Your New Beginning

But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.  2nd Peter 3: 18.

 
       This morning as I was doing some bible study, I was thinking about the folks that just don't know how to get started with God or His word.
I can see them standing at a threshold of a sort and stopping right there because they just don't know what to do, what to say, where to go for help and in the end, if they don't get this kind of help, the enemy will keep that person defeated not only in salvation but in every other area of life, too.
Is this you?  Are you standing at such a door and want to get in on the things of God but don't know what to do or what to think about it?  Do you feel left out or not good enough?  Have you ever thought that you want to read the bible but don't know where to begin?
If you answered yes, then my friend, please keep reading.
      There is a necessary beginning.  You must realize that you need Jesus in your heart first and foremost.  Without Jesus in your heart, He can not send you the Holy Ghost which will then guide you into all truth.  I've written an article to help you understand salvation. You can read it here.  If you have never told God that you believe in Jesus and that you want Him in your heart, please stop and go read that article.  Ask Jesus to come into your heart, into your life then come back here.  That article includes a little prayer to help you ask Jesus into your heart and life.
From this point on, I'm going to assume you have asked Jesus into your heart but you're not getting anywhere. You still don't know what to do. 
For a structured approach, let's talk.  Get a bible.  I prefer King James but I also like using the Amplified.  You might want to consider the American Standard Version.  You want to be prepared so get a pen / pencil and a notepad.  I personally use a planner I purchased from Mardels Christian book store and I use stickers from like the Happy Planner.  Most any Wal-Mart will carry these now.  If you prefer, use your pc. 
       Every morning, I get by myself to study the word of God.  I may start off on one thing and if God needs me to focus on something else, He'll show me.  He'll do the same for you.  I spend a little time praying.  Again, I'll start off praying over something but if God needs me to pray over another situation or person, He'll show me.  Yes, He'll do the same for you.  
       Let me throw this in here. Dismiss all thoughts that overwhelm you about sorting out all the things of the bible.  Dismiss thoughts that you'll never be able to get through all of it.  When you feel overwhelmed about anything with God or His word, dismiss it. Got it? Why? Because in this life time, we will never exhaust the knowledge of God. Get it set in your mind that you will make it your life's work to study the word of God and don't worry about how little you know.  Besides, God wants us in His word, and His presence every day.  Getting in His word is how you spend time with God.  It's how you get to know Him, understand Him, and love Him.  It's how you got to know your friends or if you are married, spending time with him or her is how you got to know them well enough to say yes.  You get to know God and understand Him by simply reading His word.
​       The reason I had you study the article about salvation is for this reason right here.   Romans 8:5 - 6 says:
          5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
          6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
What this is saying to you and me is that we cannot understand the things of God without being Spiritually minded.  Whatever state of being your heart is in, that's the things to which you'll attend, that's what you'll understand and believe in the most.
      Now, to continue, I post new studies each Monday.  You can join me right here. Spend the week going over the scriptures in each post.  Don't forget to ask God to join you and to open your heart to new truths each time you sit down to study His word.  Once you have asked Jesus into  your heart, ask for the Holy Spirit to come into your heart to bring illumination of God's word. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what you need to study.  Then listen to your heart, not your head because you head will tell you a million other things you need to attend to.  
       I'll close out with this note.  Most main line denominations would have you stop at salvation.  Let's read 2 Peter 3: 18
          "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and for ever. Amen"
If we were supposed to stop at salvation, why would God give us an invitation, actually this is a commandment, to grow in grace and knowledge?  If we are supposed to stop at salvation, the scriptures would have to read quite differently. It would have to say to grow in your knowledge of salvation and stop. Or it might would have said grow in your knowledge up to the point of salvation.  There is so much to learn about God, His Kingdom, and He invites you to learn as much as you can and want to.  I'll let  you look this one up, Romans 15: 13. 
       I'm here to answer any question you might have regarding your studies.  Don't be afraid to ask.  Just contact me, and after I've prayed I'll get back with you asap.  Feel free to read other posts that I have.  Visit the Word Study Center and by all means, check out my husbands blogs, especially if you are a man reading this.  God has given him some awesome revelations about how to relate life to fishing and being outdoors, relating football positions to life, and so much more.
       Just remember, you don't have to wing this alone.  Once you ask God to come into your heart, you will never be alone another day of your life.  You'll never be without help for any situation you face because God will minister to you.  And we are here for you, too.
La  Donna
P.S.  If you have just read this post and would be interested in a free mini course on salvation/faith walk with God to get you going, drop us a line.  We'd love to hear from you.

In His Service,
​La Donna