Gems of Knowledge

Today’s One Year Bible Readings: Isaiah 8:11–9:21 · 2 Corinthians 12:1–10 · Psalm 55:1–23 · Proverbs 23:4–5

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The prophet Isaiah testifies, “The Lord has given me a strong warning not to think like everyone else does” (Isaiah 8:11, NLT). God’s people are not meant to mirror the mindset of the world. The culture around us shifts with every new wind of opinion, but we are called to anchor our thoughts and decisions in the Word of God.

Isaiah continues, “Preserve the teaching of God; entrust his instructions to those who follow me” (Isaiah 8:16, NLT). The truth of God’s Word is not to be treated lightly, nor carelessly discarded. Jesus Himself warned, “Do not throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you” (Matthew 7:6, NLT). We must handle the treasure of God’s truth with reverence—and also be discerning about who we allow to shape our understanding.

The prophet laments, “The leaders of Israel are the head, and the lying prophets are the tail” (Isaiah 9:15, NLT). False leaders and deceptive teachers had led God’s people down a path of destruction. Paul, centuries later, echoed this same urgency, warning the Corinthians against deception and false apostles (see 2 Corinthians 11–12).

So what do we do? Paul gives us the simple but powerful safeguard: “But test everything; hold fast what is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, ESV). When confusion swirls, when leaders contradict one another, when false prophets rise—take it all to God. Test it against His Word, wait for His Spirit to confirm, and hold tightly to what aligns with truth.

Isaiah himself resolves, “I will wait for the Lord… I will put my hope in him” (Isaiah 8:17, NLT). Waiting requires patience, but waiting births clarity. Hope in God steadies our thoughts, renews our discernment, and keeps us from the chaos of worldly thinking.

Action (5 Minutes)

Testing the Voices:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.”
— Psalm 139:23–24, NLT

1. Ask God: “How am I letting the world shape my thinking more than Your Word?”
2. Write down what the Holy Spirit reveals.
3. Open Scripture and test it—does it align with God’s truth?
4. Ask God: “What do You want me to know about that?”
5. Ask God: “What do You want me to do?”
6. Journal your interaction with God as you go through these steps to see what He reveals.

Short Prayer

Father, thank You for warning me not to think like the world. Guard my heart and mind from lies, and sharpen my discernment. Teach me to test everything by Your Word and to hold fast to what is true. As I wait on You, anchor my hope in Your promises. In Jesus’ name, amen. 🌿

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