The Manual of Life

When I have to assemble a product, I read the instructions first. That is not the way some folks do it, however. They try to assemble the product and when all else fails, they read the manual.

    On another note, I have a family member who often calls and says, “There is something wrong with ‘such and such’ appliance.” I usually response with, “Have you pulled the manual?” 

     I thought of these issues when I read my Daily Hope devotional this morning.  In it was the following: 

 

“The Bible is the owner’s manual for life. The more you read it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it, the more successful and fulfilled you’re going to be.” 

My morning words of advice: Read the Manual! Follow the Writer's instructions! 

 

Joshua 1:8 NIV  "Keep this Book of the law always on your lips; meditate of it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." 

Day's Project Instructions

 My husband is a planner by nature. I am, instead, one who says, "Let's just do it." I often jump in without a plan which can, of course lead to disaster. I decided this morning, I needed to form a plan for my day and came up with the following instructions: 

Get Approved: 

“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

 

Look at the blueprints:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,“ plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29”11

 

Study it:

I applied my mind to study and to explore by wisdom all that is done under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes1:13a

 

Pray about it: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 

 

Consider the Nails:  

“Having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.” Colossians 2:14

 

Look for guidance;

“Woe to him who says to wood, ‘Come to life!’ Or to lifeless stone, ‘Wake up!’ Can it give guidance? It is covered with gold and silver; there is no breath in it.” Habakkuk 2:19

 

Heed the Partner:

 “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 said to you." John 14:26