Welcome to Motivational Mondays!
First things first, what is Motivational Mondays?
Just like it sounds, to motivate, to empower, and to encourage you on the first day of a fresh week. I don't know about you but Mondays can be a drag for me, so sometimes words of encouragement and positivity are helpful to start my day off right.
Motivational Monday's topic is: Use Your Manual & Find Your Source
Hello Golden Dreamers, today we will be discussing using your manual, and as you all know from our previous discussion that your manual is, of course, your bible! I wanted to write about this topic because it was one of the things that I struggled with, and still do today. Our source should be God and our manual is the Word of God. Let me explain!
Why is it so important to read your bible daily?
Why do we have to do it daily?
What will happen if I don't read the bible?
All these questions above are valid ones. Ones that I too asked before. I knew reading the bible was a must ((being a (PK) Preacher’s Kid), but I didn't really understand why we should do it. It wasn't until I started reading the bible that I could begin answering the questions I had earlier.
Reasons Why We Should Read Your Manual
1. Our Connection With God
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
We should read the Word daily because every word in the bible is profitable and can be used for God’s people. Once we read and study the bible you will begin to build that relationship with our creator and source. Once you seek the kingdom of God you will be in alignment with his Word and you'll then get a better understanding of our purpose, our assignment, our callings, and gifts. But we have to first have a connection with God. The bible gives us characteristics of who God is and what He’s done. The Word of God expresses God’s love for us and Him wanting a relationship with us.
2. Shows Us How We Should Live
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:16
In this world filled with trends, lifestyles, and worldly obsessions we can get lost and wrapped up in the things we like and see. We can easily get pulled into things that we might not quite understand just simply because a celebrity may be doing it and not its the hottest thing out. The bible is one book and will stand the test of time. The bible teaches and instructs us on how we should live and what we should be looking out for. We as followers of Christ are not meant to be followers of the world.
3. Building Our Confidence
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”
Joshua 1:8-9
Once you read and understand more you will become more confident in the Word of God. One thing I love about bible study is learning something and then relaying what I learned to someone else. The bible is contagious. Once you start you can't put it down.
What Happens If I Don’t Read the Bible?
1. We Become Rootless
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Matthew 24:44
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13
When we don’t read our bible we lack stability. Our roots are not strong enough to sustain the things that the adversary can and will throw at us. If you don’t have your roots in God, you’ll fall for anything! Remember that the adversary is not dumb, unstable, or disorganized. In fact, the Devil is the exact opposite of all of those things. He is intelligent enough to know that if you aren’t prepared and you don’t have a steady foundation in God that all he has to do is plant a seed of doubt in your mind. The Devil has his roots planted firmly in chaos, and destruction. By reading the bible it equips you for what is to come. The bible gives you the Holy Clap Backs to use when the devil is playing mind games with you! It tells you how to protect yourself daily by putting on the Full Armor of God. We should be meditating on the word at all times because not only is it our source but there will come a time when we need it and we will not have the time to stop everything to find it. We have to know the bible in our hearts so that when the occasion arises we are ready.
2. We Don’t Know The Truth
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
John 16:13
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.
John 17:17
Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long
Psalm 25:5
And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
John 8:32
When you don’t read your bible you don’t know what is true and what isn’t. The bible holds everything we will ever need to overcome the world. The devil knows that if you don’t know the scripture then he can tell you anything and you will believe it. Knowing the truth can save you from following those who are false prophets. There are many people that hide behind the bible and they twist the teachings to fit their own needs or situation. The bible tells us to be aware of people like this because they are not teaching the truth. When we read from the bible we are not supposed to change, add, or subtract anything from it. We are supposed to read it, interpret it, and apply it to our lives so that one day we may be worthy for the kingdom of heaven.
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15
Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.
2 Timothy 3:5
There are a lot of preachers out there that are only in it for the money, and they will tell you anything to get you to follow them. If a preacher ever gives you a “Timeframe” and they say in “X” amount of time this will happen for you, or if you pay this amount of money then this will happen to you, take my advice and run! How would they know when and how God will move. Scripture says that man will not know the time nor day nor hour, only God does! We have to pay attention to what's right in front of us. Knowing the truth will help strengthen your discernment to be able to tell the difference between who is a For Sure or For Show Christian! The devil is deceitful, don’t get caught in his web of lies!
So I encourage you to read your bible more. Take baby steps and set aside 10 mins out of your day and dedicate that time to reading the Word. Build up your consistency with reading the bible until it becomes a habit. Be accountable by telling friends and family or creating a small group to help you stay on track. Whatever you do for the Kingdom, do in Love.
**I hope everyone has a safe and blessed week and I will see you all on Saturday for our Weekly Topic Saturdays**
~Just Breathe...A Golden Dream~
Amen.