Theme:   Elevate: Next Level Spiritual Growth - Getting A Grip On Your Bible

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church.

READ: Ephesians 6:10-18; Matthew 5

THINK: The bible for me is like the instructions you get when you buy an office desk from Ikea. Sure, you can put the desk together without the instructions and you might be able to use it. But more than likely it will turn out shaky, wobbly and probably not very solid. I find that I am able to live life without the bible, but more often than not, it’s shaky, wobbly and in general - not very solid. I loved this weekend's message in that it pointed out a key aspect in understand the bible: Knowledge.

Without knowledge, I felt like I was building the office desk perfectly but was unaware if I was using the right bolts, the right hardware and in the right order. How many times have you started to build something and after Examining it, you realize you missed a step and had to start all over? Without that upfront knowledge (the bible) it’s easy to make mistakes and go down the wrong path with our lives.

Once I’ve read the instructions, gained the Knowledge, and Examined how it goes together, I Apply that wisdom in building my office desk. Wisdom without application is a waste!  Why go to the trouble of reading something, learning how to do it and not applying that knowledge?

In reading the bible, I learn (knowledge) that I am not perfect in who I am, I learn who I can become if I examine God's word and the lives of other Christ followers who have lived before me and apply those Godly principles to my life. This is a continual process in gaining the wisdom of who God wants me to be... and every day gets easier and easier to see who God wants me to become.

DO:Take one part of your day today and get out the bible and read! Examine how the Lord wants to change you today. (Don't know where to start? Join Timberlake's 90 Day Bible Challenge by emailing info@timberlakechurch.com)

PRAY: Dear Lord, I pray that you give me the Knowledge, Wisdom and Application of your word to make me the person You desire me to be. Provide me clarity, focus and time to build a life that is worth living. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.