A Living Instruction Manual
What do you do when you get a new smartphone or tablet? For many of us, we hurriedly unwrap the gadget, quickly power it up, and immediately dive into all the apps, settings, and realms of technological possibilities. We crack open the instruction manual to learn how to set up our voicemail, email, Facebook, etc. We’re completely absorbed in our new tool and spend hours unraveling its mysteries.
Shouldn’t we be doing the same with God’s instruction manual, the Bible? These are God’s guidelines for living life. God understands that we desperately need instructions on how to grow and develop as Christians. Therefore, we should cultivate the same excitement and anticipation for this guidance and direction in our new life with Christ, as we do for any gadget we may purchase at the store.
Just as putting together a bike or furniture needs specific directions, so does the Christian life. The Bible has been described as Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. It is a step-by-step training on how to live a purposeful and determined life that honors God.
- Proverbs 4:3-5 “Then he taught me, and he said to me, “Take hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.”
The Bible, God’s Word, is a treasure chest full of promises for you and your family. In fact, it is the only living book with an author who is still speaking to you. You can apply what was written thousands of years ago to your situation today.
- Proverbs 23:12 “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge.”
In short, the Bible is His love letter to you. As you read it, remember it contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, and the happiness of believers. Read it to be wise. Believe it to be safe. And Practice it to be like Christ.
ASSIGNMENT: Commit yourself to spend five minutes a day reading the Bible. Begin in the book of John and read about Jesus’ life. After you have read, write what you have learned or something you need to do.
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ALL SCRIPTURE IS GOD-BREATHED AND IS USEFUL FOR TEACHING, REBUKING, CORRECTING AND TRAINING IN RIGHTEOUSNESS, SO THAT THE SERVANT OF GOD MAY BE THOROUGHLY EQUIPPED FOR EVERY GOOD WORK.
2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17
