April 25 – Whose Instruction Book Do You Use?

April 25 – Whose Instruction Book Do You Use?
April 25, 2012 Lighthouse Network

Transformational Thought:

God loves us so much, so much so that instead of making you a pre-programmed robot, He gives you the freedom to make your own choices. Some, like what socks 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 mankind ever since.

The freedom to make choices is great for us, but, and this 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 mad a free-will choice to pay 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 you … what decision will you make? Follow the greatest instruction book of all time, or  continually write and follow your own very flawed instruction book. I know where “Life According to the Book of Karl” got 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. The 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 the results as you develop the spiritual radar that’s tuned 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 use God’s instruction manual in practical ways in every decision along the way. 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 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 The Holy Bible. Thanks for creating me and for giving me this 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

Kw: Addictions / Addictions Treatment, Mental Health Treatment, Attitude, Perspective, Mind of Christ, Emotions, Trust, Adversity, Baggage, Control, Identity, Old Self, Confession, Relationship with God, Bible, Confidence, Encouragement, Training, Decision-Making,

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