Keep the Bible with you

Do you want to know how to stay on track spiritually?  Consider Moses' instructions for Israelite's future king (or for anyone):  "When he sits on the throne as king, he must copy for himself this body of instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. He must always keep that copy with him and read it daily as long as he lives. That way he will learn to fear the Lord his God by obeying all the terms of these instructions and decrees. This regular reading will prevent him from becoming proud and acting as if he is above his fellow citizens. It will also prevent him from turning away from these commands in the smallest way. And it will ensure that he and his descendants will reign for many generations in Israel" (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). In other words, if you want to stay on track spiritually and successfully manage your life - and the lives of those you're responsible for or coexistent with - you need to keep a copy of God's words, the Bible, with you at all times.  In fact, Moses told the king to "copy for himself" these important words of instruction.

Imagine if you - a mother, an employee, a brother, or a friend - not only kept a copy of the Bible with you at all times (referring to it often) but spent time copying relevant portions in a spiral notebook or journal.  Just imagine the change in your life...

• You'd have wisdom when dealing with complicated decisions at work.
• You'd have discernment when parenting your children.
• You'd know when a friend needs an email from you (or, more importantly, when they don't).
• You'd be encouraged to call your sibling and apologize for that argument last Christmas.
• You'd gain the courage you need to stop smoking (or stop any other unwholesome habit).
• You'd find relief when bitterness seeks to dominate your mind.
• You'd learn to hold your tongue even when a criticism is deserved.

And, most of all, you'd learn to "...love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, love your neighbor as yourself" (Luke 10:27).