Jan 16
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jbrient added a video contribution Play Skillfully on Strings with Loud ShoutsI think every other time I've read this it had a sense of triteness to it (that would obviously have to be an indictment on my heart rather than the scripture). Somehow reading this now I feel the excitement and exultation intended. Maybe, it has to do with the mental connection, whether legitimate or not, I'm making with a performance I honestly feel privileged to have caught last night. Something about their expression and movements perfectly illustrate this passage for me. Although… Read more » -
jbrient added a text contribution Jacob: The ManI'm not sure why Jacob didn't follow the same methodology as Issac's servant did when he went to find Rebekah. Jacob basically went to the same house where Issac's servant had prayed that God would show him who was to be Isaac's wife, but took a much more lengthy and arduous path to finally get Rachel as his wife. I wonder what this is supposed to mean. Either Jacob wasn't aware that it could be that easy, he didn't carry the respect or age of being able to do… Read more »
Jan 15
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jbrient added a text contribution the leaven we swallowI have to wonder if Jesus said this looking down the corridor of time and seeing how much these ideas would spread and do great damage to his gospel. Almost immediately after Jesus' resurrection and with the church beginning to spread, the Pharisees' teaching manifested in the teachings of the Judaisers, who began saying faith still required circumcision to amount to justification. I think Paul understood the implications of this teaching rightly in his jarring reaction urging them to… Read more »
Jan 14
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jbrient added a text contribution Do we perceive the dullness of our heartsThis text is grieving to my heart as well as perplexing to my mind. I see this "dullness" worked out in the world around me as well as in my own heart that is so callous at times towards Jesus and careless towards Him bearing fruit in me. This confuses my mind as well to see that God has a purpose even in the style of Jesus' message, for those who are "dull" to remain dull and "never perceive". This should awaken a desperation to discover whose eyes God might a… Read more »
Jan 9
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jbrient added a text contribution The Words of JesusI guess its fitting that no scripture seems to make me more uncomfortable than the words of Jesus Himself. Statements like "I send you into the world as sheep amidst wolves", "you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles", "You will be hated by all for my sake", and "the one who endures to the end will be saved" are both convicting and terrifying to me. If these things are the results of enduranc… Read more »
Jan 8
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jbrient added a text contribution The Glory of God in the Face of ChristDavid outlines two portions both of which sound pleasing. He observes that God continues to "fill their womb with treasure; [that] they are satisfied with children, and [that] they leave their abundance to their infants". It would only seem right for David to be embittered about God's provision for his enemies, but instead he is captivated by the surpassing worth of what he, by God's grace beholds as his portion: "As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; whe… Read more »
Jan 7
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jbrient added a text contribution I have no good apart from you.I have nothing to add to that statement other than admission that I can't comprehend what condition of the heart is required to truthfully say this to Jesus. He is truly our portion, but we forsake Him for lesser pleasures continually. Jesus, change my heart and the appetites of my heart. Read more »
Jan 3
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jbrient added a text contribution The Serpent's Mistake...In reading these chapters back to back for the first time in awhile, a detail stood out that I've never noticed before. I wonder if there is something to be gleaned from observing the timing of the dragon's entrance into the gospel story. It seems that immediately after the man and woman are united as "one flesh", and God's intention for marriage is proclaimed in 1:24-25, the serpent suddenly interests himself with interfering in the relationships God has created. I wond… Read more »