AUGUST 25

1 Corinthians 10:11

Randy did not enjoy family devotions. “The Bible is about people who lived thousands of years ago,” he had once complained. “That’s boring! Things are way different now.”

His parents didn’t agree with that. “The Bible is about yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever,” Dad often said. Mom encouraged regular Bible reading, too, so Randy had to sit through family devotions every day.

One day Dad announced that he was going to Australia on business, and, best of all, his family could go along. Randy was excited. He told all his friends and teachers about the coming adventure.

As Dad picked up the Bible for devotion one evening, Randy showed him a book and map he had brought home from school. “My teacher loaned me these,” said Randy. “Mr. Tan’s been to Australia, and he told me all about it. Lots of things are different there. This guidebook suggests things to do and good places to go.”

“That’s great, Randy,” Dad said.

Randy laughed. “Mr. Tan says he’ll tell me about some mistakes he made when he was there. He says that should help me not to make those same mistakes. He says this book lists things we shouldn’t do, too. I’m going to start reading it tonight. I think it will be interesting.” Dad nodded. “A guidebook is a good idea,” he agreed, “but since you never seem interested in reading the guidebook for your most important journey, I’m a little surprised that you’re interested in this one.” Randy stared at Dad.“What journey?” he asked. “What guidebook?”

“Your journey through life,” answered Dad. He held up the Bible. “This is the guidebook for life. It teaches us a lot of things and tells us about people who have gone before us. Some of them made mistakes, and we can read about them and learn to avoid making those same mistakes.”

Randy was quiet. He had to admit that Dad was right.

Thought: Do you read God’s Word? Do you like to do it? Do you put into practice what you read?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to remember that as I journey through life, I need a guide, and the best guide is the Bible! Help me to read it faithfully, to practise it happily, and to love it sincerely. This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.