More than half (58%) of all adults wish they read the Bible more often. Fifteen minutes a day will help you accomplish reading through the Scriptures in one year. You will glean God’s secrets, know right and wrong, find clear direction, love God, learn how to love others. Make Bible reading more than a wish. Begin today.
Knowing the Scriptures is like an artist who blows off the dust of a picture and discovers it’s a masterpiece. It’s like hidden treasure unearthed. God speaks through His Word.
God spoke through human writers led by the Holy Spirit to include the words directed and authored by God. Incredibly, all sixty-six books (66) have a unique unity, written by over 40 writers, in three continents, over 1600 years. Our modern copies’ accuracy is very close to the original languages of the Old and New Testaments. God’s Word is eternal.
The grass withers, the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Matthew 24:35
I WILL KNOW GOD THROUGH DAILY BIBLE READING.
1. God reveals secrets to me.
Much like a love letter, God reveals his nature and character through the pages of Scripture. Through challenging days, God’s Word speaks to my needs. God’s Word gives answers to morality, ethics, emotional health, and life. The Word of God is living and active, with the power to dive into my heart and renew or change my thinking. I understand more about the secrets of God’s love and will for my life.
The message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. Colossians 1:26
I’ll lead you to buried treasures, secret caches of valuables —confirmations that it is, in fact, I, God, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. Isaiah 45:3 MSG
2. The Bible teaches me right and wrong.
Not only do the commandments guide me, but there are also many instructions to right relationships in marriage, children, enemies, and employers. Within its pages, the principles of every relation of life are found.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
3. The Bible keeps me from sin
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Psalm 119:11
The Bible is a textbook on morality, ethics, relationship, work, wisdom, creation, right and wrong, values, rules of conduct, and more. The commandments and promises of God keep my heart in check. When I listen and do what the Bible says, I will know God’s blessings and help each day.
“The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.”
American Evangelist, Dwight Moody (1837 – 1899)
4. Scripture reveals the direction for my life.
When we seek the Lord through his Word, we will have a sense of the Holy Spirit’s leading and guiding us in the right ways.
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105
He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. Psalm 25:9-10
5. My love for God grows.
When spending time in God’s word, I learn more about God and his character and nature. When I was dating my husband, I re-read over and over every letter I received in the days before texting and email. In his letters, my mind was overflowing with his love for me. I found out more about him, too. Similarly, the more we read God’s love letter to us, the more we’ll grow to know and love God. The more we’ll have God’s blessings and promises.
If you love me, keep my commands. John 14:15
6. My love for others grows.
Relationships can be challenging. The Bible teaches us to love our enemies, how to deal with anger, and wait on God to take care of vengeance. Without God’s instruction, we would easily remain in our human, selfish nature. With God’s Word, we learn to rise above, conquer, and overcome the carnal, sinful nature as we allow God’s character to grow in us, as evidenced by our behaviors.
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:44-45
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Romans 12:19
MORE THAN A WISH, BUT A LIFE-CHANGING REALITY
More than half of all adults wish they read the Bible more often. Today is the day to change from wishing to reading!
Daily set a regular time to read with a prayerful attitude, take notes on what God speaks to you, and read with a plan to complete the entire Bible this year. Tell someone of the nuggets of truth God reveals through this Book of Books!
A few minutes a day will change your life.
O how I love and treasure the revelation of your word; throughout the day I fill my heart with its light! Psalm 119:97 TPT
Life often presents us with overwhelming moments filled with grief, sorrow, and tragedy. During such times, finding solace in the knowledge that God truly cares and empathizes with us is remarkably comforting.
The shortest verse in Scripture, “Jesus wept” (John 11:35) defines much more than the sorrow of Jesus over the death of his friend, Lazarus. My article gives greater insight into the deep groaning of Jesus.
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.
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).
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.
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
Damage to the depths of our being caused by a betrayal, slanderous attacks, or a broken relationship wreaks havoc emotionally and spiritually. Feelings of worthlessness, remorse and depression accompany the pain. In such times, will peace ever come?
I love the scripture that gives us insight into how God restores us through the many trials of life.
May God speak to you with encouragement from the life of David in one of the darkest days of his life.
This is my second published article with Christiainity.com. I’m pleased to share it with you.
“Watch your thoughts for they become words. Watch your words for they become actions. Watch your actions for they become habits. Watch your habits, for they become your character. And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny! What we think we become.”
————–Margaret Thatcher, first female British Prime Minister.
My mind becomes a fast track of speeding thoughts – good, sad, tempting, depressing, joyful, fearful, and a multitude of more. Negative thoughts multiply like rabbits. More mental muscle is needed to conquer the negatives that impact my attitudes. But I am learning as I do these three actions – 1) renew my mind, 2) take my thoughts captive, and 3) yield to the Holy Spirit.
We can overcome the dark thoughts that fast track through our brains.
RENEW YOUR MIND
In the original language of the New Testament, the Greek word for renew is ἀνακαινόω (anakainoó) “to make new.” Change the way I think by moving my thoughts to a higher and more developed understanding. God’s ever-transforming work in me will help me conquer those negative thoughts and transform them into better views.
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV
To renew my mind is to transform it (like an automobile that is transformed into a boat) – a BIG transformation. I have to will/choose to let go of that negative thought and replace it with a positive one.
Romans 12 assures us that we can change our thinking. We can make them new.
Find a scripture that speaks to your specific need. Post it on your refrigerator, or the bathroom mirror. Write it down. Memorize it. Read it out loud. Transform negative thoughts through the power of God’s Word. Feed your positive thoughts; starve your negative thoughts.
The Report from John Hopkins Medicine, “The Power of Positive Thinking,” says positive people were less likely to have a coronary event than their negative counterparts. Positive people are more successful, happier, live longer, and have less stress and anger. It’s a choice of the mind. As a Christian, we have a higher power available to renew our mind through God’s Word.
TAKE YOUR THOUGHTS CAPTIVE
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4-6
Taking captive every thought is to “imprison” or “confine them – negative thoughts, arguments or fantasies, imaginations. Someone imprisoned is no longer able to walk about but sequestered away, no longer free. When we imprison (take captive) those thoughts they are no longer free to roam around in the brain.
This takes practice!
In a music class at Mankato State, I was learning a drum beat pattern that was really tricky and extremely complicated. I didn’t know if I could get it. I did know that if I was going to conquer it, I had to get it in my brain, so it kicks into autopilot (knowing it so well it just happens). I remember practicing on the carpet with my drum sticks – no drum at my house. After several days of practice, frustration, and what seemed impossible, I nearly gave up. But then, somehow the practice kicked in, and I did it. Once I did it, I could do it again, and again. What a breakthrough!
It took lots of practice to get that drum rhythm. It takes practice to take captive negative thoughts and rethink those thoughts, and replace them with positive ones. But it can be done!
In the Waste Management Golf Tour in PHX AZ, 5 Ft 9 in, 150 pounds pro, Rickie Fowler, was leading until one of the unluckiest breaks of all time happened. On the 11th hole, he hit his ball into the water. Then after he had placed it back into play, he received another penalty shot after his ball rolled back into the water. Fowler’s reputation as someone who can’t close a tournament seemed to be consistent. The announcer said Fowler needed a colossal mountain of positive mental thoughts to turn this around and win. Apparently, he took those negative thoughts captive and exhibited steel mental muscle that won the tournament.
Getting a hold on your thoughts can be the difference between winning or losing the mind war. When I fortify my mind through the Scriptures and take captive negative thoughts, I will lead my emotions and feelings in ways that honor God and bring peace.
YIELD TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
“But the mind ruled by the Spirit brings life and peace” Romans 8:6 NIRV
It’s easy to dwell on an insult and keep thinking about it until it consumes my thinking. These thoughts are pretty human, normal, but pretty negative. These negative reruns can be overcome with the Spirit’s help and with my determination of renewing and taking captive those thoughts. I yield my thinking to the Holy Spirit who is able to help and strengthen me.
Paul said it in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
I can choose to replace anger as I remember God’s love for me.
I can choose to let go of fear as I remember that Jesus is bigger than anything I’m facing today. “God hasn’t given us a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).
I can choose to trust God as I yield to the Holy Spirit. He will work all things together for my good (Romans 8:28).
God is not surprised by what is happening. God knows every detail. God has my best interest in mind. We yield to the Holy Spirit as we choose to let our mind be filled with Scripture, worship songs, words of praise, prayer. We ask for God’s help as we replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
“Fill your mind with things that are of good report, lovely, noble, right, true, and think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
When we yield the guilt, insecurity, hurt, and feeling inadequate, the Holy Spirit surrounds with comfort, peace, and assurance. The Holy Spirit is our comforter, power, confidence, inner strength, sanctifier, and help.
Romans 8:5 says, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
The Holy Spirit also grows the fruit of the Spirit in us– love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22). I can be confident that God is working out for my good and transforming my character into a God-honoring one. The fruits will grow and help me become stronger in having the “mind of Christ.” That’s a mind that honors God.
In summary, look for the positive. It takes practice. Smile more. Take a breath. Forgive. Memorize a Scripture. Keep working to be positive. It takes work. It takes time. It takes repetition.
I am assured God is working to build mental muscle in these three ways:
Renew my mind and change my thinking.
Take captive negative thoughts of fear, imaginations, stress, and anger, jealousy, or hurt. Imprison them so they can’t be running free.
Yield to the Holy Spirit’s control.
I’m learning. I’m still practicing building stronger mental muscle. The more I do, the more I sense the peace of God.
I set my mind on the Holy Spirit and my way of thinking changes. Human reasoning is warped by sin – the mind of the flesh. But as I yield, seek, and desire the things of God in my mind, I can be dominated by the Spirit, and the result is peace. It’s an act of my will as I yield to the Holy Spirit.
“But the mind ruled by the Spirit brings life and peace” Romans 8:6 NIRV
HOW ABOUT YOU?
What are some of your secrets to conquering negative thoughts? You can share in the comments.
Biblical illiteracy is on the rise and the lack of knowledge of the Scriptures has opened wide the door to deception. As a nation neglecting God’s laws we have opened doors to alternate spirituality. False teachers and prophets are on the rise. The Psychic services industry has grown steadily over the past five years, offering a new “spirituality” while raising up churches complete with mediums and healers as ministers. In the church arena, where we think it is “safe to trust” how do we know what is genuine and authentic? Jesus cautioned that even the elect could be deceived. After all, deception happens when you trust someone who you believe is telling you the truth.
For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you ahead of time (Matthew 24:24,25).
In the Old Testament, 1Kings 13, an intriguing story of a man of God was deceived by an older prophet. This gives us a powerful lesson on deception – when we least expect it.
A LITTLE HISTORY
King Solomon had drifted away from God and worshipped other national gods of Ammon, Moab, and Zidon. He not only promoted idol worship, but he also allowed the sacrifices of children to those pagan gods (see my previous post, A Wise King Who Did A Stupid Thing).
God called Jeroboam, a leading court official of Solomon’s, to succeed Solomon. You will rule over all that your heart desires; you will be king over Israel if you keep my commands (1 Kings 11:37-39). Instead of having God’s blessings, Jeroboam rebelled and led the nation into deep idolatry and sin. Jeroboam innovated new worship, complete with golden calves at two convenient high places – Dan and Bethel. Jeroboam appoints priests (not Levites) and new feast days, violating God’s commands for worship. Jeroboam so provoked God, fourteen other Kings of Israel are identified with the horrendous sin of “Jeroboam, son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin” (1 Kings 15:34; 1 Kings 16:7, 19, 26, 31; 1 Kings 21:22, 2 Kings 3:3; 2 Kings 10:29, 31; 2Kings 13:2, 6; 2 Kings 13:4, 2 Kings 4:24; 2 Kings 14:9, 2 Kings 15:18, 24,28 1 Kings 17:21,22; 2 Kings 23:15).
THE STORY 1 Kings Chapter 13
God sends a prophet from Judah to Bethel, where King Jeroboam and the people are worshipping golden calves, with a message: God intends to remove evil Jeroboam as King and to desecrate the altars of idolatry.
By the word of the Lord, a man of God came from Judah to Bethel as Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make an offering.2 By the word of the Lord he cried out against the altar: “Altar, altar! This is what the Lord says: ‘A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David. On you he will sacrifice the priests of the high places who make offerings here, and human bones will be burned on you.’” 3 That same day the man of God gave a sign: “This is the sign the Lord has declared: The altar will be split apart and the ashes on it will be poured out” (1 Kings 13:1-3).
SEIZE HIM!
King Jeroboam tries to shut down the young prophet and tells his guards to “Seize him!” Immediately, the King’s arm shrivels up. The King pleads for the young prophet to pray to ask God to restore his arm. The prophet intercedes, and the King’s arm is restored (1 Kings 13:6). The King then invites him to his home to eat and receive a gift, but the prophet refuses.
THE MAN OF GOD OBEYS
But the man of God answered the king, “Even if you were to give me half your possessions, I would not go with you, nor would I eat bread or drink water here.9 For I was commanded by the word of the Lord: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water or return by the way you came.’” I Kings 13:8-9
The obedient prophet unable to be manipulated by an evil King, heads back home to Judah.
THE OLD PROPHET LIES
An old prophet, distant from God, hears the prophecy against Jeroboam’s idolatry worship from his sons who were present. The old prophet makes his way to find the young prophet resting on the way back home, and invites him to his house, back in Bethel. The man of God repeats God’s instructions and refuses (1 Kings 13:16,17).
The old prophet answered, “I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the Lord: ‘Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.’” (But he was lying to him.) So the man of God returned with him and ate and drank in his house (1 King 13:16-19).
THE MAN OF GOD DECEIVED
The man of God was obedient to bring the word of God to King Jeroboam, but is easily deceived by an old prophet whom he trusted. His disobedience cost him his life.
Back in idolatrous Bethel, as the prophets were eating, the old prophet who just lied, now speaks a real word from the Lord.
You have defiled the word of the Lord and have not kept the command the Lord your God gave you. You came back and ate bread and drank water in the place where he told you not to eat or drink. Therefore your body will not be buried in the tomb of your fathers. (1 Kings 13:21).
On the way back to Judah he was killed by a lion. The old prophet found him, took him back to Bethel and buried him, fulfilling God’s prophecy.
HOW TO AVOID DECEPTION
There’s much more to this intriguing story (another blog post), but the main point for you and me is to listen to God’s voice through the Scriptures and do what He says. Not even an angel from heaven should deceive us (Galatians 1:7, 8) God’s Word is eternal and it does not change.
Peter, an eye-witness to Jesus, affirms that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. Neither was its origin in the human will. But God spoke to the prophets as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:19-21).
God’s values don’t change. People change. Norms and mores change, but God’s values stay the same. In this day and age when our society is quickly moving away from God and seeking popular trends and other spiritual avenues, we can avoid deception by being in the Word.
Grow in Bible knowledge.
It’s easy to go along with the crowd. Don’t be deceived by the culture or those who claim to be Christians yet don’t believe or obey God’s Word. Don’t be as those who God called “destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6). Learn the Word. Read it daily. Meditate upon it. Teach it to your children. Spend time with people who love God’s Word. Talk about it. Keep learning and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18). Do what it says.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22).
Test the spirits.
Truth and error often run side by side to a point. An example is in Acts 16. Several days a fortune teller who earned a great deal of money for her owners followed Paul and shouted, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are telling you the way to be saved.” That was true! Paul was preaching and leading people to the Lord, but he knew the deception of this fortune teller and cast out the demonic spirit within her (Acts 16:16-18).
When we know the Scripture, we can discern truth from error. Deception can be avoided!
Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1-6).
God’s Word is everlasting and will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). Let God’s Word be the truth we heed, speaking louder than the culture, a family member, a friend, an angel, or an old prophet. How do we judge things to be authentic or false?
Test all things; hold fast what is good ( 1 Thessalonians 5:21)
Let Scripture be your truth standard.
My husband would often use this question when people were uncertain of truth, “Where is that in the Bible?” Believe the Bible and know what it says. Then we will see the truth and avoid deception.
Have you read the Word today? Discover God’s secrets!
Why don’t we reach for vegetables when we are stressed, hungry, or tired? We reach for bread. The more we eat the more we want! When Jesus was fasting for over a month, Satan came to tempt him by saying he should turn the stones into bread. As hungry as Jesus must have been after 40 days, he responded with a scripture. He made an important statement that still emphasizes the paramount need of God’s Word.
The Scriptures say,
It is not just bread that keeps people alive. Their lives depend on what God says.
(Matthew 4:4). ESV
ESSENTIAL
Bread is an essential of life and has been through the centuries. Bread, a metaphor for all food and sustenance, gives our bodies much needed nutrition and energy.
HUMAN NEED
Sourdough is one of the oldest and most original breads of the Ancient Egyptians, dating back to 3000 B.C. Throughout history, bread has been the most widely consumed food in the world. Bread making was regarded as a great skill. It was so highly prized that the Egyptians buried their dead with loaves of bread to provide sustenance in the afterlife.
Today, one of the healthiest breads you can eat is sourdough bread. It reduces the phytic acid and pre-digests the flour so bread is easier to digest. Not only is it healthier, it’s delicious! It’s made from the wild yeast in the air as it was in ancient times. When yeast combines with a mixture of flour and water, a “starter” erupts through a fermentation process. The starter becomes the leaven.
Following the Korean War the orphaned children were taken in to shelters where food and care was provided daily. But at night they couldn’t sleep. They relived the terrors of war. Someone discovered by sending kids to bed with bread in hand relieved the night terrors. “I ate today, and I will eat again tomorrow” (Dennis Linn, Sleeping with Bread: Holding What Gives You Life). Bread, like a security blanket or a favorite stuffed animal, comforted them through the night. They were reminded they would see tomorrow. Bread brought comfort through the night.
SPIRITUAL NEED
Manna
When the Israelites travelled out of Egypt to the Promised Land there were no places to stop and eat. No McDonalds, or Culver’s, no sit down restaurant. God miraculously provided bread (manna – “what is it?”) from heaven. The heavenly manna continued for 40 years and fed thousands of Israelites (Exodus 16:4).
God not only fed them bread from heaven, but his presence was in their midst as they ate (Exodus 13:21). God desires a relationship with his people to be with them. We need physical food. We need spiritual food. God is concerned about both. Both are essential. Both are food – one for the human body, one for the spiritual body.
5000 Fed
Jesus taught the crowds from God’s words, and he fed them bread for their growling tummies. Jesus miraculously multiplied the lunch of one little guy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish to feed thousands. (Matthew 14:20). Remarkably, twelve baskets were left over (same as the number of disciples). The thousands “all ate until they were satisfied” (Matthew 14:20 ESV).
BREAD SATISFIES
There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a fresh baked loaf of bread filling the house and calling to your senses. We have fond memories of eating together with family for birthdays and holidays. There’s something wonderful about enjoying a full tummy with loved ones gathered around the table. There’s a bonding of friendship and love. Trust is strengthened. Food brings us together. Food satisfies!
Jesus rebuke to Satan reminds us that our bread is essential. He also reminds us that God’s Words are bread to us. As we eat each day, we need to eat of the Word of God daily, too. We need to read it as often as we can. “Every word” will satisfy and fill us. The more we eat, the more we want.
JESUS, the Bread of Life
Jesus fed the crowds with food. Jesus also fed them spiritual life from “every word,” his teachings. The empty place in life without Jesus is filled as we hunger for righteousness. As we seek Him, we will find Him. Jesus, God who came to earth in the flesh, is in the pages of scripture. He is the Bread of Life!
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.
Whoever comes to me
will never go hungry,
and whoever believes in me
will never be thirsty.
John 6:35
In the fourth Gospel of John in the New Testament, Jesus made seven deity claims with the words, “I Am.” This one, the Bread of Life, tells us Jesus is able to fill and satisfy the longing of our soul. This is the same title used in the Old Testament story of God speaking with Moses at the burning bush. (Exodus 3:14).
As the Bread of Life, Jesus issued the invitation to “come to me.” Whoever will come will never hunger or thirst spiritually again. Jesus brings life!
THREE NEXT STEPS:
EAT DAILY
There’s nothing like the fresh taste of heavenly bread (God’s Word, the Bible) that feeds the soul. If you haven’t developed the daily habit of eating, let me encourage you to start! If you aren’t eating regularly, schedule time each day. Make an appointment on your calendar and stick with it.
BE CONSISTENT
Do it every day! To be consistently in the Word every day is never easily accomplished. It’s unlike making a habit of brushing your teeth, or making your bed in the morning. This habit has a spiritual dimension. It’s a spiritual battle that takes perseverance and determination. God’s Word is alive and transforms us so we become holy and pleasing to God. That’s why there is a consistent battle to keep at it regularly. Busyness often wins the day. But as we hunger and thirst for the Bread of Life, we will be satisfied and full.
LOVE THE WORD
I love God’s Word. It’s alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). I am passionate about it! It is like physical bread, the more you eat the more you want!
God speaks through the divine pages. It’s as if neon lights blaze on a verse and it stands off the page speaking directly to my needs. No matter how many times I’ve read a passage, there’s always something fresh and new. It’s remarkable! It’s transformational!
God’s alive word drives to the very depth of my being, the real me. It takes off all the masks and goes right to the core of who you are. We cannot hide our most private secrets, fears, or worries. Nothing! Everything is open and bare before God. God gives us the grace and kindness needed to see who we are and still understand that God loves us unconditionally! We are accepted, forgiven, and no longer ashamed! God’s Word gives us power to live in victory, satisfaction, and energy.
The Bible is essential to life. Be consistent. The more you are in the Word, the more you will be filled and satisfied. You will know success in life and relationships. You will be confident and assured of eternal life.
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night,
so that you may be careful to do everything written in it.
Then you will be prosperous and successful. Joshua 1:8
P.S.
If you need a Bible reading plan check out the options on the “Bible Reading Plans and Tools” page. Finding a Bible reading plan will help you be consistent and love the Word.
Here’s five SWEET steps to help you (from another post called “Sweet”):
Set a time
Every day make time to read. Start with 5-10 minutes. Read a chapter and plan to read through the book.Stick to it. Make it a habit. Make it an appointment you keep.
Write down the passage you are reading.
Consistency helps in comprehension. If you start reading the Gospel of John, for example, read through the chapter and next time pick up with the next chapter until you’ve completed the book. This will give you a more complete picture of the verses and chapters.
Easy read or read quickly, but notice what stands out to you.
The Holy Spirit will speak to you as you listen through the reading. Remember, God’s word is alive and active. Jot down what God is saying to you through the passage. How does it apply to me today?
End with prayer
Reiterate to God what you’ve heard from the word, and offer thanks and praise. Then put it into practice.
Tell someone
Tell your spouse, kids, friend what you read and how it spoke to you today.
If you do this every day, it will become a life-changing habit of good for you! You will soon be on your way to discover more of God and the secrets available to you!
Blessed are those who hunger and
thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8
Great reminders, Judy. You influenced me to read the Bible again several years ago. Now I miss it if I skip just one day!
You mentioned reading with a purpose rather than just reading. Choosing a question, something to look for in each reading, has deepened the experience for me. Bjc
Great reminders, Judy. You influenced me to read the Bible again several years ago. Now I miss it if I skip just one day!
You mentioned reading with a purpose rather than just reading. Choosing a question, something to look for in each reading, has deepened the experience for me. Bjc