I sprained my ankle four weeks ago. While our grandson and family were visiting, we went to the zoo. While walking, I stumbled on an uneven surface, falling face down and coming up with a bulging knee, thinking that was the worst of it. It wasn’t long before I discovered my foot wasn’t enjoying the walk back to the entrance. In the ER the next morning, the x-rays revealed it was only a sprain; thankfully, nothing was broken.
Hearing from my son and grandson, who have endured a few sprains in their lifetime, left me with the facts: it takes longer to heal a sprain than a broken bone. Ugh. After three weeks, I assumed I was ready to walk. I set the timer for five minutes, only to find I tweaked my foot, as my son Matt called it, forcing me back to using my wheely chair (really my drafting chair, which I use in my recording studio).
One night, while pondering and worrying about the healing process, I was engaging in the “what if’s” of not walking. So many things I usually do can’t be done without two walking feet. Walking to another room, scurrying around the kitchen for meal prep, going to the grocery store, walking to the mailbox, getting to church. We often don’t appreciate what we have when we have it. My husband and I had been walking thirty minutes daily until this happened. But now, I am lifting light weights and exercising my arms since my foot doesn’t work, at least not yet.
After a night wrestling with anxiety, the next morning during my Bible reading time, I finished the Old Testament book and paged to the New Testament Book of Philippians. In the Final Exhortations, it was as if God was speaking directly in follow up of my anxious thoughts the previous night. The sixth verse grabbed my attention. Although I can say this verse by heart, it was fresh, stand-off-the-page, bolded: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
How often have I been anxious only to have God bring His comfort again, “Do not be anxious ABOUT ANYTHING! (my emphasis), You would think at this stage of life, I would have conquered this kind of worry. However, God is so good, kind, and patient to remind us one more time.
The next verses affirm I need to keep practicing the “do not be anxious” part. Look at verses 8 and 9. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
As I closed my devotional time after reading the Philippians passage and repenting, a new calm settled in my mind. Remembering that God has my life in His control, I can rest in what He allows. Yes, a non-walking foot may hinder my comfort and make life a bit more challenging, yet His loving affirmation reminds me, “Do not be anxious about anything.”
The same God who sees the sparrow that falls (Matthew 10:29-31), knows how many hairs I have on my head (Luke 12:7) and knows where I will sit in a room before I do (Psalm 139:2), certainly doesn’t want me to be anxious. He’s got this, and I have Him, and therefore I have peace! I just need to keep practicing!
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7
The world’s patterns fail to bring love and happiness, but the Author of marriage knows how to make it last a lifetime. Adapting God’s ways will instill ongoing, fulfilling joys between husband and wife.
I hope you will read and let me know your secrets for a long, happy marriage. My recently published article on Christianity.com is here.
(The picture is of me marrying a sweet couple from my congregation).
The LORD decrees His loving devotion by day, and at night His song is with me as a prayer to the God of my life (Psalm 42:8 NIV).
Sometimes a new song doesn’t do it! But often, a familiar song will. Singing a song multiple times causes it to rise in my spirit; the God-breathed part of me, like an anchor, dropped in the ocean’s depths of the real me.
As a child of God, I am the temple of the Holy Spirit “who lives in me” (1 Corinthians 6:19). What I put into my heart and mind, whether a spiritual song or a scripture, may revive in the night seasons of life. And what was once buried in my spirit, at the moment needed, with the attending, gentle work of the Holy Spirit, surfaces with a melodious breath of life — like a song.
Our son, Tom, finished his senior year of high school mid-year, and his friend Dominique, an exchange student from Switzerland, invited him to his home. On a trip of a lifetime, Tom took his snowboard and was off. We didn’t know about all the adventures these young men would face.
On a Sunday after church, a few days before Tom was to fly home, we received a call from Dominique’s mom that shook our insides. Tom and Dominique were snowboarding in the mountains, and Tom had fallen and was flown by a medical helicopter to a Swiss hospital. Stunned, we immediately cried out to the Lord.
The high cost of flight tickets, because of short notice, and with Tom scheduled to fly home in four days, made us uncertain of what to do.
Time for bed came, but sleep was fleeting, and I found myself in the living room weeping before the Lord. I was concerned about Tom being alone in a foreign country, his severe injuries, and wondering if he could fly home as scheduled. And my heart longed to be with him.
In those heartache moments, an old song from years past came flooding into my thoughts, and I knew God was speaking: “I believe the answer’s on the way. I believe the Lord has heard me pray. Cast not away your confidence, says the Lord of Hosts. Now, by faith in Him alone, I stand, firmly held by His Almighty hand. Fully trusting in His promise, praise the Lord.”
Like a miracle, the Holy Spirit told me to stand firm and not cast my confidence away but trust God. In those divine moments, God’s comfort and peace brought the assurance I needed: Tom would get home safely. I went back to bed and was able to sleep.
The sweetness of the Holy Spirit in those precious moments assures you and me that He is with us: “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children” (Romans 8: 16). That part of me that never dies is connected to the Holy Spirit and He is the Helper, Comforter, Guide, and Truth-teller. He intercedes for us in our times of need (Romans 8:26) and brings things to our remembrance: “But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).
A constant stream of praise music and scriptures and experiencing God’s presence, like treasures, are buried deep into our spirit. In those night seasons of life, the Holy Spirit, living within, brings to remembrance exactly what is needed to face and get through the challenging and fearful days.
You may wonder what happened to Tom.
We had a call from the Swiss hospital. A nurse said, “hold a minute,” and then Tom was on the phone. He was hard to understand because of the neck brace that didn’t give his mouth much room for talking. Initially, they thought he had broken his neck, but thankfully, he hadn’t.
We were thrilled and relieved when Tom’s flight arrived home, complete with a neck brace, his luggage, and a large snowboard. Tom was on heavy medication and sleeping soundly on the flight. Thankfully, a little girl angel woke him, or he would have kept flying to who knows where.
In that night season, God spoke through an old song I hadn’t sung for years: “I Believe the Answer’s On the Way.” But the Holy Spirit, “who brings all things to remembrance,” gave me the precious gift of knowing God was working, “Now, by faith in Him alone, I stand, firmly held by His Almighty hand. Fully trusting in His promise, praise the Lord.”
Dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit
While waiting for Tom to come home, I kept rehearsing that song either out loud or in my mind. Each time it reminded me of God’s promise: I could trust Him! Although we were in South Dakota and Tom was in Switzerland, almost 5000 miles apart, it posed no problem for our everywhere-present God.
The more we plant in the good soil of our spirit the spiritual songs, Bible verses, and hymns of praise, we can expect the Holy Spirit to connect with us in our times of need and speak peace. We are admonished in Ephesians 6:19: “speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”
In a night season, Paul and Silas, in prison for preaching the gospel, began singing hymns to God at midnight. A violent earthquake shook the place, opened the prison doors, and everyone’s chains fell off. The jailer called for the lights, rushed in, and fell trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas, asking, “What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:25-29). A night season was transformed by the hymns of praise that rose from their spirit.
I’m so thankful we are connected with the Holy Spirit who “lives with you and will be in you” (John 14:17), especially when we need a song in the night season.
By the way, if you were moved by this story of God’s faithfulness, I invite you to listen to my YouTube channel Weekend Worship video entitled, “Jesus, You’re My Song .” https://youtu.be/3J1SmcuZqmg
Listening to it today reminded me that Jesus is “the sunshine on a rainy day”—during the hard days of life. He’s “the light that lights the darkest way”—when we are confused and feeling lost. Jesus is “my strength when mine has slipped away,” feeling weary of the battle, and “Jesus is my song!” So, “I’ll praise Him all day long because He’s the answer to my life, and He’s my song.”
A Brief Study from Scripture on Satan and His Demonic Forces
Created by God as an anointed and ordained guardian cherub in heaven, Satan sought to usurp God’s authority. Should we worry about the devil giving us trouble? Despite being a created being, Satan’s blinding pride led him to believe he could overcome God and assume His place. He aimed to establish his own fame throughout history. Ezekiel 38 and Isaiah 14 detail his creation and downfall. Through scripture, we see that his time and the havoc he creates are limited by the Lion of Judah, who has all authority in heaven and on earth.
Satan was created by God.
“You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God. You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you” (Ezekiel 28:14-15 NIV).
Satan was in the Garden of Eden
“You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God” (Ezekiel 28:12 NIV).
Satan was cast out of heaven
“So I drove you in disgrace from the mount of God, and I expelled you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud on account of your beauty, and you corrupted your wisdom because of your splendor. So I threw you to the earth” (Ezekiel 28: 17 NIV).
Isaiah 14 Describes Satan’s Pride
Isaiah 14:12-14 (KJV) affirms Satan’s removal from God’s presence because of his arrogant pride.
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
God removed Satan from heaven.
In Luke 10:18, Jesus tells the disciples He witnessed Satan’s fall from heaven. A coordinating reference in Revelation 12:7-9 describes the devil as “filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short,” and his evil work will culminate in eternal punishment in the lake of fire. Revelation 20:10 states, “And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Satan is Subject to God’s Authority
In the gospel accounts, the demons cry out when Jesus approaches, calling Him the Son of the Most High God.
Mark 5 tells the story of impure spirits who had taken over a man living among the tombs, so strong no one could bind him, not even with chains. He cut himself with stones and made his abode near graves. The demons possessing the man saw Jesus approaching and fell in front of Him, asking, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In God’s name, don’t torture me” (v 7).
Although the demons were many, “my name is Legion,” they were subject to Jesus’ authority. “And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area (v 9-10).
They had to seek permission before doing anything. “The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs; allow us to go into them. He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs” (v 12, 13).
Another account of demons who knew the authority of Jesus pleaded, “What do you want with us, Son of God’ they shouted. “Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” (Matthew 8:29).
The demons’ plea for Jesus to delay their torture reveals their fear that He might be coming to bind them prematurely before the appointed time of final judgment. Jude 1:6 describes their awareness of other demons already imprisoned: “The angels who did not keep their positions of authority but abandoned their proper dwelling—these he has kept in darkness, bound with everlasting chains for judgment on the great Day.” Similarly, 2 Peter 2:4 emphasizes that God did not spare sinful angels but chained them in darkness and held them for judgment.
Satan’s demonic “spiritual forces of the world” (Colossians 2:8) are ultimately disarmed by Christ, who triumphed over them by the cross (Colossians 2:15).
The story of Job helps us see the limitations they have. Chapter one opens with Satan walking before God, and his request to test Job is limited to what God allowed. Read it here in Job 1:6-12.
After Satan’s first attempt failed to get Job to curse God, he asked permission but only received another limitation: “You must spare his life” (Job 2:1-6).
Good Angels Fight Demons with God’s Authority
Gabriel appeared to Daniel (8:15-26; 9:26), to Zacharias (Luke 1:11-19), and Mary (Luke 1:26-29). In Daniel 10:13, Gabriel was delayed in his answer to Daniel during his twenty-one days of fasting and prayer until the archangel Michael came to help him overcome the prince of the Persian kingdom.
Michael, when arguing with Satan about the body of Moses rebuked Satan “in the name of the Lord” (Jude verse 9).
At the end of time, Michael will wage war against Satan and his demons (Revelation 12:7).
In Matthew 10:1, Jesus gave the disciples authority “over unclean spirits, to cast them out.” Luke 10:19 describes the same authority given to the disciples: “Over all the power of the enemy (Satan), and nothing will injure you.”
Gabriel and Michael, along with thousands of other angels, carry out God’s purposes in
heaven and on earth, operating under His authority.
Believers Resist the Devil and Demons with God’s Authority
The seventy disciples were overjoyed and told Jesus, “Even the demons are subject to us in Your name” (Luke 10:17).
An example of Paul exercising God’s authority over evil spirits is seen in the story of a female slave who made money for her owners by predicting the future. She followed Paul and Silas, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved” (Acts 16:17). After several days, Paul became annoyed and cast out the demonic spirit, which immediately left her.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that demonic forces may oppress and try to deceive us, but God’s power resides within. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” But for the child of God, the weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. We are strong in the Lord and can stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:10-18).
Eternal Punishment of Satan and His Demons
We, as believers, have God’s strength to stand against Satan’s attacks. Eventually, he and his forces, will be thrown into eternal punishment.
Revelation defines the unholy trinity as Satan, the Beast, and his False Prophet will be thrown into the lake of fire where “they will be tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20-7-10).
All who rejected God will also join Satan and his cohorts in the lake of fire, the second death, for “anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life” (Revelation 20:11-15).
Believers Need Not Fear Satan
Scripture is filled with assurance that we don’t need to be afraid. “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you (James 4:7). We are given the “full armor of God” so we can “stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 4:11).
We may face temptations or oppression from evil sources, but God supplies the necessary equipment to withstand the evil one. 2 Corinthians 10:4 affirms, “The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead, they have divine power to demolish the strongholds” of the enemy.
Satan is a created being, cast from God’s presence, and operates with limited power, subject to God’s authority. He will not thwart God’s plan and will eventually be sealed in hell forever.
Should we worry about the devil giving us trouble? As believers, we don’t have to fear Satan or his minions. We have the highest, supreme God, magnificent in power, Ruler over all things in heaven and earth dwelling in us. The scripture reminds us, “The one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world (1 John 4:4).
Remember this story When you begin to fear the enemy’s power. Smith Wigglesworth, a revivalist preacher, gives this account of his encounter with Satan, illustrating God’s ultimate power and control over them. One night, he was roused from his sleep by an evil presence. Sitting up, he saw the devil and calmly remarked, ‘Oh, it’s just you.’ With that, he turned over and went back to sleep,
It’s hard to find the truth from news sources, politicians, scientists, and woke pastors and teachers. What is the criteria for truth? Jesus said it was the Word of God. Truth cannot be reduced by the lies of a godless culture, the opinions of powerful people, or even the lies of the Deceiver. God’s truth is above all other truths and is divinely written in the Scripture. By reading the Bible, reading it first, and applying what we read to our attitudes, choices, and behaviors, we can walk in the truth.
Truth oozes from God’s holy nature. Jesus declares Himself the Truth (John 14:6). Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them through your truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). The more we know the Scripture, the more truth we will gain.
Jude gives a warning to believers to contend for the faith (Jude 1:3-4). Contend (give your all, confront, grapple, push for, lock horns) for the faith, the genuine faith, which is truth.
SWITCH ON YOUR BRAIN
I just completed a fantastic book, Switch on Your Brain, by Dr. Caroline Leaf. “You are not a victim of your biology! Our culture is undergoing an epidemic of toxic thoughts that, left unchecked, create ideal conditions for illnesses.” Dr. Leaf confirms the need to “switch” on your brain (renew your mind, Romans 12:1-2), and as you do, you will enable a happier, healthier, more enjoyable life by knowing the truth.
Since 1985 she has worked in cognitive neuroscience, and her research has been in linking scientific principles to the truth of Scripture. She proclaims, “Each morning when you wake up, you have new baby nerve cells born inside your brain to use wisely as you remove bad thoughts and wire in new ones (Lam 3:23). This is called neurogenesis. You have been designed for deep intellectual thought (Psalm139:14). You were wired for love, and fear is a learned and not a natural response (2 Timothy 1:7). You have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). You are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).”
Here’s a few of Dr. Leaf’s practical side of Scriptural truths:
You can be happy and filled with peace regardless of your circumstances.
You can overcome and control depression and anxiety—some scientists show you can even control and overcome schizophrenia and OCD.
Forgiveness is not the battle you think it is.
You can get the chaos in your mind under control.
You don’t have to walk around in guilt and condemnation.
If you wired those toxic thoughts in, you can wire them out.
You don’t have to fear that if a condition runs in your family, you will get it (for example, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or depression).
You can balance your over-thinking and over-analyzing mind.
You don’t have to keep digging into the past to get free from it.
Dr. Leaf concludes that the path to wholeness is found in the Scripture. You can be an overcomer! That is the truth!
TRUTH DEFENDS AGAINST THE LIES OF THE CULTURE. We are made in God’s image, and we can have the mind of Christ. Where do we acquire that mind? Through reading, meditation, studying, and abiding in the Word of God, we think, learn, and find purpose.
John the beloved Apostle writes in 1 John 4:6, We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
The Apostle Paul urges the believer to put on the truth of Scripture like armor. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist (Ephesians 6:14). Without truth, listed by Paul as the first piece of armor around our core, we have doubts, fears, uncertainty and are easily deceived. The reality we learn in God’s Word will defend us against the culture’s lies and the lies of the enemy of our souls.
Photo by MD Duran Unsplash
START reading in one of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), or a Psalm, or an Epistles one of Paul’s shorter letters such as Colossians, Ephesians, or Galatians with only 4 – 6 chapters).
Psalm 119, The longest chapter in the center of the Bible, defines the power and life of God’s written eternal revelation of His Word. Don’t you think that is significant – at the center of the Bible, the longest chapter with 176 verses?! When God’s Word is the center of our lives, we will prioritize reading as it tells us what is right and what is wrong and keeps us from sin (Psalm 119:11).
In the New Testament, the book of Titus (a letter of Paul to a young pastor) says God, through the Word, “teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age (Titus 2:12).
With Scripture hidden in our hearts, the very core/depth/foundation of our being, it teaches, corrects, exhorts, and instructs in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16,17). But we have to grab it, take hold of it, and desperately desire it to acquire the truth. We can know the truth (and Jesus, who is the Truth). If you haven’t read my previous post, CAN YOU LOVE JESUS WITHOUT LOVING THE BIBLE? You can do it here.
TRUTH IS KNOWABLE “You will know the truth (John 8:32). Truth is truth, whether you believe it or not. God’s truth triumphs my truth or anyone’s truth. The Author of all truth gives us the secrets to knowing and walking in truth (Psalm 86:11).
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez Unsplash
1. READ THE WORD DAILY
Read it, read it, read it, and reread it until you get it. Read it until it gets into your heart and changes you. Each day the Holy Spirit will bring you a new revelation of truth, an answer, a direction, a conviction. The Divine Author’s divine words speak. “Take hold of my words with all your heart;keep my commands, and you will live” Proverbs 4:4. That’s the truth!
REPETITION BRINGS CLARITY. The more we spend in the Word, the more we will understand God’s Word’s beauty, instruction, and intrigue. Like a puzzle at times, repetition and consistency will reveal the missing pieces. So keep reading.
There are multitude promises of blessing for the person who’s pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in the true revelation of light. (Psalm 1:TPT).
Confusion and ignorance of Christians are often the results of not knowing the Scripture. According to the American Bible Society, only 9% of respondents read their Bible daily. Is it any wonder Christians are not sure what is the truth?
READING LEADS TO FRUITFUL LIVING. When we measure life against the Scripture, we find the truth that God will be our guide. God’s promise to Joshua is a promise to each reader. Never stop reading this Book of the Law. Day and night you must think about what it says. Make sure you do everything written in it. Then things will go well with you. And you will have great success (Joshua 1:8).
We won’t have one foot in the world if we have daily time in the Bible. John the Apostle, who walked with Jesus, learned the difference between loving the world’s things or loving God. “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them” 1 John 2:15. Believing the lies of the Enemy of our soul play along with cultural approval of moral issues and dissipate God’s favor.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
2. LET THE BIBLE BE YOUR DEVOTIONAL – READ THE BIBLE FIRST
Instead of a page out of a devotional written by someone else, read right out of your Bible. Let God’s Spirit connect with your spirit.
READ THE BIBLE FIRST! Devotionals are helpful but often only an appetizer. Get to the entrée. Explore the Scripture for yourself, first! You will hear the Holy Spirit speak to you directly rather than through another person’s version of what God is saying. You’re an adult with a sound, capable mind. You can think through and hear what the Spirit is saying to you, personally. Scripture is alive (Heb 4:12). It speaks! Read the Bible first, then add the devotionals and commentaries.
READ AT LEAST TEN CHAPTERS A DAY. Better yet, read an entire book of the Bible in one day. Let it fill your mind and heart. Attitudes and behaviors will change.
What you are thinking every moment of every day becomes a physical reality in your brain and body, which affects our optimal mental and physical health. These thoughts collectively form your attitude…and it’s your attitude and not your DNA that determines much of the quality of your life (Switch on Your Brain, p 13).
Your thinking affects our spirit, soul, and body and the people around us. Scripture can train our thoughts to be pleasing to God and wholesome to others. We cannot control circumstances, but we can control how we respond. Dr. Leaf puts it this way: “Good thinking = good choices = healthy thoughts; toxic thinking = toxic choices = toxic thoughts” (Deut 30:19).
Reading a book of the Bible a day reveals a hungry seeker after God. Human nature is exposed. Applying principles from the Author of Truth teaches ethics, relationships, self-control, decision making, character development, persevering faith, and much more. It’s the cherished textbook for life and eternity.
Photo by Hasin Hayder Unsplash
DIVE into the Old Testament. The New Testament refers to or quotes 250 Old Testament quotations and 1000 references by Jesus, Paul, John, James, Matthew, Luke, Mark, and Peter. Jesus proclaimed he fulfilled the Old Testament Law and the Prophets (Matthew 5:17-22).
READ COVER TO COVER The first time I read from cover to cover, and I was amazed by the balance of God’s justice (Old Testament) and love (new Testament). In religious circles, love is often emphasized to the exclusion of justice. Those who say they love the Lord but ignore His commands do not read Scripture from cover to cover. If they did, they would realize there is no real justice without agape love. Just think of the cross, justice paid for the penalty of sin by the divine love of a perfect sacrifice, Jesus.
Reading each day will build a firm foundation in God, His truth, and in how to live life to the fullest!
Find Bible reading plans on the menu of my blog here .
3. BECOME A STUDENT OF SCRIPTURE
Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and correctly handles the word of truth (2 Timothy 3:15,16).
I seek to honor God and know His approval. I gain confidence through time in the Word. Obedience becomes a joy and not a burden.
Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Obedience is key. With knowledge of the Scripture, we will know what is required. And, when we abide in the Word, “Then you will know the truth” (John 8:31-32). Truth brings changes and builds godly character as it unleashes the favor of God.
BUILD A FIRM FOUNDATION OF TRUTH
Knowing the Scripture will produce confidence in God’s love and promises and culminating eternal life. God’s Word teaches how to live daily life, making the right choices. God’s Word vanquishes fear, worry, unforgiveness, selfishness, and hatred. God’s Word provides direction for a successful life as a triumphant overcomer. It reveals who you are and who God is. God’s word is TRUTH for each day, each situation, each relationship, and each circumstance.
Ask questions as you read. What did this mean to the people to whom it was written? What promise is there to claim? What example to follow? What command to obey? What sin to confess? And, how does it apply to my life today? The Holy Spirit will speak as you listen for the truth!
In a world of lies, how do we find the truth? Read God’s Truth – the Bible. Read it and reread it over and over, cover to cover, all of it. Read it first! Read it every day, not just a chapter, but a book of the Bible. Become a Word student, filled with wisdom that leads in straight paths every day, though falsehood is all around.
LET THE WORD OF CHRIST RICHLY DWELL WITHIN YOU. Colossians 3:16
Containing a promise and a warning, “for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again, but the wicked stumble when calamity strikes,” reminds us of God’s care for His children.
If you are facing adversity, I hope this article will encourage you today. Click on the title of the article above to read it.
All authority in heaven and earth is given to Jesus (Matthew 28:18). Not some, but ALL!
Jesus carried the authority of deity, being fully God and fully man. God the Father was pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Jesus (Colossians 1:19). Jesus claimed that authority when He stated, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30; John 17:21).
Jesus’ powerful authority distinguished him from the teachers of the law and prophets. And, in this same passage, demons, under the control and power of Satan, are subject to the authority of Jesus.
Luke’s gospel gives this account: “Then Jesus went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught there in the synagogue every Sabbath day. There, too, the people were amazed at his teaching, for he spoke with authority.
Once when he was in the synagogue, a man possessed by ademon—an evil spirit—cried out, shouting, ‘Go away! Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!’
But Jesus reprimanded him. ‘Be quiet! Come out of the man,’ he ordered. At that, the demon threw the man to the floor as the crowd watched; then it came out of him without hurting him further. Amazed, the people exclaimed, ‘What authority and power this man’s words possess! Even evil spirits obey him, and they flee at his command!’ “ (The New International Version, Luke 4:31-36).
Jesus casting out the Garasene demoniac bySchnorr von Carolsfeld Bibel 1860
We hold in our hands the precious gift of God’s Word. This Word carries the authority of Jesus within its pages with words, chapters and books, inspired divinely by God. His authority threads through the pages of Scripture with an unbreakable strand. Therefore, the Scripture has the power to call us to obey and serve the God who loved us first.
“The Bible belongs to a superhuman level that our investigation of it never reaches its limit of discovery” (Dr. Arthur T. Pierson, Knowing the Scriptures: Rules and Methods of Bible Study, p 27).
Jesus and the Word of God are inseparable. Therefore, as we submit to loving Jesus, we will be confident the love for the Word of God, our Bible, will help us love Jesus more and more.
JESUS AND THE BIBLE ARE ONE IN AUTHORITY
“Our Lord is found in the Word, in the letter; the Word is found in Him in the life” (Pierson, p 28).
Jesus cannot be separated from the Bible, and the Bible cannot be separated from Jesus. The Scriptures point to me and testify about me, Jesus. (John 5:39). They are ONE in authority, power, and purpose.
Dr. Pierson states, “In the volume of the Book, it is written of Me (Psalms 40:7). The Holy Scriptures and the Person of the Lord Jesus Christ are so inseparably bound together, that whatever impairs the integrity and authority of the one correspondingly affects the other. The written Word is the Living Word enfolded; the Living Word is the Written Word unfolded” (p 28).
Jesus responded to the Devil by quoting Scripture from the Old Testament; thus, emphasizing the integrity of every written word. Jesus said, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”(Matthew 4:4).
When we pay attention and note the importance of what was written from years ago, found in the Old Testament, we will “make our election and calling sure” (2 Peter 1:10). God’s finger wrote the tablets given to Moses on Mt. Sinai (Exodus 31:18). Then God spoke through the prophets about the life of Jesus. “And we have the word of the Prophets (that Jesus fulfilled) made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it” (2 Peter 1:19).
THE BIBLE IS THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD
Regarding the inspiration of Scripture, Carl F.H. Henry states, “Inspiration is that supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit whereby the sacred writers were divinely supervised in their production of Scripture, being restrained from error and guided in the choice of words they used, consistently with their disparate personalities and stylistic peculiarities.”
A personal opinion wasn’t the source of the scriptures. The pages of Scripture were inspired or God-breathed. God breathed into Adam the breath of life. Similarly, God breathed into the Scriptures. That same breath of God connects the words with the Savior and becomes inseparable, divinely connected. Jesus and the Word are inseparable.
As I type, I’m aware of my breathing in and out. I’m alive!. That same type of breath of life is found in each passage of Scripture, “For the word of God is alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12a). With that life comes transformation power.
TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF SCRIPTURE
Peter, an eye-witness to the Majesty of Jesus, urges faithful followers to grow in knowledge (epignosis), the actual, genuine knowledge about Jesus. Abiding in God’s Word is abiding in Jesus. Staying in the truth of Scripture is staying in the truth of Jesus. Time devoted to learning, studying, and memorizing Scripture renews the mind and transforms the old nature into a new, spiritual nature. This new self conforms to the likeness of God “in righteousness and holiness of the truth .”
“Lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth” ( Ephesians 4:22-24).
Praise the Lord! If we believe in God, His authority, and the transforming power of His Word, our behavior and conduct will reflect God’s righteousness. Choosing to conform my attitudes, morality, and lifestyle to God’s Word will alter my old nature and reconstruct and revolutionize my life into godliness.
ALIGNING MY FAITH AND CONDUCT WITH THE VOICE OF GOD IN SCRIPTURE
The Bible, the voice of God, is our rule of faith and conduct. Professor of Theology Mayhue[i] reminds us, “Because Scripture is the Word of God, the words of God are authoritative.”
God’s Word isn’t inferior to relativism or subjectivism. Authority through the Word is the ultimate, permanent, and obligatory authority given by God. Unchangeable. Eternal. Though worldly intellectual opinions, educated theories, so-called facts contradict God’s truth, they are no match for the validity of God’s Word, and Scripture remains valid. God’s Word doesn’t change with the norms and mores of society. God’s Word remains the same, yesterday, today, and forever. Therefore, our lifestyle, beliefs, values, and worldview align to God’s Word as our rule of faith and conduct.
When questioning a spiritual truth and wondering if it is accurate or confirmed, the search must end with Scripture. God’s truth is the ultimate truth. As our rule of faith and conduct, the Bible has the authority to tell us what is right and proper and how to live and grow in authentic faith.
The final decider of all truth rests in the pages of Scripture. A parishioner who had attended a neighboring church meeting asked my husband’s opinion on the fantastic things happening, one being the floating of angel feathers in the air, assumed to be from heaven. “Do you think that was really of God ?” John’s straightforward response was, “Where is that in the Bible?”
Paul warned the Galatian church to guard against anyone, even an angel from heaven, who preaches another (counterfeit) gospel. They will be under God’s curse (Galatians 1:8). We are to “test the spirits” to see if they are of God (1 John 4:1) and, to do so, we must know the clear teaching of Scripture. Jesus commended the Berean Jews for their careful examination of the Scriptures, “They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth” ( Acts 17:10-11).
Jesus clearly stated the revelation of Jesus Christ, recorded in the Bible, is complete, and nothing should be added to it or taken away from it (Rev. 22:18-19). We are called to make every effort to be diligent in presenting ourselves approved to God, as a worker who correctly handles the word of truth, and therefore, is not ashamed before God (2 Tim 2:15). A truth-seeker will find the Truth. And with that truth, we will choose to give our lives in obedience.
OBEDIENCE IS NOT BURDENSOME
It’s easy to obey someone who truly loves you. The Bible contains God’s laws and commands–rules of life that give success—from the loving heart of God. When we align our faith and conduct to God’s Word, we experience the vast, deep, expansive love of God. The Scripture reminds us, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
“Scripture is to be authoritatively preached and submissively obeyed since the Author of and the authority within will reward righteous obedience and condemn those who disregard and disobey His authority in Scripture.”
Richard Mayhue
We can see God’s visible love through Jesus – his coming to earth, his great sacrifice on the cross, the power of his resurrection, and His ascension in glory. It’s easy to obey someone who loves you fully and has your best interest at heart!
“For the [true] love of God is this: that we habitually keep His commandments and remain focused on His precepts. And His commandments and His precepts are not difficult [to obey]” (1 John 5:3 Amplified Bible).
REST IN THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS AND WORD
When we worry about the direction of our world, political rulers, evil powers, and immoral society, we should pray. God has a plan, not only for here and now but for eternity. God knows the end of life from the beginning and is on the Throne. We stand confidently in the authority of Scripture and the truth of God’s love. Abraham Lincoln said, “Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” That right place is found in the Word of God, our rule of faith and conduct.
Though other politicians, health officials, Big Tech, and others try to dictate what we can do, where we can go, or censor our thoughts, we can depend on the one Authority that loves us and has our best interest at heart.
Jesus gave us a significant example regarding human authority. Scriptures verify this truth; God judges and brings one down and exalts another (Psalm 75:7). He removes kings and sets up kings (Dan 2:21). “Pilate said. ‘Don’t you realize I have power either to free you or to crucify you?'” Jesus answered, ‘You would have no authority over Me if it were not given to you'” John 19:10,11.
Jesus has all authority, and His authority continues through the pages of our Bibles.
WHOSE AUTHORITY GUIDES MY LIFE?
A good question to ask when seeking truth relies on the authority of Scripture, “Where is that in the Bible?” Whose authority guides my life? Do I listen more to politicians than to Scripture? Do I believe or give more time to what I hear in the media than what I read in the Bible? Is my life aligned with the commands and principles from God more than with the world’s views and opinions?Do I live in fear instead of in the promises of God’s Word? An unknown author penned these beautiful words:
This Book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation,
the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers.
Its doctrine is holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its
decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved, and practice it to be holy.
It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer
you.
It is the traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the
soldier’s sword, and the Christian’s charter.
Here heaven is opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.
Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its
end.
It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet.
Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully.
It is a mine of wealth, health to the soul, and a river of pleasure.
It is given to you here in this life, will be opened at the Judgment, and is
established forever.
It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the most significant labor, and
condemn all who trifle with its contents. (Unknown author)
Will you join me in seeking to know the truth of Scripture and the truth of Jesus (I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life)? Will you, with me, allow God’s authoritative Word to be our rule of faith and conduct? Then we will know, not the authority that is short-lived by the world’s authority, but the God-given freedoms and blessings from One who has “all” authority in heaven and on earth.
Jesus said to the Jew who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32).