BUT, WHAT DOES GOD SAY?

Jer. 23:35-36  You should keep asking each other, “What is the LORD’s answer?, or “What is the LORD saying?”  But stop using this phrase, ‘prophecy from the LORD.’  For people are using it to give authority to their own ideas, turning upside down the words of our God, the living God, the LORD Almighty.  NLT

       So much is being said in the name of the Lord these days it’s hard sometimes to know what is from God and what isn’t.  How can we know for sure what is from God?  We go to the Word of God and examine the Scriptures carefully.  We need to ask the Lord for wisdom and guidance so we can gain understanding.  We must make sure that our understanding is supported by the rest of the Scriptures.  We must know that God never contradicts himself or goes beyond His Word. 

      People use the Word of God often for their own gain.  They sometimes use it to stir up trouble amongst the brethren.   They use it to promote their own ideas or agendas.  We must be very careful what we listen to, believe and teach.  It is good to examine the thoughts of man by the Word of God, but we must be sure it’s for the right reasons. 

       God honors the searchings of an open and honest heart.  He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.  God wants us to understand what He is saying to us.  We just have to be willing to listen with humble and submissive hearts. 

       Just because someone says that it is true from God doesn’t mean anything unless it is supported by the Word of God.  Be very careful how the Word is used.  It can be used to support just about anything if it’s taken out of context or pieced­­­-meal together.  The whole of Scripture is truth.  All of the Word together is profitable for our understanding and living.  We cannot pick and choose what we want to live by and believe.  Live by the whole counsel of God and the truth will set you free.