Most Wise Lord, I must admit that sometimes I don’t quite grasp what You are trying to teach me. I know I get mixed up because I’m on a different level than You and I’m preoccupied with things going on in my life. In order to increase in knowledge, I must give close attention to Your words, listen carefully what others more mature than I have to say, and take heed to the lessons in the sermons I hear on Sunday. I must conduct a diligent search for the truths hidden in Your Word. It sometimes seems like concepts You are sharing with me do not fit into my circumstances. That is why I must trust that the things You are exposing me to is meant to help me. I must rely on the fact that what You share with me is meant for my good. I cannot get overly concerned with matters in my life nor lose sight of Your purpose and meaning for it. Everything You share with me is a gift to be cherished.
The sincerity and truth behind the words You speak encourage and comfort me. When I need anything for my life, I have only one reliable source … You. Your words are flawless, so I should listen carefully when You speak. Along with the gift of Your knowledge comes a requirement to do what it demands. The entry of Your words provides me with knowledge and give me an advantage over my enemies. Not only do You share what You know, but You help me apply it to circumstances that I encounter. To be taught, I must give You full access to my mind, accept Your ways as my ways and become a doer of them. The entrance of Your Word into my understanding chases out the darkness and confusion that used to reside there. As I delve further into Your Word, it becomes a beacon guiding me in paths of righteousness. My faith comes to life when I apply Your words to my daily tasks and concerns.
Unfortunately, it is easy to agree with You, yet follow my own desires and evade the truth You are trying to show me. The parable of the sower shows me various ways I can receive Your Word. My ability to act on Your words depends on my readiness to accept it and do what it asks. In one situation, I readily accept Your words, but troubles come to distract me and cause me to lose my focus and they become unfruitful. In another situation, I hear Your words, but the worries of life and the philosophies of the world choke it out and it dies. Yet, if I’m attuned to You, when I receive Your Word, I understand it and put it to work in my life so that it becomes fruitful. You made Yourself clear when You said that, if I take the time to learn Your teachings, I will come to know the truth and it will set me free. Because You are faithful and true, I will seek all of my answers from You. And it’s in Jesus’ name I pray. AMEN!!
John 15:4 Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.