Instructions For Life

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God .
1 Corinthians 1:18

Very few people like to be criticized or corrected for our wrong doing, and for some, even receiving instruction on how to perform something correctly can become a hard hit to their pride and dignity. But that is exactly what the Apostle Paul is seeking to teach us about the Word of God in his letter to young Timothy.

It is a sad fact, but one primary reason why many people (even Christians) refuse to read the Bible, is because they know that by reading it, it may expose areas of their life that are not pleasing to God, thereby leaving them with a feeling of guilt and failure. However, nothing about the Word of God is intended to condemn anyone, lost or saved, but rather is intended to convict us of the areas in our life that need correction, so that we may endure this journey here on earth with minimal heartache and fewer painful consequences for our sinful actions. God in heaven loves all of His creation too much, to let us wonder through this life confused, misguided, and constantly tormented because we are unlearned and do not have the knowledge to avoid dangerous decisions that could ultimately destroy, not only our life, but the lives of those around us.

We all need Godly instruction and guidelines to reach our full potential. We must never forget that while each of us can only live in the moment, God sees our life from beginning to end, therefore, He always knows the correct road that we should take and the best decision to be made in any situation. How many times have you made a decision that at that time seemed totally right and justifiable, but later things turned out different than expected due to unforeseen circumstances and your planning and decision making brought you heartache rather than the glorious outcome that you were expecting? How might have things turned out better for you if you had sought the instruction from God, who knows all things and is never caught off guard by unforeseen circumstances? The point is, that God does not want us to live this life hurting and frustrated, but rather victorious. Therefore, He gave us a guidelines to follow, and even though His ways may not make sense to us at that time, God knows that in the end it will bring to us our heart’s desire which in turn will bring praise, honor, and glory to Him.

Now from an early age, I have learned the trade of carpentry from my father and grandfather. It was instilled in me while growing up on the farm, how to build things and fix things that are broken. I learned so many valuable principles and techniques that I felt like if Jesus were to open the Carpentry Hall of Fame, that I would have been the first inductee (after Him of course). But later in life, pride began to manipulate my thinking to the point that I didn’t need any more instruction, I was ready for any task that come my way, until I was confronted by the need to put together a baby crib for our first child. Eager to show my wife how gifted I was at building things, I quickly discarded the instruction manual and proceeded to let my river of wisdom flow. And flow it did, all the way to the floor!! What I thought was a great accomplishment, turned out to be a great embarrassment. When my wife begin to move it, pieces begin to fall off. That scenario brought to my remembrance what God said in Isaiah 55: 8-9; “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”  The designer of that baby crib knew exactly what needed to be done and in what order, so that the finished product was beautiful, usable, and strong so that our baby would protected and not hurt. That is why we need to constantly be in the Word of God seeking His correction and instruction, so that we can be beautiful in His sight, usable by Him in reaching others, and strong for those that we love so dear, so that they will be protected by the decisions we make and the things we do rather than being hurt by them.

Remember, don’t let pride stop you from being corrected or from receiving instruction from the Word of God. For it is in these times of correction and instruction that God is demonstrating His love for us by showing us what needs to be changed in our life so that we may serve Him better and receive the best He has to offer. – God Bless

-Darren McClerren

 

A Prayer of Repentance

God, I come to you in Jesus’ name. I confess that I have sinned against You and have come short of Your standards. Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus to pay the price for my sins. Jesus thank You for dying on the cross for me. I repent of my sins and ask You to be the Lord of my life. I give you my life today and I receive God’s free gift of eternal life. Thank You Lord for saving me. In Jesus Name, Amen.