We are in a time now where we need to be more discerning than any other time in history!

Before you ask “Why?”, just browse through the news headlines of different major newspapers from past 30 days. There we find all sorts of intimidating news, especially to do with the unpredictable future. All who think rationally will wonder, “How can we ever get out of this mess?” That is where discernment enters the stage!

What is discernment? The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language defines it as “the act or process of exhibiting keen insight and good judgment”. In other words, discernment has to do with the ability to see and decide.

Check out what apostle Paul prayed for the Philippian church: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (Philippians 1:9-11)

The above passage shows us three things about spiritual discernment:

1. For productive results, discernment must be mixed with love and knowledge. Discernment without love is dangerous. Discernment without knowledge is folly. However when love and knowledge are mixed with discernment, we see productivity!

2. Combined with love and knowledge, discernment helps us to choose the best. Why go for mediocrity when you can see excellence! Often people end up being mediocre because they can’t differentiate between common and uncommon. Discernment brings you the solution.

3. Discernment, along with love and knowledge, leads us to stand ready for the great Day. There is no need of discernment if we plan to live life as it comes our way. However discernment is needed to live life intentionally. A day is coming when Jesus is going to snatch us out of this earth. A day is coming when we have to settle our life’s account with Him. A discerning heart knows that He is already at the door and lives ready to meet Him!

Read The Article: Test The Spirits

Remember: It takes discernment to begin and maintain 2012 afresh!

Question: How did discernment help you in the past? Add your comments below.

- – - written by Joe Abraham from www.joeandancy.com

The title may initially appear paradoxical: how can you be focused and flexible at the same time? The truth is, to bring in balance, ‘focus’ and ‘flexibility’ ought to go hand-in-hand.

While focus is about ‘concentrating attention or energy on something’, flexibility is about ‘being responsive to change’.

For example, if John wants to construct a new house, he will take time to plan its design. He is now focused on building it as per the design. However he is also flexible to slightly alter the design for the sake of meeting the cost.

The Scripture talks about both focus and flexibility. Check out what apostle Paul says about focus: “…I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race…” (Philippians 3:13,14 NLT). Connect this passage with what God says about flexibility: “…I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual…” (Matthew 12:7 MSG).

In other words, God loves to see us focused on doing what we are called to do. At the same time, He doesn’t want us to be inflexible, religious and ritualistic about it, losing freshness and passion that go with the call.

How do you work this out?

1. Embrace consistency for growth: If you want to grow, consistency is an essential key. Inconsistency wrecks growth.

2. Embrace change for improvement: If you want to improve, change is an essential key. Resistance stains improvement.

3. Embrace purpose and passion: Never take one and omit the other. The two function like the wings of a bird. Incorporate both into your life and work. And you will fly high!

Remember: it takes focus and flexibility to start and maintain 2012 afresh.

Question: How do you find this principle working on your side? Add your comments below.

- – - written by Joe Abraham from www.joeandancy.com

Talk about ‘fresh beginnings in 2012′ and you got to talk about your ‘connections’.

Like the old saying “No man is an island”, relationships play a major role in starting 2012 afresh. Relationships can either build you up or tear you down.

Show me your connections and I will tell you what you will become! That’s the power of connections. And that’s why you got to choose relationships with good people. So our ninth step in starting 2012 afresh is connecting with good people.

As you go for good connections, here are some 7 qualities which will help you identify them:-

1. Look for those with good character.

Character is the real thing. It comes from the core. Recently my wife and I had been to a quality restaurant. The facility looked impressive. But the food wasn’t that great. Performance may sometimes be cheap imitation. Go for the gold, not imitation. Connect with people of character.

2. Look for those who rejoice in your success.

A smart way to find good people is to check how they respond when you succeed. Some overlook your success. Some envy your success. Some celebrate your success! Hook up with the third category.

3. Look for those who encourage you.

If you expect everyone to encourage you, you will be disappointed. However there will be some who like what you are doing and they will encourage you. Network with such folks.

4. Look for those who are more successful than you in your field.

If you really want to grow, you got to learn from those who already grew in your field. Amateurs can provide growth principles in ‘drops’ while professionals ‘shower’ it on you!

5. Look for those who have a positive outlook.

Mindset matters. Hang out with the optimists than the pessimists. There are some rich folks who have a frugal mindset. There are also some poor folks who have a lavish mindset. Better to be positive in a negative world than being negative in a positive world!

6. Look for those who have time for you.

If someone lends you his time, it’s an indication of the high value he offers you. If someone values something, he has all the time for that thing. If he devalues it, he has all the excuses why there isn’t time for it!

7. Look for those who could mentor you.

What you can learn by yourself within 1 year can often be learned within 1 month through a mentor. Never underestimate the value of a mentor when it comes to new beginnings and growth.

Proverbs 13:9 says “The lives of good people are brightly lit streets…”. They help you start and maintain 2012 afresh.

Read the poem: Why God gave us friends

We hope our article will help all of you to connect with good people in 2012. Question: What other qualities are you looking for in people you like connecting with? Add your comments below.

- – - written by Joe Abraham from www.joeandancy.com