Laundry in Cyprus

When my husband and I ministered in Cyprus for three months, our apartment had a brand-new, front-loading European washing machine. After some challenging laundry experiences in other parts of the Middle East, I was grateful to have such a nice appliance.

There was just one problem: all settings were in Greek! I consulted the manual and matched the machine's symbols to those in the book, with English explanations, and before long-voila! -I was confidently washing our clothes.

Rejected Instruction Manuals

Have you ever tossed aside an instruction manual when you got a new appliance? Maybe you thought, this will be easy. I don't need to read that boring pamphlet. It would take too much time. I can figure it out myself.

Then something didn't work quite right. You grew frustrated and assumed the appliance was defective-when, in reality, all you needed was a little guidance. Reading the instruction manual could have saved you a lot of unnecessary aggravation.

God's Instruction Manual

Trying to live the Christian life without reading the Bible is like trying to operate a new appliance without reading the manual-only far more frustrating.

Second Timothy 3:16 (KJV) says,

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

Like an instruction manual, the Bible teaches us how to live. It provides guidance, correction, and wisdom for every area of life. But it cannot help us if we never read it or apply its truth.

Accessible And Available

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew (Old Testament), Greek (New Testament), and a small amount of Aramaic. Thankfully, you don't have to know those languages to understand God's Word.

The complete Bible has been translated into more than 700 languages. Chances are, one of those translations is yours, making God's instruction manual readily accessible.

The Best Resource

It can be tempting to turn to other sources for solutions to life's problems. While those resources may have value, none is as thorough or reliable as the Bible. God's Word truly contains everything we need for life and godliness.

When we read the Bible and follow its instructions, life works the way God designed it to work.

Prayer

Jesus, I am thankful that I don't have to navigate life on my own. Your Word is my instruction manual, always available when I need help, wisdom, and guidance. Each time I read it, I grow a little stronger spiritually. Help me make Bible reading a regular part of my life. Thank You for the precious gift of Your written Word! Amen.

Today's devotional was written by Sylvia Ferrin.