“And the disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread. And Jesus said to them, ‘Watch out and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.'”
Matthew 15:5-6
[Note: These are the words of God whispered to my heart after I read the above Scripture. I first prayed James 1:21, asking God to help me put aside all filthiness in the moral cesspool of this fallen world and all evil influence and humbly receive His Word, as His Spirit implants it into my mind to transform the way I think.]
“Be careful not to invest all your time and energy with concerns for your daily needs. Give them due diligence, your best effort, and no more. Trust Me to provide for all that you cannot.
“Concern yourself more for, watch out for, and beware of the subtle lies from the enemy. Don’t accept all you hear at face value. Ask Me for discernment. Ask your wife. I have given her a gift of discernment.
“Anyone who does not profess My Son’s virgin birth and sacrificial, all-atoning death, burial, and resurrection as payment for their sins is not from Me. Therefore, be wary of their words. Anyone who rejects Me will reject you.
“Stop working to earn My favor. You already have it because you are in Christ. Enjoy My favor, and enjoy the pleasures of your heart. Be sure your heart is set on Me. Spiritual pleasures are lasting and satisfy your deepest longing. Physical pleasures alone will never satisfy. They will always leave you wanting more. You can enjoy them with Me, just as you enjoy pleasures with your wife that would be no pleasure apart from her (thrift store shopping, going for walks, or watching Jeopardy, for example).
“Bible study is no pleasure unless I am in the hunt with you, leading, speaking, and implanting My Word by My Spirit into your heart to transform the way you think.”
[Note: This is my response to God’s personal words whispered to my heart.]
“Thank You, Father, for helping me understand that the genuine pleasures of my heart, soul, and spirit are enjoyed with You. Simple pleasures of this world are mostly enjoyed with my wife. All good pleasures are from You. Use me to give and share Your good pleasures to bless others and honor You.”
Written by Bill Yancey