Learning Through the Word
It has taken a lot for me to learn new things, some with resistance and some things much easier almost like a light bulb moment. The light bulb moments came when I began to truly with all of my heart seek the Lord and that includes reading His word. This used to be such a chore, I would drag my bible out and almost randomly try to figure out where to read a Psalms, a Proverb, and something from the New Testament. I would read but with no understanding and no retention. Then I was listening to Kenneth Haggin, and he was referring to Ephesians 1:17-23 also Ephesians 3:14-21 I had read this before with honestly no meaning. When pastor Haggin was talking about owning it and changing the words from you example Ephesians 1:18 the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, the eyes of My understanding being enlightened; that I may know what is the hope of His calling….
When I found verses that are for me (and you) and I change the words to make it personal it almost feels like the words have so much more meaning. The bible was written for us today. We are so blessed we have the bible to read, can you imagine how hard it was thousands of years ago when they did not have the bible to just open up and time they needed encouragement, direction, even lessons. Now days we can even read the bible on our phones and other devices. In truth the bible can even be read to us wherever we are.
When it came to reading the Old Testament wow that one was a task and a half until I was listening to Andrew Wommack talking about the Old Testament and how many struggle to read this because many (including myself) felt that since we no longer live under the old covenant it really was not that important. Andrew Wommack said that he pictures what he is reading. I started doing that using my imagination for what they were going through, the scene, what they were wearing, how others were perceiving the scene. When you look at the Old Testament through new eyes it really opens up your mind. The words of the Old Testament are lessons for us even today, endurance, courage, strength, trusting in God. Trusting that no matter what He loves us and is always wanting what is best for you and for me.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
So read your bible pray for wisdom and understanding ask the Holy Spirit to reveal insight to you about who you are and your calling. God wants you to be who He made you to be not what you think you should be. His plans for you are greater than what you could even imagine.