Do you know how to apply the Bible to your life? It can be so easy for us to read a verse, call it great, and put it “back on the shelf.” On Sunday my Pastor began a series teaching us how to apply God’s Word. Here is a statement he made that jumped out at me.
“We shouldn’t just read the Bible, we must LIVE the Bible.”
Becoming a radiant woman for God means more than just reading the Bible. We must apply the Bible to our life. Reading the Bible without applying it won’t make any difference.
My Pastor also said this…
“It is our responsibility to Apply God’s Word.”
No one will apply the Bible for us. We must learn to apply it ourselves with the Holy Spirit’s help. With those thoughts in mind. Let me share a simple tip we can use to apply God’s Word to our life… today.
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
One Simple Tip: The next time you read your Bible, think and plan how you can apply it to your life –today.
Let me give you an example.
In my devotions, I have been reading the book of Daniel. It turns out that Daniel was a great choice for the new year. There is so much I can learn from this book to apply to my own life!
While I am reading about Daniel I need to be thinking of ways to apply that part of God’s Word to my life… of course I decided to make a list. 🙂
How I can Apply what I learn from Daniel –Today?
- Daniel purposed in his heart not to defile himself with the king’s meat and wine {Daniel 1:8} I must purpose in my heart not defile myself with the things of this world.
- Daniel had enough courage to stand and not obey a worldly king’s wishes {Daniel 1:10} I need to have the courage to stand on my own and not give in to worldly influences.
- Daniel was given special knowledge and skill in learning and wisdom {Daniel 1:17} I can ask God to give me knowledge and skill in learning and also the guidance I need to seek knowledge and wisdom.
- Daniel prayed three times a day {Daniel 6:10-11} I need to spend time in prayer just like Daniel. Prayer needs to become a regular habit, a daily walking and talking with God.
Do you see where I am going with this? While we read the Bible, we can be searching for things to apply to our life in everyday ways. This will help us put the Bible into action, and will give us better focus while reading the Bible. While we are searching for things to apply, our minds will have less opportunities to wonder.
Now it’s your turn
I am a “list person” so naturally I used a list for an example. Maybe journaling would work better for you. Writing things down is one of the best ways to cement in your mind what you have learned. Take things a step further and tell someone about what you have learned. Most importantly, ask God to help you remember and apply what you have read in the Bible. We were made to live a victorious Christian life, not a defeated one. Let’s become women who read God’s Word and do it.
(I love my Life Application Study Bible which is very helpful for learning how to apply the Bible as well.)
{I Would Love to Know} Do you have any tips for applying the Bible to everyday life? Share in the comments below!
Very true. If we read the Bible without applying it, then we probably aren’t learning much through our Bible reading. I’ve been amazed how much I can apply to my life by one simple verse.
Yes!! Some verses have so many applications… We just have to look for them.
This is very true! I am going to start reading Proverbs because I know there are lots of verses there that will apply to my life!
Proverbs is a great book (one of my favorites!!). I hope you enjoy reading it!
It’s so great to look at your Bible reading with the intent to learn something to apply to your life! I tend to write notes on a separate sheet of paper as I read each chapter, and you’re right, it helps me remember the lessons more! 🙂
That’s a great idea… I’m glad you have found what works for you. Be sure to stick with it! 🙂 Writing is such a helpful tool. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Rebekah, for sharing just how important it is to walk the walk. Living out each day in His Word, by His Word, will draw us closer to the One we so love. Thanks for the examples as those help me be more clear on just how to live out the Word. The world is such a hard place now and our example of Christ may be the only Christ some may ever see in this life. We must walk in His ways. Glad we are neighbors at Grace & Truth.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Thank you, Linda! I’m glad the examples were helpful!
Thank you for sharing, I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
It really is so easy to read a verse and then not think of it again the rest of the day. I like your practical idea of writing out exactly how this can apply to our lives that day : ) Thanks for reminding us of the purpose of God’s Word – to grow and change us!
Yes it is… I often find myself forgetting the truths I read. It’s hard to live by the Bible when we forget what it says! Thank you for commenting and sharing!
Very true! I feel like Proverbs is probably the easiest book to really apply to my life. I struggle with this because I don’t always understand how to put it into perspective. Thank you for this!
You are welcome… I hope it was helpful 🙂