I Cheated On My Other Bible

I used to read my regular Bible daily and only felt encouraged. Privately, however, I really didn't understand how I was supposed to apply what I read to my own life. I would nod with approval as the pastor read the word and then daydream about things I needed to do after church while the sermon was still being delivered (just being honest and don't act like I'm the only one-smile).

One day, however, I couldn't help but notice that a large number of people kept reading the Bible after the specific verse had been read. I took a sneak peek at my neighbor to the right to see if they were just slow readers, getting ahead, or if their Bible had more text than mine. I was surprised to learn that it did! They had something called a Life Application Bible that broke down each scripture in application form at the bottom of each page. At once I was hooked and made the switch. Here's why...

Presently, I am struggling with two issues:

1) Dedicating all of my work to God and not to Alduan. Am I uplifting HIM or Dr. Tartt?

2) Having faith in God that everything will work out versus making things happen myself. You see how that worked for John Henry.

Here's what I read verbatim from the Life Application Bible this morning (in italics).

Proverbs 16:3: Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

Application Section for Proverbs 16:3

There are different ways to fail to commit whatever we do to the Lord. Some people commit their work only superficially. They say the project is being done for the Lord, but in reality they are doing it for themselves. Others give God temporary control of their interests, only to take control back the moment things stop going the way they expect. Still others commit a task fully to the Lord, but put forth no effort themselves, and then they wonder why they do not succeed. We must maintain a delicate balance: trusting God as if everything depended on him, while working as if everything depended on us. Think of a specific effort in which you are involved right now. Have you committed it to the Lord?

Wow, did that sum it up or what? To be honest without the application section to this verse I would have only been encouraged and left with no specific instructions about application. Now, I clearly understand how to balance faith and work. For me, word without application is useless but no longer do I have to worry about that. I've found a new love (smile).

Chances are many of you already have a Life Application Bible but if you were late to the party like I was, maybe you should peruse one yourself. Can you really afford not to in times like these? God Bless!