It has always seemed to me that any task to be accomplished gained simplicity when I could have a check list in front of me, to check off as I completed each part of the greater task. I saw that happen in almost every area of life as nurses checked identifications, pilots checked pre-flight information, recipes were completed one line at a time. Lists of 'things to do' help organize both my mind and activities. So, when I was saved at age 24, and began to study God's Word, I began to understand the need for a personal application to the information I was receiving from God's Word. Like many, the admonition in the O.T. To "observe to do" was oftentimes a difficulty for me. It was only later in my spiritual growth that I began to see the importance of systematically seeking out the heart, mind, will and purpose of God for my life from His very words.

I saw, in 2 Timothy 3:15-17, a clear overview of the spiritual life journey from salvation in verse 15 to mature stability in verse 17. The "bridge" verse in verse 16 connected them together by the process of sanctification in the practical application of His God-breathed words. What a breath of spiritual fresh air that was to me!!!!! AND as a result, has changed my life dramatically, and been used of the Lord to assist others in their personal study of the Scriptures, decision-making dilemmas, and conflict resolution efforts.

Isaiah incorporates the very same sequence hundreds of years earlier, recorded in Isaiah 6. What are those steps, based on God's Holy Word, across the 'bridge' from salvation to stability? In the laying of a firm foundation base, Paul instructs Timothy that all Scripture is God breathed, and is profitable for four specific things. It is considering that 4 step progression of profitability that gives practical instruction for personal application

1.  Doctrine shows me the heart, mind, will and purpose of God as I see righteousness defined.

2. Reproof is seen as I measure my life by its Christ-likeness, comparing myself to His righteousness. A clear line of demarcation is drawn as I compare the righteous attitude of humility with the unrighteous pride. The righteous behavior of walking in the Spirit is distinctly contrasted with the unrighteous behavior of fulfilling the lust of the flesh. The righteous communication of speaking the truth in love stands in clear contrast to the unrighteous communication of speaking lies or of speaking truth with insensitivity.

3. Correction involves, in the words of the Psalmist, the spiritual turn-around of repentance. In Psalm 119:59, he said "I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies."

4. Instruction in righteousness is the practical application, going forward, in the Christian disciplines of spiritual victory. Regular Bible Study and meditation will provide the firm foundation for biblical living in the stewardship of money, time, and abilities. The every day skills of interpersonal relationships will be set toward evangelism and edification. Every decision will be considered in the light of glorifying God and profiting others.

God continues to comfort and guide me with His Word. May He bless you in that way, as well!

(C) 1992 N. A. Collins Limited copy permission for one personal file copy.

True peace is that quietness of heart and soul that only God can bring to a life. It is unrelated to the circumstances or situations in that life. It is the deep settled confidence in the promises of God. We know, according to Isaiah 57:21, that "there is no peace, saith The Lord, to the wicked". In His Word, however, God tells me of the two kinds of peace that believers know. The first is the positional peace that comes at salvation. Romans 5:1 is clear that "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:13 teaches us that the God of hope fills us with "joy and peace in believing"... The second is the practical "perfect peace" that comes to the believer whose "mind is stayed" on the Lord. The Apostle Paul would remind us in Philippians 4:7 that ..."the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." That kind of peace, as seen in the three previous verses, is a by-product of finding our joy in Jesus, living in constant awareness of the presence of God, and having a prayer life of supplication with thanksgiving. How shall I reconcile these promises with my anxieties and discouragement ?  The initial reconciliation, of course, is personal faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ on Calvary for my sin. As a believer, however, it must always be the identification, repentance and correction of my failure to stay my mind on the Lord, rejoice in Him, be aware of His presence and power, or demonstrate fervency in my approach to the throne of grace. Lord, help me to keep my mind fixed on You, and to walk in Your ways today, so that I know and show Your peace.

(C) 1992, 2014 N.A.Collins Limited copy permission for one personal file copy

.."That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts: and be renewed in the spirit of your mind: and that ye put on the new man, after which God is created in righteousness and true holiness."     Ephesians 4:22-24

The restructuring principle for displacing old nature habit patterns of sinful living with new nature habit patterns of righteousness rests on the renewing of the mind. That important Christian discipline does not occur simply by initial information, but by subsequent meditation and submission. The question to ask, on a continuing basis, about everything to which our senses relate, is that which has been presented in God's Word. It is simply, "What saith the Scripture?"

If I am to displace lying with truth- telling, when I ask that question, I will embrace Ephesians 4:25, which says "Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor; for we are members one of another."
Since the Holy Spirit of God wrote those words, and ministers them to the born again believer in whom he resides, upon meditation, the mind is renewed through the Scriptures by the Spirit. It is then, that the believer yields, or submits to that with which his mind is now renewed, and a changed life of biblical restructure is seen by all, giving glory to God.

When the issue being faced is one of righteous living as opposed to former unrighteousness, the question is asked, "What saith the Scripture?", Galatians 5:16 is meditated upon, having been renewed in the spirit of my mind, I will submit to walking in the Spirit, according to the words of Scripture, and will not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

If attitude or perspective issues are to be considered, and the question is asked, "What saith the Scripture?", Isaiah 26:3 becomes my meditation, and with my mind stayed on the Lord, my heart knows the perfect peace of God. What a blessing to rest on the promises of God!

                            (C) 2014 N.A.Collins Limited copy permission to one personal file copy