James Rush Manley – Writer

Three things escape understanding; four remain a mystery:

* Particles that arrive before they leave
* God’s patience claimed as permission
* Temptation called His leading
* A cold heart described as His peace

We know that the cause happens first, followed by the effect. But quantum mechanics exposes our Newtonian bias and details an absurd universe rebelling against common sense.

Likewise, at the beginning, we agreed to see things the Lord’s way. But walking by His Spirit defies common sense. Our world bias paints us at the center of creation and disposes us to favor counterfeits above reality. Distorted truth—far more dangerous than the obvious lies we preach against—misplaces our confidence. We renege, ever so slightly, on total surrender and imagine successful negotiations for a few small, reasonable terms. That blinds us to the trouble of divided loyalties. Choosing between Jesus and the Devil is easy. The hard fight lies in the subtle, half-conscious middle ground of mixed motivation. Locked heart chambers hide idols of significance, security, jealousy, and fear, allowing them only to be fed regularly but never brought to trial. read more ...

Saul’s long legs crossed the room in three strides. He turned, paced to the opposite wall, and returned again. “You’re sure it’s him?” he asked the soldier standing before him.

The guard frowned at the tense reception. “Ah, yes, sir. Abijah spotted him on the trail from Carmel. He has good eyes and knows Samuel’s walk.” More carefully, he added, “We thought you’d want to know right away, sir. He’ll be here soon …”

“Yes, yes, of course.” Saul dismissed him with a distracted wave, stared at nothing, and chewed a fingernail. Outside, shepherds organized flocks and herds under careful, appraising eyes. The best would be sacrificed, of course, but the very good remainder … Well, the men expected their right of plunder to be honored. Besides, taking care of Israel’s defenders made good sense for both morale and the economy. It was the wise and prudent thing to do. Samuel would understand good stewardship. Sandals slapped through the door. read more ...

The Samaritan forgot when he’d chosen shuffle over stride. Pain hadn’t stopped him. Dragging his drooping left foot across hot, sharp rocks produced no sensation at all. After a dozen falls gave as many painless, oozing wounds, sliding seemed safer. He clutched his robe close with the remainder of his left hand. His right hand—still with solid thumb and index finger—raised, swinging his staff forward in the familiar cadence—thump, slide; thump, slide. Sometimes, he’d keep rhythm with one of his Hebrew companions—until they noticed. He thought it fun, but they said fun was not for punished sinners. read more ...

“Are we getting anywhere?” Thomas groaned, pulling an oar. “We’ve been rowing all night.” The windy darkness hid Peter’s wry smile as he pulled with the others, not wasting energy on wit. Dawn couldn’t be far off, and they weren’t even halfway yet. He guessed three, maybe three and a half miles at best.

Suddenly, James let out a long, low moan, “Nooo …”

Oh, not again, Peter thought. Some people just never get used to boats. “Just do it over the side!” he growled. read more ...