Deus Misereatur

Ruth: The King Is Coming by Daniel I. Block My rating: 5 of 5 stars The Biblical book known as "Ruth" is one of my favorites to read and preach through. Therefore I was delighted to see that Daniel I Block, Gunther H. Knoedler Professor of Old Testament, Wheaton College, has crafted a unique commentary on Ruth titled "Ruth: The King is Coming". It is part of the "Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the Old Testament," a series that Block is general editor for. This 304 page hardback is meant for seminary professors, preachers, and knowledgeable Bible teachers. The Hebrew and Hebrew grammar is presented in such a way that a mild knowledge of Biblical Hebrew will make the commentary even more valuable. Block looks at the authorial style of "Ruth" in which the initial recipients of the story are "hearers" not essentially "readers. The author of this commentary approaches his work through discourse analysis, which is not only to unde...

Infinitas by David N. Sebastian My rating: 5 of 5 stars If you're looking for a simple story line, lots of adventure, unexpected twists, dragons, wood gnomes, gypsies, rangers, wood sprites, skeleton armies, wraiths, loads of scary creatures, and a sort-of happily-ever-after ending, then this is the book for you. David Sebastian (a authorial pseudonym) has crafted a blending of story-themes in his recently published 288 page paperback, "Infinitas". This is the first installment in what plans to be a series written primarily for pre-teens and young teens. "Infinitas" follows the adventures of four teens, Drake, Kali, Harold and Ferra, from their home villa, Kordos, to a climactic conclusion as they face the Dragon Queen at the fortress castle of Infinitas. Drake and Kali are pursuing their destiny, a one hundred year old prophecy that one from the bloodline of Auturo would destroy the Dragon Queen. Both Kali and Drake are of that bloodline. Auturo had wounded ...

Sunday morning: Father, we thank you for the night, and for the lovely morning light; for rest and food and loving care, and all that makes the day so fair . Knowing that you continue to care for us and our world, we pray that you would deliver the nations, including our own country, from war, famine, pestilence, catastrophic destruction, terrorism, injustice, despotism and poverty; so that all may know you are God and rise up to give you thanks, and also that your Gospel may spread far and wide liberally, and your Church may dwell in peace and quietness. Look with kindness on our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines, as well as our first responders, firefighters, doctors, nurses and peace officers, especially during this time of holiday festivities when many will be separated from their families by deployment or the call of duty. Keep them from harm, give them good leaders, and strengthen them to be people of rich integrity and justice even when under fire. Please...