Review: Reading Romans Backwards: A Gospel of Peace in the Midst of Empire

Reading Romans Backwards: A Gospel of Peace in the Midst of Empire by Scot McKnight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've said this before and I'll say it again, I really like Scot McKnight's stuff! While I didn't agree or end up at the same conclusions 100% of the time as McKnight in this book, I would say that I would agree or think he's right in around 90-95% of his points. That being said, McKnight himself said that this book was first and foremost NOT a commentary (even though I shelve it as such) due to the broad scope used in the letter of Romans as a whole (though he did mention that he is toying and probably eventually going to embark on the adventure of writing a commentary through the lens which he uses in this book). By approaching Romans with the mindset of the end first, and thus reading it backward, the letter itself SCREAMS to be way more pastoral in nature versus the giant tome-only of theology I hear people identify it as so often (not denying that the way we currently read Romans is 'wrong', but I agree with McKnight that our obsession with 'theology-proper' in the West has limited our capacity of seeing the 'other stuff' that is just as important). After reading this book, I will never read Romans the same again. I had the joy of teaching a class as I read through this book (as well as a companion book 'Teaching Romans Backwards') and it proved to be even more enriching! This easily has become one of my top 5 favorite books I've read. It's certainly a book that will keep you engaged and you'll probably have a hard time putting it down (I know I did. The only reason I was able to take my time, was because I forced myself to read it slowly in relation to what chapters/sections I was teaching). Overall, I think EVERY person interested in studying Romans should read this book, EVEN if you end up disagreeing with McKnight on nearly everything he says. At the very least, it would be of great benefit to expose yourself to an alternative focus and more applicable application with this approach, using it as a supplement to your current Pauline-regiment.

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Review: The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears

The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears by Mark Batterson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book. I know there is a lot of people out there ranting about how you shouldn't read this book, and that's fine. More power to you if you fall into that boat. I can be like that to MANY books, but this time I wanted to read a book on prayer that would encourage and challenge me if I were to approach it fully empty and with a genuine desperateness to grow in my discipline of prayer. This book certainly didn't disappoint. I walked away with a fresh determination to trust and lean heavily on God and His promises (even if it's really on a reputation of the kind of promises He makes rather than a direct promise to me specifically). If you're looking for a good introduction to prayer before getting into more bedrock books based on specific texts, I'd recommend this one. If you're a seasoned veteran but want something that'll help you freshen up or continue to encourage you, I'd recommend this book.

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Live Cleansed

I've recently been challenged/convicted (once again during my life) to stop only reading the Bible from a purely academic position. Even as I write that, I tense up a little. Nonetheless I will attempt to be faithful to what the Spirit is seeking to teach me and transform me toward. This isn't a DEEP exegetical excursion, but merely a reading of a familiar passage in light of my life today. I hope that you'll somehow be encouraged and reminded of the greatness of our God. I opened my Bible today and found this little passage at the end of Mark 1 about a man whom Jesus cleansed. It reads like this:

39 He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. 40 Then a man with leprosy came to him and, on his knees, begged him: “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. “I am willing,” he told him. “Be made clean.” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 Then he sternly warned him and sent him away at once, 44 telling him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” 45 Yet he went out and began to proclaim it widely and to spread the news, with the result that Jesus could no longer enter a town openly. But he was out in deserted places, and they came to him from everywhere.

At first pass, I simply moved right on through saying to myself, "I know this passage. Next." However, trying to be obedient and slow down a little, I opened my mind and prayed a short, quick prayer for the Holy Spirit to show me something about this that we all as Christians need to see. I take in faith that what I'm about to share is what He hoped to share. I'm only going to speak on half of the passage, so if you're wanting something with the full passage, sorry... for now.

Put yourself in the position of this man's position. Stricken with leprosy and desperate. Jesus has proven over and over again that He is capable of doing some pretty amazing things. Falling on your knees, begging, you ask Jesus to do another miracle. Jesus does just that. Following your healing, you're instructed to go and essentially live as if you never were sick to begin with (the whole present an offering as a testimony to them, testifying that you are already clean and not sick).

Now if I may indulge you for a moment, the most striking part of this passage in terms of listening for what we, or I, need to hear from God today, is what Jesus said in verse 44. 

“See that you say nothing to anyone; but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer what Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

How many times do we (myself super included), do we resort to 'words' about situations we're in or sins we're wrestling with? I'm NOT saying that we shouldn't be transparent and real. What I am saying is that the temptation in being transparent and real is that we suffice to TALK words about where we are and that with which we're wrestling. As Christians, we take by faith what Scripture and tradition teaches us; namely that Jesus is King and as King, He has the authority to cleanse and pardon any and everyone whom He wishes. IF this is true and we truly believe it, we should be LIVING just as much (if not more) than we're TALKING. Jesus instructed the man to show himself to the priest and offer what was commanded for cleansing as a TESTIMONY. The offering became something that pointed to an already experienced reality.

For someone like me, particularly a person who resonates with type 1 on the enneagram, it can be super easy to remain in our our failures and sins, sulking and depressive. The reality is, however, that Jesus has ALREADY cleansed us (and promises to continue to do so for those who are His; see 1 John 1.9)! In Romans 12, Paul challenges us to live our lives as LIVING sacrifices. There are a great number of passages I could pull up and add to the list, but the point is already there. What if we lived our lives (as living sacrifices) as a testimony to all of the cleansing that Jesus both has done and continues to do? What kind of difference would that make not only within ourselves, but also our community? My prayer today is that we would all be open of what the Spirit is wanting to remind us all. May we all experience Jesus' cleansing today and beyond, and live our lives as testimony for His reign, rule, power, and love.

Review: Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation

Be the Bridge: Pursuing God's Heart for Racial Reconciliation by LaTasha Morrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a very good read. That being said, this is also one of the heaviest reads I've read in a while. There were more than a few times when I audibly gasped in response to some of the history that Morrison brought up to emphasize her point of the need of this conversation. There were even times when I had to put the book down to process what I read because I felt sick to my stomach at what I had just read. Other than those moments, the book was hard to put down. Morrison writes in a clear, engaging manner and she pours her heart (and all the emotions with it) into her work. You can certainly tell she has been given a gift and passion from God to pursue and be a leading voice in the process of racial reconciliation.

All in all, this is a very heavy, but important book. I know there are some who may read this and come back and say that she's way too strong with her words, or that she's over exaggerating with her stance and recommendation on our response as Christians to the issue of racial injustice around us. I don't believe a person can read this book and leave not affected by her words. You certainly shouldn't read this book and then walk away without any desire to join the fight of reconciliation with which Jesus calls us to be front runners. I also LOVE how she incorporates liturgy within her book. It's a great practice to go through individually, and even better in a group/congregational setting! I highly recommend this book, but you should certainly make sure you're in a place where you can read it with an open mind, and with a willingness to be empathetic (not just sympathetic) to the issues and injustice other people are experiencing, and have experienced for too long of a time.

I received an advance reading copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Sit, Walk, Stand

Sit, Walk, Stand by Watchman Nee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I heard about this book from my mentor. It's a really short read. You could probably read it MUCH faster that I did. What Nee does in this book is essentially summarize the message of the book of Ephesians in three words: sit, walk, stand. Using these three words, Nee walks through the message of the letter and emphasizes how we as Christians should be living out the message from it that is easy to neglect.

We must first realize that right now, we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies. We must understand and believe this before we are to do anything as a disciple of Jesus. It is only from the posture of 'seated with Christ' can a Christian hope to excel progress within the 'walk' and 'stand' areas.

Next, we are to 'walk' in this world in a way that reflects the position we have in Christ, and His lordship over all.

Finally, we 'stand' against the enemy. Standing insinuates that we CURRENTLY hold conquered ground, and we maintain it. Christ has already won the victory, we obey and live faithfully to Him as we take a stand against the evil one.


All in all, this is a pretty good book that is a great outline for a short series on Ephesians, which is was we're about to use it for here at the campus ministry. =)

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Review: Jesus in Me: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion

Jesus in Me: Experiencing the Holy Spirit as a Constant Companion by Anne Graham Lotz
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

First off, the pros:

This book is very easy to read and get through. There's nothing that's going to cause you to have to stop, pull out a dictionary of some sort or look stuff up in a lexicon. Anne does a great job of weaving her thoughts together with good stories and examples. I found it easy to stay engaged because of her writing style and heart (which is VERY visible through her words). There hasn't been a more genuine book that I've read recently where you can actually feel the author's heart behind what she's writing.

Things that weren't for me:

There were a handful of times where I diverged from hermetical conclusions that were drawn. I'm always going to mention something like this when I come across it, only because I value biblical exegesis so much. Nonetheless, were they areas that would cause division? No. I fellowship with many people who would hold similar beliefs as Anne does, and I love them dearly. However I value conversations about where we disagree, in loving and respectful ways.

Overall, this is a decent book. I had never read anything by Anne Lotz before, so I really didn't know what to expect. If you're looking for a detailed, in-depth look at the Holy Spirit, this book probably isn't for you. You'll probably be frustrated and disappointed at the lack of what you're looking for. However, it's clear to me that writing such a book was never Anne Lotz's intention. She wanted to write a book dealing with the PRACTICAL side for us of our engagement with the Holy Spirit, and she has done just that. This is a great book for someone looking for an easy to follow, practical, not TOO over the top introduction to the Holy Spirit and the ministry that He works in the life of a believer. If you're looking for a book that'll fit that bill, then this one might very well be for you!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review.

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Review: Raising Successful Teens: How to Help Your Child Honor God and Live Wisely

Raising Successful Teens: How to Help Your Child Honor God and Live Wisely by Jeffrey Dean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was pretty good. I really enjoyed it. While I don't currently have teens, I thought it would be good to read ahead and maybe start implementing some things in our family's rhythms that would help my wife and me prepare for the 'teen-years.' Overall, this is a pretty solid book, filled with insights, super helpful suggestions, and a good mixture of encouragement and challenge. While some passages of Scripture seem to be taken a little outside of what it was most likely intended (as is the case by a lot of books I read/people I listen to around today), the main practical application can still be gleaned and benefited from. Of the parenting books that I've read so far (which hasn't been a WHOLE lot), this one is certainly in my top 3, if not my favorite. I recommend giving this a read if you're looking for a good, practical book on raising teens within a Christian context.

I received an advanced reading copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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"Blessed are you college student(s)..."

This past Sunday, we held our first Sunday night service of the semester/year. I thought it went pretty well, and I've had some students still talking about some of the conversation we had that evening. I wanted to share with you what I wrote and ended the teaching with, in hopes that maybe it would be a blessing/help for you or someone you know. I did my best to remain accurate to the original text in terms of the overall message, but coupled it with some artistic liberty/flair to try and embody what Jesus would want today's college students to hear if He were speaking today. I'll leave this with you and pray you are refreshed in the grace and goodness of our God!

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5.1-2 – Seeing the great mass of students, Jesus went up the hill. And sitting, everyone gathered around him. Opening His mouth to teach, He said

5.3 – You who are miserable, oppressed, and utterly depressed, cheer up! Because you have a home with me.

5.4 – You who are stressed out to the point of tears, cheer up and breathe! Your performance in school doesn’t matter nearly as much to me as you do.

5.5 – You who feel alone and excluded, cheer up! I will give you a family who will never leave or exclude you.

5.6 – You who are drowning in debt for just pursuing your calling/dream(s), cheer up! I will provide for you.

5.7 – You who are patient with those who just don’t seem to learn, cheer up! I’m excited by your example.

5.8 - You who are excluded, taken advantage of, and made fun of because you look/long for the positives in life and avoid sketchy situations, cheer up! You’re someone I want to sit down with over coffee and meet with no hidden agenda. I just want to know you!

5.9 - You who are ostracized for doing the right thing, especially when it’s not popular, cheer up! I’d be proud to call you my own!

5.10 - You who are targeted for your convictions, by others who are both religious and not, cheer up! I want to show you what true love looks like in my Kingdom.

5.11-12 - And you who already one of mine, when you singled out, framed, and utterly destroyed by others who aren’t a part of my Kingdom, cheer up! Rejoice in knowing that the forces of darkness are intimidated by your allegiance to me, and this is why they are using those held captive to remove you. Remember the example of those who have shared your inheritance. God was with them and see how He moved. Know this fact, He’s with you too!

Review: May It Be So: Forty Days with the Lord's Prayer

May It Be So: Forty Days with the Lord's Prayer by Justin McRoberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a VERY short book. You could easily read it within an hour if you wanted to read the whole thing. It's purpose is to be a 40-day discipline utilizing the Lord's Prayer as an anchor, to explore both prayer and your own relationship, both with God and others. There are many prayers that are in this book that have stuck with me and I'm planning on encouraging college students in the campus ministry with them this year. Every prayer is super short, but will challenge you to meditate on what on not only what you're asking, but your current state/health of receptiveness to that prayer's answer. Justin includes personal stories that are great for trying a difference perspective in engaging a particular part of Jesus' model prayer. Overall, this is certainly a book that I'm going to utilize in a number of ways over the next few years within my life and my ministry. I certainly recommend you give it a read if you're interested in an 'artsy' take on a 40-practice centered around the Lord's prayer.

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NSC 2019

Well Emily and I just got back this past Wednesday afternoon from the 2019 National Student Conference up at Milligan College in Johnson City, TN this week. We had the honor and privilege to serve as worship leaders for this years conference. After spending some time resting and recovering from a whirlwind of a conference, I figured I'd share some highlights with you guys.

Each day, we led our morning and evening worship times, with Monday evening being a bluegrass set (in honor of being in east Tennessee). On top of that, I also had the cool opportunity to teach/co-teach 5 sessions worth of workshops. I co-taught a 3-session workshop on the book of Revelation with an old friend who is a campus ministry up in Pennsylvania, and I taught a 2-session workshop on troubling texts found in the book of Romans. The biggest obstacle for the week was trying to do whatever I could to keep from losing my voice. Trust me, at times it proved a little difficult, haha!

A few things I took away from this year:

1. I was reminded (yet again) that God is faithful and will show up/do something powerful whenever you do what He asks you to do and you fully trust Him. Our scheduled speaker had to back out a week and a half prior to our conference beginning due to the discovery of a very aggressive form of cancer that required immediate testing/treatment. I had been praying and planning our worship sets since the better part of February of this year, so this obviously would cause ANYONE who is an enneagram classified type-1 significant stress. Nonetheless, I was blown away at just how PERFECT the song selections meshed with the teachings each evening.
2. I really enjoy teaching. I was borderline a nervous wreck for parts of my workshops. Yet I had students and ministers alike come up to me at the end of the sessions telling me just how much they learned, enjoyed, and were challenged from the material and presentation. You could say this is a continuation from the first takeaway in that I should trust that as long as I'm faithful and do what God calls me to do, I shouldn't worry too much because He's always going to show up and do His thing. =)
3. I love being creative and planning corporate worship services. They may cause me stress in every aspect of the process, but in the end I always breathe a sigh of relief and gratitude at: a) the opportunity God's given me to do it; b) the willingness of others to follow my leading and make abstract ideas into reality; and c) lead/see people to truly worship their God with full abandon and be reminded of His love and truth.

Overall, while exhausting, I would say that I miss this conference. In a way, I also hope that those who attended feel the same way. I hope that when everyone who was there looks back to what we did and experienced together, we all are filled with a deep sense of fondness and excitement, not the kind that only sits and reminisces, but the kind that will move us forward into what we're being called to do.

God showed up. God was praised. We were all challenged, encouraged, and motivated to return to our areas and respond to Jesus' call to 'Go.' So let's go!

18 Jesus came up and said to them, “All authority (all power of absolute rule) in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28.18-20 (The Amplified Bible) 

Review: A Tale of Three Kings

A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book in the span of about an hour and a half while waiting for my car to be serviced. It was a recommended reading by my brother-in-law and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Edwards does a good job of creating a drama-like story involving King Saul, David, and Absalom. Throughout the story, you see the inner-character of a person undergo pressing and testing, while facing opportunities at every corner to compromise who he is and become someone he never was. Overall, you'll find yourself asking yourself questions about how you might be becoming (or already are) a 'King Saul' or a 'King David'. If you take it seriously and truly wrestle with the questions, scenarios, and illustrations provided, you can't help but walk away with a brutally honest assessment of your inner attitude and perspective on your life and service in relation to God's kingdom. Certainly a highly recommended read!

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Review: Extreme Prayer: The Impossible Prayers God Promises to Answer

Extreme Prayer: The Impossible Prayers God Promises to Answer by Greg Pruett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very quick read. Using personal stories from the mission field as well as from his years of leading Pioneer Bible Translators, Greg Pruett invites us in to experience just how powerful prayer is as a regular practice. He explores passages from Scripture, as well as outlines what he means by 'extreme' prayer. I recommend this book as one to read if you're interested in reading up on prayer. It's certainly a quick read, it includes discussion questions, and it an excellent encouragement to invest more time in prayer.

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Review: Who Gets to Narrate the World?: Contending for the Christian Story in an Age of Rivals

Who Gets to Narrate the World?: Contending for the Christian Story in an Age of Rivals by Robert E. Webber
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Overall a decent book. I'm reading it along with Ravi Zacharias' "Why Jesus?" and it seems to be a good, smaller, companion read. While at times it was a little tough to follow and mentally process, I do appreciate the overall movement of the book, as it's an effort to call the church to remember and restore her place and position from WITHIN God's narrative, rather than standing on the outside, looking in. Webber argues that to do the latter forces one to succumb to the culture's terms in 'defending' God via reason rather than via His truth. It's certainly a thought-provoking read and worth checking out if you have nothing better to read right now and are interested in how today's church is engaging with today's world. I'll keep it on my shelf for reference, but I'm not sure it's one that I'll put in my "definitely re-read" pile.

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Living the NEW life... with all of our "Heart, Soul, Mind, & Strength"

This is a blog post that I started way back in the middle of April and have only recently gotten to finish it. Hopefully it'll be an encouragement to you, as you read about God's work in my life and in my spiritual growth.

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Recently I've made some changes to my life. For starters, I'm more purposeful about exercising moderation and self-control when it comes to eating. From there I've started to exercise… well... me! I've been getting up earlier to make time in my day to take care of what God's given to me. I'm not just talking about my physical body. There's a temptation to begin there (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) and then to STAY there (which I would argue isn't a good thing). A verse I've always been fascinated by is the shema from Deuteronomy 6, which Jesus pulled from (and amended) with another scripture from the Old Testament from Leviticus 19. New Testament scholar Scot McKnight calls this the 'Jesus Creed' (I like that). Within this passage, Jesus affirms the words spoken in Deuteronomy 6 to the nation of Israel for how we are to live our lives,

"Hear, O [people of YHWH]: YHWH our God, YWHW is one. You shall love YHWH with all your heart and with all soul and with all your strength." (Deuteronomy 6.4)

I REALLY like Mark's rendition [Mark 12.30] of it because it adds [clarifies may be a more appropriate word/understanding] 'and with all your mind'. From studying and meditating on scripture using 'The Jesus Creed' as a lens over the past decade, my understanding of how to care, live, and worship has grown and matured. This is why I said simply STAYING with the physical exercise application of caring for your body is probably not a good idea. I would like to share what I have learned over the years with you... and hope that what I have learned serves as an encouragement for you! NEVER do I want to come across in a way that's demeaning or condemning. My prayer is that others may experienced the joy, freedom, and growth that I feel in their own life! This is my humble contribution to the conversation, to which so many have already contributed.

Loving with all of your... HEART (καρδία)

The word for heart [καρδία] caries a nuanced usage within the New Testament. Its meanings can range from:

• Physical heart (the actual muscle)
• Its parallel in Hebrew is לֵב is ; 
• One's emotions 
• Example: Romans 9.2 
• A blending with what we typically think of today when we talk about decisions, attitudes, and will. 
• Example: Matthew 11.29; Luke 21.14

If you were to explore the corresponding Hebrew word [לֵב], you'd also find these meanings to ring true throughout the Old Testament.

Allowing these types of usages to roll around in our minds for a little bit, we'll walk away with a better idea of how to apply this important teaching, highlighted by Jesus.

To love God with all of our 'heart', we take all of our will (desires), attitudes (thoughts), decisions (plans), and emotions (feelings), and subject them to the Lordship of Jesus. (I would like to add as well, the command is for ALL... not just SOME.) This is not easy. This is hard. This is unnatural. This is

(dare I say) un-American (with all of today's encouragements to pursue OUR OWN life, OUR OWN liberty, and OUR OWN happiness). This truth was hard for me to learn... and even harder for me to consistently apply at times:

To love God will all of our 'heart', we might have to sacrifice [i.e. kill... not just postpone to a later, opportune time] things we feel like we deserve, have an inherent right to have, and are given.

Loving with all of your... SOUL (ψυχή)

In my undergraduate studies, I was part of a group project where we planned an entire service around this word. (In fact, that project is still with me EVERY week because my wife (then fiancé) got ahold of it and ordered a custom guitar strap with this logo printed down the side. I loved and still love to lead others in praising our savior with that guitar strap with me.) This is a very fun word to study, especially because our western culture has been so formed and influenced by the thoughts and teachings of Plato, that we tend to think about 'soul' SEPARATE from the physical body. Yet in Hebrew thought, they were not separate [i.e. the soul being the true 'you' and just inhabiting a body shell], but both were parts of a whole. In other words, both your physical and non-physical 'portions' made up the person of you.

1. Soul
2. Your very life essence

To love God with all of our 'soul', we might have to put in the effort to alter our thinking about what God desires and to what extent of our lives we might have thought He only cared about!

Loving with all of your... MIND (διάνοια)

This one has always been a big one for me. I've recently been introduced to a personality tool called the 'enneagram', and I discovered I'm a type 1. If you know what that means, then I'm going to guess this revelation doesn't come as a surprise. If you have no earthly idea what I'm talking about, here's one quick summary of what a type 1 person might be like:

(The following was borrowed from Beth McCord and her website: https://www.yourenneagramcoach.com.)

Type Ones are people who are conscientious, sensible, ethical, responsible, idealistic, serious, self-disciplined, orderly, and feel personally obligated to improve themselves and their world.

What drives a Type One to think, feel, and behave in particular ways?

Core Fear:
Being wrong, bad, evil, inappropriate, unredeemable, or corruptible.

Core Desire:
Having integrity, being good, balanced, accurate, virtuous, and right.

Core Weakness:
Resentment—repressing anger that leads to continual frustration and dissatisfaction with themselves, others, and the world for not being perfect.

Core Longing (message they long to hear):
“You are good.”

I've always been one who LOVES to learn and grow in understanding! I tell people quite often, "If it were affordable, I would NEVER leave school!" So to love God with all of my MIND, I would say, is probably the one that comes the most naturally for me (… if I can even say that!). Yet I've recently wanted to do more and be more purposeful/effective in my 'loving'. So I've made a more conscious effort/commitment to spend less time with entertainment and vegetating, and more time reading and learning. I'm hopeful that I'll continue to sharpened not JUST by reading books, but by also engaging Scripture on a bigger scale more frequently. Looking at other places where the word for mind is used, we can see a 'bigger' picture at work than just 'mental knowledge'.

To love God with all of our 'mind', we might have sacrifice times of entertainment that won't lead to growth/refinement, and replace it with methods of engagement in sharpening our minds!

Loving with all of your... STRENGTH (ἰσχύς)

This fun little word [it's only found 10 places in our New Testaments] can mean anything along the lines of: strength, might, power, force, and ability. In light of all this, here's some things I've committed to doing differently to increase my strength/ability/ and might at better loving God AND loving others!

• I've been consistently getting up earlier that I have in the past 7 years.
• I've engaged in a 90-day chronological reading plan through scripture (with the hope of continuing and reading the entire Bible 4 times every year) [Since beginning this, I have indeed finished. Because of traveling so much, I missed the goal of 90 days by 15, and completed reading the Bible chronologically on day 105. I'm also probably going to switch to an aim of reading through the Bible twice a year to allow more time for in-depth studies of various passages.]
• I've been more conscious about what I eat and how much of it I consume at a time. [My wife and I are currently over halfway through a detox from the 'Daniel Plan' book. I won't lie, it has been rough at times. On the flip side, I'm feeling fuller faster, less hungry overall, and I've lost 10 lbs thus far. Progress.]
• I've put things in place to encourage the practice of more of the spiritual disciplines with which God has graced us
• I've committed to live a life of love toward and for other people, fueled by the improved/fit self I'm conditioning. [In other words, I'm going to the gym more consistently to promote better living.]

To love God with all of our 'strength', we might have to begin ridding ourselves of some routines and pick up new ones, thus sharpening our 'ability', not 'squandering' our strength but allowing us to use ALL of it that we have at our disposal.

Looking back from today to where I was pre-April, I can see a MAJOR difference. It's exciting! It motivates me to continue! It actually causes me to crave more! Do I still need to grow? ABSOLUTELY! In fact one of the areas of growth that I've seen in myself, is the ability to see where I still need to grow! As an enneagram type 1, that would normally drive me crazy! Yet by God's grace and the guidance of His Holy Spirit in my life, I now look at these places as challenges that I crave to face head-on, right in-step with Him.

I hope and pray that this post serves as an encouragement for someone. I know it's hard to change something that is all that you've known, but if I could nudge you with one last piece of advice/encouragement to do so, it would be this:

It's SO worth it. It's hard. You'll feel left out when others are talking about shows you've missed because you've cut them out in order to love God with all of you, but it's worth it. There will be days where you'll face discouragement, but it's worth it. There will be things that will happen in your life that will try to derail you, believe me, I know! Yet it's still worth it. Looking back at this part of my journey that I took a leap of faith, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide me, and began, I can't believe some of the things that I have experienced. I can't believe the things that I've learned. I can't believe the boldness/courage that I feel growing inside. I can't believe how much more I KNOW God and His love for me. So, will you take a leap of faith? Will you make more room in your life in order to experience the FULL life Jesus came to bring? If you do, I PROMISE, it's SO worth it!

Review: The Minimalist Home: A Room-By-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life

The Minimalist Home: A Room-By-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life by Joshua Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great book! I wasn't super familiar with the whole 'minimalist' thing before reading this book, but I feel like this was a fantastic introduction to it! I loved how Becker talked about the reasoning behind much of what he advocated, yet at the same time emphasized that each person has their own level of minimizing that they wish to achieve. It was a breath of fresh air compared to what I had heard from others who were advocating minimizing, almost to the point of demeaning you if you didn't see 100% alike.

From reading about the stories and the opportunities that Joshua and his family get to experience and participate in now since they have begun their minimalist journey, I found myself encouraged to purge some things from my life as well. It was really cool to read stories from real people who are all at different points of their journey, and to see/hear about their victories, struggles, and hopes. In fact, after reading this book, I started to clean out my office at work and get rid of some things in order to be more open.

This book is set up in an ingenious way, working from one area of the home to another, beginning with the easiest and moving on toward the most difficult. At the end of each chapter, there is a checklist/guide included to help you go about putting into practice what you've just read. I highly recommend this book to everyone! From the little bit that I've done thus far in beginning to purge things, there is something to reversing the course on consumerism and living with 'less' in order to enjoy/experience more!

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Review: The Leading Brain: Powerful Science-Based Strategies for Achieving Peak Performance

The Leading Brain: Powerful Science-Based Strategies for Achieving Peak Performance by Friederike Fabritius
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely phenomenal book! I got the recommendation to read it and was able to borrow it from my brother-in-law, and I'm sure glad I listened! First of all, yes, this book has research, reports, and all of that fun stuff in it, however it's presented in a SUPER readable and enjoyable format. I enjoyed this book SO much that I'm definitely going to get myself my own copy and even recommend our staff read it at some point.

It was refreshing to read about the science and research being explored on our brains and what all they do. In fact, there was so many helpful pieces of information in this book that I found myself writing notes on what I was reading so I wouldn't forget and I'd be able to share with others whenever opportunities arise.

I would certainly recommend this book for anyone looking to read a 'leadership' book, but also to anyone just looking to read something that will help you live a healthier life. This book will help you understand why your brain (and body) react they way they do to certain things around, as well as provide practical suggestions on how to the improve and overcome the situations and factors you can control around you.

Do yourself a favor and grab a copy to read! It's certainly informative, entertaining, and it reads fast!

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Review: Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality

Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality by Wesley Hill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was given this book to read by a student of mine, who had to read it as a textbook for a class. It's not a long read and overall is pretty engaging! I appreciate what Wesley brings to the table with this little, but important, book. One of the biggest weaknesses recently in the church as a whole in balancing grace with truth when it comes to people with same-sex attraction, is that we don't do a good job of providing people who are same-sex attracted with the kind of community, compassion, and relationship that EVERY person needs, regardless of their sexual attraction. In other words, we have two sides at hand: 1) the side that everyone who even is mildly sexually attracted to others of same sex deserve judgment and are condemned already; and 2) the side that everyone is welcome to live and do whatever they want because Jesus has freed them from any kind of standard by which they should live. I consider myself a member of the sojourners in the middle of this spectrum. Yet it's in this middle camp, that people who are same-sex attracted feel excluded, ignored, and down right lonely. Wesley writes from the perspective of the same-sex attracted who understand and live their lives in active submission, as a living sacrifice, slaying the desires that surround them on an altar in exchange for something much better, the lordship of Jesus. Though they are sexually attracted to those of the same sex, they do not act on these desires. Wesley describes the loneliness he has felt (and quotes a number of other people in the same boat) due to the fact that though people like him agree with the historical Biblical position regarding homosexuality, the church doesn't know what to do with them and how to include them in as a genuine part of the family. I had hoped to gain a better sense of empathy by reading this book, and because of Wesley's great writing style and humble heart, I believe I have the workings of just that! I truly hope I'll be able to continue on this journey, growing in a way that will help me to see people beyond what 'sin' they wrestle with, to the inner drive/pain that they are so deeply enduring all alone. By God's grace I hope to become more and more like the hands and feet of Jesus that He desires all of us to be! Thank you Wesley for helping and contributing to the greater furtherment of His kingdom!

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Review: Rise of the Servant Kings: What the Bible Says about Being a Man

Rise of the Servant Kings: What the Bible Says about Being a Man by Ken Harrison
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ken Harrison did a very nice job at writing this book! I found myself eagerly looking forward to the next time I would have some space to sit and read! That being said, I don't think this is the PERFECT book on "biblical manhood"... yet it's still one that I still recommend. There were certainly quite a few places where I question the exegetical process used and the conclusions that were derived, but even with this as the case, I still believe this is one of the better (if not best) books for men to read in regards to becoming who God is calling us to be and living that out daily. I thought the manner in how Harrison set up and executed the flow of his thoughts and arguments were excellently constructed and executed. It was also a major bonus to read personal stories from all throughout his life.

In further terms of content, I think you'd be pretty safe even just skipping the 2nd half of chapter 16 'The Judge'. The chapter starts off well, but the interpretations and applications Revelation 2-3 within the second half of the chapter I believe will actually cause more harm than good. Let me explain. I understand the importance of trying to help men step up and take more assertiveness in their lives and their faith (it's a lesson American Christians in general could probably learn more of in general). However to make some of these claims (which I'm guessing are from the works of J. Vernon McGee since he quotes him a few times in the book) in what Revelation is 'clearly' saying and the applications that follow, is to hand 'a freshly sharpened blade' to a person who has no idea how to use it. Someone's going to hurt themselves. For example, to identify a woman, who may be filling and flourishing in a leadership position of some sort (and in a CHRIST exalting way), as a 'Jezebel' simply because of her gender and NOT because of or in relation to the theology/allegiance to Christ or someone else that she teaches, is a bit immature and misguided.  In Revelation, the woman is called Jezebel because of her false teachings and leading people AWAY from Jesus. Yet it came across in this book that it was a mixture of this AND the fact she was a woman, and there's no solid Scriptural basis here for that conclusion by any means! I can easily see (and in fact have already seen this in my life) where people dismiss what God is doing around them, simply because it's through a 'vessel' of whom they personally don't approve. (By the way, this isn't a new phenomenon by any stretch. It's all over the place. For example, there was Cyrus in Isaiah. God was using Cyrus to accomplish what He wished, much to the shock, surprise, and even horror of Israel. This idea also surfaces in another form in Romans 9 when Paul explains that not all of the 'physical' nation of Israel is part of the true Israel. They had the misunderstanding that they were 'guaranteed' a spot simply because they were part of the nation of Israel (you can see this addressed time and again in the New Testament... see for example Matthew 3.1-12). In other words, they cringed at the fact that God wasn't doing what they thought He should be doing, the way they think He should be doing it. I digress.) It's awfully dangerous to say things in ways like this, and 'arm' men to go out and potentially work AGAINST the Holy Spirit, simply because 'one of them' isn't the one doing it.

I'm not trying to discredit the book. Like I said, overall, I really enjoyed the book and thought it was written very well. Just skip the unnecessary 'conjecture' in chapter 16 and you'll still glean an incredible amount of encouragement and challenge! I, for one, feel like I've grown from reading this book!

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Review: Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life

Between Two Trees: Our Transformation from Death to Life by Shane J Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a pheromonal read! Shane has an uncanny ability to guide a reader into theological depths that usually have the tendency of swallowing unsuspecting ventures in the vastness that is theology. I've had the opportunity to hear Shane teach a couple of times in person, and I'm an avid listener to a lot of his work that he has available via his website, and one of the biggest qualities that stands out in his teaching (that you'll notice immediately in this book) is a humble heart passionately pursuing Jesus, along with the selfless pursuit of bringing others along on the journey.

In this book, Wood takes us back to place with which we are all oh so familiar with, the garden of Eden, and has us sit a while to take notice of the reality that maybe what happened there was MUCH worse than we ever thought. Not letting us sit for TOO long in this despairing revelation, Wood quickly follows with the encouragement that if this is true, then what God has done is SO MUCH GREATER than we ever thought as well! From this foundational element, Wood guides us along on a journey to rediscover the true depths of the gospel, and what it demands when we engage with it. Beyond simply a 'one and done' interaction, the gospel follows us, infuses us, and calls us to live out the scandalous reality we so willingly and gratefully embrace in terms of being saved by Jesus, within our own lives.

I am personally indebted to the scholarship and discipling work that Wood has produced over the years. He is known (and RIGHTFULLY so) for his amazing work that he's done with the book of Revelation. He shares that when he sat down to begin writing this book, he set out to write a book on how to read the book of Revelation. However as he prayerfully wrote and wrestled with the Scriptures, it morphed into a book on how the book of Revelation (and the rest of Scripture as a whole) reads us! This book is a MUST read about the glorious and powerful reality of transformation, from dead to alive, death to life, and lost sinner to embraced child of God! I highly recommend this book!

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Review: A Week in the Life of Rome

A Week in the Life of Rome by James L. Papandrea
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was fantastic! I was introduced to this 'series' about 7 years ago or so when I saw Ben Witherington's "A Week in the Life of Corinth" and got it as a gift (not surprisingly... I haven't read it yet, haha). I saw that this one was releasing this year, and since I like to study and research everything to do with the book of Romans, this quickly became a book on my to read this. I found out that I could get a digital copy to read for an honest review and gladly jumped on the opportunity.

What Papandrea does with this book, is take real historical practices, conditions, and other elements and creates a fictional story of what a week in Rome might have looked like (his specific time period for this book was around 50 A.D.). The whole book takes place over the length of a week, with each chapter telling the events of a day. The story is certainly attention grabbing and will help you learn/remember historical insights from the Roman Empire, circa 50 A.D. As you encounter references to specific historical facts/elements, there are 'breaks' in the story where you can read a quick blurb about the actual history from Rome. All in all, this is a fantastic book and it has certainly motivated me to pick up my copy of "A Week in the Life of Corinth" sooner than later to read it as well! I highly recommend this book as a great way to learn some history that will help you understand a little more background for our New Testament texts, AND as an entertaining story that will leave you wishing it were longer! You won't be disappointed!

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review via netgalley.


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Review: Reforesting Faith: What Trees Teach Us About the Nature of God and His Love for Us

Reforesting Faith: What Trees Teach Us About the Nature of God and His Love for Us by Matthew Sleeth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, what a book! I'll admit that when I first saw this book, I just passed on by it because it wasn't something that REALLY interested me as much as other things. Yet as the days passed, I saw people talking about it and about how enriching it was. So I changed my mind and decided to request a copy so I could read it and interact with it. I'm certainly glad I did!

Matthew Sleeth has an interesting background, ranging from being an E.R. doctor to apprenticing as a carpenter, yet through it all he's had a grand fascination with one of God's most amazing creations, trees. I'm am truly indebted to the man for reawakening my eyes to the beauty, purpose, and love our creator shows through His trees. Since reading this book, I've made a more purposeful effort to stop and appreciate the trees around me. I also LOVE how he guides us on a nature walk through Scripture, pointing out trees in places we normally just cruise on by! It was fascinating to have things pointed out that I've missed, especially in areas in which I believed I was relatively familiar! On a responsive level, I've even began to look into finding some to plant around my yard at home because of the refreshing and enlightening message Matthew Sleeth writes about in regards to God and His trees around us. No, I'm not an extremist that's going to tell everyone to sell everything and live in a tree, but I am going to encourage you to take a week or two, grab this book, and sit down to read it with creation in view. It's truly an enriching and spiritually deepening experience. I hope you'll take the opportunity and do it! =)

I was provided a copy of this book from the publisher at no charge in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: The Way of the Warrior: An Ancient Path to Inner Peace

The Way of the Warrior: An Ancient Path to Inner Peace by Erwin Raphael McManus
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book took me a lot longer to read than I had hoped, mainly because McManus wrote in such an 'artistic' way that I couldn't read as fast through the book as I do with others. That being said, I appreciate this work in it's own unique way. It wasn't one of my favorite books, yet it is certainly one which I will reference and ponder in the years to come. Blending personal stories, stories of people he knows, and just a hint of what I might call 'philosophical daydreaming', McManus writes a compelling work calling us all to stand our ground and fight the inner fight many of us flee from most of our lives, the battle within ourselves. There are quite a few things I've already pulled out and used in teachings/trainings that I do, and I look forward to continuing to use them. However I'm not entirely sure I'm going to add this to my re-read stack of books (or at least not in the immediate future). If you're someone who likes a book that's 'artistically' written (abstract thoughts rather than more linear reasoning), then you'll probably enjoy this book even more that I did. If you struggle with reading writing like that, just be warned that this will take a little longer to read. Overall it's certainly worth reading for people, though there are many that I would recommend first (including one of McManus' earlier/shorter works, 'The Barbarian Way').

Thank you to WaterBrook & Multnomah Launch Team, I received a copy of this book for free, in exchange for and honest review.

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Review: Paul Behaving Badly: Was the Apostle a Racist, Chauvinist Jerk?

Paul Behaving Badly: Was the Apostle a Racist, Chauvinist Jerk? by E. Randolph Richards
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This by far is now one of my top 3 favorite books I've ever read. I was introduced to the behaving badly 'series' with 'God Behaving Badly' by David Lamb, which proved to be a great read. To be honest, before picking this up, I didn't know if following it well was even possible! (I haven't read 'Jesus Behaving Badly' but after this one, I'm certainly throwing it on my list!

Richards and O'Brien did a MASTERFUL job at collecting some popular objections that people have about Paul, presenting them in such a way that makes you AGREE and possibly even hate Paul, and then carefully and methodically address each of these claims in a whimsical and intelligent manner. I don't think I've ever before read something so educational, enriching, challenging, and humorous!

This is DEFINITELY a book that I recommend and will continue to do so for the remainder of my life! If you've ever been troubled by Paul (great or small) or have been challenged/asked about controversial writings of Paul, this little book is a MUST READ! Do yourself a favor and order a copy! =)

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Review: Breaking the Code - Participant's Book: Understanding the Book of Revelation

Breaking the Code - Participant's Book: Understanding the Book of Revelation by Bruce M. Metzger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fantastic little book that is an extremely easy and quick read! I've been devouring more and more resources on the Book of Revelation over the past 6 years, and recently was turned on to this little resource by Dr. Shane Wood, who also has put out some REALLY good stuff on Revelation. I would say that in the current camp that I find myself where it comes to understanding and interpreting this book, I agree with about 85-90% of what Metzger wrote here. Nonetheless, I HAVE NOT encountered a better introduction/overview to the actual text of the book as what he presents in this short, 100-page resource! If you're looking to start a serious study of Revelation and you haven't had much guidance (as opposed to what's out there by a lot of sensationalists), this is a MUST READ in terms of a starting place. It will help you digest what you read and compile a framework from which you can then explore the various parts in more detail and with more care! What a great addition/resource for us to be blessed with!

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