Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | January 14, 2013
Normally, people want peace. Normal people want peace. “If possible, be at peace with everyone” (Rom 12.18). “If possible” are comforting words. How we obtain peace determines future peace, including rejoining peace breakers. Both false and true solutions are sought, and a few endure turning the other meek cheek. In Genesis 26, Isaac shows meekness […]
PHall | January 13, 2013
Prayers bring answers. Answers bring solutions. Solutions bring pain. Not always, but more than what makes us emotionally, intellectually or spiritually comfortable. Understandably, we want solutions that solve everything, but solutions to one problem very often breed problems unwanted and unconsidered. And these bring more prayers. Isaac is respectfully unique among the fathers of the […]
PHall | January 12, 2013
I dare you, I dare me, to follow the example of this “Praying through the Bible.” The unnamed servant is given a seemingly impossible task, so naturally the servant turns to God. I say “naturally” when it is actually spiritually because believers in God’s covenants should naturally turn to the spiritual. His task is to […]
PHall | January 11, 2013
There are three words in our story that surprisingly are never used before this text: The words love (22:2), obey (22:18) and worship (22:5). Those three words should describe our prayer life. This is the story of Abraham, but also Isaac. This is the story of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; except there will […]
PHall | January 10, 2013
Life repeats itself, and Genesis is about real life. Life repeats itself, and uncontrollably the repetitions are often filled with pain, retribution, and goodbyes. Once before, Hagar left running away (16). Once again she leaves, pushed out and away (21). Once before, Hagar mistreated her mistress (16). Once again, Hagar’s son mistreats their mistress’ son. […]
PHall | January 9, 2013
When you don’t know how to begin, start at the end. Not quite the beginning expected, but Genesis 20 is nothing to be expected. It is a story of conundrum, irony, paradox, and contradiction. At the end, for the first and only time, Abraham is called a prophet (19.7). At the end, for the first […]
PHall | January 8, 2013
Walk into a High School cafeteria and it’s easy to spot “best friends.” The leaders lead their entourage. The popular kids have their tables, along with the jocks and geeks. Band members “band” together. Even those socially awkward are bound together ironically by their social awkwardness. Some are loners, even if sitting with other loners. […]
PHall | January 7, 2013
Sarah got caught “red-handed.” A non-mythical origin of where the phrase originated is murderers or poachers literally being caught “having blood on one’s hands.” To be caught “red-handed” is to be caught in the act, or with evidence of wrongdoing. When Sarah is caught “red-handed,” the origin of her denial is clear – fear. The […]
PHall | January 5, 2013
Laughter, like a smile, is part of the universal human language. Yet, laughter does not always mean the same thing, nor does a smile. A smirk is a type of smile and mocking can be laughter. Sometimes laughter means surprise or incredulity. In Genesis 17, God again tells Abraham he will have children. This time […]
PHall | January 5, 2013
This will be short, but not sweet. We suffer because of decisions of others; and others suffer because of our decisions. This is true in annoying ways such as having to show ID, and sign for Sudafed because idiots use it to make meth. This is also true in ways way beyond annoying, happening even […]