truth seeking

Being Unashamed: Working with Excellence for God

Being Unashamed: Working with Excellence for God

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2:15

Have you ever watched a skilled craftsman at work? There’s something beautiful about seeing someone who knows their trade inside and out.

They handle their tools with confidence and precision, creating something extraordinary from raw materials.

Understanding God’s Approval

When it comes to studying God’s Word, you’re called to approach it with the same level of dedication and excellence.

This isn’t about impressing others or earning God’s love – it’s about handling His truth with the care it deserves.

What Does It Mean to Be Approved?

Think of it like this: When a product gets a seal of approval, it means it’s been tested and found trustworthy.

As you study God’s Word, and learn to apply the truths you discover, you’re developing into someone who can be trusted with His truth.

Handling Truth with Care

Key Elements of Good Bible Study:

  • Take time to understand the context
  • Look at the whole message, not just isolated verses
  • Apply what you learn to your daily life
  • Stay humble and teachable
  • Check your understanding against trusted resources

Moving from Knowledge to Living Truth

Knowledge alone isn’t the goal.

God’s Word should change how you live. When you understand a truth from Scripture, ask yourself:

  • How does this change my perspective?
  • What action should I take?
  • How can I share this with others?

Practical Steps Forward

Start with one book of the Bible. Rather than jumping around, spend time really getting to know that book.

  • What’s the main message?
  • Who wrote it?
  • Why was it written?

Let these questions guide your study.

Making It Personal

Set aside regular time for Bible study. Even 15 minutes a day, approached with purpose and prayer, can lead to significant growth in your understanding of God’s Word.

Prayer for Wisdom

“Lord, help me handle Your Word with care and reverence. Give me wisdom to understand and apply Your truth correctly. Make me someone who can share Your message with confidence and humility. Amen.”

Remember, this journey isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. Each time you open God’s Word with a sincere heart to learn and grow, you’re taking steps toward being that approved worker who handles truth well.

What’s one step you can take today to improve how you study God’s Word?

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy Today – Pray Upside Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration
Discerning Truth in Deceptive Times

Discerning Truth in Deceptive Times

Have you ever felt bombarded by different spiritual messages and wondered how to tell what’s true?

In a world full of competing voices claiming to have all the answers, it can be challenging to discern what’s genuinely from God or not.

Today, we’re going to look at a verse that warns us about this very issue and offers guidance on how to navigate it.

For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

Mark 13:22

The Warning

This verse is part of Jesus’ teaching about the end times, but it holds valuable lessons for us today.

Jesus warns that people will come claiming to be sent by God or even to be Christ Himself.

These false teachers won’t just talk; they’ll back up their claims with seemingly miraculous acts.

The Target: Even the Elect

The deception is so convincing that even devoted believers might be fooled.

You might be thinking, “That sounds scary! How can I protect myself?” Great question. Let’s look at what this verse means for our lives:

1. Deception is Real

Jesus doesn’t sugarcoat it. There are, and will be people who try to lead us astray spiritually.

2. Impressive Doesn’t Equal True

Just because someone can do amazing things doesn’t mean they’re sent by God. We need to look deeper.

3. No One is Immune

Even mature believers can be deceived. This calls for constant vigilance and humility.

4. Discernment is Crucial

Reading between the lines, this verse highlights the importance of spiritual discernment – the ability to distinguish truth from error.

Your Next Steps

So, how can you develop spiritual discernment and protect yourself from deception? Here are some practical steps:

  1. Know the Truth: Regularly study the Bible. The better you know God’s word, the easier it is to spot counterfeits.
  2. Stay Connected: Be part of a solid Christian community. Other believers can help you discern and offer different perspectives.
  3. Test Everything: Don’t accept spiritual claims at face value. Compare them to Scripture and seek godly counsel.
  4. Pray for Wisdom: James 1:5 promises that God will give wisdom to those who ask. Make this a regular part of your prayer life.
  5. Watch the Fruit: Jesus said you would know false prophets by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). Look at the long-term results of a teacher’s life and message.

Remember, the goal isn’t to become paranoid, but to be wisely cautious. God has given us His Spirit and His Word to guide us into all truth.

Next time you encounter a new teaching or hear someone claiming to speak for God, think back to this verse. Let it remind you to engage your spiritual discernment.

A wise man one said regarding the Word of God:
If it’s new, it’s probably not true; it it’s true, it’s probably not new”

In a world where truth and deception often wear similar masks, choose to be a thoughtful, discerning follower of Christ. It may require more effort, but it leads to a robust, grounded faith that can withstand the storms of deception.

Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy Today – Pray Upside Down

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration