The rest of the story...

 I hate Twitter for multiple reasons, but the initial reason, because it represents a truncated version of the truth, remains my main objection.  Cherry picking, choosing your version of the facts, rarely results in a clear understanding of anything.  Truth takes time and discernment, a full evaluation of the evidence and material information, and careful consideration.  Twitter gives you none of that.

Many people read the Bible in the same way.  They cherry pick, truncating even a single verse to say only what they want it to say, without understanding "the rest of the story."  But the rest of the story matters.  It is important, relevant and critical to the understanding of each verse.  We should concern ourselves not only with the words on the page, but the context and meaning of phrases in their own cultural time and setting.  Words matter.

Memories

 Psalm 143:5

I remember the days of old, I think about all your deeds, I meditate on the works of your hands.  (NRSV)

Perseverance

Romans 5:3-5

“But not only that! We even take pride in our problems, because we know that trouble produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope. This hope doesn’t put us to shame, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Acceptance

 Romans 8:31

God’s Love in Christ Jesus

What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Gratitude attitude

I decided for the month of February I wanted to focus on the things for which I am grateful.  The weather is cold, the world is crazy, and life is hard right now.  But that doesn't mean there aren't good things happening, so I am going to focus on one word per day which will remind me of the many reasons I have for which to be grateful.  When I remember, I will also share my word with you, which will hopefully prompt your own word!