Wanderings – Page 25 – The Life and Times of Joe Suttle

Nagging

joe April 1, 2009 Faith

Peter did not actually use those words, but let's face it, if someone is "always ready to remind you of" something, then they could be working for the prize as chief nagger (is that a real word?)

One has to look carefully at what Peter says in Second Peter starting in verse 12. Although your version of the Bible may divide the first chapter somewhat differently, it still stands as one giant interwoven phrase. With the "if" and "then" and "practice" all tied together in one package.[more]

Add to the "interwoven" aspect, his repeated "I am going to remind you", or "You need to remember" and you have a recipe to stir people's blood. For some, I am sure their blood is boiling about now. Remember, Peter said earlier that our lives as believers is built up step by step. It's not just a "poof!" and you have it. It takes some steps – one at a time or concurrently, but your life as a believer is interwoven with those qualities (see verses 5-7).

Then there is that statement in verse 10, "practice these things" that makes you go back to see what he is talking about. That statement is now underlined in my Bible, because it can only mean one thing – "Look at the list again!" Then the nagging – the stirring us up to action.

What am I missing today? Is it knowing or practicing that makes a difference? Maybe that's why Peter reminds us of those things. Besides, what's the difference between "these things" and "those things?"

Garbage Can 1 – Joe 0

joe March 24, 2009 Family, News

There I was, trying to get more in the garbage can. Pack it down and throw some more in (had lots of stuff from the garage cleanup). I was very careful about how I got in – used the step ladder to get there.

On either the second or third jump. the garbage can went south, and I went north – right over the edge of the can. Tried to be a gymnast and fall lightly, but to no avail. My left hand struck first[more] – fingers should only bend one way. Then, the coming weight of the rest of my body came to bear, and a strain/sprain to my fingers, wrist, elbow.

Road burn took over then on my arm and shoulder.

Finally, the left side of my head (above my ear) made contact with the street – boy, did that hurt! Immediately the call went out to Joshua playing in the backyard for some help. After he arrived with Karen, the cry was "wow, look at all that blood!"

The trip to ER was uneventful – after a CAT scan, they found that there was no other damage – just take some painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. Now for a little rest, and then back to it!

Like A Grocery List

joe March 19, 2009 Faith

Or if you are so inclined, it's like a 'build it' manual that needs to be followed to produce the finished product. This one still needs some help with translation.

That was my first take on Second Peter, when in chapter one starting at verse 5, there seemed to be a maze to work our way through. Remember, Peter was not writing a novel for the world to read – just some instructions for believers. The list seemed to be all intertwined – step 1, then 2, etc.

Each step produces something that can be joined to or used in the next step. This was one super list. A sentence almost without end.[more]

But it ended good – "get or do love." Sounds like a repeat of First Peter in some ways. To a programmer, it is the conclusion of an "IF" statement. If you build up all that goes before in the list (work on it diligently), it will produce love toward and for your brothers and sisters.

The point that grabs the mind of people is that "these are works, and Jesus is all about faith." Taking that approach misses what Peter, Paul and Jesus had to say – our faith will produce some kind of change in our lives. If it does not, then we have not caught the message – we have not/are not living out what they taught. We are not becoming the people they want us to be.

More next time – just be different!