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CHATGPT: Education and Church

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Disclaimer: 

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a blog as “a website that contains an online personal journal with reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks provided by the writer.” My Christian blog, GreenePastures.org, is sometimes an emotional piece, an article, a sacred snippet, listings, quizzes, or more. It is just me sharing whatever I feel led to. It started with me wanting to practice my writing skills, so you may be horrified reading my early blogs. Personal blogs should not be looked at in the same light as professional articles. What follows is my opinion and the opinion of others that I have read about regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT. I am not sharing a bibliography or works cited page, but you might find a few indications of where quotes or materials come from along the way,

My Interests

As I mentioned in my previous blog, my two main interests regarding artificial intelligence revolve around two entities—education and the church, mainly because I was a high school librarian and I am a churchgoer. I recognize that this blog may be irrelevant and outdated with the changing pace of AI, maybe even by tomorrow.

With AI, there will be challenges with integrity in high schools and schools of higher education, just as there will be challenges in church uses of AI. The benefits and abuses of AI are moving fast, but I believe it is here to stay, and then we can wait for the next big thing—humanoids! Prototypes are already out there!

The benefits and abuses of AI are moving fast, but I believe it is here to stay, and then we can wait for the next big thing—humanoids!
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ChatGPT and Education

As my husband and I hung around the house today, I moaned that I had so much work to do, and he asked, “What?”

I told him about the papers and schoolwork I had to do, and I jokingly asked him if he would like to write my paper on “CRISIS” for me. He joked back and said, “Why? ChatGPT can write it for you.” You see, he had spent the morning on ChatGPT looking up information on 1 Corinthians 15, and he got a summary, paper, bibliography, and works cited, all in the same sitting. Impressive, right? Well, not so.

There are challenges with using AI, affecting the whole gamut of educational institutions, from preschool to professional academic papers and seminars. The significant deficiencies and/or comments I see are listed below.

  1. I see a problem with academic integrity. Dishonesty is already widespread, and educational institutions will be responsible for making new policies.
  2. There must be more time to make the necessary changes or policies because AI is moving rapidly. And who has the energy to accomplish all that needs to be done?
  3. A student’s temptation to cheat will increase. Yes, I will get into the Christian value system later, but let’s chat for now. No pun intended.
  4. Plagiarism will increase.
  5. Both educators and students might become less creative than they were designed to be.
  6. Laziness will occur.
  7. The value of higher education will decrease because information (whether credible or not) will be “more” accessible.
  8. Bias and possible brainwashing may occur because those inputting the information still come from human choices.
  9. There could be a problem with college admissions, because how would the admission office know who really wrote the applicants’ essays?
  10. Training on AI’s proper use is needed for faculty and students.
  11. Addressing the fear and injustice that honest students might experience, should be considered. They know that even if they are honest, they still compete with students using AI in their schoolwork.

ChatGPT and Church

There is also concern with ethical and moral principles in the church. I was reading an excellent article by Pastor Duke Taber. He said, “Church leaders must be careful to ensure that the use of ChatGPT complies with legal and regulatory requirements, is transparent, and considers privacy concerns.” In the article, Taber expresses his concern with the ethical and moral principles within the pastorate. He believed that pastors and ministry leaders should be transparent to their congregants about using AI in sermon preparation. His article was terrific until I read the Disclosure at the end. The Disclosure said, “This paper was written by ChatGPT with editorial oversight and guidance by Duke Taber.” I was duped as I read the article. So, I thought, “What if pastors were required to disclose that they used ChatGPT if they used artificial intelligence in sermon prep?

While many see benefits to using ChatGPT in ministry, I see some challenges, which are enumerated below.

  1. New policies and rules need to be written regarding using artificial intelligence of any sort in a sermon or Bible study prep.
  2. Training is needed on its acceptability or not to pastoral staff and volunteers.
  3. Pastors could rely more on artificial intelligence than the Bible or other credible Biblical materials.
  4. Busyness is part of our lives, and pastors could become more likely to depend on this time-reducing application rather than seeking out the Word of God through prayer and dependence upon the Holy Spirit.
  5. For the congregants, why bother to listen to a sermon that might have been written by AI? If I don’t sense the Holy Spirit’s part in my pastor’s prep, I would be tempted to avoid listening, and rightly so. I want to hear from God through my pastor. Many congregants might decide not to attend church at all.
  6. Using AI in any church form—blogs, devotionals, Bible studies, and more could create a distrust of church literature. This could even progress where people become distrustful of reading Christian books, magazines, articles, and listening to Christian podcasts, not knowing if the source is human. (I may be far-reaching on this statement, but if I write more books or materials, do I need to note that I wrote it and not some artificial intelligence source?)
  7. Pastors and staff could become lazy.
  8. Pastors should be reminded not to compare their sermons with others because following God’s principles are more important than how others plan their sermons.

The Associated Press recently published an article titled “ChatGPT AI Robots writing Church Sermons causing Hell for Pastors.” The report stated that using AI can cause both fascination and unease for pastors. It also said that ChatGPT “can’t replicate the passion of actual preaching” and “lazy preaching pastors might be tempted to use AI but not the great shepherds, the ones who love preaching, who love their people.”  [Quotes attributed to Herschel York.]

But here I am, wondering who wrote the main article as no author’s name was there. It just said Associated Press—who knows, maybe AI wrote the article. Okay, I best stop now. I am questioning everything I see, wondering if a real-life person wrote it or not.

Biblical Thoughts

Many believers do not have a solid handle on Biblical integrity. This must be taught. It is hard to do in secular education, but Christian institutions and churches must provide ways to instill integrity into their student base or church flock.

Many believers do not have a solid handle on Biblical integrity.
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At our youngest son’s college, the first semester students were required to attend a seminar by the library staff on how to use the library and all its features. What would happen if Christian institutions required students to participate in a workshop on Christian integrity? While it might not stop all cheating or plagiarizing, the school would relieve itself of some of its responsibility.

The students would know what was expected of them as they continued their studies. It would also help in the case of any academic dishonesty retribution. Administrators could tell students and their parents they were notified of their expectations. Just a random thought!

As I was thinking about these topics, I was simultaneously working on my MasterLife, Bk 2, which plainly said, “Do God’s will.” Yes, that is an easy way of addressing these issues. If we just did God’s will regarding honesty, working hard, Christian character, discerning Godly behavior, yielding oneself to Christ, being honorable, having peace, being controlled by the Holy Spirit, renewing our minds daily, and living victoriously, that would help. So, maybe the solution to all this is to stop relying so much on technology and depend more on God’s Word to guide our writings and sermons.

When All is Said and Done

Folks, artificial intelligence is here to stay. The University of Texas offers a certification to gain industry-valued AI and machine learning skills. Certifications will turn into college courses in the future if they are not already official classes in some colleges.

While we may reminisce about the good old days—sitting on the front porch of our home, playing kickball outside, and listening to our 45 RPM records, this technology is here to stay. We must adjust and adapt to it. 

Personally, we must intentionally slow down, process our life, spend time in prayer, study God’s Word, and seek guidance from Him.

Maybe, even possibly, AI/ChatGPT is an opportunity for believers to build new character traits and become more Christ-like in their behavior and thoughts. That’s something to think about!

Now What?

Now that I spent my afternoon writing this blog, I must decide to either get back to my schoolwork or listen to my favorite 45s.

Two hours later . . .

Guess what won? Listening to a few of my favorite 60s songs! YouTube won over getting out my record player, though. Then, the thought hit me, I thought my record player was the best electrical invention of my junior high era, and maybe this generation will think AI is the best technological invention of their era. Sort of makes me sad.

And what about my poor “CRISIS” paper that was not worked on all day today? Maybe it will get the attention it needs tomorrow or the day after. But, if not soon, I WILL definitely have a CRISIS on my hands!

God bless. 

Bible Verses:

People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed. Proverbs 10:9 (NLT)

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.   Philippians 4:6-8 (NASB 1995)

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. Acts 20:28 (NASB 1995)

Prayer:

My heavenly Father, please give me the wisdom to pursue Your will in all areas of my life. When I am tempted, shield my thoughts and actions. Let me always honor and obey You and Your commandments and principles. You are sovereign. Keep me humble and prayerful. Let me know Your will. Lead all I do and think to be guided by Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Challenging Question by Bellator Christi from “Taking up the Sword of Christian Theology and the Shield of Classic Apologetics”

In the 13th century, Thomas Aquinas researched and wrote thousands of pages without the amenities we hold today.

Christi asks, “Could we do the same?”

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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.

BIBLE WORD SEARCH PUZZLE SERIES

#bgbg2, Discernment, Life Issues, Politics and Current Events, Writing and Speaking

All About ChatGPT by ChatGPT

Spoiler Alert: This is my longest blog, but if you are interested in ChatGPT as I am, you might want to stick with me.

Patti Speaking. I have been thinking about writing a blog on artificial intelligence and ChatGPT for a month or so. As a retired high school librarian and a churchgoer, my main interest involves how this new cultural phenomenon, artificial intelligence, will affect those two areas. I quickly learned I didn’t know enough about it, so I educated myself more on ChatGPT.

As I was settling in for a few days of vacation in Lubbock, Texas, I researched and saved about forty articles on artificial intelligence, ChatGPT, and related topics. I haven’t read them all yet, because I became overwhelmed with many viewpoints, ranging from personal opinion articles to heavy-duty articles from sources such as Forbes and Foreign Affairs magazines. So, while pondering how to put a blog together, I drank a few cups of my favorite HEB pecan-roasted coffee and registered to ChatGPT to find out how it all works. My dad taught me well—always going to the primary source first when possible. Thus, my journey began.

At first look, ChatGPT is a fantastic thing!

Moving On

Just for fun, I asked Chat GPT to give me an outline for writing a paper on ChatGPT, and it did—a good and extensive outline in a matter of seconds, which I turned into what I believe could be a college-level paper just by asking ChatGPT additional questions relating to the outline.

So, since I had the time, I decided to see how long it would take me to write “a paper” using ChatGPT employing the outline it provided. I timed myself. It took me 25 minutes to gather the information needed by asking specific questions about the outline topics. I had to ask it separately for an introduction and a conclusion.

Then, it took me about an hour to physically put the outline and paper in a presentable form.

Wow, I wrote “a paper” in less than an hour and a half!

Wow, I wrote “a paper” in less than an hour and a half! Or did “I”?
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I was so impressed that I wanted to learn more about how ChatGPT works, so I returned to their website and asked more questions. Okay, another 25 minutes for that. I figured I could decide if I wanted those topics in my paper, depending on the size paper and the information I wanted to input. The extra questions are at the end of this blog.

All this might sound like I advocate for artificial intelligence, but I still need to decide. There are pros and cons to everything, and it is so new! Primarily, I am concerned about a few things: plagiarism, ethics, morality, loss of creativity, research skills, brainwashing, and the sources used possibly being biased. While this blog will not address these concerns over ChatGPT, I will address those matters regarding education and church in an upcoming blog. But, first things first.

You might wonder why I am addressing this topic on my Christian blog. I can’t answer that for sure, other than to say I feel led. However, I wanted to give you a heads-up on how artificial intelligence is used, along with me having fun writing my first ChatGPT paper. Please check back to see more on my two topics of interest—the educational and spiritual concerns of ChatGPT. It will be an opinion piece on ChatGPT—a phenomenon that is here to stay.

I compiled the paper below as a test to see how the “writing process” for writing a paper using ChatGPT happens. I know I am nerdy that way, but I find researching relaxing and fun. Yes, crazy, I know, but it’s how I am wired. And, I am on vacation, so I can do whatever I want to, right?

I know I am nerdy that way, but I find researching relaxing and fun.
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All wording in the paper comes straight from ChatGPT. There have not been any changes in grammar, style, or structure.

Q. I asked ChatGPT the following question, “Can you give me an outline for writing a paper with the pros and cons of ChatGPT?

A. “Sure, here’s an outline for writing an article with pros and cons of ChatGPT.”

And the rest is history.

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All about ChatGPT by ChatGPT by Patti Greene or Student’s Name

OUTLINE

I. Introduction (I added this to the outline but used ChatGPT for the content.)

A. Explanation of what ChatGPT is

B. Brief overview of what the article will cover

II. Pros of ChatGPT

A. Availability 24/7

B. Can understand and respond in multiple languages

C. No human bias or emotions in responses

III. Cons of ChatGPT

A. Limited ability to understand context and nuance

B. No emotional intelligence or empathy

C. Can’t provide real-time feedback or physical assistance

IV. Comparison to other Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

A. How does ChatGPT compare to other chatbots and virtual assistants?

B. Are the pros and cons of ChatGPT similar or different to other chatbots and virtual assistants?

V. Potential uses for ChatGPT

A, Customer service

B. Education

C. Healthcare

D. Personal Productivity

VI. Conclusion (I added this to the outline, but used ChatGPT for the content.)

A. Recap of the Final thoughts on the potential uses of ChatGPT

B. Suggestions for further research or exploration.

All about ChatGPT by ChatGPT

Summary: ChatGPT is a large language model developed by OpenAI. It uses a deep learning algorithm to analyze and understand human language. Essentially, ChatGPT is a computer program that can simulate human-like conversation, respond to questions, and generate text based on a given prompt or input.

INTRODUCTION

The “GPT” in ChatGPT stands for “Generative Pre-trained Transformer.” This refers to the fact that the model was pre-trained on a massive corpus of text data, and can generate new text based on that training.

ChatGPT can be used for a variety of applications, including chatbots, language translation, and text generation. It is particularly useful for natural language processing (NLP) tasks, as it has the ability to understand context and generate text that is coherent and grammatically correct.

PROS of ChatGPT

How can Chat GPT be available 24/7?

As an artificial intelligence language model, I do not experience physical or mental fatigue like humans do. This allows me to operate continuously without the need for breaks or rest. Additionally, my system is designed to run on servers that can be accessed and maintained remotely, enabling me to be available around the clock. Therefore, I am available 24/7 to answer any questions or assist with any tasks to the best of my ability.

How can Chat GPT understand and respond in multiple languages?

As a language model, ChatGPT is designed to understand and generate text in multiple languages. This is achieved through a process called multilingual training.

During the training process, ChatGPT is exposed to a vast amount of text data in multiple languages. This allows the model to learn patterns and structures of different languages, which enables it to understand and generate text in those languages.

In addition to multilingual training, ChatGPT also relies on language identification techniques to determine the language of the input text. Once the language is identified, the model can use the appropriate language-specific knowledge to generate a response.

It’s worth noting that while ChatGPT can understand and generate text in multiple languages, its performance may vary depending on the language and the amount of data it has been trained on. Additionally, ChatGPT may make mistakes or generate inappropriate responses, especially when dealing with complex or nuanced language tasks. Therefore, it’s important to use ChatGPT’s responses with caution and always double-check its output.

Why does ChatGPT respond with no human bias or emotions?

As an AI language model, CHATGPT does not have human biases or emotions in its responses because it is not capable of experiencing emotions or holding opinions.

CHATGPT is trained on vast amounts of data from various sources, such as books, articles, and websites. This data is preprocessed and used to train the model to predict the probability of the next word in a given sequence of text.

During training, the model is trained to recognize patterns in language, but it is not capable of forming personal opinions or biases. It is simply a mathematical model that uses statistical algorithms to generate responses based on the input it receives.

Although the training data may contain biased language, CHATGPT is designed to generate responses based on the input it receives without introducing additional biases. It does not have personal experiences, emotions, or beliefs that can influence its responses.

However, it is important to note that AI models like CHATGPT can reflect and amplify biases in the data they are trained on. Therefore, it is crucial to continuously monitor and improve the data used to train these models to ensure that they do not perpetuate societal biases.

CONS OF ChatGPT

Why does Chat GPT have a limited ability to understand context and nuances?

As an AI language model, ChatGPT has been trained on a vast corpus of text data to understand patterns and relationships between words. However, its ability to understand context and nuance is limited by several factors:

Lack of real-world experience: ChatGPT has not had real-world experiences, which can impact its ability to understand context and nuance. Humans are able to understand context and nuance because we have the ability to draw on our own experiences and the experiences of others. ChatGPT, on the other hand, only has access to the text data it was trained on.

Limited knowledge of cultural and social norms: ChatGPT may not be able to fully understand context and nuance because it lacks knowledge of cultural and social norms. Language and communication can vary greatly depending on the cultural and social context, and ChatGPT may not be able to fully grasp these nuances.

Difficulty with sarcasm, irony, and humor: ChatGPT may struggle to understand sarcasm, irony, and humor, which rely on subtle cues that are difficult to pick up through text alone.

Limited ability to reason and infer: ChatGPT may not be able to reason and infer in the same way that humans can. Understanding context and nuance often involves making inferences and drawing conclusions based on limited information, and this is an area where ChatGPT may struggle.

Overall, while ChatGPT is capable of generating impressive responses, its ability to understand context and nuance is still limited and there is much room for improvement.

Why is Chat GPT unable to provide personalized responses?

ChatGPT is a language model that has been trained on a large corpus of text data, which includes a vast range of topics and contexts. However, it does not have access to specific information about individual users, their personal experiences, and their unique perspectives. As a result, ChatGPT is unable to provide truly personalized responses.

While ChatGPT can generate responses that are relevant to the input it receives, these responses are not tailored to the individual characteristics and preferences of the user. For example, if a user asks ChatGPT for recommendations for a restaurant, it may generate a list of popular restaurants based on the input it received, but it would not be able to take into account the user’s specific dietary restrictions or preferred cuisine.

Additionally, ChatGPT does not have the ability to build relationships with users or to remember previous conversations in the same way that humans can. It is not able to take into account the context of previous conversations or to adjust its responses based on a user’s prior interactions with it.

Overall, while ChatGPT is capable of generating responses that can be useful and informative, it is not able to provide truly personalized responses that take into account the unique characteristics and preferences of individual users.

Should people be concerned that ChatGPT does not have any emotional intelligence or empathy?

As an artificial intelligence language model, ChatGPT is not capable of feeling emotions or exhibiting empathy in the same way that humans do. However, the purpose of ChatGPT is to assist and provide information to users in an objective and factual manner. It is designed to provide useful responses to queries and engage in conversations without being influenced by emotions or personal biases.

That being said, ChatGPT has been programmed with the ability to understand and respond to various emotions and expressions of empathy. It can recognize certain emotional states based on language cues and respond appropriately. However, it’s important to keep in mind that ChatGPT is not capable of truly feeling emotions or exhibiting empathy in the same way as a human being.

If you require emotional support or empathy, it’s best to seek help from a qualified professional, such as a therapist or counselor, who can provide you with the care and support you need.

Why can’t ChatGPT provide real-time feedback or physical assistance?

As an AI language model, Chat GPT operates solely in the realm of language processing and generation. It doesn’t have any physical form or the ability to interact with the physical world.

While it can understand and respond to natural language queries in real-time, it doesn’t have access to physical sensors or devise to provide real-time feedback or perform physical tasks.

Therefore, ChatGPT is limited to providing advice, suggestions, and answers to questions based on the information it has been trained on. It cannot provide physical assistance, such as performing a task or carrying out a physical action, as it does not have the capability to interact with the physical world.

Comparion to other Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

As an AI language model, ChatGPT has been trained on a massive amount of text data, making it capable of generating natural-sounding responses to a wide range of queries. Compared to traditional chatbots that rely on predefined rules or decision trees, ChatGPT’s approach is more flexible and adaptable, as it can understand the context and nuances of human language.

Additionally, ChatGPT is capable of performing a wide range of tasks, including answering general knowledge questions, assisting with customer support, providing recommendations, generating text, and more. Its ability to process and analyze large amounts of information makes it particularly well-suited for complex tasks that require a high level of intelligence and reasoning.

However, like any other AI chatbot, ChatGPT has its limitations. It may struggle with understanding sarcasm or humor, and it may not always provide accurate or relevant responses to complex or domain-specific queries. Furthermore, it lacks the ability to interact with users through visual or physical means, which can be a disadvantage in certain contexts.

Are the pros and cons of ChatGPT similar or different to other chatbots and virtual assistants?

As an AI language model, ChatGPT has some similarities and differences compared to other chatbots and virtual assistants. Here are some possible pros and cons:

Pros:

Large knowledge base: ChatGPT has been trained on a vast amount of text data, which allows it to generate responses to a wide range of topics and questions.

  • Natural language processing: ChatGPT uses advanced natural language processing techniques to understand and generate human-like responses, making it easier for users to interact with it.
  • Continuous learning: ChatGPT can be trained on new data to improve its performance over time.
  • Availability: ChatGPT is available 24/7 and can handle multiple conversations simultaneously, making it a convenient option for users.

Cons:

  • Lack of domain expertise: While ChatGPT can generate responses to a wide range of topics, it may not have in-depth knowledge about specific domains, which can limit its usefulness in some contexts.
  • Potential for bias: Like all AI systems, ChatGPT may have biases based on the data it was trained on, which can lead to inaccurate or inappropriate responses.
  • Lack of emotional intelligence: ChatGPT does not have emotional intelligence and may not be able to understand or respond appropriately to the emotional state of the user.
  • Lack of human touch:

What are the potential uses for ChatGPT?

  1. Customer service
  2. Education
  3. Healthcare
  4. Personal productivity

ChatGPT can be used for a wide range of applications, including:

  1. Customer service: ChatGPT can be used to provide customer support and answer frequently asked questions.
  2. Language translation: ChatGPT can translate text from one language to another, making it useful for global communication.
  3. Content creation: ChatGPT can generate text in a specific style or tone, making it useful for content creation, such as writing articles, product descriptions, or marketing copy.
  4. Personal assistants: ChatGPT can be used as a personal assistant to help with tasks such as scheduling appointments, setting reminders, or providing recommendations.
  5. Education: ChatGPT can be used as a learning tool to answer student questions, provide explanations of complex concepts, or generate study materials.
  6. Mental health support: ChatGPT can be used to provide mental health support, such as answering questions about mental health conditions, providing coping strategies, or offering emotional support.

Overall, ChatGPT has the potential to be a useful tool in a variety of industries and applications.

CONCLUSION

Here’s a brief summary of the pros and cons of ChatGPT:

Pros:

  • ChatGPT is a large language model that has been trained on a diverse range of text data, allowing it to generate human-like responses to a wide variety of questions and prompts.
  • ChatGPT can answer questions and provide information quickly and accurately, which can be especially helpful for people who need to find information quickly.
  • ChatGPT is available 24/7 and can handle multiple conversations simultaneously, making it a convenient and accessible resource for anyone who needs information or assistance.

Cons:

  • While ChatGPT can generate human-like responses, it is still a machine and may not always understand the nuances of human language or context.
  • ChatGPT’s responses are generated based on the text data it has been trained on, which means that its responses may not always be accurate or up-to-date.
  • ChatGPT may not be able to provide personalized or tailored advice or support in the way that a human expert or counselor could.

Final thoughts on the potential uses of ChatGPT

As a language model trained on a massive amount of data, ChatGPT has the potential to be used in various applications, from customer service chatbots to language translation tools to content creation assistants.

Here are some potential uses of ChatGPT:

  1. Customer service chatbots: ChatGPT can be used to create intelligent chatbots that can interact with customers and provide them with helpful information or assistance.
  2. Language translation tools: ChatGPT can be used to develop language translation tools that can accurately translate text from one language to another.
  3. Content creation assistants: ChatGPT can be used to assist content creators by suggesting ideas, providing research materials, or even writing portions of the content.
  4. Educational tools: ChatGPT can be used to develop educational tools that can answer questions, provide explanations, or even generate quizzes.
  5. Personal assistants: ChatGPT can be used to create personal assistants that can help people with various tasks such as scheduling, setting reminders, or providing recommendations.

Overall, the potential uses of ChatGPT are vast and varied. As natural language processing and AI technology continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative applications of ChatGPT in the future.

What are some suggestions for further research or exploration on ChatGPT?

As a language model, ChatGPT can be used to explore a wide range of topics and domains. Here are some suggestions for further research or exploration on ChatGPT:

  1. Fine-tuning: One area of research is fine-tuning the ChatGPT model on specific domains or tasks, such as customer support or legal document review. This can help improve the accuracy and efficiency of the model for specific use cases.
  2. Multimodal learning: ChatGPT can be combined with other modalities such as images, audio or video to create more rich and informative responses. This can be explored by training ChatGPT on datasets that include different modalities, or by combining it with other models that specialize in handling these modalities.
  3. Bias and fairness: Language models like ChatGPT are known to have biases due to the data they are trained on. Research could be conducted on ways to mitigate these biases, or to make the model more fair and inclusive.
  4. Conversational agents: ChatGPT can be used as a building block for creating more complex conversational agents that can hold longer, more engaging conversations. This can be explored by integrating ChatGPT with other models or techniques that specialize in dialogue generation or sentiment analysis.
  5. Applications: ChatGPT can be applied to a wide range of domains, including education, healthcare, entertainment, and more. Further research could be conducted on the use cases where ChatGPT can have the greatest impact and how to optimize its performance in those domains.
  6. Multi-lingual chat: ChatGPT can be used to build chat systems that support multiple languages. Research could be conducted on how to make ChatGPT perform well across different languages and cultures, and how to optimize its use in multi-lingual settings.
  7. Zero-shot learning: ChatGPT can be used to generate responses for tasks it has not been specifically trained on. This can be explored by training the model on a diverse set of tasks and testing its performance on new tasks it has not seen before.

Overall, there are many exciting directions for further research and exploration on ChatGPT, and the above suggestions are just a few examples.[1] [The End.]

[1] OpenAI’s ChatGPT AI language model, response to questions from the author, March 10, 2023.

NOTE: Scribbr says, the Chicago citation style “doesn’t provide specific guidance on citing ChatGPT yet, but it makes sense to follow the principle that non-retrievable sources should be cited in Chicago footnotes as personal communications.”

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Patti Speaking:  If I were to turn this paper in with the proper title page, footnotes, and bibliography, I believe I would get a B or above. If I tightened some phrasing, ran it through Grammarly, had someone else proofread it, added more technical terms, reworded a few sentences, shortened the conclusion, and figured out how to find the sources used in compiling the paper, this paper might pass the “the professor” test. However, this paper does not sound like how I write. It’s not me. I would feel dishonest if I turned this paper in for an assignment. Would I sacrifice my integrity by turning this in as my own?  God would not be pleased with me, and I would not be pleased with myself.

 I did find asking ChatGPT questions interesting, though. It was like asking Alexa to play my favorite songs! But, again, if I were to turn a paper like this in, what I know about situational ethics would definitely convict me otherwise. I would struggle with the reality that I cheated, which would bring consequences. Maybe not to me immediately, but my spirit would be burdened beyond belief, along with feeling unjustified knowing others might receive a better grade than me by using this artificial intelligence tool while I didn’t. Oh well.

 If you have gotten this far, you might be interested in the “extra” questions I asked ChatGPT, which I could include in this paper if I needed to, based on the requirements of a teacher, professor, editor, employer, newspaper, or more.

But, you know what? My coffee is wearing off. I am tired, and I feel a nap coming on. Good night, my friends.

God bless,

Bible Verse:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, think about these things. As for the things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you (Philippians 4:8-9 NASB).

Prayer:

Lord, please give me wisdom in using artificial intelligence. Show me how it can be useful and how it should be avoided. Always keep me honest and pure. Give me Your integrity and Your love always. In Jesus’ Name. Amen

Click here to check out ChatGPT: Education and Church

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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.

BIBLE WORD SEARCH PUZZLE SERIES

Post Script by Patti: Below are additional questions I asked ChatGPT with its response. I do understand that ChatGPT is advocating for itself in its responses. Thus,  responses may be tilted and biased.

How should high schools and universities handle the plagiarism possibilities with ChatGPT?

As a language model, I am designed to generate text based on the input provided to me. While I cannot intentionally plagiarize content, there is a possibility that some of the responses I generate could inadvertently match existing content.

To handle this possibility, high schools and universities should educate students on how to properly use and cite sources when using tools like ChatGPT. They should emphasize the importance of properly paraphrasing and crediting sources in their work.

Additionally, instructors may want to consider using plagiarism detection software to identify any potential instances of plagiarism in student work. This can help to deter students from submitting work that includes copied content, and can also help to identify any unintentional matches that may have been generated by tools like ChatGPT.

Overall, it’s important for students to understand the ethical and academic implications of plagiarism, and to be educated on how to properly use and cite sources in their work. With the proper education and tools in place, high schools and universities can effectively address any potential plagiarism concerns associated with tools like ChatGPT.

What are the pros and cons of sermon preparation with ChatGPT?

As an AI language model, ChatGPT can be used for many different purposes, including sermon preparation. Here are some potential pros and cons of using ChatGPT for this purpose:

Pros:

Access to a vast amount of information: ChatGPT has been trained on a large corpus of text, so it can provide pastors and preachers with access to a wealth of information on any topic they may wish to explore.

Time-saving: ChatGPT can help save time by quickly generating outlines or even complete drafts of sermons, allowing pastors and preachers to focus on other aspects of their ministry.

Creativity: ChatGPT can generate unique ideas and perspectives that pastors and preachers may not have considered before, which can add depth and creativity to their sermons.

Cons:

Lack of spiritual discernment: While ChatGPT can provide a lot of information, it is not able to discern spiritual truths or insights that are often necessary for effective sermon preparation.

Limited understanding of human emotions: ChatGPT may not fully understand the emotional impact that a sermon can have on a congregation, which is an essential aspect of preaching.

Risk of plagiarism: If pastors and preachers rely too heavily on ChatGPT-generated content without properly citing or adapting it, they run the risk of unintentional plagiarism.

Overall, using ChatGPT for sermon preparation can be a helpful tool, but it should be used in conjunction with other resources and always with discernment and caution.

How can I get bibliographical information when writing a paper with ChatGPT?

As an AI language model, I can assist you in generating bibliographical information for your paper. Here are the general steps you can follow to get the bibliographical information:

Gather information about your sources: Before you can create bibliographical information, you need to gather information about the sources you have used for your paper. This includes the author(s), title of the work, publication date, publisher, and other relevant information.

Choose a citation style: There are many different citation styles to choose from, such as MLA, APA, and Chicago. Your professor or the journal you are submitting your paper to will usually specify which citation style to use.

Use a citation generator: You can use an online citation generator to create your bibliography. These generators allow you to enter the information about your sources and will generate a properly formatted citation according to the chosen citation style.

Check for accuracy: It is important to double-check your citations for accuracy. Make sure that all the information is correct and that the citation is properly formatted according to the chosen citation style.

Organize your bibliography: Organize your bibliography alphabetically by author’s last name or by title if there is no author.

As an AI language model, I can provide you with general guidelines and examples for bibliographical information, but it’s always important to consult the specific guidelines for your assignment or journal submission.

Can I tell ChatGPT how many pages I need for my paper?

Yes, of course! You can tell me how many pages you need for your paper, but please keep in mind that the number of pages required for a paper can vary depending on various factors such as the topic, level of detail, formatting requirements, and more. It’s important to consider the specific guidelines and requirements of your assignment to determine the appropriate length for your paper.

Is writing a paper with ChatGPT considered cheating?

No, writing a paper with ChatGPT is not considered cheating as long as it is done in accordance with ethical standards and guidelines set by the relevant academic institution or organization.

ChatGPT is a language model that has been trained on a large corpus of text and can generate human-like responses to prompts or questions. It can provide helpful suggestions, generate ideas, and assist with the writing process. However, it is important to keep in mind that the final responsibility for the content of the paper lies with the writer.

If you are using ChatGPT as a tool to help you with your writing, it is important to acknowledge its contribution and to properly cite any information or ideas that it generates. Additionally, you should make sure that you understand the material and are able to explain it in your own words, rather than simply copying and pasting text generated by ChatGPT. As long as you are using ChatGPT in a responsible and ethical manner, it can be a valuable resource for writers.

I commented. I am concerned that my creativity will by dulled if I use ChatGPT.

As an AI language model, I am here to assist you and provide you with information, ideas, and answers to your questions. While it is true that using AI to generate ideas or solutions can be helpful, it is important to remember that creativity ultimately comes from within you.

Interacting with ChatGPT can actually help to enhance your creativity by providing you with new perspectives, insights, and inspiration. You can use me to generate new ideas or to help you explore existing ones in greater detail. By having access to a vast array of information and knowledge, you can draw upon this to stimulate your own thinking and spark your imagination.

At the same time, it’s important to continue to exercise your own creative muscles by engaging in activities that you enjoy and that encourage creative thinking. This might include things like drawing, writing, or simply spending time in nature. The more you engage in these activities, the more you will be able to tap into your own creative potential and come up with unique and original ideas.

Ultimately, the key to maintaining your creativity is to strike a balance between using AI as a tool to assist you and engaging in your own creative pursuits. By doing so, you can continue to explore and expand your own creative abilities while also benefitting from the power of technology to enhance and accelerate your thinking.

How would a professor know if I am using ChatGPT or not?

As an AI language model, I do not have access to any specific user’s activities or interactions with other people, including professors. However, it is worth noting that if you are using ChatGPT to complete assignments or tasks that are intended to be completed by an individual’s own effort and knowledge, it would likely be considered academic dishonesty.

It is also important to keep in mind that professors are often experienced in their fields of study and may be able to detect inconsistencies in writing style or language that could suggest the use of AI language models like ChatGPT. Therefore, it is always best to be honest about your sources and to use ChatGPT and other language models ethically and responsibly.

Is ChatGPT here to stay?

As an AI language model, I will continue to be available for use as long as my hosting platform and maintenance support exist. However, my future availability and development will depend on the decisions of my creators at OpenAI. Nonetheless, I will be here to answer your questions and assist you as best I can for as long as I am operational.

Can you give me an introductory paragraph on my paper on Chat GPT?

[Certainly, I’d be happy to help! Here’s a possible introductory paragraph for your paper on ChatGPT.]

Chat GPT is a cutting-edge language model developed by OpenAI that uses deep learning techniques to generate human-like text in response to prompts. As one of the largest and most sophisticated models of its kind, Chat GPT has revolutionized the field of natural language processing by demonstrating an ability to generate coherent and contextually relevant text across a wide range of domains and applications. From conversational chatbots to automated writing assistants, Chat GPT has the potential to transform the way we interact with and use language in our daily lives. In this paper, we will explore the inner workings of Chat GPT, its underlying architecture, training methods, and applications, and discuss the implications of this technology for the future of human-AI communication.

Can you give me a conclusion paragraph for a paper on Chat GPT?

In conclusion, Chat GPT is a powerful language model developed by OpenAI that has demonstrated remarkable capabilities in generating natural language text. With its ability to learn from large amounts of data, Chat GPT can produce coherent and contextually relevant responses to a wide variety of prompts. Its applications range from text generation and summarization to language translation and sentiment analysis. While there are some concerns around the potential misuse of language models such as Chat GPT, their potential benefits are significant, and ongoing research and development will continue to improve their capabilities and potential uses. Overall, Chat GPT represents a significant advancement in the field of natural language processing, and its potential uses and impacts are worth continued exploration.

How can I find out the bibliographical sources for a paper I write using ChatGPT?

When writing a paper for ChatGPT, it is important to include accurate and reliable bibliographical sources to support your ideas and arguments. Here are some steps you can follow to find such sources:

Identify the keywords related to your topic: Before you start searching for sources, make sure you have a clear idea of the topic you want to write about. Identify the keywords related to your topic, as this will help you narrow down your search.

Use academic search engines: There are several academic search engines you can use to find relevant sources, such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, and PubMed. These search engines allow you to search for academic papers, journals, books, and other resources related to your topic.

Check the references of relevant sources: Once you have found a few relevant sources, check their references to see if they cite any other useful sources that you could use in your paper.

Use citation tools: Citation tools such as Zotero and Mendeley can help you organize your sources and create accurate bibliographical references for your paper.

Check the credibility of your sources: Before you include a source in your paper, make sure it is reliable and credible. Look for sources that are peer-reviewed, published in reputable journals or books, and written by experts in the field.

Remember to always cite your sources accurately and follow the referencing style required by ChatGPT. This will help you avoid plagiarism and give credit to the authors of the sources you use.

How do I identify the keywords I need to use in my paper?

Identifying the key words for your paper is an important step in ensuring that your work is properly indexed and discoverable by readers and search engines. Here are some tips to help you identify key words for your paper:

Brainstorm: Take some time to brainstorm a list of words and phrases that are relevant to your topic. Think about the main themes, concepts, and ideas that your paper covers.

Review your research: Look back at the sources you used when researching your paper. Pay attention to the language used in titles, abstracts, and keywords.

Use a thesaurus: A thesaurus can help you identify synonyms for key words that you have already identified. This can help you to vary your language and improve the chances of your paper being discovered by different search terms.

Consult your professor or colleagues: Your professor or colleagues may have insights into the language and terminology commonly used in your field of study.

Consider your audience: Think about who your audience is likely to be and what terms they might use to search for information on your topic.

Use keyword research tools: There are a variety of online tools that can help you identify popular and relevant keywords for your topic, such as Google Trends or SEMrush.

Once you have identified your key words, make sure to use them in your paper’s title, abstract, and throughout the text to improve its visibility and relevance to readers and search engines.

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Spiritual Gifts, Part 3

Welcome back.

To read Spiritual Gifts,  Part 1, click here.

To read Spiritual Gifts, Part 2, click here.

Distribution of Gifts

           In the Old Testament, God’s children would receive a direct revelation of God through the agency of God’s Spirit. When this revelatory facet occurred, it became a central feature of the late Second Temple Jewish understanding of God’s Spirit. In the New Testament, God’s Spirit is seen in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Then proceeds when the Holy Spirit is sent to the disciples at Pentecost. While this Spirit helps in conversion, it is also this same Spirit that helps to discern what spiritual gifts the Lord has given to individuals. The Lord is the one who distributes the gifts. Often it takes some experimentation with various ministries to find the fit that the Lord has called a person to do. Not knowing one’s gift should not excuse a lack of ministry involvement. People can recognize their gifts by trying out assorted opportunities, receiving input from others, or taking spiritual gift inventory and survey tests, which can be found online, in churches, or multiple books. Contrarily, DeVries does not like spiritual gift inventory assessments as much as he uses the Bible to discover your spiritual gifts. He believes the Bible gives two testing criteria for discovering one’s spiritual gifts: The fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 and the spiritual qualities of godliness noted in 2 Peter 1. Either way, one should take responsibility and pursue one’s spiritual gifts, leaving the results in the Holy Spirit’s direction.

The Lord is the one who distributes the gifts.
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           Confusion, conflicts, and questions arise when evaluating spiritual gifts. The primary topic causing the most confusion involves charismatic gifts, including the gift of tongues and the interpretation of tongues. Charismatic gifts (sign gifts) include tongues, interpretation of tongues, healing, miracles, and prophecy. Some charismatic groups also consider laying on hands, fasting, faith, and prayer in this category. 

      The Book of Acts deals with the custom of speaking in and interpreting tongues in three places. When the disciples were baptized in the Spirit at Pentecost, they began to speak in tongues. In Acts 10, Simon was preaching. When the Spirit fell upon the assembly, the Gentiles spoke in tongues showing the Jews that they had received the Holy Spirit. Lastly, when Paul encountered some disciples of John, they began to speak in other languages and to prophesy. Scholars use the word glossolalia when referring to tongues. In each of these instances, tongues are introduced to a different group of people: Jews, Samaritans (possibly), and Gentiles. Brand says, “[Paul] also noted that unless tongues speech is interpreted, it ought not to be employed in public worship since the purpose of spiritual gifts is the edification of the body” (1 Cor. 14:3, 6).

     The question is whether the sign gifts (including tongues) were delegated to the early church or does it continue today. The terms coined are cessationists and continuationist. Most cessationists believe that God can heal and do miracles, but they reject the idea that Christians can heal, prophesy, and speak in tongues. Cessationist Thomas R. Schreiner says, “As a cessationist, I believe God still heals and does miracles today, though I think such events are relatively rare. Still, I pray for the healing of the sick and believe God can do so miraculously. My argument is not that miracles and healings never occur. Instead, I claim that believers today [do not] have the gifts of doing miracles and healing.” Conrsely, a continuationist believes all the sign gifts are valid and operable today. As one can see, sign gifts can cause confusion, misunderstanding, and divisiveness in a church. C. Douglas Weaver says, “A growing number [of] Baptists are also continuationists. . . But plenty of Baptists also contend that some or all of the miraculous gifts [sign] are invalid for today, or they differ considerably from continuationists’ understanding of those gifts.” There has also been plenty of Baptist-continuationist rivalries since the first wave of Pentecostals began speaking in tongues and prophesying in the opening years of the twentieth century.

     Conflicts also occur when discussing the Holy Spirit and its role in our lives, including the holiness movement, gender, and racial egalitarianism. There is difficulty separating other issues from one another when speaking of the Holy Spirit, including how spiritual gifts are used.

While this Spirit helps in conversion, it is also this same Spirit that helps to discern what spiritual gifts the Lord has given to individuals.
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Reasons for Personal Perspective

           God’s Holy Spirit has been functioning in lives for over six thousand years—through the Old Testament and New Testament times and even today. The Holy Spirit guided Jesus’s ministry and likewise in our ministry.

     First, God designed us to be used for Him. Psalm 139:13-16 states, “For Thou didst form my inward parts; Thou didst weave me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to Thee for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Thy works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from Thee, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth. Thine eyes have seen my unformed substance and in Thy book they were all written, all the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them. God ordained our days. Moreover, He wants to equip us to use us for His service.”

      Second, John 16:13 mentions that the Spirit of truth will guide us into all the truth, and when He does, he wants to equip us for His service as mentioned in 1 Peter 4:10-11, which says, “As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God; whoever serves, let him do so as by the strength which God supplies. so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to who belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

     Third, the Lord wants us to meet the needs of others. One of the ways He accomplishes this purpose is by providing believers with spiritual gifts to be used powerfully for His intentions. Christians possess gifts to be used locally and universally within the body of Christ to serve others. In other words, we can be the hands and feet of Jesus (1 Cor. 12).

     Ephesians 4:11-14  speaks of our privilege to build up the body of Christ—for unity and to grow to become more Christlike. We should strive for the whole body to fit together, where every person is involved in the building up the church in love.

Conclusion

           Charles Stanley sums it up best when he says, “Time is a gift from God, and He has allotted each of us a measure in which to live and accomplish His purposes. We have only two options—to spend it temporally on our own interests or invest it eternally. Since time can never be retrieved or reversed, it’s critical that we make the most of every opportunity the Lord provides.” Just like the fudge cake mentioned earlier, where all the ingredients combine for the best results, we need all members of the body of Christ to employ their best selves. This can occur when one uses their spiritual gifts, in the supernatural power of Christ, within the body of Christ in love and unity.

God bless.

Prayer:  Dear Jesus, I love you and desire to know and use the gifts you have given me. Confirm what they are in my mind. May others see them in me. Lord, you are my God, and I give my entire life to you and desire Your presence every moment. Keep me from temptation and deliver me from evil. In Your blessed name, Amen,

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This article may not be reproduced except for written permission from the author. 

Sources not included.

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Books by Patti

3 PRAYER JOURNALS – 3 BIBLE WORD SEARCH PUZZLES, AND  A BOOK ON CHRISTIAN CAREGIVING.

BIBLE WORD SEARCH PUZZLE SERIES

#bgbg2, Bible Study, Christian Living, How to Guides, New Testament, Old Testament, Spiritual Growth, The Bible

Are You Thinking about Starting a Bible Reading Plan in 2023?

I want to wish all of you a pleasant and eventful New Year.

A New Year is Approaching

With the new year, we are faced with many choices and priorities. Please, let me encourage you to choose a Bible reading plan and read the Bible through in 2023. You will never regret soaking up the Word of God. The principles and applications can become part of who you are, making you more like the person God wants you to be. You will find insights, wow’s, support, and inspiration as you bask in both the Old and New Testaments.

There are many Bible Reading Plans

There are many Bible Reading plans. Maybe one of them will spark an interest in you. I hope so. While many sites with different Bible reading plans exist (printable, audible, online), I am not including links for you to look at. However, to find one perfect for you, type in “Bible Reading Plans” and the plan you would be interested in. Find a plan that fits you perfectly or make up your own plan in an excel document and cross it off as you complete each reading. Be sure to choose a version you enjoy reading from. [Avoid the Jehovah’s Witness New World Translation and other questionable versions.] Now, let’s look at a few of the various types of plans–there is one just for you.

  1. A read-through-the entire Bible plan—reading straight through from Genesis to Revelation,
  2. An Old Testament plan,
  3. A New Testament plan,
  4. A Bible chronological plan,
  5. A Bible historical plan,
  6. A Gospel plan,
  7. A 90-day challenge plan; a 180-day reading plan; a 365-day reading plan,
  8. A thematic Bible plan,
  9. A “Bible book at a time” plan,
  10. A blended plan—reading some Old Testament and some New Testament simultaneously,
  11. A Jesus’ Words plan (red print in many Bibles),
  12. A short-term commitment plan,
  13. A personalized plan, and more.

Suggestions from Patti

  1. Skip over the Bible genealogy you can’t pronounce—Knowing there is a genealogy should be enough, especially if this is your first read-through.
  2. Read with a pen, highlighter, and notebook to write down verses, questions, or things you want to look up later.
  3. It is okay to read ahead. There will be days you will miss.
  4. If possible, find a friend to read along with you on the same plan—This way, you will have a comrade to share with.
  5. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t keep up. Keep at it. It is commendable if it takes you 1 1/2 or 2+ years to finish.
  6. If you are reading a book for your Bible study class or group, count it. When you get to that book, you will be happy to skip that book or portion of the book to have some catch-up time.
  7. If you are in a plan where you are reading the entire Old Testament at once, give yourself permission to stop and read something in the New Testament.
  8. Share meaningful verses with your friends and family.
  9. Look for God’s sense of humor as you read, and 
  10. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in each reading.

Enjoy, and best wishes in 2023! And please share this article with your friends and family!

God Bless,

Bible Verses:

Old Testament prophet Joshua said, “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it . . .” Joshua 1:8.

New Testament prophet John said, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Revelation 1:3.

Prayer:

My Heavenly Father, Is this the year You want me to get serious about reading the Bible? I want to, but I am scared I will fail. I want to try, Lord. I do. Give me the confidence to know You are right there beside me as I try it this year. I love You and want to learn more about You and Your holy Word. Amen.

PRAYER JOURNALS – Books by Patti Greene; Caregiving for Beginners

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Bible Study, Book Review, Doctrine, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, Jesus Christ, Missions and Evangelism, New Testament, People in the Bible, Salvation, Testimonies, The Bible

A Book Review: Eternity Now: The New Testament Series

Eternity Now: The New Testament Series. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2022.

In August 2022, I received a complimentary copy of Eternity Now: The New Testament Series from Thomas Nelson publishers because I am a Bible Gateway Blogger Grid member who promised to read the books and publish an honest review of the series. My analysis is below.

The Series

This series consists of five books titled with a content description.

Volume 1: The Legacy—Matthew, Hebrews, James, Jude

Volume 2: No Going Back—Mark, 1-2 Peter

Volume 3: Grand Tour—Books of Luke: Luke, Acts

Volume 4: Death to Life—Books of Paul: Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians,

Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, 1-2 Timothy,

Titus, Philemon.

Volume 5: Now But Not Yet—Books of John: John, 1-3 John, Revelation

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Content

The books are formatted presentations of the New Testament using the New English Translation. The editors describe the series as books that reveal “the history shaping story of how Jesus Christ changed the world and what that means to you. The reader-friendly format presents the New Testament books across five paperback volumes, making it easy to carry anywhere and read anytime.”

Design Décor Description

The books arrived in a beautiful display box—so attractive that one would be proud to place the boxed set on any bookshelf as a lovely décor addition. All five books have coordinated covers using blue, orange, black, and two shades of green. When put together, the spines of the books create an attractive design when placed in the series box. Each cover describes the book as coming “From the #1 Bestselling Book of All Times” (a.k.a. The Bible) along with a title, subtitle, quotation, and an acknowledgment that what is inside comes from the New English Translation Bible (NET). When I first received the books, I had no idea the publishers were using a unique concept in designing them to make them look like small fiction or non-fiction books—great to fit into one’s purse or briefcase.

The Positives

  1. The books are easy to pick up and browse through, easy enough for any late elementary or junior high student to read.
  2. The “ministry-first” concept is impressive, meaning there are no restrictions regarding quoting or sharing any of the Scriptures when using them in books, magazines, newspaper articles, and more. One does not have to gain permission to use as much of the translation as desired.
  3. Its simple format is excellent for seniors who might have problems holding a large, heavy Bible.
  4. I enjoyed how the layout shows the chapter headings and accurate subtopics.
  5. Another positive is that the books bold all prophecies from the Old Testament.
  6. This innovative approach to Bible reading seems accurate compared to my usually read Bible—the New American Standard Bible.

The Drawbacks

The drawbacks listed below are all due to “my personal preferences,” which may or may not affect other readers.

  1. All five books lack verse numbers while representing their story format. I understand that by not including verse numbers, one will experience more ease in reading. However for me, many times, as I was reading, I wanted to look up the Bible verse but could not find “the address” to do so.
  2. The books did not create that sacred feeling of reading the Bible. While the editor’s intent is to read each book like a novel, reading them as a novel was bothersome.
  3. Words referring to Jesus were in lowercase letters. My preference would have been to use the names of Jesus as He, Him, and Himself. Other words like scripture are also noted in lowercase.
  4. I missed the red lettering of Jesus’ words prevalent in many Bible versions.

Book’s Purpose

The book’s primary purpose is obvious. It is to get the Bible into the hands of those who might never pick up a Bible themselves, making this set a lovely gift for any occasion for boys, girls, men, and women. Not everyone will appreciate the novel format, but many will find it the most enjoyable way to read the Bible. Therefore I recommend this book series.

God Bless,

New English Translation Bible Verses:

Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 NET

Jesus answered them, “You are deceived, because you don’t know the scriptures or the power of God. Matthew 22:29 NET

For these things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled, “Not a bone of his will be broken.” John 19:36 NET

Then he opened their minds so they could understand the scriptures. Luke 24:45 NET

Prayer:

Lord, give me wisdom as I approach my Bible reading. Lead me to Bible verses You want me to read and learn from. Allow me to obey all Your sacred principles, which You have made available through Your Holy Scriptures. You are a mighty God, and I love You. Amen

Books by Patti Greene

BIBLE WORD SEARCH PUZZLE SERIES

 

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Two Years Ago Today, Mom Went to Heaven!

Initial Remarks

Today marks two years since my dear mom passed away—August 27, 2020. I wrote the following letter four months after my mom died, recollecting the time my husband John and I spent living with her for four years in her home. I mailed this note to a few very close friends at the time, but today, I feel like posting this in her honor and sharing that I am still sad about a lot of things, but I know moving on would be what she would want for me.

Dear Friends

First, I want to thank all of you who have prayed for John and me over the past few years. We were in a unique season of life—a life we never expected to be in. It was challenging and rewarding at the same time.

Most of you know that in January 2016, I moved into my parent’s home when my dad was ill with leukemia and dementia. John was working overseas at the time. Dad died in February 2016.

Being concerned about mom, I stayed with her after Dad’s passing. The idea of her alone in the house made me want to stay with her. Unfortunately, 2016 brought a diagnosis of Stage 4 lung cancer to mom on top of all her other ailments, so I continued to stay at mom’s house. John came home from his overseas assignment shortly after mom’s diagnosis and moved into mom’s house with me.

We locked up our house, and our life became different—more different than we ever expected. John retired after completing his overseas assignment but found a little part-time work, and life moved on. We settled into our life with mom in west Houston, trying to adjust to not being in our own home. I did fine for the first two years. But, the last two years were physically and emotionally tough on me. As mom progressively needed more care and attention, I became more nervous and anxious. I was not my usual self. I had a hard time coping, although I was able to conceal it from others for the most part.

John saw and experienced my constant exhaustion, my need for respite, and my emotional stress worsening daily. He was my rock. I cannot imagine any other person being so kind and generous as giving up his home and life to partner with me in caretaking my mother – his mother-in-law. John occupied my mom with mind-boggling conversations and debates. He made dinner most days, and towards the end, his help and love truly inspired me as he provided nursing duties way beyond his pay grade. Christ-like love was indeed in action!

God knew my fragile mental state. And I hate to say it, but COVID was the lifeline I needed to be able to move back home. It had become apparent that I was not doing well with our 24/7 living arrangement at mom’s house. When COVID hit: Mom’s housekeeper was able to move in with her even though we were back towards the end of mom’s life. John, me, and mom all sleeping in the same bedroom, available for whatever.

Even being home was highly stressful, with daily visits to mom’s house, more doctor’s appointments than ever, and issues relating to mom’s declining health.

If you have not guessed by now, two thousand twenty has been the roughest ride of my life!

I am omitting many “specifics” so I do not get bogged down and miss the point I am trying to share with you.

The fact is, a good friend said, “God has positioned people who can take our hands and help us find our way through the fog and storms.” You are those people!!! Your prayers helped me to pray and not lose my heart. Your prayers helped me to pursue seeking the Highest God, your prayers helped me to stay strong in the Word of God, and your prayers reminded me that challenges are for our spiritual growth. This journey was not anything I had ever imagined, but God knew I had to go through it. This season was sent to accomplish things in me that could not have been accomplished any other way.

Some of you have been where I was. Some of you have not. However, I want you to know that when we experience tears and disappointment, it does not have to dimmish our relationship with the Lord. He allows each new experience to make us aware that we need to trust Him so solidly that we can tell Him the down and dirty of all we think and encounter. When I had questions, God was there. When I cried, He was there. When I could not handle it anymore, God was still there. Even though there were times I could not feel His presence, you kept me hanging on to Him. That was possible due to your prayers. Thank you!

Mom died on August 27, 2020. John and I received a call at 1:50 a.m. from my older brother to come home. I had my cuddle time with mom; then, at 3:50 p.m. that afternoon, she took her final breath.

It has only been a few months since we left that season of our lives. Still, thankfully God is showing me why the experiences I encountered were essential. I do not understand many things that came about during that season. But God always pointed me back to Him—calling me to trust Him when I couldn’t see the whys of the past or the wonders of the future. During my caregiving time, I encountered burnout, compassion fatigue, taxing emotions, and the perps of spending time with my dear mom. I knew the challenges were in His hands. Thanks for your prayers!

Life is an adventure. I wailed many times during this period, “Lord, I can’t handle it anymore!” But He knew and knows when it is time to step in for relief. God moved when I reached the pinnacle of my despair in August. These years are now part of my life story. I recognize that “being out of our comfort zone” is usually the only way we can grow, and I thank God for it. I experienced many sweet times with mom that would not have been possible any other way, but it was still strenuous and tough on me. So, thanks again for your prayers!

Each day, I feel a little more rested and restored. I know that the Lord will use this experience for His glory. There are so many Biblical principles that I had read in Scripture but not experienced before. I encountered so many aspects during these 4+ years: love, forgiveness, gratitude, and boundaries—to mention the positive ones. Sometimes it is hard to see circumstances clearly when living under stress or in a bleak period. Still, when the light is slowly restored, we can feel God’s peace and presence in extraordinary ways—even supernaturally. We start understanding the why, the why not, the how much longer questions of life. In these times, we must depend on the prayers of our friends like you. And for that, thanks again for your prayers!

My takeaway is to encourage you to look at your circumstances through the eyes of our heavenly Father. Commit to renewing your mind daily with prayer and Bible study. Remember that darkness does not stay forever in whatever situation you face. Even through hard times, He is close by—guiding us, building our faith, and waiting to meet our needs. He has a purpose for everything we experience in life, to prepare us for His assignments here on earth or for our heavenly home.

Today—Two Years Later

Yes, John and I have moved on; that is a long story. Still, one thing we both know is that God directed and allowed us to spend time with mom. However, I encountered difficult times caregiving at points along the way. If you are caregiving, hang on! Memories are being formed that will be cherished more with time. The emotional journey has a purpose that God will use in your life ministries.

While living with my mom, I wrote a book titled Christian Caregiving: Practical Advice for a Happy Ending. I wrote it during the first two years of living with mom. If I had waited until later, the book would probably never have been written. I left out the hard part, the biography of my experiences as time passed, because I hadn’t experienced that. However, it is a good book for those starting on the journey of caregiving with lots of Scripture references. I am not posting this as a sales pitch for my book, but I wanted you to know good things come from caregiving. Our strength in Him and knowing that He always has His best for us in mind keeps us going.

Mom, I love you, and I always will. Thanks for loving me. I still miss you two years later.

God Bless.

Verses from Christian Caregiving:  Practical Advice for a Happy Ending [9780692115381-Available on Amazon.com. Only $7.44 today.

Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32).

Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established (Proverbs 16:3)

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Barnabas: Leadership in Action

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Following Christ involves denying ourselves to follow Him. Jesus said, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me (Luke 9:23 NASB1995).[1] This verse is crucial for Christian leaders to heed. Barnabas’ years in ministry possessed a heart intent on following Jesus. This goal was accomplished using Jesus’ style of leadership—servant leadership.

Barnabas

Barnabas was born and raised on the island of Cyprus. His training and upbringing stemmed from him being a Levite of Jewish descent. His name occurs twenty-three times in the Book of Acts and five times in the letters that the Apostle Paul wrote.[2] Before Jesus’ disciples called him Barnabas, Acts 4:36 says he was called Joseph (Joses) which means “Son of Encouragement.” Luke interprets Barnabas into the Greek words huios paraclete’s, which may well be translated as “son of encouragement,” “son of comfort,” or “Son of Exhortation.” Some say it could mean “son of a prophet,” but then doubts are cast why Luke calls him the “Son of Encouragement.” Some scholars question why Paul calls him the “son of encouragement in Acts.[3]

Barnabas’ central timeline includes selling property and giving the profits to the Jerusalem church, meeting and introducing Paul to the church in Jerusalem, being commissioned to travel to Syrian Antioch to evaluate what was happening with the preaching and Christianity there, leading the first missionary journey with Paul, set out on a missionary journey with his cousin John Mark, and an instrumental leader in Cyprus, Antioch, and Jerusalem.[4]

Barnabas’ Qualities, Strengths, and Weaknesses

Throughout the Book of Acts, one sees qualities of generosity, encouragement, leadership, loyalty, friendship, consistency in being a team player, and a love for God. His focus on the mission God had prepared for him is evident through his words and actions.

Godly character and behavior remained pivotal throughout Barnabas’ life. His strong personality was built by his love and dedication to his salvation and call upon his life. Due to this, Barnabas naturally had multiple strengths.

  1. Big-hearted: When Barnabas sold his land to give to the early Christian community, that behavior was rare then. Could it be that this was one of the first relief work missions that one sees from the New Testament?
  2. Persuasive: In Jerusalem, Barnabas received a cool reception because the disciples could not believe that Paul had changed from a persecutor to a follower of Jesus. Barnabas persuaded them, and they eventually thought he was a disciple of Christ.[5]
  3. Loyal: Barnabas was faithful to John Mark when he abandoned his work on the first missionary journey. He did not allow the disagreement when Paul refused to have John Mark participate in the second missionary journey to affect their relationship. Due to the encouragement of Barnabas, vital contributions from both Paul and Mark have been made to the Christian faith and the New Testament.
  4. Exceptional evangelist: Many souls were saved as he traveled from city to city, church to church
  5. Discerning: Barnabas discerned that Paul’s character had been transformed from a sinner to a believer in Jesus Christ.
  6. Humble: Barnabas followed wherever he was needed. He did not show one-upmanship or comparison to other people as he lived his life.
  7. Filled with the Holy Spirit: Barnabas would not have been able to minister as he did without the Holy Spirit leading and guiding him.
  8. Encourager: As an encourager, he could keep the peace with Paul through a lasting friendship and encourage those he met along his life journey.

Few weaknesses are evident in the Bible. However, one weakness found was hypocrisy. One can only assume that if one backslides and is not living for the Lord, the Holy Spirit’s evidence in their life would wane. It is unknown if Barnabas experienced a dip in his spiritual life, but there is no evidence in the Bible of any other faults. Regarding hypocrisy, Paul accused Peter and others (including Barnabas) of being hypocrites because they separated themselves and feared the circumcision party. Paul mentions that “even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy” (Gal. 2:13). Not knowing the heart of Barnabas on this matter, this weakness may or may not be accurate since we should never judge others primarily based on the word of only one person and this one incident.

Principles and Issues on Leadership

Many secular scholars over the years have tried to conceptualize and define leadership. Peter G. Northouse defines leadership: “Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.”[6] While that is a helpful definition, Jesus’ life and lifestyle would be more appropriate if one were to look for the Biblical description and qualities a leader should possess. C. Gene Wilkes discusses seven servant leadership principles. These principles are seen in one degree or another in Barnabas.

  1. Jesus humbled himself and allowed God to exalt him.
  2. Jesus followed his Father’s will rather than seek a position
  3. Jesus defined greatness as being a servant and being first as becoming a slave.
  4. Jesus risked serving others because he trusted that he was God’s Son
  5. Jesus left his place at the head table to serve the needs of others
  6. Jesus shared responsibility and authority with those he called to lead
  7. Jesus built a team to carry out a worldwide vision.[7]

Critical Analysis: Barnabas’ Servant Leadership Qualities

Barnabas’ leadership qualities are detected in various locations in the Bible that closely mimic the same leadership model Jesus portrayed.

  1. Barnabas’ humility and generosity are recognized in Acts 4:37 where he sold a tract of his land, brought the money, and laid it at the apostle’s feet to be appropriated as needed in the Jerusalem church.
  2. Barnabas’ belief that people can change for the good is noted in Acts 9:26-27 when the disciples were afraid of Paul. Barnabas described to the apostles that he had talked to Paul and that he had spoken out boldly for Jesus.
  3. In Acts 15:35, Barnabas is regarded as a leader proclaiming the word of the Lord. His leadership is also seen in his involvement with the Council of Jerusalem. It was there that Paul and Barnabas were given “the right hand of fellowship, that we might go to the Gentiles” to proclaim God’s message of salvation (Gal. 2:9).
  4. Barnabas continued in Jesus’ footsteps by being a risk taker. When Paul would not allow John Mark to accompany him on his second missionary journey, he took John Mark under his wing, and they proceeded to proclaim the Lord to the world, even though John Mark deserted them on the first missionary journey.
  5. Serving others through his preaching, teaching, and mentoring was everyday behavior for Barnabas. In Acts 13:42-43, the people in the synagogue begged Paul and Barnabas to continue to speak to them. Both these men served the Lord by encouraging them to continue in the grace of God.
  6. Barnabas loved God and recognized God’s authority over his life. In Jesus on Leadership, Wilkes says, “Barnabas’s relationship to God helped him see past the fear of others and come alongside Paul who would ultimately take the message of Jesus to all people groups.”[8] Last, Barnabas did build a close-knit team by mentoring Paul and John Mark. However, he also left the mark of Jesus upon all the churches and cities he traveled sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Synthesis: How Barnabas’ Leadership is Applied to Ministry Settings

Studying the life of Barnabas brings many principles that one can bring to a servant leadership style. Values arising from these principles may be valuable to any believer—those working in a secular or Christian environment.

Like Barnabas did, striving, desiring, and working toward a life of holiness is essential to one’s spiritual growth and ability to lead. His lifestyle was built on character, integrity, and submission to the Lord. His determination steered him to possess and retain God’s heart. He lived and served as Jesus did, and Jesus’ influence led him to behave and interact lovingly with others. Standing up for what is right and acknowledging God as our strength in our ministries creates a life that others will want to emulate. Honesty and honest work are vital, as well. Leading like Christ and behaving like Christ is how ministry workers should behave and lead. Just as Barnabas served people, so must those in ministry. However, how is that done? Author and Pastor C. G. Wilkes says, “Servant and leader stand together as a model for those entrusted with the well-being of a group. Leaders who follow the example and teachings of Jesus will lead first as servants.”[9] My personal goal for ministry leadership lines up with Wilkes’s beliefs, and that is to pray for humility, patience, a desire to put others before me, take risks, and equip others well.

Conclusion

Believers are all sinners—even Barnabas. The Apostle Paul writes a summation verse that encompasses how we can live in our fallen nature.

Brothers and sisters, I do not regard myself as having taken hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:13-14).

Pressing on toward the upward call of God in Christ Jesus is a worthy goal. When that goal is in the forefront of a believer’s mind, as it was with Barnabas, servant leadership will follow.

Legend says this Barnabas died a martyr’s death at Salamis in AD 61. He is remembered as being possibly one of the seventy mentioned in Luke 10:1 and the traditional founder of the Cypriot Church.[10] Most would agree with Norman Blackaby and Wilkes that, Barnabas’ leadership, and character “made a lasting difference in the lives of millions because he demonstrated the heart of God.”[11]

God bless,

Prayer: Heavenly Father, as we see Barnabas relating to others, let me have the same qualities as he had. I want to be more generous. I want to encourage others and be loyal to my friends and family. Help me, Jesus to continue to have a love for all things of God and to put others before myself. You are a good God and I love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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This article may not be reproduced except for written permission from the author. For the full annotated paper and bibliography, please get in touch with me through the comment section of this article. [This paper was written for a college academic research class by Patti Greene.]

 

 

Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble online!

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Bibliography

Note: All linked Bible verses come from the NASB1995 version.

“Barnabas.” in Lexham Bible Dictionary. Logos Bible Software, accessed June 2, 2022. www.logos.com.

Brooks, James. “Barnabas.” Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary. revised ed. edited by Chad Brand, Eric Mitchell, and Holman Reference Editorial Staff.

Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2015.

Barnabas. (2002). In R. Brownrigg, Who’s who in the New Testament, Routledge (2nd ed.). Routledge. Credo Reference:

http://library.dbu.edu:2048/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/routwwnt/barnabas/0?institutionId=2659.

Blackaby Norman and Gene Wilkes. Character: The Pulse of a Disciple’s Heart. Birmingham: New Hope, 2012.

Cross, Frank and Elizabeth Livingstone, ed. “Barnabas.” Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 3rd ed. accessed June 2, 2022.

https://www-oxfordreference-com.library.dbu.edu/view/10.1093/acref/9780192802903.001.0001/acref-9780192802903.

Northouse, Peter G. Leadership: Theory & Practice. 9th ed. Thousand Oaks: Sage, 2022.

Wilkes, C. Gene. Jesus on Leadership: Timeless Wisdom on Servant Leadership. Carol Stream: Tyndale, 1998.

Zodhiates, Spiros. ed. Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible: Key Insights into God’s Word, New

            American Standard Bible, rev. ed. Chattanooga, TN: AMG.

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The Left Engine

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The Pilot and Passengers

The airplane pilot calmly addressed the passengers.

 “We are experiencing trouble with the left engine. We are currently talking to Chicago about the problem. Maintenance will be arriving soon. We will try to start the plane again, wait for a period of time, and try to start the engine again. Please sit tight while we address this problem.”

I sat in seat 14F on the tarmac for two and a half hours when the pilot addressed the issue. I wondered why they did not get all the passengers off this plane and onto another plane. Why stress us all out wondering if it were our last day on earth or whether angels intervened to make us safe? At this juncture, all the passengers and I could do was trust the pilot.

The Left Engine

But why all the concern with the left engine? I get it now that I am off the plane and can indulge in mindless research. The left engine is the engine that, if it fails, will have the most adverse effect on the control and performance of the aircraft. To understand why the left engine is critical, one must also understand the right engine. The right engine’s slipstream does not strike the rudder and does not affect the aircraft’s control. Still, if the right engine were to fail, the left engine’s slipstream would counteract the airplane’s instability and deviation toward the dead engine, assisting in aircraft control. [1] However, this same positive counteraction does not occur if the left engine encounters trouble.

Trusting God in our Spiritual Life

I compare the left engine to our spiritual life. In life, we sometimes have trust issues—some rational, some not! Regardless of our problems and issues, we have a heavenly Father to support us in our time of need. When Jesus’ disciples thought they would perish in the storm, Jesus came to the rescue calming the storm. He can do the same for us today because sometimes we veer off in the wrong direction (Mark 4:35-41).

On that day, when evening came, He said to them, “Let’s go over to the other side.” After dismissing the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just as He was; and other boats were with Him. And a fierce gale of wind developed, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling with water. And yet Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush, be still.” And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They became very much afraid and said to one another, “Who, then, is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?”

So, how is your “left engine?” Just like how the pilot kept reassuring us that all would be okay, God, the creator of heaven and earth, reassures us continually that He has everything under control.

Let us all be diligent in maintaining our spiritual life—our left engine. We must keep our leverage firmly planted in Jesus Christ, His Word, and in prayer because it will be critical if our left engine fails!

God bless.

Bible Verses:

They rose early in the morning and went out to the wilderness of Tekoa; and when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: Put your trust in the Lord your God and you will endure. Put your trust in His prophets, and succeed” (2 Chronicles 20:20).

Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the Lord (Psalm 4:5).

I will raise my eyes to the mountains; From where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who watches over you will not slumber (Psalm 121:1-3).

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 (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Trust in the Lord forever, For in God the Lord, we have an everlasting Rock  (Isaiah 26:4).

Prayer:

Lord, give me your guidance at all times. Let Your Holy Spirit lead me through conviction, other people, the Bible, and prayer. Allow me to see where I am veering away from You, so that I may fix it before my left engine—my spiritual compass— gets off track. Gently allow me to recognize Your plan for my life and give me the trust I need in You to believe wholeheartedly that You are where my trust needs to be—always. Amen.

Bibliography

[1] “The Critical Engine.” Accessed May 26, 2022. www.thebackseatpilot/critical engine

All verses are taken from the NASB.

Please feel free to share, forward, or copy this blog with authorship included. Thank you.

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A Book Review:  A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip W. Keller

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller is a beautifully written book with enriching insights into this Old Testament chapter. Using the New International Version, the author takes the six verses in the chapter and describes his “shepherd insights” so his audience can revel in the spiritual truths of seeing the Lord as mankind’s shepherd, restorer of soul, comforter, and more.

Phillip Keller (1920-1997), author of this one-hundred thirty-one-page compact book, gained widespread accolades for his authorship of this book. Being born in East Africa, the son of missionaries, Keller became familiar with the open air, nature, and shepherding. Subsequently, Keller traveled the world as a nature photographer and an expert in the science of soil management and crop production. These life experiences prepared Keller to author this book and his other thirty-five Christian books.

Summary

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 is written by someone who valued his early life being raised in the outdoors, while David wrote Psalm 23 when he was fleeing and wandering from place to place to avoid King Saul. David was exposed and defenseless., “Today, this is not the case. Many who either read or study the Scriptures in this twenty-first century come from an urban, manufactured environment. They miss the truth because they are not familiar with such things as sheep, wheat, soil, or grapes.” Keller compares how shepherding sheep calls for attention and care to how he desires man to come under the shepherding of our tender and gentle Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Keller achieves his goal by taking each of the six verses in Psalm 23 and explaining that “One of the outstanding marks of a Christian should be a serene sense of gentle contentment.”

Keller’s purpose is to lead people to transformation and behavior change by yearning for Jesus’ presence in their lives. Like the sheep have their shepherd’s presence, one’s behavior will change to follow Jesus’ will for their life. Transformation is an important goal that Keller wants his audience to understand. He wants the Lord to be our shepherd and live by the Holy Spirit’s direction in our life. Keller shows how this purpose is obtainable by explaining the necessary requirements to lie down and trust the shepherd, Jesus. For example, the book states, “Instead of loving myself most, I am willing to love Christ best and others more than myself” and “Instead of exercising and asserting my will, I am willing to learn to cooperate with His wishes and comply with His will.”

Transformation is an important goal that Keller wants his audience to understand.
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Some will find Keller’s thesis clearly stated at the end of the book, although its presence is noted throughout its twelve chapters. Keller sums up his thesis when he states, “For when all is said and done on the subject of a successful Christian walk, it can be summed up on one general sentence, “Live ever aware of God’s presence” through Keller’s analogies, similes, and metaphors throughout the book—comparing sheep and shepherds to man and Jesus Christ, an accomplished book was birthed.

“Live ever aware of God’s presence.” by Phillip W. Keller
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We see this thesis in many illustrations throughout the book. In Chapter Eight, titled “Your Rod and Your Staff, They Comfort Me,” the shepherd’s staff primarily guides sheep, whereas, in our walk with God, God’s Holy Spirit will guide us to lead us into all truth (John 16:13). Another comparison between the sheep and man can be seen when young David leads his flock of sheep by keeping them safe whereas one’s “Good Shepherd” goes ahead of us, anticipating danger and praying that one might not depart from the Lord or perish.

Keller’s main points that accomplish his thesis and purpose are displayed in each Bible verse he mentions throughout the book. He wonderfully blends the culture of the day within this psalm. The psalm communicates the sheep’s transformation and humanity’s purpose to transform and lie in God’s holy presence.

Critical Evaluation

A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 did not explicitly state its purpose and thesis until later in the book. However, it was apparent that the author’s underlying approach was to show a parallel between the shepherds and sheep and man to God while calling for a transformation and life in His presence.

Keller’s claims and arguments are well-supported. One illustration the author used came from Chapter 10 when he talked about how sheep are troubled by nose flies and fly around a sheep’s head, then hatch to form larvae. Eventually, irritation and severe inflammation occur. He proceeds to compare how applying an antidote to their heads changed their behavior upon many applications. In the same way, Keller tells us that we must continually come to Him for our daily anointing of God’s presence. Illustrations like this are a powerful testimony to what is needed to get back on the right and productive track.

The strengths in Keller’s book abound. He was raised in a rural area, a Christian home, contributing to this book’s strength. From the gorgeous cover on the gift edition to the beautiful well-placed photographs in the book to the elegant, simple language used. Keller had a comprehensive view of shepherding as he shepherded a flock for many years. His perspective allowed him to have a unique view on the topic. Another positive in Keller’s book includes insightful Biblical principles from each chapter, which coexists with Keller’s shepherding approach, as shown below.

Chapter 1:      God is our shepherd. One needs to deny themselves and belong to Him.

Chapter 2:      When depending on Christ, contentment comes.

Chapter 3:      By having God in one’s life, behavior changes.

Chapter 4:      Being in Christ’s presence guides life’s directions.

Chapter 5:      God is our shepherd. He knows what He is doing.

Chapter 6:      Willingness to do what God wants is beneficial.

Chapter 7:      Thank God for difficulties in life.

Chapter 8:      Reading the Bible gives spiritual understanding.

Chapter 9:      God knows all our circumstances—good and evil.

Chapter 10:    People should have Christ and the Holy Spirit in their lives.

Chapter 11:    Trust in God’s goodness and mercy.

Chapter 12:    Live in God’s presence.

The disadvantage some see in this book revolves around Keller’s lack of formal education. However, when one reads Acts 4:13, we see how uneducated and untrained men can be used in ministry equally. When the rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem, “they observed the confidence of Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus (Acts 4:13 NIV). A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 is read by people from various backgrounds and social statuses. Many proficient authors educate themselves through their life experiences and personal Bible study. Another disadvantage is that Keller does not connect the chapter title with its corresponding Bible verse in the Contents or for each chapter. Additionally, the book could have included both an index and a glossary, which would help the reader.

Conclusion

All people could benefit from this book—those who rejoice in the Lord and those with affliction, Bible teachers, and more. Being so awed by this book, I immediately bought a copy for my friend, who is reading it one chapter at a time, and following up her reading with intentional meditation and contemplation. This is the type of book I would love to read or reread wrapped up in a blanket, on a cold, snowy day, with the fireplace aglow.

I do value this book tremendously. One reason is that I have a blog titled “Greene Pastures” located at GreenePastures.org. There is an “e” at the end of Greene because that is how I spell my last name, plus GreenPastures was already taken as a domain name. Second, I love reading innovative ideas and commentaries. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 falls under that category.

Keller’s writings contain a plethora of common sense and easy-to-understand Biblical principles. I have not read his other books, but I will choose a few to read in the future—The High Cost of Holiness and Elijah: Prophet of Power. Keller is a man who has been used mightily by God to encourage transformation and living in God’s presence. His influence spans the globe, and I wholeheartedly recommend A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23.

God Bless.

 Works Cited

Keller, W. Phillip. A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2015.

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My Favorite Pericope: James 1:5-8

Today, let us summarize a pericope from James 1:5-8.

Did I catch your attention with the word “pericope”? It is not a common word used outside of theological studies, but I will share my new vocabulary with you since I recently learned its meaning. Oxford Lexico defines a pericope as “an extract from a text, especially a passage from the Bible.” ¹

So, let’s move on!

JAMES 1:5 SAYS

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

We all encounter trials! That is why we need wisdom. We must ask God for wisdom. Why? Because He gives it to us liberally and without reproach. Reproach means “disapproval or disappointment.”

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God. GreenePastures.org/my-favorite-pericope-james-1:5-8
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SOLOMON’S PRAYER FOR WISDOM

In that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you?”

And Solomon said to God, “You have dealt with my father David with great lovingkindness, and have made me king in his place. Now, O Lord God, Your promise to my father David is fulfilled, for You have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth.

Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?”

God said to Solomon, “Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king,

wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you. (2 Chron 1:7-12 NASB).

JAMES 1:6 STATES

But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind.

If we do not believe God will give His wisdom to us, James compares us to a wave of the sea tossed by the wind. We need to be solid and firm, not insipid about our faith.

JAMES 1:7-8 CONTINUES

For that person ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

James calls the one who does not believe he will receive wisdom from God a “double-minded man.” Some scholars call him a “double-souled man.” James also says that such a person should not expect anything from the Lord. What a tragedy when God wants to give us the best life possible by emulating Himself!

SOLOMON AND THE BABIES

In 1 Kings 3:16-28 (CEV), Solomon, a man of wisdom, had to make a difficult decision.

Two women came to him, and the first woman told him that she lived alone in the same house with another woman. This woman had a baby boy, and three days later, the second woman also had a baby boy. While they were sleeping, the second lady rolled over her baby, and he died. Then, she got up and took the first woman’s son out of her bed and put the dead baby next to her.

As you can imagine, the first woman saw the dead baby in the morning and knew it was not her son. In front of King Solomon, they continued arguing back and forth.

The king said, “Someone bring me a sword.” When a sword was brought to Solomon, he ordered that the living baby be cut in half, so each woman could have a part of the baby.

The real mother screamed, “Your Majesty, I love him very much, but give him to her. Just do not kill him.” The second woman shouted, “Go ahead and cut him in half. Then neither of us will have the baby.”

With all his godly wisdom, Solomon said, “Don’t kill the baby.” Pointing to the first woman, he declared, “She is his real mother. Give the baby to her.” And all Israel was amazed when they heard how Solomon wisely made his decision.

This kind of wisdom is possible for us as well. I experienced God’s wisdom when I asked Him for it early in my spiritual walk.

MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH PRAYING FOR WISDOM

Back in the 1970s I was an elementary-grade teacher in the Fort Worth, Texas school system. Each spring, teachers selected by the district to be retained had to decide whether to sign a new contract, confirm their agreement to stay for the upcoming school year, or not sign and seek opportunities elsewhere.

Before me was the question of whether to stay in Fort Worth, or move to Houston. It was my first encounter with genuinely seeking God’s wisdom.

On April 1, 1977, our principal walked into my classroom while I was teaching and, in front of everyone, handed me my contract for the upcoming year. “I need it back by 4:00 p.m. today,” he said.

I was struck with fear of being forced to make such a consequential decision so quickly! I gave my students some busy work and consulted my Bible. I prayed, then searched the Scripture for the Lord’s direction.

I eventually came upon Ecclesiastes 11:5:

Just as you do not know the path of the wind, and how bones are formed in the womb of the pregnant woman, so you do not know the activity of God who makes everything.

While it does not make sense to anyone else but me, that verse might as well have said, “Patti, move to Houston.” That very day, I told my principal I was moving and never looked back.

I can say that following James 1:5 in asking for God’s wisdom, He answers. It might not be the way one might envision or in the timeline preferred, but God loves us so much and has so much compassion on us that He always answers at just the right time.

HOW TO ATTAIN WISDOM

  1. Ask for wisdom—not human understanding, but divine wisdom from God’s Holy Spirit.
  2. Make it a habit to cleanse yourself from all known sins.
  3. Trust in God’s word to guide you as you seek His wisdom, then
  4. Trust that God’s wisdom will change your life.

God makes wisdom attainable to us. My charge is for you to follow the steps above and always recall this Godly pericope from James 1:5-8.

PRAYER

My dear Lord, when I am fearful to ask You for help, understanding, or wisdom, guide me by Your Holy Spirit, to You—to trust You and have faith. I want to live my life fully attuned to Your will and ways, but sometimes I fail. Please give me the courage to ask for wisdom in faith to be stable in all my ways. Amen.

BIBLE VERSES

  1. Wisdom and Understanding—King David said, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His Commandments; His praise endures forever!” (Psalm 111:10).
  2. Faith—Jesus said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it shall move; and nothing shall be impossible to” (Matthew 17:20b).
  3. Stability—Paul said, “For even though I am absent in body, nevertheless I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good discipline and the stability of your faith in Christ.” (Colossians 2:5).
  4. Freely Given–Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (2 Timothy 2:7)

God Bless,

¹”Pericope.” Dictionary. Accessed December 12th, 2021. https://www.lexico.com/definition/pericope.

Edited by E. Johnson.

Linked Bible verses come from the New American Standard Bible.

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Books by Patti Greene (Great for birthday gifts, Mother’s Day, and more)

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