​Photo by Emma (unsplash)
 Written by Georgetta Head

As we journey in God's Word today, let's look at Psalms 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."

We can read the Bible from now until eternity and we will never know all the wisdom found in the Bible.  What I've learned though is, when we are faithful to study the Word, Holy Spirit will reveal to us wonderful treasures, which can be inspiring, bring correction, give us answers we are seeking, help with decisions, etc.

Benefits of Studying the Word:
• The more we study the Word and apply it to our lives we will        begin to mature spiritually in the Lord.
• Consistently reading and studying the Word transforms us more and more into the likeness of Christ.
• Consistently reading and studying the Word strengthens our faith, teaching us to allow the Word of God to be our guidance and direction.
• Consistently studying the Word empowers us with a secure and confident walk with the Lord.

Mysteries of the Kingdom:
Matthew 13:11 (KJV) reveals why unbelievers can not understand the Bible. "...Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given."  The Word of God is for Believers!  They receive revelation of the Word under the guidance of Holy Spirit.  When Holy Spirit points out something new to us in the Word, it should draw us closer to the Lord.  I can personally testify that reading and studying the Word has great benefits such as knowing Father God's character and His ways more intimately.  Friends, making God a priority in our lives is key for living a victorious lifestyle. 

Many believe consistent studying of the word has little or no benefits, but God says studying the Word is profitable.  2 Timothy 3:16 records that "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" Per God's own Words, the Word instructs Believers how to live a godly life.  The Word of God is a light that exams the heart to correct and discipline when needed.  We need the Word of God in order to live this life righteously and victoriously.

As stewards of the Word, we are to "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).  This encouragement comes from God!  The Word is life, and it is a lifeline for all Believers!  Unfortunately, many of God's children know more about TV programs than the Word of God, which is sad.  If one doesn't know the Word of God, how will he/she not be deceived!  How will they know the TRUTH, especially in today's culture?

Personal Testimony:
Psalms 119:105 is one of my favorite scriptures and a daily reminder to me to let go and let God. The first thing to happen to me after Salvation is that I developed an insatiable hunger to know everything about the Word of God.  The more I studied the Word, the more I wanted to study and know all I could about God and His Kingdom.  Forty years later and I am still hungry for learning all I can about our Heavenly Father and His Kingdom. God's Word has transformed me in ways I could never do myself.  I think differently! My desires are different. I am so amazed at my transformation, and I didn't need a plastic surgeon.  What I needed was the heart surgeon of Heaven, Holy Spirit. He transformed my old man into a new man that no longer desires the influences of this world.   My heart now longs for what only Father God can provide and do for me.

God's Word can be our guide and direction if we allow it to be our lamp and our light.  The Word of God can transform anyone that puts their trust in Him.  King Manasseh, in the Old Testament, was one of the worse kings to rule in Israel.   He reigned 52 years as a murderer and dictator, but the last two years of his reign, he met our Heavenly heart surgeon, Holy Spirit.  Manasseh had heart surgery and was transformed!  He spent the last two years of his life trying to bring about reform in Israel.  If a man as wicked as king Manasseh can be transformed, anyone can be transformed under the guidance and direction of Holy Spirit.  Don't stop praying for your unsaved loved ones, neighbors, your community, and our leaders - for nothing is impossible with God! 

Photo by Michele Bergami (unsplash)
Written by Charles Head
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As representatives and ambassadors of God’s Kingdom we are held accountable for our actions, and we must beware lest we portray a negative message to those who look to us as “the light of the world.”

In the Word of God, we have instructions for anything that pertains to human life and we must choose to search the scriptures, pray, and ask the Lord to give us revelation in understanding how to apply them to our daily life.

The Lord Jesus gave us a parable which is found in Luke 18:9-14, which reads: “two men went up into the temple to pray; the one Pharisee and the other a Publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterous, or even as this Publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.”  What did this parable mean? Jesus used this parable to make a point to us about being self-righteous and full of pride compared to being humble and recognizing that it’s God’s mercy that has brought us from where we came from to where we are today.

Therefore, we are not justified to look down on others, thinking that we are more spiritual because, in our opinion we are “righteous in our own eyes.”  A “Publican” in these verses refers to a Jewish tax collector for the Roman government, who were hated by their own people the Jews, because many of them were greedy by collecting excess taxes to seal their own pockets. This story is a setting of Jesus teaching His disciples about being self-righteous (Luke 18 verse 9).  The Pharisee, in verses 11 and 12, represents the self-righteous and the Publican in verse 13 and 14 represents the true righteous who are justified before God because of their humility and having a pure heart.

On our part, the question is which one of the characters and we?  The point is this that it is very easy and settled that we drift into a mode of want to be self-righteous, which from the outside turns unbelievers away from wanting to hear from us. The solution for this, if we have examined ourselves and found that we have sunk this low, is to repent and ask the Lord to forgive us and to move forward by obeying God’s word with a broken and humble spirit. When this is done we will become fruitful God’s way.