Straying Nation and Sacred Writings

"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." (1 Peter 2:9-10)

Many people who know me at the "mantle - level" of relating to me, would say that I am a person with stern convictions.  Though I am a challenge to relate to, I am just as tough on myself as I am with others.  Through such convictions, I am a person who finds value from studying Scriptures, but more importantly, learning the truth that lies within them as the Holy Spirit brings unto my heart, mind, and soul.  The Scriptures have served me of great refuge and strength in the weary hours of the night and in remote places ... even within the confines of a church congregation. 

I have not been called by God to be a "professional"  or "career" minister, such as a pastor, evangelist, nor teacher; although a part of me has held such desires ... speaking forth the truth of God.  However, I have been called by Him to be His Ambassador, at least while on Earth, just as many Born-Again Christians have been called to do so.  Hence, I serve Him, as best as I can, and through the assistance of the Holy Spirit, as a "lay minister" with a diversity of developed skills and abilities, but also through "Gifts of the Spirit".  I am not a "learned scholar" of theology from a seminary or Bible institute.  I am a person who has received a graduate-level education from a university.  Yet the foundation of my being does not lie in that education, instead, it lays in that which the Holy Spirit has guided me to through out the course of my spiritual development.  As much as I have desired to have some form of seminary training, God has chosen to educate me through a different means.  The Holy Spirit has trained me through God's Word, certain external faith-based writings, some online courses, elders in the faith, and active communication with God (such as prayer, praise, and worship).  For all of these things, I am forever grateful to God Almighty.  

I urge you, to be as the people of Berea, "[who] received the Word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11).  Do not take for granted the Scriptures that are available to you at this moment in time.  Especially in the U.S., where there is an abundance of available "English" translations from which to read the Scriptures.   Even so, there is a lack of people who read them, claiming that the translations are too hard and can not be understood.  When the whole time, the problem lies within them, they are a barrier to their own souls.  They have not sought God for assistance in understanding the Scriptures, after all, He is the author of the Scriptures.  People, please do not take all that is presented to you at face value; especially in regards to the Scriptures. Open your copy of the Scriptures, read through them and confirm what is said by means of the Holy Spirit.  In such a manner, you will know with certainty that what has been presented to you is true; even if it is presented to you by a "professional" or "career" minister!

Let Us Pray:  Lord God, You Who are Great and Grand, I come before You with a heavy heart for the decrease in authority to Your name and that of Jesus.  I also come before You in regards to the decrease of the use of the Scriptures, God's Word.  Please God, I ask in Jesus name, that You reach out to Your people, through the work of the Holy Spirit, and draw them to Your Scriptures and all that lies within them.  I also ask for all those people who have not established a relationship with You.  I ask that You use Your Scriptures, as it is shared with them, even an ounce of Scripture, to draw them into Your Son, Jesus.  Lord God, I ask with all of my heart, please reach out to all of these people ... for the time draws near for Your Son's return. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.