Go now, write it on a tablet for them,
inscribe it on a scroll,
that for the days to come
it may be an everlasting witness.
These are the rebellious people, deceitful children,
children unwilling to listen to the Lord's instruction.
They say to the seers,
"See no more visions!"
and to the prophets,
"Give us no more visions of what is right!
Tell us pleasant things,
prophesy illusions.
Leave this way,
get off this path,
and stop confronting us
with the Holy One of Israel!"
Isaiah 30:8-11 (NIV)
Five reasons I read fiction:
I find stories meaningful for illustrating truth in various ways.
I love "meeting" new characters that impact my thoughts.
I admire and respect those who are capable of creating a good novel.
The power of raw emotion in a good story touches my soul.
Because I write fiction, I love reading good, creativity-inspiring novels.
Father, thank you for every word given to me. Thank you for every character and story. Apart from you, I can do nothing. Help me to be obedient, Lord. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
How many times have you seen, read, or heard the exact opposite opinion of yours on a book, a movie, a television episode/series, an actor, a singer, a song – and we definitely will not mention political figures?
With matters of art and entertainment where reviews are written or spoken, we are well aware that these are matters of opinion. No matter how intellectual, how educated, how emphatic or passionate, still they are personal opinions. You might agree or disagree either thoroughly or partially because you too have an opinion.
Sometimes you base your reason for reading, viewing, or listening to a certain entertainment medium on an individual's or many individuals' opinions of that particular item. You might select it because the reviewer or the person with whom your conversation takes place is someone you respect, deem articulate, or have established a kind of like-mindedness regarding books, movies, etc. Other times you select your medium on your own and form your opinion without others' input, eventually choosing whether or not to share it with others.
I've read several novels lately I've chosen not to review. Because I would've mostly criticized elements of those stories and really didn't find much enjoyment in them, I let them pass into obscurity because, after all, it would only be my opinion explaining why I didn't care for the books. I've written some negative reviews in the past, one or two which were fairly harsh. No more. I will mention a specific part of a story I don't particularly like in my current reviews, but I no longer choose to give space to reviews if I can't pass along a positive opinion of someone's work.
It can be absolutely startling to learn that a book (etc.) you loved is absolutely hated by another. Opinions form quickly sometimes and over a considerable timetable at other times. Once in awhile, opinions change, reverse, or double down. Admittedly, if I really enjoy, love, like a novel (etc.), I want others to feel the same when I share my experience. It can be disappointing when others don't. Nevertheless, opinions display our differences, our preferences, our agreements, and our mutually shared likes and dislikes.
As important as our opinions can be to us – especially when we back up our responses – in the world of art and entertainment we have our opinion and others will have theirs. End of story.
Father, you listen to us all. You encourage, uplift, strengthen, and teach us if we're willing to learn. Thank you for helping us through this life in all areas. Please continue to do so. We're all desperate for you. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Magnificent!
Father, thank you is never enough. You remind us with this beauty that we are not alone in an ugly world. You have preserved your creativity and allowed people to use it to create beauty. I repeat, thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Such a great voice from many years ago.
Father, such beauty and talent. Thank you for each one who honors you with whatever you've assigned to them. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Gone to the ocean. Much needed short stay. Sea air and the sound of comforting waves. Aaahhhh . . .
God, thank you for this little trip. Desperate for you and so thankful. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
he rises to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
Isaiah 30:18 (NIV)
Five preferences?
Pen, pencil, felt pen, gel pen?
What do you listen to while driving in your vehicle?
Footwear in the house: slippers, just socks, barefoot, shoes?
Bedspread or comforter?
Emailing, texting, or Facebook messaging?
Father, you've given us so many choices in this life. May we choose you and your way for us over all others. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
(Originally posted as "The life and death of . . . Iscariot" on April 21, 2013.)
If you've read Demon . . . a memoir, and/or Havah, The Story of Eve, and now Iscariot: A Novel of Judas, you have learned that Tosca Lee is no amateur in scholarly research and an over-achiever when it comes to inciting thoughtful questions regarding biblical accounts. In order to write Iscariot, Tosca used over 100 books and a personal trip to Israel to attempt to answer her questions about the reviled Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus. Never short on meaningful and often beautiful prose stuffed with stark imagery, Tosca Lee has given readers a possible rendition of the man we love to hate.
Giving Judas a frantic and fearful childhood fleeing the Romans with his family, The Law dominates their lives as they faithfully complete all of the Temple rituals. Awaiting a Messiah to deliver them from Roman rule, they pursue an earthly kingdom for Israel, the two brothers hoping for eventual positions among the religious elite.
Tragic loss shoots pain and suffering into Judas' life, ripening his need for a savior. Iscariot suggests the troop of disciples struggle to grasp the ministry of Jesus but commit themselves to Him without fully understanding why. They grow to love Him, devote their lives to pursuing His ministry but are often confused by His teaching and His supposed flouting of The Law which the Pharisees vehemently insist is blasphemy. Judas in particular vacillates between awe and accusation and can't quite reconcile Jesus' conduct to the proper behavior of a Jewish man. Continuing to cling to personal ideas of Jesus as the earthly Messiah of Israel, Judas decides Jesus needs his assistance to survive the threats of the chief priests.
Iscariot, A Novel of Judas, by Tosca Lee, published by Howard Books, A Divison of Simon & Schuster, will challenge your opinions of this man whose name is synonymous with horrendous betrayal. Giving him a history, a personality, a relationship with family, religious men, and Jesus, Iscariot presents a plausible story of a man who can't quite graduate beyond the legalism of The Law. Can't quite believe the stunning and repeated examples of the miraculous and can't quite embrace the true generosity of this Jesus to the least of society. And definitely can't accept Him as the real Messiah.
Iscariot is what the title suggests. We hear the self-told story of Judas, and we learn of his ingrained attachment to the rituals of religion, the pull of life on earth as opposed to the true Kingdom of Heaven. We know how it ends – hearing it from the Epilogue presented first - but we get many of the blanks filled in from story.
We know the Word of God is both specific and vague. There is not a great deal of information about Judas, and there's no reason to assume this isn't intentional. If I had to fault this novel, I would probably address the specifics of Luke 22:3 which tells us that Satan entered into Judas just before he went to the chief priests. Iscariot takes a more sympathetic approach to Judas and doesn't allude to this compelling and telling verse.
I can tell you this: it is possible for me to appreciate, even admire, a novel without liking it. Iscariot is very well done, at times almost Hemingway-ish in style which is odd since Tosca said the original manuscript was "nearly three times the length" of this book. And yet at times, it's poetic, visceral. Historical fiction, perhaps especially biblical historical fiction, is not my preference, but with Tosca as the author of such an intense endeavor, I couldn't pass it up.
From the personal preference department, the cover is stunning and beautifully done. I think the six pages of endorsements is over the top, but I suppose with a potentially controversial book, Howard Books (Simon & Schuster) might have thought it necessary. I do recommend Iscariot if for no other reason to read the picture of Israel at the time of Jesus' ministry, the loveliness and accuracy of Tosca's writing, and for the thought provoking questions she raises by authoring this story.
Father, only you know the outcome of our lives here on earth. May I never betray you by my actions, words, or deeds, Precious Lord. I'm desperate for you, day in and day out. And no better, no stronger, no less likely to do exactly the opposite of what I want to do concerning you than any one of your creation. Lord, I lift up Tosca in all of her trials, in all of her pursuits, in all of her successes and pray your abundance in Jesus over her. Bless her determination, her inquisitiveness, her genuine heart after you. Keep her safe from all harm. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
Delightful colors and flower selections. Looks like a spring garden in full bloom. Gorgeous. (Bet Deb will love this one. 😉 ) Can you imagine how long it took to create this? That's a lot of planting in lovely symmetry.
Father, you are beyond words in all things. Thank you is never enough. Please help us to be thankful and respond to the beauty you create. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
