God Didn't Create Us To Be Average (Daily Devotional)

February 1st

GOD'S WORD PART 1

"But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." Matthew 4:4(KJV)

So I know I've said reading your bible is important. Its God's Word. It the food for our soul. We know we have to read it but, do we understand it?

As I was reading The Power Of A Praying Teen, by Stormie Omarian, chapter 7 stood out to me. Lord, Help Me Understand Your Word. When your at school and you don't understand something, you ask for help. God let's us do the same thing. He knows we might have trouble, and he knows we might need help. So ask him.

"Before I became a believer, there were a few times I had read passages in the Bible, but I couldn't understand them very well. They didn't come alive to me." Stormie said that once she received the Lord, it was a different story. She had the Holy Spirit teaching her as she read. Like she said, you understand it more and more as you read God's Word.

We have to understand the word in order to know what God is trying to say. Its the lamp to our feet and light to your path. (Psalm 119:105). His Word guides us. So here are a few ways to help you understand God's Word.

1. Pray for understanding. Ask God for help. We can't do it by ourselves. Plus, he's the one who created it!

2. Compare different translations. Some go more indepth in one verse than another. If you read a verse or scripture, look at a couple different translations to get a better idea what it means. I know it always helps.

3. Take your notebook out. Pull out a pencil to. Taking notes helps. Write down comments. It helps you remember key ideas.

4. Topics and subjects. When I read the bible I sometimes look for a certain topic or subject. When you read the verses you get a better idea what they mean. A better understanding on the verses. Try looking up "what does the bible say about..." on google. A few pages will show up on what the bible says about that topic.

5. Keep an open mind. Be willing to admit when you are wrong and change, even if it means letting go of a long-held belief or tradition. If you can successfully apply this one principle, you will be far ahead in the search for spiritual truth.

6. Remember to read His Word. Remember to make time everyday to read. It's important to feed our soul and nourish it.

Dear Lord,
I ask you for help. I want to be able to understand Your Word. Thank you for teaching me the way to read Your Word. I know it is important and its a food my soul needs. Thank you for the eyes to see and read Your Word. Help me to remember to read it everyday. Make the words act alive and sing to me. Help me to obey Your Word. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus name, Amen.