Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times 3rd ed. in 3parts (Book) - 1/24/2021 6:11:25 PM
What an amazing and intriguing novel. "Of Such is the Kingdom" has its setting at the time of Jesus and his last days, covering his death and resurrection. It provides insight into what the characters in the storyline thought and/or experienced at this time. Although there is a strong presence of people taken right out of the Bible, the storyline is so well-written that a knowledge of the Biblical context is not necessary - the novel stands alone. If one has knowledge of the Biblical storyline of the last days of Jesus, however, the characters "jump of the pages." The conversational tone that takes place between the characters that might have taken place are stimulating and very realistic. Some of the real characters at the time are Jesus, Pontius Pilate (his story is wonderful), King Herold, King Agrippa, the apostles Paul and Peter, Salome, and Barabbas and many, many more intertwined with fictional characters that bring the story to life. "Of Such is the Kingdom" has a touch of drama, love, romance, violence and humor. It is an entertaining, easy read. I couldn't put it down and read it in one setting. The addition of the occasional poem was uplifting and a nice addition to the book. James M. Becher provides the reader with an excellent storyline of what might have been in an interesting, compelling and thought-provoking way. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. This one is a definite 10! An outstanding novel...
Principles of the Kingdom (God's Success Principles) (Book) - 10/5/2019 3:50:24 PM
"Principles of the Kingdom" by James M. Becher is a book that I will recommend for anyone who wants to make progress in this business and journey called life. It is lavish with deep revelations and insights with the most brilliant linguistic presentation that will make many psychology books and theological writings a mere joke.
I very respectfully chose to do a review of only one chapter of this masterpiece. Anything more would take a whole world of pages to contain.
The 10th Chapter of the amazing book “Forgetting the Past” is a brilliant presentation of Apostle Paul’s winning philosophy passionately and succinctly portrayed in the account of Philippians 3:12-16. Who in the world could give us a total drill on life, struggles of life and super-normal accomplishments better than the man that saw and was it all? Paul’s personal struggles and astute accomplishments were usually the centerpiece of every page in all his Epistles.
In every case, Paul’s earthly life: his achievements, his controversial conversion and transformation; his personal struggles, unimaginable dangers and troubles, along with his profound insights and unique to approach life have become a true life mirror for any meaningful success in Godly living.
The plan and tone of this chapter brings out the best of a visionary Pastor Evangelist gifting which seeks to bring out the best out of everybody and community for THEIR eternal good. Every line is a sheer piece of art studded with the purest most succinct phrases and literary devises in the book which even a fool could understand and instantly relate with. Chapter opens up with a paragraph which alone contains more intriguing insights and ex-rays on life and the struggles of life than any book on human Psychology ever written.
Paragraph 1: This Chapter is richly packed with impactful tact and technical devises that simply leave the reader with a feel of awe, revelation knowledge and a powerful propelling inner charge to instantly take action against negative mental images of self and the entire concept of life and journeys of life.
Line 1:
“Forget your failures” …. The writer comes out with such a convincing impactful tone: “Yes, take action… You can do it … You don’t have to be where you are right now… Take action… Don’t even think about it… Already taken care of… It is part of the deal!”
“Move On” The idea of a constant progressive motion is implied. Get up… Dust your buttocks, lace your boots and move on.
“Toward your dreams” … The need to reflect on your goals and motives is implied in this prepositional phrase. The goal is not exactly for you to forget your failures or the causes thereof. The writer clearly points that it is not enough to forget your failures. That will be dubious and utterly misinforming.
He urges the reader to instantly reflect on the original essence and purpose of the journey leading up to the troubling and damaging failure(s) weighing hard on our mortal mind… He uses the summation imagery, “Your dreams.”
“It is” … The Author’s use of “it is,” another high impact prepositional phrase here reminds me of a Latin phrase, quod erat faciendum, which in simple terms would mean, “As is required!.” The simple connotation here is that of essence, definitely requiring or a necessity.
This quickly brings to the fore the folly of some of the things we fight against or lose our sanity over … bitter pills, needles and injections when we are sick, the pain of a loss, the grief and the shame when we sin, as well as the hardship from material want and so on.
That brings to mind Job’s situation, the patience and wisdom he displayed: “Curse God and die!” … You speak like one of the foolish women … would you receive… and not receive? … Though He slay me…yet….”
“Fact of life” … Writer appears to agree with the premise that life is not lived in a vacuum. There are facts and rules that must be followed if life should be meaningful. Writer appears to address one troubled soul but also opens the conversation to the whole world of listening bewildered minds. This is an interesting literary device mixed up by writers everywhere. This writer is excellently on point.
Line 2:
“All of us” … His immediate transportation of this emotional connection from the individual to “all of us” right in the same line and breadth captures the attention of the reader and gives enormous credibility to the writer’s take on the matter being discussed, his insights and admonition(s) moving forward. His choice of words and imagery leave no room to any blind arguments or vague interpretation.
“Will inevitably fail in something” … None of us is a robot. None is superhuman. Only Lord Jesus on the surface of the earth was sinless. The author paints home the awareness that at some point and in some very thing, we will fall short. He strikes a note that almost startles you as though you haven’t heard that before. The difference now is that the Author has ignited something in your conscious mind and spurring you up for action.
Line 3:
“Along” --- The use of “along,” a seemingly invisible insignificant preposition in this sentence, is a silent pointer to the sense of progression. Life is a journey. A progression of sorts. Everyone in it is expected to see and understand that we are in a state of constant progressive motion. There is no returning to the joys or the bumps we scale on the way.
They are there for a larger purpose beyond us. That we had to encounter them goes beyond our individual personalities. That we had to encounter them is simply because we found ourselves in those plains and on those courses. We should simply look up, observe known rules, be cautious and relish and the experience with all grace and informed knowledge.
“Bumpy road of life” … The allegory of a highway. Bumpy – not so smooth. That also means that it is not altogether disastrous. Bumps represent an uncomfortable experience in what should otherwise have been a pleasant journey, which was the original intention of the earthly life, and certainly the eventual goal of the one to come.
“When this happens” … A charge to look out, be on the guard; stay in expectation, and react based on a pre-informed position of strength.
“We need to be able to” … The idea that “We need to be able to” reveals the concept of personal responsibility and will to amend ways through personal knowledge of what is true, acceptance of a done-deal and a personal will to apply its effect.
Line 4:
“Forget it and move on” … In a very precise and impactful tone, the writer charges us not to wallow in meaningless blind conjectures about momentary failures but to earnestly move on to the goals ahead. However, the next line also makes it clear that to “forget it and move on” should not be taken for a quick escape from personal responsibility.
Line 5:
“If you've sinned” … Paragraph opens with the high-impact insights of a Mentor an authoritative Teacher. The Author’s lines so far would bear the same impactful redemptive weight on anybody merely struggling with personal failures in terms of poor social life as it would on the more serious, more religious sounding concept of “SIN.”
There was no reference to sin or sinless condition per se until this point. The connection has already been made and the reader’s attention fully drawn. Any mention of SIN or its impact at this point is not construed as proselytizing but a matter of legitimate concern to the mentor, an issue of uttermost importance never to be overlooked.
This, to me, is the heart of soul winning. And I give kudos the writer for his excellent insight and wisdom herewith applied.
“Ask for and accept God's forgiveness and then forgive yourself”: The idea that we can ask for, accept God's forgiveness and then forgive ourselves paints a picture of perfect possibility of a transactional activity and completeness of resulting effects. The conciliatory words and technical devices applied in this paragraph create an immediate pause, a deep ponder and a momentary stimulating urge in the heart and mind of the reader towards immediate acceptance of the revealed/implied remedy herewith being presented.
That leaves the reader with a sudden and an instant feel of gratitude to have stumbled into this piece of advice and material, a strong connection to the reality that what had always been a difficult inconvenient truth in the past should actually be true and so instantly applied to his/her individual need. What a sense of relief and ultimate empowerment!
Steve Goodier:
The tactful reference to Steve Goodier’s “delete key” antithesis is a classic linguistic device which instantly herewith points to the fact of human nature as distinct from material and elemental forms of creation. With this tool, the writer tactfully and subtly warns that there are no gadgets, no buttons, and certainly no substances to manipulate any aspect of man’s life, the mind and the conscience.
“The past is what it is --past. … Finished”. … He makes a bold connection with the reader’s mental reality regarding the body of old issues, events and emotions and collects them into one monster, the
“past.” This is Animation, giving it form and attitude and projecting the past as Un-retractable, unchangeable, un-erasable…
“There is no taking it back” The use of paradox and a little proverb is applied here, simply painting the past as a Dead horse. No taking it back!
“Yet no purpose …. old memories.” … Writer is clear to point out that as humans we possess and do actually exercise extensive energy, including emotional energies exercised in the form of worry, fear; anxiety, etc. Writer’s foresight and tact portrays these mental energies as only useful when applied into life giving and life-sustaining activities, not on past memories.
“It is gone. …” The past is clearly posed as having a form and a personality. This personality is not wanted. Yesterday is gone.
“Let it be a teacher”. … Teachers are not meant to live with us. We don’t keep the same teacher for an extended time, unless there is no progress. And, that in itself, is a problem nobody wants to dwell with. Writer’s tone and excellent choice of words drums this home using five simple words.
Brother Becher so intimately and so passionately wants us to learn from the harsh lessons of life and the joys thereof, whichever and if ever they came our way, or should I say, if ever we stumbled into them. Then let us leave them where they belong and not take them with us or attempt to stay put with them.
Happy Reading from a lover of great books:
Steve.
The Christmas Victory (Book) - 12/23/2016 3:03:49 PM
Sounds to be an intriguing read. Best wishes for much success!
Happy Holidays.
m
Purpose (Article) - 10/31/2006 11:46:07 AM
Gee, Odie ---- Doctor Becker hates women. Why would I want to consult him? ~ Garfield
The Power of Thankfulness (Article) - 3/10/2005 6:50:04 PM
James,
I give thanks for the little things every day. Thanks for the reminder. Excellent, well-written article.
Cynthia
The Power of Thankfulness (Article) - 3/9/2005 6:16:55 PM
In everything give thanks a very thought provoking article here that you did so well on.
The Mendicant (Poetry) - 1/21/2021 7:05:26 AM
A heart touching and wise poem.
Men Search (Poetry) - 12/27/2012 10:39:00 AM
We do seem to search for something all our lives. Great read. I hope to see more of your pieces.
A believing loved one's death (Poetry) - 9/25/2008 11:41:16 PM
Spiritually uplifting.
You have GOD gifted talent.
Yours in Christ,
John Michael
PS: My first wife died of cancer and it took over 20yrs. to write about our experiences during the last days of her life. I have the short story on my Author's Den website. Please visit when you have time. Thank You!
A believing loved one's death (Poetry) - 9/23/2007 12:29:48 PM
This piece had made me really think about death and the people in which I have lost in my life. I want you to know that you hit the nail right on the head when you wrote A Believing loved one's death.
It is a brilliant piece, thanks for sharing your work.
A believing loved one's death (Poetry) - 11/4/2006 12:50:34 PM
Incredibly beautiful, vivid and true to my belief. Makes a peaceful read and reassuring to anyone who has had a loved one pass away. Thankyou
Men Search (Poetry) - 5/8/2006 6:34:52 AM
Exellent James. What men search for can be found by opening a Bible. You have outstanding talent and I enjoy reading you!
~Linda
I Saw a Child Watching Some Birds Today (Poetry) - 5/8/2006 6:33:04 AM
Awesome! Awesome! Awesome! I am guilty also of taking for granted the little things like watching birds, all the small gifts the good Lord gives us each day. Thanks for opening my mind and heart to all of God's wonders.
~Linda
A believing loved one's death (Poetry) - 5/8/2006 6:30:19 AM
For if the loved one knew the LOrd,
Then be though not afraid.
She is not lost, she is not dead,
But, only has gone on ahead
Awesome words James! When a Christian dies we should rejoice and not be sad. They are in a much better place than we are!
~Linda
Why Do I Believe in God?--My Mother's Undying Love (Poetry) - 5/8/2006 6:27:10 AM
EXCELLENT James! Your mother was a saint! Her never ending prayers were answered the day Jesus came into your heart.
~Linda
A believing loved one's death (Poetry) - 10/16/2005 5:43:57 PM
Dear sir, thoroughly enjoyed "A believing loved ones death" It spoke consistent of faith and all things attained therein. I noticed that you attended BJU...
Bob Jones University, in Greenville, S.C., where he acted on their radio drama series, "Miracles."
I enjoy listening nightly to this station. Thanks for a beautiful write.
Allen
I Saw a Child Watching Some Birds Today (Poetry) - 8/4/2005 12:04:29 PM
" ... and the children shall lead ... "
The open hearts of children have much to teach us ...
the wonder and beauty of nature is one of them.
Blessings,
Joseph
I Saw a Child Watching Some Birds Today (Poetry) - 8/4/2005 8:25:32 AM
All nature’s wonders; things God hath wrought;
The beautiful things which, around us each day,
Live their own lives in their own little way.
I saw a child watching some birds today
James....gem of a write...wonderful...love n luck....BHUWAN!!!
I Saw a Child Watching Some Birds Today (Poetry) - 7/28/2005 4:49:27 PM
A welcome piece of spiritual gravitas James
We should always make time for our Creator and his marvels !
"Failing to notice--entangled in thought--
All nature’s wonders; things God hath wrought; "
Peter
Men Search (Poetry) - 3/9/2005 3:42:07 PM
so true. man is never satisfied. good write, james! well done!
