Yesterday I wrote and spoke about how to me, baptism by immersion is a way that we show ourselves, our friends and family that we are dying to our old sinful ways and are reborn in a new life through Jesus Christ. It imitates what Jesus did by dying and then rising from the dead.
Then what happens?
Well, each person is different. The Will of God for each person is different. How can you determine what is the Will of God for your life? By reading the Bible daily and praying that the Holy Spirit shows you…
- what God wants you to learn…
- how God wants you to act…
- what God wants you to do…
Reading the Bible Daily helps you Gain Wisdom…
When you read the Bible, you’re reading the Truth.
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.
2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
In the letter to the Colossians, the Apostle Paul writes…
So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.
Colossians 1:9-10 NLT
The difference between Knowledge and Wisdom:
I once heard this little tidbit of information…
Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
I don’t know
Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad.
James tells us that if we lack wisdom, all we need to do is ask…
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
James 1:5-8 NLT
Where is Your Loyalty Right Now?
Is it divided between the truth and the false teachings of a church? Are you looking for “enlightenment” in horoscopes or the occult? Are you so dependent on success in this world that you’re missing the confident hope of salvation? Are you attending a church that just makes you feel good?
Feelings are not truth.
It’s time to take a good, hard look at your life.
Can you tell the difference between good and evil? If you don’t just read, but STUDY the Bible daily, you will be able to.
The Holy Spirit will show you if you are doing anything that’s against God’s will. For me personally, it took a while. I was baptized in March of 2006 and it wasn’t until the fall of 2008 that I honestly surrendered my whole life to Jesus. I wanted to keep doing things that were against God’s will for my life and the Holy Spirit kept convicting me and finally I was hit upside the head with a scripture verse that shook me to the core.
For you, it may be a different Bible verse that enlightens you. The trick is to ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart, eyes and mind to understand what God’s trying to tell you through His Word — each time you study the Bible. Ask Him for the wisdom you need to turn your life around.
During a Bible study at my church on the Letter to the Philippians, one verse stood out for me:
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Philippians 1:27 NIV
“Whatever happens” — no matter what — in every situation — at all times — in all circumstances — I could go on — “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” or the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Holy as God is Holy
Peter tells us…
But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy.
1 Peter 1:15 NLT
Being holy simply means to be set apart. Basically, don’t act like the rest of the world. Live your life with a Biblical Worldview rather than a secular one.
Recommended Bible Study Apps:
These Bible apps will make it easy for you to get into the habit of reading the Bible every day. Twice a day or more is excellent! In the morning when you get up — eternal focus first, during your lunch break — invite God to work with you, and then at night before bed — best way to de-stress ever!
The YouVersion Bible App: https://bible.com
Through The Word: https://throughtheword.org
When you read the Bible, you get closer to God. You get to know Jesus. You trust the Holy Spirit. Don’t be surprised if changes your life.
Soli Deo Gloria — to God Alone be the Glory
