Words, Words, Words! - Crosswalk the Devotional - August 12

Truths observed at the intersection of faith and life by Crosswalk.com editors [Crosswalk.com Logo]( Crosswalk: The Devotional [Devotionals]( [Newsletters]( [e-Cards]( Words, Words, Words! by Katherine Britton In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." - [John 3:3]( American English uses hundreds of idioms, both helpful and just plain ridiculous. It’s entirely possible to slink through a whole day without expressing a single original phrase, if we try hard enough. It’s not rocket science, I mean. You can blow your top, or go overboard, or feel like you’re an emotional rollercoaster, or wind up between a rock and a hard place, or hit the wall. Maybe it’s a cloud nine day, and you’re walking on air. And no, I’m not pulling your leg. There’s a method to my madness. You can probably think of a dozen more idioms that I omitted. Nowadays, we use overuse all those phrases and stick them into our conversation as a substitute for original thought. But once upon a time, all those things we call clichés resonated with meaning. Consider just a few: That’s a load of hogwash – This wholesome little phrase comes straight from the farm, where “hogwash” designates a concrete mess of garbage and refuse that’s only fit for the pigs. The good-for-nothing stuff certainly isn’t a compliment; in fact, it’s downright nasty. Catch-22 – We use it now for any situation with a lose-lose outcome, but the original phrase actually comes from a 1961 novel by the same name. The plot highlights the result of bureaucratic regulations that take their validity from each other but can’t stand alone. The bewildering, circular logic keeps characters from any good outcomes, thanks to the nonsense to which they’re subject. “The lady doth protest too much, methinks.” – Shakespeare would probably roll over in his grave if he could hear us butcher this one so royally. The phrase actually comes from the lips of Queen Gertrude, who rather hastily marries her husband’s brother after her husband dies. Gertrude was actually sneering at the faithful promises – the protestations – of the queen in a play, who promised eternal love and [faith]( to only one man. And so, her inconstant character announces itself to Hamlet and the audience. Your John Hancock – As president of the Continental Congress, Hancock’s name appeared before all others on the first copy of the Declaration of Independence. By that action, Hancock marked himself among the primary traitors if the War for Independence failed. He risked his life, his fortune, and indeed, his sacred honor. Is that what you think of every time you sign a credit receipt? [CONTINUE READING →]( You May Also Like: [10 Old Testament Promises God Is Speaking over Your Life]( Brittany Rust It’s the promises that can really carry you through a difficult season or unsure situation--words of hope in your storm, doubt, and anxiousness. You can depend on what God says about Himself and what He will do. His promises are never empty but always true! [CONTINUE READING →]( [8 Mighty Promises of God's Protection in Psalm 18:2]( Anne Peterson In one short verse (Psalm 18:2), God has given us eight powerful promises you can proclaim right now, every day, and in every situation—for His protection through all things. [CONTINUE READING →](                       Bible Trivia Question of the Day                                       Who wrote 1 and 2 Peter? A. James B. John C. Paul D. Peter [ANSWER THE QUESTION →]( [Crosswalk.com Logo]( [Read about Salem Web Network]( | [Unsubscribe]( [Email Preference Center]( | [View in Browser]( © 2021 Salem Web Network. All rights reserved. 111 Virginia Street, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23219. This email is never sent unsolicited. You are receiving this email because your email address, {EMAIL}, is signed up to receive newsletters, updates, and special offers from Crosswalk.com - The Devotional. [Link](