Stepping Stones: Truth Is Bliss

March 10-11, 2012

Transformational Thought

I once heard intelligence simply defined as the “ability to learn.” Now, some might say they have this ability and others might not think they don’t or that learning is hard. Regardless of whether we have the “ability” to learn or not, we should all strive to develop the following specific trait in our lives … having a desire to learn.

Contrary to the old saying, ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance of God's Word can bring about serious mistakes and heartache. Learning the Word of God provides us with power, peace, and strategies for success in this life as well as in eternity. When we do follow His word, we glorify God, which is our purpose in life. And it comes with a bonus: following the Word of God improves our life.

Learning from God's Word should be our priority, but we can also learn from books, Bible study groups, Sunday school, small group discussions and one-on-one discussion with Christians God has placed on our pathway. Ask God to guide you on your exciting path of transformation.

Satan knows the power of the Bible. He wants to keep you far away from it, whether through the busyness of life or false teachers or interfering with applying God’s Word to your life. We end up questioning God’s Word. Satan want us to believe we can write our own instruction manual, and that it will be better than God’s. Sounds silly when you read it, but we get sucked into this mentality at least 20 times per day if we are honest with ourselves.

Today, make a commitment to learn more from the Bible. You could begin by setting up a plan of regular reading if you don't already have one. Even if you are already reading the Word faithfully, perhaps some of these suggestions will help:

Read reflectively. It's true that we gain valuable information from the Bible, but the key is for the information to become a part of us bringing about transformation in our lives. Read while specifically focusing on the content and what it reveals about what is going on inside you and how or why you are making your daily decisions as you do.

Read for powerful transformation. Be more concerned about quality of reading than quantity. Take time to think about what you are reading and let the Holy Spirit speak to you. After your reading, ask yourself how you see God, yourself, or your life differently. Then ask how will you use that information in some of your areas of struggle. Then plan, yes, plan to use it. Then practice it. Application of the Bible is paramount for transformation. Life is your decision, so choose well.

Prayer
Dear Father God, help me to truly turn my heart to wisdom and apply my heart to understanding and learning. I don’t want to be just a well-stocked spiritual library, filled with more knowledge and minimal application. Help me be open to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and teaching of how to apply this knowledge towards Godly living. Help me be disciplined, intentional, and strategic in the day’s battles. I pray this and all prayers in the name of the One whom You sent to teach me, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:1-5

Then you will again obey the Lord and keep all his commands that I am giving you today. “The Lord your God will then make you successful in everything you do. He will give you many children and numerous livestock, and he will cause your fields to produce abundant harvests, for the Lord will again delight in being good to you as he was to your ancestors. The Lord your God will delight in you if you obey his voice and keep the commands and decrees written in this Book of Instruction, and if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul. This command I am giving you today is not too difficult for you to understand, and it is within your reach.
Deuteronomy 30:8-11