Journey with Acts 2:39

 

Greetings Everyone, 

"This promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away. It is for everyone the Lord our God calls to himself." 44.2.39 NCV

The context of this specific verse is something special. In the previous verses we read Peters words about the gift that God gives us by filling us with the Holy Spirit. When you tie in those previous verses, this verse becomes a beautiful reminder of how much God desires to revel His love to us. He wants us to receive this special gift.

Journey with Acts 2:23

 

Greetings Everyone, 

Jesus was given to you, and with the help of those who don’t know the law, you put him to death by nailing him to a cross. But this was God’s plan which he had made long ago; he knew all this would happen.  44.2.23

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I wonder how often this verse is used to summarize the Christian Faith? It seems like it would be a great one for us to use when we are trying to reach out to those around us.  I often thought about using this verse in a sermon when I was working as a minister, but the preference was more along the lines of using John 3:16. 

Journey with Acts 1:8

 

Greeting Everyone, 

"But when the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will receive power. You will be my witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.” 44.1.8 NCV

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It's an interesting thought! 'When the Holy Spirit comes we will receive power.' So often I think we forget about the rest of that verse though, 'you will be my witnesses... in every part of the word.'  Does that mean we have to go someplace else to be considered a witness in every part of the word? Does that mean we have to become foreign missionaries halfway across the word?

Journey with Acts 1:3

 Greetings Everyone, 

Several Years ago, I began a Journey through the New Testament book of Acts that I never actually finished. In anticipation for my upcoming series "Finding Philemon" I wanted to do make sure I kept my focus on my own time with God.   I've been reading through Acts during my personal devotional time and thought, why not commit to that Journey once more. 

Finding Philemon

 COMING SOON!

Book Review: Work and Rest God's Way by Scott LaPierre

Greetings, 

Rating: ★★★★★

Description:

Do you want to find joy and purpose in all you do?

“Work and Rest God’s Way is a welcome contribution as Christians rediscover the doctrine of vocation in all of its practicality and spiritual richness.”

Dr. Gene Edward Veith—Provost at Patrick Henry College, director of the Cranach Institute, and author of God at Work

We spend an average of 90,000 hours, or about ten years, working. Hopefully, we find such a large investment of time and energy enjoyable and fulfilling, but for many people, work is the worst part of their day and of their life. In Work and Rest God’s Way, you will:

• Find the blessings God has for you in your labor
• Learn how to put off laziness and put on diligence (both physically and spiritually)
• Discover the quiet, restful life that’s pleasing in God’s sight
• Determine the balance between work and rest for your busy life
• Read together as a family to help your children value work and responsibility

Whether you’re a man or woman, young or old, this book will help you enjoy both work and rest as God intended. Families will also benefit from reading together. As a father of eight, Pastor Scott knows how hard it is to motivate children to work. He shares what has been successful for him and his wife, Katie

My Review:

Scott has always been a fantastic writer. I am always intrigued by the biblical connections he weaves throughout the pages of his books.

The lessons I am reminded of are always good ones that I need to be reminded of. This book continues that tradition and I am proud to say I learned a few good lessons from reading the pages of this book.

Sometimes we forget the importance of balance in our lives. Scott's newest book helped me remember that. I plan to add more details to this later but, I was certainly impressed yet again.

Thanks, Scott for always following God's direction in what you bring to us, as your readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Book Reviews: A Father Offers His Son by Scott LaPierre

Greetings, 

Rating: ★★★★★

Description:

Have you ever wondered why God asked Abraham to sacrifice his son in Genesis 22?

The Angel stopped Abraham showing God did not intend for him to kill Isaac, but what did God desire? Prophecies in the Old Testament look forward to Jesus, but He is also revealed through types and shadows. Genesis 22 is one of the greatest examples. God wanted to test the patriarch and prophet, Abraham, but readers will discover the account also reveals:

• In human terms what God would do with His Son two thousand years later

• The many ways Abraham and Isaac are a picture of God and His Son

• The tremendous love of God shown through Christ’s sacrifice

Genesis 22 is not primarily about Abraham and Isaac. God and Jesus are the true and greater Father and Son shining forth in the account. Abraham did not spare his son but was willing to deliver him up for God. Likewise, God “did not spare His Son, but delivered Him up for us all” (Romans 8:32).

Learn the remarkable parallels between God and Abraham, and Jesus and Isaac. With thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter, the book is perfect for personal use or group Bible studies.

My Review:

Scott LaPierre has a real talent for taking the scriptures and bringing them to life through what he writes. His heart for reaching others reveals itself in many ways throughout the context of his new book "A Father offers His Son."

As we dive into this newest release, there were times when some of the text seemed above the norm. In other words, he is speaking to an audience that tends to be more aware of the contextual issues behind the scriptures he uses to tell his story from the point of view that he does.

While other books by him seem more practical this one deeper look into both him as an author and the story he is sharing. I always look forward to reading Scott's books and learning something about the meaning behind the message he presents to his readers.

One of my favorite aspects of this book is Scott’s use of imagery and symbolism. It’s not every day that someone can successfully include this in their work in such a way that really helps you grasp the depth of the story’s meaning and the message they are communicating.

I am sure that this book will speak to your heart as it has spoken to mine. The message he communicates, while not what I expected at first, it is still an interesting one to read. It will give you a good look at the foundation of scripture, and the story scripture teaches.

You may be surprised to learn a few new things upon completing this book, and I encourage you to keep an open mind when reading it, so that it will speak to you all the more.