Congratulations, you have made the best decision of your life. Now there are some things that you need to know to
help you with your new life walking with Christ.
#1 God loves you right where you are; & Jesus came for you:
1st Timothy 1:15-16 Says: Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world
to save sinners— of whom I am the worst.( NIV)
This was written by The Apostle Paul who wrote 13 of the 27 New Testament books. A man used by God to basically
start the church (or body of believers) that led to the church we know today. This guy was no slacker, he was a mighty
man of God, and yet he considered himself a terrible sinner. The point I’m trying to make is this: There is nothing that
you have done that is so bad that God won’t forgive you. In fact he desires to forgive us and never withholds his love
from us.
#2 God desires a personal relationship with you.
Genesis 3: 8-9 when they heard the sound of GOD strolling in the garden in the evening breeze, the Man and his Wife
hid in the trees of the garden, hid from GOD. God called to the Man: “Where are you?” (The Message Bible)
God walked in the garden with Adam and Eve, visiting with them as a friend and a Father, and that’s the kind of
relationship he desires to have with us.
Now how do we come to know God and develop that relationship?
One way is to understand his word (The Bible).
As we read his word, he begins to reveal himself to us. Now, keep in mind that He already knows us better than we know
ourselves, Psalm 139:13-16 Reads: Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mothers womb. I
thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a
creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; you know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,
how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all
the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (The Message Bible)
As you can see, God knows us, but it’s up to us to come to know him.
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Find a Bible that you can understand: The King James Bible is widely accepted as one of the most accurate versions, but for some new Christians
can be difficult to understand at first as it is written in old English not spoken by people of today in everyday life. I would suggest a parallel Bible, one
that has King James on one page, and a more modern language version on the other page. Example: NIV/King James. This way you can understand
what you read, and cross reference from one to another and in doing so also begin to understand the language of the King James.
Study your Bible daily The Bible is a huge book and can be overwhelming as far as knowing where to start to study; so I will take a little time to break it
down for you so it makes more sense: The Holy Bible consists of The Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament consists of the first 39
books. The first 5 books, Genesis thru Deuteronomy are considered the books of the Law. Books 6 thru 17 are known as the books of history. Books 18
thru 22 are poetry and wisdom. Books 23 thru 27 are Major Prophets and books 28 thru 39 are the Minor Prophets. I would suggest for your beginning
study of the Old Testament to read daily starting with Genesis, read 1 chapter, then skip to proverbs and read 1 chapter of that. Proverbs has 31
chapters, one for each day and I would suggest as you advance thru the Old Testament that when you reach Proverbs 31, or the 31st day, that you
start over in Proverbs and read it again the same way; even today no matter where I’m studying in the Old or New Testament, I always read my proverb
for the day. If it’s the 14th of the month, I read Proverbs 14. It’s important to also read one chapter of the New Testament each day starting in Mathew.
The New Testament brings our savior Jesus into the picture: His birth, Ministry and teachings, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. You will
notice that the first 4 books of the New Testament are basically the same facts (The life of Jesus Christ), but with different authors writing at different
times. I remember when I was a boy going thru a phase where I made up stories and told them as truth (lying) but I could never keep my stories straight;
the truth however comes out the same no matter when its told or by whom. So Mathew, Mark, Luke and John are amazing proofs of truth that these men
were all guided by the Holy Spirit.. Truth doesn’t change.
So day one you will read the first chapter of Genesis, the first chapter of Proverbs, and the First chapter of Mathew. On day 31 you will read the 31st
chapter of Genesis, the 31st chapter of Proverbs and you by now will be reading in Mark 3 of the New Testament. The next day you will continue on
forward with Genesis and Mark but start rereading proverbs starting with chapter one. I find this a great way to learn Gods word quickly, but if you cant
do this at first and need to build up to that much reading, that’s all right; But I urge you to read something from the Bible everyday. As you study the
word of God certain scriptures will jump off the page at you ( the word is alive); they will be the medicine you will need at that particular time. When you
run across these scriptures, write them down. You can keep them in a note book or I even hang them on the wall in places in my home where I can see
them all the time. You will begin to memorize scripture in this way and when certain situations call for certain scriptures you will have the knowledge you
need for yourself and others. It is very powerful when you quote God’s word when you pray; in fact the enemy (The devil) cannot stand it and turns tail
and runs, so scripture memorization is very important.
Another way of growing to know God is by praying: By praying I mean just talking to him as you would your earthly dad. Ask him for advice, talk to him
about your day, spend time with him. Don’t ever feel like something is too small or unimportant to pray about, that is a trick by the enemy to keep you
from communicating with God. Philippians 4:6-7 don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to
thank him for his answers. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace
will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. (Living Bible)
Always ask him for understanding before you read your Bible as well; you will be surprised how helpful that little prayer is. But most paramount is
thanking him for everything that you can possibly think of, even the things you don’t understand.
Find a church, Plug in and hang on. Take advantage of all it has to offer: Regular services, classes, Bible studies, events etc. Build relationships with
others in the church; and if you have children or teens, get them plugged in to the age appropriate groups as well.
It is also very important to serve in the church in some capacity. No one expects you to become a preacher, elder or board member right away,
especially if you are not called by God to do so; what I’m saying is, learn to serve others: Make coffee, give rides to those who have no transportation,
sweep the floor, cook, even clean the bathrooms; anything that puts you in to the service of others. Our goal should be to be more like Jesus, and he
was the greatest servant of all time.
Philippians 2: 4-8 each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as Christ
Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of
a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on
a cross. ( The Message Bible)
Something I should mention is: People make mistakes, we are all fallible, even Pastors. When I first began attending church I assumed everyone there
had perfect lives and lots of knowledge; in fact looking back I believe I expected them to be perfect. I was quickly let down along with some hurt feelings.
What I discovered was most of the people there were like me, (desiring Gods love, and fellowship with other believers) just at different levels of maturity
in our knowledge of God (our walk with Jesus). We should love, respect, support and pray for our church leaders and each other, but never expect
anyone to have all the answers all the time; that’s to much to put on anyone person or group of people. I eventually learned this lesson in its completion
when it was me that was the one who was expected to be perfect for a new believer, OUCH! People don’t always mean to, but will sometimes let you
down; God will never let you down. Do as the Bible says and counsel with those whose knowledge and position you respect, but always seek God and
his word for the final answer or approval.
It’s alright to follow people, just be sure they are following Jesus.
I pray that our Savior Jesus reveals himself to you in a mighty way as you start this new journey in your life, this journey to Heaven.
Be Blessed,
Cody James
Here are some scriptures I would urge you to memorize. The word of God is now your weapon (Your Sword). At times of attack or temptation, draw your
sword and use it; I promise, better yet God promises that this will send the enemy running for the hills.
1st John 4:4 “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world”.
Romans 8:31 “If God be for us, who can be against us?”.
Romans 8:37 “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us and gave himself for us”.
John 16:33 "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”.
Revelation 12:11 “And they (the brethren) overcame him (satan) by the blood of the lamb (Jesus), and the word of their testimony”
Father, God bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as
they seek to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.
GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
God says: I love you (John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
Be Blessed
can be difficult to understand at first as it is written in old English not spoken by people of today in everyday life. I would suggest a parallel Bible, one
that has King James on one page, and a more modern language version on the other page. Example: NIV/King James. This way you can understand
what you read, and cross reference from one to another and in doing so also begin to understand the language of the King James.
Study your Bible daily The Bible is a huge book and can be overwhelming as far as knowing where to start to study; so I will take a little time to break it
down for you so it makes more sense: The Holy Bible consists of The Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament consists of the first 39
books. The first 5 books, Genesis thru Deuteronomy are considered the books of the Law. Books 6 thru 17 are known as the books of history. Books 18
thru 22 are poetry and wisdom. Books 23 thru 27 are Major Prophets and books 28 thru 39 are the Minor Prophets. I would suggest for your beginning
study of the Old Testament to read daily starting with Genesis, read 1 chapter, then skip to proverbs and read 1 chapter of that. Proverbs has 31
chapters, one for each day and I would suggest as you advance thru the Old Testament that when you reach Proverbs 31, or the 31st day, that you
start over in Proverbs and read it again the same way; even today no matter where I’m studying in the Old or New Testament, I always read my proverb
for the day. If it’s the 14th of the month, I read Proverbs 14. It’s important to also read one chapter of the New Testament each day starting in Mathew.
The New Testament brings our savior Jesus into the picture: His birth, Ministry and teachings, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven. You will
notice that the first 4 books of the New Testament are basically the same facts (The life of Jesus Christ), but with different authors writing at different
times. I remember when I was a boy going thru a phase where I made up stories and told them as truth (lying) but I could never keep my stories straight;
the truth however comes out the same no matter when its told or by whom. So Mathew, Mark, Luke and John are amazing proofs of truth that these men
were all guided by the Holy Spirit.. Truth doesn’t change.
So day one you will read the first chapter of Genesis, the first chapter of Proverbs, and the First chapter of Mathew. On day 31 you will read the 31st
chapter of Genesis, the 31st chapter of Proverbs and you by now will be reading in Mark 3 of the New Testament. The next day you will continue on
forward with Genesis and Mark but start rereading proverbs starting with chapter one. I find this a great way to learn Gods word quickly, but if you cant
do this at first and need to build up to that much reading, that’s all right; But I urge you to read something from the Bible everyday. As you study the
word of God certain scriptures will jump off the page at you ( the word is alive); they will be the medicine you will need at that particular time. When you
run across these scriptures, write them down. You can keep them in a note book or I even hang them on the wall in places in my home where I can see
them all the time. You will begin to memorize scripture in this way and when certain situations call for certain scriptures you will have the knowledge you
need for yourself and others. It is very powerful when you quote God’s word when you pray; in fact the enemy (The devil) cannot stand it and turns tail
and runs, so scripture memorization is very important.
Another way of growing to know God is by praying: By praying I mean just talking to him as you would your earthly dad. Ask him for advice, talk to him
about your day, spend time with him. Don’t ever feel like something is too small or unimportant to pray about, that is a trick by the enemy to keep you
from communicating with God. Philippians 4:6-7 don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to
thank him for his answers. If you do this you will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace
will keep your thoughts and your hearts quiet and at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus. (Living Bible)
Always ask him for understanding before you read your Bible as well; you will be surprised how helpful that little prayer is. But most paramount is
thanking him for everything that you can possibly think of, even the things you don’t understand.
Find a church, Plug in and hang on. Take advantage of all it has to offer: Regular services, classes, Bible studies, events etc. Build relationships with
others in the church; and if you have children or teens, get them plugged in to the age appropriate groups as well.
It is also very important to serve in the church in some capacity. No one expects you to become a preacher, elder or board member right away,
especially if you are not called by God to do so; what I’m saying is, learn to serve others: Make coffee, give rides to those who have no transportation,
sweep the floor, cook, even clean the bathrooms; anything that puts you in to the service of others. Our goal should be to be more like Jesus, and he
was the greatest servant of all time.
Philippians 2: 4-8 each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as Christ
Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of
a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death- even death on
a cross. ( The Message Bible)
Something I should mention is: People make mistakes, we are all fallible, even Pastors. When I first began attending church I assumed everyone there
had perfect lives and lots of knowledge; in fact looking back I believe I expected them to be perfect. I was quickly let down along with some hurt feelings.
What I discovered was most of the people there were like me, (desiring Gods love, and fellowship with other believers) just at different levels of maturity
in our knowledge of God (our walk with Jesus). We should love, respect, support and pray for our church leaders and each other, but never expect
anyone to have all the answers all the time; that’s to much to put on anyone person or group of people. I eventually learned this lesson in its completion
when it was me that was the one who was expected to be perfect for a new believer, OUCH! People don’t always mean to, but will sometimes let you
down; God will never let you down. Do as the Bible says and counsel with those whose knowledge and position you respect, but always seek God and
his word for the final answer or approval.
It’s alright to follow people, just be sure they are following Jesus.
I pray that our Savior Jesus reveals himself to you in a mighty way as you start this new journey in your life, this journey to Heaven.
Be Blessed,
Cody James
Here are some scriptures I would urge you to memorize. The word of God is now your weapon (Your Sword). At times of attack or temptation, draw your
sword and use it; I promise, better yet God promises that this will send the enemy running for the hills.
1st John 4:4 “Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world”.
Romans 8:31 “If God be for us, who can be against us?”.
Romans 8:37 “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us and gave himself for us”.
John 16:33 "In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world”.
Revelation 12:11 “And they (the brethren) overcame him (satan) by the blood of the lamb (Jesus), and the word of their testimony”
Father, God bless all my friends in whatever it is that you know they may need this day! And may their life be full of your peace, prosperity and power as
they seek to have a closer relationship with you. Amen.
GOD SAYS BIBLE VERSES
God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)
God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)
God says: I love you (John 3:1 6 & John 3:34 )
God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)
God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5- 6)
God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)
God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)
God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )
God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)
God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)
God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)
God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)
God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)
God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)
Be Blessed
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