The Christian Life

Did you know that the Bible doesn’t mention the word “Christian” or “Christianity?” Why? Because God never told us to be Christian. A Christian as we know it is someone who says they believe in Jesus as God. This is not what it means to be right with God. Why? Because even demons believe in Jesus (James 2:19)! Believing in God is not all it takes to be on God’s side. In order to be right with God, one must be born-again (John 3:1-15) through repentance (Acts 3:19): asking God for forgiveness, changing, believing in their heart that God sent Jesus to die for their sins (John 3:16), and then confessing that Jesus is their Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9-10).

After that, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in the believer so that He can lead you into a life that pleases God (Romans 8:9, 11). We can’t live a Christian life on our own. We need the Holy Spirit to guide our lives because we can’t ever live up to God’s righteous standards on our own (John 16:13). This is why Jesus came to fulfill the law for us. We can’t faithfully keep all of God’s commandments (613). Jesus was the only One to live a perfectly good life. Therefore, He is the only One good (Luke 18:19).

The point that I’m trying to get across is we need God every day to live the right way. We can’t depend on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Our human understanding is greatly limited compared to God’s omniscience. It is not only dangerous to live without following God, it is utterly pointless! (Read the book of Ecclesiastes) We we’re created for God’s purpose. We were literally made to walk with Him and enjoy life living His will. Remember what happened to Adam and Eve when they ate the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden? Their world fell apart and they died. The earth is feeling the result of their disobedience today. It’s foolish to choose the wisdom of the world over God’s who made the entire universe. Trust Him because He’s your Father who knows what best for you!

My heart in this message is to persuade “Christians” to not play religion anymore but to die to themselves and pick up their cross and follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). The real meaning of Christianity is to be a follower of the One who is THE WAY, not to live your own way. Jesus is the only way (John 14:6). His path is very narrow (Matthew 7:13-14). Not only does this mean that He is the only route to heaven, but that very few people (even Christians) ever follow His path during their lifetime. Look at the evil condition of our world today. It is evident that most people reject the Bible and live their own way, seeking their fleshly temporal desires and doing what is ever right in their own eyes. Again, this is disobedient, foolish, and flat-out meaningless. You might as well “chase the wind” or a rainbow in search of a pot of gold because it’s just as stupid.

There’s no way you’ll ever get anything out of this life meaningful and lasting without God. Why not do what God wants? Our way is a definite epic failure. So choose God and choose life! Seek God with a sincere heart and get to know Him. No one will ever know love or experience the true purpose of life without walking closely to God. As born-again creations we are already made holy through Christ. There is no religious act good enough to make us right with God. All it takes is real belief that supernaturally results in Christ-like behavior. Holiness is automatic for new creatures because it’s God’s doing and not ours. But walking with God is a choice that you have to make so that you can grow spiritually and fulfill your purpose in life to live for Him.

I am incredibly blessed by my relationship with the Lord. There is nothing or no one that can ever compare to this! To experience true Christianity, you must desire to grow spiritually and ask God for wisdom (James 1:5). Then daily read the Bible to renew your mind (Romans 12:1-2). This process will saturate your mind with the truth and suppress the lies of the enemy. Before you know it, you’ll be living a transformed life because your life will change when your thoughts change. You are who you think you are, and you do what you think you should do (Proverbs 23:7). When you read and believe the Bible, you will find your true identity in Jesus Christ and start to live as He did (1 John 4:17).

There’s nothing you can do to successfully live this life yourself. The Bible [Jesus] (John 1:1, 14) is the only tool available to fulfill the deep longings and voids in your heart. People are being persecuted all over the world because of the power of God’s Word. Take that power and apply it to your daily life so that you can grow in the Lord and walk with God. Ditch your understanding and seek the truth so that you may walk freely and abundantly with Him. ♥

My Book Bible Journey is available on Amazon in both eBook and Paperback. It's a more thorough testimony of how the Bible transformed my life. I wrote it with hopes of encouraging people to get to know God so that they may walk with Him and live right.

Get it here: https://www.amazon.com/Bible-Journey-Identity-Found-Christ-ebook/dp/B01N98982Z/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Below is my husband's message about following Jesus. Enjoy, like, share, and subscribe!

Blessings

Pray the Psalms

The Book of Psalms is not just a collection of poetic songs about King David and other wise kings and figures. The Psalms are written for us to apply! "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:17, NKJV). These poems are real-life experiences from believers of the past. Just like us, they suffered emotionally, physically, and even spiritually. But what's important is that they never lost their faith in God for deliverance. They sought the Lord, repented, worshipped, and praised their way to victory. Today, God wants us to read these words so that we may be encouraged and uplifted to persevere in this great walk of faith!

The psalms and other wisdom scriptures may be used as declarations and confessions of faith.

The expectation is for you to PRAY THE PSALMS (Speak them in prayer in place of your words) because they will reap spiritual benefits. Of course, you are to talk to God in your own intimate way. There's no rules. The purpose is to read them aloud often because the verses are God's inspired words with creative power to change your circumstances. Sometimes, we pray in ignorance, selfishness, or confusion. Thankfully, we have the scriptures available for our everyday use. There's no better way to pray than to pray according to God's Word because they're HIS words! So, speak His Word back to Him! With His own words, God created everything that exists. So why not use your authority as a believer and speak the Word over your life?

*Speaking in tongues is edifying too. But that's another blog post :) [https://jenniferquetant.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-gifts-and-ministries-of-holy-spirit.html + https://jenniferquetant.blogspot.com/2016/10/the-fivefold-ministry-gifts.html].

Below is a list of examples to encourage you to seek the Lord in both good and bad times.

Psalm 1: (one of my favorites!) This contrasts the prosperous lives of the righteous from the foolish lives of the wicked. vv.1-3 are great to meditate and declare.

Psalm 13: A prayer to trust God's timing.

Psalm 19: God's creation reveals His power.

Psalm 22: From suffering to joy.

Psalm 23: God cares for you.

Psalm 32: Forgiveness brings joy.

Psalm 91: God protects you. (I pray some of these verses daily!)

Psalm 116: God will deliver you. Be thankful always.

Psalm 131: Trust and contentment.

Psalm 139: A hymn of praise.

Psalm 146: Seek and trust God for help before running to people.

This exercise is inspired by an assignment in my course "Old Testament Poetry & Wisdom" at Colorado Christian University. For a further example and inspiration, you may check out my Psalm 116 project on YouTube [https://youtu.be/SBh2sSa_9tw]. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel!

(Bible Journey Book)

My 22-Day Devotional on Psalm 119 is available on Amazon both Paperback and eBook. Get yours today! [https://www.amazon.com/Psalm-119-Devotional-Diaries-daughter/dp/1539676641/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=]

Blessings ♥

Wisdom of Love

After reading Song of Songs, I realized that this text was made for the Bible so that we all could know what real love looks like. Knowing what real love is like in a faithful marriage is the second greatest example of God’s love for us. It’s vital that we are faithful in marriage because it’s a representation of Christ’s love for the Church, His Bride (Ephesians 5:21-33). Christ dying on the cross for us in obedience to the Father is the first greatest expression of love (John 3:16).

“Rabbi Aqiba objected strongly from the Song of Songs and he implied that the book be interpreted allegorically of God’s love for Israel…An allegory is a piece of writing in which the author intends readers to take the surface meaning as symbolic of another level of meaning” (Lucas, 2008, p. 192). “Christian interpretation since Hippolytus (ca. 170-235 C.E.) and Origen (ca. 185-254 C.E.) follows in Jewish footsteps and reads the Song allegorically. Here we find two main interpretative strands: the first is an ecclesiological reading of the Song where the poem describes the love relationship between Christ and his church. The second reading is mystagogical, in which the poem describes the relationship of an individual soul to Christ as bridegroom” (Hagedorn, 2019).

“The Song of Songs was originally a carefully crafted anthology of secular love poems celebrating the sensual, sexual, and erotic love between man and woman. Later, Jewish and Christian tradition transformed it into a sublime document of religious belief” (Hagedorn, 2019). Because there is no mention of God in this book, religious critics were skeptical of why it was in the Bible, so they came up with theological doctrines to relate it to God. For example, in Song 8:6, the last line that read “a raging flame” was translated to a name of God (‘esh shalhebetya) meaning “the flame of Yah.” “In the Jewish tradition, the rabbis silenced such a discussion by affirming that “Song of Songs is holy because it was said [under the influence] of the holy Spirit.” The Bible says in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that allscripture is inspired by God, so it doesn’t matter how we spiritualize things. Marriage is a perfect idea of God that is used to glorify Him.

The message of the book for us today is the same as when it was written. “The Song of Songs is a frank celebration of the joys of human love and sexuality” (Lucas, 2008, p. 197). Love in marriage is committed, romantic, beautiful, pleasurable, and intimate. When we read this book today, we are supposed to gain wisdom to apply to our own marriages so that we may experience God’s best in marriage and realize how God loves us even more than our spouses. 

“During the period of the Enlightenment the Song of Songs was read as an ethical appeal for marital fidelity” (Hagedorn, 2019). Up until recent times, many Christians applied the fundamental principles of the Bible to their marriages and everyday life. Today, we are bombarded by millions of lies from the enemy through social media, tv, radio, and foolish people who try to teach us their definitions of love. However, there’s no love in anything outside the Word of God concerning love and marriage.

Through the Song of Songs, we can learn how much God loves us because of His desire for us to experience intimate love with a significant other that reflects our relationships with Him. “Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame” (Song of Songs 8:6, New International Version). “The wording here is important. The woman in the Song does not ask the man, however, to set his seal on her, as if marking her as his own, his commodity to do with as he pleases. She envisions herself as the seal she wants him to impress on his heart and arm” (Spencer, F.Scott, et al, p. 212, 2016). She wants to become one with him as God wants with us. 

God desires a committed relationship with everyone that never ends. This verse (8:6) talks about “a love that cannot be extinguished” (Spencer, F.Scott, et al, p. 210, 2016). We can also learn about God’s personal love for everyone and realize that we are called to love all of God’s people because we’re all created in His image and deserve to be loved deeply and unconditionally.

“There is the foundational wisdom that ‘the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom [or knowledge in some texts]’ (Prov. 1:7). On this basis the Song of Songs’ reflection on the nature of love must be taken to assume that the appropriate context for the fulfilment of love is marriage” (Lucas, 2008, p. 198). For the modern reader, wisdom for God’s design for marriage and intimacy with Jesus Christ, should be gained from reading this text.

References

Hagedorn, A. C. (2019, April 03). Jewish and Christian Interpretation of the Song of Songs. Retrieved from http://www.bibleodyssey.org/passages/related-articles/jewish-and-christian-interpretation-of-the-song-of-songs

Lucas, E. C. (2008). Exploring the Old Testament, Volume 3: A guide to the Psalms & Wisdom Literature.Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Spencer, F. S., Lawrence, L. W., & Reid, B. E. (2016). Wisdom commentary: song of songs. Collegeville, Minnesota: Michael Glazier: Liturgical Press.

10 Benefits of Being in the Presence of God

1.  Confidence & Faith

“Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17, NIV).

2.  Wisdom

“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding—indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lordand find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:1-6, NIV).

3.  Peace

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you”(Isaiah 26:3, NIV).

4.  Joy

“You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever” (Psalm 16:11, NLT).

5.  Not Yielding to the Flesh 

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh” (Galatians 5:16, NASB).

6.  Spiritual Strength & Encouragement

“But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:31, NLT).

“Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually” (Psalm 105:4, NASB).

7.  Divine Rest

“Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act. Don't worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7, NLT).

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30, MSG).

8.  Get Desires that Please God

“Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4, NIV).

“…Keep company with God, get in on the best” (Psalm 37:4, MSG).

         

9.  Help During Troubled Times

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1, ESV).

10.  Boldness

“When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13, NIV).

4/3/2019 Bible Study notes taken from a sermon by my pastor, Dr. Creflo Dollar: https://youtu.be/XR-WV_mWb1Q

Full Series: The Art of Knowing God- https://www.worldchangers.org/Watch-and-Listen/Archive-Services

Bread of Life

In the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 8:3), God was literally showing His people that man couldn’t live by bread alone because life was more meaningful than feeding the body. In the previous verse (Deut. 8:2), God tested the Israelites to see if they would obey His commands. God wanted them to depend on Him and understand His will for their lives. 

In Romans 14:17 (New Living Translation), the Bible says, “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” In the New Testament in John 6:22-40, the passage talks about how Jesus is the true bread from heaven. Moses didn’t give the Israelites the manna mentioned in Deuteronomy 8:3; God did. It is God who gives life to our flesh; not food. 

“The heavenly origin of manna represents the heavenly origin of Jesus, the Word who in the beginning was with God and was God” (Gundry, 2012, p. 305). This passage is a message for me to keep God first. It’s a reminder for me to always recognize that everything that I have comes from the Lord. In Him alone, I move, breathe, and have my very existence! 

Reference

Gundry, R. H. (2012). A survey of the new testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Breakfast with Jesus

In John 21:1-14, some of the disciples joined Peter on a late-night fishing mission. But, none of them were able to catch any fish all night. At dawn, they heard a friendly voice call out from the shore with instructions on how to catch some fish. Gracefully, after taking heed, the disciples were able to catch 153 fish in their net without it breaking. Peter recognized that the friendly voice was Jesus’, so he quickly swam to shore to greet him. The disciples sat in silence as Jesus gave them breakfast.

I’m having so much new revelation pop into my head as I read this passage in the NLT version. First, I am now realizing that Peter left his own fishing excursion. Secondly, Peter had strengthened his faith in the Lord because he once was afraid to walk on water, now he’s out in the water again trying to get to Jesus. He had learned how to trust in Jesus! Thirdly, I am just now realizing that Jesus was out there cooking enough fish for all of the men to eat. He was able to catch all of that fish by Himself while the disciples couldn’t catch one! It’s funny how we can read the same thing over and over in the Bible, yet, find something new when God reveals it. It’s obvious that it was there, but we don’t catch it all at once. Doesn’t this sound like this entire fishing trip?! This is a faith thing…

I think that the disciples were thinking about how Jesus had appeared to them in the past. I think they felt ridiculous once again for not recognizing Jesus’ miracles or ‘signs’ after all that they witnessed Him do in the recent past. But, Peter probably felt incredible because he was happy to see Him once more after shamefully betraying Him. 

“John does not tell us why the disciples are back in Galilee, but in fact Jesus had told them to return there, where he would meet them (Mk 14:28; 16:7)” (John 21 Commentary, n.d.). I think that Jesus met them because He was expecting them to remember His plans and have hope in seeing Him again. Perhaps, He was testing their faith?

This passage tells me to always trust God and look to Him for help. It’s also a reminder for me to always keep my mind on Him and reflect on all the ways He has always been there for me. If He’s done it before, He’ll certainly do it again and again! Hallelujah Jesus!

Reference

InterVarsity Press. n.d. Jesus appears again to his disciples. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries/IVP-NT/John/Jesus-Appears-Again-Disciples

Glorifying God

GLORIFYING GOD

1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV)

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 

What do you think Paul was trying to say in this passage? How do you think Paul’s message would manifest in today’s society? Are there areas in your personal life to which this applies?

The Bible states in 1 Corinthians 10:31 (New International Version), “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” I think that Paul was telling believers that we should always worship God. No matter what we do, we ought to honor God by living in the way that pleases Him. This is a verse that always dwells on my mind. I consider it a privilege to be able to live for God. And, I also think that it’s special that Christians can live in a state of constant worship.

In John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible, he wrote that “God’s glory is the end of all his works and actions” (Gill, n.d.). God should get all of the glory because we were created for His glory (Isaiah 43:7). We belong to God. We were created for His purpose and for His pleasure. We weren’t meant to live without Him in any way. We were brought at a high price; even our bodies belong to God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). I think that it’s important that we realize that the Holy Spirit lives in us. Christians must realize that our bodies are our temples. God lives in us! We must bear good fruit by allowing the Holy Spirit to guide every aspect of our lives.

Self-control is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Bible states in 1 Corinthians 10:23 (New International Version), “I have the right to do anything you say—but not everything is beneficial. I have the right to do anything—but not everything is constructive.” The Bible also talks about gluttony being sinful in diverse scriptures. We are free in Christ to live for His glory not to live foolishly. By grace we’ve been saved. The only right response to grace, is to fear the Lord in reverence all day and every day. This is simply done by choosing to put Him first in everything.

Particularly, we should have a have a healthy lifestyle. We shouldn’t eat things that are harmful to our bodies nor should we consume more than what we need. I think that we should strive to live healthy by considering the Lord’s opinion on our food choices. I also think that we should make exercise a priority because it’s good for our body and mind. In 3 John 1:2 (New Living Translation), the Bible states “…I hope all is well with you and that you are healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” We have to be healthy so that we can actively serve the Kingdom of God. Jesus’ body was broken so that ours can be made whole. We shouldn’t ignore the suffering of our Lord’s body. 

In today’s society, Paul’s message may not be manifested in everyone’s lives, but it has been accepted into the lives of many Christians, including mine. I am health conscious. This month, my family has completed a one-year journey of veganism. Although we have ended our journey, we have learned so much about the role that food plays in the body. We still eat very clean and exercise often. Spiritually, we know that God keeps us whole. We just do our part by acting on faith by doing what we can in the physical. I believe that Paul’s message would ultimately manifest today if the media would promote healthy living and if the gov’t made healthy foods more affordable. All things are possible with God!

Jennifer Quetant 

References

Gill, J. (n.d.). 1 Corinthians 10:31. Retrieved from https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/gills-exposition-of-the-bible/1-corinthians-10-31.html

Did God Really Say That?

I desire for people to get to know God in His Word so that they can truly experience eternal life (a relationship with Him). I believe that Christianity is meant to be personal. If one wants to grow spiritually then, they have to be able to connect with God in an intimate way. Christians can't allow the thoughts and beliefs of others to convict them of the truth. Christians must allow the Holy Spirit to lead them into all truth and understanding as they journey through the Bible and apply it to their lives.

With that being said, I'd like to use a couple of Bible verses for example. The other night I was reading Luke 6 out of the NKJV. In this version, verses 27-36 are in a section titled "Love Your Enemies." Verse 35 says: "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil." As stated above, this verse is about loving our enemies. So why is there a popular believe among Christians that we are to give to GOD expecting to receive NOT?

In the same chapter in verse 38-42 the section is marked off as "Do Not Judge." In verse 37 it says: "Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you."

Clearly, God gives back to those that are generous. It's a promise and a spiritual principle. 

Because this belief that Christians aren't supposed to expect God to bless them financially is so widespread, many look at wealthy Christians as if they're "false prophets." And that's a shame because false prophets CAN'T be Christians because they simply don't believe that Jesus is Lord. It has nothing to do with having money... Loving money is another issue.

So did God really say that Christians are to give and not receive when we give to Him? No. Jesus was speaking about loving your enemies.

Take Job for example. His story saddens us and teaches us to be faithful to God to the end. But, if not studied carefully, it can teach us that God is sometimes unfaithful to us.

Have you ever heard these verses thrown around as the answer to all of our problems?

"Though He slay me, yet will I trust him..." Job 13:15 or

"...The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord." Job 1:21

Some believers use these verses to explain why they're facing problems in their lives. But, this is not the truth. God will never contradict His Word. He is loving, faithful, kind, and good! He will never ever harm us. 

We have to see the errors in our ways and to realize that Satan is the real enemy. God is not the author of confusion.

So, did God really say those things in those verses from Job? No. Yes, those verses are in the Bible. But no, they aren't words from God. Job said those words out of agony and ignorance of the truth. We can read in the first chapter the conversation that Satan had with God. Job lived a little while after Adam and Eve. We live in a different time and covenant than he. Praise the Lord!

---

I guess the point I'm trying to get across is that believers need to rightfully divide the word of God before applying it to our lives and teaching it to others. It's so sad when we blame God for things that He simply didn't do. We have to own up to our wrongs and rebuke Satan when he deceives us. God is too good to ever even think about harming His loved ones. We do not serve a god like that...

We must be humble, repent when wrong, and follow God and not people. We can't be gullible and be tossed around by preachers, authors, and others who carry a Bible and quote random scriptures. We must know the Bible so that we can know if we're hearing God's truth. It doesn't matter if people are talking about the Bible. GET TO KNOW GOD YOURSELF! People lie, but God doesn't. People have preunderstanding, sin, wrong thinking, and error. Thankfully, God gave us the Holy Spirit so that He can remind us the truth. 

Friends, it's an incredible thing to know the truth.  Wisdom and knowledge are my two prized possessions. I thank the Lord daily for all the information that He's given me. I believe right so I live right! I'm far from perfect and there's areas where I don't believe right. But as for the Bible, I am free and not bound by sin and tossed around by what others say.

My life has gotten 100x better now that I have my own relationship with God. 

Q: Don't you want to know God for yourself and not just play religion and follow man?

---

I'm currently taking a Biblical Studies course with classmates that seem to believe the typical lies that the devil throws at Christians. I am so very grateful that God gave me wisdom, spiritual discernment, knowledge and the understanding to apply His Word. I am deeply compelled to show others the truth so that they can freely receive the love that God desires to give them. Because if people see Him as a bipolar evil tyranny or dictator, then they won't ever get to know Him and live a transformed life.

I hope that this helps someone and encourages people to seek the truth for themselves. That's all I want. It's God desire for my life. Know that God REALLY does love you and has no plan to harm you! :)

~Author Jennifer Quetant

Books available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-N-Quetant/e/B01M29QI1I/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1 

Spiritual Growth

We have the Holy Spirit and the Bible. If we read the Word and allow the Spirit to guide us as we apply it, then we’ll walk according to God’s plan (be sanctified). Not saying it’s easy, just saying how it’s totally possible if we let God lead us.

I'm set in believing that spiritual growth ultimately comes from the Word. If we truly want to get closer to God, we have to read and be convicted of His Word. I didn't grow up reading the Bible. At 17, I got saved. A few years later, I started to read the whole Bible for the first time ever. I had no biblical foundation. I was raised in an unhealthy environment. I believe that God drew me to the Bible. It's a miracle that I'm even taking this course. I was SO far from God. I had no interest with the Word. But now my entire life is governed by it and it (Jesus) alone. I am now only 25 years old.

Sure people can help us. But we all need to make it our business to personally get to know God (read and apply the Bible). We can't depend on people's opinions and inventions.

I think that people stop growing spiritually when they don't want to personally commit to the Lord. Until Jesus comes back or death, we must be growing spiritually. God never stops talking or giving wisdom to those who ask. We can't be lazy or dependent on others. We ought to keep our fire burning for God by choosing to read the Bible, pray, and apply the Bible everyday so that we may be mature in the Lord. God is not the one to blame for spiritually immaturity or stagnancy.

People should be able to hear God calling them to grow and that the purpose is within the Bible. Jesus gave us eternal life. In John 17:3, eternal life means to know God. Our lives ought to be centered around knowing God. We automatically grow spiritually when we get to know God. It's not something we can do on our own or be taught. God draws Himself to us (and works in us (Philippians 1:6). The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth and understanding. We don't need imperfect man teaching us (1 John 2:27). For instance, an instructor may teach a Christian course. However, h/she can't teach people to grow spiritually. Each day plays a part of spiritual growth. We have to experience God on our own. We can't expect people to always be there for us with every spiritual need. God wants to be that One to depend on. People don't grow spiritually when they allow others to tell them everything they need to do. Life itself teaches us how we should depend on God.

I don't want to start a debate. This is just the way that I believe now that my mind is renewed to the Word of God. People often seek me for help with their spiritual growth. I always feel uneasy because I think that they should be seeking God. When I tell them to read the Bible, they think that I'm joking around or they feel bummed because they don't have the willpower or wisdom for Bible study.

If you don't understand the Bible, ask God. If you don't have interest in the Bible, ask God for the desire. If you're completely uninterested in the Bible, then you won't ever grow spiritually. That's my only solution. For me, the only thing that caused me to grow was the the Holy's Spirit's guidance concerning Biblical application. For those struggling to grow spiritually, consider repenting of sins, asking God for His desires, and a heart for His Word.

*Scripture to read: Joshua 1:8,  Psalm 1,  Proverbs,  James 1:5
*Video: https://vimeo.com/7099832

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Love God Because He Loves You

God has been pouring revelation into my spirit as I study for my B.A. in Biblical Studies, and, it’s been so edifying. He repeatedly gives me confirmation. I know that what I feel in my heart is from God. 

I’m currently studying the Old Testament. It's important to read the entire Bible so that you may get a better understanding of Jesus Christ. He's hidden in the OT and revealed in the NT. The entire Bible is God's written love letter to us. 

This week’s focus is on the book of Exodus. 

“Exodus describes these two main events: Israel’s departure from Egypt (rescue) and Israel’s newly established alliance with God (relationship)” (Arnold & Beyer, 2015, p. 78).

“The 10 commandments and the other commands were a result of God’s grace and love for his people. He issued his laws to the nation after he had redeemed his people and established his bond of intimate relationship with him. The law served as a seal on that relationship. Throughout the Old Testament the law is a positive expression of God’s Will for his people. Laws are a part of life. Breaking them only hurts us and proves that God’s laws are just and true.”

“Obeying his law is the right response to God’s grace, not as a means of salvation but as the response to salvation” (Arnold & Beyer, 2015, pp. 86-87).

“God’s desire was for a “priestly kingdom and a holy nation” that he could indwell (Exodus 19:6 NRSV). The exodus from Egypt took place so that God could dwell in the midst of his people. The coming of God’s glorious presence into the newly constructed tabernacle forms the climax of the book of exodus” (40:34). 

“Eventually the temple in Jerusalem would replace the tabernacle as the habitation of God’s glory. Likewise, Christ came to “tabernacle” among us (John 1:14; Heb. 8:1-9:15). Now the Holy Spirit dwells within the church and has therefore fulfilled the ultimate purpose for both tabernacle and temple.”

“Exodus is about the salvation and preparing of the Israelites for life in the promised land. The gift of God’s presence is a prefulfillment reality.”

“The Sinai covenant became the principal symbol of an enduring relationship with God. The exodus and Sinai events are thus as central for the Old Testament as the cross is for the New” (Arnold & Beyer, 2015, p. 88).

*Reference: Arnold, B. T. & Beyer, B. E. (2015). Encountering the old testament: A christian survey. Grand Rapids, MI: BakerAcademic—a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Having a relationship with God is so important to me. As a Christian, I need to be led daily by the Holy Spirit, hearing God’s Voice and acting on His Word. It’s not about works. By grace we’ve been saved (Ephesians 2:8). However, I believe that obedience to God is how the motives of our hearts are seen (Matthew 12:33; James 2:14-26). If we really love God, Jesus said, “keep his commandments (John 14:15).” 

I’m not judging those Christians who don’t have a full understating of God’s grace. I used to be one of those lukewarm Christians that was plagued with God’s judgement and anger. I wasn’t sure if I was going to heaven or if God even loved me. I let people dictate the truth about Christianity and what I should believe. 

Right believing results in right living. (Read my blog posts: “His Love Makes Us Want to Do Right," and "Biblical Life Application").

It wasn’t until I read the Bible for myself and sought the truth that I became lavished with God’s love. 

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13 NIV

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

“Having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved. In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Ephesians 1:5-7 NKJV

“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

I’m so thankful for Jesus. I’m incredibly grateful for having a Savior. I’m so happy that it was Jesus who died for me because He is LOVE! There’s no flaw in Him. He’s altogether lovely! He does no harm to me. And God is a good, good Father. He’s perfect in all of His ways. He’s just, loving and true. He’s king, tender and merciful. He’s all that He says that He is. He’s not a liar. He’s not upset with me. He doesn’t condemn me. He corrects me, but He never scorns me. He’s...indescribable! There’s no words to fully express the fullness of His goodness. 

So I feel completely obligated to give my life away to Him. It’s a privilege to serve the Lord! I could be dead in my grave-in a burning hell. My soul could be lost. I could be depressed, confused, full of worry and fear. But, God...

So it’s my purpose to live for God. I LIVE TO WORSHIP HIM! #BibleJourney is my greatest desire. There’s nothing more satisfying then growing closer to God. There’s nothing else I rather do than to help people get to know God for themselves. 

“Grow in the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Get to know him better. Give him glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Peter‬ ‭3:18‬ ‭NIRV‬‬

My God... I am burning with passion to see God’s glory. I just can’t understand why anyone who would receive God’s grace would continue to live apart from Him. How in the world did the Israelites see the greatest miracle ever and still doubt and ultimately deny God? He rescued them from their enemies, opened up the sea for them, allowed them to see their enemies defeated and miraculously provided for them on their journey to their own land. Still, they wanted to live in sin and out of His presence. That’s not right. The right response for salvation, is to know and love God. 

We were created by a loving God for His purposes. We were created to know Him by walking with Him on a daily basis. Being in His presence is not just a blessing, it is a necessity of everyday life. How amazingly blessed are Christians today to be recognized at God's Church?! The Israelites had to build places for God's presence to dwell. Today, our bodies are the Lord's temple and His Holy Spirit lives inside of us (Ezk. 36:27; John 14:26; 1 Cor. 3:16; 1 Cor. 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16; Col. 1:27)! Jesus' death ushered in the Holy Spirit so that we can come boldly to God (Heb. 4:16). He's wiped away our sins so that we can be able to walk with God as Adam and Eve did before sin entered into the world (Rom. 5:11-12).

Exodus means "departure." Yahweh saved His people (the Israelites) when He provided a way of escape out of Egypt (a land of sin and bondage). Jesus departed when He died on the cross to rescue us from the consequences of sin-bondage and death. God commanded the Israelites to have a relationship with Him. Today, the same God is still wanting an intimate relationship with His people (the Church).

"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23 KJV

"Now this is enteral life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent." John 17:3 NIV

Don't merely accept salvation as a means to escape eternal death in hell. Accept Jesus because He loves you and wants you to love Him back. Accept Jesus' love, and in return, let God's love penetrate your heart and soul so that you may walk in love through the Spirit. Renew your mind. Live a transformed life. Be converted. Come out of the world and live out the holiness that God has given you. Let your life glorify God. Be the hands and feet of Jesus. Be like Christ.

God gave the Israelites commandments to teach them how to love Him. Today, we look to the cross where Jesus hung to see how much God loves us. Friends, the right response is to love Him with your whole life. He laid down His life for you. Lay down yours and become like Him. 

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.” John 15:13 NIV

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 NIV

“We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 NASB

“Jesus replied, "'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.'” Matthew 22:37 NLT

“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23 ESV

Author Jennifer Quetant 

Learn more: www.biblejourneymovement.com

Books: www.biblejourneymovment.com/books