One of the single greatest inventions of modern technology is the GPS navigation system. It is available in many new cars, but it has also become the must-have feature of your smartphone! I would venture an educated guess that almost every person who reads this has used their smartphone GPS in the last week. In fact, the only reasons Uber and Lyft are able to so seamlessly exist as a business is because the smartphone has made the most directionally challenged, dummy with a map, super accurate and reliable, and it enables them to get to almost any destination they need to drive to. It’s because of the accurate directions of a GPS buddy who speaks to them as they drive! “Turn right in 1 mile, take Dayton street left now. You have arrived. Stop the car.” I was stunned by this as a friend was driving me to an airport and that little voice spoke to him as we drove, telling him exactly what to do!
The truth is most Americans and even Christians are addicted to this device and this technological wonder called GPS!
Imagine with me now: What if there was a GPS for life? For marriage? For finances? For parenting? For relationships? For morals? For emotional and spiritual well being? For knowing God? A GPS that guides you to the most meaningful, lasting things in the world? That tells you exactly how best to live? Imagine that it is always 1000% reliable, will never leave you stranded, never lead you astray, always gives you accurate information, costs no monthly fee, and never needs to be recharged!
My friends, that is exactly what the Bible is and much, much more! I can tell you from first-hand experience, having read my Bible daily now for over 43 years, The Bible is the source of the greatest guidance, greatest encouragement, greatest insights, most valuable information and truth in the world. The Bible is God’s position and guidance system for everything most vital to us in life!
I would be completely lost—in fact we are all completely lost—without its guidance and instructions for our lives.
To dispel any doubt, please read these Bible passages below from Psalm 119, NLT:
19 I am but a foreigner here on earth; I need the guidance of your commands.
32 Make me walk along the path of your commands for that is where my happiness is found.
45 I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments.
50 Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles.
52 I meditate on your age-old laws, O Lord, they comfort me.
56 This is my happy way of life; obeying your commandments.
59 I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes.
60 I will hurry, without lingering to obey your commands.
72 Your law is more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver!
93 I will never forget your commandments, for you have used them to
restore my joy and health.
105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
130 As your words are taught, they give light; even the simple understand them.
143 As pressure and stress bear down on me, I find joy in your commands.
162 I rejoice in your word like one who finds a great treasure.
165 Those who love your law have great peace and do not stumble.
There is simply no way I can overemphasize to each of you today the extraordinary importance of the Word of God, the Bible, in your life. You and I desperately need the directions and guidance of God every single day of our lives. You never, ever, ever outgrow your need for God’s truth and guidance. You need it to survive and thrive on this planet we call earth!
Without it, you are utterly lost, and you will drive your life, your family, and your marriage into the ditch and eventually right over a cliff!
Let me close by asking you this honest and sincere question. Are you as addicted and reliant upon your Bible each and every day as you are your smartphone and its GPS? Do you turn to your Bible for guidance, direction, and help as often as you do your smart phone’s GPS?
If not, something needs to change today! It. Must. Change. If you are to lead your family well, parent your children well, have the marriage you need, avoid the great pitfalls of life, and escape the landmines of man’s greatest enemies—the world, the flesh, and the devil—you need to read and follow the directions in your Bible, God’s GPS to you, every single day.
Let me close with a few suggestions. From someone who has done this for 43 years, and started when I was 19. These will help you immensely if you make them your daily, lifetime habit.
Get yourself a New Living Translation Bible. I’ve been reading that version for 21 years now. It is easy to read and understand.
Get an orange highlighter to draw a line through the verses that stand out to you as you read each day. Orange just jumps off the page and is very easy to find when you go looking.
Pick a time that works well for you to read each day and stick to it. Morning with coffee works well for some. Others find their lunch hour works well for them.
Choose a good quiet spot in your house, or a park, or at work. Just do it daily.
Have a plan. I have spent the last year primarily reading in Psalms. Some like the one year Bible plan. Another idea is to also include every day, reading the corresponding chapter in Proverbs to the day of the week. There are thirty-one chapters in Proverbs, so on the 1st of the month read Proverbs 1, on the 2nd read Proverbs 2, etc. You need the wisdom from the book of Proverbs.
Buy yourself a cool leather journal, or one that matches your taste, and every day write down just one verse along with the reference and the date above each entry. Why? This will help your heart and brain remember what you wrote and give you a greater grasp of God’s truth and direction for your life. My wife has done this for years, and she has journals full of truths from God that have directed and sustained her through the most difficult of times.
I would humbly, sincerely advise you not to use your smartphone as your Bible. I realize you can get the Bible on your phone. Here is why I advise not doing it. The phone you use for everything, it is filled with many temptations, games, apps, and constant notification dings, and text interruptions, etc. They can be overpowering to you, tempt you when you feel bored and distract you from your Bible and interrupt your stream of thought. Treat the Bible as the sacred book it is, and get an actual “hold in your hand” Bible to read, underline, use and treasure for your own.
Open my eyes to see wonderful things in your Word. I am but a pilgrim here on earth: how I need a map—and your commands are my chart and guide. I long for your instructions more than I can tell.
– Psalm 119:18-20 TLB
Please hear these two messages that will inspire you, instruct you, and further illuminate this tremendous truth—the life tool God has given us in his word—the Bible:
https://strongdisciple.com/faith/a-gps-for-life
https://strongdisciple.com/wisdom/ponder-your-ways-examine-your-life
