"Lies of the Devil" video

https://youtu.be/xgDrkbyw3_w

Review: "Philippians"

Philippians:  A Commentary for Biblical Preaching and Teaching, part of the Kerux Commentaries series by Kregel, by Thomas Moore and Timothy D. Sprankle has far more in it that the size of the book would lead you to assume.

Herman W. Bateman IV, the series editor, explains that the series attempts to give “a detailed introduction and outline [of the book], a summary of all preaching sections with their primary exegetical, theological, and preaching ideas, preaching pointers that join the original historical context with the contemporary one, insights from the Hebrew and Greek text, a thorough exposition of the text, sidebars of pertinent information and historical background, appropriate charts and photographs, a theological focus to passages, a contemporary big idea for every preaching unit, present-day meaning, validity, and application of a main idea, creative presentations for each primary idea, key questions about the text for study groups, lists of books and articles for further reading” (7-8).

Now, if that doesn’t sound overwhelming, you can’t be overwhelmed!

The commentary begins with an “overview of all preaching passages” including “the exegetical idea, theological focus, preaching idea, [and] preaching pointers.” 

After dividing the text in this way, there is a chart of abbreviations.

Then an introduction to the book – much along the lines you would find in a study Bible, but in significantly more detail.

Then the commentary begins (44 in this case).  All the facets intended are covered here, ending each preaching section with discussion questions.

Final, there is the list of reading materials.

The good about this commentary – and the series – is that it takes the text seriously, it gives the read extensive information – particularly in interpreting the text in its context, and in this, it is a very valuable series for seminary students, preachers, and discussion groups.

My one qualm is the other side of the coin:  this series gives an extraordinary amount of information – great for the price! – but it even divides the text into preaching sections and tells the reader what the points/themes of the text are.  I am concerned that some will use this commentary to automatically write the sermon without relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  One could easily take this commentary and give eighteen sermons covering the book without thinking about the text or waiting on the leading of God for the congregation the preacher is shepherding.

This is a valuable series, packing an incredible amount of information in a short space.  However, it might be wise for the man of God to read the text and pray prior to opening the commentary, so he will not be lulled into simply giving a summary of the commentary to his people.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, Kregel.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Vintage Murder"

Naigo Marsh takes us on vacation with Detective Alleyn to New Zealand (our author's homeland) for Vintage Murder.

Detective Alleyn is booked on a train with a group of characters who make up an acting troupe -- including the lead actress, who for some reason -- was it money? -- married a wealthy businessman who bought a half interest in the troupe.

At the conclusion of their first round of shows, the cast has an onstage party for the businessman, but things go wrong for all but one person when the champagne bottle trick ends up crushing in the businessman's head.

Which one did it?  A lengthy investigation featuring a green tiki leads to many lies, and finally only one answer.

[This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com]

Review: "Insecure"

I wondered what John Perritt would say in his book, Insecure:  Fighting Our Lesser Fears with a Greater One, being someone who is very insecure.  His little book is quite worth the read.

            Perritt notes that some of the content of this book was given at conferences for Reformed Youth Ministries.  In keeping with the audience first in mind, this is a very readable book, though it is not easy – it is bound to make anyone who suffers with insecurity a bit uneasy at times – but for good reason, and with an antidote.

            Perritt defines insecurity as being “self-focused” (19).  Now don’t get your backs up.

Each chapter ends with reflection/discussion questions and a prayer.

            Insecurity – being self-focused comes from the lies that dwell in our hearts (“did God say”) due to Original Sin and sin in our lives (31).

            Insecurity causes fear, judgmentalism, and jealousy.  If you are unsure of this, just talk with most people about theirs views about their social media (59).

            Freedom comes in believing that we are hidden in Christ (74), that we are created in God’s Image and for community – the Church (82).

            “Our insecurities often move us to focus on self.  So, a very helpful practice is getting our eyes off of ourselves.  Getting us to stop focusing in the mirror and start looking out the window [seeing the beauties of God through the Scripture]” (90, italics his).

            The book ends with a reflection on when we should care about what others think – that is, regarding our witness to Christ and His Gospel.

            A second appendix with a quiz to see how social media is affecting you.

            And a third with Scriptures we can say to ourselves to become secure in Christ.

            Each chapter ends with reflections questions and a prayer.

            This book is well worth your purchase, for junior high age and up – for anyone who has ever felt insecure and confesses Jesus as God and Savior.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "The 4-Hour Body"

            I really enjoyed Timothy Ferriss’ book, The 4-Hour Work Week.  I was less impressed with his book, The 4-Hour Body.

            In this book, Ferriss addresses several issues, first beginning with both weight loss and muscle building.

            Ferriss has an interesting idea called the “Slow-Carb Diet,” which consists of five points:

1.      Avoid white carbs.

2.      Eat the same few meals over and over.

3.      Don’t drink your calories.

4.      Don’t eat fruit.

5.      One day a week, eat whatever you want (75).

This makes up the first half of the book. And... despite the anecdotes, it seems that something important in nutrition is missing.  I was discouraged and overwhelmed, so I didn’t formulate an argument against what he says, I just dropped it.

The next section looks at how to improve sex.

Then, how to improve sleep.

How to reverse permanent injuries.

And ultra-endurance.

These sections are things I am not up for, and he also looks to have you get tests and do things that most people, it seems to me, won’t do.  Such as going to another country for less expensive tests.

Meh.  Just skip this one.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Biblical Preaching on Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9sUBCE5YAY&t=2s

Review: "The Book Your Pastor Wishes You Would Read (But is Too Embarrassed to Ask)

            I suspected what Christopher Ash’s book, The Book Your Pastor Wishes You Would Read (But is Too Embarrassed to Ask), and I was right – in a good way.

            Ash begins by introducing us to ten ministers – pastor who sin, who have insecurities, who get overwhelmed, and so forth.  The point being that “pastors are people too.”

            Then he asked why a parishioner should want to care for his pastor.  The answer is found is Hebrews 13:17 – if your pastor is overburdened, he won’t be of any benefit to you.

            The bulk of the book is “seven virtues of church members that impact our pastors.”

1.      Daily repentance and eager faith.  Come to your pastor with your struggles and sin and be desirous of instruction from God’s Word and tell the pastor when he has done or said something right or helpful.

2.      Committed belonging.  We are not primarily consumers, but providers in our local church.  So, as often as possible, we are to be involved in everything our church does, including the worship service.

3.      Open Honesty. Be open and honest between church members and the pastor, and as much as possible, face to face.

4.      Thoughtful Watchfulness.  We are to keep a concerned watch – not a watch seeking to see the pastor fail – over the pastor’s life and doctrine.  Not just inquiring of him and listening to his sermons, but allowing him time to read, to go to conferences, to have a study leave, a day(s) off, and vacations.

5.      Loving kindness.  The ministry takes a toll on a person.  Our care for the pastor should reflect in his pay and housing.

6.      High expectations.  We ought to expect and example of striving after holiness and the presentation of biblical doctrine from our pastors.  God holds them to higher standards and so should we.  We out also protect them from false accusations.

7.      Zealous submission.  We ought to zealous follow our pastor’s lead (so long as it is biblical).

Ash then recommends that several people in the congregation self-consciously get to know the pastor and his family – befriend him – be a sounding board – people to have times of casual acquaintance with.  In this chapter, he includes several questions that someone in the congregation should be able to answer about their pastor.

In the final chapter, he suggests that some churches will respond well to his thoughts, and others will rebel or be angry.  For the latter, the pastor may find it time to move on.

This is both a sobering and encouraging book as I considered what I have done well and not well and how I perceive the same in my congregation.  I will never forget – not to long into my ministry – when I asked the congregation to pray for me and for my striving after holiness during the sermon – and one dear woman, who I know cares for me very much, came up to me after worship and said, “I never thought about praying for you.”

There is a misperception of pastors being anywhere from sluggards to social workers to holy men – all of which are wrong.  We need to fight for a correct understanding of the ministry, fight, as pastors to be holy and good undershepherds, and to teach our congregation how to care for us and why it is necessary.  This book is a great place to start.

Interestingly, he says that most people should never know what the pastor’s salary is because that could cause unrealistic expectations (79).  I’m not sure what I think of that.  My salary and benefits have always been broken down in detail in our budget.

Read this book.  Think it through.  And then consider getting it for the congregation – even if it causes you some embarrassment.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Laughing at the Days to Come"

            In the final chapter of the book of Proverbs, King Lemuel instructs his son on finding a woman who is worthy of marrying, and he writes, “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. (Proverbs 31:25, ESV).

            Tessa Thompson, the author of Laughing at the Days to Come:  Facing Present Trials and Future Uncertainties with Gospel Hope argues that being able to laugh at the days to come is essential for the godly woman (and person, I add).

            Thompson was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 when she was sixteen years old – when she went deaf.  The disease causes tumors to form on the auditory nerves which brings about deafness.  Tumors can grow in other parts of the body, and it is a disease of chronic pain.  Her father went deaf with this disease in his forties.

            Thompson addresses her book specially to women – though men can certainly profit from her wisdom – and she divides her book into three sections:  Laughter: It’s Definition, Laughter: It’s Doctrine, and Laughter: It’s Doing.

            It’s Definition is found in “liv[ing] a life that reflects what is; namely, the present abiding reality of God” (16).  For, “the gospel promises us that this earthly vale of tears is not the end and our suffering here is fleeting, not final” (33).

            It’s Doctrine is found in Peter telling us that we have “a living hope” (51).  “He [God the Father] desires our highest good, and our highest good is God-glorifying, Christ-exalting, Spirit-enabled holiness” (79).  “But the distinguishing mark of laughter at the days to come is an unwavering confidence that God will carry out His promises and finish what He began” (94).

It’s Doing is found in knowing that we are given doctrine to know what we ought to know and believe about God and the Gospel, and that we would live in the light of those truths (118).

If you think you might suffer, if you are suffering, if you think you might suffer in the future, if you want to be assured that God loves you, Christ has live and died and risen for you, and the Holy Spirit is upholding you day by day, this is a great book to read.  I would put this on my list of books every Christian should read.

If you want insight into what the Bible teaches us about suffering and how we are to live in the light of the truth about God and the Gospel – whether you are a woman or a man – this is a great resource.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Death in Ecstasy"

                Most of us have some familiarity with a church and the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper – and the drinking from a cup – whatever that means. 

            At the up and coming House of the Sacred Flame, five novitiates gather around the sacrament kneeling to receive the cup.  They drink, and one falls dead.

            Enter Inspector Alleyn who has to figure out who these people are, what there relationship is to the deceased, and why she gave all those bonds.

            Death in Ecstasy by Ngaio Marsh is another enjoyable mystery which adds the facts up to catch the killer.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "The 4-Hour Workweek"

                I inhaled The 4-Hour Workweek:  Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss – and I have put his other books on my wish list.

            To look at the title, you might think it pure fancy or illegal, but it’s not.

            Ferriss argues that it is much more important to do what is meaningful to you than to fill a seat from nine to five.  That sounds reasonable to me.

            The sections of the book spell D-E-A-L.

            Definition:  what do you really want to do?  What is meaningful to you?  What would you want to do if you had no restrictions or limitations on you?  (Legal things, of course.)  You must have a solid idea of what you want and how to get there fulfilling the meaning you seek.

            Elimination:  what don’t you need?  What takes you away from is meaningful?  Excess stuff – excess nuances – anything that is not necessary in achieving what is meaningful for you should be eliminated – whether people, clothes, or your current job.

            Automation:  in the long run – and even in the short run – paying someone else to do what you don’t want or need to do will increase your ability to achieve what is meaningful for you.  Spend your time and effort only on what you enjoy doing on the way to your meaningful goal.

            Liberation:  go.  Work from home, from another country, take min-retirements.

            Ferriss includes many examples and websites to check out.  The book concludes with a selection of his best blog posts and testimonials of those who followed through with what he explains.

            Now, you may love your job.  I do.  But there are things you wish you didn’t have to do, right?  I know there are for me.  See if someone else will do them to allow you to fulfill your call.  Set short term goals and get to them now.

            I am also setting long term goals which begin now, certainly, but things I want to achieve.  I love my job, but there are other things I would like to achieve as well.  And, though I don’t have much interest in going to other countries, I would like to take more vacations at different times of the year to be in the place that I find most beneficial to my achieving meaning.

            Even if you don’t follow everything he says – he is not in favor of reading a lot – I disagree – taking time to figure out what is meaningful and what things would be better out of your life or handled by someone else is a worthwhile activity.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "The Gift"

                Do you like gifts?

                Do you like Christmas presents?

                How do you react to them?

                Glen Scrivener looks at our gift-giving – and especially our Christmas gift-giving, in his book, The Gift:  What if Christmas Gave You What You’ve Always Wanted? – and he walks us through the gift-giving dance of “It’s for you,” “You shouldn’t have,” “I wanted to,” and “Thank you.”

                Scrivener explains that the same dance that we have with our loved ones is a dance that God has with us regarding the gift He has given us in His Son and the salvation He has merited.

                How do we respond?

                Does it make gift-giving all the more meaningful to us?

                Will you refuse this gift?

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Leaving Your Mark Without Losing Your Mind"

            My friend, Tom, gave me a copy of Leaving Your Mark Without Losing Your Mind:  Overcoming Seven Obstacles to the Important Work of Your Life by Mark Brouwer, and it a book that I found helpful and encouraging, especially given my current circumstances.

            The seven obstacles Brouwer addresses are:

1.      Losing touch with what you really care s about and are committed to doing.

2.      Getting overwhelmed by the needs you encounter.

3.      Living with confusion about divine guidance and empowerment.

4.      Struggling with not having enough time.

5.      Getting burned out by high levels of stress and anxiety.

6.      Feeling disheartened by conflicts and difficult people.

7.      Getting discouraged and losing heart.

I am at a point of evaluation and seeking out how best to go forward, so it was very helpful to have Brouwer guide me through thinking about what is really important to me, what I really want to do and accomplish, and seeing that planning, setting markers, and recognizing what is in my control and what is not.

This is not a book to go through once and never look at again.  It is a book to go through, start to move in the direction that you believe is right and desire for yourself, and then refer back to to keep up healthy practices and thinking to get to the end of what you have set before you.

I am finding this a helpful book for me as I consider what is next and how to get there, and you may as well.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "John's Letters"

            John’s Letters:  An Exegetical Guide for Preaching and Teaching (Big Greek Idea Series) by Herbert W. Bateman IV and Aaron C. Peer is an interesting new volume – and beginning of a series – in the interpretation of the New Testament.

            The series was created with the concern that most people don’t have a solid, working, understanding of biblical Greek.  This series will be a help to the pastor who has some knowledge of biblical Greek, as well as “the overloaded professor,” and the seminarian (14).  Although the authors provide their own translation of the text at the rear of the text, the book is designed to highlight “the big Greek idea” of each section of text and put the tools out there for these persons to use to interpret, explain, and preach the text.  It is not for the average lay person – some knowledge of biblical Greek is necessary.

            The text opens with a table of contents, charts and sidebars index, list of abbreviations used, and then a length introduction which explains how to read the text and the authors’ basing it on the use of the clausal outline of the text.

            Then the text begins in earnest with an introduction to each letter before it, followed by the big Greek idea, structural overview, outline, and clausal outline for each section of text.  Interspersed are syntactical, lexical, semantical, theological, text-critical and grammatical “nuggets” to help in understanding the translation and interpretation of the text.

            The volume ends with a bibliography and a “nugget” index.

            If you are looking for a commentary that gives your denominational interpretation, this is not it.  If you are looking for a commentary that helps you work through the Greek to understand the bid ideas and, thereby, the text, you will find this very useful.

            I am interested to see future volumes.

            I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, Kregel, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Surplus"

            I like to give.  I especially like to give to the church and the people of the church.  I especially look for good books to give to others.  As Richard Baxter commends, “There is nothing better a minister can do than to give good books to his people.”

            On the other hand, I wonder how God wants us to prepare for the future and eventualities of not being able to do the work we once did – especially in a world where not even the church folk are as close and supportive as they once were – as we ought to be.

            I read Surplus:  Fearless Generosity in 2 Corinthians 8-9, by Bryan Elliff, in two sittings on the same day.  It is short, convicting, joyful, and very readable.

            As the title suggests, Elliff explains the context and meaning of 2 Corinthians 8-9 and applies it to the modern Christian.

            As the reader might know – this section of 2 Corinthians is Paul asking the Corinthians to be prepared for his arrival and his taking of the collection of an offering for the church in Jerusalem which is suffering – and Paul relates some of the giving that has been done thus far.

            Elliff explains that God gives us all that we need, plus a surplus to give to others.  He shows that what we have is a grace from God and we give as a grace to others (Ch. 2).

            What is most important – as we tend to highlight in this passage while ripping it out of context – is that we are to give with the right heart attitude – and God has gifted us – graced us – with a surplus another needs that we may share that grace and meet that need.  “Paul’s big idea is that theses churches should pursue equality in times of acute need by using their surplus to remedy the deficits of others” (31).

            He is not suggesting socialism.  He is suggesting that everyone’s needs ought to be met through the gifts and grace God gives.  God gives the surplus that we may have joy is filling a need.

            Elliff tells of John Wesley and George Mueller who did not believe we are to save for ourselves or future generations but are to fill our needs and give the rest away.  Elliff admits that he is still wrestling with whether this is a biblical norm or a gift of certain people (37).

            Chapter four looks at the integrity needed in giving.

            Chapter five looks at what it means to not give begrudgingly or under compulsion.

            In chapter six, Elliff argues that the text tells us that if we are as generous as God has been with us, “we will never lack supply, both for our needs and for continuing acts of liberality” (68).

            “But now comes the truly remarkable reality.  Not only will you be provided with enough seed for planting, your seed planting will be multiplied.  For every one bag of seed you go out to plant, there will be more bags waiting to be planted.  In other words, the more you give, the more you will have to give” (69, emphasis his).

            Don’t misunderstand:  the multiplying is not for us to store up, save, or hoard.  The multiplying is only for giving to others.

            Chapter seven looks at how gifts communicate something – how they can build fellowship.

            The book ends with a chapter considering the indescribable gift all Christians have received in Jesus.

            Each chapter ends with study and/or group questions.

            The book ends with the text of 2 Corinthians 8-9 for review and meditation.

            This book reinvigorated me and my desire to give more.  Though, I admit, I still struggle with knowing what is biblically right with regards to saving.  For now, I will pray and be and wise and liberal in my giving to the glory of God and in thanks for His grace.

            You need to read this book.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, 2 volumes"

            D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a rising star in the surgical field of medicine, when he received a call to the ministry – the larger part which was to be at Westminster Chapel, London.

            The massive two-volume biography of Dr. Lloyd-Jones by Iain H. Murray began as Murray’s notes for Lloyd-Jones for the eventual writing of Lloyd-Jones’ autobiography – which was never to be written.

            Volume 1: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: the First Forty Years: 1899-1938.

            Volume 2: D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: the Fight of Faith: 1939-1981.

            Murray served alongside of Lloyd-Jones at Westminster for some years and they collaborated on the Banner of Truth Trust, so he is someone with a great knowledge of the man of which he writes.

            Though the two-volume biography scales some 1,300 pages, it is very readable and extraordinarily engaging.  Murray includes primary documents and pictures will greatly add to the work.

            Had a never read Lloyd-Jones or heard Murray speak before reading these volumes, I would still have picked them up knowing that Lloyd-Jones defines preaching as “logic on fire” – that is, preaching – good preaching – examines the text as a surgeon diagnosing with medical skills and with a passion given by God the Holy Spirit.

            Other than saying you will have missed out on a great preacher, a great biographer, and what the Holy Spirit might do with you through this book, I will keep this brief – you have much to read.

            Highly recommended.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Small Church Essentials"

           What are the essentials of a small church?  Well, to become larger and to have more money, right?

            Not necessarily, Karl Vaters argues in his book, Small Church Essentials:  Field-Tested Principles for Leading a Healthy Congregation of Under 250.

            I can’t tell you how much I hate it when someone asks what our average attendance is and I say, “25,” and they respond, “Oh, I’m sorry” or “Have you thought about an open house?”  Or a revival?  Or a sermon series on giving?  Or focusing your ministry on doing whatever you have to do to change to get people in the doors?

            Vaters has been to all the church growth seminars – as he shows with quotations and endnotes.  Yet, he states the average Protestant church in the US has 80 congregants (18) and that is not necessarily wrong or indicative that a church is broken; it may be perfectly healthy and obedient – and there’s the rub – the Church is to “equip the saints, reach the lost, and glorify God” (41) and there is no numerical equivalent to that mandate.

            In Part Two of his book, Vaters presents the differences between big and small church and argues that the differences merely make them different, not wrong.

            In Part Three, he asks if your church is small because there is a problem or because it is strategically small by virtue of its context – in which case, there is nothing to be fixed.

            If there is a problem, the problem must be understood and addressed (though the problem’s resolution does not mean the church will grow financially or monetarily).

            Vaters begins by arguing that all churches should “fill up” and “empty out” in being who God calls them to be – there is a receiving part in the church and a giving out in the church (116).  The problem could be that the church focuses on one and not the other, rather than having a balance.

            Functional churches are not cluttered (120).  (And he helps the reader understand what clutter is and how best to remove it.)

            In chapter ten, he argues that each church has something(s) that it does well, and that is what it should focus on – that is what it’s purpose/way/method it brings the Gospel and grows as a church (135ff).

            In part four, he argues that being a “great” small church is found in recognizing that small churches are much more about relationships than large churches, so maximize relationship-building (191ff).

            Vaters book is very readable – great for church boards to read through and plan with, as well as for senior/solo ministers to read and bring forth to the church.  It is extremely important that we disabuse ourselves of the notion that all churches must be large or that small churches are being punished.  A faithful, Gospel-preaching, obedient church can be perfect with 25 people in it.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "The Outsider"

            A pre-teen boy is savagely murdered and left in the woods.  His coach’s DNA is on him.  His coach’s fingerprints are on him.  His coach is seen with him by several people in the hours before his body is found.  The case seems like a slam dunk.

            But as several law enforcement agencies work together, they find that not everything is as it seems – not everything adds up.  There is conflicting evidence – hours away conflicting evidence – and someone else’s fingerprints.

            It’s said that everyone has a double.  But maybe it’s not as simple as that.  Maybe some can become your double.

            Stephen King leads his readers on a high-speed chase to answer the question of whether the person you saw has to be the person you saw in, The Outsider – an engrossing and disturbing read that leaves the reader wanting to believe – and not wanting to believe.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Economics in One Lesson"

            I had to take an Intro to Economics course when I was in college.  I remember the professor drawing a graph showing the rate of people who wanted to buy butter versus those who want to buy guns…and then I passes the course somehow…I don’t remember what else happened in that class.

I heard Ben Shapiro recommend Henry Hazlitt’s Economics in One Lesson:  The Shortest & Surest Way to Understand Basic Economics, and I thought – “one lesson, how bad could it be?” 

The lesson is:  “The art of economics consists in looking not merely at the immediate but at the longer effects of any act or policy, it consists in tracing the consequences of that policy not merely for one group but for all groups” (17, italics his).

The rest of the book is a compilation of various situations applying the lesson.

For example: chapter two concerns someone breaking a window.  To understand the economics of a broken window, one needs to consider the cost to the person who now has to purchase a new window, but the cost to all of the various people the person with the broken window would have spent that money on that he is now forced to use to repair the window.

The makes sense. 

So, if you are looking for a book on economics, I join in recommending this book.  There is even a chapter in this book looking at tariffs and how they do not benefit the country placing them, Mr. President.

Oh, well.  This book widened my thinking about how economics works.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Finding Quiet"

            J. P. Moreland is one of the most influential philosophers in the world today.  When I saw that he had written a book on coping with anxiety (and depression), I had to pick up, Finding Quiet:  My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace (as I struggle with anxiety and depression).

            As you might expect, the book chronicles his sudden and unexpected anxiety (and depression).  Moreland explains how well his life was going making the appearance of anxiety so much more of an issue for him.  There was no “ah-hah” moment of “this is what caused this.”

            In the first chapter, Moreland looks – from his perspective as a Christian and philosopher – at the human self and how it is made up of soul, spirit, and body – concluding that the “human body in an ensouled biological structure” (35).

            From this, he talks about self-talk and self-compassion.  The parts of our self can become disjointed – especially by stress – and this is what (often) leads to anxiety and depression.  It is through self-talk and self-compassion that you can realign the self in a real and holistic manner.

            In the third chapter, he explains the habits he has adopted to help him control his anxiety/depression – first looking at the neuroplasticity of the brain – that repeatedly doing something over a few months will cut or realign “grooves” in the brain such that the habits become second nature.

            Moreland then explains “the four-step solution,” “the HeartMath solution,” contemplative prayer, daily expressions of gratitude, medications, and “EMDR.” I will leave the details of these habits/practices for the reader to read.  Suffice it to say, I have tried a few of these habits and found them helpful – and I am thankful that the author shows that it is no sinful to take medications to help with psychological/mental health problems.  Too many Christians believe that medication is sinful, and one ought to be able to read Scripture, pray, and have them disappear.  In some cases that may happen, but in others, medication is a good option.

            In chapter six, Moreland looks at biblical and miraculous healing, as well as the lamentations of the Bible when it seems God is not listening, much less responding, to one’s prayers.

            Each chapter ends with “bullet points” – the main points of the chapter – and all the bullet points are found at the end of the book for quick review.

            The appendices contain a list of encouraging Scriptures one might memorize and repeat along with the habits, two prayers one can pray written by the author’s mentor, Dallas Willard, and a lengthy, annotated bibliography for further reader, concluding with chapter endnotes.

            I am thankful for Moreland’s candor and honesty in written about his struggle – as I said, mental illness still remains something only talked about in hushed voices in many churches, and I have started to incorporate the habits he explains in my own life – that I would be healthier and more able to serve my God and Savior.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Don't Hurt People and Don't Take Their Stuff"

            Don’t Hurt People and Don’t Take Their Stuff:  A Libertarian Manifesto, by Matt Kibbe, is an excellent introduction to Libertarian philosophy and politics.

            The back cover of Kibbe’s book gives his “six rules of liberty” which he expands on in his book.

1.      Don’t hurt people.  Free people just want to be left alone, not hassled or harmed by someone else’s agenda or designs on their life and property.

2.      Don’t take people’s stuff.  America’s founders fought to ensure property rights and our individual right to the fruits of our labors.

3.      Take responsibility.  Liberty means responsibility.  Don’t sit around waiting for someone else to solve your problems.

4.      Work for it.  For every action there is and equal reaction.  Work hard and you’ll be rewarded.

5.      Mind your own business.  Free people live and let live.

6.      Fight the power.  Take a stand against corrupt authority.

Kibbe flushes out these “rules” showing that that United STATES of America ought

have a very small federal government – the state government should also be small but larger than the federal.  Here, I would put for that, biblically, government exists for two reasons – to protect her citizens and to punish evil.  Of course, there can be massive difference in what that all includes based on the person and philosophy that is being employed.

            The limited government system that he describes sounds in line with our founding documents and with biblical understandings.  However, the desire for power and more power is enticing, so I doubt the massive Republican and Democratic machines will ever subside to levels that show true care for all people.

            There is also something of a naiveite about the goodness of human nature which makes Libertarianism even less likely to supplant “the two parties.”  Humans, in my understanding, are basically evil – basically self-centered.

            That being said, I would continue to argue for a “secular” state which does not interfere with the practice of my religion.  Thus, I can accept that the state allows for the marriage of practicing homosexuals, for example, while, by virtue of my religion (not to mention, philosophical integrity), I cannot approve of practicing homosexual unions. Still, I take no action to support or thwart them.

            And so, I highly recommend this book to help one understand Libertarianism.  And, I recommend the philosophy of Libertarianism as good.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]