Authors /
Paul Stroble
Paul Stroble teaches at Webster University and is the author of several books, most of them with Abingdon Press. He blogs at Journeys Home, part of the CCblogs network.
Make straight a highway
The son of a truck driver, I like highways and image of travel. Checking The New Interpreter’s Bible Dictionary's entry about roads and highways, I learned that a messila was a built-up road, intentionally constructed and improved, while a derekh (Num. 20:17, 19, Judg. 21:19) was a path was formed because of constant use and thus had become a road.
Where our help comes from
During college, I taped a religious poster on my dorm room wall. Under a photo of a white country church against a green, timbered hill were the words, "I lift up my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help."
I liked the Bible verse, the scene was pretty, and I enjoyed the peaceful reminder of rural home places. But a friend who was knowledgeable in scripture said the poster was theologically incorrect.
Studying God's works
How do you know that God is great? You study the things God has done! You might even call it data-collecting concerning God's salvation.
Sunday, October 17, 2010: Psalm 119:97-104; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
In his love for the law, the psalmist is effusive and sensual; with a few word changes, verse 103 could be said to a lover.
Sunday, October 10, 2010: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19
The lepers all received healing. What a happy shock that must've been! But only one, a Samaritan, returned and thanked Jesus.
Kindly candor: Ephesians 4:25—5:2
"I have a philosophy about life,” a friend said recently. “The world would be a much better place if people took a moment to let people know about the positive impact they have had on others’ lives. Too much time is spent on negativity. The good in people simply isn’t recognized; too often it is taken for granted.”
Whose casserole? John 6:51-58
When my daughter was in grade school, her teacher included a unit on table manners. The rule that amused me was, “When served food, you should never ask, ‘What is this?’” I don’t think I’ve asked that question aloud, but I’ve certainly thought it, especially at potlucks.
Joined at the heart: Ephesians 4:1-16
As Christians, we are joined together, responsible for one another’s Christian walk and well-being. Paul talks about “one body and one spirit,” so when someone we know is in trouble—some metaphorical fuse is burning in his or her life—we’re there for that person, praying, talking, listening and helping. We “bear with one another in love,” with “humility, gentleness and patience.” Of course, it's easier to describe that kind of fellowship with good religious words than to actually pull it off.
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