"STAY SAFE IN GOD'S WORD"

Good Evening to All!

Test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast.
(1 Thessalonians 5:21 Amplified version)

King James Version is short and to the point: Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
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I have made this mistake many times even though I hate to admit it. Not as much as I used to, because now if I feel uncertain about something I go to the Bible and see what God has to tell me. You've heard the expression "he has an answer for everything." Well, God truly does.

We must continually be on our guard and know God's Word to be able to know a wolf in sheep's clothing when he comes to deceive us.

We need to read His Word and study it on a regular basis. This way, if a situation arises that we are unsure of, if a situation comes up that we don't know how to handle, God can bring scriptures to our memories to help us through these crises. If we don't read His Word, than we will be fumbling around in the dark. Sometimes the most obvious answer is not the right one. The devil can deceive us easily if we don't know God's Word. Even if we "know it a little" we can be deceived. As a matter of fact, that's when it's the most dangerous because if we know a little bit, then we might recognize some of the scripture and the devil might twist some words around to make it sound right, but in reality it's a lie. If we don't know the scripture for sure all the way though in our hearts it wouldn't be hard for Satan's deception to win over.

Another good thing to do is to pray for understanding before you read. This will open the door to clarity from God. He will open your understanding so that the scriptures will have a clearer, deeper meaning each time you read. At first He will start off simple, because just like a baby starts off with formula, someone who is not used to reading the Bible needs to start off with the "milk" of the Word. As you progress in prayer and reading, God will open up more and more understanding to you.

This is why we say God's Word is "alive". A person could have been reading the Bible over and over again for 50 years, but every time they read it, something new is brought to their attention. The Word hasn't changed, the person has just reach another deeper level of understanding.

We need this to stay safe from the "Ruler of this World's" deception. We must remember, he is the Master of deception, the father of Lies. His whole purpose is to kill, steal and destroy. It is his purpose to keep us from an Eternity With Our God.

Some people seek God only when they are in trouble and need help. but if they are not used to hearing from God, they will find recognizing His voice difficult when they really need Him. For this reason, let me leave you with Luke 4 (which I won't type because it's the whole chapter) and Colossians 3:15-16 KJV: And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. (16) Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the LORD.

The Amp. version states them this way: (15) An let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and setting with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ's] one body your were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always]. (16) Let the word [spoken by] Christ ( the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds]and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.

Remember to test everything you hear against the Word of God, because that is the only standard of truth that exists.

Good Night to All and May God Bless!