The Golden Nugget: When all else fails, read the instructions.

Daily Verse: “Jesus said, ‘But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.’” —Luke 6:49 

Daily Message: 
If only living a life with God were as easy as learning to ride a bike. If following God was that easy then everyone would be doing it. So people try all sorts of ruses to get the results without the work. Some try to take shortcuts to God. Some believe they can do everything on their own and don’t need guidance or insight. We don’t like fourteen pages of instructions on how to put a bookshelf together. Forget reading the Bible—do you know how long it is? Yet when life does not look like what we think it should look like, we blame God.

What will you gain from reading God’s instruction manual? You will find God’s self-disclosure coming into focus. The instructions are the conjunction of God’s love and his purpose for you and your life. The insight and knowledge contained in the Bible is the beginning of wisdom. It is stunning in its beauty. It is encouraging in its demand for justice, and you will be strengthened to pursue the many things God wants to celebrate with you.

Consider This:

• What is intimidating about beginning to read the Bible?
• In what other situation in your life has not reading the instructions proved to be disastrous?

Take Action:
Read Psalm 119.