BOOK REVIEW: The James Code

The James Code by O.J.Hawkins, came to me as a hardback book. I must say that this was good to see, in today's digital age. It was nice to have something to hold in my hand, and read at my leisure. I must admit that I didn't know what to expect in receiving the book. I have studied the book of James many times. I appreciate the content of the book, written as a devotional style book to be read weekly. While I am not afforded that luxury in being given a book to review within a certain framework of time. The book is full of good and sound advice, and has things written in a practical way for application. Yet, I guess I was disappointed in a couple of things. It is the typical "gift style" book meant to be presented to a graduate or to someone as a gift. There's nothing wrong with that, but the title "The James Code" belies the revealing of a mystery. Perhaps it is my own downfall in having studied James and looking for its mysteries, but I do not see how the book reveals anything of a "code." Practical insights - yes. Practical Wisdom - Yes. Practical thought - yes.  Is this a code? I guess so, in a way - but the title left me expecting something that I didn't see personally.

Please don't take my criticism here wrong. I am not saying that the book is a bad book. I found the material very good and one that I will keep in my library and likely refer to upon occasion. The subtitle is "52 Scripture Principles for Putting Your Faith Into Action."  I think this is more of what the book is about. While I may have my issues with the Title, the book is good and I think would make an excellent devotion book for anyone.

PaleoJudaica.com: Byron, Herodotus, and Sennacherib

PaleoJudaica.com: Byron, Herodotus, and Sennacherib: HISTORY: Of mice and men: How archaeology confirms a Bible story (Mark Woods, Christian Today ). The headline exaggerates a little, since t...

BOOK REVIEW: Curio by Evangeline Denmark

When perusing the books to review popped up, I chose this one, Curio by Evangeline Denmark.  I chose it for several reasons. I wanted something fanciful, as I have been doing too much serious reading lately. The title caught me, as it brought back memories of something that my wife and I once thought of doing. Finally, the description of this book as "steam-punk" was curious to me.

My first impression of the book after reading its entirety, is intriguing. Even with the things stated above, I wasn't quite prepared for this type of novel. I was not used to things described in early 1900's industry terms, mixed with Chemists and a bizarre heroine theme to boot. This was a good read for someone looking for fanciful and outside the norms. I got involved in the book, and found myself wanting to go back to it to read and finish it. This is unusual, as with most I'm ready to put it down after the first several chapters. Ms.Denmark has a unique imagination and a talent for getting her thoughts down on paper. I hope that she writes more. 

I admit that the "steam-punk" was a little different, and there were places that I found things choppy and hard to piece together. But, that may be because I am not used to reading this style of book.  This should not detract you (the reader) from getting the book and reading it yourself.  It is an excellent themed book for younger audiences (and some of us older ones too), it has a good flow, a good plot and is able to engage the reader without all of the extraneous "stuff" that many of its counter-parts in the world have.  As regards personal tastes, for my part I would have wished a little bit more background as to why the characters are in the positions that they are in, and why the worlds mentioned exist. I believe Ms.Denmark will only get better with time.

My overall rating of the book is good and I recommend that you get it if you are looking for a fanciful read, or if you are into "steam-punkish" style reading.  Even if you aren't, read it anyway, it will help get your mind off of daily stuff. Ms.Denmark - write more...I would be interested to see what else is out there.

BOOK REVIEW: H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle by Brad Lomenick

H3 Leadership: Be Humble. Stay Hungry. Always Hustle by Brad Lomenick 

I have been a motivational follower for some time, and have had the opportunity to sit and hear some of the top speakers of this industry. While there has always been a slightly spiritual element to the speakers, and some have cited Bible references, I have found only two books in my 30+ years that have dealt with the subject using the scripture as the base of the discussion. This is the second. I'm not saying that there aren't more out there, but this is only the second in my encounters that I felt worthy even to pick up and read. 

At first, the book has the typical motivational book read about knowing who you are and where you are going in life and I wondered, "Where are the scriptures?" Then, I went back and re-read the preface and understood that we already know the scripture (or should) - so what we need to do is implement the principles. So, I began reading the book in a new light. I saw the habits that he refers to about developing, the goals seeking were already things Jesus taught in the sermon on the Mount and throughout the gospels. It intrigued me that the author brought these principles to play in the ever changing world of today's workforce. Where jobs aren't certain and life is ahead, these principles are good on any resume'.  I also found it enlightening that the author also appeals to other authors and sources to refer the reader to to further equip themselves in the endeavors that he promotes. I also liked the tips that he gives you in each chapter, that act as a personal application of the principles taught in the chapter. He also includes tips from other authors and those considered experts in the field which I thought was a unique twist.

This book gets a high mark from me. I found myself getting involved in the book and wanting to apply what it taught. However, it is not for everyone. If you are wanting to learn how to improve yourself motivationally, and wanting to be a better leader - then this book is a good one to have in your library. It will be one that you go back and re-read and refer to often. In some circles, it could even be used if accompanied by a workbook as a Bible Class on Leadership.  Even if you are not "Biblical" inclined, don't shy away from this book just because it is.  There are good principles taught here that you will find useful and that will make you a better person.

SOUL and SPIRIT - Huh???

In recent discussion in class regarding the keeping of the SOUL, we have gone in depth to discuss WHAT the soul is. In general and brief description, it is the eternal part of us that God put into us at the point of creation. Yet, in the process of this discussion, arose the question - Is there a difference between the soul and the spirit?

Essentially, there are three terms in the scripture that are used when referring to what God has placed into man. 

• Hebrew - Nephesh (SOUL) means a breathing creature, that is, animal or (abstractly) vitality;
• Greek Pneuma (SPIRIT) a current of air, that is, breath (as a blast) or a breeze; by analogy andfiguratively a spirit, that is the rational soul,or vital principle, mental disposition, etc.,
• Greek Pseuche (SOUL)  breath, that is, (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely - the sentient principle of vitality; thus distinguished from Pneuma which is the rational and immortal. This word is more akin to the original Hebrew word used in Genesis, where man became a living animated being.

This can be confusing, especially when you have three words that are used for what is to us the same thing. What is best to understand at this point, is that we are trying to put into words and define something that is what Job describes, "Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. (Job 42:3)." It is like John in writing the Revelation, trying to put into words scenes that were beyond human description. These same words are used of the creative power of God in Genesis when the

world was made. When God "breathes" into man, it is the variation of the same word used for what he breathes into man and makes man a soul. When the essence of God creates in Genesis 1 and the "Spirit" of God moves, it is the word RUACH which is literally translated breath or wind, but in this instance this word is used because of the force of the wind. Yet, it is described as the creative essence of God. How do we describe something too wonderful, too powerful for us to even imagine? How do we describe in words the force that it would take to make a sun, a universe, life? Therein, is the difficulty and the fault of human language.

But, what about the human soul? 

Are the soul and spirit different? 

How do you describe that integral part of us that God put in us, yet, has no substance and we cannot see?  This is not to say that man has not been inventive. In 1907, Duncan McDougall undertook experiments of dying people to determine if the soul had weight or mass. His findings were published in the New York Times, March 11, 1907. Even then, the "soul" defied description. When appearing to Thomas after the resurrection, Jesus tells us that, "a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.(Lk.24:39)" This is why the term "breath" is used. It is not a tangible thing, but to describe it, we can only describe it as wind, breath, air.  We know it exists, but we cannot define it. There are other variations and adjectives that can be used to "type" it. The scriptures use the term "evil" spirit, a "new" spirit., etc. But, it all boils down to two particular things regarding the human "soul." One seems more descriptive of what is inside of us, the other used to manifest what comes forth from us. Soul, seems to be used to describe what God breathed into us and what we became. The word Spirit seems to be used more indicatively of describing what is being projected out of us from that source.  This seems implied of Lk.9:55 when Jesus rebukes James and John for their demeanor in wanting to call fire down from heaven upon people. 

Soul and spirit are not different parts of what God breathed into us, they are simply two

words trying to describe the same thing in a different way. Is it hard to understand? Yes. Can you touch it? No Is it flesh and blood? No. But - it is who we are. It is our strength, might, heart existence all rolled up into one thing, that when this body dies, it will live on. 

Now the question is...what will live on. What is there in me, living in my heart?  If we accept the Bible's terms for godliness, then is what is within us clean or unclean as the Bible would describe? 

From this, there are three things that are apparent from the scripture:

1. God sent his Son to die, so that what God has given me, I might give back to God clean, pure, and whole (Jn.3:16; 2 Pet.3:14)
2. The Soul of man has a destiny, and how I use the Spirit God breathed into me, is my choice. We just have to understand that choices have consequences (Mt..25:31-46; Heb.6:1-8; 10:26-30). Sin fragments the soul. When God created us, he states, "It is good." When sin is in and is left in the soul, the soul is no longer "Good." That is why the soul needs a redeemer (1 Cor.6:20) and while living life, it needs a Shepherd (Psa.23).
3. Don't misunderstand. God's word can cut through hypocrisy (Heb.4:12). It is able to pierce and cleave between the soul and the spirit. In Mt.23:7 Jesus criticized the Scribes and Pharisees for their hypocrisy - appearing on the outside to be one thing, yet inside another.  God's word can do that with us too! Don't think you can change your destiny by pretending. Even our innermost thoughts can be discerned by God.

So, what does your SOUL - your SPIRIT say about you?

Jim

Why were the Wise Men Wise?

Where Is He?

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him." 

Mt.2:1,2

Always intriguing, is the account of the men referred to as Wise Men or Magi in the passage cited above. We do not know much about these men (IT DOES NOT SAY THERE WERE THREE OF THEM)but being listed as Magi (Magus), these were  philosophers, priests, or astronomers of the day. They lived chiefly in Persia and Arabia and were the learned men of the Eastern nations devoted to astronomy, religion, and to medicine. They were held in high esteem by the Persian court, were admitted as counselors, and followed the camps in war to give advice. Daniel the prophet was such a person in both the Babylonian and Persian Courts some 167 years before Jesus. If indeed they came from this region, then they traveled many miles from the Far East to the Middle East and at great expense to find Jesus.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, which is just six miles from Jerusalem. At the time of Jesus’ birth, all kinds of spiritual activity was taking place in Jerusalem. All of the major religious leaders of the world were in Jerusalem, but none of them were seeking Jesus. Herod, self and Roman proclaimed "King of the Jews," wasn't even aware of Jesus until the Magi came.  Many others of noted prominence were there at the time Jesus was born, many traveling to their homelands for the taxation, yet none were aware of Jesus. No one even noticed "His star" except the Magi. Why? Because the Wise Men were looking for Jesus. They were willing to make a four to five-month trip across a hot desert to find Jesus. So noted was the event to them and the occurrence of the celestial dance, that they were willing to do whatever it took to find him and as the text states "worship Him."

Jesus said that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl that is so valuable we will sell everything we have to get it (Mt.13:46). It seems the Wise Men from the East understood this long before Jesus ever spoke the parable. They were willing to give up everything they had to come and worship Jesus, who at the time of their arrival was only a toddler. They were willing to give up the comforts of their homes for a long, tough journey because they WANTED to worship him.

If these men thought it worthy of note, that even the heavens pointed to Jesus to come and find Him, then shouldn't we take note of this too? I find it interesting at how virtual strangers would give up so much to go find someone they didn't even know, because they knew He was "born King of the Jews."

What would you give up in order to come worship Jesus?  What holds you back from seeking  a relationship with Jesus so valuable that it’s worth giving up everything for?  Maybe it is time for you to start your journey.

Jim

"I just assumed you would like it"

Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD

Lev 10:1,2

This is one of the most impacting statements in the Old Testament, where you have evidently people whom God chose working in the Tabernacle that He commanded them to build, then striking them dead in the midst of it.  Kind of reminds you of that same feeling you got when you sassed your parents and you knew what was coming next.   So let's dig a little deeper into this story to see more of the details behind it, and to see if we can see why God reacted so strongly to what they had done.

Nadab and Abihu, were the two eldest sons of Aaron the High Priest (Ex.24:9-11), and the nephews of Moses himself. In Ex.28-29 we see where Aaron and his sons were chosen to be the "priestly" tribe, meaning that their job was the are of the Tabernacle and implementation what God had specified should go on within its structure. Exodus and Leviticus as books are devoted to describing all of the articles (down to the underwear) that the priests were to wear, all of the implements to be built and used, and all of the acts to go on within it. Leviticus 6:12 tells us that the fire on the altar of burnt offering was not allowed to go out, because the first fire that would come upon the altar and its sacrifice would come from God Himself (9:24). As a result, with the fire kept burning thereafter, all of the offerings made thereon, would be "hallowed" with fire that came from God. And, God was VERY specific, to the point that there were things they were told to do and if they did not do it the way it was prescribed by God - they would die!  This then brings us to our story in Leviticus 9 and 10, where we see Nadab and Abihu going about their duties, but in 10:1-3 we have the incident of what is called "strange fire." Let's take a closer look:

• Strange Fire - this term is translated differently in various versions. The older versions use the word strange, the newer versions use the term unauthorized.  What this tells us is that the word's definition is somewhat dependent on the context in which it is used. 
• Fire to be used within the Tabernacle structure for the purposes of either sacrifice or upon the Altar of Incense, was to come from the altar of Burnt Offering. 
• The fact that the fire of the first offering upon the altar would come from God Himself (see above) and was to be kept continually maintained and now allowed to go out from that fire, sanctified and made holy the fire and its contents.
• Fire taken from another source, not obtained from the fire from God as described above, would have been considered profane, unholy, or as the versions put it, "unauthorized."
• To put anything on the fire (i.e. add to it) other than what God said should be done with that fire,  would make it profane, unholy, or "unauthorized."
• The use of such "unauthorized" fire by Nadab and Abihu were punished with death by fire from God.(Lev.10:1-2; Num.3:4; 26:61) because what God had prescribed they did not heed or do. There is a comment in the passage that is overlooked - "and laid incense upon it."  Where did they get that instruction?  God had given them clear instructions on what and how to do on every facet of worship and work within the Tabernacle, yet, there is no instruction for what they do here. And what they did made what was holy - unholy.  Is what God said that important?

Why then is this such a big deal? Why doesn't God just reprimand them instead of striking them dead? Isn't God being harsh and domineering here?  These are all of the questions that go through our minds, because frankly we all find ourselves in this situation and would hope that God wouldn't do this to us. Yet, compare this story with Romans 1 where we are told that people do this sort of thing all the time. We want to do it our way instead of God's way. We presume that God wouldn't mind. The very end of the Bible in the Revelation, we are told not to add to or take away from what God has said.  Why?  This story tells us why. 

Let's put this another way. If your car had been in an accident and you took it to be repaired - you tell the people doing the work to paint it back like it was. To match the colors to the original blue and restore the car to its original condition. But when you come to get the car back...all of the car except the damaged part is the original color. That part was painted blue with rainbow stripes. You're appalled and ask why. The painter says, "Well, I just thought it would look better." You ask, "Who told you to do that?"  The painter says, "No one, I just assumed you would like it."  Now, what do you think is the rest of that story?

The next question is obvious. What will we tell God, when He comes back?

Jim