"For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires."
(Hebrews 4:12)
We often try to get through life by trusting our own instincts. We don't read the manuals that come with our fancy tech gadgets, we toss out the tag that provides instructions on how to wash and care for our new garments, and even ignore the GPS when it suggests a faster route just to go our own way! Thankfully, God's word provides us with tools to navigate this life the way He intends. It develops and transforms our character to His likeness, changes our thinking, and guides every step on our journey. Overall the best thing about God's word is that it doesn’t change with the times, so it's always reliable.
THE FILTER:
The word of God is like a filter. It allows you to compare the world's understanding to that of the Father's. Through reading the Bible, your mind becomes renewed to THINK the way God does and to view the world through His eyes.
"Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect" (Romans 12:2 NLT).
As the filter, the Bible clarifies what is and is not acceptable on ANY and ALL issues, concerns, and matters in this world. In order to receive discernment, you MUST read the word of God, otherwise, you will be operating out of your own will and deceiving yourself.
The word of God is so full of truth and so powerful. It is the only doctrine that can unmask the deceptive strategies of the enemy, helping you to overcome this world! When you filter everything through the word of God, you are basically purifying your spiritual eyes which clarifies your perspective on things in the world and how you choose to navigate through it.
THE MIRROR:
God's Word also functions as a mirror. It allows you to see your imperfections and reminds you of your inability to do life without the one who created you. IT KEEPS YOU IN CHECK. Oftentimes, our emotions and our thoughts lead us astray from the path of righteousness. God's word teaches you not to follow your heart and your logical understanding, but to follow and trust in Jesus, and adapt His way of thinking and behaving.
As the mirror, the Bible manifests your imperfections, which should spark conviction, allowing you to bring those issues to the Father so that He, (not you) can help you overcome them!
"Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding" (Proverbs 3:13 NIV)
THE BLUEPRINT:
The word of God is your map, your GPS, your blueprint for how to construct your life, overcome this world, and stand firm in your faith and identity! It is THE guide for how God expects one to navigate through life and come to truly know His character.
"Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path" (Psalm 119:105 NLT)
Some think it's just a book about Do's & Don’ts and in a sense I can see how one comes to that conclusion. But think about it: all the things the Lord asks of us is for our benefit. When you follow his blueprint for life, you look more like Him & you often avoid soooooo much foolery! Who doesn’t want that?!
"As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2 KJV)
The more you grow in your walk and understanding of the word, you will begin to view the Bible as a love story. I mean this is supposed to be a relationship, right? The Bible was not created to condemn you, but to transform you into who you were called to be and set you free from the counterfeit version of you!
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16)
The Application of Knowledge:
Reading the word is awesome! But it doesn’t stop there! You must apply the knowledge you receive. What good is knowing better but not doing better? With that perspective you will continue the same behaviors or remain stuck in the same frame of mind.
"So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." (James 1:21-25 NLT)
"But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them."
(2 Timothy 3:14)
The Holy Spirit will guide your transition & bring understanding. Don't make reading the word about religious works or a "checklist". When you truly accept the Father as both Lord & Savior, your heart will draw near to Him and you will find pleasure in following Him and His
ways.
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee." (Psalm 119:11)
**If you're having issues understanding or enjoying God's word, first pray for understanding, and then seek sources for clarification. There are many translations, techniques, and other tools available to help. Check out some of my other suggestions in the "Bible Study Tools" section!
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Grace & Peace Be With You,
-Kaneisha