Dialogues of the deaf
Leviticus 26:14, 18, 21, 27, 40-46; Luke 8:4-18; John 4:1-26; James 1:19
It is impossible to overemphasize the immense need humans have to be really listened to, to be taken seriously, to be understood. No one can develop freely in this world and find a full life without feeling understood by at least one other person....
Listen to the conversations of our world, between nations as well as those between couples. They are for the most part dialogues of the deaf.¹
Memorizing scripture
Psalm 37:30-31; 119:9-16; Matthew 4:1-10
Thoroughness
Genesis 2:2–3:15, 31:38–42; Colossians 3:22–25
I have just taken my Webster’s Dictionary off the shelf and looked up "thorough." He says it means “carried through to completion, careful about detail, complete in all respects.”
My Lord and his return
1 Corinthians 15:50–58
One evening my wife and I were enjoying a quiet conversation together. We were sipping some fresh-perked coffee, the house was unusually still, and there were no plans to go anywhere that evening. You know, one of those priceless moments you wish you could wrap up and reserve for later use when it’s really needed again.
Hidden heroes, part two
Philippians 2:1–2
As we discussed in Part One, Martin Luther, hero of the Protestant Reformation, was a maverick, a classic shaker and mover. Alone...independent...invincible. He needed no one but God to lean on.
Or did he?
Is that true of any “hero”?
Hidden heroes, part one
Mark 10:35-45
Up-front heroes are often seen as being larger than life. Overstated. That’s unfortunate.
Tension in the tank, part one
Romans 8:28-30
Ever felt sorry for certain Scriptures? I sure have. I’m talking about passages like John 3:17, Hebrews 4:13, 1 John 1:10, and Philippians 4:14. Great verses, all...yet the popularity of their next-door neighbours has resulted in their being virtually ignored.
The tailor’s name is change, part two
Colossians 3:1–17
As I mentioned yesterday, as stimulating and invigorating as change may be—it is never easy. And when it comes to certain habits that haunt and harm us, change can be excruciating. But it isn’t impossible.
Sorrow and hope
1 John 3:1–5
*Sensitive topic warning. The following post talks about suicide.
If tears were indelible ink instead of clear fluid, all of us would be stained for life. The heartbreaking circumstances, the painful encounters with calamities, the brutal verbal blows we receive from the surgeon or an angry mate, the sudden loss of someone we simply adored, riding out the consequences of a stupid decision—ah! Such is the groan and grind of life.