Most Christians haven’t had the chance to hang out in the local Jewish synagogue or travel to Israel extensively. Thus, you may not have ever seen an original handwritten Torah scroll up close and in person, fully unfurled. Notice the handling of the scroll itself so no fingers actually touch it.

To see the entire Torah written in Hebrew freehand, not by machine was and is awe-inspiring in itself.

Take a quick looksie:

We get so excited about the latest and greatest versions of the Bible that sometimes we forget to reflect about the Bible 1.0.

I can’t believe my eyes.

My PC is now a MACINTOSH computer. Seriously.

And all I did was follow the installation directions that came with the Accordance for PC I recently received from Oak Tree Software to review.

Basically, whenever I want to run Accordance, all I have to do now is rev up my Mac emulator (called Basilik II) via a desktop shortcut, just like any other application:

Then a full-screen Macintosh computer comes to life on my PC:

After “start-up,” you get a full Macintosh desktop, complete with top of the screen menus and its own virtual hard drives (which you configure during installation) and all. You’ll notice my Accordance Folder open on the left of the Mac desktop with all my Accordance goodies ready to run:



And just as if I’m running Accordance on the Mac, I can launch the actual bible study application by clicking on the Accordance icon:



And voila!



I must say that the installation documentation was one of the best manuals I’ve used for installing software on a Mac or PC. And because we have to install and configure the Basilisk II Mac emulator application on the PC before you can install Accordance for Mac (on the PC which thinks it is a Mac!), there’s risk of getting derailed or discouraged along the way. But this documentation had detailed screen shots for *every single* move you make between inserting the install DVD to getting to run accordance for the first time on the PC. It was super easy.

Now I just have to go back to the Training DVD which came with the package and start to watch some intro videos so I can get a good handle on the application. If the training is as well thought out as the installation docs, I’m completely excited to engage with the Accordance platform training DVD. Afterall, who likes going through instruction manuals? But so far, these guys have made it super simple to follow-along. I kind of understand why Mac users tend to rave about Accordance. Now there doesn’t seem to be a reason for PC users not to do the same!

Are you an Accordance user (either on the Mac or PC)? Got any tips for me as I dive into the text (my current anchor text to exegete is Luke 11:5-13)? Please leave them as comments below!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Here’s some legalspeak about sponsored posts. . .I have not received any compensation for writing this post other than a complimentary review copy of the software package mentioned. I have no material connection to any of the the brands or products/services mentioned in this post. 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.”

If you have a PC and want to dive deep into the Scriptures, you’ll likely come across Bibleworks Bible Study software. It’s a robust package that aims to help you with Biblical exegesis work. There are tons of bells and whistles to keep you occupied when doing research about any verse, passage or chunk of the Bible.

I’m happy to have gotten my hands on a copy of Bibleworks 8, their latest version to try out.

CALLING ALL BIBLEWORKS 8 USERS: If you’re already a BW8 user, would you share either (or both) of two things with me in the comments below?

1) What’s your MOST used function or features of Bibleworks?
2) What’s the one thing you wish BibleWorks would have or change to make your life easier?

Disclosure of Material Connection: Here’s some legalspeak about sponsored posts. . .I have not received any compensation for writing this post other than a complimentary review copy of the software package mentioned. I have no material connection to any of the the brands or products/services mentioned in this post. 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.”

Last year, we packed our bags and headed to Virginia Beach for Wave Conference.

It was a great time for me to learn from some great ministry leaders, meet one of my fav pastors, spend some great family time together on the beach and really recharge my soul. The worship center at Wave Church is just awe-some. If you ever have a chance to go see Pastor Steve at Wave Church, you really should.

This summer we’re trying to figure out what to do, but it looks like the combination of Wave Conference 2010 and getting a chance to play with the kids on one of the best beaches on the east coast is making Wave 2010 a very strong candidate for a summer trip at the beginning of August.

Early bird registration of $70 doesn’t hurt either. A great price for a great weekend. [fyi, don't know about this year, but last year, child care was available for only $5/child...and no, that's not a typo. They have a great kids ministry area complete with indoor jungle gym, they rented outdoor bouncy inflatables, did crafts, etc]

If you’re going to Wave 2010, definitely leave a shoutout in the comments below! Perhaps we can coordinate a meet-up at the event too!

What conference(s) are you going to this year and is there anything that makes it a must-go-to experience? Please share your planned big trips and leave a comment below!

For those of you that feel a little dizzy after opening up Bibleworks the first couple of times from the plethora of features available, there is an upcoming BibleWorks Training Workshop in the Northeast region. These training workshops are being aimed at Westminster Theological Seminary students and faculty, but are open for registration to others in the Philly/NJ area. If you’re in the area, it’s the best $30 you can spend this month.

LOCATION: Westminster Theological Seminary in Glenside, PA

SCHEDULE: Saturday, February 27, 2010

BibleWorks Essentials Workshop — 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

BibleWorks Intermediate Workshop — 1 - 4 p.m.

FEES: $30 per workshop

REGISTRATION: Online or call 888-747-8200

Any seminary scholar or pastor serious about engaging with the Scriptures understands that Bible Study Software is one tool worthy of investment. It will not only bring new resources to your fingertips, it will dramatically cut away hours and hours of tedious research and analysis. The question is which one to choose? If you’re on a Mac, most people know about the Accordance software package. It has a reputation for intuitive interface, powerful search and great integration of other resources.

And recenlty, Oak Tree Software recently shipped me a comp review copy of their Accordance 8 Bible Study Software for Mac.

The only thing is that I have a PC!

No worries though — Because their software works completely on the PC — all you need is their Accordance 8 with a twist. . .

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Here’s some legalspeak about sponsored posts. . .I have not received any compensation for writing this post other than a complimentary review copy of the software package mentioned. I have no material connection to any of the the brands or products/services mentioned in this post. 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.”

Nooma videos are awesome. Let’s just say that upfront.

They are great small group discussion starters, they are great mini films for devotional. They are just great in general.

I just caught wind that the folks at Flannel are now launching another series, like NOOMA, but instead of featuring Rob Bell, the new film series will be put on by Francis Chan.

You can watch two intro videos to the new BASIC series on the Flannel site as of now. BASIC is the name of the series and I’m sure each episode will be highly anticipated like its counterpart, NOOMA.

Are you excited? How have you used NOOMA videos in your ministry before?

Today’s guest contribution comes to us from Kyle Reed, who has been eating, breathing, sleeping and dreaming about how mentoring can impact our Christian community and beyond. I asked Kyle to share with us a tidbit of his vision involving mentoring.

Check out what he has to say below and then head over to his project over at www.MentorMeProject.com. If you are as excited as I am about some of the groundwork Kyle is producing, please help encourage him and anyone else that can see the potential of his plans by leaving a comment with your reflections, frustrations, insights and feedback about this topic.

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Did you know that when you search the word “Diets” on Google over 19,500, 000 pages return? Seems more then enough info for you to find what you are looking for or need. In a world saturated by information, often times it can be overwhelming rather then useful. Shane Hipps in his book “Flickering Pixels” says:

“If we are not alert, the info age may stunt our growth and create a permanent puberty of the mind.”

With so much information out there, where do you begin?

Now maybe you are not searching for diets or how to have 10,000 followers on twitter, but you might be looking for one thing, for one thing that you can do to impact others. Today, I would like to share with you one thing that I find very important for you, as a leader, to understand, the importance of influence. People are watching and learning from you, your influence reaches out to many. This could be a very scary thought or one that gives you great energy and passion. No matter how you view this, you are influencing others.

I have several conversations with people daily about mentoring. One thing they often tell me is there desire to have a mentor. I find this challenging and difficult.

Instead of being pursued, a generation is looking to be influenced and shaped.

I want to call you to be the influencers that are leading out mentoring relationship. A relationship that shares life together and learns from conversation, life experience, and the grace of God. Today, I would like to encourage you to be specific with your influencing, to go out of your way to notice, and to be one that calls others to lead.

How can you be an influencer?

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Kyle Reed is a 20 Something that is blogging his way through life and looking to connect through community. He believes that everyone is looking to connect. He has this crazy dream that one day everyone will be connected and mentored. This idea keeps him up at night. You usually can find him somewhere in St Louis reading books, chatting on twitter or writing blog post about life. If you really want to know what Kyle is about, ask him what this whole mentormeproject.com is…you will get to know who Kyle is pretty quickly. No seriously, ask him, kyle@mentormeproject.com

LINKS:
Blog: http://thoughtsaboutnothing.com
Twitter: @kylelreed

MentorMeProject: http://mentormeproject.com
Twitter: @mentormeproject

Pastor Jason has been one of my Twitterati faves ever since I’ve connected with him in the days of Twitter when it really started to take off with the mainstream (this just means 2009ish!). He’s a part of the multi-site BAF ministry in TX, which continues to expand and extend the reach of the Good News. {You can catch the lead pastor’s message on Daystar TV as well.}

Recently, we were going back and forth on which Bible reading plans each of us are tackling with the start of the New Year. Jason told me that he ended up with taking on 2 reading plans simultaneously!!! So I asked him to share with us how he ended up with 2 reading plans. . .what a great little story about the Bible and his church community in Texas!

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With the end of the year I did a little evaluation of our campus and found that at Bay Area Fellowship 5 Points, we had seen over 750 first time guests come through our doors on Sunday mornings and over 260 people had prayed to begin a relationship with Christ. For a church 18 months old those numbers told me one thing: We were reaching a lot of people who were unchurched.

With so many people just beginning their relationship with Christ and with a desire to reach even more people in our area in 2010, we set out to create some spiritual momentum to kick off the New Year.

One way I felt would help not only those new to Christ, but everyone at our campus, would be a Bible Reading Plan Challenge. I knew this plan needed to be simple enough to attempt and succeed, as well as kick start new spiritual habits for this New Year. Thus the #NTPin30 plan was developed.

#NTPin30 is actually the Twitter hashtag for our New Testament/ Proverbs in 30 Days Challenge. This plan was simply choose to read the New Testament or the book of Proverbs in 30 days. I opted for a choice, as this would challenge those who may have been stagnant in their reading as well as rewarding for those new to their faith.

The ultimate goal would be to kick start some spiritual momentum in the New Year. Get everyone to open that Bible every day. I actually upped it for myself by telling everyone I would read both if they would choose at least one. The response on the challenge was great as many people are jumping in to kick off an awesome 2010.

As far as specifics to the program, the Proverbs part was simply reading the Proverb chapter that aligns to the date. For the New Testament I broke it down into a 30 day plan…but read out over about 35 days. The plan would be to read Monday through Saturday with Sunday as a catch up day as needed.

You can download and see the 30 day Bible reading plan we’re using for own use.

At the date of this writing we have just kicked off the plan so I hope to come back and share some thoughts when it’s over. WOULD YOU CONSIDER JOINING US FOR JUST 1 MONTH IN OUR READING PLAN TOGETHER? Send a tweet @jasoncurlee with #NTPin30 and let me know how you’re doing with reading the Bible this year.

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Jason Curlee blogs at JasonCurlee.com and is all about influencing and developing others to make a difference in their world. He is currently the Campus Pastor for Bay Area Fellowship 5 Points in Corpus Christi, Texas.

His blogs are about creating content that ministry leaders can find practical and inspirational as well as sharing the ministry principles and experiences accumulated since 1995. It’s about being innovative, unique, and creating content that can help you make a difference.

It’s a new year, and you undoubtedly have a shiny new list of objectives to tackle this coming year. You’ve envisioned how you’re going to make it all happen, how you’re going to engage, how you’re supposed to conduct yourself…but is BEING RUTHLESS on your list? It should be. And oh yes, it’s still going to be a great year.

According to Harvard Business School, one of the big ideas is that how you prioritize your time and energy against your projects and tasks is critical to your potential successs. How true it is.

You have to be RUTHLESS in your prioritization - which means including one more dimension of consideration in your planning: One of the key tips from the HSB article is kind of eye opening for me… Instead of writing down all the stuff you have to do and then do the usual sort, kill and delegate, they recommend including another perspective.

Figure out how much total time you have first to work — treat your time available to work as a limited resource and then you can allocate that accordingly against the priorities you’ve set ruthlessly.

When you figure out exactly where you’re spending your time currently, you’ll mostly likely be surprised. This is what I call the Quicken Effect. When people start using Quicken on the computer to track ALL their spending, and see the graphs and charts showing them exactly where their money is going, they go into utter shock. The spending habits are clearly not in line with their conceptual ones. The same thing goes with where you are spending your time. You are most probably NOT spending your time where you THINK you are.

The suggestion is to take the highest priority tasks and knock those out first taking into consideration how much time you actually have available to work today, this week, this month, etc.

If you take the time to be ruthless first, you’ll have the time and energy to be accomodating in the end.

What other time management tactics do you use to help you make the most of your schedule? Please share one with us in the comment section below!