A Nugget from New Life Network
Scripture for the Day – January 23, 2020
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. (Matthew 4:4)
It is amazing to me what is repeated in gospel music lyrics, and even sermons, that God did not say. I have written about this same subject before under the tile of “Who Told You That?” Some of our precious friends are directors of a ministry that deals with people with addictions and that is one of the questions they ask their people when these people start quoting things that they have heard over the years that have no biblical accuracy. They will ask them, “Who told you that? Where is that in the Bible”?
One of the lyrics that I have heard used repeatedly in recent years is “the Lord giveth, and the Lord taketh away.” Now, I ask you, who said that? Most people would fire back at you and say that’s in the Bible. That is not the question. The question is, who said that? There a lot of people that say things in the Bible. Even Satan says things in the Bible. Do you want to use Satan’s words to preach a message or write a gospel song? I don’t think so!
This particular quote was spoken by Job in a time of great stress where he was searching for answers. Was Job a righteous man? Yes he was, but he was not God. He was human just like you and me and he had some beliefs about God that were not exactly right.
And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. (Job 1:21)
The great Prime Minister of England, Winston Churchill, once said, “A lie gets halfway around the world before the truth has a chance to get its pants on.” Satan understands that principle very well because he is the Father of Lies. If you read the first two chapters of the Book of Job with an open mind you will learn that God was not the one doing the taking, Satan was. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. (John 10:10) If you read the last chapter of Job you will find that Job’s friends had to repent for things they said about God that were not true. Job also had to repent. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5-6)
Did you notice what Job said there? I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear. Job was relying on what other people told him, including his friends. It is really important who you listen to, and it is even more important that you have a personal relationship with God so you can hear directly from Him.
The last chapter of Job shows you the heart of God. He is a restorer! He is a giver and not a taker!
Be careful what you hear little children!!!
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: (John 10:27)
