Native: The Pick-Up
After The "Switch-up," I decided to Pick-Up my Bible and dedicate at least 30 minutes of my day to spending time with God and studying his word. Consistency is something that I struggle with, so I set realistic guidelines to further support my pursuit of God. I chose to wake up earlier because my days and evenings can get a little hectic & I didn't want to risk missing a few days. Also, I am more likely to have a great day when I start on a good note! So, Morning it is!
Many say, "The bible is boring," "I can't understand it," or "I fall asleep every time." Well, clearly they must not have read much of the Old Testament LOL Talking about drama. Love and Hip Hop New York ain't got nothing on the Old Testament. For those who have trouble understanding, The "Thee's," "Thy's," and "Thou's" problem can be easily factored out by switching the Translation. I read from quite a few, but my most dominant ones are the NIV, KJV, NLT, and Amplified Bible. (Personally, I would stay away from the Message Bible. It's easy to read, but some of the verses and meanings do not match up with the other translations. Major Key🔑: Test the Word; Everything should match up.) Switching the translations can also help you understand the verses better. I usually keep the Bible app open on my phone so I can switch back and forth, in case I come across something that I don't easily understand. You might stumble through in the beginning, but as you become more acquainted the Word will become easier to read and understand.
***Important Notice: When Reading the Bible, it is Imperative that you pray and ask God to open your understanding and prepare your heart & mind to receive all that He wants you to from the passages. Never rely on your own interpretations. We have a infinite God and a finite mind. (Major Key🔑: My rule of thumb is...If I ask God, I will never get the wrong answer, meaning, or understanding.)***
So let's dive in!
There are a few ways to go about this.
1.) The popular, most joked about, yet effective "I'll just open my bible, and read whatever verse my eyes lands on."
Hey, I can't knock it because I've tried it and it works! lol It makes you feel really in-tune with God to miraculously stumble upon a verse that proves to be exactly what you needed at that time. It's a popular start; however, I would not solely rely on this method in your walk with Christ. Sometimes the scriptures are heaven sent and others we totally miss the true meaning of the verse.
Here's an interesting video on it from Joseph Solomon.
Which brings me to my next point.
2) Read the Bible.
Now this may seem like a "Duh;" however, it is not. Speaking from experience, I hardly ever read the bible, outside of church or a random bad day, until after I fully committed to Christ. Crazy, huh? This is actually pretty common.
The bible has become an accessory in today's society.
Some of us are so spoiled, We are used to having the convenience of the Word of God at our fingertips. We have five in our homes, two in the car (maybe that's just me lol), one in the desk at work, of course, the app on our phone, and/or online go-tos like biblegateway or biblehub. However, How many of us actually read it? or at least read it in depth. I am speaking of more than the average scripture a day or reading/memorizing enough to ease my conscious as a Christian.
You know what they say, "A Scripture a day Keeps the Devil away." Nah, not really lol
We expend more energy ensuring that we have access to it, than actually reading it. For example, I carried a physical bible with me for years, sometimes two, and I always had the app on my phone, but I hardly ever read them. In my mind, I was safe and equip for the moment when I will actually needed it.
This thought was all wrong.
Imagine this.
You bought a brand new yacht. Not too big. Not too small. A mid-sized yacht.
Bam! Here we go.
You decided to take it out for a quick spin with your family on a lovely Sunday afternoon. In pure excitement, you skim the manual and set sail. 20 minutes into the ride, a freak storm appears without warning. The next few minutes will completely rock your world. (no pun intended) You experience massive waves, violent winds, & your youngest child falls overboard.
In that moment, How would you feel? What do you do?
Well, let me tell you what you probably won't do...read the manual. Now is not the time to learn how to use the life raft. Life or death decisions are coming at you in a matter of seconds. Do you think you really have time to dissect the manual? Your child is overboard. Even if you tried to read it. Good luck fighting the waves, the wind, finding the right page, having enough light to read it, or drowning out the panic and screams within yourself and from your family.
It would have been more beneficial to read the manual before setting sail. If you would have studied it before hand, you would have been more prepared to deal with the situations at hand. Reading the manual does not prevent situations from happening nor does it cause situations to happen; however, reading it will give you more insight and encouragement on how to deal with situations when they come up.
Preparation is everything.
Welllllll that's how the Word works. Ok, my story might have been a little extreme, but you get the point. I figured that in times of trouble, I will be able to whip out my handy dandy Bible & save the day! Which proved true in the past; however, we may not always have the luxury to read up on our problems and build our faith as things take place. It is more beneficial to build your faith and knowledge beforehand, so when tests and trials come you will not be easily moved or shaken (Matthew 7: 24-27).
John 16:33, & John 14:1).
Which brings me to my next point!
3. Personal Bible Study.
Another applicable way to study the Word of God, is to start a Personal Bible Study. My grandfather, who was known for his wisdom, encouraged everyone he knew to start in Proverbs. He had said, when he first gave his life to the Lord. He wanted to be wise & he wanted God to lead his life and assist him in leading his family. So he prayed and asked God to show him where to start. God told him to read the book of Proverbs, which is also known as the Book of Wisdom. My grandfather was by far the wisest person I have ever known. So naturally, I began in Proverbs, as well. (I journal along the way, so I can retain what I've read and will be able to look back at it later.)
As I read through the scriptures, I realized that God actually encourages us to not only read His Word, but to study and learn it. Proverbs 2:1-5 says,
My child,[a] listen to what I say,
and treasure my commands.
2 Tune your ears to wisdom,
and concentrate on understanding.
3 Cry out for insight,
and ask for understanding.
4 Search for them as you would for silver;
seek them like hidden treasures.
5 Then you will understand what it means to fear the Lord,
and you will gain knowledge of God.
But wait there's more!
I saw a pattern in the scriptures, Quite a few of the verses encourages the readers "to inscribe the word in their hearts" i.e learn and cherish. Judging off the frequency, I would infer that this practice is very important to Him.
My child,[a] never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart.
...“Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live.
Take hold of my instructions; don’t let them go. Guard them, for they are the key to life.
My child, pay attention to what I say.
Listen carefully to my words.
21 Don’t lose sight of them.
Let them penetrate deep into your heart,
22 for they bring life to those who find them,
and healing to their whole body.
...I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. (NIV)
And that's just the first couple of chapters! (Minus the Hebrews add-in)
Reading the Word of God, not only informs you on how to live, love each other, and encourage you. It is also serves as a reminder of the God you serve! Hence, building your faith. I can hear God is strong and mighty all day, but hearing and reading stories of who He is and what He has done will give weight to that statement. I've heard pastors say, "God loves you" a million times. it wasn't until I asked the Lord for understanding and read up on it, that I truly understood how much or how powerful that statement truly is.
Here are some helpful study tips from Joseph Solomon!
Here are some helpful study tips from Joseph Solomon!
Which brings me to my last point!
4. Memorize Scripture.
I follow some of the dopest poets in our time! To name a few +iamgenetics @preston_n_perry +JackieHillPerryVEVO +Iamezekiel Iamopeyemi & +chaseGodtv Aka Joseph Solomon. (You should definitely check them out on YouTube and Social Media!) They helped me A LOT along my journey. The first four tour the US, and now the world, on an annual tour called "Poets in Autumn." Upon their Miami stop, in October of 2016, Janette and Preston emphasized the importance of memorizing scripture. Janette...ikz spoke of storing scripture to aid in fighting spiritual battles. She and Preston quizzed the audience on important scriptures and even gave away free merchandise to anyone who could recite them. They made yet another valuable deposit in my life. From that moment, I added Memorizing powerful scriptures to my list.
In Ephesians 6:17, God gives us an extensive list of things we should dress ourselves with daily. This list is referred to as the Armor of God. In the passage, The Word of God is referred to as the Sword of the Spirit. Of all of the Armor that God list for us to put on, The Sword is the only weapon! The Lord wants us to use His word as a tool to fight the enemy! #powerful & We thought these were just words...Nope. I can honestly say that learning scripture has really made a difference in my life. There were times where I was literally balling my eyes out, but instead of giving into my situation/circumstances. I quoted the word.
I would even yell, "THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!" "THE LORD IS WITH ME I WILL NOT FALL. MY FEET WILL NOT SLIP. I MAY STUMBLE, BUT I WILL NOT FALL."
In hard times, you literally have to choose to believe God. When you do it makes dealing with things much easier.
Here are a few scriptures that have gotten me through:
The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand
I was young and now I am old,
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken
or their children begging bread.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust."
Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path
a light on my path
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
2Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,a whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."
God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day
Blessed is she who believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her.
The list goes on! lol Through the Word of God, the Lord has provided us with a powerful tool to remain encouraged, Learn powerful lessons, learn Him and His ways, build our faith, protect equip ourselves for spiritual warfare, and effectively fight the enemy! I encourage everyone to start in Proverbs, but hey, it doesn't matter where you start as long as you start! lol There is soooo much rich wisdom that you can apply to your life. Also, as always pray over yourself and cover your mind and life as you embark on your pursuit of God.
Major Key 🔑: The enemy doesn't want you to be spiritually awakened. The enemy wants to distract you. Don't let him! Remain consistent. Keep pursuing God, and most of all don't be afraid! Push through!
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