Open to Apply

The Bible

Open to Apply

The Bible is the infallible, inspired word of God. It is of God. It has been historically proven to be true. The manuscripts, scrolls, scripts, writings and recordings have been written, preserved and collected over two thousand years ago. Many texts were still being translated in the last century. There are many translations and many that should be researched so that you do not receive a watered down or philosophical translation of the original words. 

First, you have to open a book in order to read it. Or start it in order to finish it. I make a full confession. In two years since I picked up the Bible again, I have not finished it entirely. 

My favorite books of the Bible are Jeremiah, Isaiah and Luke. 

So many of us read the Bible as part of our study, a reading program or to memorize scripture. It becomes a plan. Or a to-do item. And over time we throw verses out like rice at a wedding. 

Some will compete in reading attempts, receive completion certificates or memorize verses for admiration. Even validate Bible looks with streaks. 

Many like me, will read scripture over and over, before and after a verse, just to make sure it was read the way it was written. To understand it.  To see the context. Sometimes I have to read some chapters and versus over and over just to try and understand it. Some verses I will study for long periods of time because of the personal impact it has. 

There are over a thousand commands in the New Testament alone to keep us from sin.  (1,050 to be exact).  And even one that says if you know something is good and don’t do it - it’s still a sin. It’s as if it was predetermined that we could never adhere. 

Scripture knowledge is very important. And reading the Bible should have purpose behind it, not just as part of a checklist in your daily life. It’s should be a daily read. More than once. As often as possible. 

Historical readings of God’s word employed exactness, was regarded as sacred and was never taken lightly.

Time was made, devoted and revered. Not excused away or hurried. Not held for the last item of the day. 

It’s not about the knowledge gained, but the wisdom used. We can learn as much as we can about a thing and do nothing with it, it’s still just a thing learned. Applying that knowledge, gains wisdom and provides purpose. We should be using what we are learning, not pretending. 

It’s not about how you interpret something, it’s how it’s applied in your life. 

The Bible is not open to interpretation. It’s open to application. We can’t bend and twist the words of the Bible to fit our lives because we won’t bend and twist our lives to fit the Bible. You must be willing to be obedient and sacrifice things that aren’t biblical. Period. 

It’s not how many times or how fast you can read it, it’s about allowing it to work in your heart, soul and mind. We should be giving the Bible to people as meaningful gifts, tools for growth and as standards for which to guide their life. It should be a tool for discipleship. The Bible should be carried everywhere we go and referred to as often as possible. It is our instruction manual for our lives. 

Growing a relationship with God through the Bible should be encouraged often and to as many people as possible. 

A book is just a book unless it changes your life. This is the only book I know that WILL change your life, when you read it and when you apply it. 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1:1‬

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬