17 December: Gullible Belief

With the rise in “fake news”, especially on social media, today’s chapter shows the importance of not believing what you hear without testing it!

READ 1 JOHN 4  Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

I find it amazing how we can listen to “news” and somehow take it in immediately as fact, often “sharing” it on. We saw the events unfolding. We heard the reports. We watched the video clip. Therefore, it’s real fact and true. However, what we don’t realise is that this sort of belief requires “faith”. Every day we’re exercising a form of gullible belief. We’re trusting that those reporting, are telling the truth. We don’t want to believe that what we see and hear is infact twisted, half true, or not true at all!

Oddly enough, though, we don’t seem to give the same level of faith to the Bible. Quite the contrary, as soon as someone says, “But the Bible says…” the listener goes into shut-down mode! Even so-called Believers today, would rather believe a charismatic preacher, “prophet”, or “apostle” (as they now call themselves), then spend time quality time in reading, understanding, and believing what the Bible says.

Because of this, John’s message 1,950+ years ago, is as much needed today as it was back then. [v1-2] Instead of falling back on gullible belief, we can use faith in our Marker’s historical records (miraculously preserved for us –  most especially about Jesus, who He is, and why He came), as an anchor and filter for judging truth…

Read More? … CLICK to follow “17 December – Additional Notes”

But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.

Wanting to speak directly with the God of All Truth? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[a]

THE LORD’S PRAYER:

   1.   Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”

I want to sing to the Lord a new song. I’ll sing His praise in the assembly of His faithful people. [Psalm 149:1]

   2.   Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”

  • The World: Government decisions in Venezuela[b]
  • Your Country: Those working in the Parole Services
  • Yourself: Protection from the “evil one”[c]
  • Your concerns for today
When I cried out to the Lord, He heard my cry. He sent His angel and brought me out of my place of slavery. [Numbers 20:16]

   3.   Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”

Jesus said: “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I Am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” [Matthew 11:29-30]

   4.   Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”

“By Myself I have sworn,” [says the Lord God Almighty] “My mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before Me every knee will bow; by Me every tongue will confess.” [Isaiah 45:23]

“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”

When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[d] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: Topic = Spiritual Conflict

“Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” [Ephesians 6:18]

[a] Matthew 6:5-15

[b] http://www.operationworld.org/country/vene/owtext.html

[c] John 17:15

[d] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31

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