The last several Sundays we have been updated on the discernment process. As a church we have been invited to continue praying on Wednesday nights, to pray individually and to prepare for an upcoming opportunity to let the discernment team know what you are discerning. Additionally, this Sunday you are invited to pray between the services at 10:45-11:15. As we continue to pray for our church let’s remember that:
Discernment is a process.
The word discern means to put to the test, examine, discover, approve. It takes time and intentionality to discern. Discernment involves gaining spiritual insight and desiring to see God’s will.
Discernment is about being transformed.
The discernment process allows us to grow and be renewed in our personal relationship with God. Paul says in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Discernment involves the heart and mind.
Solomon prayed for wisdom and the response was "The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, ‘Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be."1 Kings 3:10-12. Interestingly, different translations give a slight variance in understanding of texts. For this passage, the ESV translation uses "mind" whereas the NIV translation uses "heart." Discernment comes from God transforming us – heart and mind.
Discernment involves the Holy Spirit.
"these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God." I Corinthians 2:10
Discernment happens in community. May God continue to lead us and guide us as we seek Him together and may we continue to be open to the process of being transformed by His Spirit.
For additional reading consider this article from Christianity Today:
https://www.christianitytoday.com/edstetzer/2016/september/recovering-prayer-and-discernment-in-our-agendas-and-strate.html
Blessings,
Pastor Michele