Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James 3:13
This is one of my favorite scenarios. Camped out at the kitchen table, sipping on fresh ground coffee, working on a writing project – creative juices flowing.
And there at the other end of the kitchen table, Rebekah. Sipping on fresh coffee, working on her sermon, or a lesson, or a prayer – creative juices flowing.
In between, Mr. Max. Probably wondering about my half-consumed cookie, deeply concerned that, maybe, he will miss out on that last bite.
Outside it is raining. Has been all day. But rainy weather is good writing weather, good for ruminating.
ruminate /ˈruːməˌneɪt/ verb: to think carefully and deeply about something
The Britannica Dictionary
I like that word; ruminating. Thinking carefully and deeply. America could use a little more ruminating right about now. Ruminating and then its companions: self-appraisal, self-questioning, a humble heart. Oh we love to question other people, especially folk we don’t like or disagree with. But how about turning the questions inward? How about keeping these questions/ideas front and center:
- We are all likely wrong at least half the time, what can we learn from people we disagree with?
- What important stuff do we need to think through on our own, rather than blithely swallow whole without question?
- Isn’t it time to invest some thought outside our “only people who think just like us” silo? The scriptures teach us it is not so healthy in there!
Anyway, back at my end of the table I am writing about some Florida churches for a big foundation, drawing connections between the money we are investing and the transformational ministries taking place.
At Rebekah’s end of the table she is putting together Sunday’s sermon. This week the key words are “kindness” and “goodness”.
Turns out we are very much on the same page. Here is what I am thinking. I’m thinking the New Testament book of James nailed it: “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
The scriptures suggest – no, teach – that we should all work to replace our dark, angry, negative, hostile ways with kindness and goodness – and humility too.
It’s Sunday morning. Won’t you join me in some kindness and goodness; won’t you join me here in church? – DEREK
Speaking of disagree, at least here in Layton Utah, how can Christians disagree with something they haven’t experienced? Like whenever I talk about my testimony about being in the witchcraft and everything that happened to me is in Leviticus chapter 26 in that exact order, they treat me like I’m lying. I’m telling the honest truth and it literally almost killed me and demons are real and certain things and objects literally attract Satan and his demons to homes. You can say it’s just a movie or whatever else all you want but it invites Satan and his demons into your homes. ALASUN🌞
Ok. I believe you. And I get what you’re saying. But – respectfully – maybe not referencing witchcraft almost every time you post a comment?
It’s a big part of my testimony about how Jesus Christ saved my life and Satan and his demons are a very serious matter. I would be in disobedience to God for not stressing it to people enough. Jesus wants us to share with everybody what He does for us. My family and others have stifled me my whole life and I will not be stifled anymore. I’m letting the world know what Jesus did for me. People have blown off everything I say then wonder why I’m quiet, my entire life. God wants me to be heard.
I understand. But sometimes it’s a little “off-topic” when paired with what I am posting! Not “blowing off what you say”!
Have you thought about, maybe launching your own blog?
Peace –