The temperature was 99 degrees today! My poor plants looked quite droopy until I watered them. It seems my creative energy was a bit droopy too because I knew what I wanted to take a picture of, but couldn't really come up with a unique way to picture it. One of the things I'm truly grateful for is the library of books I've collected as part of my theological studies through the years. I'm grateful for the classes and professors that opened these windows of knowledge to me, but I'm also mindful that as it says in Ecclesiastes 12:12, "The writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body." So although I treasure the things I've learned and the books that have brought me that knowledge, I try to keep my main focus on THE BOOK, the Bible. Trying to capture that in a picture brought me to the post you see here. I hope it makes sense!
I like the shot. It's so funny, but I feel the same way about 'books' v bible. I love to read and know that the extra reading and study has helped me get a greater depth of understanding, but our main focus always needs to be God's word. The Holy Spirit showed my hubby Phil a great analogy of always going to the source for refreshment etc. He was out on a long bike ride (bicycle) one day and climbing a steep hill. There was water running down beside the road and he thought that looks good. Then he remembered a time when we were bushwalking and we crossed a stream and then up the stream a little was a dead frog and a dead bird. That's when the Holy Spirit showed him but if you go to the source of the stream or water it would not be polluted. While all the books, commentaries, study guides, etc are good they are not directly from the source. Do get the clear, 'unpolluted' word we need to go to the source. I get concerned when I hear someone is only reading books written about God and His word, and not His word. I like that your photo looks a like a drop in the water! Goes well with Phil's story.
@kkauter Thanks Kerrie- your words were a drop of water I needed today. Struggling with a few disappointments that shouldn't really be bothering me at all- but it's so uplifting to come on to 365 and see the time you took to share that insight. I love the analogy- it's perfect. The Word is the Source! All these other things are nice but they are worthless without the Source. I'll get over the disappointments as long as I drinking from the Source. Thanks for sending along those apples of gold. Praying for your plans to come stateside! (And if you are able to get to the eastern side of PA- the welcome mat is definitely out!
It is good to add a variety of readings as you study His Word, but as you said, it is also wise to know that there is only one that our true knowledge is based on, and the only one that we can bank on to be true, and increase our wisdom. A great photo to represent your feelings. .
@olivetreeann thanks Ann. If we make it we are wanting to take a trip to New York City which I think should take us close to your neck of the woods. Will have to see what happens, we just keep praying and holding it gently.
Very creative shot and excellent comments! Sometimes it is very easy for me to get caught up in all the extra studies and books when often, simplest is best - a quiet place and my Bible. Thanks, Ann!
