Seeking After Wisdom

Posted on March 11, 2013 by Kate

Psalm 119:103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! [yea, sweeter] than honey to my mouth!

Is God’s Word sweet to you, Christian? The great and wise Solomon asked God for wisdom and God allowed Solomon to experience everything in life in order to achieve wisdom. Much of that wisdom was penned into the Book of Proverbs and is there today in order for us to glean its goodness!

The Bible repeatedly “shouts out” to us that we should desire wisdom more than the world’s riches – more than gold – more than any material possession!

Proverbs 8:11 For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.

Job 28:15 It cannot be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed [for] the price thereof.

Psalm 19:10 More to be desired [are they] than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Proverbs 3:14 For the merchandise of it [is] better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold.

Proverbs 3:15 She [is] more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.

God has given us His words to read, to study, and to glean wisdom. It is through His words that we learn about life and how to deal with everyday situations. We don’t need man’s wisdom – we don’t need Dr. Phil or Oprah! They are of the world, Christian. But what about those false preachers out there? They are wolves in sheep’s clothing – they add to the Scriptures by imposing their own opinions. They dilute God’s words and take away from their effectiveness. It is God’s words that pierce the heart and reveal the dirty sin that lies within. When they stand before God, whose words do you think will be 100% accurate? God will always win, hands down! His word is truth (John 17:17). I would rather put my trust in what God says than what man says any day. At least I know that God won’t lie to me … but man, well… that’s a whole other story!

Proverbs 16:16 How much better [is it] to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!

Trusting Truth

Posted on October 17, 2012 by Kate

Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Psalm 25:4 ,5

No wonder David was the apple of God’s eye. He did not seek man’s way to truth. He did not seek after men to solve his problems like many do. Instead, David knew that the same God of his salvation would be able to show him the way, teach him through His Word and lead him to truths. And because of this secure knowledge that David had, he would wait on God all day to get his answer.

Are we as confident as David? Do we wait on the Lord to answer our questions or work in our every-day problems? Or do we walk ahead of the Lord and try to fix things on our own? I know I have been guilty of doing just that and my solution is not usually the best solution. However, God’s solution is always the best solution. Why do we think we can do better than God can? His timing is not always our timing and so we run out of patience with His plans. This is yet another “trust” factor. Do we not trust Him enough to take care of things for us? If we did, we would not be so quick to try to do the work for Him.

This is why it’s so important to know the Word and to rely on it in times of doubt. When I solely lean on the Word to build me and encourage me, I find that I am not so quick to jump the gun and run into trouble. The Lord gives peace to those who seek His guidance and His will. Even if our answer is to wait on Him, there’s a calm assurance that He is working it out for our benefit. What a joy it is to be a Christian! I don’t know how the unsaved do it! I really don’t!

Resting in Psalms – Day 16

Posted on February 27, 2012 by Kate

~Psalm 117:1-2 O praise the Lord, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people. 2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.

Today’s text is so short but it is packed with blessing! The Psalmist is exhorting us to praise the Lord. Why? Psalm 117:2 says that God’s merciful kindness is great toward us! Amen to that! If it weren’t for the Lord Jesus Christ saving my soul over 30 years ago, I would be dead and burning in Hell! That’s great mercy! But the latter part of verse 2 says that the Lord’s truth endures forever! Then the Psalmist tells us to praise the Lord again! We ought to praise God for showing His great mercy toward us by preserving His truth – His word!

God’s truth will endure forever! Endure what? Let’s stop and meditate on these verses as the Lord reveals His word to us, amen? I am currently doing a study on Bible versions and the history of God’s words preserved through these thousands of years. Countless men and women have been killed over the preservation of God’s word. It did not take Satan long before he started corrupting the word of God – in fact, he began this corruption by causing doubt and actually changing what God said in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1).

It amazes me that you can discuss the preservation of God’s word with Christians today and they doubt that there is a true copy God’s word available to us today. Yet these same Christians believe that God created the universe and all that is in it. Why does their faith stop with creation, I wonder? Can not this same God preserve His word? God tells us that He can in His word so why are there doubts today?

Jesus said that God’s word is true and sanctifies (sets apart) the believer.

~John 17:17-19 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

Is it any wonder that the devil would try to corrupt it or have people wonder if it even exists? Satan does not want Christians to be sanctified. He wants Christians to be powerless. Furthermore, he does not want anyone coming to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, he has succeeded in producing 200+ bible versions out there which could not lead a horse to water, let alone a man to salvation.

God is not a liar, like man (Romans 3:4). He speaks the truth through His word. In fact, His word is more important to God than His very name!

~Psalm 138:2 I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.

Since God holds His own word above His own name (He magnifies it), it stands to reason that He would preserve it through the centuries and make sure that His creation would have His true words so they could find His blessed gift of salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ!

~Psalms 12:6-7 The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

I encourage anyone who is reading to do a study on the history of God’s word and the corruption of the texts through the ages. You must know that God would not give us 200+ versions of His word to cause confusion for His creation. That has never been His intention. It is, however, the intention of Satan to change, pervert and corrupt (Genesis 3:1). He is the father of lies (John 8:44) and he hates truth! It is not rocket science – this should be evident to all Christians yet many are convinced that we cannot possibly have the preserved words of God!

The Lord Jesus Christ said in Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. It is also found in Mark 13:31 and Luke 21:33.

Christian, you believe that God can keep your salvation – why can you not believe that He can keep His word? You cannot escape God’s truth. The devil wants you to but you cannot escape God’s word.

~Hebrews 12:25 See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven:

I encourage each reader to study the history of the words of God as I have. We have God’s word in the English language and it is not contained in 200+ versions. Men and women died preserving the manuscripts throughout the years and, yes, God’s word does exist in the King James Bible. Don’t be deceived that you have to have a modern English translation to understand. That is just another ploy of Satan’s to keep you from the truth. God can preserve His words – don’t buy that lie from the pits of Hell.

A closing thought – as I was studying, one of the defenses used by those pushing the modern versions was that their manuscripts were in excellent shape and older than the manuscript used for the Kind James translation. Friend, pause for a moment – do you have a favorite book on your book shelf that you have read over and over? You’ve dog-eared the pages and the pages are worn from reading over and over. A well read manuscript would be worn out – after all, they were written on papyrus. It would not be in perfect condition. I would be more concerned about a manuscript that was in mint condition – which would tell me it was never used. Is it any wonder that the manuscripts from the Authorized Version (AV) are newer than the corrupt manuscripts because the older ones were so used they fell apart? A well read and beloved book does not stay on a bookshelf! Many have died making sure that God’s word would be preserved through the ages. Yes, man can fail – but God cannot fail – He is perfect!

The picture above was taken by a sweet Christian lady, Connie Wentworth and used here with her permission. Her pictures are mostly taken in the State of Maine and depict God’s glorious creation! Thank you, Connie, for allowing me this opportunity to use your work!

Resting in Psalms – Day 8

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Kate

~Psalms 19:7-8 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.

I’m so thankful that God gave His word for mankind so there would be no question as to how man can be saved! Today’s text explains to us exactly what leads man to salvation. The Ten Commandments, the Law, show us that we are all sinners. Every one of us fall short of keeping all ten commandments. When we realize we are sinners and fall far short of God’s righteousness, we begin to convert our soul. (Romans 3:10)

God’s testimony throughout Scripture reveals to us the only way to the Father in Heaven is through Jesus Christ. (John 14:6) Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven, no matter what the world says. Why? Because of Psalm 19:7 – God’s word is perfect and contains truth (John 17:17, Ephesian 1:13). Bible scholars think their much knowledge is correct. However, God gives the believer the ability to understand His word through His Holy Spirit! (1 Corinthians 2:14) I’ve been attacked many times by religious people who consider themselves “learned” and scholars of their religion. They think themselves wise but God is the provider of wisdom – His word is explained to the simple (Psalm 19:7) and makes the simple one wise. One does not need a Bible degree to understand God’s word. God reveals what we need when we need it.

~Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

Psalm 19:8 reveals that “fruit that comes with salvation.” God gave us His truth to lead us to Him – He did not want us to be blind. His word enlightens us (Psalm 19:8) and points us to the truth – to Him. I absolutely love the song “Amazing Grace”! Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now, I see. When we finally see the truth that salvation comes through Jesus Christ and through no other way, we are born again into a new life (John 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17). With that salvation comes wonderful joy – a joy unspeakable and full of glory! The heart rejoices because our burden of sin has been lifted and the debt has been paid in full on the cross by Christ Himself! After salvation, our eyes are opened – we are no longer blinded by the world’s religion but we are now enlightened by God’s pure and holy word through the Holy Spirit!

Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary

Days are filled with sorrow and care,
Hearts are lonely and drear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

Chorus
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Calvary, Calvary,
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

Cast your care on Jesus today,
Leave your worry and fear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

Chorus

Troubled soul, the Saviour can see,
Ev’ry heartache and tear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary
Jesus is very near.

Chorus

Thought for the Day – Owner’s Manual

Posted on July 24, 2011 by Kate

Oh the smell of a new car! There’s nothing like it! What is it about a new car? I love to look at it – I love to drive it. But one thing is for sure, I do not like the repairs and costs associated with it! My husband likes to tinker with our vehicles. He always makes sure that he purchases the manual for each of our vehicles so he can work on them. Whenever something goes wrong, out comes the manual and he looks up the “symptoms” and diagnoses the problem. Once he knows what the problem is, he can get to work to fix it.

We own a Nissan Titan and, as you can guess, he owns the manual for that as well However, he would not take the Nissan manual out to fix our Ford Focus, nor would he take the Ford manual out to fix the Titan. The Ford manufacturer has complete guidelines and instructions for their vehicles (as do all other manufacturers) and if anyone knows how to repair our Focus, they would. They would not relinquish the responsibility of documenting their repair instructions to another manufacturer – that would be absurd! So the car buyer knows that he can trust Ford’s documentation because it is written by those who manufactured the car. No one else knows a Ford better than those who build it, right? With that thought in mind, you wouldn’t turn to a Ford manual to work on your Toyota would you? Of course not.

It is the same with “religion.” To those who are searching for God and wanting to know how to get to heaven, they must turn to the only source that has the truth. (John 17:17) They may turn to a specific “church” or organization for the answers, but why not go to the Source who documented the truth? (John 14:26) If anyone knows about heaven and how to get there, it is God and He recorded the way in the Bible. Some think they know the way because they go to a specific church or they were “christian” all their lives. However, the Bible says,

(Pro 14:12) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Is it possible that the way you think is the right way could be the wrong way? Don’t you want to know? (Matthew 7:13-14) Don’t you want to make sure???

Do you let people deceive you in your finances? Do you fall for gimmicks on television? Are you a sucker for every good deal that crosses your path? If you’re like me, you like to research and investigate before you spend your hard-earned money. I don’t throw away my money frivolously. I make sure that I am getting my money’s worth. Nothing is too good for my family so I watch out for the best deals and make my dollar stretch. I can’t put a price on their health and well being.

But what is the price of their soul? What is the price on where they will spend eternity? That, my friend, is priceless! It is my duty (Deut. 11:18-20) to show my children the way to heaven. God did not leave us without direction. The Bible offers the instructions on how to repair our souls, just as my husband’s Nissan manual offers him the instructions on repairing his truck!

(Joh 14:6) Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (Act 4:12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

No matter how many men tell my husband he can put a Dodge part into his Nissan, he knows that it just won’t work. Why? Because he has read the manual and he has learned from the master mechanics at Nissan how to repair his vehicle. He doesn’t travel from manufacturer to manufacturer trying to find another way or a work around solution. He knows that the truth about fixing his vehicle is found in its manual.

Salvation is no different! No matter how many religious people tell us that their way is the only way, we must compare what they say with what God says in His word. Will you take the words of men or will you take the words of God? Does your religion tell you that the church “fathers” and church traditions are also God’s words? What if the two contradict each other?

Who is the authority on the subject but the author? The Author, God, has penned His instructions – His directions – His map, if you will – and we find those words in our Bible.

(Heb 5:9) And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; (Heb 12:2) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus is the Rock and foundation of our faith.

(Deu 32:4) He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. (1 Cor 10:4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

When we follow a church’s teachings blindly, we will fall as they fall (Luk 6:39). Don’t be guilty of placing your eternal destination in the hands of another. It is your responsibility to seek out the truth and decide for yourself. Your church will not be standing next to you on Judgment Day. You will be alone when it comes to giving an account before God why you chose to accept instructions which were not contained in His word. God has left you His manual in the Bible!

Keep on Keepin’ On!

Posted on July 26, 2010 by Kate

~Galatians 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?

Why is it so hard to find a “seasoned” Christian anymore? They are truly far and few apart. Many Christians start out well and are on fire for the Lord. But when the trials and tribulations of the Christian life set in, they are easily discouraged and give up. Some don’t give up until many years later. Why is that?

It is tribulation that seasons a Christian. As we experience each trial, we lean on the everlasting arms of Christ and we are able to see His hand in all of the details. We rest in His care and rely on Him to carry us through each one. We know that one day our trials will be over and our faith will be made sight when we see Jesus face-to-face!

~Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

When someone gives up and stops following Christ altogether (without ever coming back), one must question whether or not his profession of salvation was true. God does not treat His children differently – He gives them all the same care and helps them all through their trials. What makes this person who has given up different from the believer? Paul states in Galatians 5:7 that they were side tracked by false teachers and, therefore, did not obey the truth. Just what is the truth? Jesus said,

~John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

God’s Word is truth and the believer needs to feed himself daily with it! When one finds himself struggling spiritually, it is because he has not delved into the Word of God and fed himself. The average Christian would not miss a meal for fear of starvation. Why then would the average Christian consider going a day without God’s Word? Is not spiritual starvation worse?

It is God’s Word that fills the believer. It is God’s Word that guides us in all truth and reveals those deceivers to us! When wrong doctrine comes along, the Christian who is daily in the Word of God will spot it immediately. He will recognize wrong teaching as counterfeit and will steer clear from it.

~Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

Don’t dismay, Christian! Keep running the race and don’t give up! Don’t let daily life get the best of you. These distractions are a ploy of Satan to discourage you! There are a lot of false teachers out there. Learn to recognize counterfeit religion by comparing it to the Truth!

Guidance

Posted on February 1, 2010 by Kate

~John 16:13-14 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

When I hear people say that they don’t read the Bible because they need someone to interpret it for them, I am reminded of today’s verses. Why would God leave His words in a book if He did not intend for us to read it and understand it? It absolutely makes no sense!

As we instruct our children, so does God. We would not give our children misinformation nor would we keep them in the dark about what our wishes are for them. God is the perfect Father and has provided His own Spirit to live within the born-again believer. My friend, if you open the Word of God and it is dry as day-old bread, then something is wrong. If you don’t understand even the Gospels, then something is wrong.

Notice what happened in the account of the eunuch:

~Acts 8:30-31 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

~Act 8:35-38 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

The eunuch knew that as an unbeliever he needed someone to interpret the Scriptures for him. So what did Philip do? He preached Jesus Christ to the eunuch! As a result, the eunuch was gloriously saved! He no longer needed someone to guide him. He now was able to interpret the Word of God himself.

When we question what is going on around us, let’s remember to turn to the Word of God first so that we may hear from His “mouth” what He wants us to learn. The Holy Spirit’s ministry is to teach us the truth – not some man’s opinion or interpretation. I have been approached by some who tell me that when I personally read the Bible, I am interpreting the Bible in my own way and not the way God intended. That is their support for depending on another for interpretation. Again, today’s verses prove those skeptics wrong.

First of all, God carefully chose His words when He called the Holy Spirit the Spirit of Truth. As God’s born-again child, how can I read His words and interpret wrong? Granted there will be verses that I do not understand just yet but in due season, He will reveal to me their meaning. But on the most part, I can open the Bible and read and understand what God intended because I possess the Spirit of Truth!

Furthermore, the Holy Spirit will guide me into all truth and will show to me what I do not understand. James penned it beautifully:

~James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Before you go to someone for guidance, turn to God’s Word. It is the ultimate guide!

How to Worship God

Posted on October 9, 2009 by Kate

There are different opinions on how one can worship God. Some worship God only if they are in a church “building.” Others worship God by kneeling and praying. Even yet more worship Him by singing or through the actions of their deeds. While all of these are good, one must not neglect what the root of true worship really is. Let’s go to God’s Word to see what He says:

~John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

There are two steps to worshiping God:

Worship Him in spirit
Worship Him in truth

To be able to worship God in spirit, one must have the Holy Spirit residing within him. How can we have the Holy Spirit residing within us? Jesus said that we must be born again.

~John 3:5-6 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Once one is born again of water and of the spirit, one receives the Holy Spirit. The water does not reflect baptism here. The water reflects the water of life, the Word of God. God gives us the Holy Spirit at the time we acknowledge our sinful nature to Him and become born again – with a new attitude toward sin.

~2 Timothy 1:10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

~Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

~Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

Our Heavenly Father desires that we worship Him in spirit and in truth. The only truth we can count on is from Him. God left us His Word, the Bible, to read and learn exactly what the truth is. People today are distracted by man’s words and cannot worship God in truth.

~John 4:23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.

~John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

~John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

~1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

One can only worship God if one is born again! It is at this point that we sealed with the Spirit of Truth, the Holy Spirit, who testifies of Jesus Christ and gives us understanding of His Word through the bible. There is no other way to worship God. Any efforts to worship God in any other way are futile.

For the Master’s Use – Day 6

Posted on August 3, 2009 by Kate

Gleaning Gold

~Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

~Psalm 12:6-7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

Nuggets of Truth

The unbelieving world does not believe that we have God’s Word in writing today. They believe that the Bible has contradictions and are man’s words. However, they are placing God in a box and limiting His power according to their own abilities. The God of creation is quite capable of keeping His Word in writing for His creation. Nothing is too difficult for Him.

~Genesis 18:14 Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

~Jeremiah 32:27 Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?

Man is ignorant to think that God cannot keep His Word. Man is ignorant to think that God’s Word has been polluted with man’s thoughts. God said in our opening verses that His Word is true – from the very beginning. God’s judgments (including every person’s sins) will endure forever. There is not one person who will go unjudged. God’s Word also says that His words are pure and He shall keep His word and preserve His word forever. Why would God do this?

~Proverbs 22:20-21 Have not I written to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge, That I might make thee know the certainty of the words of truth; that thou mightest answer the words of truth to them that send unto thee?

God has given us His Word as proof of His love for mankind. In the Scriptures are everything we need to live our lives and be drawn to salvation. In the precious pages of the Bible are the words of truth that can lead the lost to salvation. Is it any wonder that the devil is desperately using religion and the lost to corrupt God’s Word? Satan does not want people to know that God has preserved His words through these thousands of years. Satan does not want mankind to read the blessed truths found within its pages.

Refining the Gold

To the true born-again believer, God’s Word must be obeyed and applied to our lives in order for us to better serve Him. Let’s cling to every word from the Blessed Book that He has given to us.

~Deuteronomy 13:4 Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him.

God has not left us to swim aimlessly in the world’s seas. Instead, He has left us specific instructions which bring truth and peace. What a wonderful God we serve!

The Word Abiding in You

Posted on May 28, 2008 by Kate

It is not until a tornado victim has lived through one that one can truly appreciate the destruction it brings with its winds! After such an event, one becomes aware of the warnings – the signs in the skies, when trouble is near. One is also quick to respond.

However, to everyone else who has never experienced a tornado personally, we merely trust the media reports of the destruction and devastation. We listen to the voices of men and women give accounts of what has happened to others. Those words might impact a few people but chances are most will turn a deaf ear and will only listen once they personally experience this trial. This is true of most experiences in life.

~John 5:38-39 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not. (38 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (39)

The reason why cults are so popular today is due to these two verses. Two key points are made here:

God’s Word does not abide in the followers
They do not search the Scriptures

It amazes me how many responses I get from readers who bash me for believing that the Bible is our final authority. Why would Christ Himself encourage us to have His Word abiding in our lives. Notice in verse 39 that Christ says that eternal life is found when one searches the Scriptures! Is it any wonder that the devil is trying so hard to keep people from the Scriptures?

Many contest that they did not have the New Testament at the time Christ spoke these words. Yes, this is true. However, salvation can still be found in the pages of the Old Testament. Just as we have the Romans Road today, so is there an Isaiah Road which leads the reader to salvation. Satan has managed to distract people with different denominations, cults and different versions of the Bible. People are so caught up in who has the right Bible and who has the right religion that they do not spend time searching the Scriptures to find the true way to salvation.

Jesus said,

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. ~John 6:63

Those closest to Jesus didn’t even believe in Him.

For neither did his brethren believe in him. ~John 7:5

Why? Because they did not search the Scriptures that they had available to them. They allowed the knowledge of men to dictate what they believed, not God’s own Word.

He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. ~John 8:47

Only the Bible brings truth to man. Yes, man can speak wise words but man is born a liar and can misguide many. However, the God of Glory cannot lie and He gives us His Word through the Bible so that we may be saved!

Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. ~John 17:17

What does it mean to be sanctified? It means to be set apart for service to God. God wants to set us apart because His Word will cleanse us, save us and mold us into His image so we can be a unique people. Many can claim they have salvation, but there will be few that find it.

These two verses ought to cause one to think:

~Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (22) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. (23)

Notice that these people had prophesied in Jesus’ name, cast out devils and done many wonderful works (miracles). Yet, Jesus said to depart from Him because He did not know them and that they were workers of inquity. Having been raised catholic, these two verses reminded me of the catholic church. They prophesy in Jesus’ name – they claim to cast out demons – and they claim to have wonderful works (visions of Mary, etc.). However, compare their dogmas to the Word of God and you will find that they are not based on Scriptures but on men’s words.

If you are questioning whether or not you are one of those who does many works for Jesus but you do not personally know Him, then I pray you will settle the matter today. If you are in a religion where tradition and men’s words are placed above the Scriptures, then you will not find salvation because God’s Word says that salvation is found in the pages of the Scriptures, the Bible. I pray your eyes are opened today!

Maranatha!

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps. 119:105

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