NIV BIBLE FOR WOMEN

To me the idea of having a “Bible for women” is not necessary there are many on the market already. But, I find myself reviewing Zondervan’s NIV BIBLE FOR WOMEN. As I opened the Bible to the book of Job I wanted to answer two questions: Why is it necessary to have a Bible for women? How could they spin the book of Job to encourage women?

NIV BIBLE FOR WOMEN is, needles to say, the New International Version Bible translation. It contains has 260 devotions that include: a concept presented by various authors, a short reflection and then ideas as to how one could incorporate the revelation  in prayer. It also addresses 52 myths, philosophies many have regarding faith that are not true. Each myth is based on a specific testimony which has a response based on what the bible says.
 I have read the NIV Bible on more than one occasion yet the New King James remains my favorite translation.
For the purpose of this review I decided to examine what “women” issues could be discovered in the book of Job. The answer was found in Myth #49 “If I pray about my problem will it go away.”  If you are familiar with the trials Job went through you will understand how what Job went through relates to what the woman “Stephanie” experienced. The response to the question was well worth reading and appropriately placed in the book of Job.
This is not the first “women’s” Bible that I have had. I received one as a gift from a dear friend - I gave that Bible to my youngest daughter. I purchased a different “women’s” Bible for my oldest daughter many years ago. In comparing Zondervan’s Bible with the other two women’s Bible NIV BIBLE FOR WOMEN is more applicable to the life of todays women and men too.

I like this Bible and I do recommend it. The problem I now have is: do I keep it or do I give the NIV BIBLE FOR WOMEN to my daughter who already asked could she have it.

*Font note: My hard cover copy was not large print but it was easier to read than other standard prints. If you are a reader of my reviews you know my aging eyes do not like small fonts!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

MY GOD AND MY ALL -The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi BY Elizabeth Goudge

“MY GOD AND MY ALL- The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi” by Elizabeth Goudge reads like a novel not like a traditional biography. That was my opinion after reading the first chapter of this book, it was not my first impression.

I chose to read and review this book because I had heard of Francis of Assissi but did not know anything about him. Unfortunately, for me, I began to have difficulties once I read “Other great men may alter the material aspect of life for millions, generations, but the saints make us for eternity.” This one sentence found on page 1 did not set well with my beliefs because I believe all Christians are “saints” (1 Corinthians 1:2, 2 Corinthians 1:1, and other verses). It is my understanding that the designation of “sainthood” to individuals is a Catholic doctrine of which I cannot accept therefore I began reading with a personal bias. In addition I firmly believe that each person can influence one person and this is what makes a difference.

I continued to have problems with this book because of the writing style of the author. She wrote as if she was an eyewitness in the life of Francis of Assissi who was born in 1182. The author, Elizabeth Goudge lived from 1900 to 1984 and was an award winning novelist. The details in which she writes which includes dialog assumes that the events presented happened exactly as stated. There is a bibliography sited at the end of the 310 page novel/ biography.

MY GOD AND MY ALL- The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi”  originally written in 1959, though well written, is not suitable as a research tool. Anyone who chooses to research a person with a reputation such as Francis of Assisi would do better reading the writings of any of the individuals listed in the Bibliography.

I would not recommend this book to any of my friends however it may be enjoyable for a person who simply seeks a superficial knowledge of a Catholic history.  

NKJV FOUNDATION STUDY BIBLE Thomas Nelson Publisher

If you have followed my reviews for any length of time you know I love reviewing the latest version of the oldest book ever. Thomas Nelson publishing latest edition to Bibles is the NKJV FOUNDATION STUDY BIBLE is one of many I expect will be released in the upcoming holiday season. I can tell any person wanting to purchase a Bible: You cannot go wrong with a New King James version of Scripture.

What makes the NKJV FOUNDATION STUDY BIBLE worth purchasing? I can tell you it is not the font, like many study Bibles the size of the font is requires 20/20 vision or a very clean pair of glasses. At some point Thomas Nelson has to realize that most of the individuals who will purchase their books wear glasses, younger people use computers.

What is good about this Bible? This is what you want to read if you are reading the Bible from Genesis to Revelations for the first time. Unlike other study Bibles the reader is not bogged down in details that can become overwhelming. The introduction to each book gives a brief note a to who the author is; the time in which the book was written; a key verse and a brief note presenting the theme of the book.
As it relates to the “study” aspects of the NKJV FOUNDATION STUDY BIBLE it is helpful for personal study. I reviewed comments, found at the bottom of the page, from the books of: Exodus, Isaiah, Psalms, John, and 1 Corinthians. The commentaries added clarity to the verses, a few included verses to validate the opinion. Unlike other Bibles the cross references are noted in a text box at the bottom of each page which is not inconvenient.
What I did see, even without my glasses (!), were the titles above specific text. They serve as great cheat-sheets for those who are looking for a particular verse but are not quite sure  where that verse is and an overview of what the reader is about to read. By having such headings as: “Many Women Minister to Jesus” the reader can anticipate reading about specific female followers of Jesus.

Also included: an index of topics aka- Theological Notes Index by Title & Theological Notes Index by Location; various maps and the words of Jesus in red.

I recommend this book for those new to the Bible, as part of a Bible reading plan, for those who prefer taking a Bible to church instead of using a program on the cell phone. Would I purchase it if I had not received one for free (despite the font size) yes.

I apologize for the length of this review (I try to keep them less than 250 words) but I felt it necessary.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”