October 28th - Reflection

Simon and Jude, Apostles
1 John 4:1-6 (NRSV)

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. And this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming; and now it is already in the world. Little children, you are from God, and have conquered them; for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore what they say is from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and whoever is not from God does not listen to us. From this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Reflection
It's always so hard to figure out a direction to take in life. Sometimes decisions are easy snap decisions, but other times there are those decisions that change everything. There are, at time, many factors that play into a decision. And when the decision involves people, which they usually do, it's even more complicated.

When decision must come quickly, such as in an emergency, quickly pray for the Holy Spirit to lead and guide your actions and go! Go quickly, decide now and save lives. But when the decision isn't in an emergency, slow down. Reflect on the written Word. Listen to the Word spoken through friends. Seek advice, and throughout all pray, pray, pray. Wrestle with God on the decision. Wrestle hard and mighty. And then listen. Listen carefully. Test the spirits and see if Jesus is present.

We know Jesus is present in the Word, the Bible. We know Jesus speaks through people, but test those words. And test the words that come through you. God is closer than you think. You will reach that time when you know that the One within you, that you listen to, is greater than the one who is in the world. Listen, and reflect, and trust the One who is with you and in you. God is closer than you think. Thanks be to God!

Prayer
Lord, speed me up and slow me down. Help me with the decisions I need to make in life. As I open your Word and reflect on what you speak; help me to apply your direction and your will to my life. In love I come to you. Make my actions a demonstration of your love as I move into the world with you. --- Amen