Verse of the day: Judges 18:5-6, So they said to him, “Please inquire of God, that we may know whether the journey on which we go will be prosperous.” 6 And the priest said to them, “Go in peace. The presence of the LORD be with you on your way.”
From whom and from where do we seek advice and guidance from? When we seek guidance from someone, as Christians, do we check to see if it lines up with God’s Word? These Danites, who only sought to hear what they wanted to hear, took the words of Micah’s priest for truth, simply because he told them that Micah hired him as his priest. The priest did not pray, or even attempt to approach the Lord for guidance. He simply gave an answer based on his corrupt credentials as an idolatrous priest. How careful are we to investigate what we are being told, even from those who claim to be God’s servants? Although it is very wise to seek godly counsel and guidance, it is wise and honorable to double check the advice we get. Sadly, far too many Christians prefer to be spoon-fed and are too lazy to search and study God’s Word to get the answers we need to life’s challenges. In Acts 17 there were a group of people who were praised in Scripture for their diligent search and verification of what they were told by the Apostle Paul and Silas. In Acts 17:10-11 we are told, “Then the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” The best advice and guidance any of us can received comes from God Himself. We have all that we need to find out what God’s will and plan is for our lives. We have the Holy Spirit who seals us, indwells us, and guides us. 1 Corinthians 1:21-22 tells us, “Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” Jesus clearly tells us in John 16:13-14, “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you.” We have the Word of God, which the Holy Spirit uses to guide us, but we must do our part in studying it and applying it. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 reminds us, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” James 1:22 also reminds us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” We must remember that the devil tried to use the Word of God to tempt Jesus in Matthew 4. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that when we are verifying the advice or guidance given, that we be diligent to properly study the Word of God, seeking to hear from God and not trying to twist Scripture so that it fits our theology or our desire to do something. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, “Study to show yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Above all, please, please, please, always go to the Lord in constant prayer, as 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. The many times I have heard people’s disappointment and discouragement because God did not come through for them was usually rooted in the fact that they did not pray. They took flimsy and unbiblical advice or claimed some Scripture that was out of context. Then they pointed the finger at God for their plans falling through or for situations going from bad to worse. Let us be diligent to seek the Lord in all things. However, let us always seek Him in truth and not on the basis of hearing what we want to hear so that we can do what WE want to do.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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