Hold On to What’s True
Reading Scripture is vital to our intimacy with God. God’s Word is our weapon. It’s alive, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. And when we hide Scripture in our heart, it helps us battle with the forces of evil. We have an enemy, and the last thing he wants us to do is trust God and His Word.
Our spiritual enemy wants to keep us in a place of doubt and insecurity. But when we know who we are, we can confidently demolish every lie that distracts us. Below are some common lies we’ve all believed, and the truth we need to remember to overcome them:
Lie We Believe — I’m a failure, and I can’t do anything right.
God’s Truth — I may struggle, but I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength (Philippians 4:13).
Lie We Believe — If God cared, why would He let these hardships happen to me?
God’s Truth — I know that God causes everything to work together for His glory and my good (Romans 8:28). God’s grace is sufficient for me, and His power is perfected through my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Lie We Believe — I’ll always be this way.
God’s Truth — I can change because I belong to Christ. The old me has gone and the new me is here (2 Corinthians 5:17)!
Think through the lies you’ve believed. It’s easier to entertain lies when we allow them to become a part of us. But once you recognize the lies you’ve internalized, you’re halfway to victory. God gave us His Word so that we could know the truth … and it’s His truth that sets us free.
Let’s start living more like the conquerors we are, and apply the life-giving, hope-delivering, and devil-kicking power provided to us through God’s Word.
Timeless Wisdom
After being rescued from Egyptian slavery and wandering around in the wilderness for 40 years, the Hebrew people finally stood at the edge of the land God had promised.
Though their long-time leader, Moses, had just died, God appointed Joshua to take his place. During this transition of authority, God gave Joshua some wise advice:
“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
Joshua 1:8 NIV
The “Book of the Law” refers to the first five books of the Bible—also known as the Torah (in Hebrew) or the Pentateuch (in Greek). Today, we have that and more—66 books of the Bible, including the Old and New Testaments.
God gave the Law to Israel through Moses. These instructions reveal God’s intentions, character, and heart.
And even though God was speaking directly to Joshua at that time, His advice holds timeless ...