Sunday 27 Aug 2017

August 27: Proverbs 25:11-12

Key Verse: Proverbs 25:11
Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a ruling rightly given.

Devotion:
Have you ever seen a still life painting of fruit where the fruit look so lifelike they look good enough to eat? Some people are able to put into a picture so much life and energy or even peace and tranquillity that the painting seems to be alive. They are able to put into a picture what some of us only dream of being able to describe in words. Others are able to describe things in such detail as to allow you to feel like you are there rather than just listening to a story about it. Yet when it comes down to sound instructions we all seem to have the ability to ignore them!

What would an instruction manual be like if it did not describe exactly what you had to do? What use would the wrong instruction manual be in an appliance you bought? We do need sound instructions, not just for things we buy, but for our spiritual lives as well. Isn't it amazing how a book can move you to tears – just by the way it describes a situation; and that is simply because we chose to take in every aspect of the book.

You see, we do have the choice as to how much we get from a book, film or even from a discussion. We have the choice as to whether we are going to take in every aspect and allow ourselves to be immersed in the words, or whether we are just going to skim over the words and pick out what we like. If we are going to get the best out of God's word, then we have to immerse ourselves in His Words so we get everything out of it He has put into it.

We need to take in the words of love, take in the words of discipline, take in the words of wrath and take in the encouraging words. God has given us a bible which has all of the instructions in that we need. A book which paints a thousand pictures. A book which teaches. A book which disciplines. A book better than any film, picture or other book – because it is complete!

Points to Ponder:
What percentage of books you have read would you describe as excellent?

How would you try and describe God's Word?