The Owner’s Manual

Spring arrived early this year and so did the strong desire to get out and ride!  Like many other people I found myself eager to get my motorcycle out of winter storage and back on to the road.  Unfortunately, the battery had gone down and there was no power.  I decided to phone the friend whom I had purchased the bike from and ask him about getting it charged up.  His advice “Read the owner’s manual!”   Smiling, I thought to myself… “Thanks a lot.”  Well, with no other options, I did something radical.  I read it!  I got my tools, charged the battery, got it running, and have been enjoying every sunny day that I can!  Mostly, I enjoy taking my sweet wife for a ride, even if it is just a short run out to the grocery store.

Did you know that the Creator of all things has given us an “Owner’s Manual”?  God has actually written out everything that we need to know!  His book includes an introduction to planet earth, chapters of history, poetry, practical instructions for the family, men, women, children, social and political order, Theology and lots of prophecy.  As God, we would expect that He knows history in advance; and He certainly does!  Indeed He has written down everything that we need to know (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3-4)!  The “Owner’s Manual” even explains why bad things happen (Genesis 3; Romans 3:23; 6:23a; 8:21-22).  It also explains what God has done about this insurmountable problem; He sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to live a sinless life and die as the perfect sacrifice for sin (John 20:31; Romans 6:23b; 10:9-10).

One of the things I appreciate the most about this “Owner’s Manual” is that God has also included instructions that keep us running in tip-top condition – FOREVER.  You see, this “Owner’s Manual” is the exact and errorless guide to maintenance (how to have victory) and to our individual fuel needs (how to know and grow spiritually).  There is nothing more vital or practical than for us to consult the Owner’s Manual: God’s Word!

As much as I enjoy my motorcycle, my first passion is my wife and our six children.  Obviously, I am not all that mechanically inclined; I had to ask for help charging the battery.  What I’ve discovered though is that basic motorcycle maintenance is not nearly has complicated as my job as a husband and dad.  I am so thankful that God has spelled out His design and expectations for the Family, especially dads, in easy to understand terms!

Gentlemen:  Do you want to be a blessing to the ladies in your life this Mother’s Day?  Then resolve to consult the “Owner’s Manual” with the intent of understanding God’s design and desire for you as a husband and father.  A great place to start is in Ephesians 5:21-6:4 and Colossians 3:16-25.

 

Clegguart Mitchell

Life in Leon

Just over two years ago I moved my wife and six children, including a new born baby girl, to Leon. We were excited and nervous and looking forward to settling into our new home and new community. With the help of our church family, and so many new friends in the community, it only took a few short months to feel “right at home.”

Obviously with six children, life is never dull in our house. Our oldest is now 14 and our youngest is now two and half. They love golf with dad, baseball with friends, fishing as a family, hunting with Melvin & Annette, and they really enjoy visiting with the folks out at Westview (especially Mr. Dale Miller). Indeed, for our family, life in Leon is just an absolute joy!

When our twelve year old was three he had to use a stool in order to reach the sink in the bathroom. We always knew when Jordan was going to wash his hands because the little wooden stool doubled as a car which he enjoyed driving. He always made “vvv-rooom” and tire squealing sounds as he “drove” the little stool to the sink and back to the end of the counter.

On several occasions when Jordan would “park” the little stool, he would stand straight up and hit his little head on the corner of the hard counter. He would cry out, rub his head, and the tears would flow. On one such occasion I said, “Jordan, Jordan, Jordan, listen to Daddy.” Now pointing at the hard corner I said, “Buddy. This is always going to be here.” He wrinkled his face, sniffled, and kept rubbing his head.

A few days later I heard the little motor sound coming from the bathroom. I stopped in the hall and listened. Then I heard tire sounds, a little thud, and crying. When I looked into the bathroom Jordan was rubbing his little head again. He pointed to the corner of the counter and said, “Daddy. It’s always gonna be there.”

Friends, do you realize that God tells us in Psalm 119:89 that His Word (the Holy Bible) is forever settled in Heaven? In other words, God’s Word is “always going to be there.” Not only does God describe for us how to know Him personally (John 14:6; Romans 10:9-10) but He also explains life in easy to understand words! The Bible is our Source (2 Timothy 3:16-17), our Comfort (Romans 15:4), our Guide (Joshua 1:8; John 8:31-32), and our Strength (Psalm 119:28; Acts 20:32).

Just like a little boy who needed to accept the fact that the counter top would always be there, you and I need to accept the fact that the Bible is “forever settled in Heaven”.  Indeed, God’s Word is “always going to be there”!

 

Clegguart Mitchell