Monday, October 4, 2010

So Much More


It comes around every couple years. I get an exciting e-mail from my wireless provider, that lets me know I'm eligible to get a new phone at a discount. I was able to make the upgrade this past weekend. And my new Droid 2 in its fashionable pink, gel cover sits on the counter, beckoning me to come and 'play.' Wow! Do I have a lot to learn! From the basics, to all the advanced stuff it can do, I'm sure this Friday's tutorial session will help answer my many questions. And maybe serve to bring up some questions I don't even know I have yet!


Adjusting to a full keyboard to type text messages was pretty easy. Figuring out how to pair my phone with my earpiece - a different story. Although Bluetooth technology has been around for years, this is my first experience with it. So I'm battling the learning curve.


But I have to say I feel pretty tech savvy these days, as I tell my daughter about the cool apps I've been able to install on my phone. There's a constellation app that shows me the stars and their names when I hold my phone up to the sky. Then there's the app that lets me scan barcodes and check local prices to make sure I'm getting the best deals. Oh, and I can't forget to mention the app that keeps me up to date on all the local yard sales, and even gives me directions to all of them!


Things I didn't even know existed, are accessible with the touch of my fingertip. But I've had to spend some time reading manuals and digging for the information I need, just to become familiar with the basics. In order to take full advantage of everything my new phone can do, I'm sure I'll have to invest more time pouring over the instruction manual and getting used to new functions.


In much the same way, the God of the universe has given me amazing truths in His Word, the Bible. When I spend time in His instruction manual, I'm able to glean wisdom not only for the challenges I face today, but I can also discern the direction He has for my future. But I can't expect to unearth all of this great information without devoting much time and effort to the careful study of His Word.


The Bible contains both milk and meat. Things that are easily digested and some things that can only be digested by the more mature. Peter encourages believers to grow, "As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2; KJV). The writer of Hebrews challenges us beyond this stage, "But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14).


Solomon, the wisest man of all time, penned the following words, "To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtilty to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:" (Proverbs 1:2-5). How important it is to know the true source of knowledge. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7).


My desire is to continue as a student at the feet of the Master, fulfilling the words of 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." There will always be more to learn - more gems to mine from the pages of scripture, more hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Yes, it will take time to discover all that the Lord wants to show me, but the time spent in the excavation process will be well worth it!


Are you stagnant in your relationship with the Lord? Do you desire to know Him and the plan He has for you? If so, what are you waiting for? Dig into His Word today and get ready to grow!



Prayer: Thank You, Lord that Your Word is alive and active. You desire for me to know You, and You have great plans for me. Help me to spend time daily reading and studying Your Word. Help me to grow into the mature Christian You'd have me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.

14 comments:

  1. I keep getting in situations that require me to be a student. Learning. Always learning. And as far as technology goes, you are way ahead of me. ;D
    ~ Wendy

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  2. I'm in the middle of a lesson of a lifetime:0) My desire is to spend each day growing in grace and in the knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. Somedays I miss that mark, and He gently lulls me back into His presence.

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  3. Isn't it funny how we marvel at the new technology in our hands and admire the genius of the creator, yet we often overlook the amazing "technology" of the hand that holds it and the genius of the Creator.

    Indeed, we will always be learning if we remain teachable. I had a dear friend in her 90's who continually found new truths as she studied the Word, though she studied it all her life.

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  4. So true Maria!The Lord brought me to a place that required life lessons. These have been hard and painful but I have grown! I have come to know Him more and more and I am so thankful.
    I love the way you illustrated your post today.
    Enjoy your week.
    Blessings

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  5. Thanks for the thoughtful post! Oh, and enjoy that phone.

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  6. Wendy - It's great that you're always open to learning, sounds like you have a teachable spirit! And really, I'm sure I'm not very far ahead of you when it comes to technology! I've only just begun...Have a great week & God bless!

    Tamika - So good to see you! I think half the battle is identifying that we DO have something to learn from what we're going through. And it's good to realize the Lord doesn't expect us to do it on our own, He's always there for us to run to! Hugs & Blessings!

    Susan - You make some great points! Yes, we do have an ingenious Creator! Remaining teachable is essential - pride would prevent us from learning, but humility sets us up for success. What a wise friend you have who shares the face that even in her golden years, she's still finding new truths in God's Word! Have a beautifully blessed day!

    Linda - I just watched a DVD yesterday on spiritual disciplines that confirmed what you mentioned. In order to grow spiritually and experience transformation, we often have to go through suffering and pain. Wow! Not something we like to hear, but true nonetheless. Thanks for sharing! Have a blessed week! :)

    Diana - Thanks for stopping by! And I am enjoying my phone! Still figuring out how to answer my calls using my headset, but I'm sure that will come with time! Have a great day and God bless!

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  7. Thanks Maria for another great post. Although I do NOT have a cell phone I DO have God's manual :) And I love to study His word!

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  8. Marja - You've got what's really necessary! So exciting to hear about believers who love to study His Word! Hope your book signing went well this weekend! Have a fabulous day! God bless! :)

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  9. Thank you, Maria, for sharing that verse with me on my blog today. That's exactly one of those verses I need to memorize.

    Hope you enjoy your Droid. I have a couple of friends with that phone. Very cool phone! I'm all about having a smart phone. It's amazing what those things can do.

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  10. So true--we have to spend time learning or we can't master our tasks.

    Have fun with your new phone!

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  11. I'm working at it Maria. Trying to learn more each day:)
    I have heard about that app with the bar code scan. I want that! But alas, my phone is at least 5 years old!

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  12. Hi Maria -

    My cell phone borders on the extinct. We may have to replace our gadgets, but His Word is timeless.

    Blessings,
    Susan :)

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  13. I love it that the lessons never end. God has something for me to discover and apply each day. He even uses my iPhone to teach me through the sermons I download and listen to as I drive, and the audio books I use as company when I clean the house.
    I never wanted a new phone, until I received one as a birthday present. Now, I can't imagine life without the technology and information at my fingertips. I can even check the time in Atlanta to see if my writing buddy is awake :)

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  14. Maria,
    Great Blog! I love the phone analogy. I am an apple person so the iphone is my phone of choice but it is very similar with all the apps. I will always think of your illustration when I open up an app from now on!

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