God’s directions

2 Timothy 3:14, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” Have you ever been cooking something new and read the directions and then tossed the box in the trash only to get so far and have to pull it out of the trash to read the directions once again? As I get older, I find myself seeming to do this a lot. I look at the picture to see what it is supposed to look like. I read the directions and start the meal. As it begins to cook, I often go back to the directions to see if I am following the steps correctly. There have been many times I miss a step in my haste to get started and have had to retrieve the box out of the trash to once again read the steps. The verse from 2 Timothy reminds us of the importance of having God’s word close at hand. It is our directions to living a righteous life. God’s Word keeps us on the path. It was given by the inspiration of God, to try to understand His will in our life. It reminds us of His mercy and grace, of His lovingkindness. It also shows us God’s judgment, and it corrects us when we start to stray from His instructions. The Word of God is our power to rebuke the devil when he comes at us with his lies. “It is written” was said by Jesus when being tempted by the devil. The Christian author, Hank Hanegraaf put it in this perspective, “God has sent sixty-six love letters etched in heavenly writing, and the more we meditate upon these words, the closer His voice will resonate.” Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Let God’s word be living and active in your life. Pick it up, keep it close and use it.