I wonder as I wander, about the grumpy, zombie-like faces I see. What’s going on in their heart? In Artie Davis’ Craveable, he reminds us that our face reveals what’s in our heart. And you could look it up, for the Bible tells me so (Prov 15:13).

Even with this time of trial, can I find joy? Amidst the persecution, is there a blessing? Yes. Jesus.

Thanks for the reminder, Artie. Stay contagious and courageous!

Photo on Flickr by NYCArthur

Jesus gives us such great examples with how to deal with the problems and troubles that life serves up daily. He relies upon the Word of God,

An often overlooked part of God’s armour, the sword of the Spirit – which is the word of God (Eph 6:17). Whether to defend or to volley back – always be at the ready with an answer (1 Pe 3:15) by clothing yourself daily with Christ (Rom 13:14).

Read your Bible – daily.

Photo on Flickr by iandavidmuir

We often read and hear about how wrong it is to gossip. In Prov 20:19, we also find that it is not a healthy thing to listen to gossip and talebearing. In fact, if we sit and listen to gossip, our listening ears are as a stumbling block to the gossiper. Take your ears away from the equation.

A great resource for more on this topic is Matt Mitchell’s book, Resisting Gossip. Gossip is a most subtle poison.

As Pastor Matt writes: “Gossip is like a fired bullet. Once you hear the sound, you can’t take it back.”  

Like I used to tell the guys at the rescue mission, your response to gossip is simple, “LaLaLaLaLaLa” as you walk away.

Audience of One fellas. Audience of One.

Photo on Flickr by hebedesign

There are a many great lessons we can learn from baseball (and the movies, too). From Game #3 of the Word Series, a rule (Rule 7.06) is in place about being an obstruction. From the Bible, there is a verse about being an obstruction (Rom 14:13).

Lesson learned.