What steps can you take to ensure your guidance aligns with Scripture? Grasping the Scene “Take with you ten loaves of bread, some cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to him; he will tell you what will happen to the boy.” (1 Kings 14:3) Jeroboam wanted a word from God through the prophet Ahijah, but he tried to secure it with gifts and deception. His story becomes a cautionary mirror: when we seek direction, are we coming honestly and biblically, or are we maneuvering for the answer we want? The Problem with Jeroboam’s Plan • He relied on tokens (loaves, cakes, honey) rather than repentance. • He masked his request with disguise, not transparency. • He pursued the prophet’s words while ignoring the prophet’s God. Each misstep warns us to guard the motives, methods, and measure we use when looking for guidance. Lessons for Seeking Godly Guidance • God’s counsel cannot be bought—He desires obedience, not bribery (1 Samuel 15:22). • Transparency matters—“Truthful lips endure forever” (Proverbs 12:19). • Real guidance flows from relationship, not religious performance (Micah 6:6-8). Practical Steps to Stay Scriptural 1. Start with Scripture, not circumstance. • “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) 2. Approach God openly, confessing sin. • “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive.” (1 John 1:9) 3. Invite the Spirit’s illumination. • “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) 4. Compare every impression with the written Word. • “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light.” (Isaiah 8:20) 5. Seek wise, biblically grounded counsel. • “In an abundance of counselors there is safety.” (Proverbs 11:14) 6. Test motives—are you surrendered to God’s will, whatever the cost? • “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” (Psalm 139:23) 7. Look for fruit that honors Christ. • “By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16) Cross-References to Anchor Our Steps • 2 Timothy 3:16-17—Scripture equips “for every good work.” • Acts 17:11—Bereans examined the Scriptures daily to verify teaching. • James 1:5—Ask God for wisdom with faith, not doubt. • Proverbs 3:5-6—Trust the Lord, acknowledge Him, and He will direct paths. • Jeremiah 29:13—Seek God wholeheartedly and you will find Him. Putting It All Together Jeroboam’s bread, cakes, and honey could never substitute for a contrite heart or a listening ear. To ensure our guidance truly aligns with Scripture, we lay down disguises, open the Word, invite the Spirit, submit to godly counsel, and measure every step by the sure compass of God’s written truth. |
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