Discipline of Discernment

by Bart Hadaway

Study includes:

A. Prophetic Encouragement
B. Devotional Teaching
C. Weekly Scripture Meditation
D. Resource Corner

A. Prophetic Encouragement

We are living in a day of mass confusion, fear, and uncertainty. But for us in the body of Christ it should not be so. The Spirit of God who gives peace, comfort, and direction is speaking to us very clearly. The One who lives within is calling us to “come away” and abide in the shelter of the Most High. We are not to simply exist in these times, but rather we are to be more than conquerors and be the example of hope to the world and to those who are searching for answers. As we discern the times and respond accordingly (I Chronicles 12:32), we will secure and live in the promises such as those found in Psalm 91. We will be carriers and releasers of the glory of God in the earth.

B. Devotional Teaching

1. The Necessity of Discernment

In Matthew 16:3, Jesus rebuked the Pharisees and Sadducees for not being able to discern the times and the signs of the times. If we are to know how to live in these times, we must discern what the Lord is saying at all times. We don’t want to get caught looking and not seeing. Not only will we miss the promises and provisions of the Lord, we may actually miss the Lord Himself.

2. Keys to Discernment

In John 5:30, Jesus gives us the single greatest key to discernment. “As I hear, I judge (i.e., discern/determine). The key to discerning correctly is hearing. One of the most common things I hear throughout the body of Christ is, “I can’t hear God.” Beloved, please hear this. Jesus said that His sheep DO hear His voice (John 10:27). In John 5:25, Jesus said, “An hour is coming, and now is, when the dead [spiritually dead, not those in the grave], will hear the voice of the Son of God,” because the Father who has life in Himself has granted the Son to have life in Himself. Did you get that? Even those who have yet to be born again are now exposed to and able to hear the voice of God. The Light and Life of the world stepped into the world of death and darkness and made Himself known. How much more can we who have the Spirit of God living in us hear His voice! Let me tell you what the voice of the Son of God sounds like. It sounds like everything that pertains to life and godliness – love, hope, mercy, compassion, forgiveness, blessing, and all that is within the goodness of God. It is everything that is the opposite of death, such as fear, hopelessness, and condemnation. You can hear and discern the voice of God!

Next, Jesus gave us a key to hearing. “My judgment [which comes from hearing] is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me” (John 5:30 NKJV). So, the key to discerning is hearing. And, the key to hearing is to only seek the will of the Father. George Muller, one of the greatest preachers of the 19^th century, said it this way, “In every situation, I seek to get my heart in such a condition that it has no will of its own.” When we are surrendered to the will of God, we are able to hear clearly. This is a daily and lifetime process. It does not come from striving, but rather resting in and submitting ourselves to the finished work of the cross.

Another key that Jesus gave is found in John 7:17 (NKJV). “If anyone wills to do is will, he shall know.” Our willingness to obey naturally follows a heart that is surrendered. Oswald Chambers said this, “To have a master and to be mastered is not the same thing. To have a master means that there is one who knows me better than I know myself, one who fathoms the remotest abyss of my heart and satisfies it. It is one who has brought me into the secure sense that he has met and solved every perplexity and problem of my mind. It is the relationship of a son to a father.” While Jesus was truly a servant in every way, He was always obedient because of the loving relationship that He had with the Father. In other words, as we live in the assurance of His love for us, obedience is the most natural response to His voice, because we trust Him.

Be encouraged today as you live fully trusting Him. Take time each day to draw near to your Father. Don’t let the noise of the world and the distraction of business rob your intimacy with God. As you do, you will clearly hear His voice, live in true discernment, and shine as a bright light in a world of people looking for hope.

C. Weekly Scripture Meditation

Week ONE – John 10:1-30
Week TWO – John 5
Week THREE – Isaiah 30:18-21
Week FOUR – Isaiah 26:1-9

D. Resource Corner

Standing Firm in the Evil Day - by Patricia King

God is searching for believers who are willing to be used mightily in the midst of corrupt days. As darkness covers the earth and people give over to unrighteousness, the Lord longs to find those who are willing to allow His Glory to shine through them.. This 4-CD set is a prophetic word as well as an in-depth teaching on how to stand firm and walk in the fullness of all that God has for His "Latter House".

Power of His Love - by Rob Hotchkin

There is a power that comes from knowing the Father’s love for us. When we are truly rooted and grounded in a deep revelation of His love, we begin to flow in the same unlimited anointing that Jesus did when He walked the earth. Healings happen. Deliverances happen. Miracles happen. The Kingdom happens. And it’s easy. In this message, Rob Hotchkin shares aspects of his testimony along with revelation from Scripture that will release you into a new experience of God’s love for you, and a new ability to allow His love to flow through you and impact the world around you. If you grab hold of this message, it can truly change your life!

Extreme Decrees for Extreme Times - by Patricia King, Bart and Kim Hadaway Paulette Reed, and Rob Hotchkin

During challenging times of change and upheaval, there is one constant you can always rely on – God! He never changes. His promises are always yes and amen. And His word never fails! In this booklet, Patricia King and her team have crafted a collection of EXTREME DECREES for EXTREME TIMES -- truths and teachings that culminate in prophetic expressions of God’s heart for you. Each Extreme Decree powerfully reminds you who you are to God, who He is for you, and the inexhaustible blessings of heaven that have been given to you through the cross.