‘Charts on the Books of Hebrews’ by Herbert W. Bateman IV – Book Review

Being a seminary student, as well as a blogger, I am always on the lookout for review books that will help me in my studies. Such is the case with ‘Charts on the Book of Hebrews’ by Herbert W. Bateman IV, part of the Kregel Charts of the Bible series.

Here is the synopsis of this valuable resource:

The book of Hebrews presents interpretive challenges and theological comparisons unrivaled in the New Testament. Charts on the Book of Hebrews puts this demanding yet rewarding information in an accessible and useful format. The charts fall into four categories:

1. Introductory matters (e.g., authorship of Hebrews)
2. Influences in Hebrews (e.g. Second Temple messianic figures)
3. Theological issues (e.g. words of exhortation)
4. Exegetical concerns (e.g. figures of speech)

Students will find this an invaluable companion to classes on Hebrews. Pastors and teachers will benefit from these insightful charts to quickly clarify difficult concepts while teaching. And all visual learners will find that these charts make Hebrews more comprehensible.

Here is the biography of this author:

Herbert W. Bateman IV is Professor of New Testament at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and the author and editor of numerous books. He wrote, along with Darrell L. Bock and Gordon H. Johnson, Jesus the Messiah, the acclaimed book that traces, progressively and canonically, the theme of Messiah through all of Scripture.

In the Preface, Dr. Bateman explains the purpose for his book:

Charts on the Book of Hebrews provides information about Hebrews succinctly in visual format for today’s students and congregant. It is very user-friendly so that the charts may be used as both a foundational tool for study as well as a visual pedagogical and preaching tool. Ultimately it will benefit pastors, teachers, students, and anyone wanting to study as well as teach the Book of Hebrews. (p. 9)

I have always been interested in the Book of Hebrews. One of the main reasons for this fascination is that it is the only book in the New Testament where the author is unknown. I have my theory on who wrote this important book. One of the charts in this book list potential authors and the date they were proposed. The list includes Barnabas, Paul, Clement of Rome, Luke, Apollos, Silas, Peter, Philip, Priscilla and Aquila (Priscilla dominant), and Aristion. (p. 17). My choice is in that list (okay – I think it was Paul!)!

My favorite section of the book is Part 3: Theology in Hebrews. That section takes a closer look at how Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Covenant. One of the most valuable charts, in my opinion, is Chart 66, ‘Titles Ascribed to Jesus in Hebrews and Shared in the New Testament.’ These charts are important in that we can see the consistency and richness of the Bible.

Another interesting chart is Chart 103: ‘Alphabetical Listing of Greek Words Unique to Hebrews.’ I will be starting my Greek classes in the Fall semester. Although it’s ‘all Greek to me’ now, it won’t be for very long!  

Overall, I find this a very important resource that I will be going back to again and again. This is one in a series, and I plan on adding many to my library. I recommend you do the same if you are interested in digging deeper into God’s Word!

This book was published by Kregel Academic, and provided by them for review purposes.

Q & A with Don Jacobson, Author of 'When God Makes Lemonade'

Q. What inspired you to start the When God Makes Lemonade project?

A. I started When God Makes Lemonade because I know from personal experience just how tough life can be. A lot of people are struggling with lost jobs, lost homes, broken relationships, illnesses and fading dreams. They need encouragement. We all do. I’ve learned that, along with all the bad stuff that happens in life, lemonade happens, too. And over the years as I shared my own lemons-to-lemonade story with others, I discovered two amazing things. One was that, through sharing my own personal story, I was able to encourage and inspire others. Secondly, the sharing of my own story often provoked listeners to share their personal lemonade stories with me and I, too, was encouraged and inspired. I began to wonder if we could possibly find a way to share these hope-filled stories with others around the world, and from that thought the idea for When God Makes Lemonade was born. It is a community effort, authored by the growing number of people who, against all odds, have found joy in the midst of their pain.

Q. How do you find the stories you include in the God Makes Lemonade books?

A. My wife, Brenda, and I developed the website GodMakesLemonade.com so that others would have a place to share their own lemon-to-lemonade stories. As the stories are submitted, our GML team decides whether or not it is a fit. We want all the When God Makes Lemonade books to be compilations of true stories which encourage people in sour circumstances to realize that God is at work making lemonade in their lives. That means our readers need to be able to see the divine direction in Lemonade stories, and the best ones focus on compelling and dramatic events that make up the three parts of the lemonade outline: sour circumstance, surprise and sweet outcome—showing God at work in the process. We encourage those with Lemonade stories to visit GodMakesLemonade.com and consider sharing their stories with us. We have endeavored to answer any and all questions they might have regarding submission, but if they do have questions we haven’t yet addressed, they can easily contact the GML team through the website and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Q. How did you come up with the title When God Makes Lemonade?

A. We’ve all heard the old saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” but there’s a problem. The statement puts a lot of pressure on those going through the experience of dealing with all those lemons. Not only do we have to deal with the heartache, disappointment, tragedy or disruption, we are also led to believe we have to make something good out of it. This, of course, only leads to feelings of shame, guilt and stress, an addition to the equation that no one needs.

But when you feel the responsibility of turning something sour into something sweet is not yours, but God’s, then the pressure is removed. Instead, you are given hope that what is happening is leading to something better and are encouraged that life will, indeed, improve as God takes the lemons given by life and uses them to guide you down a surprising new pathway that leads to a refreshing new life. That’s where the stories come in. They are not about you having to make things better on your own. They are about hope and encouragement and genuine inspiration. They are about discovering delightful sweet surprises hidden deep in the sourest circumstance. And the primary thing is that these stories aren’t fairy tales. They are true stories of real-life experiences and they have the power to change lives.

Q. What do you think it is that makes the When God Makes Lemonade project unique?

A. When God Makes Lemonade is a collection of stories that offer a tall, refreshing glass of hope to those who have been drained dry or parched by life’s more sour circumstances. Each lemonade story is about how someone’s life was surprisingly sweetened by something that would never have happened without the sour circumstance. When God Makes Lemonade gives readers a chance to change their perspective by suggesting that instead of asking, “Why did this happen to me?” they ask, “I wonder what kind of good will come of this?” It also encourages them to be patient and willing to give God the necessary time to turn lemons into lemonade, and, of course, offers the perfect sweetness necessary for lemonade in the form of hope. It is, perhaps more than anything else, that life-sweetening power of hope that gives When God Makes Lemonade its uniqueness.  

Q. Through the When God Makes Lemonade project, you’ve become an epicenter of encouragement. Isn’t making a name for yourself as the “Encouragement Guy” a little daunting?

A. I think encouraging others is something I have always done. In every career path I've pursued through the years, offering encouragement to those

around me felt natural and right and it’s a way of approaching others that I normally gravitate to. As a publisher, the stories I liked publishing best were those that compelled readers to see the “rest of the story” in their own lives. 

I guess you could say I am a born optimist. I like pointing out the ways life is good and showing ways to discover the joy hidden in the depths of sorrow. I love encouraging people to keep on keeping on because what’s ahead may be better than you think and you can do the unimaginable if you just don’t give up. So, in answer to your question, I don’t find being the “Encouragement Guy” daunting, but I do rely on the kind of stories I am privy to in the When God Makes Lemonade project to inspire me and keep me supplied with the hope I need to pass along to those I meet along the way. 

Guest Blog Post – ‘Spring Cleaning Your Emotions’ by Geri Scazzero

When we quit things that are damaging to our souls, we are freed up to choose other ways of being and relating that are rooted in love and lead to life. When we quit fear of what others think, we choose freedom.

                                                                    -Geri Scazzero

1.   Quit being afraid of what others think

2.   Quit lying

3.   Quit dying to the wrong things

4.   Quit denying anger, sadness and fear

5.   Quit blaming

6.   Quit over functioning

7.   Quit faulting thinking

8.   Quit living someone else’s life

For those ready to embark upon an authentic journey to change, 

The Emotionally Healthy Woman offers an indispensable traveler’s guide. Geri Scazzero combines her own experiences with familiar biblical stories and scripture to provide a spiritual and emotional roadmap, pinpointing alternate routes that are forged by love and leading straight to the life God intended.  

Q. What inspired you to write The Emotionally Healthy Woman?

A. It wasn't so much a “what” as a “who.” I would never have written the book without my husband, Pete. He’s the writer in our family, and, after I began to articulate the eight “I Quits” that are the basis of the book, he was the one who said I had a book in me. The Emotionally Healthy Woman reflects our effort as a team from beginning to end. It reflects what we both discovered on this missing aspect of spiritual formation. In addition, I have been blessed with a wonderful extended family who has given me a tremendous legacy for which I am eternally grateful. Without that legacy, I never would have had what it takes to quit living a life that was damaging to my soul.

Q. Speaking of quitting, you actually walked into your husband’s office and announced that you were quitting the church that he pastored! That must have taken amazing strength and determination. How did you ever summon the courage to take such a bold and unconventional step?

A. It was certainly no small decision and it didn't happen overnight. I had been making feeble attempts to get him to pay attention to what was going on with me for years. I wanted him to see how tired I was and how frustrated. Eventually, I reached the bottom and arrived at that place where I was so miserable I didn't care what anyone else thought of me. I just wanted out. There is an old saying that a person who has nothing left to lose becomes the most powerful person on earth. I had become that person.

Q. The subtitle of your book is Eight Things You Have to Quit to Change Your Life. Could you give us a brief glimpse of what those eight things are?

A. Certainly. Quit being afraid of what others think. Quit lying to yourself and

others. Quit dying to the wrong things. Quit denying anger, sadness and fear. Quit blaming. Quit overfunctioning. Quit faulty thinking. And, lastly, quit living someone else’s life. Virginia Satir once observed that most of us live inhuman lives because we try to live by inhuman rules. The purpose of these eight “Quits” is to allow us to drop those inhuman rules and start living by God’s real rules, not the ones we’ve mistakenly assumed He wants us to live, not by, but up to. By quitting these eight practices, we open the door to allow God in so that He can begin doing a mighty work in our lives.

Q. How do can women benefit from The Emotionally Healthy Woman?

A. I know firsthand that when people pick up a book like mine they are doing so because they are looking for solutions. The book is my own personal manifesto and it expresses my particular beliefs and values. In my own life, the list of “I Quits” that I showcase became the catalyst for my own personal solution, bringing me out of illusion and into reality and from inner bondage into freedom. I hope that what I have shared with will spark ways in which God can speak directly to them. And it is my prayer, of course, that God will give all of us the courage to stop living divided lives. Remember, quitting goes hand in hand with choosing, so when we quit those things that are damaging to our lives, we are free to choose other ways that lead to new life. And it is never too late to quit. 

Q&A Session Featuring Author Keri Wyatt Kent

One of the fun parts of having a blog is getting to know people in a ‘deeper’ way. Today, please enjoy this Q&A session with best-selling author Keri Wyatt Kent, whose latest book is entitled ‘Deeply Loved: 40 Ways in 40 Days to Experience the Heart of Jesus.’ 

Book Questions

Q: Where did you get the idea to write ‘Deeply Loved’?

I speak and lead retreats fairly often. Though I go as a “speaker,” I also try to be there as a “listener.” And I have noticed a recurring theme in conversations with people who really want to grow and want to serve God: loneliness. They might even be very “busy for God” with serving at their church, in their family. But they sometimes seemed uncertain about whether God loved them, or how to get in touch with actually experiencing that love. I wrote it for those women, who know in their heads that God loves them, but still feel an ache of spiritual loneliness in their hearts.

Q: What do you hope readers will take away from ‘Deeply Loved’?

Each short chapter offers guidance, a sort of spiritual mentoring, on practices that will help people experience the love of Jesus. So I hope readers will come away changed by those experiences. They will learn spiritual practices that they can return to again and again, and those practices will allow them to live in the presence of Jesus on a daily basis.

Chapter Questions

Q: The theme of Day 26 of your Lent study is BFFs. In this chapter, you discuss how we long for a “best friend” relationship with Jesus. How is this achieved?

In many ways, the same way we build a best friend relationship with other people: spending time together, being honest, and communicating. We need to cultivate a habit of talking to him throughout our day, including him in our decisions and thoughts. I think the habit of gratitude, of naming the ways God has blessed you, will also contribute to that best friend type of relationship.

 In ‘Deeply Loved,’ I write: “I meet many people who want Jesus to love them unconditionally but they are not willing to love him in the same way.” I think a best friend relationship with Jesus requires us to not only receive his love, but respond to it by loving him back.

Q: You note that Peter, James, and John—Jesus’s first disciples—were far from perfect. Do you think our pursuit of perfection stops us from experiencing a deep love in Christ? What else can stop us?

Definitely. We think we have to earn his love, and that keeps us from just relaxing into the grace he offers. The driving emotion behind perfectionism is “I’m not good enough.” Jesus loves us just as we are, but it’s hard to experience it if your self-talk is all about your inadequacies.

The other thing that keeps us from experiencing that love is our pace of life. We’re so busy and hurried that we don’t take time to just be with God, to be still and rest in his love. I say this all the time when I’m speaking: “you can’t love in a hurry.” The converse is also true—it’s hard to receive love in a hurry as well.

Q: There are a lot of roadblocks that can stop us in our tracks. Luckily, we have your Presence Practices to keep us on the right path. Can you summarize today’s Practice?

Today’s practice is study. Specifically, it’s a study of Jesus’ interactions with his closest disciples—Peter, James and John. So the presence practice directs you to read carefully through Matthew 4:18-22; 17:1-13; 26:36-46; and Mark 3:17 and 5:36-38, John 15: 9-17 and to write down some observations about the way Jesus interacted with his best friends. The practice also asks some probing questions for the reader, about their own relationship with Jesus, what steps they can take to get closer to Him.

General Questions

Q: How does your family like your writing career?

It’s all they've ever known—I wrote my first book when my kids were one and three, and before that I was a freelance business writer, and before that, a newspaper reporter. So they don’t know any different life.

It’s actually been a great career because I mostly work from home, so I can be available to my kids and husband more than if I were in a corporate career. But really, they have nothing else to compare it to—so it’s kind of hard to say how they “like” it.

Many of my books include stories about my kids. However, my kids are now teenagers (17 and 19), and we have an agreement that I won’t use stories about them in my books or my speaking unless I have their permission. And a lot of times, they say “no, don’t tell that story.” It’s important to our relationship that I respect those boundaries.

Q: When did you become a Christ follower?

I grew up in a Christian home and accepted Jesus when I was four or five years old. 

Q: When did you know you wanted to be a published author?

I was a newspaper reporter right out of college, and did that for many years. I wrote for magazines and business publications for years before I wrote books. I didn't really aspire to be a published author, because I had already had so many articles published. But I found myself writing a book. I was a bit reluctant to try to get that published, but some mentors and friends encouraged me to pursue it. God’s Whisper in a Mother’s Chaos, my first book, was published by InterVarsity Press in 2000. I’ve had ten books published since then and co-written about six or seven others.

Q: Did your work as a reporter help you in your work as an author? If so, how?

Oh, definitely. As a reporter, I had to learn to write quickly, tightly. I had to be concise and precise. That’s great training for a writer. I also learned how to be edited—some writers have never had someone re-write, change or improve their work. That’s a really essential part of the writing process and one some authors don’t have experience with.

Q: How did you enjoy your time as an undergraduate at Wheaton College?

It was a good experience. I made good friends, had fabulous professors. I discovered my calling as a journalist there. I loved the challenging intellectual atmosphere as well.

Q: How can readers find out more about you and your book, Deeply Loved?

Join us online at the Deeply Loved Facebook Page. We’re working through the book during the Lent season, but even after Lent, we’ll have frequent inspirational quotes and pieces of encouragement. You can also follow me on Twitter: @KeriWyattKent.

Thanks to Keri for the valuable insights into your life and work! I look forward to using ‘Deeply Loved’ as a daily reminder of the wonder of our Jesus! 

Davidsbeenhere.com Electronic Luggage Scale – Product Review

One of the best parts of having a blog is being able to share exciting products! David Hoffmann, the founder of the travel company, Davidsbeenhere, came up with some really cool products that are very useful and practical to travelers. You can read more about his company here.

Today, I will be reviewing the DBH Electronic Luggage Scale.

Here is David demonstrating this cool product:

Here’s a description of this helpful product from the company’s website:

Have you ever spent hours squeezing everything into your luggage the night before your big trip, only to get nailed with a ridiculous Overweight Luggage Fee when you check-in? On American Airlines, going over the 50 pound limit can end up costing you $100! Thanks to the Davidsbeenhere Travel Luggage Scale, you can leave your house with peace of mind, knowing your luggage isn't going to be eating into your travel budget. Best of all, it’s small and compact enough to bring along to make sure you are still under the limit when you return with all your souvenirs. The Davidsbeenhere Travel Luggage Scale weighs up to 110lbs/50kg, and has an easy to read LCD Screen. Buy the Davidsbeenhere Travel Luggage Scale today and never worry about excessive baggage fees ever again. Powered by 2032 Lithium Battery (Not Included)

I really love this idea! As anyone who has been on a flight lately is aware, there are weight limits on checked-in baggage. I hear some airlines are even extending limits to carry-on baggage. When you check in a bag, there are hefty fines when you exceed the 50 pound limit. Without this product, you’d have to guess at the weight of the suitcase. Now, with this extremely practical item, you can weigh your luggage before you arrive at the airport, and can adjust accordingly. I am notorious for over packing, so I know already that this cool product will be very useful to me, and will save me money over time. It will be coming with me on our two planned trips this year! I thank David for coming up with this very slick (both in looks and features) product!

You can place your order by clicking here.

This product was generously provided by David Hoffmann for product review purposes.

Davidsbeenhere.com Inflatable Travel Pillow with Cloth Cover – Product Review

I was recently contacted by David Hoffmann, proprietor of the travel company, Davidsbeenhere. You can read about the company here. He asked me if I would be interested in reviewing the travel products that he has created. Why, yes, I would be interested!

Today, I will be taking a look at the Inflatable Travel Pillow with Cloth Cover.

Here is an endorsement of this cool product from David (from the company’s website):

Travelling on an airplane isn't always as pleasant and comfortable as it may seem. My biggest complaint when flying (almost 1,000 hours so far!) is neck discomfort and how it contributes to jet lag. This pillow was designed with neck support and stability in mind. After countless hours of testing, I can say this travel pillow will get you to your destination comfortable and rested. The Davidsbeenhere Inflatable Travel Pillow even deflates and folds into a handy carrying pouch for easy storage in your purse, briefcase or carry-on. I trust you will enjoy it or I wouldn't put my name on it! David Hoffmann Davidsbeenhere.com

Here is David demonstrating the features of this useful product:

I really love this product! We own a cloth travel pillow. Its main use in our family was to protect our Cocker Spaniel, Sammy, when he was a tiny pup! I have never taken it on a trip, as I consider it to be bulky. I love the fact that the DBH travelpillow is inflatable. When you’re not using it, you can deflate it, fold it up, and return it to its handy case. I am not one to fall asleep easily. I don’t recall ever falling asleep while watching TV. And it’s not easy for me to sleep on a plane. My husband, Fred, and I, will be traveling to Florida in May to visit his parents. I definitely will be bringing it on the plane with me. I have a feeling my sleep woes will be over when I use this handy-dandy item from Davidsbeenhere.

You can order yours by clicking here.

This product was generously provided by David Hoffmann for product review purposes.

Davidsbeenhere.com Travel Toiletry Bag – Product Review

Over the last week or so, I have been reviewing various travel-related products from a company called Davidsbeenhere, a company founded by a young gentleman named David Hoffmann. You can read my blog post about his company here.

The latest on the review list is the Travel Toiletry Bag. Here is the description of the product from the company’s website:

Are you going on a trip and looking for a Toiletry Bag that is large enough to store everything you need, while staying organized and not bulky? Look no further then Davidbeenhere's Travel Toiletry Bag. Other toiletry bags typically have one main compartment where all your items can get mixed up and become a pain to search through and find what you are looking for. This toiletry bag comes with four separate compartments so you can travel organized and know exactly where everything can be found. Another great feature is the middle compartment unzips to reveal a Hanging Hook which is perfect for most hotels which have very little bathroom counter space. The middle compartment also has a mesh liner to keep your items from falling out while hanged, and another mesh pouch that can be sealed with a zipper. If you are looking for a toiletry bag that can fit everything you need to bring on your trip, has plenty of pockets to keep you organized, and a hook hanger to save counter space, buy the Davidsbeenhere Travel Toiletry Bag today!

Here is David showing the many features of this cool bag:

I found the design of the bag to be very innovative. As can be seen in David’s video, it lies flat in a suitcase. I find that to be a handy feature, in comparison to some of the ‘shoe box’ shaped bags. I will be passing this handy bag along to my husband, Fred, who currently uses a boxy bag. David’s toiletry bag seems to be more conducive for use by men, being that it is gray in color. I do recommend it to anyone who wants a versatile and durable travel toiletry bag. Its many compartments makes it very easy to find what you’re looking for, as opposed to having everyone jumbled up in the boxy bags. Another useful and innovative travel product from Mr. Hoffmann; kudos on a job well done!

You can place your order for this great travel bag here.

This product was generously provided by David Hoffmann for product review purposes.