BIBLE PASSAGE:
All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
(1 Timothy 3:16)
MEDITATION:
How do you feel about education and rules? When our forefathers
chose to establish their own nation of the United States, they knew
they should create a basic set of rules and guidelines for the citizens
to follow.
Many had left England because they did not approve of the rules
there, but they realized the importance of establishing guidelines
for defining this new nation. They wanted a nation where people
could live free and still have some established laws to prevent one
person’s freedom from infringing on another person’s freedom.
There had to be some well-defined guidelines for each person’s
rights, privileges and limitations. With an established set of laws,
each person would be treated equally and fairly in the courts.
Without these laws, there would be anarchy which would result
in the fall of this new nation. Fortunately, those who wrote the
Constitution were men who worshipped God and looked to Him
for guidance.
We have an additional set of rules to guide us and it is called the
Bible. The Bible is where God has established His spiritual laws.
Just as the laws of the land prevent anarchy, the Bible helps us
to contain our selfish desires and seek God’s will for our lives.
Without the laws of the land, how would we know our limitations?
It is the same with the Bible – it outlines the limitations of what
we should do. It should not be considered as just a book of rules
and guidelines, it is a book that can change our lives from confused
to controlled.
Most everyone likes to be in control (self-control) and the Bible
doesn’t take that away from us; the Bible gives us instructions
for enjoying life when we choose to stay within the guidelines
established by God.
Those who do not know the Lord and fellowship with Him can have
wrong ideas about committing their lives to God. Some believe that
giving Him control of their lives would eliminate the fun in their
lives, and cause them to become someone similar to a monk or robot.
Nothing could be further from the truth. God teaches us how to enjoy
life to the fullest and enjoy His blessings when we obey His commands.
When we give God control of our lives, we discover new horizons, new
opportunities for joy and peace, and an overall change in our inner self
(we are transformed from self-centeredness to selflessness).
The Bible should not be considered as a list of what to do and not do;
it is a book designed to remold our attitudes and habits so we can enjoy
life much more. God loves us and wants us to fellowship with Him and
receive His blessings.
He also knows that if we are left to our own perceptions of right and
wrong, we will have a kind of ‘personal anarchy’ (which is the lack of
obedience to an authority), and live as if there are no boundaries. With
this in mind, He has given us His Word to help us understand the right
way to live. His Word is filled with promises and the plan of redemption
for the human race.
How can someone become an auto mechanic without a teacher and/or
an instruction manual? They need instructions to be able to develop
the skills necessary for being successful in their work. How can we live
a life that is pleasing to God without a teacher and/or an instruction
manual?
God has ‘called’ many to be teachers and preachers, and has given us
His instruction manual – the Bible. However, we should not overlook
the fact that to everyone He grants salvation, He expects them to become
missionaries as well. It is our responsibility to accept this ‘calling’ from
God and be active servants of His.
ACTION:
How often do you read God’s Word? Are you settling for life’s ‘good’
and missing out on life’s ‘best’? Set aside a time every day for reading
the Bible. When you read His Word, consider it as letter from God to
you personally.
If you received a letter from a friend, you wouldn’t spend time analyzing
it or checking the grammar, would you? No, you would be more concerned
about the content of the person’s message to you. You would also be excited
to know that a friend took the time to write you a letter. And, you would be
curious about what your friend had to say, and rush to read the letter.
When reading the Bible, consider it in the same way you would a read
a letter from a friend. God IS our friend. He loves us and He wants what
is best for us. He wants us to fellowship with Him. Through His Word we
can gain wisdom and understanding, so, enjoy reading the Bible…daily.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word – the Bible.
Help me to set aside time each day to read Your letters to
me. Grant me the ability to read the Bible with an intention
to learn more about You and Your desire for me. Teach me
how to read Your Word in a different manner than reading
any other book. Speak to me and help me to understand the
magnitude of Your love for me, and how You want me to use
the talents and spiritual gifts You have given me. Guide me
in my efforts to point others toward Your Son, Jesus. Give me
a desire to see others surrender their lives to You and receive
Your salvation. Each day, help me look for ways to encourage
and lift the spirits of others. Remind me of Your love for me
and help me to love others in the same way!”
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