Why I Post Bible Studies and Explain the Bible

By Benjamin H. Liles

          For me, I never had a strong mentor at work in my life. Sure, I have my dad, a man I greatly value and love getting his views and opinions on. But, when it came down to meeting other people, men that I admire and wanted to learn from, it was as if they vanished. Sure, I met certain men who were strong, competent and knowing. Of these I can list a few I am proud to say "I know this one." It's men like Richard Garriot: him and his brother started Origin while they were younger and brought us games like Ultima.

          In high school, there were a set of brothers with the last name of Steiner I looked up to even though I was skinny and scrawny. I had the pleasure of meeting their grandfather, Tommy Steiner. I know many people may or may not know who this man is, but he was the only son of an Oil man, Buck Steiner. What I loved about Tommy wasn't just that he was a man of few words, but he was respectful, kind, and when he talked you listened.
          It wasn't that I feel I lacked possible mentors to learn from. I didn't know how to talk to them, to learn something of value from them. And this is where I'm going on the whole issue. The reason I post Bible Studies and explain God's word is to show how a man is supposed to be and act. Another guy I look up to is a business man and entrepreneur, Daymond John. If you heard of him he started FUBU with next to nothing but a small loan from his mom.
          Here's the thing, find a man you know you can learn from, be it a trade, a skill, whatever. Make sure the guy you learn from is upstanding, able to give you the assistance you need, and has the time and patience to help you out.

          Daymond said this, and I'm not sure when he said it, "The thing that I've learned is, try to make all the mistakes with your own money and on a small level so that when you are responsible for a partner's money or assets, you've learned, and you don't make bigger mistakes." Why is this important and how does it help understanding God's word and implementing His word in and through our life?
          I'm telling you all of this for the point that I've made my share of mistakes, missteps, and had tremendous heartache in my life due to my own choices and decisions. The reason I lacked a strong and capable mentor is because i basically shut my mouth instead of simply asking. I think that's Daymond's point with handling your money. We see Jacob, in the Genesis account, with the sheep handling his and Laban's affairs with sheep.
          What I'm trying to convey here is don't be afraid to make mistakes, but don't make the mistakes I have either. Talk to a biblical, strong, God-centered man who can add value to you. That way when you stand on your own in faith, you know far more and better in handling things in and throughout your life. It's like Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes what he says is going to happen, it will be granted him" (Mark 11:23, New American Standard). Don't get me wrong, we all face insurmountable odds, but it's how we face them: with faith or with doubt. God prefers we remain in faith, so when things look bad, we can lean on God and not our own way or understanding.

          Overall, this is what I'm actually saying here:
               1) Find a capable and strong man to learn your trade, business, or skill from.
               2) Make sure to do all the homework required. I study a great deal and learn what I can
                    from those I look up to. I admire a great deal of men, from men of faith, to business-
                    men, and from men who have worked their fingers down.
               3) Remain in God's word. This is the biggest to me. I still fail daily, constantly. But I also                          pick myself up, sometimes God has to pick me up. But the main thing is to get up and                          stand fast. Faith is everything. There is no room for doubt.

          These are my reasons for teaching the Bible as I do. I always seek to teach it as best, as well, and as capably as I can. Good teaching, solid teaching helps everyone in remaining on a straight and true course. If we're seeking God, let us also seek Christ. For Christ is the embodiment of God, who is Spirit. I much rather devote and live my life doing what I believe God desires of me. I know it seems I ramble at times, but I always have a road map of where I'm wanting to go with what I'm saying. I just wanted to share more of my heart and life with you, those who read and visit this site.

          Here in the near future I plan on finishing the study on Ezekiel (which I know has taken a long time so far to go through). Let me know what you'd like to learn about next. I want your feedback on what you want to know about, what issues touch you, and how to help you out as best as I can. May God bless each and every one of you. May the light and love of Christ be yours as well as your teacher and guide. I pray all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.