Tiny Devotional for RED Friday, 08-04-2023

A great good morning to all my friends and neighbors in Internet Land! And to family members who have dropped by, Remember Everyone Deployed!


Take hold of instruction; do not let go.
Guard her, for she is your life.
Proverbs 4:13, NASB

The Song of the Reluctant Student:

“Why do I have to learn THIS? I’m never going to use ANY of this!”

Child, you are 14 years old. Do you really believe that at age 14 you already KNOW what you are going to use for the rest of your life?
I think not.

I find the Book of Proverbs, from which I take my text each day, to be perhaps the most practical instruction in the universe. This verse could be the warning label on the cover, underneath the comforting legend “DON’T PANIC!” inscribed in large, friendly letters. 

“Taking hold of instruction” isn’t the same thing as  memorizing verses. Memorization is important, because you might not always have access to a physical copy of the Bible when you need it, but that’s not taking hold. 

Last week, Vanessa took hold of the lawn mower. Do you think she just stood there in the driveway, with hands wrapped around a handle? Nope! Taking hold of instruction means USING it. 

With some passages, it’s easy to see how to take hold and use; but, what about this one? How do we take hold of an instruction that tells us to take hold of instruction? What is the practical application here?

I think it’s found in the statement that this is our life; therefore, it’s not something to be treated casually. Hold on to it firmly, carefully, gently. Hold it CLOSE. 

Remember holding your child for the first time?

Kind of like that.

Peace be on your household.

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