Regular nibbles from the Bible. . .come for a bite, leave with an appetite



May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. (Psalm 19:14, MSG)

Saturday, February 1, 2014

RUBBERY LIVES (Matthew 12)

I prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual.  (Matthew 12:7 Message)

As a child enduring abuse, I clung to the restrictions of a legalistic church. They taught that a Christian could lose her salvation. I avoided that scary possibility by following the list of “don’ts”:
·         smoke
·         drink
·         dance
·         cuss
·         have sex outside of marriage
·         go to movies
·         wear short skirts or jeans

The perfectionism I strove to achieve brought no joy. Over time, God taught me that I was not only “dead to sin” but also “alive in Christ.” My understanding of the Christian life shifted, to one inspired by my relationship with a Holy God and His love for me.

I still clung to the idea of a “perfect” theology, however. After Bible college and seminary, I substituted a system of theology for a list of rules.  Christians disagreed on a few peripherals, such as the timing of baptism, the millennium question, and so on.  I did not anticipate disagreements over things like. . .
·         the Trinity
·         salvation vs. conversion
·         The origin of sin

Our differences came up at an ecumenical Bible study at work, with people as dedicated to a right understanding the Bible, as I was. I was flummoxed.

Now I live in a nursing home with people from several denominations, including one I label a “cult.” One of their members clings to one central truth: Jesus loves me, this I know; and He is my Savior.

I am not ready to give that “cult” a free pass—but I know that lady will be in heaven when she dies.

A flexible heart to accept those of different lifestyles and doctrines—asking God to show us which hearts are true to Him.


The longer I live, the more rubbery I get.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

POETIC GRACE (Matthew 11)

Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. Matt 11:29, Message

This week I am writing poetry instead of my next romance, and this haiku came out of reading Matthew 11. Back to regularly scheduled programming next week.


God’s grace unforced speaks
Rhythmic spasms of mercy
Lightening my heart