Tag Archives: discernment

Where Understanding Comes From

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Pete

From today’s readings, I’ve been shaken a bit by a fresh reminder that God will send even lying spirits from heaven to accomplish his long-range plans on earth (1Kings 22:19-23). And that just set me up for a fresh remembrance … Continue reading →

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Lessons from a Jerk

Posted on November 15, 2021 by Pete

I know that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for our teaching and equipping (2Tim. 3:16). I know that while none of these books were written to us, they were all written for us — “For whatever was written in … Continue reading →

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Ain’t Necessarily a Duck

Posted on October 27, 2021 by Pete

It has got to be one of the scariest verses in all of Scripture. Thus, one that is worth wrestling with and one that needs to be cataloged within the filter of holy discernment. Because, according to the Spirit, despite … Continue reading →

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Approve What Is Excellent

Posted on June 8, 2021 by Pete

Hovering over Paul’s opening words to the Philippians this morning. Though the prayer he prays is for them, I’m pretty sure it was preserved for us. That, as Paul yearns for the saints at Philippi “with the affection of Christ … Continue reading →

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I Don’t Know Why

Posted on May 27, 2021 by Pete

They’re back to back, certainly it’s no accident. You can’t help but think the contrasting facts are intentionally juxtaposed against one another so that we’ll pick up on something that’s being laid down. The what is easy? It’s the why … Continue reading →

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Building Discernment Muscle

Posted on October 1, 2020 by Pete

With everything else Jeremiah had to deal with as a prophet of God with an unpopular message, he had to deal with “fake news” as well. There was another “prophet” in town and he had a very different “thus says … Continue reading →

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Guarding with Our Lips

Posted on July 24, 2020 by Pete

If I’m picking up what the king is laying down, then, if you can articulate truth, truth can protect you. For, if you can guard it with your lips, it will guard you from her lips. My son, be attentive … Continue reading →

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The Fruit of Righteousness

Posted on June 3, 2020 by Pete

Started in on Paul’s letter to the Philippians this morning. And what hits me pretty quick is the familiarity of his “laboring” language. Back in Galatians Paul talks of being “again in the anguish of childbirth” because of his consuming … Continue reading →

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Pursuit and Promise

Posted on July 26, 2019 by Pete

If there’s anything you take from these opening chapters of Proverbs, it’s that getting wisdom is a result of intentional focus. No one is going to default their way into wisdom. The secrets of skillful living aren’t just accidentally stumbled … Continue reading →

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A Good Ask

Posted on May 21, 2019 by Pete

Wasn’t really a genie-in-the-bottle-granting-any-three-wishes thing, but you gotta admit, it was kind of close. At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” (1Kings 3:5 ESV) Ask, says … Continue reading →

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