Author: pastorjonathan

Christian,Husband, Dad, Pastor, Mentor, Volunteer.

Why Read Lots of Scripture

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I still remember when I sat down one Sunday afternoon as a high school student and read the entire book of Genesis in one sitting.  A whole new world was opened up before me. I knew all the stories and had read them individually several times before, but now for the first time everything came into perspective as I saw God move in each situation.  I wasn’t picking out principles to live by or trying to gain a moral from the individual stories.  For the first time, I saw God in the Bible (amazing how I missed Him before).  Each story built on the one before and I grasped truth like  never before.  As the weeks drew on I found myself immersed in God’s Word.  Each day yielded circumstances and situations that made me recall God’s truth and want to walk in a way that would please him.  That Sunday was the first day that I came to “delight” in God’s Word.

My journey would take me several places and eventually I would be trained in Greek and Hebrew Grammar. I would teach God’s word and be able to wax on  and on for hours over just one verse.  However to get there I had to share a lot about the meaning of words and would often miss the bigger picture.

The day I came to a place of genuine repentance and faith in Christ I sat down with the book of Matthew.  My heart was already prepared to receive God’s grace.  I knew of my sin. I knew of the legalism I had developed in an attempt to rescue myself and I knew of my great need for God.  Yet that day I read the book and my heart became burdened by the harsh way that Jesus dealt with the pharisees. My sorrow soon turned to joy as I embraced total surrender and I saw the way that Jesus so quickly embraced those who acknowledged their need of him.

Many years have passed since both of those instances and I have read most of the books of the Bible in a single sitting or throughout a week. I still remember the night in college when I read Ezekiel. The time a Jehovah’s Witness approached me while I was reading Leviticus. The list goes on and on and I won’t bore you with every time that I read a book of the Bible (it would be a long list). The point is I wasn’t reading to mark off a list, I was reading to meditate on God’s word and delight in Him.

Now granted, if you’re not a reader by nature the idea of reading a fifty-plus chapter book in one week, much less one sitting sounds like a miracle from God.   Please understand I’m not trying to create a heavy burden for you.  I’m a reader, it’s less miraculous for me.  My challenge to you is this…

1. When you read the Bible… read to know God.  Obedience to the law of God apart from relationship to God is legalism no matter how you brand it.  The pharisees were masters of application of the law and they missed God in the flesh.

2. When you read the Bible… read enough to really take delight in God’s Word. It’s not enough to know what God has done or what God would demand.  We should delight to hear of God’s attributes.  When you enjoy God, doing what he says isn’t nearly as difficult as when you just go through the motions.

3. When you read the Bible… take enough time afterward to determine how you should respond.  Any relationship is a two way street. If I delight in God and I want to obey God then I should make plans to follow him in Obedience.  For example: If God tells me in his word that I should love my enemies (and he does) then I need to figure out what it looks like to love my enemies and go to work on loving them.  Or if he says to serve my boss like Jesus was my boss (as unto the Lord) then I need to figure out what that looks like.

The point is to be reading the Bible with a good attitude and a right response. A lot of scripture might be a chapter a day for you.  I’ve got a great many friends who read two chapters of scripture a day every day and do well. Don’t limit yourself.

Wait No More (A Review)

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Wait No More: One Family’s Amazing Adoption Journey by Kelly and John Rosati is the tale and open disclosure of one families struggle with God’s calling to adopt.  I was impressed with the candor with which the Rosoti’s write about their life and how they came to build their family.  The book is gripping and emotional.  Stories of love and forgiveness fill each page as the Rosati’s recount each painful, akward, and joyous moment that filled their lives as they carefully sought to add each of their children to their family.

I applaud the Rosotis in sharing details for personal weakness. Their candor in  sharing their struggles through some of the less joyful moments and emotions helped paint a realistic picture of the life of adoptive parents. Though at times one wonders if perhaps they have shared too much? Never-the-less I was deeply appreciative for a glance into this families life, especially as it concerned adoption.

I found the book inspiring and encouraging.  I highly recommend Wait No More to anyone who is looking to adopt or just loves to hear stories about how God is moving in families to adopt. .

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

“The Voice: New Testament” Review

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Check out The Voice Bible! A new bible format from Thomas Nelson Publishers and the Ecclesia Bible Society. The Voice seeks to retell the scriptures in a contemporary way to a new generation.  I was expecting just another cheesy paraphrase, but when I read the voice I was pleasantly surprised to find a dynamic translation that tries to cull out the voice of each individual that God chose to write the scriptures.  Helpful notes interspersed throughout the text give it a light study bible feel and the drama script style of the narrative portions help pull out the context of each story.

Bottom line: I was deeply impressed with the voice and I plan on reading from it on a regular basis… though I am still keeping my ESV as my main bible, this one will be helpful in gaining a fresh perspective on familiar passages.

I can see it being useful in a ministry context for dramatic reading, acting, etc.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

Children are Like Arrows: A Fresh Look At Psalm 127

On By pastorjonathanIn discipleship, Family, parenting1 Comment

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127, ESV)

I guess I hear lots about this passage in regards to having a “quiver full of kids” and “kids are a blessing.” I’ve heard all kinds of explanations about how many arrows would be in a Hebrew quiver at the time that this was written.  I’ve heard glad parents tell me that their hoping to “fill their quiver” and others express over the loud noise of a toddler that “children are a blessing.”

I see value having lots of kids and most certainly agree that children are a blessing, even on their worst day (and toddlers have some pretty bad days).  However, I think there is a bit more to this passage than that.  I think there are some riches not mined here when we gloss over this Psalm so glibly.  Take a minute and dwell on this text with me.

Arrows are offensive weapons. You don’t use them to defend yourself as much as you do to make a dent in the enemy. Swords can be defensive. Shields are defensive.  Spears perhaps even defensive.  Arrows are purely for offense.  You let them go.  While kids are a reflection of their parents, they are also their own individuals.  Sometimes as parents we can try to use our children to protect our own egos, relive a second childhood, or even provide all the things we missed out on.  The fact is that just like an arrow leaves the grasp of an archer, your children were meant to leave your grasp too.

Those parents who are oppressive with their own sense of pride expressed either in the need for perfection or the need to be needed risk warping their children.  Start with the end in mind. Just like archers shape branches to make their arrows because they know what an arrow needs to fly, so parents are to be intentional in shaping their kids to live beyond their home.  The arrows in the quiver of Psalm 127 aren’t meant to be kept in the quiver.  They were intended to be a deadly show of force and accuracy against the enemy.

I guess what I’m really trying to say is that your children won’t remain at home forever.  Arrows aren’t intended to fill quivers.  They have a greater purpose.  Because Archers know this.  They shape their arrows with their ultimate purpose in mind (to be aimed and released).

Question: How are you raising your children for the years they will live outside your home?

More thoughts on Psalm 127 to follow this week.

The Fourth Fisherman on Sale in Bookstores this Spring

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I was blessed to get an advance reader copy of the The Fourth Fisherman this last weekend in the mail. The book is available for purchase on March 13. 2012.  You can read what others are saying over at the Fourth Fisherman’s official website as well as hear from author Joe Kissack.

The Fourth fisherman is drama woven from the fabric of two real life stories.  The story of Joe (the author) lost and drifting in a downward spiral of empty success, alcohol and drug addiction and the story of 3 Mexican fishermen who set out to sea in hopes of bringing in a large catch only to end up lost at sea for over nine months, drifting nearly 6,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean.  The two stories are juxtaposed against each other as they play the common notes of grace and redemption to crescendo when Joe’s life mysteriously intertwines with the surviving fishermen.

There are many things to praise about this story and the way it is told. I was deeply impressed with the details of how the Mexican fishermen survived.  I was also amazed at Kissack’s authenticity and openness in exposing his thoughts and attitudes throughout the story, especially the fragile moments of self-doubt and second guesses along the way. His high regard for his wife is evident throughout the book and he shares moments of marital conflict in a way that is both transparent and respectful.

However I do have a few reservations about the The fourth fisherman that prohibit me from fully endorsing the with a five star rating.  The narrative of the book often appears mystical without explanation or authentication.  While gut feelings are powerful, the Holy Spirit leads by truth.  In many cases the veracity of the nudges, bumps, and feelings expressed by the author was never fully developed.  The book also seemed disjointed at the end.  The theme of God’s sovereignty and love seem to never be fully realized.  The story climaxes abruptly and dissipates too quickly.  The abstracts need to be fleshed out and tied together more completely near the end of the book.

Overall I really liked The Fourth Fisherman.  I think it’s a great read for anyone interested in real life stories of mystery, adventure and survival. I give it 4 Stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

“Be The People,” by Carol M. Swain (A Review)

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To be sure, Be the People by Carol M. Swain is a political book. Ms. Swain writes from a solidly conservative and solidly Christian view point.  My interest was piqued when I learned a bit about Ms. Swain’s background from her website, Carolmswain.com. She has experienced childhood poverty, being a high school drop-out, and a teenage mother, yet found a way to overcome her obstacles and writes now as a Vanderbilt University Law Professor and accomplished writer.

The book is fascinating in its own right. Swain does a fantastic job of fleshing out the positions held by conservatives with Christian values.  She does a great job providing the facts while maintaining a journalistic edge making the book both easy to read and informative.

Generally speaking both conservatives and liberals overstate and oversimplify issues.  I was glad to see in that in this book Swain went through great rigors to avoid oversimplifying and overstating.  I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to gain insight into the political system and reasoning from the conservative side of the issues.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson as part of the BookSneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

We Shall See God (A Review)

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  Recently my Grandfather passed away and We Shall See God: Charles Spurgeon’s Classic Devotional Thoughts on Heaven made it into my hands at a much needed time.  Each chapter is a devotion on Heaven.  The first part is taken from one of Charles Spurgeon’s sermons and the second part is written by Randy Alcorn a much loved an appreciated author.

Though I am already a great fan of Charles Spurgeon, I can see how this book would be a good introduction the the mind and influence of one of history’s greatest preachers.  In light of my grandfather’s recent death I found the devotions both very real and powerful as my mind was naturally drawn to eternal things. Each day was packed with meaning and I was drawn to dwell on the greater things of eternity.

The book is small and has a hardcover making it easy to handle.  There are fifty devotions included in the book with updated language and additional comments by Randy Alcorn who acted as the editor and junior author on this project.  I highly recommend We Shall See God to anyone interested in devotions about Heaven.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

You Were Born for This By Bruce Wilkinson (A Review)

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  I was excited to get a copy of You Were Born for This by Bruce Wilkinson. The book’s subtitle is “7 Keys to a Life of Predictable Miracles.”  Though I agree with the principles of the book, I am of the opinion that the subtitle is a little exaggerated. The book is basically about placing your self as a usable servant of God.  The “miracles” refer to the instances where God uses you to meet a real need for someone at the right time.  The keys are more or less steps that you must take to be used by God.

I’m really not a fan of the language of “keys” that “unlock” stuff in your life. In my estimation such language really distances the reader from the point… God uses people like you and me in seemingly small ways to impact the lives of others.  I also found the book to be lacking in that it never really offered many practical helps to segway from met needs to gospel grace.

My prayer is that the book will be rewritten in a few years to highlight a relationship with God in both the steps to being used by him and how to share with others in that process.  I gave the book 3 Stars because there are some redeeming qualities and the principles are basically helpful. This is a book I’d read if I had nothing else to do (indeed it took me 3 months).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group as part of their Blogging for Books Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. 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.”

How to Raise a Daughter: 15 Small Steps for Dad’s that Make Difference in the Lives of Their Daughters

On By pastorjonathanIn Family, parenting1 Comment

 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.  (2)  It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.  (3)  Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.  (4)  Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.  (5)  Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. – Psalm 127

 

Children are like arrows, they have to be aimed and let go. Below are a few practices that I have set out to keep up with my daughter that take very little time, but will shape her whole life and prepare her for the future.  I’m not an expert by any stretch of the imagination, but I am intentional.  I hope this list provokes your thoughts on the simple things we do as parents and how they can make a world of difference for your children.

1. Tell her you love her every day of your life (say it multiple times and in multiple ways each day)

2. Teach her that character, not make-up brings out her true beauty.

3. Tell her everything special that you like about her mom on a regular basis (especially in regards to her character)

4. Teach her to give her best effort on every project

5. Tell her you are proud of her (and highlight the things you are proud of, especially when you know she gave her best effort).

6. Give her a hug everyday (even in the teenage years when things get a little awkward and you realize that she’s closer to being a woman than a little girl).

7. Tell her that she is beautiful (just like her mom… give her a womanly role model worthy of emulation and affirm her mother in front of her often).

8. Teach her to be thankful for everything (Thank God for simple pleasures like apples and other fruit that God gave us for our pleasure).

9. Give her responsibility and hold her accountable (nothing says love like trust, expectation, and a little help along the way).

10. Hit Pause on the Disney shows and talk about real life issues (though “family friendly,” most kids shows are centered on someone telling a lie, a weak or non-existent father character, and kids running the show… you are your daughters filter, but you won’t always be… help her discern truth for error even in her entertainment options).

11. Pray for her everyday of your life.

12. Pray with her every day. (and let her hear you pray for her)

13. Teach her to pray.

14. Read the Bible together every day. (Starting with a reliable Story Bible and working into a good translation. Start reading to her and then work into her reading to you, especially if she is younger.)

15. Memorize scripture and Spiritual questions and answers together often (at lease weekly).