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How Do You Read the Bible?
Here's a simple parable with an important moral. Each mirror, you see, has inspectors, who, acting as corporate protectors, must find any scratch, every unseemly patch. They're inferior mirror detectors. The head of this group is Pierre, who trains his formidable stare on each glass for an hour, and does he turn sour when finding some blemishes there! This man, so well-trained as a peerer, has no practical use for a mirror. His hair's such a tangle, seen from any angle. We wish that his mirror were clearer. "Pierre," I repeatedly mention, "Your hair's now a bone of contention. Now, sir, you just hush! I have bought you a brush, and some spray for your hairdo's retention." Do you think that such mild conversation will effect any quick transformation? Not until he observes what is fraying our nerves: his nightmare-hair irritation. Now we know there's been many a preacher, or a prideful, and self-proclaimed teacher, who's examined God's mirror, and cried, "Could be clearer!" but never saw what kind of creature the mirror to them has reflected. They must face what they never expected: if the glass is looked through, then so clear is the view, that the critics themselves are inspected. As James, the brother of Jesus writes, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it-he will be blessed in what he does." --James 1:22-25 NIV * * * Copyright © 2005 Steve Singleton, All rights reserved. Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean. Go to his www.deeperstudy.org">http://DeeperStudy.org for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."
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Fail Your Way To The Top Have you had a challenging day or week? Feel a little tired or discouraged with a current situation? Ready to throw in the towel and quit something?Don't worry. It's very normal to go through times of feeling that something in life stinks and all there is to see and feel is the current mess. How Do You Read the Bible? Here's a simple parable with an important moral.Each mirror, you see, has inspectors, who, acting as corporate protectors, must find any scratch, every unseemly patch. Dream Board DREAM IT, CREATE IT, BECOME ITIf you've been reading my newsletter for awhile, you know that I continue to incorporate and teach the 'how to' principles behind successfully achieving our goals and dreams. One important piece of wisdom I've gained is that nothing happens, no forward steps are taken until we first have a dream. Food for Thought We all love picnics. They represent a fun time as we prepare the food, the entertainment and the guest list. How Four Words Can Enhance Your Life Of Prayer (Pray More In My Hectic Day? You Cant Be Serious) "I would like to pray more. But . Consulting Your Soul Recently I approached a traffic light where a man stood in shabby clothes with a three-legged dog by his side. As I waited for the light to change I looked at this scene with compassion and felt an urge to contribute something. The Nature of Anger Excerpt From The Relationship Handbook: How to Understand and Improve Every Relationship in Your Life by Kevin B. BurkMany of us have some very definite ideas about anger. Turning Your Life Over To God and Trusting Him To Lead You Is Like . . . . . . . Flaming Fire Within Our Bones Jeremiah was certainly one of the most distinguished notables of the Old Testament. To read his messages and experiences is to become acquainted with a great servant of God. Caste Out Direct Answers - Column for the week of September 29, 2003I am a 28-year-old Indian lady. I am in love with a 30-year-old Indian guy for the last four years. A Pickup Line Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 11, 2002I just started a wonderful new job. The atmosphere is laid-back, and the people alone make the place fantastic. The Red Ribbon Everyone wants a blue ribbon. Blue. How to Pray on Water! Announcing Life-Changing Bible Code - Discover Amazing Water Scriptures! Water is the source of life, yet so few of us understand how to navigate its spiritual and inspirational powers.In 2001, I spent the summer in Israel launching a special project for the protection of the water-starved Sea of Galilee. Clicking to Good Vibrations! Recently my dad visited me in Victoria, BC. He is THE most appreciative person I know!While we were out shopping one day, I insisted upon stopping at one place and then another and another--intensly searching for a specific item. A Brick Wall Direct Answers - Column for the week of August 18, 2003Two years ago I divorced, and there is still a lot of hostility.My former husband has been served with contempt papers for not paying child support. Are You Really Living Your Life Today! Yesterday I was but a child, looking. Looking ahead at a world of wonder. The Power of Inner SELF I am sharing one of the great insights.The fear that we have about venturing into anything new is our past memories and darkness. Big O Growing up, I remember my Dad had some really good friends. They had the most amazing, positive and magnetic energy. Its The Little Things That Count Have you ever been in the situation where you have become so focussed on achieving a goal that you have done so at the detriment of everything else in your life?The 'All or Nothing' SyndromeIn a coaching session I had with one of my clients this week, he realised that to complete the goal he wanted to achieve by the end of September, that he has totally neglected every other area of his life.He has fallen into the 'all or nothing' syndrome. Life Goes On Boy, do I feel old. Or at least older.
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