Scripture Dissection Archives - Page 2 of 5

Hope And Hard Work – Scripture Dissection

Posted onJuly 14, 2025January 27, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Hope And Hard Work - Scripture Dissection

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Do you remember Aragorn’s famous quote in The Lord Of The Rings? “There is always hope!” Then there’s another quote by the great soccer player, Pele. “Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice – and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.” Hope and hard work are guideposts that keep you on a good path.

The first quote provides a picture of avoiding despair – when there is still hope. The second is a realistic picture of what hard work looks like.

Now – let’s tear into hope and hard work.

Secrets About Your Life In Christ – Scripture Dissection

Posted onJune 23, 2025January 27, 2026

Alive and Active Life

Secrets About Your Life In Christ - Scripture Dissection

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You know what it’s like when you’re about to tell someone a secret. Or when they want to tell you a secret. You “lean into” the other person with eager expectation. Even excitement. There are many kinds of secrets to share with a friend in life. And the best ones are secrets about your life in Christ.

So – let’s tear into it!

God’s Covering and Protection – Scripture Dissection

Posted onJune 2, 2025January 27, 2026

Alive and Active Life

God's Covering and Protection - Scripture Dissection

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When I was in college, I took a “Camping – Hiking Course.” It fulfilled a basic requirement. Overall, it was a good experience. Interestingly, I learned a lot. However, I remember one bad experience – the weather didn’t cooperate. Our group pitched our tent. But it started POURING. Then, the temperature dropped dramatically. It was a freezing, soppy mess. Sadly, our group squeezed into a car and spent the night there – shivering. Unfortunately, our tent nor our car, provided the covering and protection we needed. Thankfully, God’s covering and protection doesn’t look like that.

A Plan To Be More Like Jesus – Scripture Dissection

Posted onMay 12, 2025January 27, 2026

Alive and Active Life

A Plan To Be More Like Jesus - Scripture Dissection

00:00 / 18:50

Do you need a long-overdue vacation? Or perhaps you want to pay off a loan quickly. Maybe you’ve never gardened, but you want to try one. Could be you’ve decided to change careers but need more education. Or you might commit to lose a few unwanted pounds. Regardless, whatever the scenario, you need a plan – or you’ll get nowhere fast. Similarly, you need a plan to be more like Jesus. Incidentally, it doesn’t just happen.

So, let’s look at a good plan to do just that.

The Stumbling Stone – Scripture Dissection

Posted onApril 21, 2025January 27, 2026

Alive and Active Life

The Stumbling Stone - Scripture Dissection

00:00 / 17:50

Some years back, I accompanied my grandkids to a park. They were full of energy and expectation. Upon arrival, I gave the usual warning – “Now, be careful as you tackle this playground!” Their response? “O.K. We will!” Well, they climbed equipment, explored, and jumped from tree stump to every conquerable obstacle. The oldest mid-teen made a bounding leap – landing in a wipe-out. Boom! “Are you OK?” “Ya. I’m fine.” Then, another bounding leap – another wipe-out! Kersplat! “You still OK?” “Yup, I’m good.” Remarkably, yet another attempted giant leap for “teen-kind.” Ya-hoo-hoo-hoo! Trip-and-sprawl! Back up again – still grinning. Goodness! That brilliant offspring found every stumbling stone the park offered. Perhaps a successful visit?! I think it’s worth exploring what a stumbling stone is.

A Positive Mindset Works – Scripture Dissection

Posted onMarch 31, 2025January 27, 2026

Alive and Active Life

A Positive Mindset Works - Scripture Dissection

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I’m sure it’s not just me. Surely, you’ve been there, too. Your computer, phone, or device just isn’t cooperating. So, you refresh. If that doesn’t work, you turn it off – and back on again. Plus, you take care of any updates. Worse case scenario, you back-up data and re-format your device. Honestly! A lot of management! Similarly, there’s management needed for a mindset to work well. However, it involves certain reboots, re-starts, updates, and even re-formats to have a positive mindset work.

Let’s see what Scripture says.

It’s For Your Own Good – Scripture Dissection

Posted onMarch 10, 2025January 27, 2026

Alive and Active Life

It's For Your Own Good - Scripture Dissection

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I don’t know about you, but the words – “It’s for your own good” – conjure up numerous memories. Think back to your childhood. Surely, you had adults and various others who had influence in your life . . . and said – “it’s for your own good.” Chances are, most of those folks were trying to cast a purposeful vision forward into your life. Plus – don’t you sometimes say the same thing now as you attempt to influence someone you care about? Whether or not you do – God does. In case you didn’t know, that phrase – “for your own good.” – is straight out of Scripture.

Now, let’s explore exactly “what” is supposed to be for your own good.

When God Weeps – Scripture Dissection

Posted onFebruary 17, 2025January 27, 2026

Alive and Active Life

When God Weeps - Scripture Dissection

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Have you ever wondered if God cries? Well, He does. In fact, God weeps! I suppose most people don’t think about it. Nevertheless, it likely happens more often than you or I can imagine. When God weeps, He connects with you and me. Actually, that’s quite comforting. Plus, it gives permission to you to weep when your life overflows with disappointment.

What does God weep about?

The Shame Thing – Scripture Dissection

Posted onJanuary 27, 2025January 27, 2026

Alive and Active Life

The Shame Thing - Scripture Dissection

00:00 / 21:28

I remember a funny quote in the movie, “Mulan.” : “Dishonor! Dishonor on your whole family! Dishonor on you, dishonor on your cow . . . ” Do you remember it? Incidentally, this rebuke is spoken by Mushu, a Chinese dragon – Mulan’s companion. Actually, dishonor is something like shame. In fact, dishonor is a strong match for shame according to a thesaurus. You might wonder if I’m going to suggest – – under no circumstances should you allow yourself to experience shame. Not so. Unfortunately, too many people don’t have healthy contrition anymore. Conversely, many people don’t know what to do with undeserved shame. Let’s explore the shame thing.

The One Thing You Need This Year – Scripture Dissection

Posted onJanuary 6, 2025January 27, 2026

Alive and Active Life

The One Thing You Need This Year - Scripture Dissection

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If you could choose only one thing you need this year more than anything else – what would you pick? That’s a hard question to answer. Actually, I’m not sure I could do it. Nevertheless, let’s see if God’s Word has any input about the one thing you need this year.