Follow the Correct Guideline

Preparing for another summer camp includes putting together the preprinted devotional booklets that each camper will work through during the week. Covers need folding and pages need cutting so that all can be stapled together to meet each day’s book. The prep work is time-consuming but the finished product facilitates a time for reflecting on the lessons heard and growing closer to the Lord.

As we folded and cut the pages for each booklet, we did not use the page’s graphics as our guideline. Lining up the corners is the best way to accurately fold the cover page. When using the paper cutter, one does not look at the image they are cutting or even the center of the sheet of paper. The paper is lined up with the proper lines on the cutter. In this particular case a heavy line was marked at the correct spot so it could not be missed. Following this line resulted in each page being perfectly cut in half. These half sheets of paper fit nicely together in the cover creating a perfect sized booklet. All few staples and each were complete.

As we prepare to face each day, we must line up our actions by the guidelines of God’s word. Regardless of what we see ahead of us, the proper course of action will only be pursued if we look to the principles laid out for us in the Scriptures. King David understood the value of guiding His life by God’s law. “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8 AMP) David desired to learn and follow God’s law in the midst of trials. “Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain and even path because of my enemies [those who lie in wait for me].” (Psalm 27:11 AMP) This law was David’s joy. “I delight to do Your will, O my God; yes, Your law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:8 AMP)

All of us can benefit by David’s example. Loving and following God’s law is the key to a secure future. Of the righteous man it is said, “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” (Psalm 37:31 AMP) Decisions made by lining up our will to His law keep us walking steadily in the right direction. We also can call out, “O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling.”  (Psalm 43:3 AMP)

Each day’s activities will be a little different, but the word of God and its driving principles do not change. The principles do not change because God does not change. “For I am the Lord, I do not change; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6 AMP) This same unchanging nature is attributed to Jesus. “Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages).” (Hebrews 13:8 AMP) We serve an unchanging God who speaks unchangeable truth. His word is eternally constant. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 AMP) It will remain beyond the earth itself. “Sky and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35 AMP)

 We must not attempt to line up our life to other standards. Wealth may be appealing but after acquiring everything his hearts desired Solomon said, “Then I looked on all that my hands had done and the labor I had spent in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after the wind and a feeding on it, and there was no profit under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11 AMP) The opinions of others can also seem to be a worthy guideline, but human wisdom can vary and lead us into dangerous choices. “There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12 AMP) Also the easy way is not always the best way. Hard times can often be the most valuable in molding our character. “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP) Every other standard we encounter may change, but only God’s word will remain sure.

God is love. “God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him.” (1 John 4:16b AMP) If we guide our life by the principle of that love we will not fail. Times may be hard but love will never fail. “Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].” (1 Corinthians 13:8a AMP)

The time we spent preparing these booklets properly was so worth it when we saw the finished product in the hands of eager campers. Time spent learning and lining our lives up to the standard of God’s law will also be worth every bit of effort.

Study and put into practice the principles of the Word of God every day. Your life will be truly benefited by it.