Daily Devotional
How Can You Teach Children to Discern Truth?
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”
James 3:13–18
November 27, 2023
Ponder This
If a dog has a nasty bone in his mouth and you try to take it away from him, you might get bitten. But if you put a steak on the ground and the dog sees the steak, he’ll drop the bone to get the steak. That dog discerns. He looks: Here’s the bone, there’s the steak. There’s a discernment. He thinks, “That is better than this.” Then there’s a choice. He says, “I want the steak. I choose the steak.” Then he refuses the bone.
You’re going to have to spend some time with your children helping them understand what the values of life are. I would not trade anything for fellowship with God. The ability to have a godly family is valuable and precious. Don’t let them sacrifice these things. Lead them to Christ. Help them to see through Satan’s lies. All of their sin struggles are based on a lie. The lie is that this is somehow good, tantalizing, titillating, that it will somehow satisfy. It is all a lie. Satan is a liar. Show your children the One who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
- Who has taught you the most about discernment? How has that impacted you?
- How do you seek to communicate the value of Christ to those around you?
Practice This
Share with another person how precious and valuable Jesus is to you.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
