Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalm 119:11)
I wrote this title about one month ago during my devotional time with God as I asked myself and God the question, “How can I become more diligent in applying the Word to my life more actively?” I then felt the conviction to work on areas of un-forgiveness and pride that may have set up residence in me that I have not dealt with effectively. It then pointed me to a place of repentance to God and to recite the Lord’s prayer while on my knees one early morning.
I recently started a book on the topic of offense; not realizing that I would really need to read for myself the ways in which the enemy tries to encroach within our spirit and waken up areas that we may be offended by, which causes a hardened heart, leading to many emotions that are not ordained by God. It made me even more aware since as a nation we are in the thick of very dark times; when offenses are at an all time high and when the enemy is trying his very best to win over, destroy and deceive many.
And as horrible as things may be, the urgency to study the Word and apply it to everyday life is screaming out to me and I hope to you too in this moment of great apostasy and syncretism. God prepares us what for what will happen. He instructs us the way in which we should go and He provides discipline and correction, if we choose to abide and submit. But its a choice right? We have this thing called “free will”. We decide what we will immerse ourselves in and what we allow ourselves to be controlled by. We choose what to read, what to believe and if we are not careful, what to be deceived by.
So today, take in the God inspired Word; study it, test it and apply it. It is not only a source or direction, but its for our protection and in these very perilous times, the closer we stick with Him, the better. I cannot think of a more appropriate season than right now to seek Him out with fervency to ensure that my heart, mind and spirit are aligned with Him and not this immensely dark world. Can you?
Stay in the Word and Stay Encouraged!