Observations from the Word by The Barking Fox

Prayers of A Good Hearted Woman

When God said it is not good for man to be alone, was He thinking that men might benefit from female companionship, or that they might not survive without it?
Genesis 37:1-40:23; Amos 2:6-3:8; 1 Samuel 25:1-44; Matthew 1:1-17, 15:21-28; Galatians 5:19-23; James 5:16
For as long as men have sought good times over quiet homes, good-hearted women have quietly waited for them to come home, and fervently prayed for them to come to their senses. (Photo by Nenad Stojkovic, August 31, 2017, via Flickr.) 
Music: "Good Hearted Woman," Waylon Jennings with Willie Nelson, Wanted! The Outlaws, RCA Records 1976. Listen to the song at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI-KOqRKlcs.
Click here to download a transcript of this podcast: Prayers of A Good Hearted Woman.pdf

Bruises in Perspective

Being all alone in the universe is scary. The good news is that we are not alone: there is a Creator Who wants to dwell with us. However, it's still scary when we realize there's a long, painful process involved in becoming the precious vessels He designed for His dwelling.
Genesis 32:3-36:43; Psalm 118:22-29; Isaiah 8:14-15; Daniel 2:31-45; Obadiah 1; Matthew 21:41-44; Hebrews 11:6
Panoramic view of the entire sky as seen by Two Micron All-Sky Survey. (Original image: NASA/JPL photo PIA04250). 
Music: "The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy,” 100 Greatest TV Themes, Silva Screen Records Ltd. 2002.
Click here to download a transcript of this podcast: Bruises in Perspective.pdf

A Righteous and Honorable Pain

The righteous heroes of the Bible seem to be at least as flawed as all of us ordinary people. So why are they considered righteous? 
Genesis 28:10-32:2; Hosea 12:12-14:9; Matthew 5:1-12, 19:8-9
The Trial of Queen Catherine of Aragon, Henry Nelson O'Neil, Birmingham Museums Trust, Birmingham, UK.  
Music: "Greensleeves,” The King’s Singers, Greensleeves – Music from the Court of King Henry VIII, Chester Records 2009.
Click here to download a transcript of this podcast: A Righteous and Honorable Pain.pdf

Evil Twins

We disapprove of evil people because they do things that are evil. Does that mean we disapprove of ourselves when we do the same kind of evil things? 
Genesis 25:19-28:9; Malachi 1:1-2:7; Matthew 11:12; Romans 7:7-25, 9:10-13
Nana Visitor as Major Kira Nerys (L) and Intendant Kira (R), her villainous alternate self in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Crossover." Photo via Star Trek Facebook page, from "Cadet Training: 'Crossover,'" Jay Stobie, startrek.com, February 18, 2019.  
Music: "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine," Dennis McCarthy, City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra, 100 Greatest TV Themes (The Ultimate Television Themes Collection), Silva Screen 2002.
Click here to download a transcript of this podcast: Evil Twins.pdf

Just Stewards

Our Creator has a reason for calling on people to deny themselves and serve others. It's more than just being polite. He would like us to cultivate character traits of humility and service as part of our very nature. That way we enter eternity equipped to overcome any temptation to try to take His place. Apparently there was a problem with that in an earlier version of the Cosmos.
Genesis 23:1-25:18; 1 Kings 1:1-31; Psalm 84; Luke 16:10-13
Rebecca Receiving Presents from Abraham's Servant, Hendrick Heerschop, 1656, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.  
Music: "The Faithful One,” Chris Eaton, Selah, Bless the Broken Road: The Duets Album, Curb 2006.
Click here to download a transcript of this podcast: Just Stewards.pdf

Divine Refrigerator Rights

Casual relationships with people leave us unsatisfied because they have neither depth nor the capability of enduring hardship. What does that say about a casual relationship with our Creator? 
Genesis 18:1-22:24; 2 Kings 4:1-37; Ezekiel 16:48-50; Luke 17:7-10; John 15:12-17
Music: "Prayer for a Friend,” Mark Hall, Casting Crowns, The Altar and the Door, Reunion 2007.
Click here to download a transcript of this podcast: Divine Refrigerator Rights.pdf

A Name and A Destiny

Identity may be the most important aspect of our humanity, both as individuals and as people. That must be why our adversary takes so much effort to rob us of our identity. However, even if we don't know who we are, our Redeeming God makes a way for us to know who we can become. 
Genesis 12:1-17:27; Isaiah 40:27-41:16; Matthew 3:7-9; John 8:39; Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:22-24
The Last of the Clan, Thomas Faed, 1865. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Glasgow. (Photo: Glasgow Museums) 
Music: "How Deep the Father’s Love,” Celtic Worship, Morningtide, Integrity Music 2021.
Click here to download a transcript of this podcast: Trapped in Time.pdf

Trapped in Time

Is time an enemy, a friend, or a measure by which we gauge the value of our lives? If there is no eternity to consider, then the answer can be very depressing. 
Ecclesiastes 9:10-12; Luke 12:18-21; Philippians 3:7-16
Music: "Time,” Hootie and the Blowfish, Cracked Rear View, Atlantic Records 1994.
Click here to download a transcript of this podcast: Trapped in Time.pdf