Let us journey through some Bible verses that many folk find challenging to apply to their lives. Always remember a couple of points before we dive into the scriptures:
- See yourself as a child sitting on the lap of a loving parent (God) reading to you. Occasionally, your parent will choose to explain something they feel you may not understand or respond to your questions.
- Don’t rush to find out what certain scriptures mean as you read; ask for God’s understanding.
I read the Bible from the earliest years of my walk without ‘studying’ it. This way, I enjoyed the reading without stopping to study scriptures I did not understand. I asked for anointing on my Bible reading times with wisdom from God’s throne room. I would ask for understanding, and sometimes, that understanding came to me immediately, but it did not always come to me this way.
When it came through from God, I would highlight the scripture in my Bible and place a date in the margin. I bought a little index notebook to write the scriptures, including their meanings and dates.
Let’s begin:
Matt 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.[1]
The key to this door is wanting to find the Kingdom of God. ‘What is the Kingdom of God?’ you ask. I can answer that for you briefly. The kingdom of God is a spiritual space where all believers live God’s perfect will.[2] Then you might also ask, ‘Where is the Kingdom of God?’ The Kingdom of God is inside you.[3]Isn’t this amazing? You don’t have to go looking for it. It’s right inside you – nothing could be closer.
James 1:2
“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials…” (Holman Christian Standard Bible)[4]
Now, here is a tough one! There is no exception here, ‘…whenever you experience various trials…’ meaning everything you experience should be considered a great joy. ‘Sounds unbelievable,’ you say. You come home to find your home has burnt down, you don’t have insurance, you’ve lost everything. Count it pure joy? Somehow, I don’t think so. You will fall on your knees and ask God how this has happened to you. But there is the scripture; we can’t deny it. Excuse my example. It’s a little over the top, but it illustrates the point. Do you agree?
I had to get to grips with this scripture (fortunately, my house didn’t burn down, thankfully) because it’s not what happens to us in life, however ordinary or dramatic; how we deal with the event is crucial. Remember that nothing will happen to you in this life unless God allows it. If God allows it, God prepares you to deal with it.[5] [6]
Romans 12:2
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”[7]
One of my favorites. What is the first thing that happens when a dramatic event occurs in your life? Thoughts like a herd of wild horses rush into your mind. “God, why did you allow this to happen to me.” “Why me, Lord?” two typical thoughts among hundreds. The next thing is you blame God, and you collapse into the pit of despair filled with hundreds of negative thoughts. But it doesn’t help, does it? No, it doesn’t.
Instead of blaming God, we need to rest in those arms that love us like no other. I first find scriptures like Romans 12:2 and thank God for the courage and strength to deal with my situation. I keep doing this until I feel the relief course into my veins.
It does help to know that NOTHING is happening in my life that God does not know and care about.
I could quote many more scriptures, but I will leave you to find and read them to encourage yourself.
Until we meet again, Love and blessings.
Peter-James.
[1] Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you. (biblehub.com) [2] Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. (biblehub.com) [3] Luke 17:20 Context: Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The Kingdom of God doesn’t come with observation; (biblehub.com) [4] James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter trials of many kinds, (biblehub.com) [5] Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. (biblehub.com) [6] 3 Surprising Reasons Why a Good God Allows Bad things to Happen in Your Life (notashamedofthegospel.com) [7] Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. (biblehub.com)