God's Wisdom In A Nutshell

Hello,

Today I want to talk to you about using God’s Word through the recitation of Scripture, to take down strongly held beliefs that go against Biblical teaching. These are called “strongholds” and Satan is their originator.

For example, the general public believes that we must sacrifice time with our families in order to provide for them. The Bible teaches us two important things on this topic. First, God values people more than money. Second, if we have a need to be filled we need to come to Him as we would come to an earthly father, and ask him for provision. The Bible says that the Lord will supply all our needs.(Philippians 4:19)

If we avoid reading the Bible we will have strongly held beliefs that are completely wrong! We will never understand how the Lord can help us if we rely soley on our own beliefs and intellect. This means that we are making ourselves the “god” of our lives. We may believe in the Lord, but by our actions we are denying His ability to help us.  On the other hand, trusting God to lead our life, is the only way to find the perfect job for our needs and those of our family.  Leaving God, our all-knowing, all-powerful Creator- out of our decisions, will never lead us toward the best possible scenario for our life. Not only that, if we aren’t following God’s teachings we are following Satan.

Satan is the author of every evil, every fear and every thought that goes against Biblical teaching.

How does Satan fight against us you may ask? He works on your thoughts. One of the main influences today is social media. He can make you feel depressed because your life doesn’t look like someone else’s life. Then we respond by trying to improve our lives and we set out on endeavors that fill up our time and leave no time for a relationship with the Lord.  Satan loves it when we are on the “hamster wheel” of life, distant from the Lord, too busy to teach and model trusting God. The Bible instructs us to look to what God deems important as our first priority, take a look:

“Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.”(Matt 6:33)

Once we have our priorities in order, namely God first, the Lord will “add unto us” all the other things we need, like time, energy, strength, health and money. God’s word is profitable for us. It guides us and it accomplishes all that God desires it to accomplish.

“For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return without watering the earth, making it bud and sprout, and providing seed to sow and food to eat, so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it. You will indeed go out with joy and be led forth in peace…(Isiah 55:10-12)

This verse teaches us that Scripture is a seed. Once we read it and meditate on it, the seed is planted in our mind. In a little while, God will open our minds to make us understand His meaning. When this happens, we begin to know that we are not alone in life. God is with us and desires to help us. We don’t have to figure it all out. Our main job is to spend time with Him.  He then will direct us to the path we should take in life. Scripture directs, corrects, and brings us to a better life.

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”(Heb 4:12)

One popular commentary on the Bible is written by  Elliot and he explains the above verse like this: “…it is therefore the whole word of God that is brought before us-mainly the word of threatening and judgement but also the Word of promise.”

Below I compiled a short list of hopeful promises from Scripture.  After you read them, speak them out loud. Speaking them outloud makes you hear God’s Word. Faith in God comes by hearing the Word of God. (Romans 10:17) So everytime you speak His word,  you are planting a seed of Truth, and this can fight off the seeds that Satan has planted in your mind.

When you are fearful:

“… If God is for us, who can be against us?(Rom 8:31)

If you are confused, perplexed or don’t know what to do:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Prov 3:5-6)

If you are discouraged:

” And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28)

If you are unsure of yourself or timid:

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self discipline.” (2 Tim 1:7)

If you are battling a life threatening illness:

“I will live and not die and declare the works of the Lord.”(Psalm 118:17)

If I you are living in lack:

“…And you will again obey the voice of the LORD and follow all His commandments I am giving you today. So the LORD your God will make you abound in all the work of your hands and in the fruit of your womb, the offspring of your livestock, and the produce of your land. Indeed, the LORD will again delight in your prosperity, as He delighted in that of your fathers” (Deut 30:8-9)

When you are tempted:

“I have the right to do anything, but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”–but I will not be mastered by anything.”(1 Cor 6:12)

If you feel inadequate:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13)

God wants us to live a full life by overcoming all of our negative thoughts or strongholds that weigh us down and keep us from being all that God created us to be. Don’t buy into these feelings of fear that Satan brings to your mind- trust the Lord Jesus Christ.

Have a wonderful week!

Lisa