Benefits of reading the bible. Why should I read the bible? Why should I study?

Someone asked me: “Why do you read the bible?” I didn’t know how to respond, the question got me off guard.  I’ve never been asked a question like that.   They laughed and thought it was funny that I bothered reading the bible.  I was silent, but in my mind were millions of reasons I read the bible but I just couldn’t put it into words.
How can I explain the wonders, the joy, and the power of the Word of God?   I decided I would search the scriptures so I would be ready next time someone asks- why do you bother reading the bible?

 “ Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth.” Eph 4:14

Why should we study the scriptures?
Why should we seek Him?

For I am always thinking of your laws. I meditate on them day and night. I write to you who are God’s children because you know the Father, I have written to you who are mature in the faith because you know Christ, who existed from the beginning. I have written to you whoa re young in the faith because you are strong. God’s word lives in your hearts and you have won your battle with the evil one. 1 John 2:14

 My Exhausting Study of why I study. 🙂

Taken from Scripture, here are just a few of the benefits of continuing to study, obey, and meditate on the Word of God

1. Revives me Ps 119:50-52, Ps 19:7-11
2. Brings me joy Ps 119:50-52
3. Comforts me in my distress Isaiah 51:12, Ps 23. Ps 119
4. Gives me Hope Luke 10:22
5. Refines me Ps 52
6. Gives me life Ps 119:28,  Job 4:3-6
7. Teaches me tPs 119:36
8. Encourages me he Lord’s will Eph 3
9. It is the mirror to my life 1 James 23-25
10. Keeps me standing firm and unshakable in my trials Luke 46:46, Jer 17:7. prov 1:33
11. Blesses me as I live according to it (obedience) James 1:22
12. Power to save my soul James 1:21
13. Teaches me the fear of the Lord- which is the beginning of all wisdom Is66:2. Pr. 9:10. Pr. 111:10 Deut 17:19
14. Leads me along the path that is true and right Hosea 14:9. Ps119:101
15. shows me my sins- pierces my heart Act 2:37
16. Always brings forth fruit and produces a great harvest in our life when we cling to His Word Luke 8:15, Is 55:10
17. keeps me from stumbling Ps 119:65, Prov 6:21
18. Helps us teach what is true 2 Tim 3:16, Hebrews 4:12
19. Shows me all the great and precious promises He has given us. 2Peter 2:1-3
20. Helps me escape the world’s corruption through His Promises which enable me to share His divine nature  2 Peter 1:4
21. Shows me what is wrong in my life 2 Tim 3:15
22. Corrects me when I am wrong and teaches me to do right 2 Tim 3:16
23. Prepares and equips God’s people to every good work 2 Tim 3:17
24. Keeps me from drifting away, keeps me from backsliding Heb 2:1
25. keeps me from sinning ps119:11-15
26. helps me stay pure Ps 119:8
27. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.Romans 1:16,
28. Teaches me wisdom and understanding
29. Reminds me how I should live – forgiving others, loving, getting rid of bitterness,
30. Rids me of my shameful ways – like a sword piercing through bone and marrow Hebrews 4:12
31. Brings success, prosperity  Joshua 1:8,Ps 1:2-3, Jer 17:7-8
32. We live by every word from the mouth of God Matthew 4:4
33. Helps me stand firm in my trials Ps 1:2-3,Luke 6:46, Jer 17:7-8 Rom 5:3-4, Js 1
34. His gracious hand is upon those who study, obey and teach the Word Ezra 7:0
35. Reminds me to repent
36. Gives understanding: the more we study and read, the more understanding He gives us Mat 13:12, Eph 3:3-5
37. Discernment between right and wrong teachings and knowing the difference between truth and those who teach from their false imaginations–so I won’t be tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes Eph 4;14, Ez 13:17 “Now, son of man, speak out against the women who prophesy from their own imaginations. Ephesians 4:14
38. My Sword: Helps me in spiritual warfare, it is my sword of truth in battle, my weapon- the sword, which is the Word of God. Eph 6:17
39. It is the Power of God at work, it is alive and powerful and never comes back void, it burns like a fire in my heart Is 55:10-11, R. 1:16, Heb. 4:12, Jer 20:9
40. His Word accomplishes everything He wants it to Is 55:10-11
41. Shows me how the Lord wants me to live and obey His Words Rev 22:7
42. Source of understanding as I keep searching to understand Him and know Him
43. Increases Faith : Builds my faith Romans 10:17
44. Makes me wiser than my enemies Ps 119:98-99
45. Gives me more insight than my teachers Ps 119:98-99
46. Helps me abandon my shameful ways Ps 119:38
47. Stirs my Spirit
48. Teaches me how to live
49. Opens my eyes to what I need to know
50. Reminds me to teach my children Deut 6:5-9, Deut 32:46, prov 4:4
51. Tells me where I have gone wrong
52. God speaks to me through His Word
53. To know and understand the Warnings He’s given us Malachi 2:2
54. Helps me in prayer! “ if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” Claim His Promises
55. Lifts me up when I am discouraged Job 4;3-6
56. Reminds me to be strong and courageous for Him Joshua 1
57. Warns me to stay on the right path and listen Heb 12:25
58. Instructs me
59. Teaches me how to live a holy life John 17:17
60. Salvation-The Power of God at word, saving everyone who believes the Good News about Christ- the Jew first and also the Gentile Romans 1:16, 1 Peter1:23, Phil 2:16, Acts 7:38 John 6:68
61. Gives me life, they are not empty words- they are life! John 6:68, Matt 13:22, Deut 32:47, Prov 4:4
62. How we get faith – from hearing the Word- need more faith? Read His Word Rom 10:17
63. His Words bless me Rev 1:3
64. Teaches me the truth and the truth sets me free John 8:31
65. Warns me of times ahead
66. Prepares me for persecution and rejection from others
67. Keeps my heart strong for Him while battling adversity
68. Fills our heart and mind with Godly wisdom and knowledge.
69. It is what the Lord expects us to do- “Haven’t you read the Scriptures” the Lord Jesus asked this 6x in Mathew and 3x in Mark
70. Sets me free James 1:22-25
71. keeps me from being proud Deut 17:20
72. Prevents me from turning away from his commands, even in the smallest way Deut 17:21
73. Teaches me to live a blameless life so I may worship in His Sanctuary Ps 15:1

 Hear the Word of the Lord:

             Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. I meditate on your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me. Don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.  For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.  You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.  But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us. I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word (Ps 119:7-16, Ps 119:50-52, James 1:22-25, Ps 119:2)

For the gracious hand of his God was on him. This was because Ezra had determined to study and obey the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel. Ezra 7:10

Instructions from Deuteronomy: He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees.  This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel. Deut. 17: 18-21

  Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

PROMISE: “The Lord your God will then make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and he will cause your fields to produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will again delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors.  The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.“This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is not beyond your reach. Duet 30: 9-11

Listen to Him

 Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God. But you don’t listen because you don’t belong to God.” So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. Be careful that you do not refuse to listen to the One who is speaking. Seek the LORD while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.  Matthew 13:11-13, John 8:47, Heb 2:1, Heb 12:25, Rev 1:3, is 55:6

Remain in His Word: But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!  Ps 119:10, John 15:7, 1Peter1:25, Ps 119:28

Delight in the Law. Meditate on it Day and Night: But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. Reverence for the Lord is pure,lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb. They are a warning to your servant, a great reward for those who obey them Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. Ps 119:2, Ps 1:1-3, Josh 1:8, Ps 19:7-11 

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble.119:65. 105

 ⁴ But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’ I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it.  It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. ⁴⁹ But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.” Luke 6:46-49, matt 4:4

¹ Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. ³² And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! John 15:7, John 8:31

 ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ¹God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.Romans 1:16, Eph 6:17, Heb 4:122 Tim 3:16

 He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. D 17:9

My heart is broken because of the false prophets, and my bones tremble. I stagger like a drunkard, like someone overcome by wine, because of the holy words the Lord has spoken against them.

 

13 Reasons why you need to keep your kids away from “13 Reason Why”

You’ve probably heard the hype by now and you may think you don’t have to worry about it, but if you have teens or preteens, take another look. So many of us- well-meaning parents,  have found out that our children have watched these episodes of “13 Reasons Why” on Netflix already either at home, on their phone, on a friend’s phone, at a friend’s house or even at school. You’d be surprised.  I just found out my teen watched it on her friend’s phone at her Christian home school group because her friend was watching it on her phone throughout their lunch. 

1. It triggers suicidal thoughts!   Face it, we really don’t know everything going on in our children’s lives – we think we do, but with social media, cell phones, computers, etc, our children have access to everything -and they know how to hide everything.
2. Increases self harm- Triggers more cutting. Our kids our cutting themselves, inflicting pain to escape their own mental pain and this show will only make it worse. If you see your child in any state of depression, check them for cutting. They are now cutting themselves in areas you wouldn’t look . So sad!  It seems the internet, cell phones and social media have stolen our children from us. It’s gotten out of control.
3. God’s word says to be wise to what is good and simple to what is evil. Turn their focus on God,  pray for them.
4. It does more harm than good.  Alexandra Contrades-Lacy at change.org said “After finishing the series, I became depressed and was suicidal for the first time in a year. This show was a trigger. Yes, I will take responsibility that I watched this on my free will. The difference is that I am taking action. This show makes teenagers believe that no one out there will help” Please take time to SIGN HER PETITION and get this show off the air :  https://www.change.org/p/selena-gomez-remove-13-reasons-why-from-netflix,
5. To stop the lying! “No, mom, I haven’t watched it ” Many moms have NO idea their children have already seen almost every episode and mama, you have no idea. My daughter said she watched the first episode on her friend’s phone.  A friend of mine, who is always on top of everything her children do, had no idea her daughter had watched all 14 episodes on her school laptop. Talk with your teens and preteens. Check your Netflix accounts to see what has been viewed at home.
6. This is  another enemy tactic to destroy your children. The thief comes to kill, still and destroy, but God wants our children to have life and to live in life abundantly -not to suffer in torment and depression. Turn on Praise music, remember how the tormenting spirits left King Saul when David would play His harp.
7. It glorifies and romanticizes suicide and mental illness.  “Suicide is romanticized and almost glorified in this show, as Hannah reclaims control of her life by ending it ” according to Leah Murphy at http://lifeteen.com/blog/watch-13-reasons/  Read linked post for more information.
8. This show doesn’t teach them to correctly deal with pressure, depression, stress, feelings of hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and bullying. Get help and/or get out of that situation.
9. Because you LOVE them. It’s so easy to look the other way, isn’t it? Every effort you make for your child makes a difference. Talk to them. I know everyone thinks their child doesn’t lie, but go through their phones, laptops and see what they’ve been looking up. Also be aware of the new fad the blue whale challenge BWC:  http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/blue-whale-challenge-warnings-sent-parents-about-suicide-game/sVqvIb50Ycf2vMNlx8E9AP/                                                                             ****** See short video below on BWC, warning have gone out all over the county and school systems on this. 
10. Because it’s your responsibility, a great gift from God that He has entrusted this child to you. Guard your children. I’ve read comments from parents and counselors that this show has already killed children.    SAVE YOUR CHILDREN
11. Because suicide is not entertainment and neither is mental illness. This show is harmful and defined by others as disgusting- a show that glorifies rape, graphic content ,suicide, sexual conduct, drinking, f words, lots of sex among young high school sophomores.
12. Sends the wrong message to teens.  Promotes feelings of hopelessness and no promotion of help or resources for their suffering.
13. You must guard their hearts. And I’m calling BS (Bull shark) on everyone who says they think this show was unintentional and it was originally meant to be a well intended show. Shame on you pluggin in!  Your reviews are far from Christian anyways.

If you’ve discovered that your child has watched the show, don’t get angry. Use the time to open up and talk about it. Don’t let it go by without replacing the lies with truth.

Watch the short video below to see a clear picture of what this show is about.

For More information:

• http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/catholic-leaders-urge-extreme-caution-for-new-netflix-series-31586/
• http://www.newsweek.com/netflix-13-reasons-why-suicide-contagion-experts-593367
• https://www.focusonthefamily.com/media/plugged-in-entertainment-reviews/tv-13-reasons-why
• http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-13-reasons-why-schools-teachers-20170510-htmlstory.html

How can we make a difference?  Cancelling your Netflix account or sending them an email might make a difference. Netflix: 1-866-579-7172

Lord, Crush and destroy this show and any show that tries to destroy your people and your children. Do not let another episode air and keep every child from seeing it. Take this show down in total destruction. Protect all the children suffering and give them hope and a new found joy in You. In Jesus name, amen

As I researched this and read comments from parents, counselors and teen I was distraught, shocked and saddened.  So many people have had loved ones die of suicide and this show was a factor. Many  said this show was the reason for the suicidal deaths of their children, friends and patients. It’s more dangerous than I could have imagined. Read though some of the comments on the petition listed on #4, (you might have to sign the petition first) and you’ll read a few first hand reports on how this has affected lives of so many.

Don’t give in response to pressure. 2 Cor 9:7

   The tithing thing bothers me. It’s not that I don’t like tithing or giving, I do. It’s the way the pressure is put on some (a lot) the congregations.  I believe and feel confident that if churches, meaning here leaders, put their effort into leading the people to Christ, their hearts would be moved to give always and give cheerfully.  They wouldn’t need to pressure the people. Maybe…if you need to pressure you’re congregation—- the flock haven’t been feed properly or they have fallen away. I think so. If we’re truly walking with the Lord, the Holy Spirit prompts us to give, where to give and to give abundantly.

Don’t give in response to pressure. 2 Cor 9:7

This is the NLT version, so I decided to study further and look up the meaning of the Greek words as well as other versions of this passage. Sure enough, it means what it says.

According to the definition of words in the blue letter bible, 2 Cor 9:7 reads as follows:

Every man and all, according to their stores ( what they have) and their preference and purpose in their heart, according to what is moved in their heart to give should give, but God forbid that one gives with a grudge, being annoyed to give or to give with grief, and likewise, God forbid one give out imposed upon customs, laws, necessity, manipulation, shaken to give or forces. Yet instead, let it be from your heart both cheerfully and willingly. 

A cheerful heart,  that’s how we’re supposed to give, but let’s look at this meaning. The Greek word for cheerful is Hilaros- meaning merry, prompt willing. To go further, the root of that word is merciful, gracious and further study brings us to the word willing.

When we give, we should give willingly, with mercy for others and with a joyous happy heart.

 

I LOVE THIS VERSE IN ACTS 4:

“There were no needy people among them..those who had something to give, brought the money to the apostles to give to those in need.”…..

Will we ever get back to this place?

 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.  The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. ³⁴ There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them ³⁵ and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

Keys to this verse:

First we must be united in Christ
Then we will understand that all we have belongs to the Lord
We will be prompted to SHARE – OH my gosh, do you know that some”Christian” parents teach their kids not to share. unbelievable! I see it out there people
And God’s great blessing was upon them all
There were NO more needy among them

I want that.

Will you be ready when Jesus Returns? Luke 12:35-48

Which servant will you be?

1-The Wise Servant: To those servants who are found ready and waiting , they will be blessed and given the position of ruling over his household, this person will be made ruler of all He has.

2-The Faker Servant: To the servants who says – eh, He isn’t coming anytime, I know what I should do but….  I will treat people cruely and unfairly, I will eat, drink and be drunk- I have time.  This servant will be cut in two and given his portion with unbelievers

3-Slacker Servant: To the servant who knew God’s will but was not ready according to God’s will be beaten with many stripes.

4-Unintentional Servant: The servant who was unaware and unlearned in these things but did things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few.

In Luke 12, Jesus tell us to be ready at all times for His return. Jesus told Peter this warning is for the wise and faithful.

” Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning;  and you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately. Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, will find watching. Assuredly, I say to you that he will gird himself and have them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them. And if he should come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.  But know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into.  Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

 Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable only to us, or to all people?” And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?  Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.  Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.  But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, ⁴⁶ the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in two and appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. ⁴⁷ And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. ⁴⁸ But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.”

Discern the Time :  Then He also said to the multitudes, “Whenever you see a cloud rising out of the west, immediately you say, ‘A shower is coming’; and so it is. And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be hot weather’; and there is. ⁵⁶ Hypocrites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it you do not discern this time?

Make Peace with Your Adversary: “Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right?⁵⁸ When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, make every effort along the way to settle with him, lest he drag you to the judge, the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.  I tell you, you shall not depart from there till you have paid the very last mite.”

When Christ returns, will he find you in bitterness? anger? unforgiveness? pride? covetous? jealousy? lying? drinking? living in sin? Get rid of all sin, live a life to please the Lord and be the New Creation He created you to be- Holy and Righteous. Prepare your heart today and always be ready at all times.