THE GOOD MANUAL

The Good Manual… The Guide Book For Life.
Published by Sister Deborah Negron

The level of our faith is increased by the renewing of our minds.
We read in Romans 12:1-2,
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

The value of our faith is made clear as we take the time to interact, study and apply God’s word. It is impossible to learn without a process. It is impossible to mature in our faith unless we become intimately acquainted with the Word of God.
As we look to see the wonderful content we pause and examine, take apart, discuss and learn to apply the knowledge we come to know.
Let’s look a bit at Psalm 19. A good starting reference point then we can move on.

The language is poetic and inviting, but in further study we see the rich content that can build us up in faith.

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoices like a strong man to run its race. Its rising is from one end of heaven, And its circuit to the other end; And there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them Your servant is warned, And in keeping them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, And I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
Psalms 19:1‭-‬14

This Psalms unfolds for us some truths.

The heavens tell of the glory and the majesty, the power and the presence of God in our universe. They tell us that there is a design and a plan for all creation. We see it when we consider the skies. The formation of clouds. The masterful way a storm is formed and how it can dissipate. We are cognizant of the power of the heavens when we look up at the skies…
The moon, and how it reflects the light of the sun. The sun and the amazing power it holds to help every living being. The warmth it gives, the energy it gives us and the light ot produces to allow us to do all the things we are able to engage in each day. The sun obeys the Master’s design. It fulfills the purpose it has to be a benefit the earth and all its inhabitants.

This Psalm also
speaks to us about the magnitude of the God of heaven.
Now those words spoken by the heavens may not be audible. We may not hear them in our ears, but we are witnesses of the greatness of God.

Now, further still, in considering the words of this Psalm we see that God’s word enables us to be led in every area of our lives.
The reading and study of God’s word offers us such important points for life.
It offers us the knowledge and wisdom to choose a good path. It causes us to be warned where there may be some confusion. It helps to Give us direction.
It corrects us. It shows us where and how we may stumble.
It is sweet to those who take part of it. It allows us to see the process of growth and positive outcomes in life when we adhere to its guidance. It also tells us about the consequences of taking the wrong paths. God’s word offers instruction and the How To’s of life.

The Psalms and the Bible as a whole is that Book, that draws us near to God. It points at the origins of life and the fall of mankind in to sin. In the book of Genesis.

It shows us the Why’s behind the condition of humanity today.
Yet, in its pages it Al’s offers us hope. John 3:16-17.

God’s desire is to give us the tools we need to make it through life successfully.

For God so loved the world… to save, restore, make new, bring healing and redemption. So we have a Go To. The Word points to us the solution for our fallen conditon.

The Word enables us to understand how precious we are to God and how he is willing to forgive us and give us a fresh start.

From the end of the earth I call to You, when my heart is overwhelmed and weak; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I [a rock that is too high to reach without Your help].
Psalms 61:2 Amplified version.

It can rescue us from the poor choices we may make at times. It can bring us back on track when we follow it as a map to a sure destination.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalms 51:10

God’s word allows us the opportunity to develop a strong faith as we take it in and practice it daily. The Lord has Plans for us and the desire to give us a hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11.

This hope it offers is a life long gift.
We can think and meditate on it daily. This helps our faith to grow.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.
Philippians 4:8

It is in the Good Book that we learn the necessary lessons to live productive lives that bring God glory. We learn to forgive. We learn to engage in kindness and good works. We learn to have patience and compassion. We learn to love the unlovable. That is, those who choose to harm others. We come to understand that the too are in bondage and blinded by the error of their ways.
We learn to forgive and to ask for forgiveness and to change our course of direction. God’s Holy Spirit enables us the wherewithal to live out this faith when we seek to grow in the knowledge of His word.

God teaches us to look to Him for our hope. Scripture tells us that is is a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path.
Psalm 119:105

Taste and see that the Lord is good! God blesses people who turn to him to keep them safe. All you people who belong to the Lord, continue to obey him. People who respect the Lord will have the things that they need. Psalms 34:8‭-‬9

The Lord truly orders our steps. He is more than faithful.

Deborah Negron M.A., B.S. (Liberty University Alumni)