"Wandering from the Word"

God's thoughts are not our thoughts; neither are His

ways our ways. Since we desire to live our lives pleasing

to Him we need to read the

B.I.B.L.E.: Basic Instructions Before Life Eternal

9) How can(A) a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. 10) (B) With my whole heart I seek you; let me not(C) wander from your commandments! 11) I have(D) stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. 12) Blessed are you, O LORD;  (E) teach me your statutes!  13) With my lips I(F) declare all the rules[a] of your mouth.  14)In the way of your testimonies I(G) delight as much as in all(H) riches.  15)I will(I) meditate on your precepts  and fix my eyes on your(J) ways.
16) I will(K) delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word. ~ Psalm 119: 9 -16 (ESV)


Stan bought his grandchildren a new toy. After glancing at the directions, he set the booklet aside to get busy building. A few frustrating hours later, Stan humbly opened the instructions again and followed the steps to assemble the toy. Soon he was done, and the grandkids were playing happily.

Stan knew that the manufacturer had a plan for putting together the toy. But he’s a smart fellow, so he assumed he could figure it out too. Many people take the same approach to the Scriptures that Stan took to those directions. Instead of treating God’s Word like a manual to live by, they glance at it occasionally when they aren’t sure what to do next.

The Bible is like the Father’s diagram of Himself. He teaches believers who He is, what He thinks, and how He acts. Knowing the ways of the Lord ensures that we make wise decisions, which honor Him.

The Bible is also God’s instruction book for living. I emphasize reading it every day because believers cannot be spiritually successful or victorious without it. In today’s passage, we read that if a person wants to be righteous, his or her life must comply with the principles of Scripture. Of course, the only way to know what those principles are is to read, study, and meditate upon the Word.

God’s Word is our most valuable possession. Casting it aside is as foolish as tossing away a wallet full of money. Among the Bible’s riches are stories teaching us how to serve the Lord and principles about pleasing Him. And there is a wealth of instruction for building a righteous and meaningful life.

By: Dr. Charles Stanley
Be Blessed!
 
Dawn