Stones seem to be really important in scripture, and therefore we have to conclude, important to God. Under the Law, altars were to be made of unhewn stones. So right there, approach to God is linked to stones. On the grimmer side, stones were to be used for executions for capital offenses. And as we all know, David killed Goliath with a stone.

It’s a challenge to try to figure out the organization of the book of Psalms. Or I should say, the books of Psalms—there are five. Some of the organization is easy to see, for example Psalms 120-132 in Book Five are the songs of ascents, we’re informed in their titles.

Just two little words, but my what they evoke! I’m pretty sure that the two-word title caused 100% of those who read it to mentally lock on John 3:16—the most well-known verse in the Bible, even among non-believers: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

I really hesitated to post this. Because it’s about me. Again and again, I keep having to remind myself: it’s not about me. I get so frustrated with myself for my mind wandering into self-centered channels, and then it dawns on me that even my self-frustration is self frustration—I’m still making it about me.

Who did people think Jesus was? He asked the disciples this question, be before we get to that, let’s back up a step. Who did people think John the Baptist was?

The Jews of Judea and Galilee famously hated and resisted being ruled by the Roman army—to the extent of armed revolt. The rebellion most well-known among us began in AD 66 and culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem, including the Temple, in 70.

Israel was commanded, emphatically and repeatedly, to keep the Passover every year, as a remembrance of the deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Detailed instructions were given by God on how to keep the Passover, recorded in Exodus 12, Numbers 9, and Deuteronomy 16.

Two related events are presented to us in Leviticus chapter 10. (Do I hear you saying, “Are you kidding me? Leviticus?” Well, just bear in mind that Jesus got his teaching, “Love your neighbor as yourself”—from Leviticus 19:18. Yes, it most certainly is a book we still need to pay attention to.)

We’re familiar with Paul’s list of the hardships and persecutions he endured for the sake of the gospel, recited in 2 Corinthians chapter 11. In chapter 12 he talks about the “thorn in the flesh” that he implored the Lord to relieve him of, only to be told, “No.”

“Magnificent” is a description we use sparingly. It is in some ways the ultimate superlative. We reserve it for the truly exceptional, the jaw-droppingly beautiful, the majestic, the almost-too-grand-for-words.

We’ve all read the account of the exodus from Egypt, right? The dramatic crossing of the Red Sea is recorded in Exodus chapter 14—if you haven’t read it in a while, take a minute right now and read it again. A multitude of lessons are presented here, lessons for the youngest Sunday School student up to the most experienced scholar. The astounding power of the Almighty is on full display. But beyond that, I believe there’s a less obvious lesson that is no less awesome.

The eighth chapter of Romans is one of the most beloved chapters in the whole Bible. There is so much in this chapter. As Bible students we find ourselves returning to it again and again.

There are a couple dozen mentions of Jesus touching people when he healed them. The healing Jesus did was personal, one-on-one. There are only two cases I can come up with of Jesus healing someone long distance: The centurion whose beloved servant was deathly ill recognized that Jesus could heal with a word (Luke 7:1-10). The Canaanite woman whose daughter was ill went to Jesus asking for healing but didn’t bring her daughter, clearly believing Jesus could heal from any distance (Matthew 15:22-28). Both Gentiles, and both highly praised by Jesus for their exceptional faith.

I grew up in a worship culture that emphasizes the solemnity of coming before the Almighty, including in our prayer and singing. This culture was shaped over centuries by the traditions of Catholicism, and then the traditions of Calvinist Protestantism, further polished in the British culture, and transported to North America where I am.

You may be familiar with the book “The Five Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. The concepts in the book have been a great help to many couples. The basic idea is that each of us has one or maybe two primary ways of expressing love—but if the person we’re expressing love to has a different primary “language”, they may not understand that we’re saying “I love you”. Misunderstandings arise and relationships are hurt when people actually love each other, but are speaking different “languages”.

The great collection of wisdom that we call the Book of Proverbs has a LOT to say about what we do with our mouths. This book isn't alone, of course-James, for example, talks about it extensively in his letter. Really, we find teaching all over the Bible, about what we say and how we say it. It's especially prominent in the Proverbs, though. Just to touch on a small fraction of what we find there, some things we might want to take to heart:

Where I live, today is designated as the first day of a new year. Lots of talk about closing out one year and having a fresh start in a new one. People talking about resolving to make life changes. But you know, it's just an arbitrary designation. There's no cosmic or seasonal rationale for the day. Some cultures put the beginning of a new year in the springtime, which arguably makes much more sense.

Yes sir! Captain Julius, Third Company, Augustan Regiment, reporting for debriefing as ordered sir. As you have heard, sir, the events of my recent assignment are most unusual.

The second letter of Paul to Timothy is his final letter, at least the last one preserved for us. Paul is in prison in Rome for the second time, and this time he knows he will be convicted and executed. (2 Timothy 1:12, 2:9, 4:6-8) He has been abandoned by most of his helpers, and even actively opposed by some who ought to have been supporting him. (1:15, 4:10-16) The only one left lending him support is Luke.

The title, as you may have recognized, comes from Romans 11:22. Many versions read, "Note then the goodness and severity of God..." Other versions have "kindness and severity", or "kindness and harshness", or words to the same effect.