Deep Cleaning (11/10/14)

Recently, my husband and I began a cleaning project in the kitchen. We pulled out the refrigerator and stove. We proceeded to deep clean the floors, counter sides, appliances and walls. (Thankfully it was not as bad as I had anticipated.) In order to do this, we pulled everything from the top of the refrigerator and counters. We also gathered the bags from behind the refrigerator and the large cookie pans that slide vertically beside the stove. All were placed on the table and another countertop across the room. We swept and scrubbed everything.

After pushing the clean appliances back into the place and scrubbing wall and counter tops, I looked around the kitchen. At this point, the kitchen looked messier than it had been before the deep clean had begun. Despite the energy put into sweeping and scrubbing, most of the completed work was hidden when the appliances were moved back into position. I knew that progress has been made, but all that met my eye was what still needed to be done. Knowing how clean the hidden crevices were did nothing to improve the view before me.

Do you ever feel that this is what is going on in your spiritual life? God is responsible for doing the cleanup work in our hearts. We come to Him with all our failures, bad habits and wrong attitudes. If we present these before Him and request His work in our lives, He will make something beautiful out of us. We are promised, “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action].” (1 John 1:9 AMP) We admit and confess our sin and wrongdoing. God forgives and cleans us up. 

After he sinned, King David was well aware that he could not clean himself up. He knew that a true heart clean could only be formed by Almighty God. Therefore he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right, persevering, and steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10 AMP) This can also be the daily cry of our hearts. As we desire to be more like Jesus we ask that He clean anything that detracts from achieving this transformation. 

We may dedicate time to the renewal of our minds to the word of God. We may endure trials and testing while relying on the Lord. We can even know that bad habits are changing and our hearts are becoming softer. So why does it seem that when we look ahead all we see maybe how far we still have to go? As we grow more mature, we may find unpleasing attitudes that we were not even aware are inside us. Like the bags behind my refrigerator, these had remained unseen but now require action. Becoming aware of them is actually proof of the deep work that is in progress. So quickly we forget the work and progress and look only at what remains to be overcome. 

Regarding this progress in our lives, we can consider Jesus’ teaching of the kingdom. “… The kingdom of God is like a man who scatters seed upon the ground, And then continues sleeping and rising night and day while the seed sprouts and grows and increases—he knows not how. The earth produces [acting] by itself—first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.” (Mark 4:26-29 AMP) The word of God that has been planted in our hearts is accomplishing its purpose even when we do not see it. After time we will see the first signs of character growth. This growth will continue until we see fully developed fruit in our lives. 

It was fairly discouraging to continue cleaning the kitchen when our progress remained unseen. Step-by-step, piece by piece, wipe by wipe; the work continued until the visible areas where as clean as the hidden. By the time the kitchen had been fully cleaned, a great sense of satisfaction had replaced the discouragement. It took time and considerable effort, but the result was quite gratifying. 

Likewise, in our spiritual lives we continue, day by day and decision by decision, choosing to follow God’s plan. We will find that God will finish every work that He begins and us. “And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.” (Philippians 1:6 AMP) We can be grateful and satisfied with the work that has already been done to bring about maturity as we stride toward the beauty of this completion. We will one day see that, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11a AMP) 

As you evaluate your life, rejoice in what God has already done in you. As you become aware of them, bring other areas before the Lord for cleaning. And look expectantly to all that God can and will accomplish in your life.

What Are You Wearing Today? (2/11/15)

There are several, common sayings about clothing. ‘The clothes make the man.’ ‘Dress for success.’ These are just two. First impressions are often determined in part by the attire that we have chosen to wear.

Every morning we get up and choose what will wear for today. Work attire may be a uniform, dress clothes or casual. Whichever it is, we reach for that outfit and put it on. When we stand before our closets deciding which clothing we will put on for the day, we are making a decision about how we will be perceived by everyone we see. The clothes that we put on do not change the person we are. Our true identity is constant, whether we are wearing dress clothes, casual or even pajamas. We are who we truly are inside.

The same is true of God. He is the almighty King of the universe at all times. Regardless of what anyone thinks or says about Him, He remains supreme. He wears clothes of royalty.  “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; the Lord is robed, He has girded Himself with strength and power; the world also is established, that it cannot be moved.” (Psalms 93:1 AMP) God rules at all times.

Jesus was still all God when He walked this earth. He took off the royal appearance and put on humility in the appearance of man. ^“ But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.  And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!” (Philippians 2:7-8 AMP) He was no less God but chose to dress in the skin of man instead of the robes of majesty.

We have been made royalty when we became children of God. “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 AMP) Spiritually we wear the robes of royalty yet we are told to put on humility. “Let this same attitude and purpose and [humble] mind be in you which was in Christ Jesus: [Let Him be your example in humility:]” (Philippians 2:5 AMP)

Another item of clothing that we are to take out of our spiritual closet is love. Love and concern for others must be worn at all times. “And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony].” (Colossians 3:14 AMP) This may not always be the easiest piece of clothing to wear when others are difficult to serve. But considering the great love of Jesus we can choose to keep wearing love.

 Praise and so much more have been given to us by the sacrifice of Jesus. He stated that He was sent, “To grant [consolation and joy] to those who mourn in Zion—to give them an ornament (a garland or diadem) of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, the garment [expressive] of praise instead of a heavy, burdened, and failing spirit—that they may be called oaks of righteousness [lofty, strong, and magnificent, distinguished for uprightness, justice, and right standing with God], the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3 AMP) We have been given beauty, joy and praise to wear. We can wear them proudly as signs of royalty and bring glory to our Father, the King.

 The armor given to us by the Holy Spirit is unseen apparel that we must wear daily.  “Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11 AMP) The lies and attacks that come against us cannot stand up to the armor we have been given.

Whether God is dressed as a man as Jesus was when He walked this earth, in full battle array or sitting on the throne, shining in all His splendor at the final judgment, He remains unchangeable. “For I am the Lord, I do not change;” (Malachi 3:6a AMP) Even if others see our acts of kindness and humility as displays of weakness rather than kingly obedience to the Almighty King, our royal identity remains intact.

What will you wear today? What will others see?

Listen to Your Directions

This past weekend, I again served on the tech team for the weekly services of our church. Although I am also trained to operate a camera and serve as stage manager, my duties this weekend were centered behind a computer. Song lyrics, video and other slides appropriate to the service are run through this computer. My specific set of duties when running computer are very different from those of either the camera operator or the stage manager.
Because the tech team operates as a unit to enhance the worship service, we are all connected via radio headsets. When the director speaks we can all hear his voice. It is important to listen to our call sign to know when he is talking to us and when he is talking to someone else.
Because I have been a camera operator or stage manager at other times, I have to be extremely careful to listen to my current call sign. It is easy for me to desire to look up when one of the others are mentioned. Yet in doing so, I run the risk of missing my own responsibilities. By paying too much attention to the camera directions, I can miss putting up the correct lyrics during worship. It is imperative that I stay in the moment with the task that is in my hand.

As brothers and sisters in Christ we are to act together as a unit to bring the kingdom of God to this earth. Our hearts all pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10 AMP) We are to play a role in bringing this to pass. In order to perform the work that God has for us, we must each work at the task to which we have been called. “For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use, So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].” (Romans 12:4-5 AMP) We all must work together using our gifts and talent to promote the kingdom of God here on earth.

At different times, God may call and enable us to various forms of service. “To everything there is a season, and a time for every matter or purpose under heaven:” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP) As we move on to another task, it is important to focus on the new task. To do so we cannot allow ourselves to be too tied to other tasks we have performed in the past. The Lord says, “Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it?” (Isaiah 43:18-19a AMP) We must pay attention to the “now” things of God.

Another important factor is to avoid paying too much attention to what God is directing others to do. Paul told Timothy, “Look well to yourself [to your own personality] and to [your] teaching; persevere in these things [hold to them], for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4:16 AMP) When Peter asked Jesus about John’s future, “Jesus said to him, If I want him to stay (survive, live) until I come, what is that to you? [What concern is it of yours?] You follow Me!” (John 21:22 AMP) Great advice to follow. We must each listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and follow Jesus. While following Jesus, we allow others to follow Him in the unique paths that He sets before them. Together we love and support each other, watching how God causes us to fit together in His beautiful plan. “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 AMP)

Just as the seasons change and return each year, we may be led back to previous areas of service at various times. Following Jesus requires both listening and a willingness to let the journey wind around as He desires. At every turn we must be present and alert to the directions for that day.

Today, listen to the Holy Spirit and follow His leading for today, whether it is continuing faithfully on a set path or taking a new turn. Do not be distracted by the path of another, but support them in prayer.

Change the Tune in Your Heart (5/9/14)

Change the Tune in Your Heart (5/9/14)

Have you ever had a song stuck in your head? No matter how many distractions your thoughts create, the melody and lyrics continue to play on. Often the tune is from a catchy commercial or an old song that you never really cared for. All it takes is a word or phrase. Before you are aware of it, the tune has planted itself in your mind to stay.

 A song like this can come into our mind via someone else. A friend states that he or she has had a particular song in their mind and later that day we find that the same song has jumped into the auto recall of our mind as well. If it was a pleasant song this is no real consequence. But when it is not a tune that we enjoy, it will hardly foster fond feelings toward the friend who shared it with us. 

We can also become trapped by wrong thinking that plays over and over in our minds. Like a broken record, these lying thoughts keep repeating themselves. The verse of this song may say that God has forgotten His promises to us. The chorus may resound with thoughts that we are not going to make it through this particular trial. And the bridge can simply continue repeating fear, self-doubt and futility. 

Throughout Scripture we are encouraged to sing a new song. Even King David who God called ‘a man after My own heart’ (1Samuel 13:14 and Acts 13:22) declared several times that he also would sing a new song. These new songs can be songs of thankfulness and praise to God. “Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre; sing praises to Him with the harp of ten strings. Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully [on the strings] with a loud and joyful sound.”  (Psalm 33:2-3 AMP) These songs can proclaim God’s mighty nature and deeds. “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; He is to be reverently feared and worshiped above all [so-called] gods.” (Psalm 96:3-4 AMP) 

The apostle Paul instructs us, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16 AMP) and “Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices [and instruments] and making melody with all your heart to the Lord,” (Ephesians 5:19 AMP) I believe the key to this is found in verses that speak of singing a new song. When we sing songs of thankfulness and praise they have a positive effect on others and ourselves. Our song can encourage others to trust God. ^“And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord.” (Psalm 40:3 AMP) We can also encourage others to join in our song. ^“Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, praise Him in the assembly of His saints! Let Israel rejoice in Him, their Maker; let Zion's children triumph and be joyful in their King! Let them praise His name in chorus and choir and with the [single or group] dance; let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine and lyre!” (Psalm 149:1-3 AMP) The song becomes a concert for our God.

Sometimes we may wonder why we should change the tune at all.  We may be singing a song of thanks and praise. But this may be an old song. It was appropriate for a time, but today is a new day with new demands. “Behold, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, the islands and coastal regions and the inhabitants of them [sing a song such as has never been heard in the heathen world]!” (Isaiah 42:9-10 AMP) God is unchanging, but what He does in our life may take on a new path.  When our master director, the Holy Spirit, changes the tune we must then sing and believe with Him.  The song and direction of our lives may be about to change. This new path may lead to those who have not heard of the mighty deeds of our God.  We can introduce the song to them.

So as you go about this life, do not allow the wrong vocal coach to place his song in your mind.  Let the Holy Spirit lead you in His song and you will grow in peace and trust.  Spend your days “…and making melody with all your heart to the Lord,” (Ephesians 5:19b AMP) Sing it loud!

Look to the Hand (6/18/14)

A while back there was a brief trend to raise a hand and say, “Talk to the hand.” This indicated that person being addressed was not inclined to pay attention to the speaker. I really disliked this extremely rude statement. When my son was little we had another habit in our home.  We called it, “Look to the hand.”

The other day I was sharing this hand with a friend. The hand was a symbol for true obedience, each finger representing one characteristic. Beginning with the thumb, they were named 1. Yes, mom. 2.  I will obey. 3.  Right away. 4. All the way. 5. In a cheerful way. Without all five fingers you do not have a complete hand. Without all of these five aspects of obedience, we do not have true and complete obedience. 

Whenever one of these facets of obedience was missing, all I did was wiggle the finger that represented the lacking quality.  This eliminated the need to raise my voice to my son. There was no confusion about what required improvement. The needed correction was clear and awaited his response.

Studying the characteristics of obedience to God our Father, I see a similarity. We are children of God and He expects complete obedience from us. The five steps of the ‘obedience hand’ apply to all of us.

“Yes, God.”  We first acknowledge the authority of the Lord. We listen and recognize His voice. Jesus stated, “The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27 AMP) We accept and follow the Word of God and His direction in our life.

“I will obey.” We can trust that God has only our best interest at heart. “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.” (Jeremiah 29:11 AMP) Therefore, whatever God asks us to do is for our benefit. Whining or asking God if we have to do what He says is totally inappropriate. Willing obedience is the only proper response.  “I opened my mouth and panted [with eager desire], for I longed for Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:131 AMP)

“Right away.”  When God gives direction for our lives, we should be quick to follow Him.  King David, a man with a heart after God, had this attitude. “I made haste and delayed not to keep Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:60 AMP) We would do well to follow this example. The longer we delay in following God’s direction, the longer we rebel.

“All the way.”  Partial obedience to the Father is disobedience. Our actions are to reflect what God has said and not what we think He should have said. King Saul learned this lesson when he did not totally destroy the Amalekites. (See 1 Samuel 15) He interpreted God’s command in his own way, allowing the king of Amalek to live and not destroying all of the possessions. For this reason, God took the kingdom from Saul’s descendants and passed it on to David. How often do we rationalize that God surely could not have meant what He spoke to us?  We tread on dangerous ground when we do what we think He meant rather than what He actually said, both in Scripture and the personal promptings of the Holy Spirit.

“In a cheerful way.”  God does not wish us to obey simply because we must or we fear He will punish us for disobedience. If we are truly serving God because we love Him, we will obey cheerfully. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7 ESV) This applies to all aspects of giving, even of giving our willing obedience.

We can see God’s handiwork throughout Scripture.  His hand represents His power and actions. “When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established, What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of [earthborn] man that You care for him?” (Psalm 8:3-4 AMP) Amazingly, He cares for us! We are instructed to, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,” (1 Peter 5:6 ESV) Humbling ourselves, we will become truly obedient.

As you go about your day, look to the ‘obedience’ hand and see that all five facets are in place. If any finger is wiggling, respond accordingly. Obey God completely and live life to the fullest.

Not the Only One

My family recently went on a road trip to Tennessee. Driving down rural Illinois roads in the early hours of the morning, I found myself amazed that even at a speed limit of 70 miles per hour, other cars would periodically pass me. Seventy is a reasonably fast speed, and somehow I felt that more people would drive abiding by the speed limit. It surprised me how many cars I witnessed approaching in the rear view mirror and soon disappear on the road in front of me.
In the moments when other cars speed by, I almost felt as though I was the only one obeying the law. Because it was very early in the morning, there were not yet many cars on the road. That is what made the speeding cars all the more obvious. Soon I realized that there were probably many other cars occupied by drivers who were driving just as I was and following the speed limit. Because we were all driving at the same speed, we would remain out of each other's line of vision. It was only when another car was traveling faster or slower than the posted speeds that we would encounter each other.

On the path of our lives we may sometimes feel that we are the only ones seeking God and following His ways. Even the Prophet Elijah felt like this when he was being hunted by Queen Jezebel. He ran from this evil queen.
“There he came to a cave and lodged in it; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, What are you doing here, Elijah?  He replied, I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. And I, I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:9-10 AMP) Even though God that just performed an incredible miracle through Elijah and the people of Israel it followed after to seize and defeat the evil prophets, Elijah told God that he was the only one left.

The Lord's response was to assure him that many others, whom he knew nothing about, still honored and obeyed God. “Yet I will leave Myself 7,000 in Israel, all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.” (1Kings 19:18 AMP) Fear and weariness had caused Elijah to believe this lie. All he could see was his own life and those who were against him. Yet there was not only a few who were also faithful, but thousands.

When times are tough and it appears that others are compromising their values, we may begin to feel that we also are among the only ones staying true to the Lord. But we have a limited line of vision. Throughout the world many are facing difficult situations and not stepping back from their commitment to the Lord. We can take courage that others are also seeking the will of God and purposing their lives to follow His direction daily.

We are never alone in our struggles because God is always with us. “…for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” (Hebrews 13:5 AMP) In this we can take courage. “So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6 AMP) As members of the Body of Christ we can seek encouragement from each other and we must strive to be the encouragement to others as well. “Therefore encourage (admonish, exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 AMP)

Seen or unseen by us, many follow God daily. We may see sin and those who oppose God all around, but we must not forget those who are with us and standing strong.

You are not alone. So keep on in your walk with God and encourage those along the way who may feel that they are alone.

That Does Not Sound like Him. (God’s Voice: Part Two) (05/22/16)

Has anybody ever related to you something that another person supposedly said, but the content of the words just really did not match up with the character of the person being spoken about? In times like this a further investigation of the actual conversation may show that the person said nothing of the sort. Even if a similar statement was made, the context of the situation indicates an entirely different meaning to the actual comment. For whatever reason, the statement, “did you hear that…” was completely incorrect. Unfortunately, others who may not know this person may actually believe this wrong information and tarnish a person’s reputation.

If someone were to approach me with a statement that my husband or son supposedly made, it would be fairly easy for me to determine if the statement was feasibly true or not. I know both their attitudes and their patterns of speech pretty well. If something does not sound like a thing either of them would say, a little investigation would reveal an error in either the actual words used or the context and true meaning of the statement. For someone that I am less familiar with this process is not as easy. Our best course of action is to try to avoid gossip at all costs. When this is not possible praying for and seeking out the truth about another is imperative. We cannot simply believe statements that may be incorrect.

We may often hear incorrect statements about Almighty God. Even in the Garden of Eden the serpent began his attempt to twist God’s words. “Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden?” (Genesis 3:1 AMP) Since that time man has been bombarded with lies concerning both God’s character and the content and meaning of His Word. We must be careful when accepting statements that may or may not be biblical.

Studying and knowing God’s character will help us to distinguish false statements. God’s nature is love and He cares deeply about His children. Psalm 139 tells us how well God knows us. He knows everything we do and everything we say. And this is the result, “How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them!” (Psalm 139:17 AMP) Thoughts or words of condemnation and worthlessness are never from this loving Father. God calls us to be holy. “For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:16 AMP) Yet King David acknowledged that God also forgives every sin that we confess to Him. “Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul, and forget not [one of] all His benefits - Who forgives [every one of] all your iniquities,” (Psalm 103:2-3 AMP) We are precious to the Lord. Self-condemnation and worthlessness are a familiar twisting of God’s statements that must not be believed but rather rejected and exposed as lies.

Our Lord is a God of hope and desires for us to be hopeful as well. This was the apostle Paul’s prayer, “May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.” (Romans 15:13 AMP) When situations are difficult we must always remember that nothing is hopeless. Our future is secure and nothing that we have done or are experiencing is so bad that God cannot bring us through. “Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. For I am persuaded beyond doubt (am sure) that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things impending and threatening nor things to come, nor powers, Nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39 AMP) Nothing we have done and no obstacles in our way can defeat us. “But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] …” (2 Corinthians 2:14a AMP)

 We can be confident in all circumstances because God has promised that he will always be with us. We are never alone. “Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]” (Hebrews 13:5 AMP) Any words to the contrary simply do not sound like something God would say.

 So whether it is thoughts in your mind or statements from others, double check that everything lines up with the word of God. Know the Lord and His Word and reject anything that doesn’t sound like Him.