Instruction Manual

“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.” Joshua 1:8

With the passing of Moses, God’s deliverer, Joshua had a big task in front of him. He would take up the torch and be the one to lead the nation of Israel across the Jordan River into the promised land. Joshua had some big shoes to fill. Moses had led the people through the hardships of the wilderness, but Joshua would take them on their final trek into the land flowing with milk and honey, a land currently inhabited by giants.

God made the same promises to Joshua that He made to Moses, “‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you.” He encouraged Joshua to be strong and courageous and then He gave Joshua this one important charge: “Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it.”

God was saying, “Joshua, don’t go running off without reading the instruction manual. Do you want to prosper and succeed? Read the book and do what it says.” So many times we jump into life with both feet. We do what we want, what feels good, or what seems right, but our lack of instruction can get us in big trouble. If only life came with an instruction manual!

God has not only given us an instruction manual but He’s also given us an entire library! The Bible contains 66 books written by 40 authors over a span of more than 1500 years.  The Bible is God’s love story and His instruction manual for our lives. The Bible is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right (2 Tim.3:16). Like Joshua, we would do well to read it and do what it says.