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Matthew 16:12 – Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. (NIV)
We just bought two baby goats, but before we did so, we inspected the corral very carefully for any loops or holes which a curious little escape artist like a baby goat could take advantage of, as goats are famous for finding a way — any way — to escape.
People also look for loopholes. They seek to discover ways to get out of paying those parking tickets, or taking the blame, or evading taxes. It simply seems to be a natural phenomenon among human beings which does not exclude Christians.
We live in a spiritual generation who love the saying, "Really, it's all just a matter of interpretation. After all, there are no absolutes; everything is relative." Too often, Scripture is being twisted and turned by those seeking to discover loopholes which allow them to do what they want to do, rather than what Scripture makes very clear is what God would have us do. We are seeking to develop a god of our own understanding instead of a true understanding of God. This is a phenomenon that is breaking churches apart and driving wedges between denominations.
Perhaps as God's people, it would be good for us to do as the disciples did before Pentecost: they gathered together in one place and spent much time in prayer until the Holy Spirit came upon them. Instead of distancing ourselves from one another, perhaps we need to choose to come together in humility and prayer and to stay together until the Spirit leads us back into a true understanding of God and the plan He has for His church.
Prayer: Father God, draw us together once again as Your people. Bless us with Your Spirit of humility and grace, that we might build upon a true interpretation of Your Word and the plan that You have for Your church: a plan that announces Your love to the world through the love of Your people one for another. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.
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Monday, December 2, 2024 – In the Middle East — Pray for those who are on equipping teams, to be flexible, persevering and always growing closer to God. Pray as they learn Biblical Arabic which is almost like learning a new language from regular Arabic. Pray that they become more and more able to deal with the Scripture in the Arabic language.
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A good reminder Lynne. Thanks for sharing.
Totally agree with your prayer. Beautifully worded.
Amen! A great lesson Lynne; there are no loopholes when it comes to God’s truth.
Blessings.
Dearest Lynne!
AMEN!
Thank you for writing TRUTH.
Dear Lynne,
Thank you for this devotional. This instruction is invaluable.
I pray that this will happen in our churches everywhere.
God bless you.
Hello Lynne!
Thank you for today’s message to the heart of the problem.
May the active escape artist in us be delivered by the Holy Spirit’s call to saving faith.
Blessings to you!
Good Lynne,
Absolutely true. Scripture is not of private interpretations. A lot of people, especially the unsaved Scripture twist. They really need to study the whole council of God for the truth.
Blessing in Christ.
Amen – well said! We should never underestimate the power of prayer. I really like your comment. We are seeking to develop a god of our own understanding instead of a true understanding of God. Through prayer we can gain a true understanding of God. May God bless you as you continue to write your devotions & share them with us all!
Good Morning Lynne
As always, a profound and visual message of God’s presence and direction in our lives.
I love reading your devotionals. They conjure up beautiful images from your descriptions of your life.
Thank you for another great start to my day.
Blessings.
Lynne, Thank you,
How very much we need this guard against the teachings of the Pharisees and Saducees today!
I have been reading again from the beginning of Matthew’s gospel and I’m impressed by Jesus’ large, expansive, all-encompassing WAY.
And the breadth of Jesus’ Way is seen in some of the sayings of Jesus that Matthew records that have these or similar words.
In many of Jesus’ sayings he goes from the small Idea to the all-encompassing.
Or consider what Jesus said about the first and greatest commandment.
The Pharisees and Saducees picked and poked at details, while Jesus gave us God’s all-inclusive WAY.
I am impressed a the words in many sentences in the first few chapters of Matthew’s gospel that are all-inclusive and glorious, and so attractive, compelling for our spirit to join HIS SPIRIT.
Yes, yes.
The devotional spoke to me. Thanks.
Thank you for your devotional. A very good insight into people and true reflection on what we need to be and do. AS soon as I saw animals involved, I figured it was one of yours. I always enjoy your devotionals.