Theme:   Elevate: Next Level Spiritual Growth - Getting A Grip On Your Bible

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church. 

Read:  Psalm 119:9-11

Think:  Do you ever sit in church and think, ‘I wish I knew then what I know now?’  This week was one of those times for me.  I was reminded again how important it is that we as Christians need to KNOW the Bible. 

One comment that clearly stood out to me this week was when Pastor Ben said that we need to get to know the Bible so we aren’t led astray.  I bet most of us could relate on some level and agreed with it.  But his next comment may not have resonated with many.  He said ‘that’s how people get into cults.’  I could identify with that all too well. 

I was a member of the Church of Scientology for several years.  I was also a Christ follower.  I bought into the lie that Scientologists readily tell people when they ‘recruit’ them to join.  They tell people that you can belong to any religious sect or faith and be a member of their church.  As long as I believed that lie, I was free to explore all the tenants of that cult.

Sadly, I didn’t get out because I realized I was living and believing things contrary to God’s truth or because I realized I had been led astray.  God orchestrated some rather painful circumstances that allowed me to leave.  For the longest time, I hid this secret and was embarrassed for anyone to know I was a Scientologist.  I have since shared it with others whenever possible.  I openly use this as an example of how easily we can buy into a lie when we are not grounded in God’s truth.

Now that I am more knowledgeable in the Bible, I can see the deception that is the basis for this cult.  Its members buy into the belief that they can do all things, that they make all things possible and that it IS all about them.  Each member is seeking a God-like existence, a state of total perfection and being in control. 

It’s the same lie that Adam and Eve bought into when they ate the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 3).  They wanted to be God too. We can’t be God.  We are His children.  He wants us to have a relationship with Him.  He wants what is good for us.  Reading His Word is a vital way to get to know Him and to apply His principles in our lives.

Do:  Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible with 176 verses.  The entire chapter expresses in poetic form why God’s Word is so important.  Spend some time to quietly read Psalm 119 and listen to what the psalmist has to say about God’s Word. 

Pray:  Heavenly Father, the bible is your gift to me, through it you speak, teach, reassure, and you direct me.  Help me to understand the importance of your Word in my life and make reading and studying it a daily priority.  Open my heart to it so that I may not sin against you or be led astray. Amen.