Readin’, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic

Norma J. Oliver
olivernorma@bellsouth.net

For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 2Peter 1:8-10

My heart is heavy. I feel a tremendous burden to know what to say to each person who has not fully given themselves to Christ Jesus. Yes, you may go to church every Sunday and you may be active in the church but is God active in you, through you? Are you surprised or confused by that question? The sad reality is that many of those with whom we see each Sunday will not be those we see in heaven. Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-14) The things that we pursue in this life and what we believe to be important will change and not be as important to us. You see, the closer you get to Jesus the more you want what He wants. Your will becomes His will. I like nice things as much as the next person but now I know that they are just things, fleeting. They will not last nor will they matter in the end. Relationship is the most important thing – first and foremost with Jesus and then with people. When you tap into the awesome love of Jesus you want to share it with everyone you meet. You know how you try a new product and you think it is really good? Well, if you think it does a good job, then, you tell other folks about it. The power of word of mouth advertising is incredible. It’s like that Stein Mart commercial: “Once you go, you get it!” My slogan for Jesus is: “Trust Him, you’ll love Him!”

I have been feeling this sense of urgency to know what to say to each of you so that you can feel what I feel. I mean really experience a daily walk with Jesus. Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. (Philippians 3:12) My relationship with Jesus has been and continues to be life-altering. I am not the same person I was even three years ago, let alone ten or fifteen years ago. If my testimonies and attempts to tell relevant stories don’t convince you, then, what will? I have prayed and I keep getting the same answer – go back to the basics. Here’s hoping and praying these simple steps will help each of you to grow your faith.

Reading is fundamental, yet, reading the Bible is essential to your faith. You have to read the Bible for yourself. Whenever you hear scripture, on the radio, television, your pastor, etc. you should follow-up with reading the whole context of the scripture used. Why? Just like a student in school we need to study. It is not enough to simply accept what you hear as truth because it could be that person’s interpretation and not God’s intended message. Be careful. Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15) If you are reading and studying the Word for yourself, then, you will be able to identify a false prophet and false teaching. I urge you to get a study Bible and follow some reading plan to get started. Remember to always pray before you begin reading and the scriptures will open up to you. If you find that you have some difficulty understanding on your own, get in a study group. Keep praying and asking for wisdom for He is sure to answer! Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (Matthew 7:7) Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2Timothy 2:15)

How many of you take notes when you hear or are reading the Word? Repetition is good practice to help us remember what we study. However, writing is an even greater tool. When we make notes of what is being taught we can go back and review. The Word has to get inside of you to be effective. It is impossible to retain without a method of study. And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates. (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)

Now arithmetic is usually a tough subject for most folks and we have to be careful even when we are dealing with God’s calculations. You can see His math throughout the Bible. Although adding is the most basic of all math concepts use caution. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. (Proverbs 30:6) However, when we allow God to add and multiply for us it is always a good thing. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 also Luke 12:31) Seeking the kingdom of God is so beneficial Matthew and Luke wrote about it. In case you didn’t notice, obedience times 2 is blessings squared! I tell you, He will do better than double for your trouble when he makes your blessings grow square roots! Somebody out there doesn’t believe faith makes a difference but I assure you, if you take one step Jesus will make all the rest. The world can be a cold and unloving place; won’t you give your heart to Jesus? Only He can comfort us even before the pain comes. Only He can save us from the destruction to come. Many of us are ‘playing church’ but I came to serve you notice that recess is over and it’s time to get back to the basics and learn who God is and take on His nature. It is the most important decision you can make for your life. It will make an eternal difference so choose who you will serve today. Let us pray…

Our Father, who art in Heaven, Your name is higher and greater than all names. You are the One True Living God! Father, forgive us of our many sins. Lord, help us to live as You would have us to live. Be in our mouths and in our speaking, be in our ears and in our hearing, be in our hands and in our work for the Kingdom, be in our feet that we may walk in the Way. Lord, Jesus, we know that you are the Risen Savior and there is no other. We confess with our mouths that you are Lord and we believe in our hearts that you are God’s son, Jesus Christ. Receive us now Lord and accept us into your kingdom. Teach us to learn of Your Will by getting back to the basics. You confound the wise with foolish things but Lord allow us to be as little children, ready to learn and eager to grow. May Your will be done. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!