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It takes desire and effort to learn anything; but it is doable at any age. Scientifically coined as Neuroplasticity, our brain has the ability to modify, change, and adapt both structure and function throughout life and in response to experience.¹ Most important is what we feed our mind—GIGO (Garbage-In-Garbage-Out).

We are not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our mind, that by testing we may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.² All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.³ All means all—all of God’s word is truth! And has the uncanny ability to wash our mind⁴ (I hope I didn’t liberally interpret the Scripture).

Of first importance is the Gospel.⁵ God is spirit⁶ and we need the Spirit’s intervention to open our eyes.
We may have biases or fixated opinions that prevent us from receiving God’s truth. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”⁷ On the road to Emmaus, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him.⁸

O foolish ones,⁹ stupid,¹⁰ scoffer¹¹—some of the derogatory words that God breathes out to man. Not encouraging is it? I remember shamefully as a young boy, particularly after class, how I was easily enticed by bullies into fist fights simply cajoled by name-calling [that’s another story—I wonder if I authored a book entitled, Shameful Acts, would it sell?].  Jesus continues, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! . . .” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.¹²

It is necessary that we decide and acquire the daily habit of being still, waiting in his presence; daily, studying the Bible and inclining our ears to hear what God has to say. Find a quiet time. Fortunate for Peter, James, and John to be handpicked by Jesus to witness his transfiguration. And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus.¹³

And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And he vanished from their sight.¹⁴ Wouldn’t that experience bring shivers through your spine? Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled. Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures . . .¹⁵

The teaching of the wise is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.¹⁶ Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.¹⁷ 

I pray, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe.¹⁸ Amen!