UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRIT OF DISCERNMENT - A FAITH BASED HUMANITARIAN AND EVANGELICAL ORGANISATION

A LENTEN JOURNEY (LENTEN SEASON SERIES 2)

March 17, 2024

WHEN ALL HOPE IS LOST

March 20, 2024

MONDAY 18^TH MARCH 2024

AUTHOR: MARY LAWRENCE – DOKPESI

TOPIC: UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRIT OF DISCERNMENT

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

Rider Verse: “Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test all things; hold fast to what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19-21)

UNDERSTANDING THE SPIRIT OF DISCERNMENT

Discernment, that gut feeling or inner wisdom, is a vital gift from the Holy Spirit. It equips us to navigate life’s complexities, separating truth from deception and God’s voice from the noise. In 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21, Paul urges us not to extinguish the Spirit’s flame within us. This flame fuels our discernment, allowing us to test “prophetic utterances” (messages claiming divine inspiration) and hold fast to what aligns with God’s word.

So, how do we differentiate God’s voice from our ego or outside influences?

Discerning God’s voice requires a delicate balance. Our ego often whispers self-serving desires, while external influences can tempt us astray. However, God’s voice brings a sense of peace and aligns with His character revealed in scripture. It nudges us towards love, service, and actions that bring us closer to Him. By quieting ourselves, studying the Bible, and seeking godly counsel, we train our “spiritual senses” (Hebrews 5:14) to recognize the unique qualities of God’s leading. It’s a journey of growing closer to Him, where our discernment becomes more refined.

DAILY ACTION PLAN

1. Quiet your spirit: Find a quiet space each day to be still in God’s presence. Pray, read scripture, and listen for that “still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12).

2. Study the Bible: Ground yourself in God’s word. The Bible is the ultimate source of truth, equipping you to discern truth from falsehood.

3. Seek godly counsel: If unsure about a situation, seek guidance from mature believers who demonstrate Christ-like character.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of discernment. Help me quiet my heart and mind to hear Your voice. Guide me in testing all things and holding fast to what is good. May your love be my compass, leading me on the path You have designed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FURTHER READING: Proverbs 3:5-6, John 10:27, Philippians 1:9-10

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi

Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi was born in Nigeria to Patrick Abuda Obeakemhe and Juliana Fatimatu Obeakemhe, both from Ogbona Town. With a master’s degree in law, she was called to the bar at the age of twenty-two, and she is currently the principle partner of the law firm Mary Lawrence-Dokpesi & Associates. She is also the founder of two philanthropic organizations: the Living Waters Mission and the Rose Croix Foundation. In addition to law, Lawrence-Dokpesi was drawn to spiritual pursuits at an early age, having begun studying philosophy, theology, chaplaincy, and spirit therapy by the age of eighteen. Inspired by her spiritual calling, she has produced ten intensively researched manuscripts on spiritual matters. Although Understanding the Spiritual was the last to be written, it is the first to be published. Lawrence-Dokpesi is a mother and a wife living in the city of Abuja, Nigeria.