If you ever wanted to get to know Tebow better, read this book.  It explains how he ticks, what motivates him, and his single-minded determination to follow his passion (football and specifically playing quarterback)–all with God’s help and all to His glory.

Warning to the ladies:  this book is packed full of football plays, strategy, and game-day moments that for the uninitiated can be very tedious and boring.  Luckily for me, I actually wrote a novel on a football player so I learned all about football and read tons of book on the matter so I now consider myself knowledgeable in the area.

However, it is in these football reminisces that Tebow throws in the God nuggets of wisdom that makes this book great.

For someone so young it is surprising and inspiring really how he is so grounded in life.  He knows what’s important, what’s the goal in life (living for others, fulfilling God’s purpose for you, and giving Him the glory) and he never deviates.  Based on this book, Tebow never engages in stupid teenager stuff (inspiring for those of us parents who are yet to face the infamous teenage years) and he is always pulling for his team and everyone else.

Yet he’s not perfect.  One of my favorite moments was when he is describing a game against LSU.  Apparently LSU students had gotten a hold of his phone number and were relentlessly calling him all week so after a touchdown he and his teammates celebrated and Tebow mocked them (P. 139).  I love this because it is human.  And I think that’s okay.

But I think the part of this book I will always remember is probably one I shouldn’t but I will:  Tebow’s dog, Otis.  Otis was the protector of their family and one day Tebow finds him on their farm mangled, his jaw all twisted and his legs splayed apart unnaturally. The vet informs the family that Otis was probably hit with a baseball bat.  Miraculously, Otis survives and lives a fairly normal life afterwards.

I’m sure this was probably the act of some stupid teenagers trying to pay back Tebow for whatever.  But in my view there is a special place in Hell for those who harm animals and kids and are unrepentant.  I only pray it was just an act of stupid kids and they did repent of it.

Still, as an animal lover, I get riled when people do stupid stuff like this and it cuts me to the core.

I loved this book.  Sure, I’m biased.  I’m a huge Denver and Tebow fan so that helps.  But this book is so encouraging especially to us parents who rue how this world has become when it comes to our kids.  Yet Tebow shows kids can grow up to love God, love others, love the world, and make it a better place without falling into the typical teenage trap of underage sex, underage drinking or doing drugs, immature pranks and acts (like beating up dogs for a stupid revenge or bet), or any other crowd mentality kids tend to follow.

There are many human moments in this book like where Tebow is trying to decide which college to play for and in the end when he does decide he briefly decides to change his mind and then he receives no peace from God over the decision (P. 88).

He talks about doing the right thing on P. 176 which reminds me of Paul 2 Thessalonians 3:13 “never tire of doing what is right.”

Tebow talks about how we all have a platform God has given us that we must use for His glory and how football is that for him.  How we should give everything–victories and disappointments–to God.  How God’s voice is the only voice that matters.

He’s a great example of what living a God-centered life looks like.

Great, encouraging book in these times of so much negativity.  One that will surely lift you up and remind you of the only important thing in this transient world:  God.

Paul tells them he lived a life of humility and tears as he served the Lord.  He preached helpful words to both Jews and Greeks about having faith in Christ and repenting to God.  Paul is compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem where he knows he will face prison and hardships.  His life is worth nothing to him if only he will finish the race and complete the task set out for him by Lord Jesus.

They won’t see him again so they must keep watch over the church and believers.  They must be on their guard for wolves will lurk and try to hurt the believers.  He commits them to God who can build them up and give them an inheritance.  We must help the weak, work hard, and remember Jesus’ words “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

They Paul prayed.

Then Paul boards a ship to Cos, Rhodes, Patar, Phoenicia, Syria, Tyre (where he stayed to encourage disciples and prayed), Ptolemais, and then Caesarea.  Here, the prophet Agabus bound his own hands and feet in warning to Paul about what will happen to him in Jerusalem.  Paul says he is ready to die for Jesus and his companions finally said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

Finally, Paul arrives in Jerusalem.

Questions:

13)  Paul mentions again how he lived with them, serving the Lord with great humility and tears, and how he had not coveted anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing.  Paul’s own hands supplied his needs and the needs of his companions.  He worked hard to help the weak.  Paul taught the people from house to house.  In every city he faces prison and hardships.

14a)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Verse 24 “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me–the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.”  It’s important to strive every day and stay on track with God’s purpose for your life, which is different for all of us, but is ultimately the same:  testifying to the gospel of God’s grace.

Verse 35  ”It is more blessed to give than to receive.”  Important to remember.  God blesses you.  You bless others.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  It shows his undying devotion to God’s call on his life.  He is singularly focused on his task.  It shows his love for others and how much others loved him (which is much harder to earn).  Throughout it all he prayed, kept the faith, and once again offered sage advice upon leaving.

15a)  Verse 35:  ”It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Have a giving attitude.  Remember how everything is from God and you are merely a steward of it all.  Give of yourself, your finances, your time, your energy, and your passions in all areas of life.

Conclusions:  Paul is a great example of how to life your life.  He faces challenges knowing God is with him.  He obviously knows how to treat people since they adore him and beg him to spare himself.  He is always giving advice on how to live a better life and he himself is always striving to be a better person.  He’s a great role model.

I like how finally everyone agrees to “The Lord’s will be done.”  So often we fight against God and His will for us and others that we don’t submit to Him our problems, anxieties, and ultimately our lives.  God is in control but we sometimes try to be. Here Paul is the perfect example of knowing he cannot fight God’s will for his life so he accepts it 100%. This is hard for most of us but something we can always be trying to achieve:  100% committal to God’s will for our lives.

End Note:  My study bible says that the quote “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is the only quote from Jesus not found in the New Testament Gospels.  I found this fascinating.

Map of Paul’s Third Missionary Journey:

http://www.apostlepaulthefilm.com/paul/journey_03.htm

This map shows all of the places mentioned in the passage:

http://www.biblestudy.org/maps/apostle-paul-third-missionary-journey-large-map.html

Paul arrives in Troas where he speaks all night to a group of people before his final departure to Jerusalem.  A young man named Eutychus was seated in a window when he fell out of it during Paul’s long sermon and dies.  Paul then throws himself on the man, wraps his arms around him, and brings him back to life.  Then Paul continues with his sermon until daybreak.

Questions:

10)  God ultimately.  Then to encourage believers and the churches he had established and spread the Good News.

11a)  He sunk into a deep sleep and fell from a third story window and died.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Eyes on speaker.  Ears open for God to speak to you.  No outside distractions or speaking.

12)  Paul threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him and Eutychus was brought back to life. He continued on as if nothing odd had just happened.

Conclusions:  I completely disagree with the interpretation here on Question 11b.  I don’t blame the guy for falling asleep.  I probably would.  I don’t know many of us who can sit through a 6 hour sermon until midnight after having been up since daybreak working in the fields performing manual labor as we have to assume Eutychus was (that’s why Paul was preaching at night because everyone worked during that day).

We are also told there were many lamps.  Lamps in Paul’s time were oil lamps and gave off a lot of smoke and fumes (unhealthy to breath).  We’re not talking kerosene here.  The fuel was most likely olive oil.  We can also assume there’s a lot of people packed into a tiny space to hear Paul before he leaves (another reason Eutychus may have been sitting on the window).

So here’s Eutychus breathing in all these fumes, probably sweating from all the people and the heat from the lamps, being lulled to sleep by Paul because he’s exhausted, and he falls out the window.  I would have too!

Why wouldn’t Paul show compassion?  What’s he gonna do?  Blame the guy?  Doubt it.  Eutychus died because he was eager to hear the word of God and couldn’t overcome his exhaustion that was not caused by any fault of his own.  It was the times he lived in.  Naps were non-existent back then for most people.

In the end, God made humans and humans require sleep.  It’s not something we can go without.  Trust me, I’ve pulled enough all-nighters in my college days to know this is horrible for the body.

I see no fault here whatsoever with Eutychus falling asleep and I believe Luke told the story either as a diligent reporter who was recording Paul’s travels or to show the dedication of believers.  I don’t think he ever intended it as a warning that “If we fall asleep in church we’re doomed to Hell.”

I don’t like the word “motive” either in Question 10 merely because this word is used almost exclusively in the US when someone commits a crime or has a hidden agenda.  In actuality, it means according to Webster’s Dictionary “moving or tending to move to action.”  So Paul’s motive overall is God and then we can break this down into spreading the Good News and encouraging his churches.

Question 10 also makes it seem as if Paul’s motive has changed when it hasn’t.  This has always been his motive since he was first called by God.

Map of Paul’s Third Missionary Journey:

http://www.apostlepaulthefilm.com/paul/journey_03.htm

Paul spoke in the synagogue there fore 3 months but left when some Jews were barring the Way.  He moved to the lecture hall (or gymnasium) of Tyrannus and spoke for 2 years to all the Jews and Greeks in Asia (what we call Asia Minor).  God did extraordinary miracles through Paul during this time and when the Seven Sons of Sceva tried to mimic him for their own personal gain, they were set upon by the evil spirit and beaten badly.

Yet God used this for when word spread of what happened to the Sons many more were converted and repented of their sorcery.  Others saw this and converted as well.

Then Paul decided it was time to move on.  He sent Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia while he planned to go to Jerusalem.  Before he left, a riot broke out instigated by the craftsmen who were losing business since Artemis was slowly being replaced by Jesus.  Finally, a city clerk had to quiet the crowd by saying they either bring up charges or be charged with rioting.  The group quickly disassembled.

Questions:

5)  Holy Spirit

6)  Paul began in the synagogues (as usual) and preached there for about 3 months until some of the Jews became obstinate.  So he moved his teaching to the lecture hall (or gymnasium) of Tyrannus where he preached for 2 years.  He performed miracles and spread the Word to most of Asia (Asia Minor).

Paul then decides it is time to move on to Jerusalem via Macedonia and Achaia but before that happens a riot breaks out in Ephesus, led by the craftsmen who are losing customers as more people convert to Christianity.

7)  God does not like deception and to be careful when messing around with evil spirits and the occult and spiritual warfare.  What you may think is innocent or a mere profit scheme could lead to terrible repercussions.

8a)  Those who repented backed up their words with actions.  They burned their scrolls (basically flushed money down the toilet) to show their hearts to God and so no one else could use them.  Faith is more than words.  It’s actions.  You must walk the talk.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Hurtful words.

9)  In John 19:10-11 we are reminded powerfully how God allowed Jesus to be crucified even though Pilate wanted Jesus to go free.  God is in control of all.  In Acts 16:37-9, Paul’s Roman citizenship protected him in the Roman Empire and allowed him to spread the word more freely.  In Romans 13:1-7, God has established all authority over us (which includes our parents) so if you rebel against authority you are rebelling against God.  If you do what is right, you will be rewarded.

In our passage, Acts 19, a riot threatens Paul and his journey (a riot is outside the established authority) but a city clerk finally contains the crowd enough to allow reason to prevail.  Here, Paul once again escapes the wrath of non-believers because they are outside of the law.  God used the clerk to allow Paul to continue his missionary journey despite the resistance all around him.

Conclusions:  Lots of nuggets in this passage.  I see again the message of doing what is right over what is evil (2 Thessalonians 3:13) from the riot.  The Seven Sons of Sceva felt first hand what it is like to mess around with evil spirits.  People today take this lightly (like palm-reading and contacting the dead and the occult and such) but God does not.

We learned the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and how powerful that is.  You must accept Jesus or you won’t receive the Holy Spirit and eternal life.  Anything else falls short of this.

We see mob mentality and how powerful it is.  I actually blogged about this in relation to Jesus’ death (see post HERE).  The power of people to “follow the crowd” is real and something we must always be wary of.  It is outside the confines of the government authority and therefore something we should not obey since it is not in God’s authority.

Map of Paul’s Third Missionary Journey, with a great commentary to sum up his Journey:

http://www.apostlepaulthefilm.com/paul/journey_03.htm

Apollos was encouraged by the brothers to spread the News to Achaia and he helped those who believed.  He vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving Jesus was the Christ using Scriptures.

Questions:

3a)  He left Antioch and went throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening the disciples there.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  All my relatives and myself.  I always need strengthening (as we all do) when this world tears us down.

4a)  He was a learned man with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.  He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately.  He spoke boldly in the synagogue.

Traits:  intelligent, knowledgeable, probably charismatic to speak boldly, passionate about the Lord and Jesus, and had a heart for others to know Him.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  The Bible says they “explained to him the way of God more adequately.”  I would imagine they filled him in on what happened after the baptism of John, told him all about Jesus’ ministry, His death and resurrection, all about what Paul and the others were doing, and about the decisions the Council at Jerusalem had made.

We are told Apollos was a Jew so we must assume he knew the Jewish law so he had all the history.  It seems he just needed to understand the relationship between God and Jesus and Jesus and man more clearly.

We can also assume that Aquila and Priscilla spent an enormous amount of time with Paul so they imparted with Apollos what exactly Paul was teaching and his vision from God so Apollos could spread that message as well.

c)  They gave him new knowledge and probably new confidence in his words.  Apollos was able to vigorously refute the Jews in public debate using the Scriptures, which he probably went over with Aquila and Priscilla.  I can assume Apollos gained an enormous amount of information and a new desire and will to succeed.

d)  Apollos apparently was very effective in convincing people to accept Jesus Christ as the Messiah and as their Savior.  However, it appears people were lining up behind the messenger instead of the Message.  People were holding up Apollos, Paul, and Peter in place of Jesus, which is what Paul is chastising the Corinthians about in his letter.  This could quickly become a form of cult worship or sects within the body of Christ that Paul was not going to tolerate.

Paul warns the Corinthians and urges Apollos to return to Corinth but he declines.  I’m wondering if this was so his “cult” or following wouldn’t get any bigger and the chaos and frenzy surrounding Apollos would die down a bit.

Paul appeals to the people, saying they are united in their purpose to convert people and it is all God’s doing, not the mere effort of mortal men.

Conclusions:  I love learning about obscure people in the Bible that my church never talks about.  This is why I LOVE BSF! We study all of God’s word and not just the popular bits and pieces that seem to be so prevalent in today’s ministries.

In our effort to reach people and spread the Good News some of the nuts and bolts get lost amongst the big picture that is hanging up on the wall.  As Paul demonstrates repeatedly not only must we be converted, we must be strengthened.  The beginning is important but we must finish the race for God will judge all of our actions.

Application:  Something all too common in today’s world and we hear it all the time both in religion and in the secular world.

In religion:  people start worshiping the messenger and when they fall (which all humans do) people are devastated, left in a lurch, lost and all because they can’t see around the person.  Or cults take off and control people’s lives.  We must be wary of those with evil intentions.

In the secular world:  people practically worship celebrities or what have you and trends instead of realizing the One, True One to worship.  We must fight against this every day of our lives.  Just like idols in the study of Isaiah.  Anything is an idol if we put it above God.

Map of Paul’s Third Missionary Journey, showing Antioch, Galatia, and Phrygia:

http://www.apostlepaulthefilm.com/paul/journey_03.htm

I just want to say I am so thankful you all are here to learn more about God’s word.  Your faithfulness will be rewarded both here on Earth and in Heaven.  You are making an impact because of your new knowledge!

I have heard from so many of you who are struggling so I want to offer up a suggestion:

If you are confused on what the Word is saying, try doing the kids’ lessons first.

Yep, I said it.  The kids’ lessons.

This is the first year my older kids are in the program.  I do my lesson during the week and usually on Sundays I sit down with my kids and we go over their lesson and do it (yes, I know.  They are supposed to do it daily but we do a daily Bible Study for homeschool so Sunday is our only day to hammer out BSF.  The point of daily questions is to be in the Word daily, which we all are).

So, the questions are basically adult questions but simplified.  It points out the main truths so the kids will get it.  Most are fill in the blank and multiple choice but it sure does make it easy to know what the point is!

Maybe if you are struggling with a particular day pull up the kids questions on that day and read them.  I guarantee you’ll get something out of it you probably missed.  I know I do.  I have an opportunity to study the passage AGAIN with my kids and I always get some nugget or clarification from their lesson.

Another tool available now to all via the Internet that I would utilize if I were new to the Word and struggling.

Artistic Pursuits is an art program put together by a homeschooling Mom.  This is a review for Grades K-3 Book.

My kids love art as all children do and I have been well pleased with this book.  It offers lessons that pertain to history so we do those lessons as we discuss those historical areas.  It also offers lessons on different aspects of art such as what artists do or see.  I particularly like the historical background and the paintings covered in this book.  It was definitely unexpected and a welcome addition to my curriculum.

On their website you can order their pre-packaged bundle which comes with all the art supplies you need.  I ordered the supplies from one of their links so I could customize it to what I needed and didn’t need.

Art as most of us know is pricey.  It is for public schools as well.  But the kids love it and it is so good for them to express themselves in different mediums.

There are 5 levels from preschool through high school that focuses on different areas.

Conclusions:  Overall great job on educating the student on art and how it pertains to history.  It covers the basics as well.  I am not interested in perfect form or drawing lessons per se since I doubt my kids well be the next Picasso so this book fit well for our needs.

I am unsure if I will continue with this next year.  I like it but I want to focus more on famous artists and am considering the Core Knowledge area as well.  There are some Medieval Lessons in this book that I will save for next year however.  Highly recommend.

Gershon is unkind to all he meets.  He never says sorry or asks for forgiveness for his mistakes or wrongdoings.  Instead, he’d sweep his thoughtless acts (portrayed by black little guys) into the cellar every week and once a year on Rosh Hashanah he’d dump them into the sea.

Of course, Gershon wants something:  a child.  He visits the tzaddik (a wonder rabbi) who tells him, “Be thankful for what you have.”  But the tzaddik grants his wish since his wife is a good woman but with one caveat:  they will not make it past age 5.

Gershon continues his reckless ways until his twins’ fifth birthday where the prophecy is put into motion.  As the kids are playing at the seashore, an immense black monster swoops upon the children, a monster with all of Gershon’s misdeeds written on its side.

Finally, Gershon prays for the monster to take him instead of the children and for the first time in Gershon’s life he truly feels sorry for what he has done.

The monster retreats, Gershon scrubs his cellar, and begins to live a kind-hearted life.

This is a great tale of admitting wrong-doing, taking responsibility, and beginning the process of forgiving and healing and making amends.

I loved this story the first time I read it as did my kids.  It shows how sins pile up if not properly reconciled through God.  Great story of leading a good life.

Paul commands them to stay away from idlers and who do not live according to his teachings.  We were not idle.  We worked night and day so as not to be a burden.  For if a man will not work, he shall not eat.  We urge you to earn the bread you eat and never tire of doing what is right.  Warn those who are not following our instruction.

Questions:

12a)  Help me to spread the message of the Lord and it be honored.  Allow us to be delivered from wicked and evil and to strengthen and protect us from the Devil.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Myself, family, friends, BSF group, and others who come to mind.

13)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Never tire of doing what is right (verse 13).  May the Lord direct my heart into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance (verse 5).

14)  In 1 Thessalonians, Paul sprinkles the coming of Jesus throughout the letter, only referring vaguely to what will happen when Jesus returns.  In 2 Thessalonians, Paul is warning the Thessalonians not to be deceived by others in the coming of Jesus and he delves deeper into the specifics, saying a man of lawlessness will come who pretends to be Jesus.

Both says to be ready but not to dwell on the matter which is how I see it.  Live like Jesus and when/if he comes, you’ll be ready.

Conclusions:  I find it interesting how Paul talks in both letters about idleness.  I tend to think of this as only a recent phenomenon with the advance of modern technology that has enabled man to be so.  However, apparently it has always had a place in man’s life.  There are always those looking to reap the benefits of others’ work.

I like how Paul says to keep away from those who are idle.  This does not mean non-Christians as it could be interpreted but those who are lazy.  I assume this is because either you will become lazy or they will harm you in some way.

My favorite part is “never tire of doing what is right.”  This is hard for all of us.  Usually because doing what is wrong is easier.  Sticking to the moral high ground is no longer in fashion these days.

The last two weeks the questions have focused on Jesus’ Second Coming.  I believe this is so because a lot of people dismiss this as false.  For me, it’s about living a Christ-centered life, striving to be like Christ, and if Jesus comes, “Hallelujah”.  If not, I still get to heaven to await his return from above.

I blogged about this very same thing since Isaiah talked a lot about it.  You can see the post HERE.

Great practical advice on how to live to please God.  Great encouraging words most of us need to hear on a regular basis.

Questions:

9a)  God chose us (man) to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through our belief in the truth.  We must believe to have the Holy Spirit indwell within so we may be with God.

b)  Great encouragement because it is simply a matter of believing.  It’s a choice much like choosing a career.  God asks for nothing else in return nor requires it.

10)  I believe this refers to the Second Coming of Jesus where we will all we resurrected and will live in harmony with Jesus on the Earth and finally be like Jesus.

11)  Stand firm and hold onto the teachings because by grace God sent His Son to die for us.

Conclusions:  Easy day.  To sum it up:  believe in God’s truth (who He is and His word), accept Jesus as your Savior, and receive God’s sanctification of the Spirit and the glory of Jesus Christ (who he is) as well as eternal salvation.