I used to think reading my Bible was about me.
When I was in junior high, I flung open my turquoise Student Study Bible any time I needed a pick me up or some friend advice. I wanted God’s Word to work like a vending machine—just punch in the right letters and numbers, and out pops a little something to satisfy my latest craving. To me, the Bible was full of moral lessons that were immediately useful and directly applicable to my current situation. Context or no context, I wanted everything in the Bible to be either about me, or a direct word to me.
Maybe this is why I arrived at adulthood with an involuntary cringe when the word “apply” was used in reference to the Bible. I have grown weary of extrapolating a pithy moral every time I close my Bible, like cracking open a fortune cookie after enjoying a plate of Kung Pao chicken. As I have grown in relationship with God, I’ve learned that a tidy takeaway isn’t what I’m really after anyway.
The Bible contains all we need to know for godly living, but we would be foolish to approach God’s Word looking only for how it applies to us, or others, and forgetting to find what it says about Him.
Read Romans 8:1–4 and ask yourself, “What does this mean?” and “What does this say about God?”
Another common mistake we make is to take well-known verses or phrases and apply them to people or situations out of context. Gordon Fee says in his book, How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth, “If you take things out of context enough, you can make almost any part of Scripture say anything you want it to. But at that moment you are no longer reading the Bible, you are abusing it.”
Look up the commonly misquoted or misunderstood verses below, and read them in context (with the verses before and after). For a better, more accurate understanding of what the text is saying, ask, “What does this mean?” instead of “What does this mean for me?”
The LORD will fight for you, and you must be quiet (Exodus 14:14).
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires (Psalm 37:4).
I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13).
I admit, I still open my Bible some days seeking to find myself instead of Jesus. I want His Holy Word to serve me rather than rule me. It takes God’s grace to remember that applying His Word to our hearts is a work of the Holy Spirit, and that it must be applied appropriately. Let’s ask Him for that grace today through prayer.
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340 thoughts on "Apply Truth Appropriately"
Ooooh I needed that reading today. I am always searching for how God’s word applies to me, and will now take all pieces I find and file them away, asking what it means and how I may use it to SERVE the Lord. Amen
Amen, Lord please allow me to grow closer to you through your word.
Let me be able to read and apply Gods word. Amen.
Amen thank you for correcting me Lord
Lord I ask that you help me to see YOU in scripture!
Lord, I trust in You and your path that you have set for me. Be with me as I read the scriptures to learn more about You and draw closer to You.
I needed this reminder as I too often try to apply everything in scripture to my life and circumstances but I need to look more of what God is saying to His people as a whole and less about me!
Lord, help me too see who you are in scripture
I as well do the same thing when I open my bible it’s about me and what I can get from it or if it’s related to an I’m automatically thinking who it applies to to. Thank you for teaching me how to turn that to God!
Thank you for reminding me to seek God in the scriptures as much as I seek validation for myself.
Lord I want to find You in the scriptures…not me!
God, please guide me to your holiness
Amen this is so good. You can’t just look at one part of the puzzle, you have to see the whole picture to see it’s true meaning and beauty. I am try to stop worrying about myself so much when I’m reading the Bible, but this Bible study is really helping!!
I related as well I never realized I was doing this when trying to read the bible I looked up every verse she suggested and it makes so much more sense Lord help me that I might avoid doing this now that I’m aware of it
I never thought about the needing the Holy Spirit to apply the word to my life, but it makes sense. I don’t know where God is taking me, and I’m essentially look for the word to apply to me in a way that will guide and lead me to where God wants me. So in order to do that I will deff need the Holy Spirit
Wow strongly related to feeling like I open my Bible just for me some days instead of trying to find God’s truth or to meet Jesus. Lord help me to remain steadfast in your ways and your goodness
This was eye opening for me!
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, – 2 Timothy 3:16
I love that this talked ant reading in context. It is important as things are sometimes misconstrued when read out of context.
Rule me not serve me
I didn’t finish reading your suggestion only because I was running late to work, but even though I only got halfway through it, it was incredibly helpful! Thank you for sharing! ♡
This is so true. Very eye opening
Wow. We open our Bible hoping to find something that will help us instead of reading The Word to find more of Him
This was perfect timing for me. It truly prepared my heart and mind this morning. My church is taking its high school and middle school students on a winter retreat this weekend. I am so excited to use this teaching to help transform the mindsets of my students from “what’s in this trip for me” to “where is god in this trip”
Jesus was selfless, not selfish. We must do our best to do the same.
Jesus was selfless, never selfish. We must do our best to do the same.
Day Four, God is good.
I love the apologetics talk that Stand to Reason gave at a Reality youth conference in the past called “Never Read a Bible Verse” that focused on this exact thing about needing context. Here is a related article. https://www.str.org/w/never-read-a-bible-verse
This word was very helpful especially when looking at how scripture is wielded and the meaning is warped when we take it out of it’s intended context as well as making it about what we’d prefer over how God would expect us to handle and embrace the situation. Thank you for this!
Really enjoyed this reading and gentle readjustment of our focus. I sometimes feel like my structured 90s youth group experiences of so much “topical” study led to the kind of bite-sized devotions and person-focused study that I find myself guilty of so often. The reminder that the Bible is here to teach us about God and also to read verses in context is an essential one!
I love 2 Peter 1:16-21. It comes across to me now so honestly like the author is really trying to get people to understand that Jesus was not myth but rather real and witnessed
Help me know you anytime I open the Bible…Knowing you will help know me
Give me grace to allow your word to rule me♥️
Give me grace to allow your word
Idk how to delete that. I enjoyed this devotion. I love this approach to my time with God.❤️
My new approach to Devotion and study is to all the word to rule me, not serve me.
Excellent point. Do I come to God’s Word for myself or to seek Jesus?
Such a great devotion, thank you!
This one is SO GOOD! I am guilty of seeking the Word to get something out of it instead of seeking Him and getting to know Him which therefore, inevitably, I’ll gain from either way!
So true..so true. So many times I pick up the bible for answers to my worldly problems. That isn’t a bad thing but it used to leave be conflicted when my worldly problem wasn’t solved. I am now trying to read to understand and come closer to God. To have a relationship and connection with our Lord. And no much a magic wand to make my worldly problems disappear.
I needed a reminder today and this was it. Thank you!!!
Amen! Praying for grace and wisdom ❤️
When I went to go read Romana 8:1-4 I started crying because It hit me exactly the sacrifice the lord made on our behalf but also that Jesus called out in the mist of his pain for the lord to forgive us because we did not know what we do…….that broke me. I want to do all I can to honor that sacrifice and those words!
This gave me a new way to look at all scriptures and even changed my understanding of what it means to apply them
I think it natural progression that we start out looking at the Word for ourselves. Then as we grow, we see it’s not about us, but about God and others. Just like children start out in life about themselves, they then grow and see the world is not about them but about others. God gives us grace.
This reading help to remind me that I am here to serve the Lord, and not the other way around. I should not seek Him out of convenience. I must seek Him to know Him, so that we are in a relationship together ❤️
I totally NEEDED this!! ❤️
I came to the study seeking peace for myself. What I need to be doing is seeking to learn more about who God is and what He wants for me. In doing that, I will find peace.
Lord give us grace so we can live out your word each and every day
I agree that we should open our Bibles to seek Jesus , but in doing so we will more than likely find something about ourselves and also about others. It all comes when The One Is sought whether we realize it or not.
I agree that we should open our Bibles to seek Jesus , but in doing so we will more than likely find something about ourselves and also about others. It all comes
Oh my goodness, I LOVED DAY 4!!!
this put a lot of things into perspective for me
I have most definitely abused the word for my own use, so glad to be learning how to grow.
I have definitely abused the bible. Not intentionally. I think that as I read and study more it will help me apply and study the bible correctly. Love this perspective!
Lord help me to not abuse your word. Instead focus on the qualities of virtue, knowledge, self control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection and love.
Such a great perspective. I’ve never thought about it like this. I’ve definitely abused the Bible without realizing.
This makes sense. Very guilty of this myself.
Lord, help me to want your Word to rule and guide me, not serve me
I didn’t even think of the approach I had when I came to the Bible. As selfish people, of course it’s the first thing we look to is how it applies to us. I love the teaching of changing that approach!
Great things to think about!
This is a good reminder. Seek Him not myself.
It honestly opened my eyes to what I catch myself doing on the daily. I open my Bible to see what God is saying for me or others. The Word is not about me, it’s about Jesus. And I need to start taking myself out of it and start thinking what is this saying about Jesus. Love this study!
THIS WAS SO GOOD!!!! we constantly want God’s word to serve us instead of it ruling
19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, – 2 Peter 1:19. I loved this verse; my job is to keep focusing on God, even when He is only a distant light in the darkness I have created. I keep waiting for the sudden rising of the morning star, but my consistency is called for first…
❤️ I pray that I can take myself out of the equation when opening my bible. Help me to realize that the Word is not about me, although it is for me, but it is about Jesus.
We have everything we need for life and godliness THROUGH the KNOWLEDGE of God- and that knowledge comes from His revealed Word. ❤️
Lord, forgive us if we tend to cherry-pick the verses that we want, or what we think applies to our situation. Give us the grace to apply the truth appropriately and seek to know about You every time we come to Your Word.
Going through those commonly used (low key, abused) verses was.. Wow! Oops. I’ve been doing that all wrong!!
Doing through those commonly used (low key abused) verses was.. Wow! Oops
Same here! As an adult, I didn’t realize how much I do this. Lord, help me to find YOU in the Word!
This definitely hit home with me.
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Lord, I invite the Holy Spirit to guide me when I read your words so as to not get in my own way but read your word and apply it truthfully and with love.
How is it that I keep learning new things when it comes to Jesus? It’s amazing. It’s not about me. It’s about Him. It’s about His word and how to live a life that glorifies Him. I’m finding so much peace now a days when I read His word and it’s so so sweet. ❤️
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This is the second time today I have felt like I was being told to start memorizing scripture (actually, I think this might be the third) but to do so by taking the whole chapter in context.
I was just having a conversation with someone about needing grace so ending with a prayer for grace was very helpful today
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Loved the verses given today. Just needed this reminder as I read scripture. It’s all about Jesus!
Just what I needed to hear.
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It’s easy to take words that were aimed at a specific person or situation and apply them more broadly when is not called for. Thank you for the reminder that *I* am not at the center of God’s plan and his word, and, as such, not everything applies to me directly.
It seems that Moses was prescribing inaction “stand back and watch the Lord work (v 13)” and ” the Lord will fight for you (v 14)” when God was calling for action. In essence, “why are you crying for me to fight for you when you should be telling the children of Israel to move? (v 15)” Moses was right in predicting that the Lord would save them, but perhaps God did it in a way that Moses wasn’t expecting. Am I misreading this?
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I think much of the devotional was true. I definitely have been one to open my bible and try and take a message to apply to me (which isn’t wrong in and of itself)… but I can see where my motive can be wrong. I reread some of the misquoted texted and do feel like context is key. This has been one of my pet peeves throughout my religious experience (ministers taking things out of context for the sake of their message), but I’m not sure how Exodus 14:14 is taken out of context? Any thoughts?
I loved this devotion today!! I struggle with applying the Word to be directly about myself rather than about our Lord!
Balm to my soul
Great devotional!
Amen. “What is this saying about God “? Is the guiding question!
Love the line in the Devo, about searching for Him in scripture not for me!!!
Technical question…in the Devo part that has us look up verses is there a hyperlink right there or do you open the Bible tab and scroll back and forth? Can anyone else tell me if we can make a note within the Devo or just in the Bible? Thanks. I’m new at this app but really like it
Wow! So good
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I was listening to a pastor preach and he DISD something that echoes this devotional that really stuck with me: he said often times we go to God looking for a miracle, and often times they will leave with the miracle. But those who come looking for His presence in communion leave with more than a miracle, they leave with his presence and his power
The Bible points to the God we should look to instead of us searching the Bible for that piece of a dice we need in our current situation,
Advice^
We can not love what our head does not know. I pray that my love for God would abound more and more in knowledge and wisdom as I read the word
Amen!
Praise god
this really opened my eyes and convicted me, thank you for this.
Reading the Bible is about learning more about God and how to become more like him.
When you read the Bible looking for God you won’t take parts out of context to apply to your own life.
I think we’ve all probably been guilty of this. Looking for what the word can do for us rather than using it to learn about God and how to use it as a guide. The word is for us, but it’s not about us. This is an eye opener for sure. Lord, help me to be less selfish in my pursuit of you.
Thank you for this. I have always opened the bible and said what does this mean for me. It is clear to me which we should seek
I think that is part of studying the Bible and does need to be looked at, but we also need to look at what we are taught about God in the passage, how it convicts us and what the Spirit is speaking to us.
Such a beautiful reminder, thank you.
What a wonderful understanding. Going to the Bible to seek how it can “rule” you. Wow! So clarifying. Thanks!
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God’s Word is for me but not about me.
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So many times I come to God in prayer asking for me, me, me and I do the same with the Bible. “This will fill me up” or “I can start my day out right”. Bible reading is beneficial no matter how selfish I am in the pursuit, but how much sweeter is it to want to learn about my Father, to crave Him and not my agenda.
Well said. Peace
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Whenever something bad happens, I have always been guilty of going to the Bible for a clear, concise answer to my problem. I am learning to love God better and to be less selfish in these ways. This message has just been another stepping stone for me in my journey with Christ. Thank you
What a great reminder. Lord, may I read your Word and look for YOU and not myself!
Such a great reflection! I never realized I was a vending machine kind of reader until now. This simple view change releases me from both the pressure to understand how to apply each reading to my life and also removes the disappointment and frustration when I can’t hear anything speaking to me! I am free to just sit with the Word. ❤️
This is a brand new concept to me that I had never considered before!
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Wow definitely needed to hear this. I never thought of this as an issue until now. Lord I want to read your Word to know you, not to serve me
Such a humbling read! I am reminded to get out of the way and let God step into the limelight…especially in His own Word!❤️
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Wow. That spoke volumes
Absolutely needed. What parts of the Bible to y’all often take out of context?
needed this!
Wow, just wow! Love this study!
His Word is meant to rule me, not serve me. Amen. So let it be.
Yes!! In Jesus Name! ❤️
I wish I’ll always be reminded to let His Word rule me instead of serve me. Very convicting!
So good!
We shouldn’t take Gods word to try to make it fit our situation or align it to what we like, but we should take Gods work and hold it up to our lives to make sure we are crossing every T and dotting every I!
This is exactly what I needed to hear today!
This was great!! I’m gonna be honest here, this NEVER occured to me until know. But now that it has occured I’m starting to see that and from now on til the day I die I’m gonna work on this because this is one thing I KNOW I can do better. Thank you for sharing, the word was amazing!!!
Not seeking to serve me but seeking the love and purpose of Jesus in me and through me.
Amen!!
I need to remember to not read his word and expect the words I read to cure my current situation. Spend time with God. That’s what I need to spend time with God and allow those words to glorify him and let his word rule my life.
Amazing!! Didn’t know I had this problem either!
So good!!
I agree! Whew lol
God gives us strength!
This brought up a problem I didn’t even know I had! Thank you!❤️
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Love
This was so good. Seek Him first. ❤️
Great reminder that we can change the meaning when we read only to satisfy our own needs…
All meaning is context dependent
Amen
Great reminder
Brought an insight I didn’t even know I needed! Wow!
Praying that I’d be using God’s Word instead of abusing it to fit my own context.
So true, context can change the meaning of anything. It is important to read the Bible as God intended it, not how we have wanted to see it.
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wow so good!
The Bible isn’t about me, but it’s about what God is doing.
I like how in second Peter 1:3-8 that it said that if we keep increasing our godly traits by spending time with him, we will be effective and productive in our knowledge of Christ. I think that’s so important to remember as we want to share the gospel of others, but it all starts with Jesus.
I want Gods word to rule me.. wow. So good! Praying this today.
Gosh this was so good, the Bible is not about us all the time, it’s about learning more about God’s character- and then asking the Holy Spirit to help us reflect that character in our lives. Thank you for reminding us of this because often I forget it!
Context is so important! Thank you for the reminder!
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“I want his holy Word to serve me, rather than rule me.” Wow… that is convicting me tonight! Such good truth!
love this message.
It’s so easy to pick and choose a verse that could apply to your life right now but whether the context is there or not depends on if you’re using it correctly. Understanding that the word is to help you understand Gods place that then leads to you understanding yours.
Thank you God for showing me that I’m guilty this so I may be better at reading it for you and less for me
I’ve always felt like I don’t know the Bible enough—like I should be flipping to a certain verse for every situation similar to the illustration of reaching for the fortune cookie after a bowl of yummy asian cuisine. Reflecting on my life, I’ve noticed that there have been times where verses have popped into my head in the form of a song or from something a person said. I feel that at those times God’s Word and Truth were being revealed to me in a very genuine way. I don’t need to worry so much about being a text-book smart student of the Bible but staying focused on faithfully following and growing in relationship with Christ a little more every day. Thank you God for loving me no matter my knowledge of scripture and for the sacrifice you gave before my heart knew you.
Gods word is not meant to serve me, but for me to find God and for me to be ruled by His Word.
This passage really spoke to me. I feel like for so long I was approaching the Bible in the same way. I kept trying to find lessons or applications to what was happening to me. Thanks so much for letting me know I’m not the only one!!!!
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Praise God for His grace, that He does not allow His followers to continue in our old ways. That there is correction. Thank You God for showing us it is You alone we need and who we should be getting to know everyday.
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Jes- I also heavily related to this. Too often with good intention we loose sight Him in the process (going off track to meet our own need). God will meet that need if we just follow him first!
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I pray the Lord will continue to convict me to be ruled by His Word instead of trying to twist it to fit my agenda. Reading this reminded me just how forgiving and loving God is, He’s been patient as I’ve done my own thing, never once ruling me out as a daughter. So grateful
God’s Word is meant to rule over me and allow me to know Him more! His word was not meant to serve me. A wonderful speaker I heard once said that if we go to Gods Word to find inspiration we will be disappointed, but if we go to Gods Word to find God we will be successful every time!! ❤️❤️
This is good and really gives me food for thought! Rearranges my attitude when I read His Word – God, help me know you better through reading your words to us!
I’ve lived off that vending machine for too long!
Well that was an awakening. I have been using the Bible vending machine for my own fulfillment and never even thought twice about it. No excuses now
I honesty related to this more than I thought I would. It’s not about finding me but finding Him.
Wow, I never really thought that I was seeking The Word so selfishly as a child. Just like Raechel, I was seeking the Bible for answers and not what God was trying to tell my convictions. This really made me think about how I read and comprehend the Bible.
Me too!
Thank you for the reminder that not everything in His Word has an application to ME. I can learn more about His nature, which is even more important and beautiful. ♥️
I kept thinking of the hymn “Every hour I need thee” as I read this. In a world of checklists and digital trackers I tend to create reading/prayer space as another “to do” and this hit me in regards to no amount of Bible reading, praying, etc. will make us worthy we need Him every hour.
Related deeply ❤️
This was a really good reminder for me to reevaluate my intentions for reading my Bible
Wonderful
Wow,this reading brought to light the meaning of James 1:23 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. We are God’s children all the time!
Lord, remind me daily to look for You in Your Word!
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2 Peter 1:5-8 is a great New Years resolution for 2021
I’m glad I’m not the only one who finds herself doing this. I know better. I pray for conviction to be better.
Not sure who said this originally, but it’s a quote that has stuck with me: “Text out of context is pretext for a proof text.”
I will always find myself doing this! Soo convicted thank you!
i loved listening to The Bible Project’s overview video of Philippians today. it really gave me an idea of what Paul meant by his closing statements in Philippians 4:13 (one of the most misquoted scriptures). Paul didn’t mean for it to be a an encouraging sports quote but to remind the Philippians where his true source of strength was in whatever hardship he underwent for the way he chose to live in light of the kingdom of God and who Jesus is.
I STILL find myself doing this, making the Bible about me. Lord, help me to find YOU as I read my Bible each day.
This is such a good reminder to start off 2021!
Really thought provoking and encouraged me to read the Bible as a way to get to know God rather than reading it as a self-help book.
I LOVE how she talks about how we often was the bible to serve us rather than rule us! Letting the bible rule me is something i don’t often think of and i am in awe of how i read the word now.
CONVICTED! Wow! I am so guilty of doing the same thing, expecting a magic answer for my current situation. This is something I need to work on fixing
So good! ❤️
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I’m always trying to find ways to heal and although I pray for his healing hands- I go to websites and other people for answers. I realized I dont know who God is and I never knew him. I claimed I did. I know I have to be reminded only to go to him
Thanks for a better way to look at scripture.
I want to seek God’s Will in my life & stop seeking what I think it should be. I try not to take God’s Word out of context. Thank you for this encouragement for the day & the new year!
I was writing down the typical New Years Resolutions (lose 20 pounds, read more books, go to church more, improve my marriage) not feeling particularly connected to any of them. Then I read these verses.
2 Peter 1: 5-8
For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our LORD Jesus Christ.
I could connect every one on my goals for 2021 to this verse. I want to start centering my goals towards increasing these qualities and using my goals as a way to honor Christ.
This applies to me so well, I really feel like I need answers to my prayers immediately, and will play “Bible roulette” to get that answer. In reality I should let God work these things out on His timetable.
6knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with godliness,
Needed this! I think this will help with the reading the Bible in one year. Because I am seeking to know God and not myself.
Want to join
I needed to hear this. I’m always trying to figure out some answers for situations or people in my life. I’ve always wished that part of my brain would be quiet while I read so it doesn’t manipulate what I’m reading. I don’t want my brain constantly filling in the possible scenarios while I read. I just want the truth as it was meant, not each word wrapped around a particular situation or person. I wish I could shut it off better.
Iv never looked at this in this way before
It’s always about Jesus. <3
This is so refreshing. I felt the reproof and correction it made to my mind and heart very sternly but not in an offensive kind of way. Wow. Thank You, Lord, for Your grace.
Valerie thank you for sharing this Truly it is about GOD
Something my Pastors wife always points to is context. I admit this can be challenging but it’s important I appreciate this reminder today
Wow. It’s definitely easy to forget sometimes that it’s not about me, it’s about God. I’m grateful for this community that continuously points me to Jesus!
Do not let God’s Will be misinterpreted with your own desires or your own will.
Appreciate this insight. It really resonates with me.
Light shining in a dark place. ✨
This really hit hard for me. I felt the same way about using the Bible as a rule book or just a quick fix for my life. Instead it is about God not me. This is for me to learn who He is and His love for me. I have been trying to really focus on this this past year. I am so thankful for the privilege to study and soak up His goodness.
This is so aligned with my prayer to “fix my heart on hearing/studying God’s word AND doing it”. Love mediating on these scriptures ❤️
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Thank you for this very deep topic that was so well explained. Oh how true that many times we can grab a verse from the Bible for its face value, and run with it, thinking it will work for to our advantages. I encountered this issue at my early stage walking with the Lord, seeing no fruit, and me questioning if God truly keeps his promises. And then someone told me, God is the constant, the Word of God is the constant, and I am the variable. Something must be wrong. And voila, it’s my understanding of His Word was wrong. How many times the claiming “I can do all things through Christ who enables me” falls short or flat out does not work. I am at fault because my understanding was off and therefore the result was skewed. Praise God He is still there, helping his children to mature in our understanding of the knowledge about Him. I am so thankful for this powerful reminder today, that the Bible is about God and Him pouring his heart out through words, hoping to form and shape the readers into His divine nature. The Word is to help me becoming Him. All scriptures are inspired by God to equip us for His good works on earth. Praise God for His Love and immeasurable wisdom.
I love that yesterday’s reading was talking about conviction, and then today’s reading convicted me of my own selfish heart. What a way to start 2021 with a my eyes opened to Jesus in a new light ❤️ thank you God for revealing more of yourself to me.
I am at fault of this. I am really wanting to live by Christ Jesus to my fullest. I never knew this was wrong by relating verses to my life, I thought this was the way. Thank you for showing me this and what a perfect time to see, right in the beginning of my starting worship! God is speaking to me strongly.
Such a great message, thank you!
Amén ❤️
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I actually love the word “apply” love because it reminds me that the God of the Bible intends to transform me into His image. But “apply” doesn’t always have to mean “do”… Application can mean growing in belief.
For example—the last passage teaches that the whole Bible is about Jesus. “Do I believe that? Lord, help me to believe it more. Help me to correct my thoughts when they don’t believe it…” etc.
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Love this. All so true
Raechel has one of my special verses down as being miss quoted — Philippians 4:13. The Christmas after my son’s death my sister-in-law gave me a bracelet with this verse on it and ever since then it has been special. It has gotten me through many a jam.
The Bible is a friend when you need one, a confidant when needed, and the history of our religion. A history that I am proud of. No matter what your denomination if you are a Christian the Bible is a history of your roots and your faith.
Happy New Year to all of you my sisters in Christ.
As I was reading 2 Peter 1-8 this morning, I reread 2 Peter 1:5. I’ve read it before, but today, I stopped and looked up each word and wrote down a more biblical meaning of virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, and Godliness. I have experienced a refreshed desire to cultivate each virtue in my life. Knowledge- examples, truths, and commands that God wants me to know. Self-control-A sign that Christ is with me. It grows in me as I choose to die to my flesh and live in Him. Steadfastness- a firm belief, endure patiently. Godliness-a personal attitude toward God that results in actions that are pleasing to Him. I was gently convicted as I wrote each definition, especially steadfastness, endure patiently. Just yesterday, my prayer was about why God won’t answer my prayers the way I want Him to answer. Why won’t He heal the people I want to be healed, fix the situations I want to be fixed, and reveal and correct the evils I want to be exposed. But today, I read steadfastness means to endure patiently. Then Godliness – a personal attitude toward God that results in actions that are pleasing to Him. As I prayed to God, telling Him how I want to please Him, I was again gently convicted. I want to please Him so that He will please me…The Holy Spirit just revealed to me a truth I wasn’t able to see or name before. Now I have a new goal to pursue these virtues in a new way, making it all about Him and asking for forgiveness when shown my errors or sins. Thank you, Angie for your perspective today, I liked when you said, “I am loved the same. His love doesn’t grow stronger because of anything I do.” So good! Thank you SRT staff, SRT sisters, and our Heavenly Father, for His Word that teaches, rebukes, and guides.
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This one hit home!!! It is amazing to think how many times I was using the Bible instead of truly taking in the lessons the Bible has to teach!! Ready to start 2021 listening instead of using!!
Humbled and reminded where I need to look and to whom I depend and sit at his feet. Not about me it is all about Him.
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Woah! I felt this one. I grew up thinking “Oh the Bible is there to teach me things about how to navigate my life.” Which yes it is, but greater than that, it is here to teach us about God. That’s what I need to be focused on this time around.
Thank you Rachel for sharing this wisdom today. Perfect way to end the old and start anew.
Arlene – I journal everyday as well! I love this idea. I used to write 3 things I’m thankful for but I believe starting 2021 I’ll write “father God you are..” thanks for this idea!!
I haven’t been to church all of 2020 & have only been relying on devotions – this one really hit home. I’ve been looking at these devotions to guide my current emotions but what I should be doing is reading them to learn more about Gods character.
I have gotten caught up in this type of thinking many times! Selfish humans by nature. I am thankful God is teaching us and sanctifying us. He is teaching me how to read and study the Bible properly!
It’s interesting to look back on this past year – last New Years a lot of my hopes were centred around me, non of them were inherently bad, but my actions were based on what I wanted and trying to find fulfillment. Now going into this new year I find myself in the place of wanting God and everything he has for me. And I am so thankful to be in this position!
I definitely agree about the context and how important it is, but sometimes it’s so helpful to have those verses to get through what I need at that time.
Amen!
Ouch.
Point taken.
Father, please bless me with Holy Spirit wisdom, revelation and discernment as I read your Word. Amen
My experience is very similar to the author’s. Time to shift focus on the source!
What a great reminder that the Bible is Truth in itself. When I read it I take in Truth. Truth changes me.
You know, I have always highlighted verses in my Bibles. For various reasons. And looking thru my Bible this morning, I was seeking to know if the verses were about me or about Him. Because, yes, I too am guilty of looking for me. But, not always as my highlights were mostly about God. Whew! But quite an eye opener for me. So thankful for the wisdom shared this morning.
Blessings and hugs to my sisters as this year closes. ❤️
I journal every day alongside this reading and write it as a letter to God. I start off the letter with “Father God you are…..”. This has really helped me to focus on what the scripture has said about God first before I look at how it applies to me. I haven’t commented much but like many others have mentioned, I have so much appreciated the comments here, they have helped me grow in my walk with Jesus. You have taken me out of my little corner of the world and shown me that God is at work in His church around the world. His Kingdom is advancing. Praying alongside all of you as I read your comments.
I pray Numbers 6:24-26 over all of you for the coming year
I was introduced to a wonderful church 20 some years ago. I was hungry to know God. I grew up fearing Him and turning away. It was very ritualistic. But 20 years ago my eyes were opened in a different way. I’m so thankful for that. I wish I would have had faith in my younger years, I believed yet had no relationship with Him. I hunger for the words truth and teachings. They make life easier to endure. Give peace in times of unrest. Through the advent study I felt that I began to look more at God and the gift He gave us through Jesus. I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to open my eyes and bless me with the relationship I long for with God.
Such a good point— to change my focus.
Reminded all the times that God only wants me to hear His heart. When the Word goes in my heart the Holy Spirit will put it to use and I will be closer to knowing who HE is and what HE is all about. HE teaches me life lessons and how to be. Watch alertly and catch Him moving thru His creativity, His grace, His mercy, His love, His correction, His consequence, His Godcidents, …
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How freeing to know it is not about me! Reading Scripture reveals who God is. May his written Word point me to the Living Word,Jesus!
The quote, “The Bible contains all we need to know for godly living, but we would be foolish to approach God’s word for how it applies to us, or others, & forgetting to find what it says about Him.” really got me- I don’t often approach the Bible as a way to learn more about God… it’s often used more like a user’s manual… I need to change that!
What a fresh revelation on New Year’s Eve!! Thank you for this. I have a “resolution” now, not that I was searching for one or needing one but non the less this reading comes at a very ideal time. As I step into 2021, I will embrace reading the Bible as who Jesus is much more than what God will give me and what I can get out of it. Happy New Year!!
I agree with this wholeheartedly, but also still believe that He gives us His word as comfort and joy and peace …. it is a gift in so many ways
I have seen a huge difference in my faith since having the desire to learn more about Jesus rather than reading to find answers to my current situation. I was looking for a quick fix instead of intently learning about the Bible. Once I got more dialed in and sincerely interested in God’s Word my faith has grown so much!
This is so eye opening and such a powerful message. Thank you for sharing!
So good! I needed to hear it when Raechel said “I want His Holy Word to serve me rather than rule me.” Yikes! It makes me look at how I’ve been approaching the Word, and probably it’s been in a “serve me” way.
I also loved 2 Peter 1:3-8. So encouraging to me!
Love these scriptures and the reminder of the usefulness of God’s Word.
Happy New Year! God Bless each of you/us in our walk with Him in 2021.
I wish more people were able to understand this, and how damaging it can be to abuse the Bible. I’ve seen so much fallout because verses were taken out of context. :/ Thanking God for the teachers that have come alongside me to help guide me in my studies and the Holy Spirit for helping me understand more deeply what I read.
I’m so humbled by these verses today. Whenever something bad happened, I’d run to my Bible and ask God to fix it. I realized I never really took time to study and get to know God in his fullness. We are like a fast food society. We want it, and we want it now. However, with God, we get to know him through a slow simmer. In 2021, I’m focusing on slowing down and having a true slow simmering relationship with God, so I can listen and be guided by him. ❤️
I am the same. I didn’t realize I often look to the word to see how it apples to me instead of seeking where Jesus is in all of it. I do want a quick answer or yes I am right about something..Thank you for this word.. His grace…Thank you Holy spirit for your grace :-)
I will read my Bible differently from now on. What an eye opening lesson today!
2peter 1:5-8 hit me hard. I need to let those thoughts sink in
So important to read the Word in context. Thank you for always sharing truth and wisdom.
(Whoops, accidentally sent that before complete.). ….instant gratification I need to slow down, seek God to know him more fully. Thanks SRT!
Great perspective shifter and reminder of our purpose for spending time in the Word. ♥️ It’s all about Him!
Wow this has been a convicting message for me today. I always need to be reminded of it’s all about him and not me. After all I can be selfish for sure! Thank you for this
“Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4. I had this memorized (when I was young) thinking just as Raechel did. If I delight myself in Him, He will give me what I want.
Oh…..(and I sigh deeply) i’m so glad because of Jesus and only because of Jesus I have grown in HIM.
So good! I’ve been a Christian my entire life and 99% of the time I look for myself rather than God when I read the Bible! Just a sobering exhortation today’s reading. Thank you SRT leaders cause you are truly encouraging us to seek Christ!
I had not really thought about how I approach God’s Word either! For now on I want to approach His Word looking for Him-what I can learn about Him and what I can do for Him!
Yes!! Me too! ❤️
I love the questions to ask myself as I read the Bible, “What does this mean? What does this say about God?” ❤️
Great reminder!!
So true! A great reminder as we start into a new year.
Wow! I never really sat and thought about this and how I was taking in the Bible. So guilty of making it about me…
Thank you for this, I’m definitely guilty of opening the Bible for *me* and not for Him. And thank you for including questions in the devotionals!!!!
“I want His Holy Word to serve me rather than rule me.” This was such a convicting and challenging statement. I want the Word to rule me, but can fall into the trap of using His Word for self gratification.
In 2017 I didn’t open my Bible for about 4 months. I was studying abroad in Chile and was so wrapped up in living “in the world” that I totally lost myself in it. When I got home, I found SRT which has helped me find a community who engages in the Word every day – yet there’s also no pressure to keep up should life get in the way. Since 2017, I’ve discovered that mornings are the best time for me to do my devotions – even if that meant waking up at 5 to get them done. I’ve come to see my morning devotions as my life-line more than a box to check off in the morning – yet I will admit sometimes it is a box and I feel distracted. Lord I ask for grace that you will continue to reveal Yourself and Your truths to me, that I won’t abuse Your word and make it all about me. Thank you for giving us tangible evidence of your love for us through the greatest love letter ever written – Your Word. Happy New Year sisters! <3
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You speak my thoughts. We love to use the Bible for comfort. But rarely want to use it for reproof.
Agree with Megan’s suggestion. It’s a wonderful book!
Definitely needed this reminder today. It’s so amazing how God speaks what we need to hear when we need to hear it. He is always right on time!
Wow what a reminder today! I have felt a shift in my motives for opening the Word lately, and today puts the light on why. I’m wanting to know Jesus more instead of just trying to find a “word” for my situations, and it’s made such a difference. There are days, like Rachel, I find myself opening my Bible to find myself, but more and more I’m longing for glimpses of the character of my Saviour. The more I get to know Him, the more he introduces me to who He says I am.
I needed this reminder today… even though I am precious to Him and His Word is a lamp to my feet, it’s not all about me!
I really needed this reminder that time in the Word should never be about me. Also I don’t want to fall into the trap of taking verses out of context. Oh Lord Jesus help me to not misunderstand or misuse the Scriptures, and grow in me a heart of wisdom and discernment.
I will be 51 years old in four days and I grew up in the church. I have never before thought of NOT applying Scripture “to me” but I think you are on to something here. There are many scriptures I have read that are not very “helpful” because they don’t “apply” but “all of God’s word is useful…”so bringing the Holy Spirit into my reading a little more is not only wise but it’s also a thing of grace because I have felt guilty if I can’t apply what I have read. Thank you for this.
I think you’d really like Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin. Helped me so much, and she has a whole chapter about this. ❤️
Kenya, thank your for your testimony in this posting.. “Glorifying him and making him greater rather than taking it in all myself” struck a cord with me. I find myself in this phrase. God bless you sweet sister.
There is a song; I’m sorry Lord for the things I’ve made, cause it’s all about you, all about you Jesus. There are so many things in this evil age that want to pull us away from the word. It has the power to save. The word was flesh and it is JESUS!! Father, help me see your son in every verse I read.
A good acronym to remember is L.A.G. = Learn, Apply and Glorify.
I never thought of it that way but that is some TRUTH I needed to hear!!! Many times you feel pressured to apply every verse to your own life, but that isn’t the purpose of God’s word. I can’t wait to apply this truth in the new year!
Less me and more of Him ❤️
We live in a self absorbed world, and our flesh tells us it is all about us. Deception of comparison, but God. Thank you Rachel, for His word reveals God, it amazes me when I think on all He has done because of who He is. If everyday we could say it is not about me, it’s about Jesus, and join Him in the love He has for others, and bring Him glory. Loving this study SRT. Prayers for you Sisters for goodness and knowledge, for understanding and self control for the glory of God. Hugs
“I want His holy Word to serve me instead of rule me.” -a profound thought I will ponder throughout the day. Thank you for sharing.
I agree with you all. This is the perfect devotion to reflect and pray upon as I go into the new year! More of You, Lord and less of me.
Happy and blessed New Year to you all, Sisters!
Great reminder as this crazy year comes to an end. Happy New Year!
“The Bible contains all we need to know for godly living, but we would be foolish to approach God’s Word looking only for how it applies to us, or others, and forgetting to find what it says about Him.” I think a key word in this sentence is, “only.” I can read God’s Word like I approach a drive-thru or, I can enter into the Word and linger, like I would at a fine restaurant, fully present, and savor. God meets me where I am. He longs for me to draw closer to Him, but also does not condemn me in my lack. I lean in and linger. I rest close. I dwell in the One who indwells me. The amazing Word of God was meant for us to know Him better. It was meant to teach and rebuke, guide and give discernment in this day also, as we learn to know Him better. Am I the same person I was in my early years with Jesus? I am not. I am loved the same. His love doesn’t grow stronger because of anything I do, His love is full and complete all the time, and I am changed. Will I have drive-thru times, I will. Will I have fine dining, I will. What is my purpose for time spent with Him? To know Him better, guided by the Holy Spirit, so that I may bring Him honor and glory in the days He has given me.
There are people who say that you can make the Bible say whatever you want it to; only if it’s taken out of context! This is vitally important to remember and guard against Thank you for this timely instruction, for the glory of God
So true!
A Bible college professor of mine always said, “Context is Key/King!”
It’s so vitally important!
Loved the refocusing of our hearts toward God as we approach the Bible. It’s so easy to say that God cares/loves me, so I need to find what His Word has for me today, but the four us should never be on me. It’s all about God!
This is true for me as well. Thank you for sharing this!
Definitely needed the reminder that the word is about HIM and not me. As I have grown in my walk with the Lord, I have seen scripture taken out of context many times. Just another reason to make sure I’m digging into his word every day so I know what it really means! What a lesson today!
I have heard this truth of “the Bible is about God not you” three times, from three different sources in the past three days. Clearly God is trying to tell me something!
Amen
“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…” Philippians 3:10 – my goal for 2021! Thank you Raechel for reminding us that time spent in God’s word isn’t about “me” – it’s about knowing Him more.
I remember at the very beginning of my faith journey when I came to close to God through a twelve step program – when He saved my life. Literally. I had to learn through the generous guidance of my sponsor and the harsh reality of her words that even though God loved me, wanted the best for me, desired for me to be close to Him, that in fact, it wasn’t all about me. This was such a hard lesson after living in a period in life that was all about me (in the most intense way) for so long. But what an incredible relief to learn that it was really about God – about glorifying him and making him greater rather than just taking it all in for myself. It was one of the greatest lessons I ever learned.
What a great teaching. So happy to hear you talk about how it is dangerous to take Bible versus out of context.
Great devotion, great scripture. Happy New Year everyone!
Excellent reminder. Thank you!
Amen
This was a great reminder of why we come to God and His Word. It’s not about me, All about Him!
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It’s not about me, thank you for the reminder.
I needed this reminder today as I wrap up 2020 and think through prayers and goals for the coming year. Thank you!!!
Thank you for this. I have also used the Bible for me and finding solutions to my problems. This is such a great word for today! Thank you
This is SOOOOOOOOO good and such a powerful reminder that’s too easily forgotten
Ouch – convicted. I am in no way even close to junior high, but still find myself going to my Bible the way you described. Thank you for the reminder to look for Him first.
What a great reminder as I head into the new year with new spiritual goals for time spent with Jesus. I want to know Him more, and in order to do that I have to stop trying to make the Bible say what I want it to, and ask God what it actually means and how it applies to my life.
It’s His story. Always has been. Always will be. I’m just living in it. Looking forward to His story’s awesome ending!
What a precious teaching! Thank you SRT!
Great reminder that the Word is about learning about God. Reminder that it is not about me.
Thank you for truth bombs this morning! I am convicted and encouraged by today’s reading. I want to know you more Lord. Let me come to the word with fresh eyes and an open heart.
Wow!! What a great devotional to end the year – sooooo many bombs dropped in this one. Thanks girl
Amen
Loving the reading this week! Thank you all for putting this together. ❤️
Holy Spirit guide me, teach me and comfort me daily , I invite you to do so 24/7.
Wow!!! Today’s devotional was necessary. I am convicted and encouraged.
So many truth bombs just dropped! Wow! I just love how there’s always something new no matter how many times you’ve read the same scripture.
Father, help us to seek you each time we open or bibles, not to look for something that will serve us. Help us to understand how we can serve you and your children through your word. I ask this in your precious name.
Amen