So i have been thinking a lot about tests and testing. I blame it on the Finals Extravaganza that is the end of M1 year. Note:First year medical students are affectionately referred to as M1's. I have noticed there is a vast difference between KNOWING the answer and knowing where to FIND the answer. I have know this a long time but I feel like the reality of the fact is really sinking in for the first time. But I want to point out that knowing where to find the answer doesn't do you much good if you are not in a open notes, open book test. And i have found that these types of exams are few and far between. (I think I've maybe had one open notes/open book exam in my entire schooling history.)
This morning i was walking to an exam and thinking about my spiritual life and how exactly testing works in the spiritual realm. So lets lay so ground for what was going on in my head.
Bible = Textbook
Test = What Life and the Devil throw at you
Knowing = Having the Word of God in your Heart and Mind = Memorizing Scripture.
NOTE: That means that Church is class, Devotions are personal study times and Prayer is like office hours with the Prof... (ok so maybe my mind took this a bit too far.) lol.
The Word of God is your sword (that is a tool used for fighting off the devils schemes)...
Ephesians 6:10-17, Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, , against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
We use the Word of God against the devil, but in order to use a sword you have to have that sword in your hand. When the test comes against you, the last thing you want to be doing is scrambling around in the mess of distractions in your life for the Word. When the enemy comes in like flood you don't want to be trying to remember where your put your boat. That is why we are told to be on the look out, to be ready; just in case today there is a pop quiz.
1 Peter 5:8, Be vigilant, watch. Your adversary the devil is like a roaring lion. He prowls around looking for someone to chew up and swallow.
In addition, you can just think you know what the bible says. That's when you get people quoting people and hymn instead of the bible. (I.E. "God helps those who help themselves" is not from the bible its the moral of Aesop's Fables, Hercules and the Waggoner."). Some folks are blatantly ignorant and other just don't know the details of the Word. But that just translates into picking up a toothpick and asking "is this my sword, I never bothered to find out what it looked like much less practice using it" or "I think this might by my sword but I always get it confused with my shoe horn..." In both of situations you get the kids that are sitting up all night right before the test trying to cram. And that might get you the passing grade but it will defiantly not get you the A!
I don't know about you but I don't just want to "get by" in this life... I want to rule and reign... You know: Head and not the Tail, above only and not beneath. God promised us LIFE... not only that but LIFE MORE ABUNDANTLY (the amplified says: to the full, till if overflows).
John 10:10, The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)
In the Greek the word that they use for life here is Zoe, you know what we call the "God kind of life". Let me tell you that God doesn't live under someones feet. The Greek Lexicon translates it as "The state of one who is possessed of vitality or is animate, absolute fullness of life, to be among the living, not lifeless, not dead, to be fresh, powerful, efficient; living water, having vital power in itself and exerting the same upon the soul".... GAAAHHH I'll take that!
OVERCOMING.... I want to overcome the flesh, test and trials which are of this world. This is how I will overcome!
1 John 5:4, For everyone forn of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.
Do you know where our faith comes from... It come from hearing and knowing the word of God....
Romans 10:17, So faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of GOD.
So the conclusion of today musings are this: Memorize more scripture!
-Mini Mug
1 Timothy 4:12-16
Get the word out. Teach all these things. And don't let anyone put you down because you're young. Teach believers with your life: by word, by demeanor, by love, by faith, by integrity.Stay at your post reading Scripture, giving counsel, teaching. And that special gift of ministry you were given when the leaders of the church laid hands on you and prayed - keep that dusted off and in use. Cultivate these things. Immerse yourself in them. The people will all see you mature right before their eyes! Keep a firm grasp on both your character and your teaching. Don't be diverted. Just keep at it. Both you and those who hear you will experience salvation
