Sunday, December 26, 2010

My View of the Bible

In revisiting my beliefs, I found my journey first starting with the Bible. I'll be honest, I was a bit surprised by this being the first car in the train. As I reflect on this, I see why this makes the most sense.

I would have thought salvation, sin, redemption, the Deity of Christ, etc., would be first on my list of topics to explore. Instead, I pondered the Bible and how I approach the Scriptures. This now makes sense in my mind, as everything we know about God starts and ends with His Word. This is especially important as I explore prophesy and some of the so-called Charismatic gifts.

I've found that, in some ways, I've tried to make the Bible fit me, not allow the Bible conform me to the image of Christ. Much of that came from how I approach the Bible. If I don't read the Bible appropriately - and apply it correctly - it will lead to all sorts of unusual views, such as those that use poisonous snakes in worship services.

What I have learned is how to better read the Bible. I found that I was ignoring the totality of Scripture when I read the Bible. Sometimes I dismissed passages, sometimes subconsciously, because I didn't understand the tapestry woven into the scriptures. Sometimes, I would take a passage I really liked, but I didn't apply it correctly; this was especially true with promises I really liked. Sometimes I chose to ignore cultural or linguistic nuances, and that led to wrong interpretations.


What I now understand is that the Bible was written as a total package - the entire book is God's Word. I cannot discount the parts I don't like, I cannot "cherry pick" the verses I like, and I have to understand the context in which it's written. This has greatly expanded my vision of the Word, has deepened my love for the Bible, and has placed more weight on the Written Word as a trusted authority.


There are lots of good resources, such as "How to Read the Bible for All its Worth", and I would recommend something like this resource for further research, so I won't go into great depth here.


As I close, here is an acronym to help spur Bible study: SPECKA. I heard this a couple of months ago, and, while I've applied it informally for some time, I'm more conscious of it now. After reading a passage carefully, debrief using the following questions:


S - Sin. Is there a sin to avoid?

P - Promise. Is there a promise to claim?

E - Example. Is there an example to follow?

C - Command. Is there a command to follow?

K - Knowledge. Is there knowledge to store up in your heart and mind?

A - Application/Action. Is there an application or action to follow through?

Friday, December 24, 2010

Mary Did You Know - Mark Lowry

Who would think that commedian Mark Lowry could so elloquently capture the first coming of Christ. I love the line, "This Child that you delivered, will soon deliver you;" typing that out brought tears to my eyes.



Merry Christmas.

One King - Point of Grace

This song always brings a tear to my eye. I'm not a big fan of many modern Christmas songs; this one is an exception. This one captures the essence of the Christmas story; we bring our meager gifts - even riches - and He brought Salvation.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

O Come O Come Emmanuel

Whenever I hear this song, I find myself singing the same words, only I'm longing for the second coming. "Maranatha! Come, Lord, quickly!"


Wednesday, December 22, 2010

My Beliefs Revisited

The past few months I've spent some time unpacking my Christian faith. It's been a slow, but fruitful, experience. Where I am at right now is rest stop, rather than a destination, and I am taking the time to outline some of what I've been learning.


As part of my journey, I've tried to look every aspect of my faith. I've expored everything from what I believe about sin (I found my view was far too lenient), to salvation (I rediscovered just how much I need a Savior), to prayer (which is a journey I'm still on), to the Scriptures/Bible, to Charismatic gifts, to the role the Church should play in society, to the way Christians should act.


In some cases, this reinforced what I believed - which led to worship. In other cases, my study led to repentance....which, again, let to worship. And, in some cases, I've been left pondering...and that has led to worship.


I look forward to sharing some of my thoughts with you.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Book Review - Then Sings My Soul Special Edition


One word sums up this series of books: Incredible. I cannot describe these books in any other way.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. We have the first two books from the series, and I am very interested in every one.

Growing up in the church, we sang many of these. To read the stories behind them makes these hymns and songs come alive. It breathes new life into them. I find the songs much more meaningful knowing the history behind the song or the writer(s).

This edition was especially timely, as the first hymns are devoted to Christmas songs. I found it very enjoyable to read these songs during the lead up to Christmas.

I would highly recommend all of the Then Sings My Soul books as devotionals. This edition would be a wonderful edition to Christmas and Easter celebrations. I will be re-reading this at a slower pace, most likely during the Lent season.

Get this book today, especially if you grew up with these hymns, like I did, without knowing the history behind the song or writers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, October 18, 2010

Book Review: “Your Money God’s Way”

“As Christians, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the money God entrusts to us.”


Amie Streater, author of
Your Money God’s Way, outlines seven counterfeit convictions that trap Christians in poor money stewardship, and she outlines the antidotes to those false convictions.


Seeing the book was endorsed by Dave Ramsey, I was excited to read this book.
When I got into it, I was a bit disappointed at the tenor and some of the scriptural application. That alone left me a bit hesitant to recommend the book to others.


I appreciate Streater’s stance on giving (give
something from the first fruits and work to increase that percentage) and budgeting (aim for ideals, but each family’s budget will be as unique as the family).


Overall, I found the book interesting, but not all that enlightening.
If you choose to read, I’d recommend it as a supplemental resource to other Christ-focused financial resources.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Wednesday, September 01, 2010

Book Review: "The Heavens Proclaim His Glory" by Lisa Stilwell

"I can see how it might be possible for a man to look down upon the earth and be an atheist, but I cannot conceive how he could look up into the heavens and say there is no God." - Abraham Lincoln.

The Heavens Proclaim His Glory was, by far, one of the most amazing books I've read. This book is a collection of images captured by the Hubble Telescope. The images are paired with quotes and meditations from authors, scientists, theologians, and laypeople.

It has been said that nature declares the wonders of God, exalting Him, proclaiming His excellencies. Gazing into the amazing beauty captured in this book is a reminder to me of the wonders of the Creator of all.

While reading through this book, I found myself thinking about how the vast expanse of space contains such immense created beauty, and then I found myself thinking about the fact that God created it by merely declaring it. It was by His voice alone that He set the heavens - and all of creation on Earth - in place. And then I was reminded that He has turned His affections, out of all of the heavenly bodies, to humans on a seemingly insignificant planet.

I will be looking through this book again. I found great comfort in knowing that the God who created all controls all and is in all. There is nothing that come before me that is outside of His control.

Get this book.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Monday, August 02, 2010

Book Review: "The Right to Lead: Learning Leadership Through Character and Courage" by John C. Maxwell




What gives people the right to lead? What traits do great leaders possess? John Maxwell captures these thoughts in his book, “The Right to Lead: Learning Leadership Through Character and Courage.” This book reinforces the idea that leaders must earn the right to lead, and Maxwell outlines several individuals – both famous and less known – to highlight various leadership examples.

I was introduced to John Maxwell’s materials while in college, and I have found him to be extremely helpful over the years. This book was no exception. I like the format: a quick story to illustrate the principle and quotes or quips to emphasize the point. The focus of the book is not religious in nature, although Maxwell interweaves his faith throughout the book.

I think this book is best read through twice. The first time, read the book through to get a feel for the narrative. The second time, read it one section per day, per week, maybe per month, and focus on this one topic.

I would highly recommend this book for a new leader, an inspiring leader, or a recent graduate. Earn the right to lead before assuming the post of leadership. Thank you, Dr. Maxwell.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Saturday, June 05, 2010

Book Review: "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns

Richard Stearns challenges his readers with, "What does God expect of us?" The president of World Vision, Stearns shares a candid, personal, challenging view of the world and what we can do to impact those in it.

Stearns shares statistics regarding those caught in poverty, sickness, and other devastating circumstances, by masterfully adding a personality behind the numbers. He weaves stories of individuals to illustrate the statistics.

I was challenged by this book. As a Christian, I was challenged in my views towards those caught in poverty and despair. I was convicted of a coldness I've harbored towards the poor. I was challenged to explore ways to help the poor, oppressed and needy.

I wish Mr. Stearns would have focused more on the whole Gospel message. That said, he communicated that those who confess a faith in Christ must care for the poor, widowed, orphaned and oppressed; it is by works that we demonstrate our faith.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book. It challenged me to look at how I walk out my faith, and I'm sure it will challenge you, too.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Friday, May 07, 2010

True Greatness

It seems that, everywhere I turn, I hear people say they "want to be great," or they "want to be big." This is just as prevalent within the church as it is outside of the church. Within the church there is a striving to have a big following, to reach the big crowds, to feed the masses.

I'd like to blame American Idol. In fact I'd love to call it the American Idol Effect. Why do people go on shows like this? To be famous. To be known. To be great.

The more I contemplate my life, I'm finding that I truly want the simple things. First, I want that simple faith that leads me to do what I know I should do. Second, I want to be a good husband. Third, I want to be a good father. And I want to serve others faithfully.

To be honest, I've been caught up in the American Idol Effect, trying to pursue a big ministry, to be the biggest at whatever I try. But I'm beginning to think that I'm called to be faithful. Provide for and love my family. Serve my church faithfully. Devote time to cultivating into others. If that leads to speaking tours, book deals, television appearances, great, but that's not the end game.

I would like to live more simply. Pursue those things which made my forefathers great. Doing the hard things in life: work hard, love selflessly, hug frequently, serve tirelessly. These things may not be glamourous, but they are what remain.

This song, by Sanctus Real, could summarize the prayer on my heart. I may, or may not agree with all of it, and it doesn't all apply, but it still hits close to home and makes parts of the hidden parts in me cry "AMEN!"



What about you? What are your thoughts? Please share your comments with me. And may we lead that simple faith of simple obedience.