Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
I once took a class in speed reading. It was interesting and very helpful, but at the same time it lacked something. That something was application. I could scan over the pages of a book and at the end know very little of the author’s intent in writing the book. The same thing is true of our reading of the Bible.
Think of the times you have read a passage of God’s Word and later could recall nothing of what you had read. That is tragic. Think about the lives across the centuries that have been lost and the suffering that has been endured so that we can hold this precious book in our hands. It makes me slow down and consider just how dear these words should be to me.
Even with this thought in mind it is still sometimes difficult to grasp the meaning of certain passages. As I recall it was Henrietta Mears who suggested a manner of Bible study that has been very useful to countless students of the Bible. WHAT DOES IT SAY? WHAT DOES IT MEAN? HOW DO I APPLY IT TO MY OWN LIFE?
As we slow down and drink in the words we need to ask ourselves these questions. At the same time we need to understand that while the words may have been written by human hands the inspiration of the words come from God. God’s Word is living and active. It speaks to us in different ways and at different times to meet our need at just the right time. Above everything else we need the APPLICATION to make it real in our heart and life.
Praise God that He is the One who crowns us with love and mercy!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
—Pastor Cecil
P.S. – You can find previous E-Votionals covering a variety of Scriptures and topics to help you in your walk with the Lord at www.Daily-E-Votional.com
My book, 100 of Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations, is now available on Kindle books. Just go the Kindle store and type in “Pastor Cecil’s Select Illustrations,” or “Pastor Cecil Thompson.”