They say she went to the well at noon to avoid the gossipy glances of the community's women who gathered there to chat when it was cooler. They saw her as we all would: a woman who'd "been around the block," living with a guy after having blown through five marriages. They saw a failure. … Continue reading The Moral Blindness Behind Our Gossip
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to respond. (Colossians 4:6) When out with friends and the topic is critical of another, let my speech be gracious and kind, protective of the other's dignity. When the tone turns anti-Christian, let my speech be gracious, seasoned with the salt … Continue reading A Simple Rule for Speech
When Jesus Christ was transfigured before Peter, James and John, they saw the glorious divinity of the God-Man. Peter (so lovably like us!) stammered a suggestion: "Lord, it's good that we are here. Let's build three tabernacles! One for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah!" Then a "bright cloud" overcame them and they … Continue reading Matt Redman: Let My Words Be Few
If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, his religion is vain. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained by the world. James 1:26-27 If only, when … Continue reading True Religion and the Unbridled Tongue
What is Sparrowfare? I've taken to watching the sparrows in the bushes around my house and at my backyard feeder. They're a calming corrective to the current climate of political anger and banal entertainment. I need a reset after taking it in. Sparrows draw me away from the sensational. Their very lowliness reminds me of … Continue reading What Is Sparrowfare?
