Treasure Box Books | Dads Building Relationships, Reading Great Books, Preparing Children for Life

016 | Visit Many Books But Live in the Bible

Hi, Dad,

Do you want to spend more time in the Bible, but find it difficult to be consistent in this habit? Do you want to give your children a heritage of honoring and studying God’s word, but you easily forget where you were reading, or don’t feel like you’re getting anything out of it?

Today I have a few simple, practical tips to help you live in God’s word by building little routines that will help you make Bible reading a habit. Enjoy!

—Nathan

P.S. We’ve been facing some technical difficulties with Refresh Publishing Store and are still working through all the details to make sure everything is perfect for you at our store launch (mentioned in this episode). Please head to https://refreshpublishing.com/subscribe/ to sign up for email updates and be notified when the shop is live!

Quote

“Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.” —attributed to Charles Spurgeon

Tips to help you LIVE in your Bible:

1. Get a printed (not digital) Bible.

   My favorite for under $15 (currently on sale): KJV Personal Size Giant Print Reference Bible, imitation leather, black/tan

2. Use quality pens to mark your Bible.

   This the kind of pen I have used for the past 25 years or so:

   Sakura micron pigment ink pens

3. Tab the passage(s) you are reading.

4. Keep a notebook or journal close by to jot down your observations.

5. Keep a place and time to read each day.

6. Write the date and location you read a passage.

7. READ YOUR BIBLE!!!

Scriptures Referenced

• 2 Timothy 4:13 
• Revelation 1:3 

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💡 See the show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/016-visit-many-books-live-in-the-Bible

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/dan-phillipson/making-progress
License code: IDLGDVBE2MERYENR

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/pony-express
License code: ZUCYKOROVB4PRHZC

015 | Why Stories Matter - Reasons to Read to Your Family

Hi, Fellow Dad!

It’s time to make sure we’re ready for the season with stories to read with our families…but are Christmas stories (or other stories) simply for the purpose of checking off a box on our to-do list? Sure, reading helps us build warm, fuzzy, enjoyable memories together . . . but are there other reasons to read, reasons that make it worth our while even when we’re busy or stressed? Listen while we give a quick run-through of six reasons to read stories together as a family.

—Nathan

Scriptures

• Proverbs 24:3-4
• Genesis 1:1
• Mark 1:16-18
• Matthew 21:28
• Luke 10:30
• Proverbs 24:5, 6

Books

• Then Darkness Fled: The Liberating Wisdom of Booker T. Washington, by Stephen Mansfield.
• From This Verse: 365 Inspiring Stories About the Power of God's Word, by Robert J. Morgan.
• The Cruelest Miles, by Gay Salisbury and Laney Salisbury [includes some objectionable elements that we skipped over when reading aloud]
• God of the Aurora: the Holy Spirit's Call to the Asian People, by Bruce Hamilton
• This Country of Ours, by H.E. Marshall
• Brighty of the Grand Canyon, by Marguerite Henry
• Plutarch’s Lives [chapters on Demosthenes & Pompey], by Plutarch (Thomas North translation)

Why read stories together as a family?

1. Because stories provide opportunities to talk about situations and ideas that would not otherwise come up in everyday conversation.
2. Because stories expand our knowledge and understanding of the world around us--especially how God has worked in people's lives throughout history.
3. Because stories introduce us to people whose lives challenge and inspire us to do great things in our own generation.
4. Because stories provide common points of reference for each member of the family.
5. Because stories draw us together emotionally.
6. Because a good portion of the Bible is presented in the form of story.   

If you enjoyed this episode,

🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again next week!

✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

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💡 See the show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/015-why-reading-matters-reasons-to-read

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/pony-express
License code: ZUCYKOROVB4PRHZC

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/benjamin-botkin/hope-deferred
License code: HAF9GBAZKPYPLA71

014 | Give Thanks unto the LORD - Scriptures and Songs for Thanksgiving

It's our American holiday, and it's a Christian holiday, and yet in our increasingly secular age, most of us seem to be forgetting the historic American roots and even more so the biblical Christian roots of this festival.

Now, in 2023, we're looking back over 400 years since the saga of our American Thanksgiving began; and, for all our faults and failures as Americans, we have so very, very much for which to give thanks to God.

So this week, as you gather with your family and friends to feast together, let me encourage you, fellow dad, to keep both the biblical Christian roots and the historical American roots of our festival before your family's mind.

We hope these simple songs and Scriptures on Thanksgiving are a blessing to your family and an encouragement to "Come, ye thankful people," come give thanks to God with us!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Scripture References

• Colossians 2:11-17
• Exodus 34:22
• Leviticus 22:29
• 2 Samuel 22:47-51
• 1 Chronicles 16:8-14
• Psalm 69:30-36
• Psalm 95:1-6
• Psalm 98
• Psalm 100
• 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
• Ephesians 1:15-23
• Philippians 4:4-7
• Colossians 2:6-7
• Revelation 7:9-13

 

Hymns

• Come, Ye Thankful People Come (instrumental)
• Be Thou My Vision
• Now Thank We All Our God
• Come, Thou Fount
• The LORD’s My Shepherd

 

If you enjoyed this episode,

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✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

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💡 See the show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/014-give-thanks-unto-the-Lord-scriptures-and-songs-for-thanksgiving

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/pony-express
License code: ZUCYKOROVB4PRHZC

013 | In Everything Give Thanks - Thanksgiving Stories

Hi, Fellow Dad!

This is Thanksgiving week…but what if you’re going through a hard time, even suffering troubles and trials? Did the Pilgrims know some secret that we’ve forgotten?

Join me for an exciting taste of that first Thanksgiving as well as recommendations for some of our favorite Thanksgiving books. Start a new holiday tradition with these great family readalouds.

Happy Thanksgiving!

—Nathan

Scriptures

• John 16:33
• 1 Thessalonians 4:17-18
• Psalm 23:6
• Genesis 50:20
• Psalm 107:13

Books

• Of Plymouth Plantation: Bradford's History of the Plymouth Settlement 1608-1650, by William Bradford
• Squanto and the Miracle of Thanksgiving, by Eric Metaxes
• Thanksgiving, A Time to Remember, by Barbara Rainey
• America's God and Country, compiled by William Federer

Quotes

"I cannot but…stand half amazed at this poor people's present condition;…Being thus past the vast ocean, and a sea of troubles..they had now no friends to welcome them nor inns to entertain or refresh their weather-beaten bodies; ….What could now sustain them but the Spirit of God and His grace?"--William Bradford

"Being thus arrived in a good harbor, and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet on the firm and stable earth, their proper element." --William Bradford

"Last and not least, they cherished a great hope and inward zeal of laying good foundations, or least making some ways toward it, for the propagation and advance of the gospel of the kingdom of Christ in the remote parts of the world, even though they should be but stepping stones to others in the performance of so great a work."--William Bradford

"Little did the Pilgrims know that if they had landed there a few years earlier, they would have been massacred by the Patuxet, one of the fiercest Indian tribes on the American coast. However, the tribe was completely destroyed by a plague in 1617, although historians do not know why." --William Federer, America's God and Country, 1994, p. 65.

If you enjoyed this episode,

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✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

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💡 See the show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/013-in-everything-give-thanks

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/peter-cavallo/resolute
License code: SNRU8O0PQIEX5EY3

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/pony-express 
License code: ZUCYKOROVB4PRHZC

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/jonny-easton/dream-bird
License code: TJALSOWW5YBGQ9KM

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/simon-folwar/village
License code: K3S4SU6IQWDQVMUW

 

012 | Report from the Ground War & Raising Up Godly Warriors

Hey, Dads,

Ever since the early days of man's history, war has been a reality, and never has another piece of real estate been fought over more than that parcel called "the Holy Land."

In this episode, Bro. Mo, my friend and a church-planter in Israel, joins me to report on what it's like on the ground right now, as well as to talk about raising up our children to be good soldiers of Jesus Christ.

This episode runs quite a bit longer than the usual, but I expect you will gain from the information and inspiration as I did.

I also hope Bro. Mo's insights will not only inspire you with some great ideas for involving your kids in real ministry, but also to love and pray for the Jewish people.

- Nathan

Quotes

"I said, 'Okay, we'll go check it out,' and, brother, [we] just went, and the Bible was preached, and I could identify…with the men of the church….One of the big problems I had with Christianity growing up was that I didn't really find any male role models that I…wanted to pattern myself off of. And in this church,…they were men who loved God, and loved their families, and they laughed, they had joy, they wept, they cared for souls, and I just said, 'You know what, that's something I can follow.' And we started attending from that night ever since." --Bro. Mo

"We're able to have a conversation about Jesus, and of course, with an Arab person, we make sure that emphasize the fact that He can't possibly be just a good prophet, a good teacher. He said, pretty distinctly in a number of instances, directly and indirectly that He is the Son of God, that He can forgive sins, and I try to compare what the Quran says about Jesus versus what the Bible says about Jesus, and obviously the Bible has much, much more information about Him, it's a much more accurate account of who He is, past, present, and future." --Bro. Mo

"You almost make yourself more noticeable when you are trying not to be noticed." --Bro. Mo

"Thankfully, our God is a covenant-keeping God. He's going to keep His covenant with us and He's going to keep His covenant with Israel."--Bro. Mo

If you enjoyed this episode,

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✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

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💡 See the show notes (including lists of Scriptures referenced in the episode, recommended books, words to learn, and ideas for your family at https://refreshpublishing.com/012-report-from-the-ground-war-raising-up-godly-warriors/

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/pony-express License code: ZUCYKOROVB4PRHZC

Instrumental brass rendition of Israel’s national anthem “Hatikvah” used with permission.

011 | Read about the Savior’s Birth - Christmas Books for Families

Hi, Fellow Dads!

Looking for some ideas to make your family's Christmas season really focus on Jesus and not the peripherals? In this episode, we talk about some books my family has found enjoyable, entertaining, educational, and edifying, finding that some books

…are just so well-written in helping us meditate on and understand the wonder, the miracle, the mystery of God the Son coming into space and time and dwelling among us.

I hope you and yours will enjoy them too!

We also discuss family traditions and how reading one specific story can be (should be!) an essential part of every Christian family's Christmas tradition.

Thanks for coming along for the journey with us!

Nathan

If you enjoyed this episode,

🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again next week!

✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

➡️ Take a screenshot or click the "Share" button in your podcast app to let your friends know.

🧑🏻‍💻 Join the Facebook group

📧 Read more and subscribe to our newsletter at treasureboxbooks.com

💡 See the show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/011-read-about-the-Savior's-birth-Christmas-books-for-families including all book titles mentioned in the episode

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/the-lakes/what-child-is-this
License code: I4OIU8BOYKBNH9KA

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/pony-express
License code: ZUCYKOROVB4PRHZC

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/paul-yudin/magical-christmas
License code: RJNOP28ZKJSGQPXO

010 | God of the Aurora, Part 2 - A Modern-Day Missions Story

Hi, Fellow Dad,

Have you as a dad ever wondered if God really can use you to help others know Him and walk in His truth? In TBB Podcast Ep. 10, Pastor Bruce Hamilton continues his conversation with me about how God has used him and his wife in some very unexpected ways, along with some powerful, practical instruction for how we can make ourselves available to God. Once again, I welcome your entire family to listen in to our conversation!

- Nathan

Quotes

"Our part is to be obedient to God's command, which is for us to preach and teach the gospel to every creature, which to me means everybody God brings across our path and gives us the opportunity. We don't have to force that." - Bruce Hamilton

"Our part is to be obedient, and then leave the part that we don't fully understand." - Bruce Hamilton

"These are not just statistics. These people are real, they have souls, just like we do, and they are part of our heart, part of our family." - Bruce Hamilton

"One of the things they comment on the most is when I treat my wife with respect or TLC. It could be as small as helping her with her coat on, or pulling the chair out for her to be seated, or the car door….I don't do this to impress people….The way we live can validate or damage the gospel." - Bruce Hamilton

Scriptures

• 1 John 5:14-15
• Revelation 3:8
• 1 Corinthians 16:9
• John 1:29
• Hebrews 11:26

Links

Pastor Bruce Hamilton's three books are

• God of the Brooks
• God of the Gold
• God of the Aurora: The Holy Spirit's Call to the Asian People

You can order these books and more at Godofalaska.com.

If you enjoyed this episode,

🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again next week!

✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

➡️ Take a screenshot or click the "Share" button in your podcast app to let your friends know.

🧑🏻‍💻 Join the Facebook group

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💡 See the complete show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/010-god-of-the-aurora-part-2/

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/benjamin-botkin/commanding-the-fleet
License code: ZOYVE3IPMRPTTZ0M

https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/rain-of-light
License code: K3MEP3U2KURBXA5P

https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/pony-express
License code: ZUCYKOROVB4PRHZC

009 | God of the Aurora Part 1 - A Modern-Day Missions Story

Hi, Fellow Dad!

Have you ever read any of the great missionary stories from past centuries and wondered whether God is still at work in the world today? Would you like to introduce your children to a tale of modern missions that takes place in just the last few years . . . and is still continuing today? Join me for part 1 of this interview with Bruce Hamilton, and get a taste of the stories told more fully in his book, God of the Aurora, along with some great Western book recommendations thrown in!

Let’s go find the treasures . . . in books!

—Nathan

 

Books mentioned in this episode

• God of the Brooks, by Bruce Hamilton
• God of the Gold, by Bruce Hamilton
• God of the Aurora: The Holy Spirit’s Call to the Asian People, by Bruce Hamilton

Pastor Bruce's books and singing CD's are available at Godofalaska.com. Proceeds from sales of these materials go into Pastor Bruce's missionary ministry to Asians, Alaskans, Americans, and all others God brings his way.

• The Sugar Creek Gang Series, by Paul Hutchens
• Louis L'amour western novels
• Zane Grey western novels
• Classics of the Old West (series), published by Time Life (out of print)
• The Cruelest Miles, by the Salisbury cousins
• The Exchange, by Jeff and Anna Musgrave

 

If you enjoyed this episode,

🎙️Please subscribe to the podcast so you can listen again next week!

✍🏻 Leaving a review is the best way to say "thanks" so that others can find the podcast, too! In Apple Podcast app, scroll down to the bottom of the episode list (right above the "About" section) and click the tiny link to "Write a Review."

➡️ Take a screenshot or click the "Share" button in your podcast app to let your friends know.

🧑🏻‍💻 Join the Facebook group

📧 Read more and subscribe to our newsletter at treasureboxbooks.com

💡 See the show notes at https://refreshpublishing.com/009-god-of-the-aurora-part-1/

 

Notes

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/benjamin-botkin/commanding-the-fleet
License code: ZOYVE3IPMRPTTZ0M

https://uppbeat.io/t/iros-young/rain-of-light
License code: K3MEP3U2KURBXA5P

https://uppbeat.io/t/aaron-paul-low/pony-express
License code: ZUCYKOROVB4PRHZC