Each week (give or take one or two here and there) I share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too. You can find a whole pile of things, especially books, I like and recommend HERE.
1. Scriptura Bibles
Several years ago I had the chance to partner with a little company called “Paul’s Leather Company” who specialized in high-quality Bible binding on some promotion and writing. I received one of their Bibles as a thank-you for our partnership, and it is magnificent. Since then, they have rebranded as Scriptura Bibles (a great move) and increased their offerings. One of the best things they do is re-binding Bibles. I have an old ESV that my parents gave me when I was a freshman in college that is fullof highlights, underlines, notes and memories, but it was falling apart. Scriptura rebound it in beautiful, full grained, brown leather and now I have a generational type of keepsake. Their craftsmanship is excellent, their prices are fair (especially given the quality of work and materials), and they are genuine lovers of God’s word not just Biblical artifacts. If you are looking for a high-quality, unique Bible as a gift or for yourself or if you have an old Bible you want to last, check them out.
2. Romans 8 by Immanuel Worship
Putting scripture to music isn’t easy. The Biblical text wasn’t generally written in meter and rhyme (at least not the English translation). The majority of the New Testament is in prose which wasn’t crafted with the intent of singing. So to skillfully take Biblical text and put it to song without missing a syllable is quite a feat. And to do so not just with a preferred verse here and there but with an entire chapter of the Bible (and maybe the greatest chapter in the Bible at that) is truly remarkable. This is just what the music team at Immanuel Church, where I serve, did a few years ago. They put the entirety of Romans 8 into song and did so masterfully–by which I mean the songs are good and singable. I know this because we sing them as a church, and this album was recorded with congregational singing. On top of that, interspersed between the songs are readings of the text by Shai Lynne and sermonic reflections on the text by Ray Ortlund, Sam Allberry, and TJ Tims. In all, this is a true worship album complete with Word, prayer, and response. And it is nearly impossible not to know Romans 8 by heart after a few listens.
3. Barry Sanders Highlights
Football season is upon us. Despite what the saccharine songs will tell us in a couple months, this is, in fact, the most wonderful time of the year. One of the many reasons it is so delightful is because it gives us an excuse to revel in the sheer genius of the great ones, like Barry Sanders. No one in football history has run the ball like Barry. I don’t know if he was the greatest running back ever, but he was unique and he was likely the most exciting. So enjoy these several minutes of utter athletic insanity.
