[APRIL 18] A Wrong Reading

Read: 1 Timothy 1:18-20

"Wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected,... have suffered shipwreck."

--1 Tim. 1:18-19

William Scoresby was a British seafaring explorer in the 19th century who responded to God's call to the ministry. An interest in the workings of navigational compasses stayed with him during his work as a clergyman. His research led to the discovery that all newly built iron ships had their own magnetic influence on compasses. This influence would change at sea for various reasons-leading crews to read the compass incorrectly. Often this led to disaster.

There is a striking parallel between the misread compass and false biblical teaching. In 1 Timothy 1, Paul warned against "fables and endless genealogies" (v.4)-man-made changes in the doctrines of God's Word. People who teach false doctrines "have suffered shipwreck," Paul concludes (v.19). Two people who opposed the Word of God by placing false teaching in its place, and who thus faced spiritual shipwreck, were Alexander and Hymenaeus (v.20).

Biblical truth is being questioned and in some cases even replaced in the church today. Our opinions must never replace the truth of God's Word. The Bible, not man's erroneous opinions about it, is the ultimate guide for our conscience in navigating life`s changing seas. Beware of wrong readings. --Dennis Fisher

God's words of pure, eternal truth

Shall yet unshaken stay,
When all that man has thought or planned,

Like chaff has passed away. --Anon.

REFLECT ON THIS:

The first point of wisdom is to know the truth, the second to discern what is false.

[FEBRUARY 25] Imagine That!

Read: 2 Peter 1:16-21

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God,... rightly dividing the Word of truth" 

--2 Timothy 2:15

My friends and I were anticipating a contemplative time looking at a collection of artwork about the prodigal son who returned home to a forgiving father (Luke 15). When we arrived at the information table, we noticed the brochures, books, and a sign pointing to the artwork.

Also on the table was a dinner plate with bread, a napkin, and a glass. Each of us privately pondered what the significance of the plate could be. We wondered if it represented communion fellowship between the prodigal son and his father when he returned home. But as we examined it more closely, we realized simultaneously: Someone had left a dirty plate on the display table. And it wasn’t bread, but leftover cookie bars! Our imaginations had been wrong.

We had a good laugh, but then it made me think about how sometimes we imagine more than what’s really there while reading the Bible. Rather than assuming that our speculation is correct, however, we need to be sure our interpretation fits with the whole of Scripture. Peter said that “no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20). As we depend on the Spirit’s instruction, a careful study of the context, and the wisdom of respected Bible teachers, we’ll avoid seeing things in the Word that aren’t really there. --Anne Cetas

We must correctly hear God's word,
Or we will be misled;
We must give careful thought and prayer
To what the Author said. --Hess

REFLECT ON THIS:
A text out of context is often a dangerous pretext.

[FEBRUARY 16] Detecting Toxins

Read: Galatians 1:3-10

"There are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ"
--Galatians 1:7

San Francisco and New York City are using bluegill fish to check for the presence of toxins in their water supply, which could be a possible target for a terrorist attack. A small number of bluegills are kept in a tank at the bottom of some water treatment plants because the fish are sensitive to chemical imbalances in their environment. When a disturbance is present in the water, the bluegills react against it.

Like these bluegills, Paul wanted the Galatians to beware of and react against any toxic disturbance in the “true gospel” that was being preached. The toxin was defined as the false principle that God grants acceptance to people and considers them righteous on the basis of their obedience to a set of rules (especially circumcision and dietary laws). In short, obedience to the law was needed, apart from faith in Jesus. This false teaching was a toxic disturbance of the truth and the Galatians were told to react strongly against it. Paul said that anyone preaching a gospel that is not based on grace through faith in Christ alone should be accursed (Gal. 1:8-9).

Let’s faithfully study the Scriptures so we can detect the toxins of false teaching and proclaim the truth of God’s wonderful salvation through faith in Jesus. -Marvin Williams

Lord, teach us from Your holy Word
All errors to discern,
And by Your Spirit light help us
From Satan's snares to turn. --Bosch

REFLECT ON THIS:
If you know the truth, you can discern what’s false..

[JANUARY 1] Treasure Hunt

Read: Proverbs 2:1-9

"If you seek [wisdom] as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord." 

--Proverbs 2:4-5

On January 1, 2008, Keith Severin and his 7-year-old son, Adrien, agreed that they would spend at least 15 minutes every day that year searching together for treasure. Carlos Alcala's article in Sacramiento Bee described how they went out each day in every kind of weather to see what they could find. A year later their collection of coins, golf balls , recyclable battles and cans, and various other items had yielded more than $1,000. In the process, they enjoyed many hours of companionship and fun.

If we decided to spend 15 minutes a day searching for treasure in the Bible, what would we find? Solomon wrote: "If you seek [wisdom] as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.... Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path." (Proverbs 2:4-5,9).

Growth won't happen all at once. But gradually, day by day, we will be changed through reading God's Word and obeying Him. And think of the privilege and pleasure of spending time with our heavenly Father.

It begins with a willing commitment, continues with exciting discoveries, and leads to the treasure of wisdom and life. --David McCasland

Search the Scriptures' precious store--

As a miner digs for ore;

Search, and you will surely find

Treasures to enrich the mind. --Anon.

REFLECT ON THIS: 
Rich treasures of God's truth are waiting to be discovered.