It has been reported that more Americans are representing themselves in court. It is said that this is a growing trend during the last 10 to 15 years. You may wonder why would someone want to represent themselves in court? For some, it's all about saving money. Some lawyers charge up to $200.00 per hour(although some do volunteer their services).  For others , they simply feel comfortable representing themselves and believe they know enough facts to win their case.

 

        But there is a problem. The problem is that the court systems are being flooded with filings from people who are unfamiliar with legal procedures. Clerks' often have to spend a long time making sure procedures are correctly followed for persons representing themselves.

 

     We often have a different but somewhat similar problem in church. I have spoken to people in church who say they are Christians. They tell me that Jesus died for them and that they are going to heaven. I tell them that's wonderful.  Then often they go on to tell me that they do not read their Bible much, but they know God.

 

   You mean to tell me that you have been saved for 5 years and still do not know the full story of Adam and Eve in the garden??? You hardly know anything about  the ten commandments! You do not know why God lead Israel out of bondage and into Canaan. You know nothing about Abraham, Issac, nor Jacob. You know nothing about David, Paul,... and maybe a little about Jesus himself!

 

Now I am not trying to be rude or arrogant, or say that God does not love you. But what I am saying is that you have stunted your path to victory in life...and opened yourself up for deception... by forsaking the Word Of God.

 

The bible is a library of 66 books written by 44 authors over a period of 1500 years. The 39 books of the Old Testament were composed between 1400 and 400 B.C., while the books of the New Testament were composed between A.D. 50 and 100. The  Bible is the will of God for your life. It is your roadmap to victory! The bible instructs you on what righteous living is. The bible corrects you when you are wrong, and helps you when you have questions. The bible is inspirational in it's peotry and prose! The Bible deals with every thing we go through in life and has practical application for today.

 

 I was recently watching a show on television about cults. The leader of a particuar cult used and twisted a bible verse to basically get many people to leave their families forever and follow him. Then it became a form of manipulation and  mind control where the people could not think for themselves and their total allegiance was to him. It's a sad situation. This is why it is important to read the Word for yourself.  Even your pastor can't take the place of you spending your personal quality time in the Word of God.

 

Here are some good tips on how to study the Word of God:

 

A)  ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO GUIDE YOU: I always ask the Holy Spirit to guide me into truth, wisdom, and revelation knowledge before studying the bible. The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth and helps you get beyond the surface in the scriptures.

 

B) DO NOT JUST READ:  When you study the bible, I recommend not just reading it like a novel, but truly mediate on it and study it. Get the Word so down in your spirit that no one can take it from you. I even have a hebrew and greek concordance to help me unlock the deeper meaning of verses and words.

 

C) SET ASIDE TIME AND DISTRACTIONS: I recommend turning off everything and everyone when studying the bible. This is your sacred time with God and out of awe and respect for the Lord this should be a set aside time. It can be in the morning or evening, but set aside that special time.

 

D) STUDY REGULARLY AT YOUR OWN PACE: I also recommend studying the bible daily so you can stay strong in the Word. Also you can do a chapter a day for 15 minutes a day, or 3 chapters a day for an hour. Ask God to reveal to you the right pace for you. It also can be helpful to get a good study bible that has a good bible study track.

 

E) FIND A BIBLE STUDY GROUP: Bible Study Groups are good at bringing believers together in fellowship and studying  the bible together. They can be very fun and enriching.

 

These are just a few tips to get you on the right trap! Just like it's tough being in court without knowing the legal procedures, it's tough being a Christian and never studying the Word of God. Basically, you are setting yourself up for deception.  But the devil is a liar! Do not fall into the trap of operating blindly! Get into the Word and march to victory today!

 

Heavenly Father,

  Thank you for showing me that my roadmap to success is in the Word Of God! Thank you for allowing to see what your will for my life is! I love you Lord, in Jesus name, Amen!

 

The best and most important decision you can make in your life is to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord. If you would like to do that today please pray with me:" Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending your only begotten Son to die on the cross for my sins. Jesus I repent of all my sins and ask for your forgiveness. Please come into my heart. I make you Lord of my life. In Jesus name, Amen." If you have just prayed this prayer, congratulations! You are saved and apart of the Family Of God! The next step is to get into a good bible based church where the Word of God is proclaimed. Please email me at: [email protected] so I can assist you in your new beginning!

 

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