Marquee Sign, Hosea 4:6, James 1:5 & 1 Kings 3:6NIV

Marquee Sign 

If you woulda been lit up like a marquee sign

Coulda saved myself some wasted time

From the minute I found you

If it'd been written out in black and white

Maybe then I would have told my mind

Not to get wrapped around you

I should have known it from the start

You were only here to break my heart

Sara Evans had the right idea or concept when she wrote this song.  It’s true in the worldly sense.  Yeah, if everyone came with a marquee sign, however…

Not everyone is going to be lit up like a marquee sign and actually most people aren't. Therefore it is up to you to use discernment. None of this, if I would have known, when you can know: access the King of Kings. Access His word. The same power that raised Him from the dead lives in you. Use that to discern a person’s true intentions, not just towards you but toward others as well. 

1 John 4:1, Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.  

Use the word, the only guide to test a person’s motives or intentions (Heb 4:12).  Know and understand who you’re dealing with.  When someone tells you something about themselves, believe them the first time.  (Hosea 4:6)

Always seek wisdom from God and seek wisdom from others.  Pay attention to the signs or messages God sends you.  God not only speaks through His word but also through other people and in dreams. 

Proverbs 4:7, The beginning of wisdom is this: Get[a] wisdom.  Though it cost all you have,[b] get understanding.

James 1:5, If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Proverbs 11:14, For lack of guidance a nation falls,  but victory is won through many advisers.

Proverbs 15:22, Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.

God is usually very plain in speaking to us about making decisions especially when it comes to matters of the heart.  What do you think “red flags” are?  What do you think “vibes” are or “I’m not vibing with you” means?  What do you think “the spark” is?  Those are the familiar toxic sensations you got before you entered your last relationship thus the reason why it didn’t last.  It’s the same “vibe” you had last time and you didn’t listen to it.  Whenever you feel that spark or vibe with someone:  RUN! You shouldn’t need God to send you a burning bush!  Unfortunately some of us need a donkey (Num. 22:21-39)!

Definition of discernment:  perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding.

Follow Solomon's example:  So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”  1 Kings 3:9 

Who is able to govern our hearts?  God. Only He can discern hearts. 

The beginning of wisdom is the beginning of understanding and we want to obtain guidance and understanding about the world around us.  We want to obtain guidance and understanding in order to navigate the relationships we are in and the situations we may encounter.  When we shine the light of God on people through His word, it will expose their true motives.  Trusting Him for guidance and understanding in all situations will never fail you.