Connecting Point: IMPLEMENT FORGOTTEN TOOLS

Have you ever used a specific tool for the wrong application? Recently, I came home and my wife, Dina, showed me all her hard work on the

interior painting project. She did a fine job, but there was one caveat; I could sense it in her voice as she said, “But I need to show you

something else.” After she pulled down a picture hanging on the wall there was this large hole. Apparently, she thought a crowbar was the proper tool to remove a screw. LOL. There was no sense in me scolding her since I’m guilty of utilizing improper tools as well. We had a good laugh though.

As Christians, there are two tools that we tend to neglect at times, the Bible and prayer. I’m certain that the cares of this life cause our hearts to waver even though we understand the power of both essential tools for the Christian life. Let the words of Hebrews encourage you, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-

yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with

confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need,” (Hebrews 4:15-16). Even in our weakness we can pray to God and gleam the truth found in the Bible.

At times we may develop negative core beliefs about God, i.e., “he doesn’t care, I have no value to him, God sees me as a mistake.” These are in fact, lies, mixed messages that inaccurately reflect who God is. Romans tells us, “Vary rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person, s someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were

still sinners, Christ died for us,” (Romans 5:7-8).

Neglecting essential Christian disciplines such as prayer and study of the Bible in a sense is like having a full toolbox but forgetting to utilize what’s in front of us. Paul the Apostle emphasized putting on the full armor of God in Ephesians chapter 6, a practice we should apply daily. With the on-slot of lies our culture promotes we need to put on the helmet of truth. Other defense and offensive weapons are mentioned as well in that chapter.

However, the key strategy is all about application. Knowing the Bible and the practices of prayer are only beneficial when we truly love them. David the Psalmist describes an admirable love for God’s precepts, “Rulers

persecute me without cause, but my heart trembles at your word. I

rejoice in your promise like one who finds great spoil. I hate and

detest falsehood, but I love your law. Seven times a day I praise you for your righteous laws. Great peace have those who love your law, and

nothing can make them stumble. I wait for your salvation, LORD, and I follow your commands. I obey your statutes, for I love them greatly. I obey your precepts and your statutes, for all my ways are known to you,”

(Psalm 119:161-168).

Thriving in Christ includes growing in the disciplines of prayer and the Bible, being certain to implement these essentials every day.