OUR INSTRUCTION MANUAL

by Tammy Phillips
October 8, 2020

Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action), So that the man of God may be perfect, complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.  2 Timothy 3:16-17:

This scripture says that God breathed the word, so the man of God may be complete. The secrets to our success, completion and our perfection are in the Bible, His Instruction Manual.  It is a priceless, treasure of wealth and love.

Upon starting a new job, an employer usually gifts, an employee handbook or manual.  It includes everything one needs to know about the company.  It contains what is expected, how to perform the job, benefits and retirement plans.  Wouldn’t we read it before we ever started the new job?  Would we use as a guide to complete our tasks?  Or, would we think, “Got this! Know what to do.”  Would we leave the manual lying around the office untouched or take it home and leave it by the bedside? Only pick it up in case of emergencies?  God gave us His word when we joined His company.  It gives life directions, describes an unbelievable benefits package and the greatest retirement plan!  

God inspired about forty authors to write our manual. It includes sixty-six books and letters that were written over a period of about 1500 years. Holy Spirit spent time and effort into telling us all we need to know, start to finish.  Our responsibility is to study and dive in headfirst to learn about “our Company,” our Creator, CEO, and our Perfect Love.

When we read the King James Bible, the language can be a bit challenging and difficult to understand. Holy Spirit will teach, if we ask.  Other translations of the Word make it easier to comprehend.  I enjoy studying the King James alongside the Amplified Version (It “amplifies” words, bringing greater meaning to the scripture.) The online Blue Letter Bible (www.blueletterbible.org) is a great tool to use, with the click of a button we can receive the original Hebrew and Greek insights to words. The only way to fully know our God, discover his plans and purposes for life is to enter the Bible.

Begin small.  It is about commitment.  I started by dedicating fifteen minutes a day to read one devotion with scripture.  As I got hungrier, I added other devotionals and resources. Those devotionals lead me to other verses and now I follow where Holy Spirit leads.  It just like running.  We do not start with marathons.  We take one step at a time, training our way to the marathon.

The Bible is surprising, funny, sad, uplifting, enlightening, amazing and medicine to the soul.  I start every day in God’s word.  It orders my day. If do not begin with the Bible, it is like missing a dose of medicine to me.   My day will probably be a little off.  Think of it this way.  We do not usually go all day nor days without eating physical food. We starve our spirit when we go without eating the spiritual food of God’s word.   Jesus said in Matthew 4:4, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”

The word of God is life.  Want life enjoyed and in abundance?  Leap in, dig deep and fill up. We also do not get in a car for a long trip and depart with an empty tank.  We set out with a full tank and if it is a long journey, we fill up along the way.  How can we successfully journey through life without filling up on God?  God and His Word are one! Want to know God? Get to know His Word.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”- John 1:1   Want direction in life? Plug into God’s Word and let Him light up your path. “Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105

I enCOURAGE and challenge you to commit to reading His word daily. The   you find will transform your life and bring salvation!   He promises, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” (Psalm 32:8) As a member of the Company of God, He desires relationship with you.  Seek him, you will find Him.