The Importance of Application of our Biblical Knowledge~

   Living out our Christian faith is a growing process. Anything in life that we do, before we learn how to do it, we obtain knowledge of it first. For example, when you start a new job, if you have never done it before, there usually is training period before you begin working, that’s so you are well prepared to handle whatever may come about.

   Suppose a person went to college to get a degree in psychology, they gradate at the top of their class; then they start applying for jobs in that field, but they have little actual experience applying what they have learned yet. when they go a for a job interview, the employer most likely will go with a individual who has both   a education and experience, because they have had the opportunity to apply the book knowledge to  real people in real situations.

  Many Christians have the book knowledge, and that is the extent of their walk, they are not growing, they are just stuck in the place. I love reading Gods word, diving into a passage of scripture and seeing what the Holy spirit wants me to learn. Are we just knowledgeable of the scriptures? Do we understand what we have read?  Are we applying what we learn?

I Peter 3:17-18 says

Therefore dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard, so that you may not be carried away from the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. However, grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

So that scripture talks about knowing the scriptures, so we are not blindsided by false teachings.

Colossians 1:9 says this for this reason since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of this will through al wisdom and understanding that the spirit gives, So that you may life worthy of the lord and please him in every way. Bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have endurance and patience.

That previous scripture talks about knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:6  For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. So does Proverbs

 How do we apply what we know and understand? We have to read the scriptures, we can’t rely soley on the Sermons spoke at church for our spiritual food, or a bible study, we have to make  it personal, or our faith stays stagnant and does not grow and produce fruit. Knowledge of the bible is important,. But the bible is also very clear that its much deeper than what we know, it must be followed with a personal relationship with him.

   Make your head knowledge deeper. Develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A way to live our lives, God s word is our life Manuel, our compass to keep us on the path he has set before us. Human knowledge is good to obtain, but apart from God its flawed, when our lives are focused around Jesus, then we find our purpose, then we learn how to apply ourselves to the wisdom we have learned about.

  We go from being a hearer to a knower, to a doer. Knowledge is the facts, when we understand what we have read, were then able to see the meaning behind Gods words and wisdom knows what to do with what those scriptures are and apply them to our daily lives! Are you taking that step? Are you content to just know the scriptures or do you want so  set those words  in action and live them out as Christ did! I challenge you to become a doer, not just a hearer of the word!

Contentment IN all Circumstances~

  I woke this morning to find that it was very overcast, but I was so thankful God woke me up to another day that He has made. I had a doctor’s appointment, which is not far from where we live.  With our jeep, needing to be fixed it is not in the best of shape, we had to walk to my appointment, you know what I was thankful that I have feet to walk with and that i could gaze upon Gods creation outside as we took our walk. Besides, it was helping us get into shape, which by the way is a great feeling.

  How often we find ourselves not being content with what we have, or longing for something that we do not .I’m just as guilty of this. I am tired, yet im hearing the birds chirp outside my window as I sit here at my desk writing to you. I am thankful I have ears to hear, and eyes to see, so many do not.

1 Timothy 6:6-8 says this

   Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing in to this world, and we can take nothing out, but if we have food and clothing, we will be content with these.

  Are we pursuing earthy treasures or treasures of a much more lasting and eternal kind; our character, conduct, and attitude.  The dictionary definition defines contentment as” the state of being mentally and emotionally satisfied with the way things are” there is no sin in wealth and money, and even being successful, the sin becomes when its turns into the love of money and that is your main focal point. When we change our focal point, we look at old things in a new way.

  Right now, my husband and I are really learning how to apply this scripture, to our situation right now, we are learning to live on less, and yet still be content, knowing that Jesus will provide for our needs, its not always easy to think like this.  God is teaching us that having less is not as important as being rich in Christ.

   It’s easy to trust God when your life is going good and trials are not many, but its really a test of faith, when you’re out on the limb, and you can’t see what your future holds, but you know who is holding your future in the palm of his hands.

  Paul talks about being content in Philippians, even when he was in prison, he praised God, not for the circumstances, but in the circumstances, there is a big difference. Going through any  struggle is  tiring, and depressing and frustrating, BUT we have Jesus on our side, and He always provides one way or the other,, even when plans  don’t go as we thought they should, we have to relinquish the control and let go and let God, trusting what we cannot see.

  Its so true that the bible is our compass to daily living, it has the guidance we need to make the important decisions we are up against. When were in God’s word, and we are applying what we read, we are learning to be more and more like Christ. Whether we have a little or a lot, I am trusting God for the next step in this journey.