Week Four, 2021
The scriptures are the comprehensive equipment of the man of God and fit him fully for all branches of his work (2 Timothy 3:17; J.B. Phillips).
THE BLUE JACKETS MANUAL
First published in 1909 it is like a time capsule of values. Now in its 24th edition, The Blue Jackets Manual helps U.S. Navy personnel know and exhibit obedience, knowledge, fighting spirit, reliability, initiative, loyalty, self-control, energy, courage, justice, faith in ourselves, cheerfulness and honor, but above all comes absolute truth, the final test of a man. It also stresses knowledge, energy, self-control, and justice. It is often referred to as the Bible of the Navy.
As Christ followers, we too have a manual. It is the Bible. It’s like God’s owner’s manual for your life. Like any good owner’s manual, the Bible gives you instructions to consult when you need help. It is our manufacturer’s instruction manual.
In the glove box of our automobile there is an owner’s manual (the least read book) telling you all you need to know about the operation and maintenance of your car. Most people have never read it, at least until they have a four-wheel crisis.
Eighty-seven percent of American homes have a Bible, but it too is seldom read until people experience a life crisis and maybe even not then. The Bible tells you what is good and what is bad. The Bible tells us what is right and what is wrong. These innate lessons on living fill the Bible. Proverbs 16:9: “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” reminds us God is in the driver’s seat of our life.
The Bible presents us with the history of decisions made by individuals and nations regarding the will of God … The Bible instructs every person to consider his or her personal way of life: “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”
As you experience the events in your life, let the Bible be your manual for life and living. There is no match and there is no other. It contains word from God.
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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES
Historically, our cultural institutions—from government and military to media, education, business, religion, and civic groups—have served to mold the character of their members in line with their mission and values. Their leaders sought to serve the institution and its members and thus the greater good.
In recent years, however, leaders have come to see their institutions as platforms for personal advancement and status.
Government leaders have fallen victim to the cult of celebrity. Many in the media have sought to serve their personal “brands” through their reporting and visibility. Universities have become platforms for faculty and students to demand social changes aligned with their activistic agendas.
Business leaders have sought personal wealth and advancement to the detriment of their employees and society. Religious leaders, their authority undermined by clergy abuse scandals and personal ambition, have become celebrities rather than shepherds.
Social media is exacerbating the problem. Rather than molding us through engagement with contrary positions and experiences, it exposes us only to news and opinions with which we agree. It then serves as a platform for trumpeting our personal opinions and seeking as many followers and likes as possible.
Even the family, once the foundational institution for molding character, has been redefined as anything we wish it to be. We have become consumers who then use our choices with regard to gender and sexuality as platforms for personal expression. Jim Denison
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Come let us bow down. Come Let us worship the Lord of Lords and King of kings. Come let us bow down before Him.
When was the last time that you worshiped? I mean… truly worshiped? When you got so lost in Him. So, moved by the Spirit that you let your walls down, forgot about everything and everybody else and you worshiped? You bowed down before Him filled with joy and hope and trembling fear?
Let’s stop for a moment and worship. Stop for a moment and bow down. In our offices or cubicles. In our homes or dorm rooms. In our closet or other place where we pray, read, praise. Stop for a moment and worship the Creator of the sunrise and the sunset.
Worship His holiness and His glory. Praise His creativity, and His might and majesty. Praise Him and worship Him for who He is and what He has done. Take in His awesomeness and His magnitude… Sing of His great love. Listen for His still small voice. Enter His gate with Thanksgiving, bow down and worship. Marty Stubblefield
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QUOTES YOU CAN USE
When people begin to witness our compassion, they will begin to care about our convictions. Ken Whitten
If you want to appreciate all the freedom that comes from owning less, you’ll want to declutter every room in your home. The Minimalist
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
Watch your thoughts, for they will become actions. Watch your actions, for they’ll become habits. Watch your habits for they will forge your character. Watch your character, for it will make your destiny. Margaret Thatcher
And they said, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31