John 10:10 says, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. Christians have to understand that the devil is doing his job and doing it well. Ladies and gentlemen, THE DEVIL IS NOT YOUR FRIEND; he could care less about your feelings, your emotions, your ambitions, or any other aspects of your life. The only thing the devil wants to do is take as many people to hell with him as possible, it's just as simple as that. The above scripture makes it clear that the devil wants to destroy any and everything that pertains to God's will and God's way so what do you think is going to happen when you give your life to Christ? Do you think the devil is going to roll out a red carpet and let you fulfill your destiny and purpose? These questions may appear to be somewhat condescending, but you'll be surprised how many Christians are ignorant of satan's ultimate intentions.
It is absolutely vital that you understand that the more God uses you, the more the enemy will relentlessly attack you. Why, because he doesn't want you to upset his apple cart, so he fights with everything he has in hopes of eliminating all that threatens his objectives. As long as you're saying one thing and living another, he doesn't bother you; As long as you're content to fit in with the worlds way of doing things, he doesn't bother you because you're not a threat to him, but once you make up your mind to live a holy life, watch what he does.
One of the main weapons satan uses against the saints of God is ignorance. Have you ever purchased a new appliance or electronic item? Almost every new appliance or electronic item comes with an instruction manual and unless you're electronically savvy, you have to read the instructions in order for that item to function properly. The same way you have to read the instructions to learn how to use an item you're unfamiliar with is the same way that we must read the instruction manual, God's word, in order for our lives to function properly. If you find yourself overwhelmed by life's daily obstacles, that is probably a telltale sign that you need to stop and read the instruction manual again. The more you get in the Word, the more of a threat you become to satan, the more of a threat you become, the harder he fights you. Why, because knowledge of God's word plus action equals DANGER for satan.
The Word of God is not only an instruction manual for your everyday life, it is also a powerful microscope, which allows you to see through the tricks of the enemy. A person who is really in the Word the way they should be is less likely to fall into satan's traps because Hebrews 4:12 says, For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Have you ever wondered why it seems so hard to find time to study the Word of God? It's because there is life in the word...there is power in the word...there is peace in the word, but you won't know what's available to you if you don't read the ultimate instruction manual, the Word of God.
Way too many Christians are succumbing to the ways of this world because they're not reading the instruction manual. Studying God's Word doesn't make a person perfect, but it does make you fully aware of who you are in Christ and the privileges you possess in Him. Imagine this, you are the son or daughter of a very rich person, they die and leave their entire fortune to you. Their fortune will be of little value to you if you don't know you have it. The same is true for us today, Jesus died that we may have life and have it more abundantly. What good will that do you if you don't know you have it? Hosea 4:6 says, My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. In other words, the devil is running rough shot in the lives of Christians because they don't know who they are in Christ.
Please understand, there is power in the Word of God. Whatever situation you may find yourself in today, put the Word on it. Things cannot stay the same when you put the Word of God on the situation. Isaiah 55:11 says, So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. In other words, God's going to do just what He says, but there is no way you can know about the power God has given you if you don't find it in the Word. God's word lets you know there is no situation or circumstance you can't overcome if you're in Him. Romans 8:37 says, Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. God never promised us a flowery bed of ease, but he promised us that, with him, we will overcome any and every obstacle the devil puts in our path.
I would be remissed if I gave you the diagnosis, not studying the Word of God, without giving you a solution to the problem. Many people don't study the word because they don't know how so here's some of the things I do to study God's word and get understanding.
(1) Pray before you study- ask God to open your mind and heart to receive what you're reading and put it into ACTION
(2) Get a Bible concordance- this will help you find certain subjects which will help you find exactly what you need to study.
(3) Get a Bible dictionary- a Bible dictionary will give you the definition of various words in a biblical perspective.
(4) Study different versions of the Bible- Personally, I love to study the Amplified version because it really breaks down each scripture and I find it easier to understand.
(5) Take notes- This will help you keep up with what you study and you'll be able to look back at those notes for future references.
(6) Don't be afraid to ask questions- find someone who is spiritually seasoned and ask them questions if there is something you don't understand.
Some of the things I've listed above can be either purchased or you can find them online for free. Biblegateway.com is a great site that has commentaries, concordances, and many different versions of the Bible. There are many, many more ways to study the Word of God, but the most important part is to get an understanding. Getting in the Word of God is just like looking at the weather forecast, you will always be prepared for whatever lies ahead. Benjamin Franklin has a quote that says, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail".
Remain blessed
