I have had a word going through my head for a week — Application.
Application – – -> the act of putting something to a special use or purpose.
I held the little box of new eye cream moisturizer in my hand to read the directions: “Every morning and evening, apply {{there’s the word}} onto clean skin.”
The eye cream remains in the box which means I have yet to benefit from the use of this product. There has been zero application.
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises …” (2 Peter 1:3-5a, NLT)
We have been given “everything we need” to live our lives to the glory and honor of God. But we must apply His Word – daily – maybe even morning and night.
Application is not merely a head knowledge but includes the use of Scripture each day. Much the way my skin cannot reap the benefits of my new eye cream until I use it (apply it), our lives will only benefit from Scripture with application and use. We must “make every effort” (verse 5a).
We make every effort because we know Who is at work in us … “For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” (Philippians 2:13)
Our part is application – morning and evening. Showing up to spend time in His Word and in prayer.
Funny thing about my new eye cream is this —-> “Apply in small dots around the eye and smooth gently until {{emphasis mine}} absorbed.”
I have to rub it in until absorbed.
We must dwell on a portion of Scripture, letting it get down in under our skin and into those areas we cannot see.
And that’s how transformation begins.
May we make every effort.
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Unite and True Story and #RaRaLinkup and Intentional Tuesday .
Amen! Thank you for the reminder that it is not enough to hear God’s word, nor to know what we should do. I must also apply it. This is something I want to do myself, and model and teach to my kids. What a great illustration for the power of application too.
Wishing you a blessed week!
Thanks, Jed. Amazing to me the lesson the packaging of an everyday product can bring. Blessings!
What a perfect analogy, Joanne. I’m terrible about actually using/applying all of those overpriced facial products I buy. After reading this, I realize I have the same struggle at times with the Word. Thank you for this important reminder today. Application really changes everything :).
I love your new site! I don’t think I’ve been here since you changed it. I seem to be in and out of the blog world lately.
Thank you so much for your kind & encouraging words, Candace. I was truly amazed at the lesson that little box brought to me. Once daily may not suffice š
May you have a blessed day!
Amen! Joanne!
Yes, we need to be in the word continually meditating on it, and as you said so well, “letting it get down in under our skin and into those areas we cannot see. Great reminder and encouragement! Visiting today from Testimony Tuesday!
Lisa, it’s the only way to peel off the old layers & see the transformation š Blessings!
A perfect analogy!
So true! Apply until absorbed š Something that we need to be intentional about every single day. Morning and evening. Thanks for sharing š
Alice, great point – transformation will only take place with intentionality. Blessings!
I love your last statement to rub it in – – Not just apply the Word of God, but to meditate on it, speak it, write it, until it becomes part of us. Thank you for sharing your beautiful thoughts with us today and do apply that eye cream, it sounds lovely.
Tell me a Story welcomes your lovely posts.