My daughter and I were at the checkout at our local grocery store yesterday and there seemed to be some confusion ahead of us in line. One customer had forgotten a bag, so they were trying to find her and get it to her. Then the lady directly ahead of us seemed to be out of sorts herself.

In her conversation with the cashier, she mentioned the fact that she very happy that it was Friday. Apparently it had been a long week and she was ready to enjoy the weekend.

Candace and I listened to this conversation and I never once disagreed with her. It was Friday and I too was looking forward to Saturday. All the grandkids were coming to Baba’s house. If it was Friday, they’d be there the next day. I was very excited.

About half way home, I said, “It’s not Friday is it?” Candace quickly said, “No, it’s Thursday. I think the woman in the checkout line is going to be disappointed when she finds out she has another workday this week.”

To be honest, I was happy it wasn’t Friday because today (Friday), I have a meal to prepare for 170 people. If yesterday had been Friday, I would have been late getting started. I was relieved.

What caught my attention through this encounter was how easily I believed it was Friday. I knew it was Thursday, but just a little conversation with someone and suddenly it was Friday.

How did that happen?

Perhaps my mind was on other things. Maybe I really wanted it to be different. Perhaps I was hungry, or tired, or weary from shopping. Who knows? But this was a stranger and I believed her.

I think this can easily happen in our spiritual walk. We hear a message from our local pastor and we never open our Bibles to see if it is in line with God’s Word. We listen to radio preachers in our cars and, since we’re driving we cannot check it out and it becomes part of our belief without any digging on our own. We have such faith that our teachers know everything there is to know about the Bible that we never look into it for ourselves.

This can be dangerous. And I’d like to suggest (again) that you take the time to check out the concepts, the ideas, the Scripture that I use in my blog. Don’t accept what I say to be spot on with God’s Word 100% of the time. I do make mistakes. And I’m not the only one.

God’s Word warns us of the false teachers we encounter.

“But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves.” (2 Peter 2:1 – NIV)

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1 – NIV)

Obviously, not every person you hear or read is a false teacher, but we must be aware that they are out there. There are false teachers who deliberately teach a false doctrine for their personal gain. And then others may just misunderstand a passage or misspeak.

So what I might suggest is that we are to be studying God’s Word to know it for ourselves. May I offer a few more passages to consider?

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 – NIV)

You may recognize this verse from the King James Version. “Study to shew thyself approved unto God…” The only way we can handle the word of truth correctly is by knowing it. We must study it for ourselves.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NIV) There is much good found in God’s Word, but when we use it for preparation to do good works, then the Bible is being used to its full potential.

Timothy was also encouraged to be prepared to use God’s Word in all areas of his life. I believe we can accept this verse for ourselves as well. “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.” (2 Timothy 4:2 – NIV)

We’ve seen that studying God’s Word is useful to ourselves and others. And to add extra understanding, let’s look at these two verses to see that knowledge leads fullness of God, truth and freedom.

“To know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:19 – NIV)

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 – NIV)

You may have a deep desire to study God’s Word but are uncertain where to begin. Join me tomorrow. I’ll share some ideas on how to begin a Bible study regimen so that you too will be prepared with the knowledge of God’s Word.

For today, let’s bask in the fullness of God’s Word as we’ve read today. Understanding that we are to be looking into God’s Word for ourselves will nourish the desire to dig deeper. And the deeper we go, the desire grows and grows.

It’s Friday. I have lots to do today. But armed with God’s Words in my heart, I am able and capable of walking into each situation today. Let’s head out into this world as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Filled with the knowledge of God’s Word and ready to do some good things for Him. Friday isn’t so bad after all!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna