grow Soul Garden

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Pop Goes the Quiz

True or False

1. Bulls get angry when they see red.

2. James Cagney said, “You dirty rat.”

3. Camels can go longer without water than any other animal.

 

It may surprise you to learn each of these is false, according to the Bureau of Misinformation. Misinformation is constantly worming its way into our heads, primarily because people are constantly speaking above and beyond the level of their knowledge. And Christians may well be the worst offenders.

In Paul’s first letter to Timothy, he spoke of certain teachers who were short on love and sound doctrine: “They don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently” (1 Tim. 1: 7, NLT).

A seasoned scholar will often speak humbly, acknowledging that the things he doesn’t know far outnumber the things he does. But a fool will recklessly spew rumor, hearsay, and speculation like it’s gospel. Maybe that’s what Solomon meant when he said, “Too many words make you a fool” (Ecc. 5: 3, NLT).

Adapted from The 10 Dumbest Things Christians Do by Mark Atterberry (Nelson Books).

purposeful prayer

two-Way conversations With God

For decades it’s been said that prayer is the most underused resource available to mankind. How can you take full advantage of the limitless power of prayer?

 BE OPEN TO THE OFFER. Prayer is a privilege, an opportunity to approach the God of the universe. Take Him up on His offer (Heb. 4: 16).

 RECOGNIZE THE POWER. “The prayer of a person living right with God is something to be reckoned with” (Jas. 5: 16, The Message).

 POuR Ou T YOuR HEART. “Through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Phil. 4: 6).

 LISTEN TO THE vOICE OF GOD. Prayer is a conversation; it involves both talking and listening (Ps. 46: 10).

© Somos

Make Thanks

Active

“on your feet now — applaud God! Know this: God is God … he made us … We’re his people. make yourselves at home, talking praise. thank him. Worship him. For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever” (Selections from Ps. 100, The Message).

“A humble mind
is the soil out
of which thanks
naturally grow.”

— HENRY WARD BEECHER