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 –  

  1. Gain fresh insights for successful living.
  2. 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!

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 …

Read More »

All Scripture Dissection Articles

Famine – Scripture Dissection

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 …

Read More »

God’s Humor – Scripture Dissection

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 …

Read More »

God’s Timing – Scripture Dissection

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 …

Read More »

Tear Into It!

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 …

Read More »

When You Need Something Sharp

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 …

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A Resource For Better Thinking

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 …

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Sometimes It Takes A Third Party

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 …

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Looking For Donkeys – God’s Timing

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 …

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I Have Behaved

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 …

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Plans For Hope And A Future In Last Days

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 …

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

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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A Regular Person Superhero

Marvel Comics puts lots of money into movies about superheroes. And – based on success at the box office – lots of people connect with these superheroes at some level. Not everyone is “into” superheroes. But most people can pinpoint at least one superhero they admire. Who is that superhero for you?

Every superhero is a regular person with flaws – and even weaknesses. However, their skill sets and strengths more than compensate for their vices. I once heard it said that every person is a mixture of gold and clay with incredible beauty while also being less than perfect. Read More …

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The Truth About Loneliness

Do you remember the film, “Cast Away?” Tom Hanks plays a systems analysist named Chuck who is marooned on an island quite unexpectedly when his flight goes down over the Pacific Ocean. In this movie, you get a front-row seat on how a person might deal with loneliness. From hopelessness, to anger, to desperation, to finding a way. He’s alone on this island for four years! Meanwhile, he’s declared dead by family and friends back home. Chuck’s only friend is a volleyball that washed ashore from the plane wreckage. This ball becomes Chuck’s only friend: “Wilson.” Chuck becomes very familiar with the truth about loneliness.  Read More …

Read More »

Famine – Scripture Dissection

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 …

Read More »

Your Valuable Life

Have you had the joy of watching little kids when they get in front of a mirror? They have heart-warming and sometimes hilarious interactions. These little ones have such authenticity and vulnerability as they interact with “themselves” in the mirror. What about you? When you look in the mirror, who do you see? Do you value the reflection of that person? Are you authentically being “you” each day? Read More …

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Feeling Down: 6 Helpful Tips

Feeling down is a common, yet challenging condition to manage. Whether over-tired, mistreated, discouraged, or even struggling with depression – being on the “down side” is real.

The first thing I want to say – “You’re not the only one!” Feeling down is a common human experience. And today’s content discusses “feeling down,” as well as 6 helpful tips. Read More …

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God’s Humor – Scripture Dissection

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 …

Read More »