ARE YOU GETTING THE MOST FROM SCRIPTURE?

In the Christian life, it will never do to only accumulate knowledge. What you learn with your mind you must respond to from the heart in obedience. Then, and only then does it become yours…your own personal possession, one you can live, and share with others. You will find you can empathize with others trials and pain! There is a big difference between sympathy and empathy…most of us can sympathize with almost any situation that is difficult, but empathy takes personal experience…you can only empathize if you have “been there, done that.” Knowledge that is not filtered through the spirit of a redeemed man will make him proud and self-reliant, instead of obedient and even more dependant on the God who gave Him the knowledge to begin with. Appropriation…a big word, an important word…when knowledge becomes yours through personal experience and understanding, you have turned that knowledge into wisdom by the power of God in you!!! The world and other Christians are looking for people of God that are living what Scripture says…they are looking in the hope that God and His Word are real…will you live it in front of them?

GODLY WISDOM… is seeing things from God’s point of view and responding appropriately. Here are some ways to walk with wisdom.

1. Have a strong desire to walk wisely.

2. Learn to meditate on the Word, portions that “stand out”to you.

3. Learn to turn your mind to the truths in the Word, use the “grid” in Phil 4:8 to filter the truth.

4.Don’t be afraid to “step put” on something the Scripture tells you to do, take the step and leave the consequences to Him.

5. Learn to be sensitive to the promptings  of the Holy Spirit. Learn from your mistakes, and never be afraid to ask yourself, “why do I feel/do this way.”…

6. Believe that God is all-wise, that you CAN trust Him, and when you do, listen, He’ll protect you and keep you safe with integrity.

7.Have the courage to do what God asks of you, even when you don’t understand, (it isn’t necessary to understand, but it is necessary to obey), and are fearful. Understand clearly that you will never go wrong trusting and obeying God.

THE RESULTS…

1.You will gain a clear picture of who God is and will see His point of view.

2. You will gain clear direction about God’s plan.

3. You will also gain God’s protection from wrong thinking an action.

4 God will provide the strength and power to accomplish the task.

5. Peace and contentment will become a personal possession for this kind of obedience and humility.

6. Prosperity, materially and spiritually will be yours according to Prov. 8:17-21. This does not mean that you will become a millionaire, but you will definitely have what you need.

7. This kind of walk with the Lord contributes to long life and good health. Additionally, you will become a blessing to those whose lives you touch…family, friends and co-workers.

STANDING ON THE PROMISES…

When you find promises in the Word, and you are having difficulties with an issue in your life, think about these things in regard to answered prayer…

1. Does this promise meet my personal need/desire?

2. Am I asking, yet being submissive to His will?

3. Would God’s fulfilling this promise honor Him?

4. Could this answer harm or interfere with His will for another?

5. Does the Holy Spirit bear witness that God is pleased with my request?

6. Does my request contradict the Word of God?

7. Will the answer further my spiritual growth?

Learning to know the promises of the Word, to ask with confidence because you know you are in His will, can lead you on a wonderful life of intimacy with Creator of the Universe…imagine that!!!! Intimacy is about a relationship, not a gift exchange. When we live expectantly, serve Him purely, slow down and spend seasons with Him in His Word, in prayer and meditation…He fills your soul with HIMSELF. God doesn’t meet us  at the Mall…He meets us in the inner sanctum of our hearts. If it’s intimacy we want, we need to be more intrigued with the Giver than the gift. Not the stuff He does for us, but HIM!…to experience Him more than we do, more than all the things we are attracted to and we will find that He and He alone…IS SUFFICIENT!!!!