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Book Review – Journible – 17:18 Series – Acts

Journibles: ActsSeveral months ago, I embarked on a new spiritual habit. I’ve been hand copying the Bible. My first shot at this was simply done using a few Field Notes Journals. But then I found Journibles.

The first one I purchased and used was Galatians through 2 Thessalonians. Next I tackled John. And now, I’m using Acts.

And I simply love them.

The concept is pretty basic. It’s not much different from a Moleskine or similar journal. It’s blank. But Journibles are formatted verse by verse so
This has helped me tremendously as I study the Bible. Reading it is one thing, even studying it slowly. But hand writing it as I go along has helped me grasp things that I’ve never noticed before. It’s simply amazing to find something new because I’m paying attention differently to what I’m reading and writing. that they facilitate hand copying the Scriptures easily.

Using the 17:18 series Journible has had an incredible impact on my life. You should try it. You may be surprised at the results.

What do you do to get as much as you can from studying the Bible? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

If you are interested in trying The Journible, The 17:18 Series: Acts, you can purchase it at Amazon.com, or directly from Reformation Heritage Books.

Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received this book free from Cross Focused Media as part of their Cross Focused Reviews blogger review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Also, 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.“

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Memorize Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:8-10

With Paul’s instructions concerning elders finished, he moves on to the role of the deacon. While similar in nature, these two offices differ in several areas.

Take a look at the first part of this list in 1 Timothy 3:8-10:

1 Timothy 3:8-10

First of all, the term “deacon” simply means one who serves, such as a household servant or even a table waiter. This position was first instituted in Acts 6. While the seven men chosen for this role in that chapter are never called deacons, the root word for those who waited on tables is the same.

The next few qualities are very similar to the ones listed for elders. Deacons should be men worthy of respect. If they are not well-respected and well-received in the communities in which they serve, their effectiveness will be hindered.

The meaning of the next term, sincere, is not carried clearly in many translations, such as the NIV. The phrase literally means “two-worded.” In other words, the deacon cannot say one thing while with one person, and then say or do something different when with others. He must be a man of his word.

The next two phrases, not indulging in much wine and not pursuing dishonest gain both parallel similar statements concerning elders found in verse 3. The deacon must display integrity and control in all situations.

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Coffee Break – 05.20.2013

Coffee Break

What Your Coffee Says About You – This made me laugh. In so many ways it’s completely right. But it’s also dead wrong. Which one describes you best? I’m a mix between Double Espresso, Macchiato, and Americano (except for the part about watery coffee).

Photography And The Civil War – As a photography buff and a history buff, this caught my eye right away. But it wasn’t exactly what I expected. This post shares some of the harsh realities of war, caught by photographers of the time.

George W. Bush Is Smarter Than You – I don’t know what your opinion is on politics. Personally, I think he was a much stronger leader than most people gave him credit for while in office. This article by one of Bush’s staff is pretty revealing.

History’s Darkest Hour? – One of the loudest cries I hear is that we live in such a dismal time, and that the end of the world must be near. I’m not even going to try to figure out just when Christ will return; he told us that only the Father knows that. G. Campbell Morgan says, in effect, “Just shut up!” And I think he’s right.

10 Specific Compliments To Give Your Wife – I hope you are creative enough that you don’t need this, but here are a few ideas to get you started. Paying your wife a compliment much more often than just now and then is crucial to a healthy marriage.

Is It ‘Unspiritual’ To Be Discouraged? – My personality is such that when I get stressed, I tend to feel discouraged. Too often, I’ve felt guilty for feeling this way. This brief article helped me see discouragement in a new light.

He who complains of the weather, complains of the God who ordained the weather! – William Law

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Memorize Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:6-7

Paul finishes his description of the qualities of the elder in this week’s passage, before he shifts to deacons, who have very similar characteristics. In these final two verses of his qualifications, he lists two final considerations.

You can find these qualities in 1 Timothy 3:6-7:

1 Timothy 3:6-7

In the first three verses, Paul goes through a long list of attributes, one right after another. In the next two verses, he devotes the entire passage to one qualification. In this week’s passage, he wraps up his discourse with two final thoughts for elders.

The first of these two is the idea that an elder must not be a new convert, or a novice. New converts would not have the expected spiritual maturity that a leader would have. The Ephesian church had been in existence for at least a dozen years or more, so spiritually mature men would have been available, in contrast to Titus’ instructions on Crete, which was a brand new church, where everyone was a new convert (Titus 1.) The prime concern here is spiritual maturity, not necessarily longevity in time (see 1 Timothy 5:22).

If someone rose too quickly into such a position of leadership, the temptation is to become conceited and proud. Since the false teachers were described as conceited (1 Timothy 6:4), one has to wonder if Paul still has them in mind as he writes this.

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Coffee Break – 05.13.2013

Coffee Break

Coffee Latte Art – Art is everywhere. And there are a lot of people who make art where they are. This guy, for example, uses coffee as his canvas. It’s pretty cool. His website is listed at the end of the video if you’re interested in seeing more of his work.

Native American Stylized Superheroes – Native American artist Jeffrey Veregge has developed some fun images combining superheroes with traditional Native American art. There are a couple here that I wouldn’t mind hanging in my house…

9 Questions To Ask About Your Social Media Addiction – This is an excerpt from Manage Your Day-To Day, the new book from 99U, that asks some pointed questions about the time we spend in social media. These questions could actually apply in several more areas of our life as well.

The Four Magical Steps To Making Your Child A Winner In Life – This article on the National Fatherhood Initiative website has some great ideas, but I think it stops short. There’s an element of faith that has to be present for a dad to be a great dad. These four steps are important (although I disagree with the second point somewhat), but they aren’t enough for a dad to reach his full potential.

7 Directives For Meditating On Scripture – Developing and implementing lifelong spiritual habits is crucial in order for our walk with Christ to grow. This short list from the Puritans has some great points to consider.

The Top Mistakes I Make In Preaching – With my transition from youth ministry to senior ministry approaching quickly, articles like this are very helpful.  As I begin to develop new habits and schedules, I know there are several things I must take into consideration, such as the items on this list.

We know how God would act if he were in our place — he has been in our place. – A.W. Tozer