Book Review – Tyndale
18 Jan
Tyndale – The Man Who Gave God an English Voice is a superb book authored by David Teems. Teems book tells the story of the fight Tyndale and had with the Catholic Church and others to translate the Bible into English, so that English speaking people could read or hear the Bible in their own language and understand it, rather than just having the Latin version. During this treacherous period Henry VIII was King of England and Martin Luther was writing texts, including his 95 Thesis.
Teems shows in his book how translating the Bible into English was a dangerous thing for Tyndale to embark upon. He was labelled a heretic and ended up in exile, in Germany, for eleven years, until he was betrayed and ultimately executed. Tyndale found himself with a lot of enemies due to his persistence to translate the Bible, including Sir Thomas More.
I really enjoyed reading this book and have to confess that I knew little about Tyndale prior to this. I didn’t realise that before the KJV, Tyndale had already published the New Testament in English. Also, through his translation, Tyndale introduced many new words into the English language. Sadly, within months of Tyndale’s death, the publication of an English Bible was granted by the King.
Teems has researched and written this book incredibly well. I have learned so much, not only about Tyndale, but also about the early Reformation and the cost to the men who persevered with what they believed to be right. The people against his translation made have thought they had silenced Tyndale, with his execution, but, Tyndale’s legacy lives on today.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com book review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
Tags: BookSneeze, David Teems, Lyn Hallewell, Tyndale
Daniel Fast
13 JanI started the Daniel Fast last week. I was a little anxious about doing it as so many foods were cut from my diet. The first few days were awful. My head throbbed from the lack of caffiene. My body ached from the detox. On day three I wondered how much longer I could carry on, and, if these aches were going to last the whole time. This evening, at the end of day six, I have to say that I feel great. The head and body pains left me by the evening of day four. I now have lots of energy, even in late afternoon, which is usually my “I need a coffee injection” time of the day. I’m not feeling the need for coffee at all. I actually feel really good!
Food wise, so far, I’ve only found one thing that I’ve not liked, and that was a snack – almond butter balls. I’ve tried some really nice food, such as Rice, Sweet Potato and Bean Soup, Hummus Casserole, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, Pineapple Muffins and Fig, Pear and Walnut Salad. I used to think to myself “what do vegans eat?” Let’s say that my eyes have been opened! I’ve really been thinking about the food that goes into my body. I think when the fast is over I will continue to use some of the recipes in my weekly diet, and have a largely vegetarian diet.
The first few days I got hungry a lot and it tortured me to give food to the kids that I couldn’t eat. I’m definitely less hungry now. Spiritually, I’ve not put the time in that I should have, so far. We started homeschool back this week, so that generally means an all over the place week, until we are back into routine. I feel like God has spoken into a couple of situations that we’ve prayed about. I’ve also become aware that I need to journal more. I’m hoping to connect more with God this coming week.
On a side note, I tried Quinoa tonight, for the first time, and loved it. The kids ate it without complaining too!
Tags: daniel fast, Lyn Hallewell
One Word – Believe
31 DecHere we are at the end of another year. It’s been a difficult year for a lot of people around the world. I, for one, am looking forward to saying goodbye to 2011. It has been a challenging and painful year, to say the least. My prayer is that 2012 is going to be a year of possibilities and breakthrough.
For a few weeks I’ve been praying and thinking about what my One Word for 2012 will be. I haven’t really been getting much and was beginning to think that I’d just have to pull a word out of a hat! Yesterday, after some time praying, God gave it to me. My word for 2012 is
believe
I wasn’t sure with this word at first. I thought to myself “Of course I believe” and I kind of felt a little embarrassed about sharing this word as my husband and I are lead pastors of a church! As I pondered over this word I think God showed me what he meant.
This year I need to believe in God’s power. That His power is greater than anything. That He moves in power.
I need to believe that if God has promised and said it will happen that it will, He doesn’t need my constant reminders or (un)helpful intervention.
I need to believe that God is a miracle maker, that he still performs miracles and healings today. I just need to open my eyes and see.
I need to believe that I am fearfully and wonderfully made, created with loving hands for this time. I am fiercely loved.
I need to believe in myself and what God can do through me.
believe
When I shared this word with my husband his immediate response was “Well, that’s pretty much the same as trusting” True, to believe is to trust.
Out of interest I looked up the Hebrew word for believe. It is Aman. Aman also means to be faithful and to trust. One of the names of God is El Aman, which means faithful God. This is used in Deut 7:9
“Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.” (NLT)
What’s your word for 2012? Link up here at One Word 365
Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” John 20:29 (NLT)
Tags: Lyn Hallewell, One Word 365
Five Minute Friday – Tired
2 DecFor only five short, bold, beautiful minutes. Unscripted and unedited. We just write without worrying if it’s just right or not.
- 1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
- 2. Link back here and invite others to join in.
3. Most importantly: leave a comment for the person who linked up before you – encouraging them in their writing!
Tired…
FreeDigitalPhotos.net
GO!
I chuckled to myself when I saw the word for today’s Five Minute Friday. It seems to me that my response to people this year, when asked how I am, is that I am tired. It’s been a long, busy year and I am, well, tired! We are 18 months into transitioning our church and it has been quite a stressful and fast paced time. Turning the church around has been difficult and not without cost. The honeymoon period was very short lived. I could quite happily go on an extended vacation to recover, but the work is not yet done. In same ways, it’s just beginning. There is a long way to go. This, in itself, makes me feel even more exhausted! However, I’ve realised this year how much God sustains me if I push into him each and every day. I’ve learned that when I don’t push into him that I can become disillusioned, overwhlemed and lose hope. When I give myself to Him, he gives me peace, hope, brings surprises and gives me the energy to carry on.
My husband and I are intentionally having a quieter Christmas period this year. We recognise that we can’t keep up with the pace it has been. We need time to reflect, regroup and re-energize. I’ve experienced God stretching me this year, way beyond my comfort zones and capacity. Yet, I’ve grown so much. I also feel like I’ve aged some. There are definitely more grey hairs and crows feet than this time last year! I’m fighting off a cold right now, which is desperately trying to come out. I can feel the ache in my legs, my throat is sore and my eyes are sore and tired. Today is our day off and it seems like a good day to rest up, sleep and shake off some of this tiredness.
STOP!
The photo above is by Karen Shaw you can view more of her photos at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
