This may seem like an obvious statement but I would challenge you to take an inventory of your thought life today and words to see if in fact your agreeing with God. It is a day where we are inundated with images, thoughts, and ideas that can persuade us to think a certain way. In fact what you allow in through eyes and ears, the gateway to your soul, will lead you to take action in some way throughout your day. The bible is Gods word and is here for us as Christians to show us how to live. First thing is, you have to believe the bible is inspired by God and should be the lamp unto our feet and light unto our path.” 2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”

Therefore, we can see clearly by this scripture in Timothy what the purpose of all scripture is. First doctrine should be based entirely on scripture, not a mans opinion or interpretation of it. Men can be in error but God can’t. God is all powerful, all knowing, and is love. These are a few among many other attributes that we could list all day. The book of Titus even states it as sound doctrine so would be a great study on this topic. The next place we see scripture is used for is reproof. This is basically calling out blame where it is needed. We all are in need of reproof at times because we are all a work in progress until the day of Christ according to Philippians 1:6. No one likes to receive reproof, but I believe this comes from our pride. We don’t learn and grow until we see the error of our ways and repent. Remember when David was in sin with Bathsheeba and God sent Nathan to reprove David? In fact David was ready to punish the man who had committed such a crime then he realized the man was him. Nathan had to love David because is not easy to call out a persons sin. When we are reproving another we need to follow Jesus’ instructions and make sure we look at ourselves first. “Matthew 7:5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Read the words of Jesus in Matthew 7 to be able to see the entirety of this passage and Jesus instructions.

The third thing listed in this passage of scripture states the bible is for our correction. Think about a student in school for a minute. They first study the material, then they are tested on the material they have studied. Then a teacher will show them the areas they missed on the test and that need to be corrected. This is how we learn and grow in all aspects of life. The bible clearly gives us instructions to live by as we study scripture.” 2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” So we see that we are in fact instructed to study the word. As a Christian we have the best teacher ever, Gods Holy Spirit. Biblically we are to ask and call on His Holy Spirit for our teaching. ” 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which you have received of Him abideth in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, ye shall abide in HIm.” I believe in the importance of reading scripture in its entirety so you get the meaning and full context. I would highly recommend sitting down with your bible and reading this entire book. Its one long letter after all. 1 John only has 5 chapters so it shouldn’t take long. In order to agree with God we first have to know what He says in His word.

So the last part of this passage states its for instructions in righteousness. So we can look at the Bible as Father Gods instruction manual on how to live a life of righteousness. This is impossible to do without salvation through the name and blood of Jesus Christ and without His Holy Spirit to help us. Once we have decided to follow Jesus the how to follow Jesus comes through Gods word. If you want to have a changed life this sanctification process begins with following the word and applying it.” John 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory as the only begotten of the Father full of grace and truth.” This makes me smile so big. Jesus is the word, so to be a Christian, a Christ follower, it requires following the word. Simple but profound!

So we all must decide whos report are we going to believe? Its easy to listen to what is going on in the natural because it takes no faith for that. What or whom is framing your thinking? Take inventory of where your thoughts are most of the time. We all have days where the weight of the problems of this life weigh heavy on us if were honest. We can easily be discouraged when we look at this world or look within as we in our flesh are an empty well. When we keep our eyes on Jesus(the word) we recalibrate ourselves to agree with God. When Peter kept his eyes on Jesus he was able to rise above the natural circumstances and the fact that he couldn’t walk on water. Once Peter started to focus on the natural reasons and his lack of ability to do what he was doing he began to sink quickly. It was Jesus who held the truth and power to work in and through Peter’s lack thereof. Isn’t it amazing how what we think about can shift us out of the spirit and into our flesh within seconds. This is a battle my friends of epic proportions in our day. Suiting up in the armor is in fact a requirement to withstand in the evil day according to Ephesians 6. Renewing our minds is another instruction we are given in Romans 12:1-2. It is not about about how much scripture we memorize, the devil knows scripture, but about how much scripture we live. I would ask Father God for your very own battle plan laid out scripturally for the areas where you may struggle to agree with God.” Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart with all diligence for out of it are the issues of life.”

Father God, I ask you to shine your light and bring truth to the areas where we may not be seeing clearly. Areas where we may be allowing others things to frame our thinking bring it to our attention so we can pull the weeds. If there is bad fruit we know the roots have to be dealt with. Would you Father uproot anything that was not planted by You. Holy Spirit we acknowledge that You’re a wonderful teacher and that you always reveal Jesus and keep our focus on Him. Help us to see in Your word the areas where we need to agree with You Lord and repent for agreement with other things that choke out the fruit of Your word. I love You Lord and ask You to take our hearts to be fully in alignment and agreement with Your will on earth as it is in heaven in Jesus name amen.

Share a scripture that has really helped to renew your mind and has sharpened your sword. I am asking for a revelation to penetrate my heart on” 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear has torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” Be encouraged to keep your eyes on Jesus!