Live and Breathe in the Scriptures, the Bible
Lesson #1 Live and Breathe the Word of God, the Bible Understand that if you have received Jesus Christ into your heart that your body does not belong to you. It is yours to camp in while you are here on earth. (I Corinthians 6:16-20) Know, too, that you have a glorified body that will be yours in heaven that will be perfect, not a single flaw. (Philippians 3:21) Until then, your job is to keep your body, the temple of the Holy Spirit, in optimum health until you take your last breath.
NOTE: As you write the passages of Scripture and go over them throughout each day, you are gaining disciplined spiritual muscles that will enable you to bring your body under the control of your spirit through the Holy Spirit Who lives inside of you. (Philippians 3:21) You will be creating sets of Bible verses that will enable you to live in the presence of God as you pray God’s Word and promises back to Him.
How do you live and breathe in the Word of God in Christ Jesus? Let every breath praise the Lord. (Psalm 150:6). God’s decree is for every single thing that has breath to praise Him. If you begin to live in the praise of God, you will not feel stress. See our book, Exchange Your Worries for God’s Perfect Peace for a journey in God’s peace
Decide to live in God’s peace. Write the following verses on 3 x 5 cards: Isaiah 26-3; Matthew 11:28-30; John 14:27; Isaiah 26:3; and Philippians 4:6-10. I use http://biblegateway.com and prefer to use the New King James Version (NKJV). These verses spoken and prayed back to God, thanking Him for what He promises, will keep you in God’s perfect peace.
Then-
- Cast all your cares upon Jesus
- Come to Jesus and you will find blessed quiet for your heart
- Receive the peace that Jesus gives
- Don’t be anxious about anything
- Pray about everything
- Think only on good things
Decide to pre-forgive each morning. When you wake up each day, say to God, “Father, I receive again the forgiveness that You have given me through the cross of Jesus Christ Who took all of my sin, past, present, and future. Because I am receiving anew Your forgiveness, I am overcome by the love I am receiving. Therefore, I decide to forgive any offense that will come my way today. I will smile at the person and have a happy time, because I will refuse those horrible emotions that would have risen in my heart against the person. I will answer the person in love and change the subject to one of peaceful common ground. Thank You, Father, for Your power and glory in Christ Jesus that empower me to overcome all evil with good! Thank you for infusing me with your joy: God-given gladness! I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.” (See our book, God’s Joy, Regardless of Circumstances.)
Write the following verses on 3 x 5 cards: Colossians 2:13-14; Hebrews 9:26; I John 1:9- Know that
- You are forgiven: Christ forgave all your sin, once for all
- You are justified-just as if you had never sinned
- Your heavenly Father desires to hear you declare your sin; He wipes the slate clean
- God made you alive with Christ Jesus
- Jesus sat at the right hand of God after His one sacrifice made you perfect forever as you are being made holy
- If you confess your sin, Jesus forgives you and purifies you
- David said that if he did not confess his sin, his energy was drained (Psalm 32)
Simplify your life. Declutter it. As you declutter your house, your closet, and your garage, you will be blessing others with what is junk to you and treasure to them!
Write the following verses on 3 x 5 cards: Psalm 27:4; Luke 10:41-42; Philippians 3:12-14; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 1:7; 9:10; Proverbs 4:23; 16:3; 27:17; 29:18; 30:6; As you declutter your mind, you
- Live with your focus on eternity. You live with the end in mind.
- Focus on Jesus Christ while you attend to life
- Forget the past. Drop it!
- Look to what is ahead. Keep your eyes on the Son, Christ Jesus
- Fear God; therefore, be wise and understanding
- Trust God in everything
- Guard your heart
- Have an accountability friend
- Let God in His Word be your shield
- Run everything through the Bible
- Commit all that you are and all that you do to the Lord
Pray this prayer daily or one you create that is similar:
“Father, I present my body to You today, as a living sacrifice. May it be holy and acceptable to You. I choose to set apart my body as a living sacrifice. I know that my body is very selfish and demanding. Help me to make wise choices for my body today. I pray for the desire to live in health and vitality and the desire to make choices to achieve it. I thank You for the great day that I will have with You today. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.”
Read Romans 12 in the Amplified Bible as it is here or in any translation you choose. Read it daily and as long as you so desire, until it is written on your heart.
Romans 12: “Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].
3 For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to every one of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service]. 4 For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same function or special use, 5 so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other]. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use themaccordingly: if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faith possessed; 7 if service, in the act of serving; or he who teaches, in the act of teaching; 8 or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness.
9 Love is to be sincere and active [the real thing—without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor; 11 never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit, enthusiastically serving the Lord; 12 constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength], 13 contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them]. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief]. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself. 17 Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is right and gracious and proper in the sight of everyone. 18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” SAYS THE LORD. 20 BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM; IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR BY DOING THIS YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome and conquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
You cannot underestimate the importance of establishing the dominance of your spirit over your mind and your body. (Romans 6:12) Look today to see what happens when people allow their flesh to control their minds and their spirits. God is dishonored. The family is destroyed. Every family is one that God established to represent His Son Jesus Christ and His church on earth. (Read Ephesians 5:23-32 until you own it) The destruction of the family is in full force.
You can preserve your family by establishing Jesus Christ as the center of all that you are, all that you think, all that you plan, and all that you do. (Hebrews 3:4) Be certain that:
- You continually seek God’s will in Christ Jesus (see our book, God’s Will for Your Life)
- You watch out for the deception of evil
- You do what God says to do
- You live in God’s love
- As a family you ask God to bless your home
- As a family decide daily to serve the Lord
When you have established the authority of Jesus Christ in your life, you are equipped for life on earth! The Spirit of the Lord will rest on you-the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and strength, the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord. (Isaiah 11:3)
I will include prayer and Bible study in the next lesson which focuses on oxygen. We could also call it the breath of God in us.
I trust that we have had a lovely time together getting to know God better and being set free from the tyranny of ourselves. God has a magnificent plan to free us from all bondages. His plan is to anoint us to be the most glorious and gifted person, even beyond our human imagination, because we are ignited by Him. My prayer for you is:
“17 [For I always pray to] the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, that He may grant you a spirit of wisdom and revelation [of insight into mysteries and secrets] in the [deep and intimate] knowledge of Him,
18 By having the eyes of your heart flooded with light, so that you can know and understand the hope to which He has called you, and how rich is His glorious inheritance in the saints (His set-apart ones),
19 And [so that you can know and understand] what is the immeasurable and unlimited and surpassing greatness of His power in and for us who believe, as demonstrated in the working of His mighty strength,
20 Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places],
21 Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.” (Ephesians 1:17:21)
So, please let me know if God’s Word in Lesson #1 is a blessing in your life. I am praying for you and I love you.
“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” I John 4:8 NKJV
Judy
Testimonies:
I started walking today to put into practice what I am l learning from your book, Increased Energy and Vitality. I read an article about Muscular Christianity (how the YMCA got started), to make Christianity more manly. The book makes so much sense, about sowing into your health. Sow seeds into your health. I am now putting into practice the daily regimen of walking, that you can do it anywhere. It removes the excuse of not exercising. The benefits of perspiration, cleaning out your body, makes sense. How Jesus wants to walk with us in the cool of the day is really a blessing. A man from Fl
I am looking forward to the latter chapters about the Holy Spirit energy and vitality. I was stuck in a mental slump for a while, too. I reached a plateau in my life. It goes along with what the Lord has been showing me the last couple of months, doing all to the glory of God. I have one chance in this life. God has been telling me to renew my mind daily. This is the first day of the rest of my life. I need to be grateful now because now is the best moment of my life.
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.” II Thessalonians 3:16
For a special treat, I have added Jack’s teaching on the Supernatural Power of the Word of God
THE SUPERNATURAL POWER OF THE WORD OF GOD
A Bible Teaching by Jack Hartman
May, 2017
This month we will study what the Bible teaches about the supernatural power that is contained in the Word of God. Any Christian who truly grasps the immensity of the supernatural power that God has put into the Bible should be highly motivated to carefully study and meditate on the Scripture references this month. (All of the Scripture references are from The Amplified Bible unless otherwise stated.)
Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest presidents in the history of the United States, was a devout Christian. President Lincoln once said, “Take all of the Bible that you can by reason and the balance by faith and you will live and die a better person. It is the best book which God has given to all humankind.”
GOD IS THE AUTHOR OF THE BIBLE. Are you absolutely certain that God Himself is the Author of the Bible? if you are, you will be highly motivated to consistently study and meditate on the holy Scriptures to learn the thousands of supernatural instructions and promises that God had given to you. The Bible states with absolute certainty that every word in the Bible comes from God. “Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration)…” (II Timothy 3:16)
God supernaturally anointed each of the human authors of the Bible. What each of these human authors wrote was written through them, not by them. The apostle Paul said, “…I want you to know, brethren, that the Gospel which was proclaimed and made known by me is not man’s gospel [a human invention, according to or patterned after any human standard]. For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but [it came to me] through a [direct] revelation [given] by Jesus Christ (the Messiah).” (Galatians 1:11-12)
Paul emphasized that he was not the author of the many passages of Scripture that he wrote in the Bible. Paul said that everything he wrote in the Bible was “a direct revelation given by Jesus Christ, the Messiah.”
GOD PLACES GREAT EMPHASIS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF HIS WORD. The psalmist David said, “…You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name!” (Psalm 138:2)
We are taught here that God exalts two things above everything else – His name and His Word. God magnifies His Word above His name. If God places this much emphasis on the importance of His Word, shouldn’t you do the same thing?
THE BIBLE WILL LAST THROUGHOUT ETERNITY. Any book written by a human being can only be beneficial during the lifetime of a human being. The Bible is not limited to our lifetime on earth. “…the Word of the Lord (divine instruction, the Gospel) endures forever…” (I Peter 1:25)
Please note the words “divine instruction” at the beginning of the amplification in this verse. You can be certain that God Himself is instructing you whenever you study and meditate on His Word. This verse says that the Word of God endures forever. The psalmist, writing under the anointing of God, said, “…Your commandment is exceedingly broad and extends without limits [into eternity].” (Psalm 119:96)
God always emphasizes through repetition. Once again, God emphasizes here that His Word is eternal. Because the Word of God is eternal, you will be able to take everything you learn from God’s Word to heaven with you.
GOD WANTS YOU TO HAVE DEEP REVERENCE AND AWE FOR THE BIBLE. Your Father wants you to be absolutely certain that He is the Author of the Bible and that His Word is filled to overflowing with thousands of instructions and promises from Him. He said, “…this is the man to whom I will look and have regard: he who is humble and of a broken or wounded spirit, and who trembles at My word and reveres My commands.” (Isaiah 66:2)
Please note the words “humble and of a wounded spirit” in this verse. God wants all of His children to be humble and teachable, (see I Peter 5:5). If you are certain that the Creator of the universe actually has given you the Bible, you will “tremble” at His Word. You will “revere” His instructions. God has promised that He will “look and have regard” for each of His children who constantly approach His Word with reverent awe.
The same God Who created heaven and earth, all of the planets and galaxies surrounding the earth, and every person who has ever lived has given you a Book that is filled with thousands of specific instructions and promises from God.
God instructs you to “tremble” at the immensity of His Word. If you have a Bible, you have in your possession the Book that God Himself has given to you to tell you exactly how He wants you to live your life. The Bible also is filled with promises from God telling you exactly what your Father promises to do for you during your life on earth. “…the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power [making it active, operative, energizing, and effective]…” (Hebrews 4:12)
Please note the words “alive and full of power” in this verse. The Bible is supernaturally alive. The Bible is filled with the awesome power of God.
THE BIBLE IS A SUPERNATUAL TREASURE. God wants you to study and meditate on His Word so much that the holy Scriptures will come up off the printed pages and penetrate deep down inside of you. “…we possess this precious treasure [the divine Light of the Gospel] in [frail, human] vessels of earth, that the grandeur and exceeding greatness of the power may be shown to be from God and not from ourselves.” (II Corinthians 4:7)
Please note that God refers to His Word as a “precious treasure.” If you have a Bible, you have a supernatural treasure that God Himself has provided for you. If you learn how to study and meditate effectively on the holy Scriptures, you will consistently fill your eyes, your ears, your mind and your heart with the power of God’s Word. You will activate the supernatural power of God that is contained in His Word. Your Father wants you to look at the Bible “…as it truly is, the Word of God, which is effectually at work in you who believe [exercising its superhuman power in those who adhere to and trust in and rely on it].” (I Thessalonians 2:13)
If you are absolutely certain that God Himself is the Author of the Bible and you are highly motivated to study His Word each and every day as He instructs you to do (see II Corinthians 4:16), the “superhuman power” of God will be manifested in your life to the degree that you adhere to your father’s instructions and trust and rely completely on His promises.
STORE UP GOD’S WORD IN YOUR MIND AND YOUR HEART. What could possibly be more important than obeying your Father’s specific instructions to renew your mind in His Word each day and to meditate day and night on the holy Scriptures (see Joshua 1:8 and Psalm 1:1-3)? The following words that King Solomon spoke to his son also are God’s instructions to you. “My son, keep my words; lay up within you my commandments [for use when needed] and treasure them.” (Proverbs 7:1)
Many people in the world today are focused on storing up money. Your Father instructs you to store up His Word within yourself. If you continually store up God’s Word in your mind and your heart as a result of daily Bible study and Scripture meditation, you will be doing exactly what your Father has instructed you to do.
When the psalmist faced severe adversity in his life, he prayed the following prayer request to God. He said, “My life dissolves and weeps itself away for heaviness; raise me up andstrengthen me according to [the promises of] Your word.” (Psalm 119:28)
GOD ALWAYS DOES WHAT HE PROMISES TO DO. God can and will strengthen you to the degree that you consistently learn and have absolute faith in His promises. You can place complete trust in the promises in the Word of God. “God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on)…” (I Corinthians 1:9)
Who possibly could be more reliable than the Creator of the universe? In the amplification in this verse, you are told that God is “ever true to His promises and can be depended on. The following words that God spoke to Joshua also are His assurance to you today. “…Know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one thing of them has failed.” (Joshua 23:14)
How can any of us spend our time more profitably than by studying and meditating on what God has given to us in His Book of Instructions, the Bible? God has given you thousands of promises that are completely trustworthy.
TURN AWAY FROM THE WAYS OF THE WORLD. The more of the Word of God that you have in your mind and in your heart, the more you will trust in the supernatural power of God’s Word. “By means of these He has bestowed on us His precious and exceedingly great promises, so that through them you may escape [by flight] from the moral decay (rottenness and corruption) that is in the world because of covetousness (lust and greed), and become sharers (partakers) of the divine nature.” (II Peter 1:4)
Please note that the Bible refers to God’s promises as being “precious and exceedingly great.” God has instructed us to turn away from the ways of world to the way He has instructed us to live (see Galatians 1:3-4, James 4:4 and I John 2:15-16). You can turn completely away from the world and actually partake of the divine nature of God if you are so much in awe of God’s Word that you will pay the price of studying and meditating on the holy Scriptures each day.
I pray that the scriptural contents in this month’s teaching will be very helpful to you. I pray that you will have the same reverent awe for God’s Word that you have for God Himself. I pray that you will have so much of God’s Word living inside of you that your life will be transformed.