Scripture “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” — 1 Samuel 16:7 (ESV) Reflection When we think of David and Goliath, it’s easy to focus on the giant’s towering size and David’s youth. Yet Scripture doesn’t dwell on David’s height or strength—because the battle was never about physical stature. It was about faith. Goliath relied on his size, armor, and intimidation. David relied on the Lord. What set David apart wasn’t what people could see, but what God saw—a heart surrendered in trust and courage. In our own lives, we face “giants” that seem overwhelming—fear, doubt, temptation, or opposition. We may feel too small, too weak, or too unqualified. But God reminds us that victory doesn’t come through what we measure on the outside. It comes from the heart that is fully His. Application - Where in your life are you measuring yourself by outward standards instead of faith? - What “giant” are you facing today that God wants to topple through your trust in Him? - How can you shift your focus from what others see to what God sees? Prayer Lord, help me to see myself the way You see me—not through the world’s measures of strength or success, but through the heart You are shaping in me. Give me the courage of David to trust You with the giants in my life, and remind me that every victory belongs to You. Amen.

Scripture Reading - “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” — 2 Corinthians 10:5 - “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” — Romans 12:2 Reflection Every day we fight battles that no one else sees—the battle of the mind. Dark thoughts whisper lies: “You’re not good enough. You’re alone. God has forgotten you.” Left unchecked, these thoughts grow into strongholds that weigh us down. But Scripture calls us to resist. We are to capture these thoughts—not let them run free—and then tear them down with the truth of God’s Word. Like a soldier dismantling enemy weapons, we replace each lie with a promise from Scripture. - Where fear says, “You’re in danger,” God says, “I am your refuge and strength” (Psalm 46:1). - Where shame says, “You’ve failed,” God says, “There is no condemnation in Christ” (Romans 8:1). - Where doubt says, “You can’t trust God,” His Word reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5–6). Victory in the mind begins with what you let stay and what you drive out. When you consistently replace lies with truth, your heart and mind become strongholds of faith instead of fear. Reflection Questions 1. What recurring dark thought tries to dominate your mind? 2. Which specific Scripture can you use to replace it? 3. How can you practice daily renewal of your mind (Romans 12:2)? 4. Who could you encourage this week by sharing how God’s Word renews your thoughts? Prayer Lord, I bring every dark thought into the light of Your truth. Teach me to see lies for what they are, and help me replace them with the promises of Your Word. Strengthen my mind to think what is pure, honorable, and good. Amen.

Opening Thought Have you ever wondered why some Christians seem to “just know” when something is off? It’s not because they’re smarter. It’s because their spiritual senses have been trained by the Holy Spirit. That’s what Hebrews 5:14 means when it says maturity comes from having our powers of discernment trained by constant practice. A Conversation About Discernment Q: What is discernment? Discernment is simply the Spirit-given ability to see clearly. To tell the difference between truth and lies, wisdom and foolishness, what comes from God and what doesn’t. Q: How does the Bible talk about it? Paul says in Romans 12:2 that when our minds are renewed, we can test and approve what God’s will is. John says in 1 John 4:1 not to believe every spirit but to test the spirits. In other words, the Christian life isn’t about blind acceptance but Spirit-led testing. Q: Did the early church think this was important? Absolutely. The church fathers called discernment the “charioteer of virtues.” Athanasius said real visions from God bring peace, while false ones stir fear or pride. Cassian said discernment keeps us from extremes. Augustine said the test of discernment is love—if it doesn’t produce love of God and neighbor, it’s not true. Q: How do modern leaders see it? Piper reminds us that discernment is more than spotting lies—it’s about delighting in truth. Keller says discernment is truth applied wisely with love. Chan warns not to confuse charisma with God’s Spirit. Platt points out that discernment guards the gospel against distortion. And Willard? He says discernment is about learning to recognize God’s voice above all others. Q: Okay, but how does the Spirit actually “train” us? - Through the Word: the Spirit makes Scripture alive, shining light on what is true. - Through obedience: each step of obedience sharpens our reflexes. - Through trials: hardships refine us and force us to choose truth under pressure. - Through inner witness: the Spirit convicts and gives peace like an umpire in our hearts. - Through community: the Spirit confirms truth through the wise counsel of other believers.

Scripture Reading “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” — Romans 12:2 Reflection Wearing a crown does not change a mind—it exposes it. Power, position, or influence never create character; they magnify what is already there. A selfish, prideful heart will use authority to serve itself, while a humble and sanctified heart will use authority to serve others. This is why sanctification is not optional for the follower of Christ—it is essential. God calls us not only to salvation but to transformation. He doesn’t simply forgive us; He shapes us. The process of sanctification—being made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit—prepares us for the places of responsibility, testing, and influence that will come. A crown, whether literal or symbolic, is a test. It reveals who we are when the weight of responsibility rests upon us. Without the daily renewing of our minds in Christ, we will crumble under its weight or be corrupted by its influence. But when our minds are renewed and our hearts purified, the crown becomes an opportunity to glorify God rather than ourselves. Application - Ask yourself: If the crown were placed on my head today, what would be revealed? - Seek God daily for the renewing of your mind, not waiting for promotion or leadership before pursuing holiness. - Remember that sanctification is a process—it is God’s ongoing work in you. Cooperate with Him through prayer, Scripture, and obedience. Prayer Lord, sanctify my heart and renew my mind. Prepare me for the responsibilities You may entrust to me, whether great or small. May what is exposed in me reflect the humility, love, and holiness of Christ. Keep me from pride, and let my life be a crown that glorifies You. Amen.

Scripture “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” — Romans 5:5 Reflection The affection of Christ is not something we can stir up by human effort. Left to ourselves, our hearts are cold, stubborn, and turned inward. But regeneration — the Spirit’s work of quickening — changes everything. What was dead now lives. What was hostile toward God is reshaped into longing for Him. The Spirit’s power is not just to inform our minds, but to ignite our affections. This is why Paul could write to the Philippians, “I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:8). That yearning is the overflow of a heart that has been transformed by grace. Affection for Christ is the proof of new life. It shows that the Spirit has kindled love where there was once indifference. In Ezekiel 36:26, God promised, “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” This promise is fulfilled every time the Spirit awakens someone to treasure Christ. The true mark of regeneration is not just new thinking, but new loving. It is the difference between knowing facts about Jesus and actually tasting His goodness. Like Jonathan Edwards said, it is a new sense of the heart. Application - Ask yourself: Has the Spirit kindled in me a genuine affection for Christ, or am I merely knowing about Him without delighting in Him? - When you feel spiritually dry, return to Romans 5:5 — the Spirit Himself pours love into your heart. - Recognize that every act of true affection toward Christ is evidence of His Spirit at work in you. Prayer Holy Spirit, thank You for quickening my dead heart. Thank You for giving me new affections that delight in Christ and long for His presence. Kindle afresh the flame of love within me today. Let my heart burn with the affection of Christ, that I may love Him and love others with the same divine love poured into me. Amen.