Plenary Inspiration, the “Jot” and the “Tittle”

The smallest portions of the letters that distinguish one letter from another, the tense (present/past/future), and the number (singular/plural) are all God-breathed aspects of the Scripture. One cannot conclude that the Scriptures are man’s expression about God, or only inspired in their concepts. Every letter, every aspect of the expression of Scripture is from the heart of God and can be taken as accurate, truthful, authoritative and sufficient.

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For a little while, if need be

I was struck by a few phrases in 1 Peter 1:6 as I read this morning. “For a little while” and “if need be” seem odd comments to make regarding our suffering and trials. But Peter is bringing a perspective to our circumstance, one that provides hope, meaning and value to our difficulties.

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Purposeful Faith

As children, we are often inquisitive, interested and fascinated by the world around us and the people that surround us. The perennial question manifests itself in the simple form, “Why?” “Why should I do this… Why can’t I do that… Why does this happen… Why… Why… Why? This unending barrage of seeking for our children can be exasperating for a parent who is struggling to find reasons themselves, or have failed to ask for the reason.

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READ, MEDITATE, PRAY, CONTEMPLATE

“Reading without meditation is arid, meditation without reading is erroneous; prayer without meditation is tepid, meditation without prayer is fruitless.” It is not often I quote mystical texts from the 12th century as an appropriate guide for our prayer life and communion with God. However, the above statement is worthy of repeating and considering. While the entire text consists of mystical interpretations of various Scriptures and an improper application of the principles of meditation, prayer and contemplation, the principles presented are worthwhile, and often neglected by Christians today.

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