TODAY’S SIGNATURE VERSE ••• Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:5-6)
PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• Last night, I rented “I Still Believe” on YouTube*. I was excited to see it, but I read the book. So, I was cautiously optimistic to see how much they stayed true to the story. There were some differences, but the heart of the story was intact. I loved it! I have 48 hours from when I rented it last night to watch it, so I’ll likely have it running in the background today while I work.
Like avid readers everywhere, I tend to be highly critical when they turn books into movies. I’m one of those annoying, “That’s not the way it is in the book” kind of people (always said in an an accusatory tone of whining). There are very few notable exceptions where I’ve given the movie equal or even higher credit than the book. I want the story to be true to how the author told it!
God is pretty serious about this topic too. A lot serious. In several places of Scripture, we are warned not to add or take away from His Holy Word:
- Deuteronomy 4:2
- Deuteronomy 12:32
- Proverbs 30:5-6
- Galatians 1:6-9
- Revelation 22:18-19
And then, there are the passages that speak to the completion and perfection of God’s Word — Isaiah 40:8; Hebrews 4:12; and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
We’re going to use Proverbs 30:5-6 as our signature verses today. These verses say, “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”
This is why it’s so important for us to have a solid understanding of God’s Word when we read devotion books, Scriptural books, and listen to sermons. If anything contradicts the Word of God, we cannot credit it as true or accurate. This is the time when it’s a good thing to say, “That’s not the way it is in the Book!”
There is no replacing Scripture when it comes to knowing who God is. While devotions and Christian growth books are great for getting a better understanding of things, we need to have incredibly high, uncompromising standards that the information with which we supplement our Bible reading is accurate and complementary. It should never contradict, add to, or takeaway from God’s Word.
So, how do you know who to trust? Again, we go back to the Bible. You have to start there. Read it. Read other translations. Get a kids Bible if you have to. Just know and understand who God says He is before you listen to what anyone else says about Him.
And that includes me. I’m not a theologian and I’ve said it many times before — I’d rather you NOT read this if it means you’re not reading the Bible for yourself.
Today, as you pray, thank God that His Word is whole, complete, and perfect as it stands. Thank Him that it’s timeless and as relevant to our lives today as it was when it was written. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your heart that you will be a wise discerner of the truth. Ask Him to lead you to godly resources that complement Scripture as it is, and do not add or take away.
*In case you’re confused since “I Still Believe” was just released in theaters two weeks ago… Due to coronavirus and social distancing, the film producers decided to release it early for rent on streaming services like YouTube, Amazon Prime, other on-demand streaming services.
SHARING ••• Please share with others! Visit www.MyGraceFullLife.com to read past blogs. Download a free Bible-In-A-Year Reading Plan when you subscribe! Join an online prayer group at www.facebook.com/groups/onlineandonourkneesprayergroup. ***Unless noted otherwise, all Scripture references are from the ESV translation.
