Tag Archives: Bibles

Book Review: God’s Book of Proverbs

2 May

God’s Book of Proverbs includes the entire text of the book of Proverbs from the Bible arranged topically. This practical and helpful resource allows readers to quickly access and apply the wisdom and insights found in this sacred portion of Scripture. Also included is the article Connecting Wisdom to Jesus by Trevin Wax explaining how Jesus is the fount from which all wisdom flows.

The God’s Book of Proverbs features the highly reliable, highly readable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), which stays as literal as possible to the Bible’s original meaning without sacrificing clarity. The CSB’s optimal blend of accuracy and readability makes Scripture more moving, more memorable, and more motivating to read and share with others.
 

My Impressions: 

As James 1:5 states, anyone wanting wisdom need only ask God. And isn’t it wonderful that God gave us an entire book in the Bible with nuggets of wisdom that fit any and all situation or circumstance that we could encounter? The folks at B&H Publishing have taken the scripture found in the book of Proverbs and arranged it topically in God’s Book of Proverbs. For use as a reference or word study, this book is divided into 60 topics including conflict, friendship, marriage, peace, and self-control. There is also an index at the back that helps a reader to find just what he or she is looking for. Useful for anyone who wants to discover the wisdom of God, I think God’s Book of Proverbs would be make an excellent gift for a new graduate too.

Recommended.

Audience: teens to adults.

To purchase, click HERE.

(Thanks to B&H Publishing for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Bibles for The Younger Set

11 Oct

Bibles make great gifts for birthdays and Christmas, and Zonderkidz has two just for the younger members of your gift list. Take a look!

NIV Inspiring Words Holy Bible

God’s word is inspiring, and what better way to express our love of God than through art created by our own hands. The NIV Inspiring Words Holy Bible contains over 50 ready-to-color illuminated verses on high quality thick paper as well as the complete text of the New International Version (NIV) translation.

Features include:

  • Beautiful cover with foil makes for a stunning gift
  • Over 50 pages of black-and-white illustrations ready to be colored
  • Each coloring page highlights an inspiring portion of Scripture
  • The full text of the bestselling New International Version translation
  • Presentation page for gift giving
  • Ribbon marker

 

To purchase this book, click HERE.

My Impressions:

The NIV Inspiring Words Holy Bible is perfect for elementary through high school girls. There are 52 verses to color while meditating on God’s word. It provides a wonderful creative outlet and encouragement to go deeper with God.

 

Once Upon A Time Bible for Little Ones

The Bible is not a fairy tale, but every great story happened “once upon a time”. The Once Upon a Time Bible for Little Ones features eight powerful and inspiring stories from the Bible in a treasured padded board book format and decorated with foil. This storybook includes tales of the baby in the basket, the birth of Jesus, and the boy that helped feed thousands, all illustrated with whimsical artwork by Omar Aranda. Each story is told in a way that will engage and excite young children as they hear the tales of real people of the Bible.

 

 

To purchase this book, click HERE.

My Impressions:

It is never too early to introduce children to Bible reading. The Once Upon A Time Bible for Little Ones reads like a storybook, complete with happily-ever-afters, but this sturdy board book is filled with God’s truth. Beginning with the story of The Creation, this colorfully illustrated book presents the story of God in an easy to understand way for your preschooler. 4 stories from the Old Testament and 4 from the New Testament will introduce your child to a lifelong love of Bible reading.

 

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for complimentary copies of these Bibles. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

Book Review: The Wonders of Creation Holy Bible

16 Nov

unknownThe NIV Wonders of Creation Holy Bible explores the wonders of our created world though detailed black-and-white illustrations — each one ready to be filled with the hues of your imagination. From amazing Eden-esque gardens to the creatures God made, this Bible features over 50 ready-to-color pages alongside the full text of the New International Version (NIV) translation.

My Impressions:

Looking for a meaningful gift for that special girl in your life? Then you need to consider The NIV Wonders of Creation Holy Bible. Featuring the easy to read NIV translation, it also has beautiful illustrations to color. Each of the 50 illustrations are related directly to Scripture allowing the user to meditate on God’s word as they pursue their creative side. While this book is perfect for older children and teens, my grown-up friend said she would love this Bible too. For hours of coloring and reflecting, prayer and study, this Bible is a winner.

 

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Recommended.

Audience: ages 10+

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to Zonderkidz for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

Book Review: NKJV Reader’s Bible

11 Nov

71rjduepmclThe NKJV Reader’s Bible provides readers the perfect opportunity to read the text in its original, simplified form without the verses and chapters, allowing a fresh experience with the text.

Read the Bible as a story simplified, without verses and chapters to break up the text.
Uses bestselling KJV and NKJV translation.
Provides an opportunity to study the Bible in a unique way.
A fresh look giving readers the chance to enjoy God’s Word in a simplified format.

 

 

 

 

My Impressions:

So, do I really need another Bible? I mean, I have lots of them in my house — parallel, study, chronological, etc. Well, I don’t need one if I am not going to read it. And that is the point! We all need to spend time in God’s Word. How awesome that He inspired men across the centuries to write down His words to His people! The NKJV Reader’s Bible published by B&H Publishers is an easy way to get lost in the Word. Without chapter or verse designations or commentary or concordance notes, it allows one to read without distraction. I’m not saying that all the stuff in my favorite study Bible is not helpful. I’m just saying that sometimes I need to focus on just what God has to say. I found this version of the Bible highly readable. It’s structure flows and the NKJV is beautifully written. There are chapter designations at the bottom of each page to help you navigate, but the emphasis is on God’s Word alone. While I won’t be using this Bible to prepare for Bible study classes, I will use it to immerse in the beauty and truth God longs for His followers to hear.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: everyone!

To purchase this Bible, click HERE.

(Thanks to B&H Publishers for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

Book Review + Giveaway: The ESV Family Devotional Bible

8 May

UnknownThe ESV Family Devotional Bible is designed to help families read and apply God’s Word together. This full-color edition features the complete ESV text interspersed with engaging illustrations and gospel-centered devotions related to key Bible stories — guiding families through the entirety of God’s Word over the course of a year. Each devotion also includes discussion questions and suggestions for additional reading, helping families develop a habit of reading the Bible together and applying its truth to all of life.

 

 

 

My Impressions:

Are you looking to add some meaningful devotional time to your family’s schedule? Then I highly recommend you consider the ESV Family Devotional Bible. With an easy to understand version and built-in devotionals, this Bible is just the thing to foster Bible reading, discussion and scripture memorization for you and your kids. I was impressed with the detailed illustrations that accompany each devotional, along with the reiteration of the scripture and a concluding paragraph that points directly to God’s plan and purposes through His Son, Jesus. The discussion questions are simply stated, but can lead to deeper conversations. I think using this Bible would be a great way to bring your family closer to each other and to God!

Highly Recommended.

Audience: families.

To purchase this book, click HERE.

(Thanks to FlyBy Productions for a free review copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

 

Giveaway!

FlyBy Productions is giving away a copy of the ESV Family Devotional Bible to one of my readers. Please leave a comment to enter. Please note: US only. The giveaway will run through May 18th. 

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

Spotlight: The Africa Study Bible

25 Apr

AfricaStudyBibleCoverArt2I am excited to be part of the launch of the Africa Study Bible. Designed to bring study resources in a culturally relevant form to millions of people, this new Bible will speak truth to people just where they are in a language they can understand.

Hundreds of millions of Africans know and love Christ. However, most discipleship and biblical resources come from a Western perspective — a culture far removed from their own. Africa’s wonderful and rich influence on the early church from the Ethiopian eunuch through Augustine is being rekindled.

The Africa Study Bible bridges the gap of cultural understanding and Scriptural relevance by revealing the truth and beauty of God’s Word through African eyes.

With the launch of this study Bible, Africans will have a resource that speaks directly to their heart, relating the Bible to their everyday life.

Developed by Africans, the notes of the Africa Study Bible are “. . . bubbling up from underneath. The biblical truth is percolating through from the bottom to create a rich and textured tapestry that Africans can claim as their own” (Dr. John Jusu, Supervising Editor). Over 2,200 features speak truth with a uniquely African perspective. Written by more than 300 contributors from over 50 countries in four major languages, the Africa Study Bible may be the most ethnically diverse, one volume biblical resource to date.

While our goal is to eventually publish the Africa Study Bible (ASB) in all of Africa’s major languages, it will initially be published in English using the New Living Translation followed by French and Portuguese translations in the years to come. By printing in these three languages, the ASB will have its greatest impact, reaching up to 70% of literate African Christians.

We expect to launch this year in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa. We have formed local African-led launch committees in each of these countries and are partnering with them to orchestrate all the details. We are all very excited and anxiously awaiting the arrival of the ASB. We continue to be encouraged by the anticipation of our African partners and you will be too as we share updates with you along the way.

We are so close to completing this project but need your help to launch the ASB in Africa! With your support, this life-transforming study Bible can be available to the millions of Christians who deeply desire to fully understand and apply God’s Word through the rich tapestry of their African culture and heritage.

Here’s what will be included:

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  • Application Notes inspire readers to reflect on issues and apply truth to everyday life.
  • Proverbs and Stories enlighten readers through the parallels of Scripture and cultural wisdom found in wise sayings and fables.
  • Learn Notes teach the foundations, values, and doctrine of the Christian faith.
  • Touch Points show where the culture of the Bible meets African cultures and how Africans shaped Christian belief.
  • Book Introductions explain the history of each book and connect themes to issues close to African hearts.
  • Articles give practical advice on how to live out the Christian life focusing on critical concerns facing the African Church and its people.
  • Topical Index and Concordance lists the biblical texts and ASB features by topic and defines difficult to understand words connecting concepts from Genesis to Revelation.
  • One-year Bible Reading Plan guides readers through an overview of the whole story of the Bible.
  • Maps, Graphical Timelines, and Other Features spread throughout the Bible help provide insight and understanding.

 

 

How you can help:

Join Oasis International in their Kickstarter Campaign. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help. Thanks!

 

WHO IS OASIS?

Working over 20 years for Africa, Oasis International is a ministry devoted to fostering a robust and sustainable pan-African publishing industry.

We engage Africa’s most influential, most relevant, and best communicators for the sake of the Gospel.

We cultivate local and global partnerships in order to publish and distribute high-quality books and Bibles.

We contextualize content that meets the specific needs of Africa, has the power to transform individuals and societies, and gives the African Church a global voice.

Oasis is: Satisfying Africa’s Thirst for God’s Word. The Africa Study Bible is the epitome of this goal and mission. We pray it will enable us to continue coming alongside the African church to build deeper discipleship. To learn more about us, check out our bio!

Book Review: The NIV Ragamuffin Bible

31 Dec

405238Do you believe that God not only loves you, but that he also likes you? It’s just one of the soul-searching questions posed by bestselling author Brennan Manning who confesses he has been ‘John the beloved, Peter the coward, and Thomas the doubter all before the waitress brought the check.’ The NIV Ragamuffin Bible offers a collection of Manning’s raw, painfully honest, yet grace-filled devotions, meditations, and reflections of his journey limping back to—like the prodigal son—his overjoyed father. When you journey through this Bible, you will likewise find yourself returning to your Heavenly Father, basking in the knowledge that God not only loves you, he delights in you.

Features:

* Complete text of the world’s most popular modern-English Bible, the NIV

* 104 Devotions guide you into a deeper connection to God and his Word 

* 250 Reflections help you understand what it means to be a child of God

* 150 Quotes offer short but thoughtful insights into God’s kingdom

ManningBBrennan Manning spent his life and ministry helping others experience the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. A recovering alcoholic and former Franciscan priest, his own spiritual journey took him down a variety of paths, all of them leading to the profound reality of God’s irresistible grace. His ministry responsibilities varied greatly – from teacher, to minister to the poor, to solidary reflective. As a writer, Brennan Manning is best known as the author of the contemporary classics, The Ragamuffin Gospel, Abba’s Child, Ruthless Trust, The Importance of Being Foolish, Patched Together, and The Furious Longing of God.

My Impressions:

The NIV Ragamuffin Bible includes the writings of Brennan Manning (1934-2013) perhaps best known for his Ragamuffin Gospel. This Bible is subtitled Meditations for The Bedraggled, Beat-Up and Brokenhearted, and if you are not there now, you will be sometime in your life. Fresh and bold, the reflections and meditations will bring you to a new sense of who God is. A good devotional volume, this could be just the Bible you need to start 2014 off right.

Giveaway! Want a copy of this Bible? Just leave me a comment to be entered to win.

(Thanks to B&B Media and Zondervan for a review copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)

To purchase this book, click on the image below. The Kindle version is only $4.27!

Book Review: NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women

17 May

It is time for a FIRST Wild Card Tour book review! If you wish to join the FIRST blog alliance, just click the button. We are a group of reviewers who tour Christian books. A Wild Card post includes a brief bio of the author and a full chapter from each book toured. The reason it is called a FIRST Wild Card Tour is that you never know if the book will be fiction, non~fiction, for young, or for old…or for somewhere in between! Enjoy your free peek into the book!

You never know when I might play a wild card on you!

Today’s Wild Card Insight Notes author is:
and the book:
Zondervan; Special edition (March 19, 2013)
***Special thanks to Rick Roberson for sending me a review copy.***
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Lysa TerKeurst is a New York Times bestselling author and national speaker who helps everyday women live an adventure of faith. She is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, author of 15 books, and encourages nearly 500,000 women worldwide through a daily online devotional. Her remarkable life story has captured audiences across America, including appearances on Oprah and Good Morning America. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and five children.

Visit the author’s website.

SHORT BOOK DESCRIPTION:

This Bible will help you live up to your God-given potential. Insightful daily devotions written by the women at Proverbs 31 Ministries help you maintain life’s balance in spite of today’s hectic pace. Dive into the beauty and clarity of the NIV Bible text paired with daily devotions crafted by women just like you—women who want to live authentically and fully grounded in the Word of God.

Product Details:

List Price: $34.99

Hardcover: 1536 pages

Publisher: Zondervan; Special edition (March 19, 2013)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0310439361

ISBN-13: 978-0310439363

My Impressions:

The NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women is the perfect Bible for women wanting to go a little deeper in their quiet time or for a means to read the Bible in its entirety. There are 365 devotionals starting in Genesis and ending in Revelation. Each day’s devotional includes a Scripture reference, more verses to explore and the page for the next days devotional. It can be used as a daily devotional or you can take it slower — reading the Bible between the devotions as quickly or as slowly as needed. And of course each day gives insight that a woman can really appreciate. All in all, a great Bible for you or that special woman in your life. Perfect as a gift for graduates as well!

Recommended.

AND NOW…SOME SAMPLE PAGES (CLICK ON PAGES TO ENLARGE):