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Kiss of Death

Kiss of Death

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Kiss of Death--statue of Judas kissing JesusA kiss of death means something that causes failure or ruin.

It may be:

  • Actions. Poor attitudes or behaviors often result in the loss of jobs, friendships, or other positions.
  • Relationships. Associating with troublemakers frequently leaves people in trouble.
  • Events. Being in the wrong place at the wrong time can destroy plans.
  • Poor timing. Failures frequently occur because people begin too early or too late to accomplish their purposes.

A kiss of death may look good but result in great harm.

Damage often occurs even if intentions appear helpful. A handshake or endorsement from the wrong people kills countless business deals and reputations.

This expression relates to Judas Iscariot’s kiss that betrayed Jesus.

When religious leaders wanted to rid themselves of Jesus, they enlisted Judas, one of Jesus’ followers, for help. Matthew 26:48-49 records it. “The betrayer had arranged a signal with them: ‘The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.’ Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, ‘Greetings, Rabbi!’ and kissed him” (NIV).  A kiss of death has also been called a Judas kiss.

Not every kiss of death ends in permanent harm.

Although Jesus died on the cross, He arose from the dead on the third day. His death and resurrection conquered sin and death. All who place their faith in Jesus also receive victory over sin and death. That’s the message of Easter. Jesus offers everyone a fresh start, a new beginning.

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said” (Matthew 28:6 NIV).

Thanks to Terrie Wilson for the suggestion. Photo by Francesco Alberti on Unsplash

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Beside Myself

Beside Myself

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Beside Myself--globe in glassThe first time I went on an international mission trip, I was beside myself with joy. The opportunity before me almost took my breath away.

Beside myself refers to extreme emotion.

 In addition to awe or joy, I may feel intense:

  • Shock
  • Anger
  • Excitement
  • Sadness
  • Worry
  • Panic

Recent news about some of the areas I served leaves me beside myself with grief. I ache for the difficulties my friends now face.

When I am beside myself, I feel out of control.

Strong emotions overwhelm me. I must work to regain a sense of balance—to get a grip.

This phrase appears in the Bible.

The Apostle Paul had shared the story of his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. He had also discussed his life since that time. Festus, the Roman governor, responded in a loud voice, “Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad” (Acts 26:24 KJV). Paul explained that he was not crazy but was sharing God’s truth.

If anyone says I am beside myself, I can think of no better reason than God’s call to share eternal truth and love.

“They were all amazed at the greatness of God” (Luke 9:43 NIV).

What about you? What makes you beside yourself?

Thanks to Stan Crump for the suggestion.

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Out of Sorts

Out of Sorts

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Out of Sorts--a pile of puzzle pieces

 

Out of Sorts-Kristy HorinePlease welcome my friend Kristy Robinson Horine as today’s guest writer. Kristy and I met at Kentucky Christian Writers Conference, where she serves on staff. Kristy makes her life in Paris, Kentucky with her husband, Eric, and is mother to four children – Hanson, Anna, Emily, and Sadie. Her professional and creative work has been published in newspapers, magazines and anthologies in Kentucky and beyond. She offers encouragement for each day through her book, In a Season of Mondays: A 30-Day Devotional Journal.

I knew before I came into the kitchen, I was in trouble. My daily responsibilities took longer than anticipated. I still had to put away groceries and unload the dishwasher before I could start supper. My day had not gone as planned, and I was out of sorts.

To be out of sorts means to be jumbled together or mixed up.

Sometimes, being out of sorts happens the moment our feet hit the floor in the mornings. There is no rhyme or reason for the feeling. It just happens.

Sometimes, being out of sorts happens because of other people’s decisions:

  • A child volunteers to bring cookies to an event but doesn’t tell us until the night before.
  • A co-worker drops the ball, and we are left to pick up the pieces.
  • Another driver gets distracted and crashes into our car.

Other times, being out of sorts happens because of the decisions we make:

  • We forget to unload the dishwasher at the right time.
  • We say yes to too many things.
  • We don’t communicate well, causing chaos and conflict.

Whether being out of sorts comes from within us or from others, we can still choose to act in a way that pleases God.

We find clues in one of my favorite passages in the Bible.

“Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us, even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus, that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed” (Luke 1:1-4 World English Bible).

Learning from this passage, we can easily get back on track, even though we find ourselves out of sorts. We can:

  • Listen to those who have been there.
  • Look at our situation with accuracy.
  • Lead others to know the truth.

What are ways you find yourself out of sorts? Can you listen, look, and lead to put things right?

Kristy Horine book--In a Season of MondaysSubscribe to receive Diana’s weekly posts by email and receive a free copy of “Words of Hope for Days that Hurt.” On September 9, 2023, one name will be randomly selected from Diana’s mailing list to also receive a free copy of Kristy’s In a Season of Mondays. If your name is already on the mailing list, you are automatically entered. Please encourage your friends to subscribe.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment.

Part and Parcel

Part and Parcel

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Part and Parcel: farm house surrounded by treesWhen our family sold the house where I grew up, we included all the property on that side of the road. Those few acres, in the middle of nowhere, held part and parcel of my childhood memories.

In addition to the house, we sold:

  • The lot where my grandmother used to live
  • The woods where we played
  • Dad’s garden and orchard
  • A small hay field that helped feed our cows
  • The shop and garage

We kept all the farm property across the road. When we go fishing or check the farm, we still get to see our homeplace. However, the essential part of our childhood home no longer belongs to us.

Part and parcel means an essential part of anything.

It is a basic feature such as:

  • Edits for writers.
  • On-call duty for doctors, firefighters, social workers
  • Middle of the night baby feedings for new parents

Success requires meeting those vital responsibilities.

This expression includes a legal background.

 According to The Free Dictionary, part and parcel has been used as a legal term since the fifteenth or sixteenth century. Its main use was for “clauses of a law and for parts of a landholding.” Part means “a portion.” Parcel means “something integral with a whole.” The idiom “began to be used more loosely from about 1800. Although both nouns have the same basic meaning, the redundancy lends emphasis.”

The Bible holds part and parcel of God’s will for our lives.

  • Love God.
  • Love others.
  • Repent and trust Jesus.
  • Follow Jesus’ example.

For details, I urge you to read all the Bible.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8 ESV).

Thanks to Ann Maniscalco for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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At the Drop of a Hat

At the Drop of a Hat

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At the Drop of a Hat--Sun hat hangs from shelf with garden trowel and gloves above itMy grandmother worked in her flowers at the drop of a hat. I wish I had inherited her green thumb.

My talent? I cry at the drop of a hat.

  • Happy times? I cry.
  • Sad times? I cry.
  • Babies and puppies? I cry.
  • Sad books or movies. I cry.

Tears come quickly, and almost anything causes them.

At the drop of a hat means suddenly and with little warning.

Many of us laugh at the drop of a hat. We find humor everywhere. People around us laugh at our laughter. What a hoot!

At the drop of the hat also means without delay.

Mention travel, and we pack our bags to hit the trail. We want to leave immediately, if not sooner.

This expression probably originated with dropping a hat as a signal.

According to The Free Dictionary, a dropped hat signaled “the start of a race or other contest” in the late 1800s.

A few people help others at the drop of a hat.

If they have it, they share it.

  • Time
  • Abilities
  • Money
  • Possessions

Without hesitation, they practice “What’s mine is yours.”

We read such a story in the Bible (Luke 10:25-37). Often called the parable of the good Samaritan, one man helped another who had been robbed and beaten. The Samaritan ignored differences in background and culture. He simply saw a need and met it.

Referring to the good Samaritan, Jesus said, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37 NIV).

Thanks to Ginny Merritt for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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The Blind Leading the Blind

The Blind Leading the Blind

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The Blind Leading the Blind: Man and guide dog on sidewalkThe blind leading the blind does not work.

I have two friends who are blind. Both possess amazing talents — musically, intellectually, spiritually, and socially. However, they can’t help one another, or anyone else, safely cross a street. That requires someone with sight.

Both have loving family and friends who assist them when needed. Both also have guide dogs specially trained to help them.

The blind leading the blind describes people unable to do a task who try to help others perform that same task.

They can’t do it. If they try, both end up in a right smart of trouble.

People need to know what they are doing in order to help someone else.

They must have:

  • Knowledge
  • Experience
  • Skills

For example:

  • Help with math requires an understanding of math.
  • Assistance with cooking requires the ability to cook.
  • Guiding a tour group requires knowledge of the area.

We find the blind leading the blind in the Bible.

Jesus used it in Luke 6:39 and Matthew 15:14. In Matthew, religious leaders rejected the truth. Jesus described them as the blind leading the blind.

To help others is a good thing. Yet, that requires:

  • A willingness to learn
  • The ability to assist

Learn and develop skills first.

Then offer help.

“Leave them; they are blind guides. If the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit.” (Matthew 15:14 NIV).

Thanks to Brad Leverett for the suggestion and to Cole Torbert (and Louie) for the photo.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Turn the Tables

Turn the Tables

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Turn the Tables: chess board reflected underneath itI never played much chess. However, I played checkers with my dad and sister for years. When I was losing, I hoped to turn the tables. I wanted to win.

I never physically turned the tables to play from the opposite side. However, I tried to change the outcome of the game.

When we turn the tables, we reverse a situation.

It becomes the opposite of what it was. We see such major changes in:

  • Board games, like chess or checkers
  • Sports events
  • Job positions
  • Any competition

This expression also applies to major changes in plans.

Usually, the change helps the person who had an earlier disadvantage. Roles reverse. The shoe is on the other foot.

How did this expression begin?

According to The Free Dictionary, “Until the mid-18th century, tables was the usual name for the board game backgammon. Early instances of the use of this phrase, dating from the mid-17th century, made it clear that it comes from the practice of turning the board so that a player had to play what had previously been their opponent’s position.”

We find examples of turned tables throughout history.

 The Bible tells the story of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery. Eventually, Joseph achieved an important leadership position. When famine struck, Joseph’s brothers went to him for grain. They did not recognize him. After Joseph identified himself, his brothers feared for their lives.

Yet, Joseph did not act high and mighty when their roles changed. Instead, he forgave his brothers and provided for them.

Like Joseph, we have an opportunity to help others when the tables turn our way.

“‘But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them” (Genesis 50:20-21 NIV).

Thanks to Debbie Tapscott and Beckham Wilson for the suggestion. Image by Waldemar Bajda from Pixabay.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Bought the Farm

Bought the Farm

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Bought the farm-a large farm with house, barns, and other buildingsThe Nature Conservancy bought the farm that belonged to the Hall family in South Central Kentucky. That purchase marked the end of family traditions but the beginning of public traditions.

The Homeplace on Green River has become an outdoor classroom. It hosts events throughout the year. According to its website, it offers:

  • Immersive educational programs
  • Community festivals
  • Event rentals
  • Hiking trails
  • Crop land leasing
  • Lab and conservation programs
  • And more

If we have bought the farm, we have died.

Family members and friends grieve the loss of life and past family traditions. Yet, life goes on, and new traditions begin.

We find possible origins for this expression at The Phrase Finder.

Numerous expressions describe death.

We find other expressions for death at Kick the Bucket.

When we have bought the farm, our life on earth ends.

However, our eternal home begins. If we accept Jesus as personal Savior and Lord, we have the promise of a home in heaven with Him.

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24 NIV).

Thanks to Diana Flegal for the suggestion

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Apple of My Eye

Apple of My Eye

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Apple of My Eye--bowl of applesOver the years, several children and youth have become the apple of my eye. I love them a bushel and a peck and consider them my children. They have included:

The apple of my eye is someone or something special or cherished.

I favor them over others. Feelings run deep.

Often, as in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this expression refers to a romantic relationship.

“Flower of this purple dye,
Hit with Cupid’s archery,
Sink in apple of his eye”

This expression appears several times in the Bible.

“In a desert land he [God] found him [Israel], in a barren and howling waste. He shielded him and cared for him; he guarded him as the apple of his eye” (Deuteronomy 32:10 NIV).

“Keep my command and you will live; guard my teachings as the apple of your eye” (Proverbs 7:2 NIV).

“For this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘After the Glorious One has sent me against the nations that have plundered you—for whoever touches you touches the apple of his eye—’” (Zechariah 2:8 NIV).

As seen in these verses and in the verse below, the expression refers to both human and non-human objects of affection.

God wants everyone as His children, the apple of His eye.

Accepting God’s gift makes all the difference for this life and the life to come.

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 17:8 NIV).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Confession Is Good for the Soul

Confession Is Good for the Soul

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Confession Is Good for the Soul- mother kneels to comfort a crying child“Tell me the truth. You will feel better if you do. Confession is good for the soul.”

How many times have children heard those or similar words? They do something wrong and get caught red-handed. The more they try to hide their wrong, the worse they feel. If they don’t tell the truth, they get in more trouble.

Of course, the same relates to adults. Trying to hide our mistakes or deliberate evil only makes a bad situation worse. We feel guilty. Our guilt makes us sick, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Confession is good for the soul declares great truth.

When we confess, we free ourselves from:

  • Guilt
  • Shame
  • Stress

We come clean. This applies whether we commit small or large misdeeds.

Confession is good for the soul pertains to all our relationships.

  • Family
  • Friends
  • Enemies
  • Strangers

The other person may or may not forgive us. We are not responsible for their reaction. However, we are responsible for our own.

We find this truth in the Bible.

The words vary, but the truth remains the same. Its greatest application is in our relationship with God.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9 NIV).

Thanks to Phyllis Patton for the suggestion and the photo.

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