Why do you call me: "Lord, Lord!" and do not do what I say?
Luke 6:46

At time of Jesus other methods of learning were applied. The teacher explained complicated things through parables and stories. So also ordinary people could understand the teachings. Jesus did it in this way. But this was not all for of what use is the truth if it is only in the mind and not in the heart and hand? So He asked His disciples to exercise His teachings. Sometimes they returned from their missions quite excited. It really works what the Master tells us! Sometimes they failed. Yes, they were still scholars who have the right to make mistakes. Jesus knows that and has much, much patience.
He knows as well, that we only find the truth by practice. Our thinking changes, we may forget some of our thoughts but what we once have learnt to practice that will remain and will not be forgotten. What good it is if I read the whole Bible and do not accept the words therein to change my life, if I do not make use of their power?
In John 7:17 Jesus said: Who fulfills my words will realize that they are true. A logical system of thoughts will quickly collapse if it is not successful in practice. However, if the practice confirms the word of God then we definitely know: Not a castle in the air but the trust in God is our foundation. You have to totally obey the words and doctrines of Jesus in order to receive the promised blessing. We ask for forgiveness so that we are free from guilt and the joy is released. We forgive those who have done us harm and are free from bitterness. We give and give and realize that God Himself gives us the power for that. We go out to tell of Him and Jesus confirms our words. When we are in difficult situations we notice that God keeps His word and helps.
Therefore we should stick to the words of James 1:22: "Do not merely listen to the word but do what it says, otherwise you deceive yourselves.”
Lord, we want Your blessings! Therefore we do what You ask us for. We do not want to hesitate and have long discussions for days: We want to do it now. Please forgive that we are learning so slowly and have so little courage and confidence. Help Lord!
Bible reading today: Isaiah 32: 1-20