Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Cheroots

I was recently reminded of how quoting someone should be taken seriously and with great care. When I worked with journalists on corporate newspapers, videos, news releases, it taught me to proofread with attention to detail.

I remember an instance with a new sportswriter on a local newspaper. He interviewed a coach and quoted him as saying, “That’s all cheroot.” Nothing in the article referred to cigars. The photo of the coach did not show him smoking a cigar. I believe the coach used a phrase unfamiliar to the young man, “That’s all she wrote.” It means that is the entire story – everything has been said, there’s nothing more.

It’s a good reminder to check quotes. If this is a news article, be certain the quote is accurately written and attributed. There’s an entire Wikipedia page listing common misquotes.

The Bible is often misquoted. How many people look upon money as being the root of all evil? We need to look closely to find that’s not true:

But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. (1 Timothy 6:9-10 KJV)

I do not know of a person who has memorized the entire Bible. I do know a number of preachers who prepare their sermons and can quote quite well the verses they reference. I prefer the way our preacher does it, having us turn with him to the scriptures and read them ourselves.

When I post scriptures here, they are copied in their entirety from e-Sword, along with the version citation. I don’t want to make a typo bringing them into a document. Not adding to nor taking away. That’s important to me.

I also look up the scriptures I point to. My memory isn’t too good. Just recently I answered a quiz and made an error on a relationship. The word I remembered was in the scripture reference, but it was only a part of the relationship. To be certain, I should have looked up the scripture regarding Mordecai’s relationship to Esther. Instead, a remembered word flashed along synapse in my brain and an incorrect answer was given.

As well as we know the Roman Road verses, it is much better to read them from the Bible as we witness. That teaches that we depend on His word, that we use His word and that His word is important enough to pass along to others.

When the words are contested, do as the Bereans were described in Acts 17:11 – check to see whether these things are so. For example, some versions use the word “virgin” in Isaiah 7:14, others use "maiden" or "young woman." Thus some look upon this as confusing, conflicting or a reason for disbelief as a prophecy of Jesus’ birth. A serious look at the culture of the time tells of deadly consequences for extra-marital sex. Proof of virginity was sought and displayed in tribal cultures, thus a young unmarried woman would synonymous with virginity, unless proven otherwise.

Never accept what I write without looking it up yourself. I could be wrong. It is my firm belief that God’s word is not.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV)

2 comments:

  1. Greetings Grammy -

    This is an excellent piece and so necessary to express.

    For sure, it is critical that we seek GOD for ourselves. Yes he gives us shepherds and others with which to fellowship, but no human can substitute for daily devotion and submission to the most High with an intimate relationship with Him, JESUS, the Holy Spirit and the pure Word of GOD - the Holy Bible.

    You are so right about the need for us to search the scriptures for ourselves to learn whether something is indeed truth. The Lord holds us accountable as individuals, and collectively to know and to do according to His
    Word.

    Some of us can speak of instancs where some people regularly attend church and do NOT bring Bibles. Some do NOT read their Bibles along with the pastors. Like you, I am a very firm believer in reading with the pastor and in any other settings where the Bible is used. I use it when I watch Christian programming, listen to Christian radio and when I am fellowshipping with others via e-mail, telephone, and in person.

    One of my main questions is "Where is it in the Bible?"

    Later today, I plan to post on my blog a topic about using the Bible in Bible studies.

    Note: I have a strong loyalty to the King James version of the Bible though I respect that others do NOT share my sentiments about it. To me, it is the most potent English verson - easier to memorize with a literary rhythm unmatched by any other English version.

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  2. This is such a great reminder Grammy Blick.

    It is funny but I was reading a book the other day, set in the 1800's. It mentioned charoote, and I had no idea what it was. Here today, I find this strange word mentioned again, and now I know what it is :D

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Thank you for taking time to read and comment on the blog. Comments should take into consideration this verse: Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (Philippians 4:8 KJV)