Loving Logos!

I blogged several months ago about the Logos Bible Software my husband bought me for Christmas. I have to say, I am in LOVE with it! Not only has it really helped my own study, but it has been amazing for preparing to teach Zechariah.

I have a handout for every lesson so far in Zechariah. The graphics that come with the software have been really cool for helping to explain certain things. They even have some of Zechariah's visions already drawn out for a visual aid.

Let me share an example. Zechariah 3 is about the high priest, Joshua, having his iniquity removed and new priestly garments placed on him. The chapter is a beautiful picture of the message of Salvation - but without delving into the theological content, I found this graphic on what exactly priestly garments were.



Now, in the actual course work, Kay Arthur had us do some research on the priestly garments. We did some cross referencing to help us understand the establishment of the garments. I found the above graphic very valuable in helping to picture what a priest looked like in order to get a good grasp on what Zechariah saw.

So far, here are a quick list of just a few graphics I have used to help prepare Zechariah:

Chapter 1: Maps of Ancient Israel and Modern Israel. Demonstrated the ravine in Chapter 1 (lowest point in Israel). Also, picture of a Smith, demonstrates what a smith or hammerer would do in Chapter 1.

Chapter 3: Picture of a Fig Tree and Branch for reference to the Messiah as the branch. Also the family tree of Joshua the priest and the stones w/ the seven facets.

Chapter 4: Graphic of a menorah, to help visualize the lampstand. Graphics of Olive Trees and bowls with seven conduits and lamps.

Chapter 5: Nations of Genesis (Babel). Picture of a Heron. Picture of a women in the basket with lampstand and a scroll.

Chapter 6: Various maps from Babylon and image of Zechariah's last vision.

Chapter 7: small crossword puzzle and ancient graphics of Darius

Chapter 11: Oaks of Bashan and the Cedars of Lebanon.

I also have a comparison graphic of Solomon's Temple compared to Herod's Temple and then compared to the future temple described by Ezekiel.

Hopefully others won't see the graphics and handouts as corny. I think they really enhance what we are studying.

Which brings up a very interesting theological issue as we explore Zechariah. I believe (and those better versed than me - please correct me if I am wrong) - they way you view Israel / the church plays a role in how you interpret the events of Zechariah. I tend to lean more towards John MacArthur's view --- Israel was once the testifying witness but now this is the church age and the church is the agent God is using. However, God is not finished with Israel yet and all those promises yet to be fulfilled will be applied to Israel literally. But that is for another post!

For now, I am loving LOGOS!!!

Update

I am a horrible blogger. I can't believe that it has been almost 3 months since I touched this blog. I'm sure all of my 1 followers have missed me.

Its been a crazy few months! Not long after my last post, I became totally absorbed in creating a co-op for next fall. That is a long story, but I have spent these last few months planning, creating a blog, writing a syllabus, etc for the co-op I am starting in the fall. I am very excited about it. We have a great group of ladies joining - and the best part is that it will center around my favorite curriculum ---- Tapestry of Grace.

In that time, the kids have finished school. I now officially have a 2nd grader, 5th grader and K5! We are now on a summer break. But I am excited about starting the new year - especially the co-op!

When I wasn't planning for the new co-op, I was prepping to teach Zechariah (Precept Upon Precept). We have done the introduction class and week 1. This is an amazing study - I have learned SO much. And still have so many questions.

This week is VBS at our church. I am teaching with my friend, Betsy (who is co-helping me start the co-op) and another friend, Lisa. We are having a good time, as usual.

And finally, yet another weight loss goal. Yeah, yeah - I have done this before but really hoping that THIS time is different. We joined the gym at our church and I am there at least 4 days a week (it is a bit of a drive, so 4 days a week is a lot). So that means weight lifting 4 days a week. Then I have to work in some type of aerobics for 5 - 6 days. Thankfully, 4 of those are covered at the gym...I discovered Zumba! Wow, what a workout!! Anyway, my new goal is weight loss before vacation on August 26th.

Maybe it won't be 3 months before my next post!