Application

Some of the most frequent comments I hear are related to not knowing HOW TO DO those things that they know WHAT TO DO. This matter of application of scriptural truth seems to be a big black hole to many Christians who admit to real struggles in this area. What IS the answer? We are going to need to think theologically about God's plan and purpose for our lives, then restructure our thought patterns with predictably resultant life changes. We know from Revelation 4:11, Colossians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:1, and 1 Corinthians 6:19-20that we are to please / glorify God. Jeremiah 29:11 communicates that God has thoughts of peace toward us, to bring us to an expected end. Romans 8:28-29 reminds us of that purposeful end as being conformity to Christ. So - with that foundational understanding of our singular life purpose to be like Jesus, to the magnification, exaltation and glory of God - how can we infuse that into a practical application of the Scriptures each day? From each passage read, ask God which verse within that passage that He would want you to focus on for the remainder of the day. Identify in your mind the character and nature of God that you have seen either within the passage, or from your basic knowledge of Scripture. In this life, we demonstrate our hearts by the allegiance we give in our thoughts, our walk, and our talk, that is, the fruit of our lips. Thus, in order to make a basic life application to God's Word, we can use what I have called an ABC application. The following explanation will help you to see the suggested manner in which to do so: Read Philippians 4:4-7, the key verse being 7. Write vs 7 out on a 3x5 card. Under the verse, thinking of God's character and nature, write: A for the attitude that is like Christ....what to THINK. (Confidence in God) what specifically B for the behavior that is like Christ....how to WALK ( peace & stability) what will you do, to whom, when as God brings to mind C for the communication that is like Christ...how to TALK (prayer/praise) specific items, people, places as God brings to mind throughout the day, every hour or so, thoughtfully read that card aloud, along with the reference at the beginning and at the close. May God encourage your heart as you strive to apply His Word today!

(C) 1993 N.A.Collins - limited copy permission for one personal copy