S.O.S.--Study Our Scriptures

 Lighthouse at Europa Point, Gibraltar, with the sinking Panamanian bulk-carrier cargo ship, M/V New Flame, in the background. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
Psalm 32:8
New International Version (NIV)

        When you need help who do you call?   When life gets you bogged down, you feel lost or confused, what can you do?   

         Perhaps you look to a "life authority" like Oprah or Dr. Phil.   But can you truly count on them for the all of the answers you need regarding your problems.   Counseling from someone equipped for such things can at times be of help to you.  Support from friends and family might encourage you.  Psychology books can provide some insight.   However sometimes your problems and questions are so big that even the experts and those who care about us aren't enough to pull you out of your darkness and into the light of understanding.

        Sometimes you need to start out alone with Bible in hand and call out to God to show you the way.  Prayer can have the power to calm you as well as incite you into action.  Delving into the scripture with God by your side is the best solution to problems that vex your mind, heart, and spirit.

        Don't just read the Bible, but study it.  God gave the Holy Scripture to us for our edification and education.   The Scriptures are intended for us to use for guidance.  

         Looking for answers?  Help is near to all of us.  Study our Scriptures.   God speaks through His written Word.

We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

2 Peter 1:19

New International Version (NIV)

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Where Can I Find the Truth?

Worship before the Throne of God (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.

Psalm 24:8

King James Version (KJV)

       We live in a violent often frightening world.  There are many humans who are evil and propagate ideas and beliefs that cause great harm.  Sometimes it can be difficult to tell who is right and who is wrong.   This is especially true when claims are made as a judgement coming from God.   

       God surely can speak to us in many ways, but we should be discerning when someone pronounces a message they say that has been given to them directly from God.   This has been the ruse of many of the false prophets throughout history.

        When a person or group declares that they have the authority from their God or their scripture to cut off heads and murder people then those who have made that declaration are to be questioned in their belief system.   A so-called god who commands its followers to persecute and kill others is a small weak god who cannot fend for itself--in actuality a false god who does not speak but dwells in the delusions of its adherents.

        Fortunately the One True God who showed us mercy and provided us grace through the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ is a big God who will take care of himself.  God allows earthly governments and armies to have power in their seasons, but the ultimate judgment will be directed by God himself.

         The pure logic, sense, and beauty of the book Christians know as the Holy Bible makes it very clear to those with eyes to see, ears to hear, and the wisdom of understanding the story of us, the God-created human race.  In this book the truth can be found.    Anything that disputes what is to be found in these pages speaks of deceit and lies.  

        

You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.

Romans 2:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

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Openings #atozchallenge

Come unto Me 22 (Photo credit: Waiting For The Word)

The opening of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.

Psalm 119:130

American Standard Version (ASV)

       The word "openings" is synonymous with beginnings. Opening can also have other meanings that suggest that which can lead to or facilitate beginnings. The Bible is filled with various openings--the opening of the heavens to bring the rain that caused the great flood, the opening of the Red Sea that allowed safe passage to the Israelites escaping Egypt, the opening of the age of Jesus Christ, and so on. 

       If we open our minds to God's Word and open the pages of the Holy Bible we will be ready for an opening of our comprehension regarding God's message for us. Some will complain that they don't understand what the Bible says, that it is too complicated with details, genealogies, laws--give it time. Open your hearts to accept the Word.  Just because a feast is laid before you it doesn't mean you have to devour it all at once.  Savor the bread and sip the wine slowly.  Understanding will come.
       

        God waits patiently with open arms ready to assist those who need help, guidance, and clarification. The gates of heaven stand open as they wait for you to enter. God does not force feed you. He provides the table that is set before you and gives you help when you are ready.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.   For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

Matthew 7:7-8

New International Version (NIV)

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Knowledge (#atozchallenge)

Knowledge will make you free (Photo credit: tellatic)

         Faith comes by hearing, but it does not end there.  This is only the first step.  It's up to us to step beyond to study the scripture.  What we are told by others may not always be absolutely correct.  Reading the Bible, contemplating its message, and praying for greater understanding of what we read are essential for us to gain a true knowledge of God's Word.

         Interpretations of scripture can be corrupted and distorted with passages taken out of context and scripture misapplied to create theologies that are false and misleading.   If we have confidence in our teachers we should listen, but we should also do our research to make sure what they are saying is correct.  There is nothing wrong with questioning those who appear to know more than we do.  That is a part of true learning.

          In the times of the early Christian church the group known as the Bereans were commended for their practice of listening carefully to Paul's teachings and then going home to study scripture to reaffirm that he was teaching them correctly.  They were considered to be of noble character due to their sincere quest for truth and true knowledge.  They were not lazy followers of Jesus Christ, but they worked at reaffirming and strengthening their faith.

         Take care as you gather your knowledge.  Rely on more sources than just one if you are reading outside of scripture.  Does what you are reading come from a credible source?   Also don't rely on what you have always believed or what you would like to believe.  Be sure that the knowledge you are acquiring is scripturally based.

        Then when you have the knowledge, what are you going to do with it?  Be sure to use it to lead others to begin their own search for knowledge.   Lead others to the well and drink the Living Water together.  Your quest for knowledge should be life long.

 If you would like to know more about a true life change in a positive direction, then please read Take the Next Step. 

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