Tag: made new

Not everything labeled “Christian” is Christ-centered.

Scripture: Matthew 7:15, Colossians 2:8

The warning Jesus gave us about false prophets is notable because of how they appear. He told us that they come in sheep’s clothing, meaning they look safe, familiar, and trustworthy. We have to realize that rarely does deception announce itself openly. Usually it will come wrapped in kindness, confidence, and spiritual language looking like flowers and butterflies. Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23

Following untested teaching becomes dangerous, not because believers are careless, but because they are often trusting. We tend to assume that if something is labeled “Christian,” it must be true. False teaching will enter subtly, wrapped in spiritual language and good intentions. However, the bible repeatedly warns against this assumption. Paul cautioned believers not to be taken captive by ideas that sound wise but are not rooted in Christ. Be careful that you don’t let anyone rob you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the elemental spirits of the world, and not after Christ.Colossians 2:8

False prophets and teaching does not always deny God outright. Sometimes it will distort His character. It may present a God that never confronts sin, never calls for repentance, or never demands obedience. Some will exaggerate certain truths while ignoring others, creating imbalance rather than outright denial. Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you, filling you with vain hopes. They speak visions of their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. Jeremiah 23:16

If allowed and teaching goes untested, it slowly shapes beliefs, priorities, and behaviors. Over time, believers may drift from biblical convictions without realizing it and create their own truth. This is why discernment is so essential, not only for pastors or leaders, but for every follower of Christ. For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts, and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn away to fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Testing what is being taught does not mean rejecting authority or being suspicious of everyone. It means holding all teaching, no matter the source, up to the light of what the Bible says. When you are testing all the spirits that are around you will keep believers from being spiritually captured by ideas that sound good but can lead us away from Christ. God’s Word is not merely inspirational; it is protective. It guards hearts, anchors faith, and exposes error before it takes root.

The danger of untested teaching is not just personally for the believer but it affects the whole church. Confusion can spread when error goes unchecked. True unity suffers when truth becomes negotiable. Having good discernment preserves both faith and fellowship.

Thoughts to Ponder

1. Do you assume spiritual content is trustworthy?
   
2. How can you verify teaching biblically?
   
3. Who helps keep you accountable?
   

Commit yourself to biblical evaluation, not just blind trust.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, protect me from deception and ground me in your truth. Help so that I do not believe everything that makes me feel good. Help me to always be able to discern what is truth and what is deceptive. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

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Feelings can be powerful, but they are never meant to replace truth.

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:9, 2 Timothy 3:16

One of the greatest challenges a Christian faces in discerning truth today is learning the difference between what feels right and what is right. Today our culture will elevate emotion as the highest authority. If it inspires us, comforts us, or affirms us, we assume it must be good. Many false teachings thrive because they appeal to our emotions. They make us feel affirmed without being transformed. However, if we look at Scripture we’ll see it offers a sober warning: feelings are powerful, but they are not reliable guides on their own, feelings are unreliable guides when separated from truth.

Jeremiah 17:9 reminds us that the human heart is deceitful, not because it is always malicious, but because it is easily influenced. Our emotions can and will shift based on circumstances, experiences, and desires. What feels right in one moment may contradict God’s truth in the next. That is why Scripture must remain the standard by which all teaching is measured, I call it our owners manual. It is a guide that our Heavenly Father gave us that teaches us how to live in all aspects of our lives. 

The reason that false teaching often succeeds is because it appeals to our emotions rather than truth. These teachings tend to avoid conviction, minimize repentance, and promise peace without transformation. There are times that it may quote Scripture selectively while ignoring its full context. These messages become appealing because they can feel freeing at first, but over time they lead to spiritual confusion and weakness.

When we read the Bible we see that God’s Word works differently. Scripture does not always justify us, but it will always transform us. There are times truth comforts; sometimes it confronts. Sometimes it reassures; sometimes it corrects. But Scripture will never deceive. 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that all Scripture is breathed out by God and is profitable for teaching, correction, and training in righteousness. This is why we should ask if a message never challenges us, we should ask whether it is truly biblical. God’s Word doesn’t always make us comfortable but it makes us holy. 

Testing the spirits requires asking ourselves the hard questions: Does this message align with the whole counsel of Scripture? Does it lead me closer to Christ or simply make me feel better about myself? Does it encourage obedience or excuse disobedience? Does this message align with Scripture, even when it challenges me? Truth may stir emotions, but it never depends on them.

Our Spiritual maturity develops as we learn to submit our feelings to God’s Word rather than shaping God’s Word around our feelings. This does not mean emotions are bad, it means they must be anchored in truth so we do not deceive ourselves. When Scripture leads, emotions will find their proper place.

Thoughts to ponder

1. Do you prioritize how something feels over whether it’s biblical?
   
2. How do you respond when Scripture challenges you?
   
3. What role does God’s Word play in your decisions?
   

Make sure you choose truth over comfort and Scripture over emotion.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, align my heart with Your truth. Help me submit my feelings to Your Word. Show me how to discern what is truth and grow my spiritual immaturity. Help me walk in wisdom, grounded in truth and motivated by love. Be my guide as I go through the week in front of me, show me Your path as I go. In Jesus Name Amen Amen.

Getting to Know Him

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Biblical discernment is not about criticism it is about protection.

Scripture: 1 John 4:1, Ephesians 4:14

When most people hear the word discernment, they will immediately associate it with criticism, negativity, or judgment. Our culture says it values tolerance above truth and discernment is often misunderstood as unloving. However, Scripture presents discernment not as suspicion, but as a form of protection. It is an outward and inward expression of our love for God, His people, and His truth.

John begins his instruction with tenderness: “Beloved, do not believe every spirit.” This warning comes from care, not condemnation. God, just like a loving parent warns his children about danger, He warns His people about deception. Discernment has to exist because God desires to protect our hearts from harm. John’s command to “test the spirits” is rooted in love. He addresses believers as “beloved,” because he wants to remind us that discernment protects what we care about. God calls His people to guard their hearts and the church.

Paul repeats this concern in Ephesians 4, stressing that spiritual immaturity leaves believers vulnerable. Leaving us open to being tossed back and forth by every new teaching. If we do not have discernment, believers can become spiritually unstable, easily influenced by trends, personalities, and emotional appeals. True love does not leave people exposed to danger; love equips them to stand firm.

If we refuse to practice discernment it does not make us more loving; it makes us less responsible, and can make us vulnerable. If false teaching goes unchallenged, confusion spreads quietly. Over time, truth becomes diluted, conviction weakens, and spiritual clarity fades. When believers accept every teaching without testing it, confusion spreads. Fear grows. Division takes root. True discernment interrupts the drift and keeps the church grounded and unified around truth.

True discernment does not tear people down, it builds them up. It guards unity by making sure we are and the church is anchored in truth rather than opinion or the newest fad. It helps strengthen our faith by rooting our beliefs in Scripture instead of emotion. It preserves freedom by preventing believers from being enslaved to false ideas.

Importantly, discernment should always be paired with humility. We are not called to be arrogant watchdogs, but faithful stewards of truth. The final goal is not to win debates, but to protect hearts. Discernment asks, Does this teaching reflect God’s Word, and does it lead people toward Christ or away from Him?

Spiritual maturity develops more and more when believers begin to accept responsibility for their growth. Having discernment marks the transition from spiritual childhood to spiritual adulthood. Mature believers will no longer rely solely on leaders, trends, influencers, or feelings. They will engage in Scripture personally and thoughtfully. Maturity makes us no longer accept things simply because they are popular or emotional. We grow from being spiritual infants into stable, grounded followers of Christ. Discernment is not harshness; it is wisdom in action.

With these confusing times, discernment is not a cozy option. It is an act of love toward God, toward the church, and toward a world in desperate need of knowing the truth.

Thoughts to Ponder

Commit to growing in spiritual maturity through Scripture and prayer.

1. Do you view discernment as loving or judgmental?
   
2. Where might God be calling you to grow spiritually?
   
3. How can discernment protect your family or church?
   

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help me discern truth and grow beyond my spiritual immaturity. Help me walk in wisdom, grounded in truth and motivated by love. Be my guide as I go through the week in front of me, show me Your path as I go. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

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We live in a world full of confident voices, but Scripture reminds us that confidence does not equal truth.

Scripture: John 10:27, Proverbs 14:12

There has never before in history have people had access to so many opinions about God. There are podcasts, blogs, posts, videos, shorts, and inspirational quotes flooding our lives daily, I am included in this. Most will sound spiritual. Some will even deceptively quote Scripture. But Jesus made a clear distinction: His sheep recognize His voice. This single statement implies there are and will be other voices calling for our attention.

One of the largest dangers we face in these confusing times is assuming that sincerity equals truth. A well intended message can be passionate and it can still be wrong. A leader can be smooth, magnetic and charismatic and still be completely misleading. Sometimes our beliefs can feel comforting and still be completely unbiblical. The Bible, our owner’s manual, warns us that what “seems right” is not always right.

God’s voice is consistent with His character. God never contradicts His Word. He does not lead people with fear, pride, or confusion. His voice generates repentance, humility, obedience, and peace even when the truth is hard to see.

When we are trying to learn and recognize God’s voice it takes time and intimacy. Just like we recognize the voice of someone we love, believers grow in discernment by walking closely with Christ. The more familiar we become with Scripture, the easier it will be to recognize when something is off.

We by no means are telling anyone to distrust everyone, this is a call to become completely familiar with God and deeply getting to know and understand his character. Discernment will grow stronger from an intentional relationship, not paranoia.

Thoughts to Ponder

1. What voices most influence your spiritual thinking?
   
2. How do you normally determine whether something is from God?
   
3. Are you more familiar with cultural opinions or Scripture?
   

Finally ask God to tune your heart to His voice and quiet the noise that competes for your attention.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help me recognize Your voice above all others. Teach me to listen carefully, be my guide so I can walk closely with You, and love Your truth. Guard my heart from uncertainty,  confusion and lead me in wisdom. In Jesus Name Amen.

Getting to Know Him

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Truth is ultimately recognized not by how persuasive it sounds, but by the fruit it produces in a life surrendered to God.

Scripture: Matthew 7:16

Jesus taught us that truth is recognized by its fruit. He impresses that words alone are not enough; it’s the outcome that matters. Having discernment will look beyond what we see and it evaluates results. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8)

Truth will help us produce humility, peace, love, and obedience. On the other side, lies will help produce pride, confusion, fear, or division. The more time we focus on truth and begin to ignore the lies will help the fruit strengthen their roots. Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)

As Christians, our lives will become evidence of the truth that we follow. Renewing our minds will lead to transformed lives. Renewal doesn’t begin with behavior, but with surrender. When sin, fatigue, or failure weigh heavy, pray and invite God to restore your inner life. He is glad when renewing hearts that humbly return to Him. It all comes down to being aware of the lies not only to help identify errors, it is about reflecting truth. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. (Psalm 51:10)

Jesus reminded us that character reveals what we carry in our heart. Words can be impressive, but our fruit tells the truth. How we live our lives quietly displays what we truly follow. As we walk around, ask God to shape your actions so love, integrity, and faith grow visibly, evidence of a life rooted in Christ. God has invited us to not only know the truth, but to live it. When we renew our minds, our lives become testimonies.

Thoughts to Ponder

• What kind of fruit is your current thinking producing?
• Does it draw you closer to God? 
• Does it produce love and wisdom? 
• Or does it stir anxiety and division?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, let my actions reflect Your truth in the way I think, speak, and live. Teach me to be known by good fruit, not empty words. Shape my heart so my actions reflect Your truth. Prune all those things that do not honor You. Let love, humility, and obedience grow in my life, so others may see You clearly through me today in every ordinary moment. In Jesus Name Amen

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Getting to Know Him

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God’s Word illuminates our path step by step, teaching us discernment through consistent exposure, not quick reactions.

Scripture: Psalm 119:105

We are told that God’s Word is like a lamp, not a spotlight. He will illuminate the next step rather than showing us the entire path at once. Discernment will increase through consistent, patient exposure to His word. Remember: Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

We are a culture that values speed, we always want immediate clarity. But we need to understand that spiritual wisdom is formed slowly. God helps us shape discernment through daily engagement with His Word, thoroughly allowing truth to sink deep and influence our perspective. We are told: But if we hope for that which we don’t see, we wait for it with patience. (Romans 8:25)

Always relying on quick opinions will cause us to replace thoughtful reflection. Discernment resists haste. It pauses, prays, and seeks God’s guidance before responding.

When we make sure we are spending our time in Scripture it helps recalibrate our thinking. We train ourselves to recognize truth, wisdom, and what is error. With patience, God’s Word will become a filter through which we view the world.

If you truly desire discernment you need to prioritize Scripture; it’s not as a duty, but as a lifeline. The Bible doesn’t just inform us; it will transform us if we allow it to.

Discussion Prompt

How does your time in Scripture compare to other information you consume?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, let Your Word guide my thoughts, decisions, and responses. Block those things that try to interfere with Your message. Give me clarity for everything that you want me to know. In Jesus Name Amen

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Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

Renewing the mind doesn’t happen instantly, it happens daily as we lay aside old thinking and allow God’s Spirit to form new patterns in us.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:22–24

Successfully acquiring renewal is not something done in a moment, it is a journey. Paul showed believers that following Christ involves putting off the old self, the junk, pride, and ego, and putting on the new. His language suggests we need intentionality, repetition, and growth.

Our old ways of thinking don’t disappear automatically just because we accept Jesus as our one and only saviour. All of the cultural habits, emotional patterns, and learned assumptions that we are and have surrounded ourselves with still linger. Becoming a new person only happens as we consistently begin to choose truth over familiarity.

God is patient in this process; However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal life. (1 Timothy 1:16). Jesus does not expect perfection, but participation and relationship. Each day becomes another opportunity to align our thinking more closely with His Word. 

The Holy Spirit works gradually, reshaping us from the inside out. Have you ever heard of muscle memory, when you make something a habit it becomes second nature.  Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2)

Refinement deepens as our renewal continues. As we cultivate this renewal the more our minds are shaped by truth, it becomes easier and easier to recognize what does not belong. We begin to feel and sense when something is off, even if we can’t immediately understand why, it’ll be there pricking us in the back of our neck.

You ask why daily renewal matters. Skipping renewal doesn’t leave you neutral, oppositely it leaves us vulnerable. Our minds, just like soil, will cultivate whatever is planted in it consistently.

It is a great time to take the invitation to trust the process. God is at work, even when we feel like change has never left first gear. Our renewal is evidence of grace at work within you.

Discussion Prompt

What old way of thinking might God be inviting you to release?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, renew my mind and help me walk the path you have prepared for me. Give me the strength to always move forward with Your direction. Surround me with a hedge of protection to keep away distractions and doubt. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

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God often speaks not through the loudest voices, but through a still, quiet whisper that requires attentiveness and humility to hear.

Scripture: 1 Kings 19:11–12

At the time when Elijah encountered God, it wasn’t in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a gentle whisper. It was at this moment that revealed something profound about how God often speaks. Truth does not need to be a spectacle to be powerful. God’s voice is steady, clear, and calm.

We are in a culture that equates confidence with loudness and influence with visibility, this can be challenging. We have been conditioned to trust the boldest voice, the strongest opinion, or the most emotional argument. But discernment requires patience and stillness.

Hearing God’s whisper demands our attention. It requires us to slow down, to quiet our inner discourse, and to stop and  listen with humility. When our lives are full of chaos and cluttered with noise, even truth can pass by and never be heard.

Unfortunately danger does not just come from external noise, but internal noise anxieties, assumptions, fears, and preconceived ideas. All of this internal noise can drown out God’s guidance just as easily as external distractions.

Refinement grows when we create space for God to speak. This means we need to choose moments of silence, opening Scripture without an agenda, and praying not just to speak, but to listen.

God is not silent. However, He often waits until we are still enough to hear Him. As you move through this week, consider:

• What needs to quiet down in your life so truth can rise clearly?
• What distractions make it difficult for you to hear God clearly?

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, quiet my heart and help me recognize Your voice above every other sound. Help me know what is true and what is flashy deception, allow me to quit the chaos around me and inside my head. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

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Every message we consume is shaping us; either conforming us to the world or transforming us by God’s truth.

Scripture: Romans 12:2

When we look at it we are all being shaped by something. It is not a matter of whether or not we are being formed, but it is by what form we are choosing. When we read the Bible Paul presented us with two paths: conformity to the world or transformation by the renewing of the mind. One happens passively. The other requires intention.

Conformity will happen when we drift and become comfortable. Even more when we stop questioning assumptions. It happens more and more as we accept cultural values simply because they are common. Transformation, on the other hand, is something that requires submission; bringing our thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes under the authority of God’s Word.

If you choose to allow it, the world will disciple you constantly. It will teach you what its version of success looks like, what its happiness requires, what it thinks matters the most, and what doesn’t. As time passes, these messages will shape your expectations and your reactions. We begin to think like the people and culture we surround ourselves with without even realizing it.

Standing above it and becoming renewed is God’s answer to corruption. This restoration is not behavior modification; it is mind transformation. When we choose to have our minds renewed, our thoughts and desires begin to change. What was once appealing to us loses its grip. What we used to think was foolish begins to look wise.

Changing and embracing renewal doesn’t happen overnight. It happens with time in Scripture, prayer, community, and humility. This will only happen when we invite God to challenge our assumptions instead of defending them. Transformation will not happen until we admit to ourselves that some of our thinking may be misaligned with truth.

Thoughts to Ponder:

Today we invite you to take the time to yourself and have some honest reflection. 

1. Are your responses shaped more by Scripture or by cultural narratives? 
2. Are your convictions rooted in God’s Word or reinforced by popular opinion?  
3. In what ways might culture be shaping your thinking more than Scripture?

God’s will is good, pleasing, and perfect, but we only recognize it when our minds are renewed. Discernment flows from transformation.

Prayer

 Dear Heavenly Father, reshape my thoughts according to Your truth, not the patterns of this world. Block out the little things that are trying to corrupt my mind, thoughts, beliefs and attitude. Help me mould my mind around Your instructions and plan for me. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...

We live in a culture that never stops talking, but volume is not the same as truth; discernment begins by recognizing how much noise competes for our minds.

Scripture: Romans 12:2

They have branded this generation as the loudest in human history. Which if we think about from the moment we wake up, voices compete for our attention; news alerts, social media feeds, podcasts, opinions, ads, and commentary. Everyone has their opinion and is speaking, persuading, warning, demanding, and declaring their truth. When we read the bible it reminds us that volume does not equal wisdom, and repetition does not equal truth.

Romans 12:2 begins with a warning: “Do not be conformed to this world.” Compliance happens quietly. The world does not always force us into its mould; instead, it slowly shapes our thinking through constant exposure. Over time, what seemed to sound foreign begins to become normal. What once troubled our conscience begins to feel acceptable. This is exactly what has happen over the last few decades and it is why it seems like we are being forced to comply. It has been being worked on for years.

True insight begins when we recognize the influence of noise that surrounds us. We can recognize that not all noise is evil, but noise that is unchecked can dull spiritual sensitivity. When we constantly fill our minds with never ending static, we leave little room for reflection, prayer, or Scripture. Instead of thinking before we act we will act with unhinged emotion. We absorb all of the noise instead of evaluating with a clear head.

God will not compete with the noise, He invites us into renewal. The definition of renewal: the act of saying or doing over again. It requires awareness, taking a honest look at what is shaping our thoughts, attitudes, and beliefs. Before transformation can happen, we have to look into what surrounding, influencing, and forming you.

I am not talking about rejecting culture entirely; it’s about refusing to let the current culture to be your primary teacher. When becoming a new Christian the Christian life begins with surrender, but it continues with intentional listening. God still speaks, but His voice is often quieter than the world’s overwhelming chaos. We just need to slow down and listen.

Thoughts to Ponder:

• What voices most influence your thinking on a daily basis?
• Ask yourself not just what you believe, but who or what has been shaping those beliefs?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, help me recognize the useless noise in my life and help me to tune my heart to Your voice above all others. Be my guide and my light in the dark. In Jesus Name Amen

Getting to Know Him

Do you want eternal life? Do you want to enter heaven through the only guide that can help you navigate your way there? To enter His home, get to know Him better, and make Him your Lord and Savior CLICK HERE…...