Too many times, we pick one verse in God’s word without reading the verses before or after it.  Watch out!  When we pick out one verse that makes us feel really good about a decision or ourselves, we can twist God’s word to conform to our will.

Always, always, be ready to change your motives, your thoughts, words and actions to please God Himself.  Be ready to change your thinking to God’s way.

Consider this verse:
NASB Proverbs 3:8 “It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.”

Sounds really good, and all of God’s word IS really good.  However, consider the verses before this verse.  There are some conditions God gives us to be healed and refreshed.

NASB Proverbs 3:5-8 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.”
God gives us a “do” and a “don’t”

6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.”
What does God say for you to do?

7 “Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the LORD and turn away from evil.”
My friend, we are not to be wise in our own eyes – that means we are trusting in ourselves and not completely trusting in God.

8 “It will be healing to your body
And refreshment to your bones.”
What a promise God gives us, but remember God’s conditions… there are things we need to do first.

~ Take it to heart ~

NASB Isaiah 55:6 “Seek the LORD while He may be found;
Call upon Him while He is near.”

NASB Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the LORD.
9 ‘For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.”