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2 July – Read the Manual!

At election time there is a lot of talk about which parties have what policies and view points on differing issues. I’m a firm believer in making ourselves aware of those policies so as to make informed decisions, and to take our ability to vote seriously. To do that we have to take the time and effort to read the policy document or manual so that we know what we are doing.

But even of more importance is for us to read and know the policies (or principles) and viewpoints of God. He actually expects us to read “The Manual”, otherwise known as the Bible.

Just like any other manual in life it takes effort to decipher, understand and apply this understanding to our decision-making and actions. It’s the Holy Spirit’s role to help us understand; so we can ask Him for help. Then there are those people who have no doubt been reading the manual and studying it longer than us, who are there to assist us too.

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.” (John 14:26)

If we don’t understand and take time to study the manual on party policies in politics we will end up being bamboozled by all the political rhetoric. Likewise if we don’t take the time to read the manual to fix a car we’ll end up walking, or don’t read the manual for a complicated new menu we could well end up with a gastronomic disaster.

There are some things in life that are just too important to “wing it” and hope for the best. God expects that we would read His manual for living, and how to walk in victory and blessing. Too often we think we can just make up our own mind or decide from our limited understanding. Sadly that can more often than not result in wrong turns, broken relationships, estranged children, financial difficulties that never seem to end, and no answers to the challenges we all look for.

Why put ourselves though that when there is such easy access; often right in front of us, or sitting on the bookshelf to the ultimate “manual of manuals.” It happens to be known as the “book of books” and if read, studied and understood with the help of the Holy Spirit, it will lead us into peace, wholeness, vibrant joy filled relationships, healing, wisdom for life’s questions and challenges, and a renewed passion and purpose.

I encourage you today to pick up God’s manual for life – “The Bible.” “It is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” (2 Timothy 3:16).

God speaks to us through this manual. He will remind us what we have read and teach us what to do, where to go, and how to do what He is leading us in. We don’t have to take a “stab in the dark” or lie awake worrying about what to do, or whether the decision we have just made is the right one. God promises He will lead and guide us, and in Him we can have peace every step of the way. It takes time and practice to learn to follow and use this manual, and to get to  know and listen to it’s author, but the benefits are more than you can imagine. 

What are you waiting for, “Pick up God’s Manual and read it today!”

I am the LORD your God who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go.” (Isaiah 48:17)

“Now about your love for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.” (1 Thessalonians 4:9)

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Prayer: Lord thank you for your manual for life, which helps me to know myself, to know you, and to know the way I am to walk in life. Help me to remember I actually don’t know everything, and to lay aside my own preconceived thoughts, and instead search out what you have to say. Let my thoughts be your thoughts and my ways be your ways. In Jesus name Amen.

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