Wright, N.T. The New Testament for Everyone: A Fresh Translation. 3rd ed., Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2023.
Disclaimer
I received a hardcover copy of the 3rd edition of The New Testament for Everyone: A Fresh Translation as a gift because, as a Bible Gateway blogger grid member, I agreed to review this updated edition by Zondervan honestly.
Initially published in 2011, The New Testament for Everyone by N.T. Wright is now in its third edition, and this third version is being reviewed.
Content
In this 526-page hardback book, the New Testament books are printed in full. On the “Contents” page, you can easily find the page number to access a List of Maps quickly, a Preface to the First and Second Editions, a Preface to the Third Edition, an Introduction, and a List of the 27 books of the New Testament. It is beneficial to read the prefaces and introduction to understand how the book came about and why there is a third edition, mainly because it notifies the reader that this edition now comes in an audiobook. The author notes that all four Gospels are “emphatically Jewish” in nature.
Format
The book’s format is enjoyable. It arrived with a nice slide-in book box, which showed the same front cover as the one on the book. Due to the book’s approximate 6×9″ size, it is suitable for sticking in a medium-sized purse, backpack, or briefcase. Inside the text, the subheadings within the Bible chapters are distinguished in a subtle and attractive green print. In addition, the page numbers and title of the Bible chapter include the same beautiful green print, creating a distinguishing feature from the easy-to-read and nicely spaced black print on crisp white pages. While I reviewed the hardcover book, one may choose a leather soft or an e-book version.
Pros and Cons
There are multiple pros and cons in this New Testament.
Pros
First, a description identifying important information about the Gospels, Acts, Letters, and Revelation occurs before each of the four sections mentioned. In this description, central themes are noted. Second, the maps are scattered within the book, mostly in Acts. Third, Bible teachers and readers gain needed knowledge with the glossary of words behind the text.
Cons
First, there was not an index of the chapter headings and subheadings. This would have helped a teacher and novice reader when looking for Biblical stories or topics. Second, the words of Jesus are in the same black print as the Bible’s content. Having Jesus’ words in red would have been a nice touch to include since many readers like the words of Jesus more pronounced.
Particulars
Per the author/translator, N.T. Wright states that this Bible is not a paraphrase but a translation. He admits he “tried to stick closely to the original language.” He also explains why this 3rd edition was needed. This author/translator informs the readers that this book is suitable for those who will probably never look at a commentary. That is why, he states, he gives background information necessary to those needing background knowledge. Wright says he “tried to use gender-neutral language throughout the Bible. He mentioned that when he refers to human beings, he may say “they” rather than “he or she.” Because of this last admission, I am rating this Bible a four-star.
Before Purchasing
As with all books, the reader should research the author/translator N.T. Wright to learn and discern for themselves his theological bent. Everyone can decide what Bible to read, so their choice might differ from this publication.
Capps, Matthew Z., ed. Timeless Truths Bible: One Faith Handed Down. For All the Saints. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2023.
I received a hardcover copy of the 2023 Timeless Truths Bible as a free gift because, as a Bible Gateway blogger grid member, I agreed to give an honest review of this New English Translation (NET) by Thomas Nelson Bibles.
First Impression
My first impression when I opened the Bible was that the print was too small. Upon further investigation, I learned that the Bible is printed in 9-point NET Comfort Print. In addition, the Bible is not set up like most Bibles, with two columns of Biblical content, which I usually like. However, there is a blank space on the side of each page for Bible art journaling or notes. This Bible is quite heavy, making it undesirable for people experiencing low muscle mass.
Different Bents
This Bible has different bents than most Bibles I have seen. First, it includes prominent Christian historians and their biographies and commentaries throughout the Bible. This input contains Irenaeus, Augustine, Wesley, Luther, Spurgeon, and more. Second, it also places a high emphasis on artwork. Scattered throughout the book are color photos of artwork. Third, random items are scattered throughout the Bible, such as critical creeds and confessions, Gregory of Nyssa, the Apostles Creed, and more. These additions allow those with a more profound interest in history and art to have a Bible, which might meet their intellectual longings.
Valuable Information
Although this Bible may not meet the needs of those who want a plain Bible to read, it contains valuable information that may help many in their Biblical research.
At the beginning of the Timeless Truths Bible, there is a list of abbreviations, a Bible books register, explanatory notes, an introduction to the New English translation, and a how-to-use Bible section.
In addition, there is an introduction to each book of the Bible for each sixty-six books. And as a bonus, this Bible has two silk bookmarks!
At the back of this 1682-page Bible, there is a bibliography, index, a descriptive list of the sacred artwork, and seven colored maps starting with the World of the Patriarchs through Jerusalem in the time of Jesus.
Consider before Purchasing
As I perused the Bible, I noticed no topic or verse index, which many Bible readers use and value immensely.
Overall, one should evaluate this Bible carefully before purchasing it to see if it meets their needs. For some, it might be a fantastic addition to their library. For others, they may be looking for a smaller content, larger print Bible.
I should have known that when my husband John left his suit and tie job, he would retreat to his roots. Yes, he majored in agriculture—a field I knew nothing about and still don’t.
Gratefully, John has found enjoyment in volunteering at the Coastal Prairie Conservancy for the past two years. This conservancy was formerly known as The Katy Prairie Conservancy. This group’s claim to fame is to sustain “a resilient Texas by preserving coastal prairies, wetlands, farms, and ranches to benefit people and wildlife forever.”¹
Today, I finally joined John to see what it was all about and to be his “personal assistant,” by pushing a computer key to advance the teaching slides while he taught a class. I passed with flying colors, and John was extremely happy!
I observed where he spends his Tuesdays and Fridays! And I took some pics while I was out there and matched them up with Bible verses. Yes, I am geeky that way.
However, as John says, “You can take a city girl to the country, but you can’t take the city out of the girl.” So true.
After today, I think I am ready for a church job in IT since I now feel qualified to push computer keys efficiently! I need to use my new DBU theological degree somewhere.
Is anyone hiring?
Have a blessed day.
¹ Coastal Prairie Conservancy, 21 October 2023, Coastal Prairie Conservancy.
Bible Verses
LOVE
This, I command you, that you love one another.” John 15:17
Love your spouse, your friends, the brethren, and others.
JOY
“For to a person who is good in his sight, he has given wisdom and knowledge and joy.” Ecclesiastes 2:26
Share what God has taught you with others.
PEACE
“You will go out, enjoy, and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” Isaiah 55:12
It was peaceful and beautiful out in nature. I should do it more often.
PATIENCE
“Brothers and sisters, be patient until the Lord comes again. A farmer patiently waits for his valuable crop to grow from the earth, and for it to receive the autumn and spring rains. You, too must be patient….” James 5:7-8
God uses the times we “have to be patient” to grow us and get us ready for His next assignment. I can’t wait to see what that will be.
I do have some hopes and desires.
KINDNESS
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer, another withhold what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing, will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:24-25
Be kind to others. We never know what kind of day, week, or life they have had.
GOODNESS
“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD, be strong, and take heart and wait for the LORD.” Psalm 27:13-14
Waiting is hard, but keep serving the Lord while waiting, even if it takes years and years.
FAITHFULNESS
“Flowers of your faithfulness are blooming on the Earth. Righteousness shines down from the sky” Psalm 85:11
God knows the paths He has for us! Travel His paths to see the flowers.
GENTLENESS
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 Peter 3:15
I was really gentle with the computer keys!
SELF-CONTROL
“For the spirit, God gave us does not make us timid; it gives us power, love and self discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Instead of going on the trails, I sat peacefully and with discipline to work on this post and study for Wednesday’s Bible study.
Do you feel that you are on the right path of life, following the Lord as closely as you know how? Or are you slowly slipping down the wrong path?
God has a path for believers in Jesus Christ. The Bible calls it the Path of Life.
As a child, I used to grab 10 to 15 Little Golden Books at a time and read one after another. But one which always attracted me, and still draws me to this day, is Scuffy the Tugboat by Gertrude Crampton.
Amazon’s book description mentions that Scuffy was an adventurous little tugboat who believed he was meant for bigger things. He leaves his home, the man with the polka-dot tie, and the little boy who cared for him and sets off to explore the world. After his daring and treacherous adventure down a brook and then a raging river, Scuffy realizes that home is where he’d rather be.
After traveling through dangerous situations, his life became more complicated. Eventually, Scuffy arrives home to the man with the polka-dot tie and his little boy, and he proclaims, “This is the life for me.”
Our goal should be to reach the point where we say, “This is the life for me,” right where we are on the path God has provided us. Scuffy used the quoted phrase twice: once in leaving the reasonable, sensible path of his prior life to seek adventure, and again when he realized he had already been right where he needed to be all along—at home, safe in the arms of the man and boy who love him.
God wants us to understand that we can know our path. And hopefully, it is the one He has set apart for us, but we must choose it.
Life Choices
In Psalm 16, King David declares that he wants refuge in the Lord. In his communion with the Lord, he writes:
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. (Ps. 16:11 ESV).
What path does God want us to be on for Him?
The late British Old Testament scholar Derek Kidner defined a person on the right path of life as “someone who takes refuge in God and knows life and joy.” This person finds satisfaction in God’s ways and does not pursue other gods. God’s protection and instruction bless him.
As believers, we have two major choices to make in life:
We must decide whether to accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and then
2. We must follow God’s path, which leads us to joy in His presence.
We know we have eternal life, but sometimes we experience struggles. Jesus is the light of the world, but He always uses our struggles and sufferings for His good. There is a purpose for all He does. Suffering causes us to depend on Him in ways we never have done before. David trusted that the Lord would show him the righteous path of life.
Some call the path of life a journey or route. David knew that he would find total joy by following God’s directions. His suffering led him to heed God’s instruction.
God’s Instructions for Us
Stay in communication with our heavenly Father,
Read His word daily and let His principles and examples saturate our minds,
Be obedient to what you read in the Bible,
Confess sins and ask the Lord to help you in both your thoughts and actions so that those sins will not have a stronghold in your life,
Decide not to visit places that lead you into temptation,
Believe the Lord will guide us to Biblical principles and Scripture so we can know the right things to do, and
Seek His kingdom above all others.
Following the instructions above is easier said than done. I have been there, working through each and every instruction listed above. I also know it takes longer to heed God’s instructions than He or I would like sometimes. However, God has always been available to hear my concerns, thoughts, struggles, and desires. I have also learned it is best to converse with God about our plans before depending on or requesting guidance from others. It is in Him we must confide our deepest longings.
He is on the path of life who heeds instruction, But he who ignores reproof goes astray (Prov. 10:17 NASB95).
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; (2 Tim. 3:16).
Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (Matt. 26:41).
If you obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Now what I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you or beyond your reach (Deut. 30:10-11 NIV).
Righteousness and Unrighteousness
“Wrong”, “Right” and question marks, Canva.
We will encounter testing and temptation on our path, but when we saturate our lives with God’s word and principles, we can be satisfied that we are following the right track. Even as believers, though, we must continually choose between righteousness and unrighteousness.
We want to walk in victory, but sometimes, we desire things God has proclaimed unsuitable for us. We have that struggle between our flesh and the spirit, so we must ponder the path our feet are on.
We cannot experience God’s true purpose for life when we travel the destructive path. We may find ourselves in a continuous cycle of sinning and confessing. To break that cycle, we must deny ourselves, take up Jesus’ cross, and follow Him.
And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me (Luke 9:23).
The hope of the righteous is gladness, But the expectation of the wicked perishes (Prov.10:28).
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Results of Living Right—Joy and Heaven
Woman in poppy field, Canva.
Psalm 16:11 concludes by saying if we follow God’s path, we will have complete joy and pleasures forever.
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Ps.16:11 ESV).
When the temple restoration began in Jerusalem during the time of the prophet Ezra, we can understand the joy and what kind of joy God has in store for us. The builders had laid the foundation of the temple.
They sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, saying, For He is good, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid! Ezra 3:11 AMP).
When we lay a Godly foundation in our lives, we can experience joy in the presence of the LORD. God cares about the path of life we choose. And when we strive to be on his team, we can live joyfully in his presence. We can also experience everlasting pleasures in this life and the next as we lift our eyes to Jesus.
It is a beautiful gift from the Lord that we can experience pleasures forever when our lives are over here. Living with our Lord and Savior in heaven is a deep gratification and satisfaction we can look forward to.
In this earthly life, we fail often, but God is always willing to pick us up and reroute and redirect our path.
Reroute and Redirect
307 Redirect, Canva
What is the purpose of a navigation system? A navigation system is an instrument that determines the position of a vehicle and the route to a particular place. The car’s navigation system tells the driver to turn left or right at a specific junction. The navigation system uses GPS signals to determine the vehicle’s location and direction.
It is a valuable tool with many benefits, such as helping people reach their destination, tracking packages, locating vehicles, and more. It guides the cars by directing the drivers through congested areas.
It is similar to the way God directs us in our lives.
He shows us which way to turn—to the right or the left.
He signals us on which way to proceed or not proceed.
He helps us to reach the destination and call of our lives, and
God guides us continually through the rough times in our lives.
However, our navigation system must take its orders from the Lord. He will reroute and redirect our thoughts or actions if we genuinely want to follow His path.
I love the story about how God rerouted one young boy. In sharing with another, one older man said:
__________
It’s true. I have had some terrible disappointments in my day, but none stands out like the one that came to me as a boy.
And what was that?
That was the night I crawled under a tent to see a circus—and found myself at a revival meeting!
__________
God continually tries to woo us back to him. Relief may be found in a Bible verse that comes alive to us. It may be a friend directing us back to a godly life. It may come about after agonizing prayers to remove wishes or desires that are not beneficial to our spiritual health. But, no matter how God chooses to get our attention, it is up to us to choose His path.
We need to listen and obey Him. Live in His righteousness. Get on the path he has prepared for us. And if surrendering areas of our lives to His will seems complicated, remember to talk to the Lord about everything. We can ask for His help and protection to rid ourselves of untimely thoughts or actions.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight (Prov. 3:5-6 NASB95).
A person’s mind plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps (Prov. 16:9).
This is the Life for Me!
After Scuffy’s journey away from his home, he says, “I wish I could find the man with the polka dot tie and little boy.” And soon, the man with the polka-dot tie reached out, picked him up, and brought him safely home. Scuffy learned that the grass wasn’t greener on the other side of the fence.
Scuffy’s path in life allowed him to experience adventures he initially enjoyed but became dangerous. He enjoyed some of life’s simple pleasures, but as he kept traveling along the river, he was jammed with logs and became scared of the river moving faster and faster. Then, the flood waters came until the little tugboat desired the warmth and safety of home.
And just like the man with the polka-dot tie who scooped Scuffy out of the water after his journey away and brought him home, God does the same for us when we choose to live for Him, decide against following unrighteous living, and allow him to reroute us when we stumble or get ahead of His will.
Let us live victoriously in his presence, along the paths He has prepared for us, because “this is the life for us!”
God bless you.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that I can be confident that You have a plan for my life. Thank you that I can trust that You will show me that plan in Your timing and in a way that honors You. Please give me the wisdom to acknowledge and follow Your plan quickly, without hesitation, so You can use me for Your glory before I meet You face-to-face. Why? Because Your way is the only life for me. Amen.
Bible Verses are located within this article.
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Notes:
Bible verses come from the New American Standard Bible 95, The English Standard Version, The New International Version, and The Amplified Bible.
Barry, John D., et al., Faithful Study Bible, Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2016.
Chinemerem, Barabas Iwuala. “How to Stop Navigation Using Google Assistant, Feb. 3, 2023. https://techqlik.com/how-stop-navigation-using-google-assistant.
Crampton, Gertrude. Scuffy the Tugboat and His Adventures Down the River. New York: A Golden Book, 1946, 1983.
The Speaker’s Desk Book, ed. Lawrence Hembree and the staff of Quote. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1967.
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As we drove to the mall, my 4-year-old son John Jr. intently waved his little American flag.
Then he stopped to ask, “Why is the United States flag important?” Impressed that he would ask such a patriotic question, I responded proudly by saying, “The flag is important because we live in the United States, and because we live in the United States, we have freedom.
Then he asked, “Mom, what’s freedom?” I said, “Freedom is like if I wanted chicken for dinner, I could buy chicken at the grocery store. Nobody tells me what we have to eat for dinner. I can decide for myself.”
After a short pause, John Jr. said, “Oh, I get it, Mom. Freedom is like if you give me chicken for dinner and I don’t want to eat it, I don’t have to.”
From the “mouth of babes,” is all this mom can say! 1988.
“Act as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but use it as bondslaves of God. Honor all men; love the brotherhood; fear God, and honor the king (1 Peter 2:16-17 NASB).
God bless, and Happy Fourth of July. Let’s be grateful for our freedom.
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Patti Greene is a Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University graduate, a Second Baptist Church -1463 member of Houston/Katy, TX, and the author of seven books.
Books by Patti
3 PRAYER JOURNALS – 3 BIBLE WORD SEARCH PUZZLES, AND A BOOK ON CHRISTIAN CAREGIVING.
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As a result of the February 2021 winter freeze, while my husband and I were out of town, our home was drastically damaged by an unattended pipe, which froze and burst. Movers had to come quickly to salvage what they could, resulting in things being thrown in any old box and brought to storage in whatever condition it was found.
Now that school is over for me, and it is two years later, I am finally trying to locate, unpack, and organize what wild and reckless packing looks like.
I thought I had lost everything in the picture above but I found disarrayed boxes in our new home’s garage. [Yes, we moved after seeing all our home’s destruction.]
In unpacking boxes, I found essential certificates, house deeds, my childhood stamp collection album, MANY articles I have written and published, blogs started but not finished, multiple rejection letters, and more that I have yet to discover. But I rejoice because I thought I had lost all these things, but this week I found them.
Odds and Ends
Honestly, I have been distraught thinking I lost all my writing and compilations over forty years!!!
However, now that my most precious items (except for my wedding dress) have been found, the time has come to sort through, throw away, salvage, and/or reorganize what I have valued and sunk my heart into for years.
Going through these piles is NOT my cup of tea, but I am excited to see what I thought was lost is now found – maybe mildewed and torn but found.
Just like I found boxes of my stuff, Jesus Christ finds us—possibly finding us mildewed, torn, and disarrayed, and He wants us to become aware of His love for us and make us part of His kingdom. He will not disregard us or throw us away. He wants to salvage us and reorganize our lives.
God allows us to choose between Him and the world.
He truly loves us and wants us to call upon His son Jesus Christ by asking Him to forgive our sins and place our faith and trust in Him. That, my friend, is called salvation with the promise of the Holy Spirit’s presence coming to abide in us forever.
A parable in Luke 15:24 says, “This son of mine was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found. And they began to celebrate.”
Patti Greene is a Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University graduate, a Second Baptist Church -1463 member of Houston/Katy, TX, and the author of seven books. The views expressed are those of the author.
Books by Patti
3 PRAYER JOURNALS – 3 BIBLE WORD SEARCH PUZZLES, AND A BOOK ON CHRISTIAN CAREGIVING.
If you receive this blog through an email subscription, you can click on the title to see the full version of this review.
I received Zondervan’s updated 2023 NIV Student Bible with notes by Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford as a free gift as a Bible Gateway Blogger Grid member. I was tasked to give an honest review of this Bible. This beautiful 1,600-page Bible comes in hardcover with a jacket cover, a teal leather soft cover, and a brown leather soft cover—to meet personal tastes.
Advantages
When I offered to review the book, I thought it might be a Bible like many others, with a few notes and illustrations slapped haphazardly in the Bible. However, I was pleasantly surprised as I perused this excellent Bible.
I first noticed the number of devotionals and applications that were well-written, easy to understand, and relatable to both students ages 14-18 AND ADULTS. For a serious Bible student, the extra resources treated teenagers as adults, with topics that dwell on higher-level Bible stories and explanations.
As I like to learn some of the more profound thoughts of the Bible, I was pleasantly surprised by the depth of the doctrinal and study notes included throughout the Bible.
I am a certified librarian, so I look for location ease in non-fiction books I read and recommend. This Bible did not disappoint. It included various sections, which are listed below.
An introduction to each book of the Bible,
100 people you should know,
A glossary of people and places,
Well-known Biblical events,
An outline of the Testaments,
A lineup of rulers,
Notable Psalms,
Life Questions, and
An excellent subject guide.
What also impressed me was the inclusion of three different reading plans. This saves so much time for those looking for a quick resource in finding a plan to follow, thus, allowing more people to get right into reading the Bible without having to research multiple places and plans to find one.
There were also two different listings of the Books of the Bible, one alphabetical and one in the traditional order based on the Old and New Testament locations. The first listing is so much easier for someone just starting to read the Bible to locate the books of the Bible. No more do they have to scroll through both the Old Testament and New Testament in a mixed order to find Books of the Bible and page numbers.
The grand finale at the back of the Bible included eight maps starting with the Old Testament Patriarchs through Jerusalem in the time of Jesus. These two significant events are the Exodus and Conquest of Canaan, the Land of the Twelve Tribes, the Kingdom of David and Solomon, Jesus’ Ministry, and Paul’s Missionary Journeys.
One of my pet peeves in reading anything is looking up the definition when I don’t understand a term. While Bible dictionaries are great resources, I love how this NIV Student Bible defines many words along the way, i.e., plumb line, Golden rule.
Entire pages are dedicated to topics such as “Like an Angry Letter from Home” or “Who were the Gnostics?” These types of extras give such a valuable understanding of the Word of God.
Disadvantages
The disadvantages of this Bible were two-fold. First, Jesus’ words were not noted in red letters. While it may not bother some, it is one of the essentials I always look for when purchasing a new Bible. Second is that this Bible is titled the NIV Student Bible. I believe this Bible should be classified as a Bible for all age groups. The title NIV Student Bible makes one think it is only for teenagers. However, because of all the extras included, this Bible could be used and valued by all age groups.
Excellence is my word for this Bible. I highly recommend it.
Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG²) is an international network of independent bloggers who meaningfully blog—and who are serious—about matters relating to the Bible. Follow the members on Twitter using the BG² List.
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Practical and Valuable
So much practical and valuable information can be found in Christ at the Center of Pastoral Ministry by Dr. Richard Vann, currently a professor at Dallas Baptist University. Every chapter takes a different aspect of pastoral ministry. Each section is broken down into an easy-to-read discussion of many topics, such as gifted Christians in ministry, the pastor’s home life, leadership, ministerial ethics, and more. Even issues not mentioned in most religious books are noted, such as child dedication, etiquette, and the need for breath mints! The author’s humble spirit and love for Christian ministry shine through as Vann graciously teaches and describes what pastoral theology, spiritual leadership, and ministry practices are all about.
This book is for pastors, those preparing for ministry, pastors’ wives, and even lay people who would be wise to understand the many hats a pastor wears. By combining historical views, contemporary thoughts, and tried-and-true applications, the reader can best decide how to view pastoral ministry. This book is also a great gift for those considering a calling in Christian ministry. I highly recommend Dr. Vann’s book. You will be glad you purchased it.
Bible Verse:
Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”—which some have professed and thereby have gone astray from the faith (1 Timothy 6:20-21 NASB).
I hesitated for a few weeks about posting an article I wrote for The Baptist Standard on my blog, mainly because I didn’t want to draw attention to myself. However, today in my quiet time, the Lord impressed me to post it because it might just be what someone needs to read. My prayer is that it will touch someone’s heart today. God bless you.
After many years of working outside the home, I “retired.” With time to serve God more fully, I appealed to my heavenly Father and cried: “Lord, how can you use me? I don’t play the piano, and I don’t like hanging out at the gym.”
God said: “Patti, I have been preparing you all these years. I allowed you to grow up in a family that loved books. I surrounded you with books all the time. You have created your own library of prayer journals during 40-plus years. Now is the time to write a book and share with others what I have let you experience. This is your destiny.”
So, I penned my first prayer journal, and a new call in my life evolved, that of writing.
People all over the world ask the question, “Lord, how can you use me?”
Once we genuinely believe Jesus is the way, the truth and the life, we can ask God confidently what his will for our lives might be. Through our obedience in doing the small things, he will show us more ways we can serve him.
Four things help us find God’s call in our lives: (1) preparation, (2) practice, (3) prayer and (4) Bible reading.
Preparation
I wanted to prepare myself for ministry. I needed God to direct my path and mold me to be used for his purpose. A series of books on spiritual maturity helped establish the foundation of my Christian beliefs. I also deepened my obedience to whatever God had in store.
All the while, I wondered how God could use someone like me—someone who failed my first English essay in college, was terrified of being called on in Bible study classes and was still learning sin had consequences. But God cared for me and was preparing me to be used for his glory, and I knew it.
The foundations of my faith grew through Christian books and my first two churches in the Baptist faith. God led me to University Baptist Church in Fort Worth, where I was baptized, and First Baptist Church in Houston, where my faith deepened beyond measure.
To know where God wants to use you, experiment in different gift areas, listen to what others think you do well, take a spiritual gifts inventory survey, read books that address the topic, and pray for God to show you where you fit in the body of Christ. Then practice what you have learned.
Everyone has at least one spiritual gift. Romans 12:6-8 gives us a partial list of spiritual gifts—prophecy (explaining Scripture), service, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading and mercy. You might consider these.
I read the Bible continually during my time of discernment, wanting to know more about God and how he could use me. I began to serve in little ways, such as writing notes, putting short Bible studies together and organizing biblical materials.
Reading materials written by solid Bible-believing authors opened the door to a deeper dependence on the Holy Spirit through prayer. The Bible and these books confirmed God loved me, and in his infinite wisdom, he had a spiritual plan for my life. God does for you, as well.
Prayer
While I have read many books on prayer, it differs from carving out time daily to give praise and worship to our heavenly Father. God loves us as no one else can. He wants us to pay attention to him. Prayer gives a person time to think, meditate, confess sins and share burdens.
Sometimes we limit our call, believing only pastors and those in ministry can be used by God, but God wants everyone to seek his kingdom and to engage intimately in prayer with him.
Bible reading
The primary way God speaks to us occurs by reading the Bible. Through God’s word, we recognize what is right and wrong, what is honorable and what is not, and what he wants us to do or not do.
A new life of salvation, hope and trust opens for us when we continually read the word of God. God desires to show us his will and direction, and we can find that in his holy word.
We are on a journey, and God has a purpose for us. Don’t allow fear, laziness or perfectionism to stop you from seeking God’s will.
While my passion for reading is what God uses to show me how he can use me, it may be different for you. God has given us all diverse backgrounds, passions, personalities, talents and quirks. Look at your experiences, hone your skills, prepare yourself, practice ministry, pray and read God’s word. Don’t expect to be good at everything at once. Wait for God’s timing.
When God revealed to me it was time to write a book, it occurred in my messy bedroom closet. Not only did he show me what to do, but he also confirmed it by prompting me to look at the top shelf to see my prayer journals.
That’s when he said: “Now is the time to write a book and share with others what I have let you experience. This is your destiny.”
What is your God-given destiny?
Patti Greene is a graduate of Baylor University and Dallas Baptist University, a member of Second Baptist Church in Houston, and the author of seven books. The views expressed are those of the author.
I started out yesterday with my list of things to do. My list consisted of a doctor’s appointment at 9:00 am, picking up my new eyeglasses, and meeting my retired teacher friends for lunch.
I arrived for my doctor’s appointment at 9:00 am, and it was over at 9:15, if you can believe that, so I had two hours to kill. I couldn’t go home because our home was 45 minutes away, and everything was in the same part of town as where I was for my doctor’s appointment.
So, I went to an HEB grocery store parking lot, sat in my car, and read for an hour. I like to read. A lot, actually! In fact, I was reading about how much illustrations add when preparing a message—little did I know an illustration opportunity was about to be bestowed on me.
When I got bored sitting in the HEB parking lot, I decided to go and sit in front of Visionworks until they opened. But God had different plans.
As I was leaving the HEB parking lot, I saw a Denny’s and decided to grab a takeout cup of coffee. While in Denny’s, I noticed an elderly lady with her walking cane propped up beside her. She was sitting alone. When my coffee was ready, I felt the holy nudge to talk to her, so I walked up to her table and said, “Are you alone? Would you like some company?” She graciously said, “Yes, of course.” Her name was Joanne.
We had a wonderful time chatting. I heard about her life, and she heard about mine. A lot of talking happened in 30 minutes. She was a widow. Her husband passed away about 15 years ago, and she comes to Denny’s about 2 or 3 times a week to get out. When I said goodbye, my heart was full! We were both blessed by this divine appointment.
And I still made it to Visionworks and lunch with my friends!
Today
Today in Bible study, we were talking about how to hear God. We discussed the usual things—prayer, Bible reading, talking to wise counselors, and more. But, sometimes, you just know what to do at the moment.
Pondering Thoughts
Little did I know when I walked into Denny’s that God had an assignment for me. When I saw JoAnne all alone, my mind raced back to the many times I took my elderly mother and her friends to IHOP or Denny’s, and when I saw this lady alone, my heart knew what I was supposed to do.
God knew I needed to be out of my doctor’s appointment quickly; He knew I needed to sit in the HEB parking lot for precisely an hour; He knew I needed to leave the parking lot to see Denny’s right in front of me; He gave me the desire to go in and get some coffee. The rest is history.
And who knew that God would combine a doctor’s office visit, an HEB parking lot, a trip to Visionworks, and a glance-over to Denny’s to create a divine appointment?
As you go along your daily life, God may present small opportunities for service and kindness. Don’t pass them by. Today, if you feel that holy nudge, don’t be afraid. Act on it. It may be just what you and the other person need at that exact moment.
Random Quote: “Kindness is more than a word; it is a choice to act with love, compassion, generosity,and service towards others and oneself.”
“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things, there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV)
Prayer:
Dear God, thanks for so much in my life. Thank You for giving me time to pray. Thank You for the pleasure of reading Your Word. And thank You for the small things You put in my life—the things that bless me and the revelations You show me. But, even thank You for the things You have not revealed to me yet, for I know Your plans are the best for me. Give me patience and contentment until Your timing is shown to me. I love You.
Me
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This article may not be reproduced except for written permission from the author.
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Books by Patti
3 PRAYER JOURNALS – 3 BIBLE WORD SEARCH PUZZLES, AND A BOOK ON CHRISTIAN CAREGIVING.
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