The Open Heavens 22 May 2026 devotional for today is SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED I.
This is a daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).
OPEN HEAVENS 22 MAY 2026 TODAY DEVOTIONAL
TOPIC: SPIRITUALLY DISCERNED I
MEMORISE
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:14
READ: Numbers 22:22-33
22 And God’s anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the Lord stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.
23 And the ass saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.
24 But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.
25 And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall: and he smote her again.
26 And the angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.
27 And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.
28 And the Lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?
29 And Balaam said unto the ass, Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee.
30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? and he said, Nay.
31 Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face.
32 And the angel of the Lord said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me:
33 And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.
RCCG OPEN HEAVENS 22 MAY 2026 TODAY MESSAGE
Today’s memory verse tells us that the natural man cannot understand the things of God because they are spiritually discerned. This means that such a fellow cannot follow God’s direction, as he or she cannot understand spiritual things and will even consider them foolish. Those who walk in the spirit, however, know how to discern spiritual things.
For instance, when it seems that several people are trying to get a Christian angry, it could be that the devil is seeking to open a window through which he can attack him or her. If the believer cannot spiritually discern the devil’s plan, he or she might eventually give in to anger, thereby giving the devil access to carry out his attack.
Likewise, if a Christian keeps encountering people in need, especially if they are fellow Christians, it could be that God wants the believer to help them so that He can open windows of blessings over his or her life. However, if the Christian cannot spiritually discern what is happening and ignores the people in need, he or she would miss out on God’s blessing.
Spiritual discernment is crucial in the journey of every Christian.
A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.
Proverbs 22:3
In today’s Bible reading, Balaam’s donkey began to behave strangely when he was on his way to meet Balak despite God’s initial instruction forbidding him from going (Numbers 22:12). Balaam was so spiritually insensitive that he didn’t know the actions of the donkey were for his own good. When his donkey didn’t move as he wanted it to and kept turning away from the path it was supposed to take, he hit it in an attempt to force it to obey him.
Even when the donkey spoke, which was very strange, Balaam was too spiritually insensitive to sense the danger ahead until God opened his eyes.
I pray that your spiritual senses will be sharpened enough to see any dangers that are ahead of you, and you will be prudent enough to hide yourself, in Jesus’ name.
The lack of spiritual discernment has destroyed so many homes and ended so many lives prematurely. This is why spiritual discernment is a must-have for you in your walk with God, relationship with others, and dealings with the world.
I pray that the Almighty God, in His mercy, will sharpen your discernment and help you see things as they really are, in Jesus’ name.
ACTION POINT
Father, please help me to discern spiritual matters and see things as they truly are.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Nehemiah 4-7
Open Heavens HYMN 33: GUIDE ME, O THOU GREAT JEHOVAH!
OPEN HEAVENS DEVOTIONAL 22 MAY 2026 COMMENTARY
MEMORISE: 1 Corinthians 2:14
“But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
This verse draws a clear line between two kinds of people: the natural man and the spiritual man. The natural man operates only with his five senses—seeing, hearing, touching, tasting, smelling. He cannot receive spiritual things because they make no sense to his natural mind. He considers them foolish. Spiritual things are not discovered through intellect or education—they are spiritually discerned. You need the Holy Spirit to see what is really happening.
BIBLE READING: Numbers 22:22-33
This passage records the strange story of Balaam and his donkey. Balaam was a prophet who had been hired by King Balak to curse Israel. God told Balaam not to go, but Balaam persisted. God allowed him to go but sent an angel to block the way. Balaam could not see the angel, but his donkey could. The donkey turned aside, then crushed Balaam’s foot against a wall, then lay down under him. Each time, Balaam beat the donkey. Finally, God opened the donkey’s mouth, and it spoke: “What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times?” Then God opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the angel standing in the path with a drawn sword. This passage demonstrates that spiritual discernment is not automatic—even prophets can be blind to danger, and God may use the most unlikely messengers to warn us.
The Crisis of Spiritual Insensitivity
In today’s devotional, Pastor E.A. Adeboye addresses one of the most critical needs for every believer: spiritual discernment. Without it, you cannot understand God’s direction, recognize the enemy’s traps, or perceive divine opportunities. Lack of spiritual discernment has destroyed homes, ended lives prematurely, and derailed many who started well.
The Natural Man vs. The Spiritual Man
The memory verse establishes that the natural man cannot understand spiritual things. This means:
- He cannot follow God’s direction because God’s guidance often contradicts natural logic.
- He cannot recognize the enemy’s schemes because the enemy operates in the spiritual realm.
- He cannot perceive divine appointments because they often look like ordinary circumstances.
The spiritual man, however, knows how to discern spiritual things. He sees beyond the surface. He understands that not every situation is what it appears to be.
Two Everyday Examples
The devotional gives two common scenarios where spiritual discernment is essential:
1. When People Try to Anger You
Several people may be trying to get you angry—insults, provocations, misunderstandings. The natural man sees only the people and reacts in the flesh. But the spiritual man discerns that the devil is seeking to open a window through which he can attack.
If you give in to anger, you give the devil access. Your reaction is not just about the person who offended you—it is about the spiritual door you are opening. Discernment allows you to see the trap and refuse to walk into it.
2. When You Keep Encountering People in Need
You may keep meeting fellow believers who need help—financial, emotional, practical. The natural man sees inconvenience, expense, and interruption. But the spiritual man discerns that God is positioning him to help so that God can open windows of blessing over his life.
Your response to need determines your release of blessing. If you ignore the people in need, you miss out on what God wanted to give you through them. Discernment allows you to see the divine appointment hidden in the ordinary encounter.
Balaam: The Prophet Who Couldn’t See
The Bible reading gives a shocking example of spiritual blindness. Balaam was a prophet—a man who regularly heard from God. Yet he was completely oblivious to the danger ahead.
What happened:
- God had told Balaam not to go with Balak’s men (Numbers 22:12).
- Balaam wanted to go, so God allowed him but sent an angel to block the way.
- Balaam could not see the angel, but his donkey could.
- The donkey turned aside, then crushed Balaam’s foot, then lay down.
- Each time, Balaam beat the donkey—angry, frustrated, completely missing the message.
- Finally, God opened the donkey’s mouth, and it spoke.
- Only then did God open Balaam’s eyes to see the angel with a drawn sword.
Notice the irony: A donkey had more spiritual discernment than a prophet. The animal saw what the man of God could not see.
Balaam was so spiritually insensitive that:
- He didn’t know the donkey’s strange behavior was for his own good.
- He beat the animal that was trying to save his life.
- He didn’t sense the danger even when a donkey spoke to him.
This is what happens when spiritual discernment is dull. You cannot see the danger ahead. You cannot recognize divine warnings. You keep beating the very things God is using to protect you.
Why Spiritual Discernment Is a Must-Have
The devotional states plainly: “The lack of spiritual discernment has destroyed so many homes and ended so many lives prematurely.”
Without discernment:
- You cannot tell when a relationship is being used by the enemy to destroy you.
- You cannot tell when a financial opportunity is a trap, not a blessing.
- You cannot tell when a person is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
- You cannot tell when your own desires are leading you away from God’s will.
- You cannot tell when God is speaking through unlikely messengers.
With discernment, you become like the prudent man in Proverbs 22:3: “A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.”
- The prudent sees danger ahead and takes cover.
- The simple walks right into it and suffers the consequences.
How to Sharpen Your Spiritual Discernment
1. Walk in the Spirit
The memory verse says spiritual things are spiritually discerned. If you are not walking in the Spirit, you cannot discern spiritual things. Walking in the Spirit means staying connected to God through prayer, the Word, and obedience. It means being sensitive to His promptings throughout the day.
2. Value the Unlikely Messengers
Balaam ignored his donkey because he thought he was too important to learn from an animal. Do not despise the messengers God sends—even if they are younger, less educated, or lower in status. God can speak through anyone.
3. Pay Attention to Strange Behavior
When things start happening out of the ordinary—delays, closed doors, unusual obstacles—do not just get frustrated. Ask God: Is there something You are trying to show me? Is this a warning or an attack?
4. Check Your Desires
Balaam wanted to go because of the money Balak offered. His desire clouded his discernment. When you want something badly enough, you become blind to the danger. Surrender your desires to God before they become traps.
5. Pray for Discernment Daily
Discernment is not automatic—it is cultivated. Ask God daily to sharpen your spiritual senses. Pray: “Lord, help me to see things as they really are, not as they appear.”
6. Test Everything
1 Thessalonians 5:21 says, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” Do not accept every spiritual impression as from God. Test it against Scripture, against godly counsel, and against the character of God.
The Prayer for Sharpened Senses
The devotional ends with two powerful prayers:
“I pray that your spiritual senses will be sharpened enough to see any dangers that are ahead of you, and you will be prudent enough to hide yourself.”
“I pray that the Almighty God, in His mercy, will sharpen your discernment and help you see things as they really are.”
These are prayers you should pray for yourself daily. Your natural eyes see the surface. Your spiritual eyes see the reality behind the surface.
Conclusion: Don’t Be Like Balaam
Balaam was a prophet, but he was blind. He beat the donkey that was saving his life. He walked toward danger while thinking he was walking toward opportunity.
Do not let this be you.
- When people provoke you, discern the trap behind the insult.
- When needs appear, discern the blessing hidden in the help.
- When doors close, discern the protection behind the delay.
- When strange things happen, discern the warning beneath the surface.
Ask God for discernment. Value His messengers—even the unlikely ones. Walk in the Spirit. And see things as they really are.
Pray this:
“Father, I ask You to sharpen my spiritual discernment. Forgive me for the times I have been like Balaam—blind to danger, beating the very things You sent to save me. Open my eyes to see things as they really are. Help me to discern the enemy’s traps before I walk into them. Help me to discern divine opportunities before I miss them. Let me not be simple, passing on to punishment. Let me be prudent, foreseeing evil and hiding myself. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Action Steps:
- Identify an area where you have been frustrated by delays or obstacles: Ask God: Is this a warning? Is there something You are trying to show me?
- Pay attention to “small” messengers: This week, listen carefully to people you might normally dismiss. God may be speaking through them.
- Pray for discernment daily: Add this to your morning prayers: “Lord, sharpen my discernment today. Help me to see what is really happening.”
- Check your desires: Is there something you want so badly that you are ignoring warning signs? Surrender it to God before it becomes a trap.
- Test before you trust: When you receive a spiritual impression, test it. Does it align with Scripture? Does godly counsel confirm it? Does it honor God?
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