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| Only one bite from the "acorn" |
I’m guilty of decorating everything – even a potting table
on our back porch. It is a treasure made
by my grandfather and passed down to me. That makes it far too special to just
sit there waiting for dirt and pots. So, I situated a grapevine wreath on it as
a crown of sorts. The wreath is just right for inserting a variety of jewels such
as interesting twigs, blooms and feathers that need a showcase of their own. I should have known when a couple of
abandoned bird eggs disappeared that the crown was attractive to more than just
me.
Rodents however, are constantly seeking out both furnishings
and food. From the pellet evidence
at the base of my wreath/crown, they have found my wreath again. This time I
had no rotten eggs for them but they apparently thought the acorn looked
particularly enticing. I found it on the ground with one bite missing. I didn’t
try to do a bite print match-up, but the size and shape are suspicious for a field
mouse that has been seen lurking in the area.
He is a clever mouse though, because after a single bite he
realized it was a counterfeit nut. Nothing
nutritious, satisfying or real about
it. So, he left behind the pretty little deceiver and continued his search for
real food. His life depended on it.
I can’t blame him, we depend on nourishment too. Physically,
we require food at frequent intervals. I expect some about three times every
day! Without it we become weak, unable to perform tasks or think clearly and
eventually unable to sustain life.
The dilemma we often have is whether we nourish our bodies
with food that is good for us or food that simply satisfies our tongues. It is called "junk food" for a reason. Even though
it smells good, looks good and tastes good – it isn’t real food. It doesn’t satisfy
or give nutrients necessary for healthy bodies. And we “can’t eat just one.” Not only are they deliciously addictive,
they have so little nutritional value that we remain hungry.
Spiritually speaking, we also depend on nourishment and
encounter the same dilemma. We can feast daily on the Word of God and be filled
with satisfying truth, but there is also the temptation to chew on things that
seem good on the tongue, simply inspirational sayings or uplifting thoughts. Sadly, some mega churches are built on such
things with no real biblical truth, just nice thoughts. "God loves you"…true, but not the whole truth.
We also need to know the truth about our sin and what we deserve because of it.
Some thoughts on why we need to spend time in the Bible – the Word of God:
- His Word needs to be implanted in our hearts – “Putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” James 1:21
- His word brings blessing – “How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,…but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night. Deal bountifully with Thy servant that I may live and keep Thy word. Open my eyes, that I may behold wonderful things from Thy law.” Psalm 1:1,2,17
- His Word keeps our eyes away from bad things and toward Him– “Make me walk in the path of Thy commandments for I delight in it. Incline my heart to Thy testimonies and not to dishonest gain. Turn my eyes from looking at vanity, and revive me in Thy ways. Establish Thy word to Thy servant as that which produces reverence for Thee.” Psalm 199:35-38
- His Word keeps us away from sin – “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. ..Thy word I have treasured in my heart that I may not sin against Thee.” Psalm 119:9-11
- His Word is the source of truth – The people of Berea who listened to Paul examined “the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so.” Acts 17:11 “If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:31
- His Word must not be mishandled – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
- His Word is the source of sound doctrine and teaching. “Holding fast the faithful word…that he may be able both to exhort (urge) in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers…” Titus 1:9-10
- His Word will not be heard by those who want to hear only something pleasant – “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:2-4
- He is His Word. Jesus = Word – “In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and the Word was God…and the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.” John 1:1,14 “ When Jesus returns “He is clothed with a rove dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God” Revelation 19:13
Dear Father, we are so
very thankful for Your Word. We are thankful that You have given it to us. Help
us to meditate on it day and night so that it is so firmly implanted in our
hearts we live our lives and bear fruit for the kingdom. Steer us clear of
doctrines that only tickle our itching ears with what we want to hear and feed
us instead with the powerful truth of Your Word.
Precious one, I pray you know Jesus and seek Him in His
Word. That is the only measure by which we can discern real v. counterfeit. If
it matches the whole counsel of God (Scripture) it is good, if not – toss it.
Like the plastic nut – it is hollow, will not satisfy, if you eat it – you will
die. Leave it behind and dig into the meat of the Word. There and only there,
you will be satisfied.
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