Glad in the Lord

GOD'S WORD
A Love Letter and A Road Map

The other day I was reading in my "Journey" daily devotional magazine. In the comments after the short story the writer talked about God's Word being a love letter and a road map. That really caught my attention for I had never thought of it as being basically those two things.

I began to think of some of the love letters Bill has written to me. I saved them and keep them in a special place. I have been reading some of them again. They are so precious to me. But God's love letter means so much more. On every page He tells how He is working out His plan because of His great love for you and me.

            For God so loved the world that He gave his only
            begotten Son... John 3:16
            God is love. I John 4:8b
            Behold, what manner of love the Father hath
            bestowed on us. I John 3:1

Because He loves us so much He has given us the road map for the way to God and the way life works after we become His child. When we do not follow the road map we not only hurt ourselves but also our witness. E. Stanley Jones wrote a devotional book entitled The Way. The basic thrust of the book is that God's way is the only way that the Christian life works. But when I try to follow God's teachings, I fail. Jesus is the only one who can do what God requires and that only happens when I let Him live His life through me.

Here is some of God's road map for us to follow:

Love God supremely. Love all others (brother, neighbor, even our enemy).
Mark 12:28-31, Matthew 5:44

Present your bodies a living sacrifice and don't let the world squeeze you into its mold.
Romans 12:1-2

Keep God's commandments out of love.
John 14:15

Do not forsake the assembling of yourselves together.
Hebrews 10:25

Put on the whole armour of God.
Ephesians 6:10

In everything give thanks.
I Thessalonians 5:18

Be holy, for God is holy.
I Peter 1:16

To follow these directions is a tall order, isn't it? But God doesn't tell us to do anything that is impossible if we let Jesus live His life in us. It's a choice we have. And it's the only way to real joy.

I hope you'll join me in a new commitment to Him.