Reb Rev's Blog

“Sherlock Holmes and the Needle’s Eye: The World’s Greatest Detective Tackles the Bible’s Ultimate Mysteries” by Len Bailey is a great read for anyone who loves the Bible and enjoys a good mystery.

Have you ever wondered why David chose five stones – even though he only needed one? What did Jesus write in the dirt while those who had come to stone the woman caught in adultery dropped their stones and walked away? Or why they left so quietly? What was the significance of Jesus letting Lazarus die, only to go and raise him from the dead?

This book explores the evidence found in the scriptures for these answers and several more. Of course, in most cases the answer is speculative, but the evidence considered is well researched and brings together much scripture to develop the explanation given by the world’s most famous literary detective.

The book is well written and stays true to the character of Holmes, Dr. Watson, and even Mrs. Hudson. The “Needle’s Eye” is a time machine which takes the crew back to various points in Biblical history to explore the questions and then chronicles the quest for the explanation.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery and a great book.

Thomas Nelson provides a free copy of these books for review through their “Booksneeze” Program www.booksneeze.com ; however, I am not required to give a positive review of the book.

This post was republished to Reb Rev’s Blog at 7:12:58 PM 5/26/2009

The New Spirit-filled Life Bible

The “New Spirit-filled Life Bible edited by Jack Hayford is a study Bible with the focus on the role of the Holy Spirit. There are many good notes throughout this Bible. I liked the word helps which are linked to the Strong’s Concordance reference numbers.

The key study notes are in “Clusters.” Some of these (with examples of entries under that heading) are “Spiritual Foundation Precepts” (The Word of God and the Blood of the Covenant), “Personal Growth Precepts” (Growing in Knowing God and Godliness in Moral Purity), “Spiritual Stewardship Precepts” (Seed Faith and God’s Plan for Abundance). There are nine of these clusters with authors such as Jack Hayford, Pat Robertson, James Robison, and Oral Roberts.

I do have some concerns with some of the notes which are written from a decidedly Pentecostal point-of-view. For instance, in the note on Acts 1:8, it says that some of the disciples could have spoken in unknown tongues since the Scriptures do not say specifically that all 120 spoke in known languages which were known to the hearers. There were 120 speakers and only “about a dozen languages” were identified by those in the audience on that day. This is a slippery slope and can lead to all sorts of interpretations of various verses.

However, that being said I believe the intended audience for this Bible are those with more charismatic beliefs.

(I will be posting a few of these book reviews as a member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger Program J

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”  – Romans 12:15

As I am closing in on 3o years in law enforcement this year, I am so thankful for all of my many blessings. I know we share so many of these.

We have countless friends and brothers and sisters in blue (brown, grey, etc.) I am certain we would have never met had it not been for this career.

There are a thousand great stories (some scary, some funny, some sad) which have enriched our lives.

There is so, so much to rejoice over and for which to be thankful.

But, there is weeping as well.

I attended the North Carolina Peace Officer Memorial Day service in Fayetteville this week.

I sat across the aisle from a young family, a wife and two young daughters, of one of our brothers who was gunned down last year while answering a call for service.

The weeping of those little girls while their daddy’s bio was being read, while his flag was being placed, and while Matt played taps, broke my heart.

To honor this verse, we must never forget the many blessings we enjoy, but we must never forget the families of those who have fallen – those who weep.  

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.”–Luke 2:20

In a famous episode of Seinfeld, George’s father explains their family celebration of “Festivus” as a replacement for Christmas.

This celebration included erecting a pole, a wrestling match and the “airing of grievances,” in which the family gathered for the annual session of complaining.

In Francesca Battistelli’s song Heaven Everywhere (you need to listen to that song!), she sings about how so many folks seem a little nicer, a little happier around Christmas. One line says “somehow there’s a little more of love, maybe there’s a little less of us.”

It’s really up to us isn’t it? Are we going to gripe our way through the traffic and crowds and family gatherings of Christmas – or are we going to rejoice and demonstrate the joy of Christmas?

“Jackson The Iron-Willed Commander” by Paul S. Vickery is a very informative and enjoyable read.

I have never read a biography of Jackson before, and found this one to quite interesting. It starts from Jackson’s difficult childhood and continues through his military and political careers.

Jackson is neither vilified nor deified in this book, which I found refreshing. It is well documented and includes much from the cultural, social, and political climate of the day. Putting Jackson’s decision in those contexts gives a clearer picture by which the reader can decide for himself what to make of the action.

What is made clear is the character of the man and the love he had for his God, his wife, and his country.

I would recommend this book to any serious student of history.   

Thomas Nelson provides a free copy of these books for review through their “Booksneeze” Program www.booksneeze.com ; however, I am not required to give a positive review of the book.

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”–Luke 2:12

If you are not finished with your Christmas shopping this year, might I offer a few suggestions from the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog?

Here are few ideas –

• a set of “his and hers” watches paired with a trip to Paris and Geneva for just over $1 million
• $354,000 red, special edition McLaren 12C Spider sports car
• $250,000 dinner for 10 featuring four famous chefs and a
• $100,000 hen house inspired by a French chateau.
• a walk-on role in Broadway’s “Annie: The Musical,” which goes for $30,000.

Well, maybe you weren’t going to spend that much. None of us are likely to spend that much, but we often spend a lot of time, a great deal of effort, and a tidy sum of money on Christmas gifts; however, as we all know, it is the thought which counts.

Your thoughts are welcome.

“Wild Grace” What Happens When Grace Happens by Max Lucado and adapted for youth by James Lund is a great read.

This book goes step by step through the process of accepting, accessing, and applying God’s grace in our life. It is well documented with scripture and packed with appropriate illustrations.

I’ve not read – yet – the original work by Lucado, but even though this book has been adapted by James Lund, it still reads as easily as a Lucado work.

He addresses the need for grace in our life – no matter how good we might think we are, as well as the abundance of grace for us – no matter how bad we might think we have been. The illustrations will help drive the truths contained in the book home no matter the age of the reader; however, I think the teen reader will see the application more clearly through the use of the many stories used to help make the point.

I would recommend this study as a part of any women’s group. It is written so one does not have to be an experienced group leader to make effective use of it.  

Thomas Nelson provides a free copy of these books for review through their “Booksneeze” Program www.booksneeze.com ; however, I am not required to give a positive review of the book.

“Stuck” is a part of the “Women & God” Series. It is a seven lesson study by Jennie Allen and addresses the areas of life where many folks get “stuck” in their spiritual growth. Maybe a better way to put it is she addresses the obstacles to spiritual growth.
While these areas may be applicable in the life of anyone – male or female – Ms. Allen addresses them from a woman’s unique perspective. The topics addressed include brokenness, anger, discontentment, fear, overwhelmed, and sadness. The materials –including the accompanying video segments – are well done and very attractive.
I would recommend this study as a part of any women’s group. It is written so one does not have to be an experienced group leader to make effective use of it.
Until then, I guess we’ll just have to hold on for the finish.
Thomas Nelson provides a free copy of these books for review through their “Booksneeze” Program http://www.booksneeze.com ; however, I am not required to give a positive review of the book.

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” – Ephesians 3:20 ESV

I just watched as Annie, my puppy, strived and struggled to move Hogan’s (the older dog) food bowl. I noticed this went on for a while and so I finally moved the bowl for her.

Under the bowl was 1 (count them 1) piece of dog food. She gobbled it up and went on. This was particularly interesting because her bowl sits untouched and FULL. She hasn’t taken a single bite out of it, yet she spent all that time trying to get one piece from under Hogan’s bowl.

I can’t help but think how often we are like that. We have our heart set on some little thing we must struggle for and God has provided so much more, so much richer blessing, yet we are so caught up in our little endeavor we miss what He has so graciously provided.

The verse above is my favorite. It is a reminder that God has more for us than we can even begin to think we can imagine. If we would just struggling after the leftovers, we would find our cup (and bowl) really does runneth over.

My prayer for you this week is that you will cease struggling for the small stuff long enough to embrace the abundant blessings God has placed before you.