The Manual

2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

“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.”

“All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17 AMP

I found it necessary to display this verse in two versions. It is always wise to review at least a couple different bible versions when you are expounding on scripture. It adds to understanding as well as opens up our minds to the illumination of the Word of God to really grasp the fullness of the scripture.

What the scripture is saying is that there is no experience in life that the bible is not suitable to handle. It equips us with direction, it tells us when we’ve done the wrong thing, it corrects our wrongdoing and shifts us back to a rightful place. It teaches us how to present ourselves both in our appearance and in our behavior when people can see us as well as keeping us from contradicting ourselves when we think no one is looking. What a thorough manual the bible is. It covers everything. After all, we are created beings; handcrafted from the greatest mastermind you could ever know. The great ‘I am’ who does everything well.

An Excel program cannot be used to the full capacity of it’s given abilities unless the user has studied it’s manual and has become well versed with all of its functions and even then, most of their knowledge is useless because they are still limited to the functions of the realistic requirements in their current position.

In the same way, we cannot be used of God to the fullest of capacity or even know of all the talents and gifts that he has placed within us and all that we are capable of doing and the bountiful blessings that he has stored up for us, unless we study our manual, the bible, and allow God to direct us into his perfect will, revealing a life that he has planned for us from the beginning. The difference between life and an excel program is that God’s plan will bring us through many different stages, and encounters and experiences and positions and seasons, as well as allowing us to repeat them again at different levels of maturity; each moment allowing us to utilize a wide array of our knowledge to become complete and proficient.

God’s plan for us also includes the desires of our hearts, because it is the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit that moves within us, giving us power and love and self-control, so that we can speak those things into existence, soften even the toughest heart with love, and humble ourselves when we are placed in abundance or authority over many, so that we don’t get high-minded, lackadaisical, and negligent with what God has entrusted us with, forgetting that it is all made possible through the Favor of God.

There are so many people that he can use, and is currently using, and he chose you. Like Noah, you have found favor in the eyes of the Lord. Don’t take for granted the time that you spend with God. Heed to his word and to your calling. “…No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psalm 84:11 KJV

“And the Lord will continually guide you, and satisfy your soul in scorched and dry places, and give strength to your bones; and you will be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.” Isaiah 58:11 AMP

Be Blessed.

G.M.