reminded about how important God’s word is to our walk of discernment and obedience to him by the song "Ancient Words" by Michael W. Smith