Be Encouraged Today!

Studying again in the book of Ezekiel , I’ve been reflecting on how the Holy Spirit, through the prophet, spoke of the destruction of Assyria and Egypt . In my reading of the Swaggart Commentary , considerable time is devoted to these nations—nations that had direct dealings with Israel, Judah, and Jerusalem . They had opportunity to know who the true God—the God of Israel—was, yet they rejected Him. The Pharaohs began to declare themselves gods. They continued in idol worship. Though they were given light, they chose darkness. And when light is rejected, eventually light is removed . As I considered this, my thoughts turned to America . We were once a great beacon of God’s light—spreading the Word of God throughout our nation and across the world. But look at where we are now. We are in a very dark place. We were given much light, yet that light has grown dim. Not only as a nation, but even within many churches, God’s light—His Word, His way—has been rejected. And God’s way is Jes...

I am here once again to offer a brief food for thought. The Word of God tells us, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” I approach this with humility and reverence, having no desire to “touch” those whom God has anointed to minister the Gospel. I would be the first to stand in the line labeled “nowhere near perfect.” Each of us has spiritual leaders whom we look to for guidance in the Word of God. At the same time, it is important to remember that our leaders are human, just as we are, and therefore capable of misunderstanding or misinterpreting Scripture. This reality does not diminish their calling—but it also does not absolve us, as Believers, from our responsibility to seek understanding of God’s Word for ourselves. For this reason, it is vital that we bring our Bibles and follow along as the Word is taught, ensuring that the whole Word of God is being presented. We have all, at times, misquoted or paraphrased Scripture in ways that unintentiona...