Application is the Sauce

The goal with each post to this devotional site, is to provide application. It is rewarding to write for this blog, as I seem to gain so much more than I ever give. When I spend time seeking out God's will for me from a daily reading and the application is revealed, I am humbled. Understanding the situation in each daily reading is valuable time spent.

There is so much richness in Scripture. I discover passages I have read many times over, have a new or different meaning for me personally in any given season of my life. I sensed God telling me during my husband's illness, "the battle is not yours, but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15b) So I just put him in the Heavenly Father's hands.

What I hear, what I sense God is trying to teach me all revolves around what is happening in my life at the time. That is why, when you read one of these posts, you may come away with an entirely different sense than what I am presenting. God is speaking into our individual life situations each time we open our Bibles and read with purpose.

For instance, I read 2 Kings 1:7-17 numerous times. I could not find the words that were speaking to me, the words that were meant to grow or guide me. I read from a few different versions, checked a couple commentaries and then it happened. God began to point out to me the idols that I worshiped. My finances have become an idol and that idol has created fear and worry.  I started to see God's Word guiding me to move from fear to trust Jesus.

King Ahaziah's idols did nothing to save him. Mine will not save me either. Only Jesus saves.

By the way, trust is my word for 2020, and the scripture verse is Proverbs 3:5-6. Do you have one yet? There is time.

2 Kings 1:7-17

Strive toward Self-less living

2 Corinthians 5: 14-15 

Our firm decision is to work from this focused center: One man died for everyone. That puts everyone in the same boat. He included everyone in his death so that everyone could also be included in his life, a resurrection life, a far better life than people ever lived on their own. (Message)
2 Corinthians 5: 14-15 
14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. 15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. (NIV)

I love reading two versions of the same passage, side-by-side. I can often see more clearly what the words intend for me to understand. It also helps me see how I can personally apply these words to my own life. For application is where the rubber meets the road. Simply reading these inspired words without giving thought to how they might apply to me, is wasting opportunity for growth.

When Jesus was on the earth, He modeled the selfless life perfectly. Then he admonishes us to do the same. I know that I am far from self-less. In fact I am, more often than not, selfish and make everything all about me and my desires. 

Jesus acted for the benefit of those around him, by thinking of others' needs and suppressing His own desires. Jesus died for each of us. That is the most selfless act of all time. John 15:13 reads: Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. We might think we can act like this too. Remember Peter when he told Jesus, "Lord, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you." (John 13:36) We know how that turned out. If not, read John 13:38.

Life lived while deferring to our neighbors, is the type of living Jesus wants for us. Unity will thrive in an environment of selflessness.


2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Training and Equipping

2 Timothy 3:16-17

"All scripture is God -breathed, and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

As we conclude our Sunday Study of The Word for September, I was reflecting on what the other writers I am privileged to share this blog with, had to say. Though we live miles apart and do not collaborate regarding what we will author, and have written from many different Books of the Bible, including Psalms, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Proverbs, Revelation, Hebrews, etc., a common theme surfaces. Below are a few excerpts from the September Blog writings I feel compelled to share. This BOOK is a true gift from our Father! 

"But the Bible is present. The Holy Spirit is alive and active within the pages of scripture! Faith is created when we spend time in the Word, faith is strengthened when we spend time in the Word, and God often speaks to us through His word." 

"When we apply Scripture to our daily tasks and concerns our Faith is ignited. Discernment comes into play as we seek to understand the words which lay open at our fingertips."

"God has given parents a tremendous responsibility when he entrusts them with one of his souls. A key part of that responsibility is to teach their children God’s Word, and train them to be disciples."

 "We have a God given training manual at our fingertips we call the Bible; His Holy Word."

"Still, instruction is clearly the smoother route and we do well to travel it as much as we can.  So to that end, Solomon hands us his atlas of proverbs and bids us farewell on our trip to Wisdom with this sage advice: Travel the freeway of instruction ... you’ll know it when you see it ... it’s the path that begins with the fear of the Lord." 

"Reading scripture on a regular basis and delving into His Word attempting to learn how to apply it to our lives, will keep us clear thinking." 

"What better tool to use than God’s Word." 

"The Life Application Bible Notes puts it this way - The Bible is like medicine: It goes to work only when we apply it to the affected areas. As you read the Bible, be alert for lessons, commands, or examples that you can put into practice."

Amen!

Local Leaders - Titus 3:9-15

As we end our time this week in the Book of Titus, and as we apply the words found there to our lives now, it is noteworthy to acknowledge how practical this book is today.  Everything written here and recorded as a message of encouragement and instruction from Paul to Titus could be viewed as a how-to for us in the 21st century.

Three of the lessons Paul left his friend Titus with were:

• Avoid - Steer clear of petty arguments, but emphasize the truth's Jesus taught  "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels..." (Titus3:9a)

• Warn - Caution the person whose intent is to divide; work with him a bit and if he continues with his behavior, move on, having nothing more to do with him "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them." (Titus 3:10)

• Devote - Teach the people how to desire to do good and live productive and profitable lives "Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives." (Titus 3:14)

Words to live by today, don't you think?

Read the Titus 3:9-15 text here.  Listen to the text here.