Bible – Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth
Have you ever heard the phrase, “Bible – Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth?” I heard it the first time several years ago, and it always stuck with me.
Years ago, I was standing in a long line at church, waiting for my turn. It was the annual Christmas dinner. If you have ever been to a Christmas dinner at church and stood in line, you are quite familiar with the occasion.
I am always intrigued by some of the conversations that take place as you move an inch at a time toward the food. You find yourself talking to people in front of you and behind you. Sometimes, random people will visit everyone standing in line.
The lines always seemed to move slow. After all, one must eye every dish and determine it’s tastiness. And of course, you have to decide whether that pot of greens beans looks better than the other two pots of green beans sitting there. One has floating pork bits; the other does not.
You need to choose carefully because you’re only allowed one plate. Do you pile food on top of food? Be considerate of others? Not appear to be a pig or greedy?
Do you take the last spoonful of mashed potatoes, knowing the 50 people still in line are left with stuffing and scalloped potatoes? Decisions, decisions, decisions.
One year, I was standing in line waiting for my turn when a dear elderly gentleman and I struck up a conversation about the Bible. We talked about how much we had learned over the years. Of course, he was much older and had gained more wisdom than I. But none the less, the discussion was delightful.
In the midst of our Bible talk, he said, “I nicknamed the Bible, “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth.”
We laughed and continued through the buffet line at church. Who can pass up all the side dishes those sweet little ladies brought from home? The last scoop of mashed potatoes didn’t make my plate that night.
As I moved through the line, I couldn’t help but think about what he said. How true is that statement? After all, when I read the Bible, I find many instructions on how to live life. I also see lots of encouragement, advice, and warnings on how to live this life. What’s equally fascinating is it applicable to everyone.
True, we may not see words in the Bible like the internet, social media, or popular community causes and organizations. But we see many similarities like emotional feelings, directions on how to worship, lead your family, serving, praying, and so much more.
The Lord advised people then to worship Him and Him alone. God calls us to do the same today.
In biblical times, many people chose to worship false gods of their own making. We see the same thing today.
In biblical times, you read about murders, anger issues, stealing, adultery, wars, love, devotion, flooding, diseases, and healing. We see those same things today. And the list goes on.
My point is the Bible, though it was written hundreds of years ago, contains events and stories that are just as relevant and applicable today as they were back then.
When I need hope, I have learned to go to the Bible first. Whenever I need a reminder of who provides everything I need, I go to the Bible, the Word of God. Feeling down or anxious? I go to the Bible. Need encouragement to go another day in a challenging climate? Again, I go to the Bible.
Hebrews 4:12, “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
So, where does one look for insight into what is to come in the world we live in? Over the years, I have learned the Bible has the answers to what I can expect in the days to come. The Bible instructs me on what I need to do to prepare. I can never say I wasn’t told because the Bible has the answers.
If you haven’t read the Bible, may I suggest you start today? Don’t delay.
The Bible is alive and active, as Scripture states above. You will find answers to many questions, and now more than ever, we need the truth to guide us through the weeks and months to come.
Blessings!
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