By Joseph Parker, American Family Radio Director of Outreach and Intercession

July-August 2011 – “For best results, follow the instructions of the manufacturer.” These words often appear in the instruction manual that comes with a new item that needs to be assembled. The statement is true because the one who made the item or appliance usually knows better than others how to put it together and how it will work best.

God, our heavenly Father, is the “manufacturer” of life – the Maker and Sustainer of all life and all people. He created the whole world and all the people in it. As the Creator and Sustainer of life, He then knows how life will work best.

We’ve probably all heard the saying, “The problem with life is it doesn’t come with an instruction manual!” Oh, yes it does! The instruction manual is called the Bible, the written Word of God. The Word of God is His will and His wisdom.

God’s Word covers all of life in its counsel. Every issue, every topic and every matter in all of life is addressed in some way. In direct statement or principle, everything is covered. God’s Word is the key to all of life.

Thus, believers need to make it a high priority to read, to meditate on and to use the Word of God in our lives. Tragically, though, too many believers fail to understand the great importance of spending time daily in God’s empowering Word.

Let’s consider a few reasons why every believer should decide to make it a high priority to spend time in God’s Word every day:

1. It tells you how to be genuinely saved and how to grow in your faith (John 3:16; Psalm 119:105; Philippians 4:6-7).
2. It gives you clear guidance and direction for much of your life (Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:15-17).
3. It empowers your prayer life (Philippians 4:6-7).
4. It sharpens your ability to hear the Holy Spirit more clearly in your life (1 Corinthians 1:5).
5. It ministers to your mind, body and spirit (Proverbs 4:20-22).
6. It helps you maintain your mental health (Romans 12:2).
7. It increases the anointing on every area of your life (1 Corinthians 1:5).
8. It increases your wisdom in every area of your life (Proverbs 1-3).
9. It enhances your intellect and personality (1 Corinthians 1:5).
10. It pours grace, joy and peace into your spirit, your mind and your life (2 Corinthians 1:2, 1 Timothy 1:2, Galatians 5:22).

Reading three chapters a day from the Word of God will greatly bless your life. Let’s make it a high priority
every day. And parents, have your children read two or three chapters out loud to you. It will greatly bless
them and you.