Recently I was talking to someone about cults. I believe that many of them come about because they base their belief system on a portion of scripture, instead of looking at the Bible in its entirety. They may also take the Word of God (WoG) and twist it to fit into their belief system. One of the reasons people fall for this deception is because they don’t read the WoG for themselves.
The bible is our standard for testing everything we see and hear, and so for those who haven’t read it and come up against a deception, it is impossible to know whether it is true or false. It’s like becoming a doctor without going to medical school! 1 Timothy 4:13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
The Bible tells us that Scripture is God-breathed; 2 Timothy 3:16: All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. And although it is recorded by human writers, the words were inspired by the Holy Spirit.
I have heard people say how important the WoG is but I didn’t realize just how important it was until I read it faithfully for a while and then took a day off. Hebrews 4:12-13 (NLT) 12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable.
The only way we can grow closer to God is by reading His Word. You don’t have to spend all day. But in order to know God we must spend time reading His instruction book.
Psalm 119:10-16 (NLT)
10 I have tried hard to find you—
don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.
don’t let me wander from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you.
12 I praise you, O Lord;
teach me your decrees.
13 I have recited aloud
all the regulations you have given us.
14 I have rejoiced in your laws
as much as in riches.
15 I will study your commandments
and reflect on your ways.
16 I will delight in your decrees
and not forget your word.
Dear Lord,
I pray that you will reveal your will to me as I spend time in your Word. May your Holy Spirit show me the right path, so that I won’t stumble constantly in the dark. I thank you that I can trust Your Word to guide me. Remind me daily to stay in Your Word. In Jesus Name Amen.
