The Word of God is the number one weapon to use against Satan and his tactics.
Yes, I said it. Many people and even those that are Christians don’t believe or half believe in the spiritual world. God is Spirit (John 4:24) and his Word is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), so it is important to understand what Apostle Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” is truth from God.
So here is a list of practical tips based on my experience.
Get the right translation for YOU
Growing up, I only knew about the King James Version(KJV). Confession! I didn’t really read and study at home, only at church because that translation is what the church reads from. I did not understand it all and guess what, God want His child to be able understand.
So I did something about it. When I was 19, I bought my very own Bible. The translation was the New Living Translation(NLT) and Lord knows, it was a breath of fresh air. God truly spoke to me through His Word and 13 years later, I still have that Bible and a few different versions I’ve purchased over-time. *I like my bibles like I like my journals. I was not once convicted by God from reading a version that I was not use to growing up. He knew that I was willing and He made that time able for Him to talk to me.
Everyone is different, so research different translations and find one that is suited for YOU. Your journey with Him is YOUR journey. Get to know God on the level you’re on right now and He will meet you right where you are.
Start With Prayer
This is very important.
There are times when I have wanted to read the Bible but didn’t know where I should start for that day, so I prayed and the Holy Spirit led me to what I needed to read for that day. Also, I pray for clarity and understanding. It is amazing what God can show you through His Word and how it applies to your life.
Simply ask Him to speak to you through His Word and make sure you’re sitting still and quite, ready to listen.
Read With A Willing Heart
Never read it out of obligation. Why? Because God will know that your heart isn’t in it and the only reason that you are reading it is because you think you’ll be saved by doing just that. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8
Read it because you want to read it. Read it because you get to read it. Read it because you want to get to know The Most High, the Truth that will set you free.
Get A Study Bible
Most bibles will have footnotes that will help you a little bit, but not like an actual Study Bible.
Study Bibles provide deeper context and help you understand God’s word and how to apply to your everyday life.
I currently have The Complete Jewish Study Bible. The Word of God is actually written by Jews that spoke Hebrew and Greek, so this study bible has the actual Hebrew names of the people that wrote the Bible. For example, Jesus’ Hebrew name was Yeshua. Moses name is Hebrew was Moshe. I could go on and on regarding what I am learning through the lens of the Jews with this Bible.
I am also looking to buy the NLT Life Application Study Bible. Even though I have yet to purchase it, I will still recommend it to new students of the Bible and anyone that wants to get a deeper understanding, based on the preview of the content and excellent reviews.
Read What You Need In The Moment
If you are having issues in the faith area, read Scripture based on faith. If you need to know about love, read Scripture based on love. If you need God to guide you in your business, read Scripture on how God has helped His people succeed.
If you don’t know what you need, that’s okay. Take time to fast (spiritual fast) and God will show you exactly what you need.
Start Small
It is better to read a verse or chapter a day and apply it to your life than try to read the whole book in one day and forget what you’ve read. For example, It is better to read James 4:8 (chapter 4 verse 8) “Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you“, than read the whole Book of James then forget what you’ve read because it may have been too much for you in one day.
Love and Blessings, Monique ST
Your Word is lamp for my feet and a light for my path.
Psalm 119:105
If you want a relationship with God, don’t wait until you get you life together. That is impossible without God. He will meet you right where you are. In the middle of your mess. Romans 10: 9-10 states: For anyone that confess with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. It is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. Remember if you believe, you should also obey.
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