Memory Verses: So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading. Nehemiah 8:8 | 1 And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and  to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth: 2 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God. Deuteronomy 28:1 | Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Deuteronomy 28 plainly states the blessings of God  for all who “…do all His commandments.” It also lists consequences  for not doing them. It is important for all who profess Christ to learn what he (or she) ought to do concerning the faith, that he may be found so doing.

The Lord wants you have courage in pursuit of Him because the enemy will try to sabotage your devotion – that’s code for temptation. In order to avoid these pitfalls, it is not enough to know God’s commandments only. Satan can also quote scriptures. But those who would enjoy the Lord’s blessing must meet His conditions for such an honor. You would not expect to win a marathon without ever having trained your mind and body. We should not expect to own God’s favor without honoring Him by our obedience.

The pressure of the enemy prevails in the environment of lacking wisdom. But this is a problem that need not exist. People need to know their purpose according to God’s will. The answer for every one of us can be found through His Word. We can help ourselves to know God’s will and what we should do (or not do), by developing our knowledge of Him; to which He promises to add wisdom (knowing the right initiative to take – or response to make, at the right time) (James 1:15).

Where does holy boldness come from?  It comes from knowing that you are in harmony with God’s commandment. Studying God’s word is a way to check your spiritual longitude and latitude to see whether you are on course. Whether or not someone says you are (0r are not) is not necessarily a reason to jump ship. You need to know for yourself. Avoid being tossed with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14, 2 Timothy 2:15).

When we stand before God, “The devil made me do it” is a laughable argument. Study the Word. Read it aloud. Read it to your children. Read it for yourself. Do not perish for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6, Isaiah 5:13).

EPHESIANS 4:11-32

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; 24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. 26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: 27 Neither give place to the devil. 28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. 30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: 32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. II Timothy 2:2