The Good Life

This is a brief message of gratitude for all of you who listen.

 

Book Recommendation

• Winter Fire - Ryan Whitaker Smith

Ryan Pugliese is a husband, father, and history teacher in New Jersey. Recently he wrote an article called "The Modern Home is Anti-Catechism" on his Substack site, Pugliese's Paideia. We had a great discussion on what makes a home, what influenced Ryan toward teaching history, and why busyness is a false religion. 

In our last lesson on the Torah, we look at the book of Deuteronomy, the final sermons of Moses to prepare Israel for entering the land. Moses reminds them of their past, their special calling from God, and the blessings and curses that come as a part of their covenant with Him. We even answer the question, "Which part of God's law still applies?" 

By the end of Leviticus, God had finished giving His ceremonial laws to His people. Now it was time for them to enter the Promised Land. Except they weren't ready. Instead they rebelled and had to face the consequences. The book of Numbers is the story of their rebellion and God's faithfulness in bringing them to maturity despite their sin. 

Why did God give us holidays? In this second lesson on Leviticus, we discuss the major holy days of ancient Israel. We focus especially on the Day of Atonement and what it tells us about our lives now, as well as how the holy days were a guide to the future of God's people. 

Today we look at the first part of the book of Leviticus, a book the discourages many in their Bible reading because of its complexity. We dig into the early chapters, particularly the five offerings and the purity laws, discussing how they are viewed in the New Covenant. 

Today we consider the second and lesser-known half of Exodus. We consider the purpose of the law, the building of the tabernacle, and the relevance of both to Christians today. 

We continue our study of the Torah with a look at the first half of Exodus. 

Today I am interviewing Sophia Abraham, a harpist living in Cambridge. Sophia is a harpist, playing the harp since she was young. She has an MA in music therapy and is quite gifted, using her talents to help people recovering from various sorts of trauma. She and her husband have created Wisdom Harps, where they make and sell smaller, affordable harps for people who are interested in learning to play. She also offers online classes for beginners as well as in various modes of harp playing.

Our discussion ranges from the role of the harp in the healing process for patients, its use in spiritual warfare, how beautiful music opens greater opportunities for evangelism, and why playing the harp is easier than most people think. She even plays a bit for us! It was a great discussion. 

Wisdom Harps (Sophia's Website)

Wisdom Harps Facebook page

Some samples of Sophia's Playing

• When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
• Harp Meditation
• The Lord of Sea and Sky

This is the latter-half of the story of Abraham, in which we see Yahweh change his name and he will face his greatest test on Mt. Moriah.