W5D2: Truth requires discernment. Decisions require discernment.


After a few bumps in the road yesterday found a few more opportunities to look into and find referrers for as I step into today. The one active application is still an exciting one and hoping to hear back on it soon. An early morning meeting to discuss a situation and absenteeism will require discernment to determine the truth as many sources have spins on the truth. Today I hope for God to provide me with the wisdom, discernment, direction, and favor to cling to and help me continue to move forward “boldly and courageously” as God continues His work to open the right door for me to step through and step into the promised land. Let’s vet the content we are allowing into our brains.

The Need for Discernment in Seeking Truth

While navigating opportunities and challenges, it becomes evident that discernment is paramount. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and not lean on our own understanding. This underscores the importance of seeking God’s guidance in every decision we make, especially when faced with conflicting information. Discernment enables us to sift through the noise and ascertain the truth amidst various perspectives. It is through prayerful discernment that we align our steps with God’s will, ensuring that our actions are rooted in His wisdom rather than our limited understanding.

Key Takeaway: 

Trusting in the Lord wholeheartedly and seeking His guidance through prayer cultivates discernment, enabling us to distinguish truth from deception.

Practical Application: 

Dedicate time each day to seek God’s wisdom through prayer and meditation on Scripture. When faced with conflicting information, pause and ask God for discernment to see beyond the surface and perceive His truth.

Walking in God’s Wisdom

As believers, we are called to walk in God’s wisdom, which surpasses human understanding (James 1:5). Amidst the uncertainties of life, God promises to grant wisdom generously to those who ask Him in faith. This assurance encourages us to approach every decision with confidence, knowing that God’s wisdom is available to guide us. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us that wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, we must prioritize seeking it above all else. In doing so, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and navigate life’s complexities with clarity and discernment.

Key Takeaway: 

Seeking God’s wisdom empowers us to make decisions that honor Him and align with His plans for our lives.

Practical Application: 

Develop a habit of seeking wisdom from God daily through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking counsel from wise mentors. Trust in God’s promise to provide wisdom abundantly as you navigate life’s decisions.

Embracing God’s Direction

In our journey through unemployment and transitions, it is vital to embrace God’s direction wholeheartedly. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us that a person plans their course, but the Lord determines their steps. This truth highlights the importance of surrendering our plans to God and trusting Him to lead us in the right direction. Even amid uncertainty, we can have confidence that God is orchestrating every detail according to His perfect will. By aligning our steps with His guidance, we position ourselves to walk in His favor and experience His abundant blessings.

Key Takeaway: 

Surrendering our plans to God and trusting in His direction leads to fulfillment and success according to His will.

Practical Application: 

Continually seek God’s guidance and surrender your plans to Him, trusting that He will direct your steps according to His perfect plan. Remain open to His leading, even if it deviates from your own expectations, knowing that His ways are higher, and His plans are for your ultimate good.

Trusting God’s Guidance in the In-Between

As I reflect on the past weeks of unemployment and living in the “in-between,” I am reminded of the importance of discernment, wisdom, and surrendering to God’s direction. In the face of uncertainties and challenges, I have learned to lean on God’s understanding rather than my own. Through prayerful discernment and seeking God’s wisdom, I have found clarity and direction amidst the noise of conflicting voices. As I prepare to step into a new week, I am reminded to continue trusting in God’s promises and surrendering my plans to His sovereign will. In doing so, I am confident that He will lead me into the abundant life He has promised, guiding me every step of the way.

My Notes:

We need to study God’s Word concerning our current situations and circumstances to listen to hear what God has to tell us from His Word which is active and alive. His Word is sharper than a double-edged sword and can cut to the core of any situation. So today rather than limiting yourself to my notes, dig in and research what today’s reading has to say to you using the links above and reading or having it read to you. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to receive the teaching, rebuking, correction, and training you need to be thoroughly equipped rather than limiting yourself to my notes.

Judges 7

Gideon’s Discernment in Seeking God’s Guidance

In Judges 7, we witness Gideon’s remarkable display of discernment as he seeks God’s guidance in leading the Israelites against their enemies. Despite having a large army at his disposal, Gideon discerns that victory does not depend on sheer numbers but on God’s intervention (Judges 7:2-7). Through a series of tests and signs, Gideon discerns God’s will with unwavering faith, ultimately reducing his army to a mere 300 men. This radical decision showcases Gideon’s trust in God’s wisdom rather than his own understanding. The key takeaway from Gideon’s story is that discernment involves trusting God’s unconventional methods over conventional wisdom.

Key Takeaway: 

Discernment requires trusting in God’s unconventional methods over human reasoning and understanding.

Practical Application: 

When faced with daunting challenges, seek God’s guidance earnestly through prayer and be open to unconventional solutions that align with His will, even if they defy human logic.

  • Gideon Defeats the Midianites‘The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men. I cannot deliver Midian into their hands, or Israel would boast against me, ‘My own strength has saved me.’ Now announce to the army, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’ ” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained. But the Lord said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the Lord told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.” Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink. The Lord said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.” ‘
  • — Judges 7:2-7

Judges 8

Gideon’s Legacy of Faithfulness

In Judges 8, we see Gideon’s continued reliance on God’s guidance even after his victory over the Midianites. Despite facing opposition and temptation to claim kingship, Gideon remains faithful to God’s command and refuses to rule over Israel (Judges 8:22-23). His humility and obedience exemplify the traits of a discerning leader who prioritizes God’s will above personal ambition. Gideon’s legacy serves as an inspiration for us to remain steadfast in our faith and discernment, even in times of success and prosperity.

Key Takeaway: 

Faithfulness to God’s commands brings lasting fulfillment and honor.

Practical Application: 

Stay faithful to God’s Word and His leading, even when tempted by worldly success or recognition. Let humility and obedience characterize your leadership, trusting in God’s faithfulness to guide you through every season of life.

  • Zebah and Zalmunna
    • Gideon’s Ephod
    • ‘The Israelites said to Gideon, “Rule over us—you, your son and your grandson—because you have saved us from the hand of Midian.” But Gideon told them, “I will not rule over you, nor will my son rule over you. The Lord will rule over you.” ‘
    • — Judges 8:22-23
  • Gideon’s Death

Judges 9

Abimelech’s Lack of Wisdom and Humility

In contrast to Gideon’s discernment, Judges 9 presents the tragic story of Abimelech, a ruler driven by pride and ambition rather than God’s wisdom. Abimelech’s ruthless pursuit of power leads to disastrous consequences, culminating in bloodshed and division among his own people (Judges 9:22-57). His failure to seek God’s guidance and exercise humility results in his downfall. Abimelech’s story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the destructive consequences of pride and the importance of seeking God’s wisdom in leadership.

Key Takeaway: 

Pride blinds us to God’s wisdom and leads to destructive outcomes.

Practical Application: 

Cultivate humility by acknowledging your dependence on God’s wisdom in decision-making and leadership. Seek counsel from wise mentors and submit your ambitions to God’s sovereign will, guarding against the pitfalls of pride.

  • Abimelek

Trusting God’s Guidance in the In-Between

As we reflect on the stories of Gideon, and Abimelech, and the lessons from Judges 7-9, we are reminded of the vital importance of discernment in seeking God’s guidance. Like Gideon, may we trust in God’s unconventional methods and remain faithful to His commands, even when faced with uncertainty and opposition. Let us guard against the pitfalls of pride, as exemplified by Abimelech, and humbly submit our plans to God’s sovereign will. As we step into each new day, may we walk in wisdom, discernment, and unwavering faith, knowing that God is faithful to lead us into His promised abundance.

Stepping Forward in Discernment and Faith

In today’s journey of seeking truth, making decisions, and trusting in God’s guidance, we are reminded of the paramount importance of discernment. As we navigate through opportunities and challenges, we lean not on our own understanding but trust in the Lord with all our hearts (Proverbs 3:5-6). Through prayerful discernment and seeking God’s wisdom, we align our steps with His will, distinguishing truth from deception and making decisions that honor Him (James 1:5). Just as Gideon demonstrated radical faith and obedience in discerning God’s guidance, may we too trust in God’s unconventional methods and remain faithful to His commands. Let us guard against the pitfalls of pride and worldly ambition, humbly submitting our plans to God’s sovereign will. As we step into each new day, may we walk boldly and courageously, knowing that God’s wisdom and guidance will lead us into His promised abundance.


Today is a day that thanks to Jesus is filled with inspiration. So let us make sure we receive the gift of grace through Jesus by faith in Him and step up and out to accomplish all the good works He has prepared in advance for us to accomplish. If you haven’t received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not choose today to be the day your life is transformed and you become a new creation and start the journey of becoming everything God created, purposed, and planned for you to be?

Let’s pray:

Dear God, I admit I am a sinner and need your forgiveness; I believe that Jesus Christ died in my place paying the penalty for my sins. I am willing right now to turn from my sin and accept Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and Lord. I commit myself to you and ask you to send the Holy Spirit into my life, to fill me and take control, and to help me become the kind of person you want me to be. Thank you Father for loving me. In Jesus' name. Amen

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