I don’t know about you, but for me, this Bible verse always had a reproachful tone. “Do this, do that”… you’re never doing enough! The strange thing is that God never had it written to reproach us, but rather to make a point clear.

The Bible is not a theological or philosophical treatise, but a manual, a handbook just like the one you get with the purchase of any sophisticated product. The endless “extraction” of all biblical words and statements over the centuries has led to a new generation of people being born: the Pharisees. These are people who pride themselves on their belief, and they live by it! They often spend their entire lives serving that belief. However, you don’t see their lives changing much…

Many of us also risk becoming Pharisees. That’s why this call from our Heavenly Father: Don’t just study the Bible! It’s important to know that the Bible consists of 66 books written over a period of 2000 years by many different authors. The Bible is not just a book, but a true library. It is the most sold and most translated book in the world, but it remains a manual. When studying the Word doesn’t change your quality of life, you’re already one step ahead of those who don’t attend gatherings. After all, you’re already hearing the words. But a manual is not just written to hear the words; it’s also meant to be applied. This can save you a lot of problems.

When your mechanic sells you a gasoline car, know that his advice and the text in the manual are not meant as a beautiful piece of prose or a casual suggestion. You simply cannot put diesel in a gasoline car, not even because it’s a little cheaper.

People often face unexpected and unpleasant things. This could very well be the case next year. However, a large part of the outcome is determined by you. Solutions can be found in the Bible and in the gatherings where it is taught.

What if, for the upcoming year, we resolve not only to listen to the Word with respect but also to actually do it? Rain and wind come for everyone… whether your house stands or not does not depend on the circumstances but on what you’ve built it on!

Our country, our world, needs miracles and God. If we resolve to hear His words and do them, the upcoming year will look completely different. Not only for ourselves but for everyone we encounter on our path!

A prosperous 2024 to you and your whole family!!!