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5 Beliefs That Keep You From Writing To Share Your Faith

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5 Beliefs That Keep You From Writing To Share Your Faith

Not long ago, the thought came to me: only the brave can truly follow Jesus. I know you’re going to tell me that this is pretty obvious; everyone, at least believers, knows it well. However, not until we sit down and count the cost of following Christ can we truly understand this reality.

Yet Jesus never deceived us about the cost of following Him. Some may think that it is the weak who believe in God, but Jesus tells us quite the opposite. Following Him requires extraordinary sacrifices and cannot be done in secret.

These sacrifices are made intentionally. Jesus tells us that we should not follow him with our eyes closed. He wants us to know from the beginning that becoming disciples is for people who understand the consequences of their decisions and that it will not always be easy.

The extraordinary thing about Jesus is that following him is not given to those who love their comfort. The same is true for sharing his faith.

Now think for a moment. If following Jesus requires so much self-denial, what about sharing your faith?

Sometimes we are seduced by the idea of ​​becoming the greatest evangelist in the world. We see ourselves in front of thousands of people speaking eloquently about God, or we think we will become the most excellent Christian writer of all time. However, when we start writing our first lines and become blocked, after persevering, we publish our book or article and remain anonymous, despite everything. Or worse, if people recognise us, it is to criticise our writings. We can easily become discouraged and give up. I have already spoken about the demon of doubt. We can forget that following Jesus requires courage as does sharing our faith.

Just as those who are easily discouraged cannot follow Jesus, so aspiring writers who are easily frustrated will never be able to share their faith through writing. Writing to share your faith takes patience, determination, faith, perseverance, and a willingness to overcome obstacles.

Remember that while everyone has dreams, not everyone turns their dreams into goals. You may want to share your faith through writing. I would like to ask you: what are the reasons you repeat to yourself late at night to put a stop to this idea? These reasons are beliefs you have, but that does not mean they are valid reasons.

3. After “X”, I will do this

“Once I finish this (insert difficult project at work or something in your personal life), I’ll start writing my book.” That’s the most popular belief. Just as people always put off deciding to follow Jesus, many believers put off deciding to share their faith. And they’re sure they’ll have time, that’s the funny part.

You might say to yourself today, “Okay, Jacqueline, I want to write to share my faith, but right now is not the best time. Let me do this or that, then I’ll start. Sure. I want to make sure I don’t give up along the way.” I’ll simply say, “Why are you waiting? Do you know if you’ll be able to do it next year? What control do you have over the future?” Perhaps the Bible speaks better to this belief:

3 Beliefs That Keep You From Writing To Share Your Faith

I’m going to share 5 beliefs you have that will keep you from publishing your writing to share your faith.

1. Not enough time

Everyone is busy these days. When someone asks you how you are, you probably answer “Busy.” But that may not be true. Everyone has the same twenty-four hours in a day, whether they share their faith or not. You may have noticed that writers are very busy.

I’m going to give you an exercise to determine whether you’re truly busy or whether you’re filling your time with activities that are disconnected from your goal of sharing your faith through writing, for a week or two, record on a timesheet or a diary how you spend your time. This includes sleeping, preparing and eating meals, using social media, getting ready for work, and cleaning your house.

At the end of this week, take a good look at how you spend your time. Ask yourself if these activities are essential. Be honest. You may find that you have more time than you think, especially if you eliminate unnecessary activities that have nothing to do with your personal and spiritual growth.

2. I don’t have talent “X”.

The second belief you may have is that you are not gifted. I addressed this myth in one of the articles in this series. I want to repeat it to you: if you wish to write a book or paint a picture, you have as much talent as you are willing to use. You may not have been born with the natural ability to write, but that does not mean you cannot learn and practice. Join a writing group to equip yourself and practice writing.

One tool that can help you in your journey of writing to share faith is a dedicated journal. It allows you to record thoughts, reflections, and prayers as you work through your doubts and grow spiritually. For example, the Christian Journal Notebook is perfect for daily reflection and keeping track of your progress.

Another great option is the HIS GLORY Scripture Popular Christian Journal. It’s designed for meditation on scripture and can guide your reflections as you write.

If you want a bit of inspiration while you write, the QETXVI Inspirational Thoughts Notebook can provide motivational prompts to help you stay focused and overcome creative blocks.

6 Wonderful Truths About Prayer

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6 Wonderful Truths About Prayer

Prayer! After years of writing, reading, and praying about prayer as one of the pillars of spiritual growth, I must admit that there are always discoveries to be made. I am still convinced that it is a wonderful spiritual discipline that anyone can practice. Indeed, people all over the world pray to believers of different cultures, backgrounds, ages, financial situations, etc. They pray to God or a higher being. Yet, if you ask most people what prayer is, you will get many different answers. In this series, I will discuss prayer and the actions to take after praying.

 

 

What is prayer?

Prayer can take many forms and have unique meanings for each individual. It can be seen as a way to connect with a higher power, to find comfort in times of doubt and distress, or to strengthen one’s spirituality. Some people view prayer as a religious practice, while others simply see it as a time of contemplation and reflection.

As I like to repeat, for us Christians, prayer is a conversation with God as you speak to your most intimate friend. You hide nothing from Him. You bring into this conversation joy, sorrows, requests, praises, gratitude, and supplication. You open your heart and you are as authentic and sincere as possible. After all, God knows you better than you know yourself and can read the depths of your heart. What is the point of pretending then?

Can everyone pray?

The beauty of prayer lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It does not require specific skills, advanced knowledge, or adherence to a certain faith. Prayer can be a way to find a space of inner calm and to refocus on what is essential, the voice of God in one’s life.

If you are new to prayer and have questions, I want to help make prayer simple for you. I invite you to see prayer as an invitation from God to join Him in a relationship of communion.

In our Christian communities, our times of prayer are accompanied by singing, Bible reading, and witnessing. Think of our fasts and our weekly worship services at church. However, prayer can also be silent, where thoughts and intentions are simply directed to God, regardless of our theological or linguistic skills.

What are the benefits of prayer?

The practice of prayer has many benefits for physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

On a physical level, prayer can help reduce stress and anxiety. Indeed, God invites us to bring all our worries to Him because He will take care of us. Knowing that the King of the universe carries our worries should take away our stress.

From a mental perspective, prayer can bring a sense of calm and clarity. By detaching from daily concerns and connecting with our God, one can find inner peace and peace of mind. Prayer can also help develop concentration and mental discipline, allowing one to focus on positive thoughts and high intentions.

On a spiritual level, prayer nourishes our relationship with God and develops our faith. It is a way to connect with our Heavenly Father, cultivate gratitude for what He accomplishes in our lives, and feel supported by His almighty strength. Furthermore, we must understand that when we pray, we often develop greater inner peace, and appeasement in the face of difficulties.

Prayer can also help us develop compassion, love, and acceptance toward ourselves and others. Indeed, as we spend time with God, we tend to become more like Him. Because He is love, we also become loving beings.

A spiritual discipline to practice regularly

Whatever form prayer takes for you, it is important to practice it authentically, by your beliefs and values. Think of prayer as a time when you join God in sharing your heart and listening to His. Even if you have needs, prayer is first and foremost a relationship between you and God to know His will and do it.

Some people approach prayer with preconceived ideas about prayer and God. Some fear that their prayer will not be heard, or that prayer must be done in a certain way or at a certain time of day. Some even feel a lack of confidence in themselves to pray.

6 Wonderful Truths About Prayer

If you are one of those people and you have questions about prayer or are hesitant to pray, that’s okay. Let me show you how you can start praying today and participate in His fellowship. Here are some wonderful truths I want to share with you. Remember:

  1. Prayer is simply communion with God. It is involving your whole being with God. The mystery of prayer is this: How can a human being devote himself entirely to God and commune with Him? The answer is that it is rather God communing with you and you cooperating with Him during the time you spend with Him. Prayer is a two-way relationship with the greatest friend there is.
  2. Prayer can happen anywhere and anytime. You can pray silently, in your car, in the shower, at a board meeting, or a football game. Prayer is talking to God about anything, and it can happen anywhere. There are no rules about where or when prayer can happen.
  3. Your prayer doesn’t have to be perfect. There are no perfect words to pray to God. He understands your heart and your words perfectly. No eloquent speech is necessary. You don’t need a degree to pray. Jesus being your sacrifice qualifies you to pray.
  4. Prayer can be a silent practice. Many people sit in silence and pray in their hearts. They may only whisper a word because the emotions are so raw. God can connect with these emotions even if these believers never say a word. This is also prayer. Tears shed in silence are powerful words that only God understands, and He considers them precious prayers.
  5. You can write your prayers. You can write your prayers. To do this, you get a prayer journal and write down what you want to say to God. When you are finished, you wait to hear an answer, and then you write down what you believe God has said to you.
  6. Prayer is intentional. Find a quiet, intentional place to pray. This could be in your bedroom, on your favorite chair in the house, on your patio, lying in bed, doing prayer walks, or in an enclosed space. Go to that place so you won’t be distracted. Make it your sacred place where you meet with God.

As I conclude this first article in this new series, I would like you to remember this: prayer is your conversation with God. It is a deep expression of your heart to God. It represents your time of meeting with Him in a secret place.

What should I do after praying

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What should I do after praying

In the last two articles, I discussed the simplicity of prayer, its benefits, and tips for praying even when you feel unable to do so. In this final article in this new series on prayer, I look at an aspect of prayer that is most often overlooked when trying to answer the question: What should I do after I pray? Are you ready? Let’s do it.

What should I do after praying?

Prayer is such a normal part of everyday life that most of us as believers do it. It is part of our routine of worship. When faced with the perplexities of life, we turn to prayer. People pray for guidance and wisdom in life. Mothers pray for their children and families. Prayer is present in almost every area of ​​the believer’s life.

Moreover, in some social celebrations, prayer is also present. People pray at weddings, funerals, festivals, etc. We pray at the birth and death of someone.

But the fundamental question to ask yourself is: What do you do after you pray for something? Do you sit back and wait? Do you do something else with the prayer? Do you continue with your life as usual? Do you keep praying over and over again until the answer comes?

There don’t seem to be any specific instructions about what happens right after we pray. I mean, everyone knows that we have to end our prayers at some point. We have to get back to our regular activities. But the few moments after prayer can be important in this conversation with God.

For some of us, I would say that we get ahead of God after we pray or at least set a specific time for our request to be answered. For example, we pray and expect immediate results or answers. When the answer doesn’t come at the right time, we tell ourselves that we don’t have enough faith or we simply take matters into our own hands by doing what we think is appropriate, which sometimes ruins the situation.

Other times, some believers simply become frustrated with prayer or with God. So they stop believing in God’s omnipotence and their expectation of God is diminished. Disappointment sets in and discouragement begins to dominate their hearts.

I offer you four key actions to take after you pray about something. Keep these things in mind so that disappointment, discouragement, or disbelief do not settle in your heart.

Stay tuned to God

Listening after praying is as much a part of prayer as praying or talking. Many people begin their prayer time and just talk to God. They pour out their hearts and minds and cry and release many words and emotions, but they never really stop and listen to God. What do I mean by that?

Prayer is done in two steps. First, you pray, and you talk to God. Then, you wait and you listen. How? By reading the Word of God, and by meditating. So your prayer times should not be spent only in singing and quickly reading a psalm, but by giving yourself time to meditate on the Word of God. I assure you that by doing this, you will teach your spirit to listen to God, and he will speak to you.

We understand he lives in a terrible situation. The glory of God’s people is banished, and injustice seems to triumph. So, he cries out to God. As we continue our reading, we see that God answers his complaints. But, he is not entirely satisfied with the answer. So he continues to ask him questions. And in chapter 2, Habakkuk tells us:

So, during the first part of his prayer conversation, God answered right away. I can’t tell you whether he heard the distinct voice of God, or how he knew it, but God answered. However, when the questions got serious, there was silence. God said nothing.

Instead of getting discouraged, throwing in the towel, or losing confidence, Habakkuk tells us that he was watching. He was waiting for what God would say to him. Wow! It should be the same for us. Don’t be in a hurry to get back to your activities after your prayer time without waiting for a word from God. Wait for God to speak. This is an important part of prayer.

I know you are very busy. You are probably wondering how long you would have to wait. Two minutes? 15 minutes? A day? Don’t take this waiting literally. After you pray, meditate on a Bible passage. Pay attention to any new insights. Use a prayer journal to meditate and write down your requests. Then go about your activities but with this conversation you just had with God in mind. Perhaps this is why Paul tells us to pray without ceasing. Always listening to God.

Remember that one of the special things about prayer is that the God we pray to is alive and eager to answer us. It is never a one-way conversation.

Praise God

The 2nd key action to take is to express your gratitude to God. After you pray, spend time thanking God for what you know He will do. Thank Him for answering your prayer the way He wants. Thank Him for being your Father. Give Him your sincerest praise for the answer you know is coming. Let your faith soar with thanksgiving because God is our compassionate Father, slow to anger and abounding in kindness. He will not let you down.

Growing by Faith Are You an Extravagant Believer

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Growing by Faith Are You an Extravagant Believer

Do you know someone who is an extravagant believer? I mean someone who holds nothing back because he expects God to intervene in his life miraculously. I am not talking about someone who is very naive, but someone who knows that God can accomplish what we can never do on our own. Are you such a person?

The Bible has many stories about people who staked their lives on the Word of God. As I mentioned in the previous article, faith is a lifestyle issue that extends beyond theory. These Bible characters believed in extraordinary ways. There were those around them who believed more or less, but they seemed to think in a way that seemed extreme. Remember, we are discussing faith as a result of hearing God’s Word.

What is an extravagant believer?

You are probably wondering what I mean by “extravagant believer.” Let me define the term for you. An extravagant believer sees beyond the visible reality, who believes in God’s promises, especially when everything tells him not to think, who clings to the Word of his God no matter what, and who suffers while believing. I am talking about those men and women who see the hand of God in their lives through happy or unhappy circumstances. They are extraordinary believers, and they see things happening that others do not see at all.

Now, I don’t mean that Jesus loves them more. I mean that these extravagant believers reach out to His Word and see things that many others don’t see. They are willing to go beyond the norm and expect God to work in a greater way.

The Story of an Extravagant Believer

There is a story often cited when discussing acting by faith. It is found in Luke 8:43-48. Let’s explore this story.

To understand it, I want you to put yourself in the crowd. Can you see yourself in a huge crowd of people following Jesus as He walked down the street? He had no bodyguards as He walked with His disciples. The crowd pushed and shoved, trying to get closer to Him. They wanted to get a good look at this unusual man, who was becoming famous.

Suddenly, Jesus turned around and said, “Who touched me?”

His disciples were confused. “What do you mean? The whole crowd is pressing against you.” Jesus said, “No. Someone has touched me, for I felt power come out of me.” And He turned and looked at the woman who had touched the hem of His garment.

Of course, in that crowd, there was a woman who had been sick for a very long time. She had a haemorrhage that lasted 12 years. She had spent all her money going to doctors, and no one had been able to heal her. The Bible says she was getting worse.

Yet that day, when she saw Jesus, this woman was inspired. She had heard about Him and she thought, If I can touch the hem of His garment, I will be healed. And that is exactly what happened. When she touched Him, the flow of blood stopped, and immediately she was well.

Jesus then said something very different from our mindset. He said, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

Let this answer sink in. Your faith has healed you. Understand what Jesus meant. This woman touched the hem of his garment because she had heard about him and decided to act on his words. The crowd was huge, but she managed to squeeze through without being distracted by the noise and the hellish melee. She wanted to be healed. This crowd was not the obstacle, but the opportunity for her to exercise her faith.

This is an extraordinary illustration of the source of faith: faith comes from hearing. Do you understand what this implies for you?

What are you listening to?

In our modern society, it’s total noise. Everyone wants to get your attention. Social media seems to be winning this battle. You’re caught in the net of news, celebrities, funny videos, etc. What or who is your attention focused on?

Jesus is alive today. He walks the earth in your little corner. But there is this crowd of people all around us, these voices fighting for our attention. If you are like me, you get caught up in this noisy crowd sometimes. You get distracted. And you wonder why you are not healed (or at least why you do not believe). Quite simply, you do not do like this sick woman. You lose sight of your goal by letting yourself be distracted by the surrounding hubbub.

As in the case of this woman, you must go to Jesus despite the noise. You cannot use the noise as an excuse (I have no time, I am busy, I am discouraged, etc.) to avoid touching the hem of His garments (i.e., reading God’s Word). If you do not do this, you will not be able to become an extravagant believer. I would like you to consider these questions:

  • How do you integrate your faith (i.e. the Word of God) into your daily reality?
  • Are you ready to believe in miracles in your life? In your health? In your family? In your finances?

Perhaps the real question is: Do you know the Word of God, the source of all true faith? These are things you must decide for yourself. Don’t look at the crowd. They probably don’t believe it very much.

A Little Warning About Faith

Please don’t misinterpret what I mean. I’m not saying you have to read God’s Word to have miracles. Don’t read the Bible to test God. You have to read the Bible to know God. You don’t have to chase miracles, but seek to know Jesus. In having extravagant faith, your confidence is not in your faith—it’s always in Jesus.

Any attitude of faith that does not put Jesus at its centre is based on pride and presumption that will eventually cause you to lose your faith. Have extravagant faith in God, but don’t trust in your faith. The key is to believe in God and believe in Him extravagantly.

Start your day with a cup of courage. This faith‑inspired mug reminds us to be brave in following Jesus and living with purpose. Grab it here: Extravagant Believer

Growing by Faith Extending Your Faith to Others

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Growing by Faith Extending Your Faith to Others

I am continuing this series on faith. I talked about the origin of faith and asked you if you are an extravagant believer in the last article. Today, I will discuss faith in relationships with others.

 

We often talk about faith. It is good for us to remember that “without faith, it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6) . Furthermore, we know that we receive all that God has for us through faith ( Hebrews 6:12 ). Our Father is pleased to bless us with His presence and He provides for our needs. But that is not all there is to faith.

A concept to always remember

First, we must never forget the origin of faith the Word of God. Regular, daily reading of the Bible enables us to draw closer to God and gain a deeper understanding of Him. God Himself declares:

You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart. Jeremiah 29:13

The call continues to ring out

Let us know, let us seek to know the LORD; his coming is as sure as the morning. He will come to us like the rain, like the latter rain that waters the earth. Hosea 6:3

So as we read the Bible, we will walk with God, knowing Him and understanding His plans. Thus, we will begin to feel His heartbeat, and His purpose will grow in us. The purpose of God’s heart is not just for us to have a blessed life. His purpose includes eternity and all that it entails: living with God.

So you have to ask yourself who will be in heaven. You will be there, of course, because you walk with God, you know him, you love him, and you believe in him despite everything. But what about your neighbours? Do they know him?

Extend your faith to others

In our daily lives, we encounter many people who have never heard the gospel. They may have heard colourful stories that have turned them away, but some have never heard the very simple truth that Jesus loves us. So let’s extend our faith.

You see, the result of our faith is the sharing of our faith. As you learn more about God, you want to make Him known to others. It’s like good news that you can’t keep to yourself.

It is often unfortunate to seek God for what He offers us now, when in fact, whatever blessings you have physically or financially are destined to disappear. A certain level of well-being does not mean that you have faith at all. The ultimate reward of faith is not material goods but eternal life (Hebrews 11:13-14). When we understand it like this, then, we think about extending our faith to others despite our current circumstances which may be difficult.

How to extend your faith to others?

I want to challenge you to do something. Buy a prayer journal or use the free “ Kingdom Forerunner ” journal at the library. It is perfect for this exercise. You can write down a list of people who come to mind who are not walking with God: family members, neighbors, co-workers (yes, even that means that), and friends.

Then pray over this list every day that these people will have their eyes opened to the truth. Ask God to show you if there is something you need to tell them.

Do you need to talk about your relationship with your Savior? How do you do it? Ask God to guide you in this step of faith. Every situation is different, so you need to listen carefully to God’s direction.

Some have been hurt by those who claim to be Christians. Perhaps legalism has crushed or frightened them. Perhaps the hypocrisy of leaders has disillusioned them. And of course, many lies have been perpetrated to confuse and discourage those who might seek the true God.

One thing is for sure: these people don’t have the faith they need to walk with God. They don’t have faith that their prayers will be answered. They certainly don’t know that God loves them and has a good plan for them. So that’s where you come in. These people need your faith. They need your prayers. While you can’t save yourself from their sin, Jesus did for them as He did for you. Now you extend His ministry by doing for others what they can’t do for themselves. By praying for them.

Intercessory prayer is an extremely effective tool

Your prayer for those who cannot pray for themselves, asking God to show mercy to those around you is called intercessory prayer. Never pray only for yourself without including others and their eternal life. Ask God to open your eyes to this ministry of intercession. He wants His grace to be available to all. When those around you do not know how to pray for themselves, your prayers on their behalf are crucial.

For further

After you pray, you may need to encourage those you prayed for. Talk to them about God’s love for them as individuals. Answer questions, pray with them, and be the ambassador from heaven you were called to be.

There are so many people in our society today who want to know the truth but have never heard it credibly. You can be the person they need. They need your word, your prayers, and your faith. Will you be the one who represents your Lord on earth? That is the greatest purpose of your faith.

In the beginning was the word

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In the beginning was the word

The Word of God is a primary need for every Christian. It was at the beginning of all things, at the origin of Creation itself. We need this Word daily: it acts as a remedy for our various ills, it consoles us, encourages us, corrects us, and strengthens our inner man. It acts as a compass, without it we would risk going astray.

The Word is life and light

It is a privilege for us today to be able to know Christ. Indeed, before we were considered spiritually dead and it is thanks to the Gospel in which we believed that our spiritual eyes were opened. Thanks to it, we are now children of God, we are born again. The Bible says that we have been resurrected with Christ. The first thing the Word does is that it gives us life. It gives us a new identity, the Spirit of God now lives in us.

Then, the Word acts as a light in our lives. Being accustomed to darkness, we need to renew our minds. It enlightens us and allows us to live as God wants. It teaches us, for example, that lying, adultery, fornication, or even slander grieve the Spirit of God. This is why we need the Bible daily to light our steps. It is a lamp to our feet; as we walk in this world, it keeps us from stumbling.

No matter what difficult situations we may encounter, the life and light that is Holy Scripture can help us overcome them.

The Bible is effective in comforting those who are afflicted. Elijah was in despair in the wilderness, God spoke to him and he regained strength.

It can set the captives free, Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.” Is it not this truth that has set us free from sin?

She can heal broken hearts. The adulterous woman was humiliated, her fault was known to all. But Jesus said to those who accused him: “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” She was rejected by all, but Christ had compassion for her. She is a light to enlighten us.

It is the Word of God that has enlightened us and brought us out of darkness. It prevents us from returning to our old life, it continually renews our intelligence.

The Word is a Weapon

When we speak this Word, by the authority Christ has given us, it has the same power that it has in the mouth of God. The power in the Word does not come from us but from God. That is why the devil is afraid when we remind him of what God has said. If we use this weapon properly, we will walk in victory daily. In the wilderness, Jesus was tempted, but He overcame that temptation by using the sword of the Word. The devil had no choice but to flee from him. That is what the Bible says: “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

The Word is the only offensive weapon we have, the others are defensive weapons. That is why we must not neglect this weapon.

The Word is spiritual food

A child who does not eat well will have problems with malnutrition. Many of God’s children have problems with spiritual malnutrition. It is good to go to church, it is good to pray, to fast, but we must accompany all this with meditation on the Bible. Otherwise, we will always remain spiritual babies, dependent on our spiritual leaders (in the wrong way) without ever becoming, much less making disciples.

The Word sets us free

Prayer is powerful, but it has its limits. Some problems will not be solved by prayer, but by knowledge. A person who continually falls back into the same sin or who feels comfortable in sin does not need prayer, but knowledge (knowing who God is, who they are in Christ, how to resist the devil, flee temptation, etc.). We need to be balanced Christians. Fasting is powerful, but it does not always deliver. It is the truth that sets us free (John 8:32). It is not through prayer that we learn to know our identity, but it is through reading the Bible. It is with this knowledge that we are delivered from false reasoning and other strongholds of the enemy.

Let us not neglect this Word, this precious gift from God. We have something that even King Solomon did not have. He had to ask God for wisdom. Today, the Bible has everything we need to be wise.

In the past, the Word was not so easy to find, access was reserved for spiritual leaders. Some inventions like the printer or the internet had not yet seen the light of day for the Bible to be accessible to all. But few of us realize this great privilege that we have and we neglect to read or meditate on the Bible.

There are so many reasons why we should read the Bible and so many benefits that come from the Word of God. One article would not be enough to list the benefits that come from it. However, let us remember that we must consume this food without moderation so that it penetrates deeply.

What is your favorite Bible verse? Share your answer in the comments. We would love to hear from you.

8 Verses on the Word as the Sword of the Spirit

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8 Verses on the Word as the Sword of the Spirit

The Word of God is for Christians an offensive weapon that assures us victory in many areas of our life.


Not only does it allow us to truly see ourselves, but it also reveals to us who God wants us to be.

The Word has the power to penetrate our souls and reveal our hearts. It frees us from false reasoning and makes us know Christ, whom we are called to be like; but to do this, we must apply it (James 1:23).

She has the power to push back demonic powers.

God has given His children the authority to fight and prevail over rulers, authorities, the rulers of this dark world, and spiritual wickedness. This authority is found in the Scriptures, which is why Paul calls them the Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:12).

She teaches us how to resist temptation

Jesus, in the wilderness, in Matthew 4, resisted the devil because he mastered the Word and always put it into practice. He not only knew the Scriptures by heart, but he had examined them, they had come alive in him, and he knew perfectly how to apply them to resist the devil, flee temptation, and not sin against God. We understand from this extraordinary testimony that it is important to know the Word by meditating on it day and night (Js 1.8).

She transforms our lives

When we take time to read and meditate on the Bible, we come to know God and His will for us. This constant exposure to God’s nature gradually shapes us in His image. In addition, the Word directs us, makes us wise, and sets us apart (2 Tim. 3:16).

The Word of God is a useful and effective weapon only if we love it, study it, and put it into practice. Here are eight Bible verses that will help you understand it better and restore the Bible to the place it should have in your spiritual growth and warfare.

The Word of God is effective and living

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Hebrews 4.12

The Word helps us resist the devil’s attacks

Also take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:17

The Word helps us not to sin against God

How can a young man keep his way pure? By walking according to your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Ps 119.9-11

The Word, a weapon against temptation

Jesus answered, It is written: Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

Matthew 4.4

The Word allows us to renew our thinking

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Romans 12.2

The Word enables us to be wise and have discernment

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Ps 119.105

The Word of God comforts and encourages us

Now whatever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Romans 15.4

The Word of God sanctifies us

Now whatever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.

Romans 15.4

It is important to put the Word of God at the center of your life because it allows you to overcome the evil one and will make you victorious in your weaknesses and your battles.

How to Study God’s Word Effectively for Deep Understanding

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How to Study God’s Word Effectively for Deep Understanding

To learn how to study God’s Word effectively, we should begin with prayer and find a quiet, dedicated time and place to practise consistently. Then utilise methods such as slow reading, asking questions, and actively engaging with God by asking Him questions.

Apart from writing observations and applying principles to our lives, we should always strive to understand the context and align our actions with Christ’s teachings so that our deeds glorify the Lord. We could limit ourselves to reading the Bible; however, it is not a book like any other; it is inspired by God.

Through which God speaks and teaches us His ways, it is alive and powerful in transforming, defending, and healing us (Hebrews 4:12). Therefore, we should learn how to study God’s Word effectively to stay connected to the Lord and receive the necessary benefits, for the scripture says, ‘For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ (Matthew 6:21).

When we read the Bible or listen to it (sometimes while going about our daily tasks), we do not always have enough time to examine it carefully or reflect on what we read to grasp its true meaning. 

Nevertheless, Bible study is the only true way to understand the character of God, His nature and principles, and, most importantly, to know what God requires of us—obedience. In our prayers, Bible reading, and interactions with God, we often concentrate more on our concerns about what we need from God.

But we tend to overlook, or more accurately, care less about what God requires from us. As we know, obedience is essential; therefore, He gave us the Ten Commandments. Obeying them boosts His love for us and helps us connect with one another. It also influences how well we are progressing in learning how to study God’s Word effectively.

Furthermore, it also enlightens us about God’s will for our lives. It is undeniable that He created us and, in His image, we are certainly His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, so that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10).

Therefore, each of us is meant to benefit from divine will. And God’s will is the best thing that can happen to anyone, as He assures us in Jeremiah 29:11, saying, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Who wouldn’t like that!

No wonder it has always been believed that the most important things in a person’s life are God’s words on any matter of significance to them. Why? Because God spoke, and it happened; He said, “Let there be light,” and light appeared.

Therefore, always pray that God speaks on any matter of great importance to you, for it will surely come to pass. Since “we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

Finally, the Bible addresses our personal journeys, guiding us to live a victorious life on earth and to persevere in faith until the Father calls us or Jesus returns. This assurance is based on the promise of divine protection, as stated in Psalm 121:3-4: He will not let your foot slip.

An extra benefit of studying God’s Word effectively is the ability to memorise Bible verses. Often, situations arise that require recalling specific passages to protect one’s heart, strengthen faith, resist temptation, or encourage others. Likewise, during challenges, spiritual battles, and moments when the Lord feels distant, it can be very comforting.

In fact, memorising the Bible requires the Lord’s anointing. Those who wish to memorise Scripture should pray for it, which is often granted to those called to serve as clergy.

Nevertheless, recall His famous saying in Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” This is how to study God’s Word Effectively, for the Lord is our strength.

How to proceed?

1. Choose a book

In truth, all 66 books of the Bible must be studied. So don’t limit yourself to your favourite passages (if you have any). God can speak to you through all of His Word. But which book should you start with? All.

Start with the Gospels

It is generally recommended to begin with the New Testament, especially the gospels. For those starting their journey with Christ, it is often advised to begin with the gospel of John because it emphasises God’s love for us, demonstrated through His Son. However, you are free to start with any gospel, and it is wise to ask Him first.

Just follow the order of the books

If you wish, you may start with the book of Genesis instead. This advice will help you develop a structured, coherent approach, thereby helping you understand how to study the Word effectively.

Alternate the two Testaments

This approach could help you understand the relationship between God and humanity before the coming of Jesus (Old Testament) and during Jesus’s ministry (New Testament).

Follow a Bible study program

You can follow the programme at your local church or use reading plans available in bookstores or online; these plans often feature specific themes. The advantage is that you can easily share your questions or uncertainties with other members of your group.

2. Plan your time

Morning: You can choose a time before you begin your daily tasks. Alternatively, you may arrive at the office earlier and carry out your Bible study during a period when your colleagues are not distracting you.

During the day: You can choose to take your lunch break or spend an hour in the afternoon if you have a lot to manage in the morning and evening. However, generally, after lunch, we often feel very tired. Your productivity and energy levels can be tested.

Evening: If you have more time and energy, the best choice is to select a time that is not too late and when everything around you is quiet. If possible, you could wait until everyone is asleep or wake up during the night to have some time alone with God.

3. Choose a quiet place

This is an appointment with God, a moment of closeness with your Creator. You want to listen to Him, and He wants to speak to you. Therefore, minimise distractions as much as possible.

4. Opt for a paper Bible instead of a digital Bible

With smartphones and other devices, you can be exposed to distractions. The benefit of the paper Bible is that there will be no adverts, messages, bugs, etc. You can bring a highlighter to mark passages to remember and use a page marker to resume your study where you left off. However, if you prefer the audio Bible because you perhaps understand the Word of God better when it is spoken, I advise you to disconnect from all means of interaction with others, including your internet connection, so you are not distracted.

5. Pray before you start

Since the Bible is unlike any other book, you need the Holy Spirit’s help to understand what God intends to teach you. Therefore, pray to the Lord so that, through Him, you may comprehend His message (John 16:23).

6. Choose a translation

There are different translations of the Bible. The best choice is to pick one that matches your language and uses words and expressions you understand. You might, for example, compare the various translations you have access to and choose the one you understand most clearly. However, NIV and Good News are recommended for beginners.

7. Be regular in study

Establish a routine. To begin with, you don’t need to do a Bible study every day. You can choose a simple and achievable frequency. For example, start with once a week and stick to that schedule. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read the Bible on other days.

8. Start with one or two verses per Bible study session

It is uninteresting to study a lengthy text for hours if you are not used to reading the Word. This could discourage you in the long run. Starting small prevents you from having to analyse many pieces of information at once. Do not try to understand everything in a single day because that is not an effective way to study God’s Word.

Obeying God Why and How

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Obeying God Why and How

A study of the Scriptures reveals that God created man to be in a relationship with Him, a relationship of love and trust (1 John 4:19), so He gave us free will: the choice to love Him in return or not; and the measuring stick of that love that we choose to demonstrate to Him is our obedience.

The choice of disobedience

The book of Genesis tells us the story of the world’s creation: how God created the heavens and the earth and everything in them; and how he formed man and then woman in his image. He named the man Adam, and his wife was called Eve. Because he loved them and wanted their well-being, he placed them in the Garden of Eden, where they lacked nothing, suffered nothing, and were given authority and a mandate to rule over all creation. But most importantly, in Eden, they could live in perfect harmony with God.

Indeed, God took pleasure in spending time with men, in building with them this relationship of love and trust. The latter were subject to only one restriction: that of not eating the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 2.16-17). But, Adam and Eve, seduced by the serpent, gave in to the temptation to become “like God” and disobeyed him by eating the forbidden fruit.

The choice of disobedience had disastrous consequences for Adam and Eve: sin (which in turn led to emotional wounds, illness, oppression, etc.) and death both physical and spiritual. Moreover, this curse was unfortunately not buried with them: it spread to all humanity. Thus, all men, no matter the era in which they were born, were subjected to the law of sin and death because of the disobedience of one man.

Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin; and so death passed upon all men because all have sinned Romans 5.12

The consequences of choosing disobedience are therefore radical and final. And we would all have been lost if it had not been for the obedience of one man, the one the Bible calls “the second Adam”: Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

The choice of obedience

God, in his immense and eternal love for us, had prepared a plan for our salvation even before the first man sinned against him. Now for this plan to be realized, and for us all to receive the gift of grace, which is salvation and the happiness of being reconciled with God in paradise for eternity, the only Son of God needed to choose obedience. Jesus had to voluntarily come down from heaven to live as a man among men; he had to teach them the ways that please God; he had to undergo the same trials as us, be subjected to the same temptations, but without ever sinning; but above all, he had to agree to give his life for men, to die an atrocious, unjust and dishonorable death at the hands of those very people he had come to save. His cross was very heavy to bear, and his pain (and very often his solitude) was undoubtedly unbearable. And yet, the Bible tells us that Jesus succeeded in his mission: “He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of a cross” (Phil 2:7-8). This is why he remains our model par excellence forever.

Through Christ’s obedience, God saves, forgives, redeems, and declares righteous all men who believe in Him. Through Christ’s obedience, God’s perfect plan was fulfilled. Through Christ’s obedience, the devil and his demons were defeated. Through Christ’s obedience, you have been freed from the bondage of sin, you no longer have Adam’s DNA, but God’s DNA, for you are now His child!

This is what hangs in the balance when the Bible speaks to us about obedience. The choice to obey God is, in many cases, a choice between life and death. Choose life so that you may live.

Obey God Every Day of Your Life

Choosing to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior is irrevocably the most important decision of your entire life, and we are thrilled that you have chosen life. However, it is far from the only choice you will make until the Lord calls you home. We all make choices every day of our lives, even multiple times a day. And each of these choices in your daily life is an invitation to surrender your own will to submit to God’s will.

The Importance of Obedience in Our Relationship with God

· We align ourselves with His perfect plan for us (Rom. 8:28); · We deepen our intimacy with Him and He leads us to be like Him (John 14:21); · Our ways please Him and He grants us His favor (John 15:7); · We ensure that we are good and faithful servants, useful to the Church and rewarded in heaven (Matt. 25:23); · We remain covered by grace, His mercy and His protection (Prov. 2:7-8).

Why does God want us to obey him?

1. Because he is our Father, Lord and Master.

God wants our love for Him to be true, genuine, and sincere. To obey Him is to show Him that we trust Him and know that as Father, He wants the best for us; as Lord, He knows what is best for us; and as Master, He has the power to accomplish His purposes for us.

2. To prove our love to him

Every time we obey God, He feels loved and this shows that we are grateful to Him. Consequently, our ability to obey determines the love we have for God.

3. Because he will give us eternal life and bless us

When we obey God, He is proud of us, and He blesses us, which guarantees us eternal life with Him. It is important to view obedience to God as a joy, not a constraint.

How God’s Glory Shapes Every Preaching

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How God’s Glory Shapes Every Preaching

Here are six suggestions for how seeking to glorify God through each passage of Scripture shapes the way we preach on specific texts.

1. Be assured that you will find the glory of God in every passage

It is not arbitrary, but rather biblical, to present the reality of God’s glory through the passage under study. The simple, yet universal, statement of 1 Corinthians 10:31 should enable us to show ardent zeal on this issue:

If all life is about the glory of God, how much more should all preaching be about it? Over time, our community should enjoy seeing and savoring the glory of God in every passage of the Bible.

2. Authentically embody the glory of God in worship through preaching

The reality of God’s glory within our preaching is one of the primary reasons it becomes worship in and of itself. Weaving God’s glory into the fabric of our messages without any sense of wonder or joy would do as much harm as good. To present God’s glory in a way that conveys only minimal value to the preacher is a slander against the Creator. Such an approach tells a lie, that God is not of unsurpassed beauty and value. The rational exposition of each passage is certainly essential. But so is an all-pervasive spirit of genuine, deep joy that permeates the worship, the message, and the preacher (whether from the pulpit or not).

If the glory of God appears to the hearers to be nothing more than a trick of the preacher, a label, a rhetorical device, or a mere tradition, then no amount of oratorical embellishment will conceal the hypocrisy. The very nature of God’s absolute beauty and worth can lead to two results: either it shines through in all its glory in the preaching, or it sounds like an empty formula. Worship through preaching is an explanation and an embodiment of the glory of God.

3. Seek to see and expose glory to encourage your audience to pay attention to details

When the passage under study is understood in light of its supreme purpose (to glorify God), the concrete details and particular intentions of the text do not disappear. The audience’s interest in a rigorous analysis of the text seeking to reveal the realities found therein does not diminish, attention is not lost. On the contrary, listeners are encouraged to meditate on the text, to examine it carefully and scrupulously, for the riches of God’s glory do not hover above or outside the realities of the text – but are found in and through them.

Certain theological machinations conceal the particular realities of the text and muzzle them with a misused doctrine making all these realities uniform.

It is possible that the glory of God can also suffer these abuses at the hands of a lazy, unrealistic, or undiscerning preacher. However, my experience (over four decades of preaching) tells me that the infinite and omnipresent beauty and worth of God has never discouraged or prevented me from paying particularly close attention to the details and intentions contained in the biblical text. On the contrary, knowing that each discovery of nuance of meaning and reality would give me a new insight into the glory of God has motivated me to spare no effort in my analysis of my study or the exposition of the passage.

4. Be aware that the glory of God magnifies and illuminates everything.

Keeping in mind that the ultimate goal of all biblical truth is the glory of God does not produce reductionism, but rather superductionism ( I am making up a word). The term reductionism comes from reduce, from the Latin re (back) + ducere (to direct) which means “to direct backward.” This word contains the idea that one can reduce (directly backward) the diversity, specificity, and wonderful tangibility of thousands of biblical passages to a boring theological plane that robs them of their singularity and replaces their richness with an abstract and colorless concept. I avoid this practice like the plague. I love what is concrete and precise and hate what is vague, boring, and abstract.

Superductionism​ 

However, reduction is not what happens when we perceive precise and concrete realities about the glory of God. Rather, there will be superduction. Precise and concrete realities will not be directed backward or reduced. They will be directed forward and elevated. Superductionism does not condense things, it enlarges them. These things do not diminish, they gain scope; they do not become obscure, but limpid; they do not become dull, but sharpened; they do not darken, but illuminate. The radiance of God does not dull reality. The glory of God makes all tangibility, all specificity, all that is ordinary, resplendent with the divine immensity.

Therefore, preaching that skillfully, elegantly, and wisely connects the specific realities of a passage with the glory of God is preaching that enlarges and illuminates everything. Things that we once considered small and insignificant take on a beauty and value that they did not have before they came into contact with the glory of God. In the process, the hearts of the hearers in the assembly are enlarged, like the hearts of the psalmist who cries out:

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