Clear Vision

Clear Vision
Our Critical Need
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Yeshua (Jesus) gives us clear vision to navigate the maze of influences and information that surround us. He intimately knows our unique personalities, emotions, and responses (Psalm 139:1-4). He is the Light of the world! His word is a lamp to our feet and a sharp, two-edged sword that distinguishes between what is pure and what is evil, between truth and subtle lies, between the excellent and the unimportant, and between pure and impure motives. In His light, truth stands out starkly in our field of vision.

It is critical that we abide in God’s Word with receptive hearts to see clearly in a world where powerful, demonic ocean surges threaten to overtake us. Our strength to stand and our clarity of vision rest in Yeshua alone. He guides us as we let His words saturate our minds.

We can seek good teachers, watch videos, read books and news articles, and absorb snippets from daily devotionals, but if we are not saturating ourselves in God’s Word, we risk swaying toward false teaching or following a trend that sounds good but is a distraction, or worse, a ferocious wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Examples of error

A popular teacher says all sickness is from our own sin. He provides ways to learn how we are “blocking” our healing. But the basis of his teaching is not Biblical and creates confusion and despondency within the Body of Messiah. Most of us know that, although sin often causes physical illness, some sickness comes from our environment or from sources we cannot understand or that are beyond our control.

If we read John 9, we learn about the man born blind. Yeshua’s disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents that he should be born blind?” Yeshua answered, “It was neither that this man sinned nor his parents, but it was so the works of God might be displayed in him.” (See John 9:2-3.) The Scripture says nothing about the blind man’s faith, spiritual stature, or sin. He didn’t even know who Yeshua was until he met Him later. The blind man’s healing was purely a result of God’s kindness.

I remember a conversation I had with an older man who I sat next to on the bus on my way to work in 1981. I was 24 years old. I had not known the Lord for more than a year, but I had read diligently through the Bible in that year. This man began to talk to me about the need for penance. I had never heard the word before, but I knew the word was not in the Bible, and so I told him so. Then, as he shared about penance, I cringed; the idea of it was simply not God’s way. This led to my sharing with him about our need for repentance. I defined repentance and shared the Good News with him – that when we receive Jesus, He pays our debt, cleanses us from all unrighteousness, and gives us the Gift of the Holy Spirit! Later, I learned that penance meant “self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repentance for having done wrong.” This demonic idea opposes the Gospel of Yeshua Messiah. God’s word had equipped and protected me.

Yeshua’s Promise

Yeshua said to those who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are truly disciples of Mine and you shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31-32)

And He said to the crowds while teaching in the Temple, “My teaching is not Mine, but His Who sent Me. If anyone is willing to do His will, he shall know whether My teaching is from God or whether I speak from Myself.” (John 7:17)

What promises! When we abide in His word with willing hearts to follow, we will know the truth! We pray with King David, “Sustain me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:12b)

If abiding in His word seems intimidating, here are a few simple suggestions. I’ll use the book of John as an example.

• Set aside a specific amount of time to read God’s Word each day.
  
  
• Rest, and do not hurry. You are spending time with your Best Friend, not accomplishing a task. (John 15:15)
  
  
• Read John, Chapter 1 in a good translation. Slowly read the chapter again and underline words that stand out to you. I use a soft bright colored pencil. Read the underlined words again. Ask God to help you understand. Thank Him for Who He Is and for what you do understand.
  
  
• The next day, read Chapter 2 and do the same thing. Go over previous chapters to reinforce the truth. As your “saturating muscles” get stronger, add another portion of Scripture.

Blessings,
Beth Ann

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Shale Fragments™ - writings by Beth Ann Phifer is a division of Flower Girl Greetings, LLC. ©2020, All Rights Reserved.