Musings From A Rolling Eyed Turtle

“How can someone who swims so slow go so fast”? It’s not a trick question and I’ll give you some clues from the Scriptures that might point us to the answer. “If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.”   (Ecc 10:10) “Are you so foolish? Although you began with the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by human effort?”   (Gal 3:3) Wait a minute, you might be thinking, I don’t see how those verses relate.   Oh, but they do: You can chop wood with a dull ax but you will need more strength to do so.   A sharp ax, however, makes the chopping go so much more easier and requires less strength.   Then, if you add skill and knowledge to the chopping process, you will likely have even greater success. In our own strength and effort, we can probably make some progress in growing spiritually but the real growth that God intends comes through relying on the Spirit of God...

If you are like me, the word “commandment” does not always sit well.  In general, I really don’t like the thought of living under a bunch of commandments or being commanded to do something.  On top of that, if I start thinking about the consequences of breaking a commandment, I struggle all the more.  Perhaps my rebellious nature is coming though here! If, even remotely, you identify with me, I have some good news!   Commandments are actually meant to talk with us and such conversations are for our good!   This particular verse seems to give credence to that:   “When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.”   (Prov 6:22) The “they” are commandments and teachings and they are supposed to lead us, watch over us and talk with us. Here’s more of the context to the verse:   “ My son, keep your father's commandment, and forsake not your mother's teaching.   Bind t...