School is in Session

September has always been my favorite month. Growing up in the Midwest, it seemed although it was technically still summer, something in the air felt different when September arrived. It made me look forward to the cooler temperatures soon to come, and the beautiful colors in nature that make you wonder how anyone can see the natural beauty of this earth, and not believe in God.

September, and late August for some, also means the beginning of a new school year. This made me think about the fact that every day we wake up, regardless of the time of year, school in The Kingdom of God here on Earth is in session. There are so many things to learn and so many ways in which we can grow from what we learn. Twice this week, from two different people, I’ve heard the words, “If you’re not growing, you’re dying,” and it is true.

I learn a lot from several sources at any given time. In the past when I would hear someone elaborate on details about people or events in the Bible, I would be amazed at how they knew so much. It seemed they would always add the words, “It’s right here in your Bible. Study it for yourself.” I rarely took the time to study for myself.

At the beginning of this year, I entered a season where I was really questioning God, specifically about The Lord’s Prayer. I was stuck on the words “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.” I was frustrated that we were instructed to pray those words, yet life here on Earth for most, looks nothing like Heaven. God answered my question and instructed me to share that answer with others. The result is my book, From the Wilderness to the Narrow Path.

While I want everyone to read the book, the answer can be summed up in one Bible verse. Matthew 6:33 (KJV) says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

The Holy Spirit told me if I genuinely want everything God has for me and am willing to do everything He asks me to do, I must understand that my ONLY job is to seek God’s Kingdom and righteousness. The purpose is to understand not only my rights as a Kingdom citizen but also my responsibilities. That is the key to having on Earth as it is in Heaven. I had been expecting God to provide everything He said He would, yet I was lukewarm in my relationship with Him. Once I truly began to seek, God was able to reveal things to me that are reserved for those who seek with their entire heart. Now I cannot imagine living any other way. I want the same for everyone.

At first, I wondered where to begin. I was not only led to the book of Genesis, but to an amazing in-depth video series by Allen Nolan that breaks it down and goes into detail. The series consists of eighty-nine videos, under one hour each, and it has taken me most of the year to complete it.

We can spend an entire lifetime reading the Bible over and over, but if we fail to understand it and how to apply its instruction to every day and moment of our lives, it is pointless. I had to take full responsibility for studying and understanding God’s Word for myself. It doesn’t mean that I do it on my own or no longer listen to teachers – it means I need to listen to teachers who take the time to teach in-depth and then trust that the Holy Spirit will be my guide. The journey so far has been amazing.

Now I have moved on to a detailed study of the book of Revelation, another series by Allen Nolan. This one is sixty-seven videos. I love that God led me to first study the beginning then the end. I am excited to see where He will lead next.

If you are thinking you do not have time to do a deep dive into God’s Word, I am here to tell you the reality is you don’t have time not to study it. Look around. How are you feeling about things that are going on in the world? In your personal life? Do you have peace? I see a world filled with people who are experiencing more stress and anxiety now than ever, and it simply does not have to be that way. I am not saying my life is perfect and I no longer question God, have all the answers, or that all my prayers have been answered. I still experience moments of frustration like everyone else. I am just thankful for peace amid chaos and darkness and want to remind everyone they can have it as well.

Even if you only spend a few minutes a day learning, if it is substantial, it helps. You will find that the more you learn, the more you will want to learn. School is in session, my fellow humans. It is time to wake up.

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