2 Timothy 3:16-17 (KJV)
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Not everyone can read the bible and develop an understanding BUT all Believers should be reading the bible for understanding. We have the Bible to help us know how to live on this earth.

The first step to understanding is to establish a personal relationship with God through Jesus the only begotten Son of God. Unfortunately, many places that identify as a church do not speak the word of God but share man’s opinions therefore, today we must seek wisdom from God in order to get understanding. (James 1:5, Proverbs 4:7)

Romans 1:17-21 (KJV)
17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

Pay attention to Romans 1:20: “the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made”. There was not a big bang that made the variety of fish we see, or the trees, or the flowers or even people. We know that every person has his or her unique fingerprint; there is a God and we see His workmanship. The gods that other people worship are either dead or non-existent, they are just a concept of the imagination.

I suspect, many people choose not to acknowledge God because they do not want to yield to His authority; submission is a curse to non-believers. The idea of Jesus being God, manifesting on earth as man, being crucified unto death and then resurrecting is rejected by many because the god they worship did not do that. These unbelievers discount the historical records of the existence of Jesus, son of Mary and Joseph by ignoring his Deity and denying his resurrection thus accepting He existed but not as God manifested in the flesh. Jesus is the Son of God, He is God manifested in the flesh.

Despite there unbelief, I have found in my life uncommitted individuals will ask me to pray for them; even Believers who are not sure of their faith will ask for prayers. On some level EVERYONE knows the truth: “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:”.

Salvation begins with a prayer. I have witnessed and heard of enough people raising their hand in church or going up to the alter seeking a personal relationship with God, then leaving the church with no change noted. Speaking “The sinners’ Prayer”, repeating words after someone is not what leads to salvation. What is salvation?

Salvation is a “process” based on an “act” that leads to a person being born into the Kingdom of God out of the womb of the earth. Those who are “saved” are no longer influenced by the flesh because they are more spirit being than natural being.

Romans 8:10-14 (KJV)
10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
13 For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

No! Your body is not physically dead but it is no longer the controlling force of your life; which is why we lust no longer dictates our actions. Because we are Born Again (saved, experienced salvation) as spirit beings we as sons (and daughters) of God, who is Spirit, we have understanding.

What do we do with this life? WE become laborers for God. We share the Word of God with others. Salvation is not about getting stuff on earth.

Matthew 6:19-21 (KJV)
19 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Our responsibility, as Children of God is to be living examples of the Kingdom of God in how we talk, walk and even how we look. We must learn how to be a child of God thus we study the Word of God: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…”.
We have been taught, at least I have been, to pray for the things we need, want and desire; I am breaking this habit. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:31-37 (see below) that we do not need to think about these things, thus we don’t have to pray about it. Verse 33 of Matthew (my favorite verse) states: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” It is written in the book of Psalms:

Psalm 37:4 (KJV)
4 Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.

When we pray for ourselves it should be: A prayer of wisdom, knowledge and understanding so that we may do that we can carryout His will on earth as it is being done in heaven.

Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Written by Marsha L Floyd
Thursday, October 24, 2024 8:22:55 AM
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

James 1:5 (KJV)
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Proverbs 4:7 (KJV)
7 Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.

Matthew 6:31-33 (KJV)
31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed?
32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.