Life’s Instruction Manual

Jun16

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And you shall write them (Gods Laws) on the posts of your house, and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:9 KJV)

Trying to live life without instruction, is like trying to defuse a bomb without being taught how. Things can blow up on us very quickly, without notice. We often hear the true acronym for the b-i-b-l-e, that it is our Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Yet God’s word is also our guide for how to live while we are on the earth. And it goes far beyond the basics, offering spiritual wisdom that exceeds that of any earthly institution of learning.

 

During my senior year of high school I posted this scripture on the wall above my cubicle. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1: 7) At the time, I didn’t realize how keeping God’s word and His laws before my eyes would serve to bless me throughout life. God has used the portions of the Bible that I’d familiarized myself with; to rebuke and discipline me, to encourage and strengthen, to direct and lead, and to teach me. At just the right moment, the Spirit brings those truths to mind.

After fifty years of trial and error, I’ve learned the importance of Bible study; taking time every day to read and meditate on His words to us. I haven’t always been faithful to this commitment. The times I’ve been lax in doing so, caused me to weaken, becoming more susceptible to temptation, or to make bad decisions. Yet the direction and hope and wisdom I find in the holy word of God has rendered life’s greatest blessings. I’ve learned the crucial value of God’s instruction. And that living without my maker’s instruction is foolhardy.

Mankind was created to have close fellowship with their loving God. And I have found no greater joy, than to fulfill that purpose. When you step into a comfortable pair of shoes that have been crafted specifically for your feet, you know that those shoes were meant for you. They’re a perfect fit. That’s how it feels to be in God’s mighty hands, because He made you and me for Himself. We are “at home” with God.

Some have described the bible as a map that directs us home to Him. The kingdom of heaven is a far greater treasure than any king has ever possessed, and God has given us the treasure map. Being in His presence is our superlative treasure. Yet, our Heavenly Father treasures you and me beyond all things. He even gave up His own Son to a cruel death, so that He could be with us forever.

Father, I don’t know what you see in me that makes you love me so much. But I praise you for that awesome love. Thank you for your word, which guides us home to you, amen.

Sheldon K Bass

IndianapolisIndiana

Sense of Direction

Jun15

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Jesus saith unto him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me. (John 14:6)

I admit it with no hesitation; I have no sense of direction. Once, my husband, children and I traveled from our Louisiana home to visit my family in Central NY State. We were on the last leg of the trip and my husband did not trust me to find the way. He wisely relied on his map. The idiom of not knowing your left hand from your right nearly fits.

I can normally handle left and right turn instructions. A person’s directional guidance of north, south, east and west befuddles me. In addition, I lose my bearings in large buildings such as hospitals and airports. Parking lots are another frustration. If you see a short senior citizen woman wandering around a Wal-Mart parking lot, it just may be me. Which way do I go?

Life direction is often a puzzle. I face daily decisions of eternal significance and am unsure of which way to choose. Will I be in God’s will or am I serving self-interests? Like Apostle Paul, I know the difference between right and wrong; yet, I do what I should not and neglect to do what I should. The Lord alone provides the way to victory. (Romans 7:15-25)

Today’s road travelers find their way from point a-to-b by GPS systems. I have never used one because I rely on my husband; he is comfortable driving in unfamiliar places. If I were to purchase a GPS, I’d prefer one that gives audible directions. A calm controlled voice would alleviate my fears.

“And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21)

I realize the Lord does not ordinarily speak words audibly but I hear his messages; in addition to Jesus being the way, he is the living Word. He keeps communication lines open. He points out the way and guides me along the way, patiently waiting for me to follow. He does not leave me to figure out the way by myself.

“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go; I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psalms 33:8)

Do you remember your driving instructor? Mine taught me not only how to drive but the way to get to my destination. He sat right at my side the entire time. He guided me through high traffic areas, around dangerous curves, through confusing intersections and in hazardous weather conditions. The Lord is my faithful instructor, teacher and guide.

Father, I frequently fume and fumble when unsure about the way to follow. Thank you for sending Jesus; I recommit my life to Christ, the way, the truth and the life.

Pam Ford Davis

Epps, Louisiana