Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” Luke 11:28 (NLT)
George and I are loving the retired life. I’m especially enjoying all the together time and the conversations shared.
Just last week, George talked about some of the shipboard drills done while he was in the Navy. Specifically, he shared how the repeated practice of training replaces the natural fear and adrenaline spike of danger.
One drill is done blindfolded. Yes, blindfolded! It’s designed for those times when visibility is at a minimum or even non-existent. Times when there is a fuel oil fire or a loss of power. This drill is practice for a time of duress and darkness; it’s meant to help every sailor do what’s got to be done and find their way topside without injury.
Today’s verse reminds me blessings come from practicing what I learn from God’s word. Just like those drills prepare sailors for the troubles of shipboard living, I can practice what I learn from God’s word and be prepared for the troubles of this world. (Matthew 7:24-27).
So, if blessing comes from practicing what it says in God’s word, I say…
Let’s be diligent to read the Bible on a consistent basis. Yes, all of it. When we finish, let’s read it again. We can read it in whatever order we choose, but let’s be sure not to skip anything. Why? Because every word was inspired by God and was written with purpose (2 Timothy 3:16).
The Bible reveals who God is. The entire book is about Him. Yes, there are a multitude of other characters, but He’s the main character from beginning to end. His written word reveals Him and His ways. Who He is and how He thinks and acts and responds.
The word of God reveals those areas where we need more practice. It’s living and powerful and exposes our innermost thoughts and desires (Hebrews 4:12).
And big praises! Jesus didn’t just tell us to practice what we learn from God’s word. No! He also gives every Jesus-follower a Helper (Holy Spirit). Holy Spirit understands what God’s word means and will help us understand and practice it too.
“Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NLT)
LORD, thank You for revealing Yourself in Your word. Thank You for Holy Spirit. Thank You for hearing me, forgiving me, and teaching me how to live a life of blessing here in this world of many troubles.
And LORD, thank You for each one reading this today. Give them a hunger to read Your word. Holy Spirit, help them understand what they read. Bless them as they practice living what they learn from reading Your word! Amen.
Would you like more information on how you can be a Jesus-follower and receive Holy Spirit as your Helper? Go to…https://peacewithgod.net/mobile/?utm_source=Microsoft&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=HowToGoToHeaven&utm_campaign=USPWGMobileSearchMic
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Like, Zoe, I have never drilled blindfolded to escape a life or death situation, but recently I had to learn a new way of doing things and how to handle new equipment efficiently and safely to protect myself and others.
Had I not had the fundamentals down pat and listened to those with experience and knowledge who were guiding me this would have been a much greater challenge and much more stressful. Knowing God’s word and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit makes life’s challenges a lot less daunting.
Zoë,
Thank you for your words of encouragement! And thank you for the video game comparison. You’re right, I would definitely need a lot of practice if I played video games. I have terrible eye-hand coordination skills!
When I compare my need to practice God’s word to my need to practice each level in a video game, I get another perspective on just how much discipline and determination practice requires. Thank you for sharing!
That was a wonderful post! I can’t relate to doing any training blindfolded, but I have played some video games that make you have to remember your surroundings. Walking around in the dark, or dusk falling and causing bad glares.(Yes, even video games are just as annoying as real life scenarios!) I know that it sounds silly, but even little things you relate to can help you understand things more clearly.
Thank you so much for sacrificing your together time/retirement and continuing to make posts to encourage others on in their daily lives. Whether they be stuck at home (like most of us) or having to go to work to put food on the table for their families, what you are doing is amazing and greatly appreciated!