The Write Angle: Impressions on Paper

February 2025

Now four months post right hip surgery, I’m back on my bike, in the pool, and even on some easy hikes; I thank those of you who’ve been praying for me. This newsletter is coming to you from the mountain RV—just look where Obee landed as soon as he got inside:

Quite the lazy boy, wouldn’t you agree? 

And check out this sunrise view our first morning:

Breathtaking huh?

I’m excited to announce that the shipment of my recently-published book, Spiritual Musings from the Headlines of a Newspaper: A Biblical Compass for Christians Navigating a Culture of Lies, 

has finally arrived! Let me know if you’d like any, from one to hundreds (for use in small group studies, for example) at a substantially-discounted price from the Amazon listing. Have I mentioned that I’m excited?

Below is an article I recently wrote following a scary moment with Obee:



The Problem with Assumption

My Gordon Setter, Obee, was recently having trouble eating, chewing with great care. On touching the side of his jaw, I felt a projection that appeared to be a dislodged tooth. Sure enough, when I looked into his mouth, I could see it pointing outwards, loose and wiggling, but still attached.



We wanted to take him to his veterinarian, but it was Saturday and they had no available appointments. So, I looked inside his mouth again and tugged on it until it came out—it looked horrid and rotten, as though some of his jaw, attached to the tooth, came out as well (see photo below).

We figured he’d need antibiotics, so we took him to an animal emergency hospital, showed them the tooth, and expected to be written a prescription for the needed medication. We were told that there would be a minimum $180 office visit charge and that we might have to wait a bit, as theirs was a triage clinic. So we waited, and waited, and waited—for two hours! With little hope of his being seen any time soon, we left in disgust.

We called his veterinarian again and were told to bring him in Monday morning. They said that he, in fact, did not need antibiotics as the tooth had come out. Monday morning, Obee and his extracted tooth showed up for his appointment with the vet, who peered carefully at the tooth, then examined Obee’s mouth. Confused, he stated, “I don’t know what this is, but your dog has all his teeth.” He postulated that perhaps Obee had eaten something outside, maybe a bone. That’s when my wife remembered the pork chop bones we had given the dogs Friday night. The vet then declared Obee fine, but recommended he come back for a dental cleaning soon. Noteworthy is that we’ve learned pork bones can be as bad for a dog as chicken bones.

Wow, were we ever embarrassed by our incorrect assumption, one that could easily have led to a costly bill. Had we more carefully inspected the “tooth,” we’d have discovered that it was only a part of a pork chop, and avoided wasted time and anxiety—and money.. 

It makes me think about how costly bad assumptions can be, in general—how important it is to fully research our underlying belief in anything, before we hastily dive in. What about our belief in Jesus, the one who claimed to be God incarnate, the one who lived the life we couldn’t live, and died the death we deserve, the one who promises eternal life with Him, if we only believe in Him? Why is it that some, who read about Him in the Bible, have a supernatural, life-changing experience, inviting Him into their life as Savior? And others, who read the very same Bible, decide it’s not true and go on living their lives as before? How do we explain such a discrepancy?

I am one who believes Jesus is exactly who He claims to be, and have seen ample proof of that since the day I believed Him to be the promised Messiah. But that didn’t happen without years of doubting while being raised Jewish. Once I became convinced of my inability to earn Heaven, and then accepted His wondrous offer for me to become His child, it all made sense. I’ve never since doubted that the Scriptures are true, consistent, and reliable, and I have never found a contradiction.

What is the potential cost of assuming that Jesus is not who He claims to be?

If you are skeptical of the claims of Jesus, I invite you to read, and reread, the Bible with an open mind and heart, checking your underlying assumptions with facts. Remember that it’s okay to have doubts. Thomas certainly did, as seen in John’s Gospel: 

Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!”

But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:24-29).

I can just imagine Thomas’ eyes opening wide as he suddenly realized the Messiah the Jews had been waiting for was standing before him. His original poor assumption was corrected at one special moment.

Here’s the point: Coming to the right conclusion is critical—coming to the wrong one is equally critical. Both lead to eternal consequences, one wonderful, the other horrific.

My hope is that God, through His Word, will lead you to the right conclusion.

My Prayer: Dear God, help me avoid unfounded assumptions. May I be diligent to investigate the real source of any problem, in order to move forward in truth with purpose. 

May I always look beyond the “tooth”.



That I might, therefore, see the truth.



I’m still researching Christian magazines and other suitable forums to submit my articles/devotions to. If you’ve got suggestions for a good fit, please let me know.



Planning for a local book-signing is underway; you’ll be notified once a firm date and venue are established. If you’re able to drop in, even if it’s to briefly show support and say hello, I’d be most appreciative.

I’m working on the next Spiritual Musings book—Spiritual Musings from the Punchline of a Joke. It’s truly been a joy to put together and you’ll find, in the Just for Fun section, perhaps my all-time favorite joke of any genre.

Requests

1. Once again, if you’ve got a favorite joke you’d like to share with me for inclusion in the current work, please email it to me—I can always use more material! Thanks to those of you who’ve already done so.

2. Please continue praying for wisdom regarding the right publication(s) for the articles I’m writing, and for God to open doors. 

3. My heartfelt thanks to those of you who’ve purchased Spiritual Musings from the Headlines of a Newspaper—and that’s before I’ve received my supply!  You would bless me by leaving an honest review at amazon.com. Reviews are so important, the lifeblood, for the success of an author. Thank you in advance for doing that for me.

OK, here’s the joke you’ve hopefully been waiting for, a genie joke:

A man was digging in the sand on a beach in San Francisco when he dug up a genie’s bottle. The genie came out, expressing great joy at being released after such a long time, offering the man a wish. “Anything you want,” the genie said. “Know that nothing is too difficult for me, so just name it.”

“Anything? Really? You can do anything?”

“Try me.”

“OK. I’ve lived here all my life, never leaving San Francisco, let alone the state of California. I’ve always wanted to travel to Hawaii, but I’m deathly afraid of flying. So, would you build me a road across the ocean so I can drive to Hawaii?”

“You’ve got to be kidding,” the genie responded, holding his hands to his head in disbelief. “Do you have any idea how difficult that would be?”

“But you told me you could do anything.”

“Yes, but do realize how much manpower, time, and resources that would require? You’re talking 2,400 miles of roadway across an ocean! Could you perhaps pick something that might be a little easier?”

The man scratched his head, then said, “All right, how about giving me the wisdom I need to better understand wife?”

After a brief pause, the genie responded, “Two lanes or four?”



Now, here’s my problem: I’ve got some ideas about a spiritual/moral lesson that can be derived from this joke, but I’m not settled on it yet. Can you suggest something to help me out? Please email me through the contact page of my author’s website—johnrabins.com. Thanks.



Know that I try to provide you with original and interesting content in each of my newsletters, but realize that my closing is always similar to the last. I won’t apologize, however, as it is heartfelt and contains my very favorite Scripture verses.

So, here we go. As I wrap up this update, know that I continue to pray, and thank God, for you. Thanks especially to those of you who write me heartfelt words of encouragement—know that I’m truly touched.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.  Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:6-9

Remember this day to

Choose Joy!