Deus Misereatur

Leviticus: An Introduction and Commentary by Jay Sklar My rating: 5 of 5 stars Years ago I taught a series of classes through Leviticus for the congregation I served then in west Texas. One day as we were wading through a particularly difficult passage, one of the women shouted out, "Why are we even studying this book? It doesn't make any sense and it doesn't matter, anyway!" Jay Sklar, professor of Old Testament and dean of faculty at Covenant Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri, gives students of the Bible renewed reasons to read and relish this biblical book in his 336 page softback commentary, "Leviticus". This third volume in the Tyndale Old Testament Commentary series hands parishioners, pastors, and professors a learned, and yet lucid resource that will be referred to for years. Sklar's introduction alone is worth the price of the book. In the introduction the author maps out reasons for Leviticus, and how it should be read and heard. The author s...

The Heart of Domestic Abuse: Gospel Solutions for Men Who Use Control and Violence in the Home by Chris Moles My rating: 5 of 5 stars The signs are clear. He shouts at her often, sometimes smashing holes through the walls with his fists, then blaming her nagging ways for his outburst. He demands to know her every move, even placing tracking apps on her cell phone. He limits her "alone-time" with her friends because they're bad for her. Recently he took control of the family finances, even mandating that all earned income be turned over to him. Not only does he threaten to leave her and take the kids, but she found out recently that he tells the children he can't trust their mother and they need inform him whenever she does something they know he won't like. These are a few of the indications of domestic abuse. They may not be physically violent, but they are threatening, oppressive, and suffocating. If you are this family's pastor or elder, do you ignore i...

The Sackett Brand by Louis L'Amour My rating: 4 of 5 stars Energized read about a gritty form of justice in the face of handsome, successful evil. The kind of evil the uses people, then tosses them aside. The kind of justice the endures because it really is justice on behalf of others who have been wrangled and wronged, but can no longer speak. And the kind of grit that shows through impossible conditions, and yet grinds it's way forward, tumble-by-tumble, through wounds, blood-loss, and deprivation. Typical L'Amour tale, told in his gripping fashion. The kind of tale that draws the reader in, page-turning, passionate, and proud. The type of story that makes one glad of dusty valor, rugged virtue and familial vows . I happily recommend the book. View all my reviews

Lord, your servant John concluded his letter with these words: “ And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols ” (1 John 5.20-21). For these reasons we make bold to call on you, to call on you in truth (Psalm 145.18). For your church on every continent, including this congregation,  South Lindsay Baptist Church, Southern Hills Baptist, Southern Temple, and Southmoore Baptist Church, we pray. Help us to keep ourselves from idols – whether handmade or heart-made! Bring us to grow in understanding you, your purposes, your Word, and your ways for us. Deepen our perception and knowledge of Jesus who is true, and is the true God and eternal life. And draw us together in him. Bless and enrich the upcoming Oklahoma Conference on Reformed Theology. Give Harry Reeder your gracious g...