Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | January 21, 2013
No prayers of Joseph or conversational interactions between him and God are recorded in Genesis. Neither are there examples of his “calling on the name of the Lord” or altar building. Since “Praying through the Bible” emphasizes prayer and prayer-like passages, should I include him? If I did, it would not be just because Joseph […]
PHall | January 19, 2013
Within Holy Writ, there are inspired scenes understandable and beyond comprehension. Some can only be discussed with educated or uneducated opinions, or “I don’t know’s.” Jacob’s wrestling with God (Gn 32.24-32) is “one of those.” Some, embarrassed by this awkward revelation, symbolize the wrestling as a dream or a prayer. So why is Jacob pictured […]
PHall | January 18, 2013
I need to be honest about two truths. First, I often feel inadequate in helping others when all I can do is pray. Then I spiritually flog myself for my unfaith. Am I more powerful than He who hears my prayers? Am I more loving and compassionate? Friends, there is nothing inadequate about prayer. Second, […]
PHall | January 17, 2013
Leah’s story is the story of many women. If single, accept it’s better to be alone and unmarried, than married and alone. Leah is alone but married. Happiness is easier to find by yourself than despite someone else. If single and pregnant, don’t think “doing the right thing” equals getting married. Years ago, such might […]
PHall | January 16, 2013
Cain is a failure. Examining Cain’s sins (Gn 4), we see the 1st and 2nd great commands broken (Mt 22.36-40). All of life and every life, from the very beginning to the end of life on earth, are summed up in these two great loves: Loving God by being a faith worshipper (Gn 4.3-5; Heb […]
PHall | January 15, 2013
Are we holding ourselves hostage? A hostage is someone held captive only to be released if certain demands are met. Our demands are our prayers. If met and answered, then we will release ourselves to the authorities, God (Gn 28). “Jacob’s Ladder” is one of the most amazing, unique and enigmatic scenes in the Bible. […]
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 […]