SCRIPTURE DISSECTION

Welcome to the Scripture Dissection Home Page! This library features articles that focus on tearing into God’s Word.

First, I suggest you visit Tear Into It. That article explains how and why we introduce Scripture dissection exercises every few weeks in our article rotation.

Essentially, every new Scripture Dissection article tears into God’s Word so you can –

Gain fresh insights for successful living.
Know God better. He wants to share His heart and mind with you.

As you explore each unique Bible study, you’ll see how current, applicable, and exciting Scripture is. Consequently, the Written Word (your Bible) and the Living Word (Jesus Christ) open new paths into an Alive and Active Life.

I wish you joy as you dig into these articles.

As an additional resource, you can also browse our regular Article Library for more content to help you live an Alive and Active Life.

Scripture Dissection Articles

Pilot Article

Tear Into It!

July 17, 2023 No Comments

In graduate school, I had a stark realization as first semester syllabuses were handed out in class. It reminded me of a similar eye-opener in college-level classes after high school – but this was definitely a step up. As I began to digest graduate school expectations, I noticed a panicky feeling inside. There would be no reminders, no pace set for us, no little “clues.” Set your own reminders, pace, and “get a clue!” The level of expectation was much higher. There was no option except to tear into it, and hope for the best! Read More …

Relief And Hope – Scripture Dissection

August 26, 2024 No Comments

How much can a person take? It’s hard to keep going when the onslaught just won’t stop! Nevertheless, no matter what you are going through, there’s a very “special something” that links you to relief and hope. Incidentally, you and I both know we often need relief and hope. In fact, more frequently than we might wish.

So, what is that “special something” that links you to relief and hope? Let’s explore. Read More …

Under The Cloud; Through The Sea – Scripture Dissection

August 5, 2024 No Comments

This past spring when we planted our garden, the sun pierced our bodies as we bent over the soil. Then, every-so-often, a coolness enveloped us. Why? Well, clouds moved in. Subsequently, their shadow covered us from the hot sun. It was quite pleasant.

Now consider this situation. You pursue forward movement in some endeavor. Yet, you continually hit road blocks and barriers that work against you. A “sea of obstacles” prevents progress. So, your goal awaits your arrival from a distance.

Now – let’s look specifically at how you can be under cloud protection and how you can get through a sea of difficulties. Read More …

Dissect Something Meaningful – Scripture Dissection

July 15, 2024 No Comments

Have you ever dissected something? High school biology? Perhaps college anatomy? If you’ve been following Alive and Active Life, you know you can dissect Scripture, too. Thankfully, I’m not talking about heavy-duty, theological stuff. Rather, this is a lighter approach to dissect something meaningful – with practical action steps for your life.

Much like you command a kitchen knife, you must learn how to wield your sword – the Scriptures. So, why not dissect something meaningful with me today? Let’s look together . . . Read More …

Little gods – Scripture Dissection

June 24, 2024 No Comments

As we explore “Little gods,” I’m thinking about a superhero movie – The Avengers. There’s an exchange between the Black Widow and Captain America, discussing whether to go after Thor and Loki. If you’re familiar with the Marvel superhero movies, you’ll know the conversation –

Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow): I’d sit this one out, Cap!

Steve Rogers (Captain America): I don’t see how I can!

Natasha Romanoff: These guys come from legend. They’re basically gods.

Steve Rogers: There’s only one God, Ma’am, and I’m pretty sure He doesn’t dress like that!

You know, it’s one thing to talk about make-belief superheroes as “gods.” But to talk about people like you and me being gods? Realistically, that’s a stretch! Interestingly, Scripture does. Consequently, what practical application does “little gods” have for you? Read More …

How To Live A Healthy Life – Scripture Dissection

June 3, 2024 No Comments

You’ve heard it now for generations: How to live a healthy life. In fact, one of the popular “sign-offs” for emails and letters now is – “Be Well!” What does this mean? All over the world, you hear talk shows, podcasts, seminars, and even friends talk about being healthy. Here are typical examples . . . Read More …

As Your Life Goes On – Scripture Dissection

May 13, 2024 No Comments

Growing older? Me, too. We all are. The days seem to fly by. And over time, people change. As your life goes on, are you the same person you were as a youngster? I know I’m not. Recently, we explored an all-around good guy who had lots of troubles. Remarkably, he’s given 3 chapters in Scripture – very unusual. So, he deserves another look as he grows older. So, let’s look . . . Read More …

The Guy Who Found It – Scripture Dissection

April 22, 2024 No Comments

I bet you’ve lost something on occasion. You know how it is to misplace an item – and then spent far too much time looking for it. “Keys” is the big one. (Where do those keys always disappear to?) Sometimes it’s a gift item you purchase and put it in a logical place – and then can’t find it when you need it. Then there’s your vehicle! “Where in blazes did I park in the lot outside this store?!” Well, this content highlights the guy who found it. Interestingly, he wasn’t even looking for it. Incidentally, what he found was much more precious than keys, gifts, vehicles, and other things commonly misplaced. What this young man found had been hidden a long time. Let’s take a look. Read More …

How To Live With Hope – Scripture Dissection

April 1, 2024 No Comments

You know the story from Lord of the Rings. Beautiful Arwen loves Aragorn. However, Aragorn left to protect Frodo on his quest. Incidentally, he’ll end up fighting a war. Unfortunately, He may never return. As a result, Arwen is overcome. And she lingers in middle earth rather than join her kin to travel to their forever home. Having remained, she has a conversation with her elf-father. Interestingly, Arwen clings to hope. And she wants to know how to live in hope. Here is the excerpt: Read More …

The Fifth King – Scripture Dissection

March 11, 2024 No Comments

You’ve heard the saying – “I feel like a fifth wheel.” Really – a fifth wheel is not much good . . . unless you’re driving a big rig – and then you need 18 wheels – all in good shape. Today’s content explores what it’s like to be the fifth king. Incidentally, this guy was exceptional! We can all learn from his choices, integrity, and passions. So – let’s take a look . . . Read More …

Four Successful Generations – Scripture Dissection

February 19, 2024 No Comments

Generations is not only the title of a Star Trek movie. It’s also an important dynamic for every individual. Whether or not you are a Star Trek fan, you must agree there is something important about generations that take over a family, country, business, royal line, or franchise. The generations can be blood relatives or simply new replacements. Regardless, generations can either be good or bad in motive and conduct. Today’s content focuses on four good generations with one exception. It’s fascinating. Read More …

Get Better At Being You – Scripture Dissection

January 29, 2024 No Comments

When you were a little kid, did you ever dress up or pretend? Maybe you “borrowed” your mom or dad’s clothes, feeling grown-up as their apparel hung bulkily on your small frame. Perhaps you confiscated a large bath towel to be your super hero cape. What about adapting odds-n-ends laying around to dress up like community professionals – firemen, policemen, doctors, scientists, store clerks, movie stars, prince(ess), etc.? But have you ever dressed up to get better at being you?

Let’s explore this fascinating idea – getting better at being you. It’s a healthy way to live. Read More …

Double Portion – Scripture Dissection

January 8, 2024 No Comments

If ever there was an Old Testament story that beautifully exemplifies the Spirit of Jesus, this is it! Not only does it show a man’s healthy choices and conduct. It also portrays the very spirit of Jesus Christ in a person who lived long before Jesus came to earth as the God-man. And further, this story is a strong statement – you and I can ask for a double portion of the nature and character of Christ if we fully surrender to God.

I’m sure you’ll find this story interesting and encouraging. Read More …

Your Words Matter – Scripture Dissection

November 20, 2023 No Comments

I’ve known a handful of people who know just what to say in any given moment. Their words are refreshing and fitting. Afterall, “The right word spoken at the right time is as beautiful as gold apples in a silver bowl.” (Prov. 25:11) But I’ve also known people who definitely do not have that skill. So, it’s reasonable to conclude – your words matter. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to express words of strong gratitude to family, friends, to God, and into your own soul. Today’s content explores how your words matter. Read More …

It Had To Be You! – Scripture Dissection

October 30, 2023 No Comments

You’ve heard of the song “It Had To Be You,” haven’t you? It’s a popular song composed by Isham Jones, lyrics by Gus Kahn, published on May 9, 1924. So, it’s an “oldie-but-goodie.” It’s been covered by many people, including Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble with Barbra Streisand. Well, I’d like to cover “It Had To Be You” in today’s content. Read More …

A Thin Silence – Scripture Dissection

October 9, 2023 No Comments

Have you ever been surprised by a small thing that turned out to be a pretty big thing? I had that experience in my quiet time recently. Several “game-changer” ideas landed significantly in my heart as I read and pondered. Naturally, I’m eager to share these with you. Perhaps they will encourage you, too. Will you join me to explore this content about “a thin silence?” Read More …

Famine – Scripture Dissection

September 18, 2023 No Comments

Well, it’s time! The last two Scripture dissections, God’s Timing and God’s Humor, we left something completely unresolved. The famine! And really – that’s an important development. We built up to it, showing how people suffered intolerably for three years. Now, Elijah introduces he’s back! And then introduces it’s God’s timing to end the famine. So, here is the amazing story – with a couple of twists and some teaching points. Read More …

God’s Humor – Scripture Dissection

August 28, 2023 No Comments

What situation comes to your mind when you hear that old saying – “God has a sense of humor?” I have numerous scenarios that come to mind. Oddly, it seems God’s humor is at play more often than we realize. And it’s a brilliant sense of humor. As humans, we try to develop a sense of humor, especially in teen years. And since we are made in God’s image, the quality of humor is there to be developed. I want to look at God’s humor as we continue Part 2 of our Scripture dissection of 1 Kings 18. This is exciting content. Read More …

God’s Timing – Scripture Dissection

August 7, 2023 No Comments

Surely you’ve wondered at least once – “what’s the deal with God’s timing?!” He seems to be on a completely different time schedule. Admit it with me: there are times you’ve wondered when God is going to answer your prayers. Whether it’s personal or global tragedies that happen without warning, waiting years for God’s intervention in a difficulty, healing a relationship, providing for a need, or personal matters of the heart – all certainly involve God’s timing. Read More …

Tear Into It!

July 17, 2023 No Comments

When You Need Something Sharp

May 22, 2023 No Comments

Some days you need a newspaper. Other days, you need money from your bank. Still other days, you need a prescription for illness. More than not, you need your phone – or some other form of technology. Then there’s the day you need a good friend to talk to. But more often than you might expect, are days when you need something sharp – like a sword! For protection, accuracy, carving away, cutting a path, and making a point.

As we explore this content, I hope to provide a word picture you can take forward into daily challenges. Let’s face it. In today’s world, you need a practical tool that’s reliable, effective, safe, and strong. And it needs to be applicable and versatile with current life issues. So – you need something sharp. Read More …

A Resource For Better Thinking

May 15, 2023 No Comments

I remember as a kid how excited I was when school let out for summer. That meant – freedom and fun. Then there’s the happy childhood memory of when I received a beautiful “Little Girl Lotion-Perfume” set from my grandmother at Christmas. As an adult, I’ve been thrilled when I owe less taxes than I thought – or get an extra bonus day off work. And at any age, there’s the joy of seeing new daffodils, tulips, and lilacs starting to share color and fragrance in spring. But nothing compares to how thrilled I was when I discovered a “Thinking Grid” in my Bible – a resource for better thinking! Read More …

Sometimes It Takes A Third Party

May 8, 2023 No Comments

I don’t think there’s a person alive who doesn’t sometimes need a third party in some way. Surely, you’ve been there. I know I have. When you’ve done all you can, when you’ve reached the end of your knowledge or resources, when you simply can’t see clearly . . . that’s when it takes a third party!

Here’s the backstory . . . Read More …

Looking For Donkeys – God’s Timing

March 6, 2023 No Comments

What a weird title for today’s content. But I promise – it’s straight out of Scripture! So what does “looking for donkeys” have to do with God’s timing? Well, sometimes “looking for donkeys” oddly describes life. But that’s not reason enough to designate a full article to it. So, what is reason enough? I’ll give you a clue. It has to do with God’s timing.

Maybe you have felt you aren’t doing much more than looking for something as weird as a donkey. A look at God’s timing can put everything strange, odd, senseless, or boring into context. Read More …

I Have Behaved

January 30, 2023 No Comments

I’m not sure what comes to your mind when you ponder the title of this article. I suppose those words are not commonly spoken. In my own history, I can think of times I certainly have behaved. I also recall some times I have not. Hopefully the times I have behaved are becoming my norm as I work hard to know God better.

Anyway, I’d like to delve into this unusual statement. Did you know it comes straight out of Scripture? Read More …

Plans For Hope And A Future In Last Days

January 9, 2023 No Comments

Have you noticed the talking points of world news recently? Wars, rumors of war, famines, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornados, forest fires, floods, demonstrations in the streets, military muscles flexing, political unrest, various discriminations, mounting deceptions, despair. And more! Wow. What a state our world is in. Is it even possible to contemplate good plans for hope and a future?

It’s Getting Worse!

You cannot be well-informed without noticing – it’s getting worse. I’ve noticed! Surely, you have, too. But interestingly, Jesus told us this was going to happen. Read More …

G-S-G-S-R. It works!

October 24, 2022 No Comments

For centuries, people have used codes, acronyms, and gimmicks to help them succeed. When I work to memorize a Scripture or helpful idea, I often need to use some kind of “hack” (tool) to get it in my brain! I want to share a surprising find that promotes success in my daily perspective. I remember it like this: G-S-G-S-R. And . . . it works! Read More …

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Good News In Difficult Times

September 9, 2024

As we explore good news in difficult times, consider this story. You’re on a long trip. You’re really hungry. Mmmm – a hamburger and an ice-cold soda comes to mind. So, you off-ramp into a small town with one grocery on the only street. The grocer says, “Well, go down the aisles. Gather supplies. Make your own sandwich. Soft drinks are stacked by the bread.” Consequently, you head to the next off-ramp – a gas station. The owner says, “Sorry. All we got is cold beer and a bathroom ’round back.” Next off-ramp – an ice-cream stand. But you’re told – “Only ice-cream here. Sorry.” All you want is a burger and a soda!

Interestingly, this “less serious scenario” describes how people feel when they need good news. Instead, they are offered everything else. Nevertheless, there’s still one source of good news in difficult times. Let’s take a look . . . Read More …

Life Junk And Stuff

September 2, 2024

Do you take the trash out at your house on a regular basis? Or is that somebody else’s job? Have you ever had a pile-up of junk and stuff that needs to be thrown out? Realistically, keeping up with trash, junk, and stuff is part of living well. This is true for your inner person, too. I’m excited to get into this content. Read More …

Relief And Hope – Scripture Dissection

August 26, 2024

So, what is that “special something” that links you to relief and hope? Let’s explore. Read More …

Stressed Out!

August 19, 2024

Life is an amazing privilege with many opportunities. But let’s face it: life is also really hard – especially when you are stressed out.

Join me to explore stress and how to manage it to be a balanced, healthy person . . . Read More …

You Are Invited

August 12, 2024

You go to the mail box and pull out a crisp white envelope with an official seal. The exquisite handwriting specifies your name and address. Rather than ripping it open – like junk mail – you pull out your letter opener to surgically slide along the top envelope crease. From the open slot, you gingerly slip out a beautiful, heavy-weight card that says, “You Are Invited.” In surprise and wonder, you flip open the card to see – it’s the very event you’ve always wanted to attend! Up till now, you’ve never dreamed you’d have the opportunity.

Perhaps that scenario has never happened for you. Indeed, you may wish it had. Regardless, I want to assure you there is a lovely invitation waiting for you. It has your name on it. Let me tell you about this amazing invitation! Read More …

Under The Cloud; Through The Sea – Scripture Dissection

August 5, 2024

Now – let’s look specifically at how you can be under cloud protection and how you can get through a sea of difficulties. Read More …

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