April 24, 2012
Whose Instruction Book
Do You Use?
Transformational Thought
God loves us so much, so much, so instead of
making you as a robot that is pre-programmed, He gives us the freedom to make our
own choices. Some, like what sox to wear, are of little consequence, but others
are life-changing. This freedom of choice dates back to Adam and Eve. They made
one choice that went against God’s instruction book and sin has dramatically
affected the lives and events of all mankind ever since.
The freedom to make choices is great for us, but,
and it is a big but, this freedom brings grave responsibility. We have all made
poor choices at times and have suffered the consequences. The good news is that
no matter what choices we have made in the past, there is always opportunity
for a better future. God knew that we would make some bad choices, but He loves
us so much that He sent Jesus. And Jesus willingly, His free-will choice, paid
the price for our sin to provide a way to restore our relationship with God.
Some people go through life carrying the load of
some wrong choices they’ve made in the past. They believe they’ve messed up so
badly that nothing good can ever come of their lives. Do you ever feel this
way? Good news! If you want to be set free from the past, Jesus is the answer.
He has already paid the price for your sin … for every wrong choice you’ve ever
made.
Make a good decision right now by accepting His
payment for your sin. This could be the first time (becoming saved) or part of
the regular practice of confession, which is a powerful coping skill. God has
always wanted to forgive you and help you make better choices. That is why He
sent His Son, gave us the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us, and spelled it
all out in His instruction book, The Holy Bible.
Many decisions are tough and it’s a great benefit
to have a guidebook for our journey. Now it’s up to us … what decision will we
make? To follow the greatest instruction book of all time, or to continually
write and follow our own very flawed instruction book. I know where “Life
According to the Book of Karl” gets me. Although it seemed cool when I was
writing it, it truly was hell to live at times. Thank You God for Your amazing
grace!
Today, when you make a mistake, stop and look at
whose instruction book are you using, yours or God’s. Next time you are in a
tough situation, choose to use God’s instruction book instead of the knee-jerk
response from your own or society’s instruction book. Document how different
the results will be as you develop the spiritual radar of tuning into God’s
frequency. Remember, you are very special to God and He loves you no matter
what you’ve done. He wants you to put the past behind so that you can become
all He has designed you to be. It’s never to late to make good decisions. Learn
from your mistakes … and look forward to a future filled with hope. WITHIN REACH is designed to help
you practically use God’s instruction manual in all the daily decisions that
are your walk. The instruction manual you use is your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father God, thank You for forgiving my sins.
I’ve made so many wrong choices. Help me now to put them behind and to look
forward to the future You have planned for me … one filled with hope. Show me
how to use Your instructions from Your Holy Bible. Thanks for creating me then
giving me the instruction book so I can function well and glorify You. I pray
this and all prayers in the name of the One who lived Your instruction manual,
Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!
The Truth
No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not
achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking
forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive
the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
Philippians 3:13-14
For the word of God is living and full of power,
and is sharper than any two-edged sword, cutting through and making a division
even of the soul and the spirit, the bones and the muscles, and quick to see
the thoughts and purposes of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12
