“My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”
– John 5:17

“Everyday we wake up in the middle of something that is already going on”
– Eugene Peterson

A significant part of what it means to abide with Jesus is to believe that God is always at work in and all around us, and then to discern what it is he is up to in order to participate in it as he leads.  In this context the popular question, “What would Jesus do?” should rather be, “What is Jesus doing?”  In order to discern what Jesus is doing we must become very familiar with what Jesus did.  And we learn that by reading and meditating on Scripture.  We also must remain sensitive to the supernatural promptings of the Holy Spirit.  I believe that one’s spiritual discernment increases to the degree that one continues to grow in discipline and sensitivity.  Discipline in reading, meditating and studying the Word.  Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s presence and promptings.

To this end I have made it my habit to constantly read the gospels along with whatever other portion of Scripture I may be working through.  I also try to intentionally look and listen for any evidence of the Spirit at work in any given situation.  I also benefit greatly by exercising the spiritual gift of speaking in tongues, which I most often just speak quietly without anyone else even knowing I am doing so.

Discipline and sensitivity.  Both are biblical imperatives.  Both are accessible to every Christ follower.  Both are necessary if one is to grow in the ability to discern in order to participate with what God is doing.  And to participate with what God is doing is the greatest privilege and most satisfying experience one could ever have!

What is God up to right now?