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We can get by without spending time in God's word If we don’t make a disciplined decision to make time to spend with God in His Word, one day without it soon becomes two.
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Going without I wonder if you are bold enough to say out loud that you think that you can get by today without any input from God. We know it can be done. Many people openly reject Him and go through their lives without Him. But you are different. If you are a Christian and in a role of Christian leadership with your husband you have made some sort of commitment to God and therefore I would like to assume that you very much want to include Him in your day! What an assumption though. Is it true for you? In the book of Hosea we get God’s view of His people who have turned away from seeking Him and His ways. He describes them in chapter 7 verse 11 as, “like a dove, easily deceived and senseless.” Wow strong words. If we don’t make a disciplined decision to make time to spend with God in His Word, one day without it soon becomes two. God communicates with His people through the Bible more than in any other way. If we don’t read it we are cutting ourselves off from communication with God and before we know it we too are easily deceived and senseless. This is not good in your personal life nor in your role of leadership. |
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Easily deceived Once we have swallowed the deception that we can get by without spending time in God’s Word everything else becomes easy for our enemy. Just as the question was put to Eve in the garden of Eden, the words, “Did God really say…?” (Genesis ch3 v1) can be employed whenever we start thinking about doing something which may damage Satan’s kingdom. “Did God really say…?” “well, I’m not quite sure because I’m not that familiar with it! I only listen to it read once a week at church (and even then I don’t always listen that carefully)” If our actions can be nullified, how much easier to lead away those who follow us. The words we teach (and may I suggest the way we live, if we are not to be hypocrites) put us into a position of being judged more strictly (James ch3 v1). Let’s be sure of the Word as far as possible. So what should be our battle cry to overcome this deception? Echo the words of Isaiah, “To the word and to the testimony” (Isaiah ch 8 v20)— a wonderful double barrelled shot gun approach—the Word as laid out by God, and the experience of His believers. You don’t know how to influence your community? “To the Word and to the Testimony.” You don’t know how to help other women? “To the Word and to the Testimony.” You don’t know how to pray for the church? “To the Word and to the Testimony.” You don’t know how to dress appropriately? “To the Word and to the Testimony.” You don’t know how to be a wife? “To the Word and to the Testimony.” You don’t know how to deal with your problems? “To the Word and to the Testimony.” Then as a leader you will be “thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy ch 3 v17). |
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Someone who is lacking in sense is vulnerable to deception.
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Senseless The word senseless is translated from two Hebrew words. The first contains the negative element—being without, lacking—and the second contains the sense bit—the heart, the thought, the substance. We have already looked a little at the being deceived and someone who is lacking in sense is vulnerable to deception. But why would we want to be without? Why would we want to be lacking? Jesus is Wisdom and God’s Power (1 Corinthians ch1 v24) and Jesus is the Word (John ch1 v1-5) so let’s get the Word in our lives so that we have wisdom and power in our ministry. The verse that we are looking at from Hosea “[My people are] like a dove, easily deceived and senseless” goes on to show how this takes form in this historical instance, “now calling to Egypt, now turning to Assyria.” God’s people (referred to as Ephraim if you look at the verse in Scripture,) were in need of help and these two countries were dominant forces in the days in question. They were the major neighbours whose influence was most desired instead of God’s. What are the major neighbouring influences we look to today? Who is our reference in times of trouble? Whose advice do we seek? If it isn’t God’s then, to be blunt, we too are senseless. |
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Now where did you leave your Bible last? |
Keep away from being easily deceived and senseless I know there are a million and one calls on your time. But my Christian friend I really believe making time to spend with God in His Word is vital to your life and ministry. You cannot do without. To the Word and to the Testimony. To the Word and to the Testimony! Let us pray with Hosea, “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.” Hosea ch14 v26. We are forgiven. Now where did you leave your Bible last?
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(place holder) Return to top Return to Home Page This article © Linda Faber 2006-2009.
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