Everything changes

Everything changes when you start reading the Bible as if it is instructions for you in the present moment.

For instance, Colossians 1:9 is Paul's prayer that we would be "filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding." "The knowledge of his will" that Paul has in mind for you is a moment-by-moment discernment of the situation in which you find yourself, seeing it from the point of view of God. His "will" is His desire for how you should act in this situation. The "spiritual wisdom and understanding" Paul desires for us is not something in a far-off dimension of spiritual ideas but is a pinpoint wisdom about whether you should take that job offer, or marry that man, or address a touchy issue that came up with your neighbor.

Another example: In Philippians 1:9-10 Paul writes:

"… my prayer is that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent. …"

This "approving" of the things that are excellent is a practical, daily, hourly knowing what to do. And "discernment" is the Word of God in you-plus. The plus is the Holy Spirit inside you, activating the Word in a particular situation. God is the living God, present in His Word.

Once you begin reading the Bible as God speaking directly to you, everything changes.