Back to Basics

For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

In March 2024 I had a mountain bike accident and hit my head quite badly. I had to go to the emergency care to get stitches above my eyebrow. It all could've been a lot worse and I'm so thankful for full recovery. However, after seeing a Doctor regarding treatment for the scar, he prescribed a specific ointment that I should use. He gave me directions as to how often I should apply it on the scar. After following that advice for almost a year, I can see the difference remarkably. The scar has healed and only a fine line is left when you look closely. 

As I was applying the ointment again one evening, I wondered what it would have looked like if I had never applied the treatment. It's one thing to buy the ointment and have it, but it's quite different from buying it and then applying it as well.

Do you know where I'm going with this?

Dear friend, how often do we have access to God's Word and His promises but we don't come to the point of applying it? If we have the truth, it will feel good, but there won't be any difference. It's when we start applying the truth that we start to notice the transformation. How often do we compromise for "mediocre" Christianity day in and out, when we have access to all of His promises and to so much more than what we could ever imagine? 

What is the difference between just having something or using that same thing to its full potential? It's the laying down of your own opinions and beliefs. It's obedience, submitting to an authority that is higher and more powerful than you. How can change then not take place?

I could've read the instructions every day of the specific ointment, but if I hadn't put it on physically, those instructions and their benefits would have never affected me. Does that make sense?

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

James 1:23-24 NIV

My Dad once gave me advice on a certain topic in the bible. I couldn't understand how we've made it so complicated in Christianity, his answer was short and sweet, yet powerful.

He said that if the word of God was so basic to understand, as it is, everyone would've obeyed it out of the wisdom and understanding of what it means to God in relationship with Him. But it is sometimes our pride that is withholding us to submit.

Dear friend, if we are struggling to understand something regarding the Truth of God, we might be dealing with more of an "under who we submit problem" than just a lack of knowledge. The Word of God is an open book, literally. It is alive, active and like the Word itself says, "sharper than a double edge sword" (Heb 4:13).

If you read it, it WILL change you, it is unlike any other book you've ever read. Actions will follow as we start reading and building a relationship with the King Himself (Acts 26:18).

It's time to get serious about the precious life-breathing, life-giving Word of God and its power to work in and through us for others.

Brandon Lake - That's who I praise (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv9nQ2rOu6g)