Musings From A Rolling Eyed Turtle

What if I told you there is a root that sprouts poison? Would you be interested in experiencing it? Or, maybe you would just want to avoid it at all costs! This particular poison is also linked to bitterness, and it’s not the bitterness as in an unpleasantly sharp taste. This poison, in fact, has little to do with ingestion and taste. It is, however, a particularly nasty poison that spreads and affects others. And the bitterness that accompanies it is the kind that the dictionary defines as that which is distasteful or distressing to the mind or that which is caused by or expressive of severe pain, grief, or regret. So where does this poison and bitterness come from? It comes when we turn from being with the Lord and we go after other gods to serve them: “ Make sure there isn’t any one among you right now—male or female, clan or tribe—whose mind is turning from being with the Lord our God in favor of going to serve these nations’ gods. Make sure there isn’t any root among you that is s...

The envelope had a specific command prominently printed on the outside.  It said “Open Immediately”. Immediately normally means now or without waiting; without interval of time. The envelope also had a company name prominently printed on the outside.  It was “Endurance”. Endurance normally is t he ability to sustain a prolonged effort or activity; the ability to keep doing something difficult, unpleasant, or painful for a long time. There are times when we want God to respond immediately, as without interval of time: “ But you, O Lord , do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid!”  (Ps 22:19). And there are other times when we are glad that God responds slowly, as in sustained over a long time:  “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord , the Lord , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger , abounding in love and faithfulness,” (Ex 34:6) Intentional or not, the printing on that envelope was a contradiction in te...