LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE - 3rd edition published by Zondervan

The first Bible I received was a Life Application Bible, it helped me read and understand what I was reading and prepared me for reading the King James Bible.  Thirty-five years later I still have that Bile, though it is held together with packaging tape. That Life Application Bible is the "Living Bible Translation" I was excited to have the opportunity to review the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION - LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE.
I have had this Bible for a few weeks now and have been using it for my personal Bible study, I forgot that I had a job to do- tell people what I think.
I am a strong supporter of people doing more than just reading a Bible in one year, we need to study with the intent of understanding what is written and applying the word to our lives. The New International LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE helps the ready do just that- read with understanding and apply it to one's life.  The commentary for Job 14:22: "They feel but the pain of their own bodies and morn only for themselves",  is a great example of biblical application.

 "Job's profound speech in this chapter illustrates a great truth; knowing the right set of doctrines is not enough. To know what to believe is not all that is required to please God.  Truth untested by life's experiences may become static and stagnant....."

What else is in THE NIV LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE?

• There are concept segments that also enhance Bible reading. For example:  A list of people who had to wait on the Lord is found on page 804 of my hard back copy entitled - "Bible Waiters".
• Personality Profiles are helpful in understanding certain behaviors. It adds a humanness to the reading when you are aware of not only strengths but the weaknesses of an individual.
• In addition to there are: book introductions,  an outline of each book, cross references for significant verses, charts, diagrams and timelines.  These are important tools for studying.

Although, I often read the King James Bible, particularly when I am checking for the original terms- Greek or Hebrew- I have no problem with reading the New International version of the Bible.  THE NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE is an excellent resource for those who want to grow in biblical knowledge and understanding.

I have the brown soft leather copy. It is a beautiful looking Bible with readable prin, it has one ribbon for marking pages. The words of Yeshua are in red. The pages are that vintage thin sheeting with gold edges which gives it a wonderful elegance, great for gift giving  I will not be giving this one away!

written by Marsha L F Randolph

The above is my honest review of a book that I received  for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. #BibleGatewayPartner

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: I AM PRETTY by Je'Quita Zachery Johnson

I was asked by a Facebook friend to review his wife's book, I have been so reluctant to review any book lately that I almost said no. The fact that, like many self published authors, I would have to purchase my own copy of the book was also a deterring factor. Never-the-less, I ordered I AM PRETTY by LeQuita Zachary Johnson, illustrated by Chasity Hampton, it is a children's book.

First impression: What a beautiful cover, and great illustrations. n order to properly review a children's book, I believe, you must read it to a child.  I read I AM PRETTY by JeQuita Johnson to a 3 year old.

I enjoyed reading the book and the three year old sat quietly listening, not really asking questions but commenting on the images she saw. The one thing that bothered her was the little girl got in the swimming pool without taking a bath! LOL!!! After I finished reading the book to the three year old she grabbed the book and went off to her spot and began reading it to herself. This is how you know the book is good.

I AM PRETTY by Je'Quita Zachary Johnson is a great book for little girls, particularly girls of color.  It is not an in your face 'you're the bomb' kind of book but one of affirmations. The author gently allows the little girl to appreciate who she is even though she does not look like someone else. The author also reminds, ever so gently, that being pretty on the inside is more important than outside appearance.

I am keeping my signed copy of I AM PRETTY but I will be purchasing a copy as a gift for my great niece due in 2020. I have already begun recommending this book to other mothers and grandmothers. Yes, the little girl I take care of will be getting this book for Christmas.

I AM PRETTY by JeQuita Zachary Johnson is available via Amazon, I would strongly suggest you ORDER YOUR COPY NOW.  Unfortunately, Amazon stocks a limited number of books, this time of year print on demand companies are bombarded with printing books- YOU WILL GET YOUR BOOK please make sure you get it in time to put under the tree.

                                                                                                      written by Marsha L F Randolph

QUEST STUDY BIBLE published by Zondervan

The NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION QUEST STUDY BIBLE published by Zondervan press was copywritten  1994, again in  2003 and in 2011. As of this book's release there have been over one million copies sold, which is not much in terms of book sales but based on the number of Bibles released each year including NIV's this is an impressive number. So why would anyone buy this one?

The NIV QUEST STUDY BIBLE  is "The Only Q & A Study Bible" according to the book cover and  "Answers Thousands of Your Questions About the Bible". So, does it?

The questions asked are excellent questions particularly for Bible Study, For example:

Isaiah 49:8 reads: "This is what the Lord says:  “In the time of my favor I will answer you,  and in the day of salvation I will help you;  I will keep you and will make you  to be a covenant for the people,
to restore the land  and to reassign its desolate inheritances, "
The question asked: "When is the time of God's favor?"
The response to the question begins:  "The time when God decides to redeem his people." The elaboration on this statement continues to be just as ambiguous. 

Perhaps I expected a more definitive answer. But, the questions, at least the ones I read, are all subject to understanding.The answers to the questions are what denominations are made of.

The NIV QUEST Q & A STUDY BIBLE has a top 100 list of questions that are highlighted. I would submit these are the top 100 questions we do not have the answer to.  I doubt if this Bible would encourage an atheist to be a Christian or give understanding to a Believer who has questions.

written by Marsha L F Randolph

The above is my honest review of a book that I received  for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid.

DEAR MOM by Denise Guidice

I am glad I had the opportunity to read DEAR MOM- A Guided Journal As We Go Through This Journey In Our Grief by Denise Guidice. I was asked to review this book because I am a book reviewer, I am glad I am the one reviewing it because I am a mother who lost a son.

Every one goes through the grieving process differently, this ‘journal’ will help the bereaved walk through the process at her own pace.  Even though this book was written from the perspective of a person of faith, those who do not believe will benefit from it.

DEAR MOM could be easily be entitled: Dear Son, Dear Daughter, Dear Aunt or any other loved one who has graduated from earth to eternity. Although the book is written from a feminine perspective  I believe that anyone experiencing a loss, male or female would benefit from the words found on each page.

The format is simple: A Topic, a Scripture(s), a letter / note to Mom which expounds upon the emotions and thoughts the bereaved may be experiencing and a place for the reader to write his/her thoughts.  There are 44 (if I counted correctly) “Topics” which revolve around the emotions a person experience, triggers.

Triggers are things that happen that remind you of your loss: Christmas, family gatherings and other memories. The Bible verses included are words of comfort to let the reader know that He sees and knows. In no way does the author suggest that your feelings are not real. Having experienced the loss of her son she would not dare.

My story includes the loss of a son and a mother within 30 days of each other, both who had terminal illnesses. It is because of my dual losses that I can tell you that it is not just a child that we miss.

If I could I would place copies of this book in every church store and recommend that every leader of people read this book. I most certainly recommend anyone who has experienced a loss read DEAR MOM.

                                                    written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

FROM MONK TO MONEY MANAGER by Doug Lynam

I am excited! I have been a Tax Preparer for about 20 years and by default have talked to many people about their personal finances. I have been in private practice for over ten years and financial consultations has been a key part of what I do. I have read many books from a variety of authors including the well known ones, taken classes and attended seminars. I do not say lightly: FROM MONK TO MONEY MANAGER by Doug Lynam is the very best book on money I have ever read (which includes the one I wrote)

“Money has caused me so much stress, anxiety, and hardship that giving my own finances attention triggers all the horrible memories and experiences I’ve had” Page xiii FROM MONK TO MONEY MANAGER

It is an ongoing theme I see in my practice, among my friends and family as well as myself. I hate with a passion the word budget, I choose to use the term “spending plan” to make managing my own money palatable.

FROM MONK TO MONEY MANAGER goes beyond what most books on financial planning, financial help, budgeting, whatever you want to call it, does. This book hears you! The author understands what you are going through.

FROM MONK TO MONEY MANAGER by Doug Lynman discusses money, the need for it as well as sharing a practical approach Believers can have regarding financial planning.

The information in this book covers every area of finances a person needs to know: retirement, estate planning, giving, maintaining a lifestyle and even bankruptcy.

I will be recommending this book to my clients. I find it interesting that most of the information in this book I know but it is not only what he says but the way he says that makes the information digestible.

- written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

AVAILABLE IN ALL EBOOK FORMATS

THE LOGIC OF GOD by RAVI ZACHARIAS

If you have been a follower of my reviews then you know that when a book really excites me I go on an on and on about how awesome it is. THE LOGIC OF GOD by Ravi Zacharias is one of those books. I cannot give it enough praise.

THE LOGIC OF GOD 52 Christian Essentials for the Hear and Mind is 292 pages of thought provoking words created for the Believer to understand what is that he or she actually believes. In addition to the 292 pages there are a few blank pages for notes.  The format is simple: there is a Bible verse; a commentary / observation; Questions; Application. This book does not tell you what to believe but help the reader understand exactly what he or she believes.

THE LOGIC OF GOD by Ravi Zacharias is a book which is best tackled one section a week for a total of  52 weeks. Each chapter, section, presents a thought, a concept of YHWH, GOD; a thought that leads the reader into developing an understanding of what faith is. The book is apologetics simplified; one could call it Apologetics for the layman except everyone should read it even leaders.

If you look around at what is coming out of the mouths of leaders in the church it should be clear that individuals should know and understand why GOD is.

"God is not merely good, and His holiness is not merely goodness. Explain" Reflection Questions #! page 200 

It is not enough to just say" God is good all the time and all the time God is good." It is important to understand what that "good" is and what it means in the life of a believer. You will find this question after chapter 36 "A Beacon of Hope": Isaiah 6:1-5 is the Scripture that starts this chapter off.

"Is our faith in Jesus reasonably grounded and experientially sustained or do you struggle with doubt? How might you address any doubts of the mind or heart this week?"  Personal Application #1 page 5

The first chapter of THE LOGIC OF GOD is entitled Behind Every Question, the Scripture for this section is 2 Corinthians 5:20-21. It is important that as a Believer we understand why we believe in YHWH and we must know that the word is true; doubt is an indication that He is illogical.

If GOD is illogical then sins we see in the world today cannot be considered sinful.

Upon completion of this book the reader will have a deeper foundation of faith in Eloheem.

This book would make an excellent Bible Study for any group as well as for individuals.
   written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

THE MAXWELL LEADERSHIP BIBLE Published by Thomas Neslon

The  NEW INTERNATIONAL THE MAXWELL LEADERSHIP BIBLE - lesson in Leadership from the Word of God by John C. Maxwell is more of the same except it is the NIV bible translation.  I say that as a personal opinion and one that has been consistently disappointed in John C. Maxwell's publications as of  late.

If you are new to John C. Maxwell you are in for a treat, the fact that he shares his wisdom in leadership and combines it with his understanding of God's word is an absolute good thing. If you have been following John C.  Maxwell for any length of time and you already have any of his previous Bibles you will be disappointed.

It was out of curiosity more than a need for another Bible that I agreed to review this book, when a respected leader shares his comments within the pages of Scripture it is usually a good investment, particularly since the Word does not change. I seek study Bibles because of the historical information presented, the contextual interpretation of the contributors, and the life application the contributors present.  John C. Maxwell teaches people how to be great leaders thus he emphasises leadership skills using Scripture to support his ideology, unfortunately there was nothing new in this edition.

I chose to compare this 3rd Edition NIV Bible with the the 3rd Edition NKJV that was released last year. Aside from Bible verses and chapters being on different pages and the notes and comments being on different pages there was nothing new shared. Perhaps my disappointment was heightened by the release of a book on leadership that he published, and I reviewed, that contained very little new information.

Bible's are an investment. If a person just wants to read the Scripture, both the NKJV and the KJV are available without any commentary or study notes and it is a lot cheaper. It is not that I am suggesting to anyone not to obtain this particular Bible but I am sending out cautions. This is one you might want to test drive before you buy. Go to the book store and skim through the pages.

Because I was disappointed in the lace of new information my eyes wandered through looking for some good. I had assumed there were but I could not find any maps! This Bible does not have maps.
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Perhaps it is me but ever since I looked at the book I was bothered by the name MAXWELL being larger that the name BIBLE. Am I being nit-picky? If you are browsing in a book store you will see the name Maxwell  and think 'John C Maxwell' among the many Bibles to choose from- assuming it was done for marketing purposes.

There will always be John Maxwell fans and I suspect there will be a 4th edition Bibles  next year. It is good to tie in your leadership and business savvy with the Word of God so don't let me discourage you.  This is just one reviewers opinion.   written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

THE WIERSBE STUDY BIBLE Published by Thomas Nelson

I have been overwhelmed since I first received THE WIERSBE STUDY BIBLE- Be Transformed by the Power of God’s Word was published by Thomas Nelson.  Size wise, this is not a book you will be carrying around. When I randomly opened the Bible I could see the words clearly, excellent size font even the notes and commentaries are easily readable.

I never heard of this Weirsbe guy, perhaps I should have, there are a lot of learned individuals adding their two-cents to the word of God (respectfully of course). Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is a Bible Teacher, Speaker and author who is known internationally. His credentials are long and worth examining further but it is the NKJV Bible that he has put his editorial spin on that I am interested in.

You can read the features found in this book by looking at the book store or examining it on line. What I want to share with you is how wonderful this particular Bible is for those who are studying. If you have read any of my Bible reviews you know I have favorites but let me tell you THE WIERSBE STUDY BIBLE is my new favorite NKJV Bible! I could have written this review sooner but I began using it for my own personal Bible study and forgot to write one.

THE WIERSBE STUDY BIBLE can be an addition for those of us who love studying the Word of YHWH. It is a study that leads to a study; you will be researching one thing read a comment or a “Catalyst” note and decide you have to read more on ‘that’.

What is a Catalyst?  Short essays that help the reader apply Scripture to his every day life. For example:  In Genesis 12:4 Abram obeys GOD and departs from his home, the CATALYST discussion is “What Faith Does”. This mini-lesson allows the student to tie in old and new Covenant Scriptures and apply them to his every day life.

There are so many reasons why a person would buy this old school size Bible but the main reason to get this one is because you would actually use it.          Written by Marsha L F Randolph


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

RECLAIMING OUR FORGOTTEN HERITAGE by Curt Landry

I highly recommend reading RECLAIMING OUR FORGOTTEN HERITAGE by Curt Landry. However, I must direct this review to the African-American community, a people group that is in desperate need of a real understanding of their heritage.

RECLAIMING OUR FORGOTTEN HERITAGE is so important in helping all people make a transition from a political identity (African-American, Irish-American, Native American, etcetera) to the one we have in Christ. The church I have associated with directly and indirectly over the past 18 years has evolved to what it is today a Hebraic Roots based non-denominational ministry. I am a firm believer in personal studies thus,  I began researching this Hebraic roots concept.  There is quite a bit of misinformation out there, particularly in the Black community, this book helped me and will help others appreciate what it means to be a Christian.   

The subtitle: “How Understanding the Jewish Roots of Christianity Can Transform Your Faith”, is important. All Christians understand that it is through Abraham that we have our blessings from YHWH. Often I hear people say: “I am blessed and highly favored” but they are really not experiencing the fullness of what GOD has to offer because they really do not appreciate who they are.

“Our biblical heritage has been hijacked and replaced with counterfeit identity and disconnected traditions. We call ourselves Christian, but the full meaning of the term has been lost because we’ve separated from the truth of God’s complete story in His pursuit of humanity.” (page xvii)

I help anyone who crosses my path help themselves however I believe it is important that I go out of my way to  help people of color learn who they are in Christ. This auto-biographical style book confirmed to me what I believed: the root of the problem within the African-American community is a lack of understanding of who they are.

In the beginning was God not a skin pigment or a political group. Although in this book the author Curt Landry shares his experience in developing his Jewishness, so to speak, it also shares with Christians our responsibility in understanding what it means to be ‘grafted in’ (Romans 11). A believer who separates himself from the foundations of faith in order to attach himself to a political identity or philosophical ideology will always have an emptiness within their soul. 

What I see in the African-American community is a people group who defines themselves by what they perceive to be a stolen heritage not knowing that what GOD has given to you no man can take away. In the chapter “The Power of Heritage” the author points out the reason many Jews are financially well off is because of their adherence to biblical principles of giving. On page 9 there is a chart: “Household income of U.S.religious groups” , yes there are poor Jews in America but not many. There is a direct relationship between what the Bible teaches and what doctrines various denominations present as biblical. Most African-Americans were raised Baptist and according to the chart over 40% of Baptist have an income of thirty-thousand dollars or less compared to 16% in the Jewish community.

What  we all need is an understanding of what it really means to be a follower of Yeshua Hamashiach, Jesus. I recommend this book to everyone because there is so much misinformation about what it means to be a Christian. I recommend this book to African-Americans because: it is not reparations that are needed, no need to tear down statues or hate White people; what is needed is the understanding that we are spirit beings in an earth suit.  It is important that we examine our faith from the foundation, Judaism, in order to appreciate who we are today followers of the Jewish man known as Jesus who is indeed the Son of God our Messiah.

This book redirects ones’ pursuit of fleshly pleasures that cannot fill the void within the soul to the born again spirit within.     Written by Marsha L F Randolph


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

THE THEFT OF AMERICA'S SOUL by Phil Robertson

I am a fan of Phil Robertson fan thus I jumped at the opportunity to read his words of wisdom. THE THEFT OF AMERICA’S SOUL Blowing the Lid Off the Lies that are Destroying Our Country should be mandatory reading for many of today’s so called church leaders and political leaders who refer to themselves as Christian.

Now, if you know anything about Phil Robertson and the Duck Dynasty family then you can summize what this book is about. If you have never heard of Phil Robertson the partriarch of the Robertson clan then you must know that he is a man that believes in God, family guns and speaking plain. THE THEFT OF AMERICA’S SOUL is exactly what you suspect it is: a conversation based on biblical principle of what is true and what is being presented as truth in America.

There are 11 chapters each one addressing an important concept that should have been established, one way or the other in hearts and minds of every man and woman who identifies as a Believer. Each chapter presents a lie being promoted today and the truth as is found in Scripture.

For some lies many people may say: That is not what is being presented; that is not what people are saying; it is what people are implying however therefore it is what many believe in their souls.   For example “There is absolute truth and it comes from God.” This statement which is discussed in chapter three is the truth, many people believe there is no absolute, they believe the lie: “Truth is relative.”

Another significant chapter, they are all important, is chapter 7.  In this chapter Phil Robertson discusses the lie: “Laws can be ignored or changed if they are inconvenient.” If you have never read anything by Mr. Robertson by the time you reached this chapter you will know that he is not an ignorant man, his words are worth thinking about.

I like this book, it is well worth purchasing, gifting and having a Bible study with. It is time Christians started taking what is going on in the world seriously and started evaluating what is happening around them. Today there are more individuals who believe they are Christian and there are also “churches” that acknowledge Jesus but have accepted the lies. Get this book!     Written by Marsha L F Randolph

BOOK REVIEW
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

DECODING YOUR DREAMS by Jennifer LeClaire

I believe in the prophetic nature of dreams, I have had them for years. Prior to reading DECODING YOUR DREAMS- What the Lord May be Saying to You While You Sleep by Jennifer LeClaire I had a very powerful dream that took me days to interpret. I have my own “dream understanding” manual that I created from years of dreaming thus I was very hesitant about reading this book.

After thinking about this book for a few days after reading it I still have mixed feelings regarding my opinion. Overall it is a good book, worth reading. Would I personally purchase it? No. Am I glad I read it? Yes.

DECODING YOUR DREAMS is a good book for people interested in developing a general understanding of dream interpretation from a biblical perspective. There are a few ‘items’ in dreams that she interprets differently than I or other dream interpreters, that I know, do. Like biblical interpretation everything must be taken in context and like reading the Bible the best way to understand biblical dreams is by asking YHWH.

Whenever someone comes to me seeking understanding of a dream I give a brief interpretation then ask questions which either confirm or deny what I have spoken. Even if I am spot on I tell the person to pray and YHWH will confirm what I have said or give him better understanding.

I do believe YHWH speaks to us in dreams and it is good to seek understanding. First John 4:1 instructs us to test the spirits to confirm the validity of what is presented. I would suggest you interpret your dream by your own understanding and then compare it to what is written in this book. DECODING YOUR DREAMS is not a great book but it is not a bad one either, it is reference tool you can use.    Written by Marsha L F Randolph

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

DANGEROUS PRAYERS Published by Thomas Nelson

DANGEROUS PRAYERS 50 POWERFUL PRAYERS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD is not what I expected, it is better. As I read through the book I thought of the latter portion of James 5:16: “ The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (New King James Version) This is truly a great collection of prayers.

But, DANGEROUS PRAYERS is more than a collection of prayers it is a tribute to men and women who influenced history throughout Christian times. Prior to each prayer is a mini-biography of the author of the prayer. People such as: Polycarp (69-156) the first person recorded as being killed for his faith; Aimee Semple McPherson a well known revivalist of her time, a divorced evangelist;andeven John Newton author of the song Amazing Grace. A prayer of Abraham Lincoln can also be found. Jarena Lee (1783-1864) the first Black female to publicly preach, a free woman has one of the shortest prayers, if not they shortest. And of course the prayer of our, at least my, Lord and Savior Jesus Christ- guess which one that is!

Published by Thomas Nelson, the spectrum of prayers range from simple to formal from individuals from all walks of life representing various centuries. It is an excellent collection of prayers. Dangerous prayers? I don’t know. Powerful prayers? I don’t know. Effective prayers? Absolutely! Written by Marsha L F Randolph


I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers 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: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.