Divides: 2 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

                Divides 

                Destructive heresies

                abound every day

                drapped in false

                guidance as sugar offerings.

                Determined to break

                truth in our hearts

                detour us from

                God's mercy and truth.

                Discernment our gift

                with Holy Spirit's presence

                Dissolves the lies

                when we seek and listen.

Psalm 89:39: "Thou hast spurned the covenant of Thy servant; Thou hast profaned his crown in the dust."

                

                

Reflection: Discernment: 2 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions 

        1. Have you experienced false interpretation of Scripture? How? Why?

        2. How did the Lord open up the errors, due to false ideas, for you to recognize the lies?

        3. How now do you filter out ignorance or corruption?

Share: When has the Holy Spirit protected you from a heresy immediately?

Discernment: 2 Peter: Prayers and Poetry

2nd Peter 1:20-21 to 2:1-2: "You must understand this at the outset: Interpretation of scriptural prophecy requires the Holy Spirit, for it does not originate from someone's own imagination. No true prophecy comes from human initiative but is inspired by the moving of the Holy Spirit upon those who speak the message that came from God.

    In the past there arose false prophets among God's people, just as there will continue to be false teachers who will secretly infiltrate in your midst to divide you, bringing with them their destructive heresies. They will even deny the Master, who paid the price for them, bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow immoral lifestyles. Because of these corrupt false teachers, the way of truth will be slandered."

Discernment

Lord, we need Your thoughts and words all the time in all circumstances. We cannot trust  our own confusions that arise. Please guide us through each step said in our words whether talking to ourselves or sharing with others.

Only Your direction and messages as You nudge in Your time.

And remind us to take the time to seek confirmation from You--especially when new ideas arise--so that we stay on Your truth. And to identify subtle proposals that seem so kind.

In all our thoughts--our actions--our relationships.

Your wisdom only from the Spirit's voice.

Your thoughts,

Kingdom Manna

Grace

John 18:36, Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”

Israel’s history, like much of the ancient world, included a long list of battles. They fought for the land of Canaan against the Philistines and Amorites and Chaldeans. They fought wars within their lands for territory and kings. Often they fought at God’s call—as an arm of His command.

When outright challenge was thwarted, they went underground as freedom fighters, watching for opportunities to hinder, stab, and sabotage their conquerors, such as Rome. Right seethed within them. God given rights of land and nationality and religion.

In turn Rome diligently sought out insurrection. Stamped out the leaders. Knew who were the rabble-rousers and who the serious contenders. And Pilate believed Jesus’ claim. And trembled. And tried to release Him. This man of no worldly threat to Empire—Pilate recognized.

Why would Jesus need to fight for that which was already His? He stood calm before the tirade against Him. Preparing for the greater need. The battle for mankind’s deliverance. Religious and political leaders saw only an immediate threat to their territory and their influence. Not the spiritual war for reconciliation. Not the grace of God. Not the return of His kingdom.

Instill in me the discernment, Lord, to recognize Your rule.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 103:19

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,

and his kingdom rules over all.