Jesus said that we should be shrewd as serpents but as innocent as doves. While most believers grasp what he meant by innocence, many of us struggle with shrewdness. However, these are days when we need to be increasingly discerning and ask difficult questions. Don't take everything at face value. Whatever side of the political spectrum you are on, there is a lot of fake news" out there. It's at a national level but also an interpersonal level. It feels like the spirit of deception is running rampant.

Probe and press for details so that there is complete clarity in communications and expectations. Be careful not to trust too quickly or easily. Those who have nothing to hide will be transparent and welcome such questions. Those who are deceiving will get defensive.

Don't be afraid of conflict. God's Kingdom clashes with darkness, deceit and divisiveness. Pray for the gift of discernment at this time so that you have the divine wisdom to make the choices that lead you into the destiny that God has prepared for you. Have a tough mind while maintaining a tender heart.

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Matthew 10:16

"I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”

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Luke 16:8

“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.”

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Psalm 119:125

“I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.”

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Proverbs 10:13

“Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning....

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Proverbs 15:14 “The discerning heart seeks knowledge, but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.”

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Proverbs 18:15 “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.”

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Psalm 18:26 “...to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd.”