the instruction manual

The Artists Wife Sitting in a Garden Chair at Skagen by Peder Severin Krayer

I've often heard it said that we could do a better job raising respectful children, having good marriages, being righteous people, or creating happy families with an instruction manual. "But there is no instruction manual." Lots of people believe this--just look at all the self help books at the bookstore. But they are not needed. God gave us the instructions long ago.

"They word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105

"And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us, We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cans down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:7-8

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (perfect means complete not our modern meaning of the word) He created us and has the power to answer all our prayers. No problem of today is new--that's one thing I'm learning from studying history.

"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;" Psalm 63:1 We must finally yield to God and a great love of His Word will consume us.

"O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way." Psalm 119:97-104 The Psalmist knew this as we all can. The scriptures have a lot to offer in the way of instructing us to be happy and healthy.

So my conclusion is that all problems can be solved through daily prayer and scripture study, meaning God will guide us if we give him a chance. I've found that for this to work, I need to set aside time, schedule time. I like to follow devotions and lesson manuals, however I think it is necessary to read scripture chapter by chapter or subject by subject. Choose a verse from the reading with special meaning and decide why it was special in writing.

 "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up" Psalm 5:3 I guess this tells us what our first priority should be.

"And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Mark 1:35 Even my idea that morning scripture and prayer are important have been addressed in scripture. Here Jesus though it was important to spend time with Heavenly Father. That is good enough for me.

Check out 1 Corinthians 13 for a really great instruction manual on raising children or happy marriages.1 Corinthians 14:20 tells us how to be like children but not immature. Then look in your topical guide for instructions on how to "find yourself", how to eat, garden, love, talk, sing, and so on. It's all in there. "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore." -Psalm 16:11