SUPPLIES
BIBLE
A COOKBOOK

Gather the supplies above and bring your family together for the Bible time.

For Mother’s Day, my family gave me a cool new kitchen appliance. As I unpacked my new gift, I started to get overwhelmed. It looked complicated, and I didn’t know where to begin. This gadget was created to help me save time cooking, and the cookbook that came with it boasts “45+ mouthwatering recipes and charts for unlimited possibilities”. Unlimited possibilities? That sounds exciting! I am always looking for different meals to cook and new ways to cook them.

When it comes to learning how to use a new gadget or make a new meal, there are two ways to do it. One way is to just jump in and try to figure it out on your own. The other is to pull out the instructions or the recipe, read them thoroughly, check the box to make sure all of the appropriate parts and pieces are there or gather all the ingredients, and then begin to use the thing or combine the ingredients.

When something comes with instructions, we are wise to read them.

LIFE comes with instructions. God made sure of it. He gave us the Bible to teach and guide us. He gave us the Holy Spirit to serve as our counselor and teacher. Unfortunately, all too often we fail to read the instruction manual before making a decision. Let’s see what God has to say about this issue.

Stop and pray together. Read the following scriptures from Psalm 119 and match them to the truth they convey concerning God’s Word.

Scripture Truth
Verse 11 It lights our path.
Verse 28 It keeps us from sin.
Verse 66 It is righteous and trustworthy.
Verse 89 It provides strength for the weary soul.
Verse 105 It is eternal.
Verse 138 It gives knowledge and good judgment.

The entire 119th chapter of the Book of Psalms praises the benefits of Scripture. It is like an advertisement for the Word of God. You and I are wise to read Psalm 119 in order to be reminded of the ways that Scripture impacts our lives. We are wiser still to live according to the whole counsel of God’s Word.

Turn to Proverbs 14:12. Read this verse aloud.

God has told us the right way to live; He has given us perfect instructions for life in the Bible. All too often we either fail to read the instruction manual, or we only read the parts of it that fit with what we want to do or be.

“For the Word of God is alive and active.” Hebrews 4:12. Scripture is able to speak into any situation in our lives. God gave us Scripture for our good, not to restrict our behavior. When God gives us permission in Scripture to do a certain thing, we can be sure that thing is for our good. Likewise, when God forbids something, we can be equally certain that no good will come of pursuing it. God has a bigger perspective than we have. He can see the BIG PICTURE. When He says “no” to something it is because He knows the consequences of that action. God’s “no” is for our good, and we should view it as a blessing from our loving Father.

Every decision you and I make should line up with Scripture. When we stubbornly insist on having our way and doing things that God cannot bless, we can be certain there will be severe consequences.

WHAT TO SAY: As your parent, my heart’s desire is to point you in the direction of Jesus. I want to ask you a few questions.
Do you know Jesus as your Lord and Savior?
Does Jesus have all of your heart?
Do you make prayer a priority each day?
Are your life decisions and actions consistent with God’s Word?

If any of you could not answer “yes” to each of these questions, please spend some time talking to Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to minister to your heart. Jesus loves you so. He wants a close, intimate relationship with you, but you must be willing to allow Him to mentor you through prayer and Scripture.

//Kristy McKenzie

A NOTE TO PARENTS: Our Family Ministry Team have each been called by God to equip and resource you with the things you need to guide your family in the direction of Jesus. We invite you to contact us with your questions. We are here to point you toward or provide you with the resources you need for all the phases of your children’s lives, from Preschool through High School.