Never underestimate

I never used to understand the value of God's Word. I thought having "devotions" was my Christian duty. I felt obligated to "spend time with God". Honestly, doing so was a law to me from which I found no value or benefit.

Now, don't sharply inhale - so as to say something judgmental....because in all these years, having listened to many people, I am not the only one who has had that view. Even if their attitude wasn't quite as uninterested and "law-like" as mine was, many people freely admit that they don't spend time with God as they "should"....you know, life is soooooo busy...

I have told you several times when my attitude changed....when you get miserable enough, lots of stuff gets re-evaluated. I don't wish that anyone would be as stubborn and miserable as I was before they realize the extreme value, actually the "necessity" of the Word of God in our lives.

When I finally really wanted God's help and was willing to give up my own ways and humbled myself before God and asked Him to teach me, suddenly His Word made sense to me and spoke to me clearly.... learning from God and following His instructions has made ALL the difference in my life for the better in every aspect of my life.

There is a lie that is prevalent, but so subtle that many haven't realized it. That lie has to do with thinking God will take care of it all for me. We pray and things don't change, many blame God or make up their own doctrines to comfort themselves....when actually the truth is that God isn't the one who is responsible and He should not be blamed. The fault lies with us.

God has given us His Word. His Word is His wisdom, His counsel, His instruction to us regarding how to live life successfully. It is full of principles that, if followed, will turn our lives around for the good. How can God be blamed if He tells us, Isaiah 30:21 "This is the way to walk, walk in it" and we don't go His way.

Read these scriptures and ponder them, all the while asking God to capture your attention and speak to your heart.:

Proverbs 8:6
Brenton Septuagint Translation
Leave folly, that ye may reign for ever; and seek wisdom, and improve understanding by knowledge.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
“Put off from you the deficiency of your mind, and live, and agree with the way of uprightness.”

New King James Version
Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding.

Jeremiah 6:16
Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

Psalm 86:11
Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth! Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honor you.

Psalm 119:1
Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the LORD.

Isaiah 65:2
"I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people, Who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts,

Jeremiah 4:22
“My people are foolish and do not know me,” says the LORD. “They are stupid children who have no understanding. They are clever enough at doing wrong, but they have no idea how to do right!”

Proverbs 8:33
Listen to my instruction and be wise. Don’t ignore it.

Proverbs 3:1-18 Amplified Bible

My son, do not forget my teaching,
But let your heart keep my commandments;

For length of days and years of life [worth living] And tranquility and prosperity [the wholeness of life’s blessings] they will add to you.

Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you]; Bind them [securely] around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him, And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].

Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.

It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts] And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones.

Honor the Lord with your wealth
And with the first fruits of all your crops (income);

Then your barns will be abundantly filled
And your vats will overflow with new wine.

My son, do not reject or take lightly the discipline of the Lord [learn from your mistakes and the testing that comes from His correction through discipline];
Nor despise His rebuke,

For those whom the Lord loves He corrects, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.

Happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is the man who finds [skillful and godly] wisdom, And the man who gains understanding and insight [learning from God’s word and life’s experiences],

For wisdom’s profit is better than the profit of silver, And her gain is better than fine gold.

She is more precious than rubies;
And nothing you can wish for compares with her [in value].

Long life is in her right hand;
In her left hand are riches and honor.

Her ways are highways of pleasantness and favor, MAnd all her paths are peace.

She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her, And happy [blessed, considered fortunate, to be admired] is everyone who holds her tightly.

Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

I am encouraging you to press into spending time to study, learn and put into practice God's instructions more than ever before.

Never Underestimate the Value of God's Word!