Week 12
Building A Relationship With God
Psalm 119:105 (KJV)
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)
16-All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17-That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Isiah 40:8 (KJV)
The grass withereth; the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever.
Psalm 33:4 (KJV)
For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth.
Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV)
18-For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book. If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.
19-And if any man shall take away form the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Proverbs 30:5-6 (KJV)
5-Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
6-Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
Deuteronomy 4:2 (KJV)
Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.
Deuteronomy 12:32 (KJV)
What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
Today I want to talk about the Bible. The Bible is God's very word, given to us for reproof, correction and for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV) tells us this. God gave us His word to give us comfort and peace. He gave us a manual to help us through this world and to give us strength. Psalm 119:105 says Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
When we get closer to God, we start to love Him. We start to love His word. Our hearts change and become softer for those who are lost and consumed by this world. God's word is to instruct us in His ways. It is an example for is in How to treat each other. The bible is a precious gift from our Heavenly Father and should always be treated with respect. The word of God is not meant to be used to promote ourselves or any type of agenda. We must always be careful not to change the word of God to fit into our own personal plan. God makes it clear in Proverbs 3:5-6, Deuteronomy 4:2, 12:32 and in Revelation 22:18-19 that we must not add to or take away from His word. God also makes it clear in Galatians 6:6-7 that He will not be mocked.
Galatians 6:6-7 (KJV)
6-Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7-Be not deceived, God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
We must be careful what we read and say and what we come into agreement with. The article referenced below, is an example of changing the word of God and mocking God to fit one's own political agenda. Some may read it and think it's funny. some may think the author clever; but I read it with a heavy heart. This article changes the word of God around and mocks God's instruction to us. Below are examples found within the article:
With reference to the Samaritan parable the article has Jesus asking "So which of these three should we follow?" though the scripture is referenced, it clearly states in Luke 10:36 (KJV) Which of these three thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves?
The writer has Jesus saying to a man he healed "Stand Up!" "Pick up your mat and go home." It also states that the man danced about joyfully.
John 5:8-9 (KJV)
8-Rise, take up thy bed and walk.
9-And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the Sabbath.
Luke 6:21-25 (KJV) does say in verse 24-But woe to you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. It does not say in the scriptures referenced, "Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the kingdom of God"
Matthew 5:3 (KJV)
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.
Luke 6:20 (KJV)
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
Matthew 5:3 and Luke 6:20 were not referenced in the article.
The article is referenced below. I encourage you to read and judge for yourself. Though the changes are small, they are changes. The bible clearly states do not add to nor take away. We must be careful and challenge what we hear and read. We must also be very careful to show God the respect and reverence he deserves. We must also speak up and share truth with those who wouldn't know otherwise.
1 John 4:1
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits weather they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
This week I challenge you to be extra conscious of what you hear and read. Challenge and try the things you hear and read. Test these things and see if they line up with God's word and be in prayer for those who are trying to use and manipulate God's word to lead us away from His holy purpose. Daily fellowship with God and knowing your scriptures will protect you from being deceived by those who are lost and wish to lead you away from God.
James 1:21-22
21-Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
22-but be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Have a Blessed week in Christ!
Jeanie Hannah
Article reference:
Kristof, N. (2017, March 16) and Jesus Said Unto Paul of Ryan...The New York Times. Retrieved from http://nytimes.com