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Monday, January 12, 2015

BELIEVE NIV



BELIEVE LIVING THE STORY OF THE BIBLE TO BECOME LIKE JESUS- Selections from the New International Version th book is just as the title implies. Published by Zondervan with Randy Frazee as the General Editor this is, surprisingly, a good book.
What I expected was a NIV Bible but once I received my review copy and began reading it I instantly saw the need for such a book. BELIEVE is divided into three main categories or topics of study: 1) Think- What Do I Believe?; 2) Act- What Should I do? and 3) Be- Who Am I becoming? Each category has 10 chapters and sub chapters. There is also discussion questions for each chapter located at the end of the book which makes this book perfect for Bible Study groups. BELIEVE LIVING THE STORY OF THE BIBLE TO BECOME LIKE JESUS answers the very important question: What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus.
I like the topics that are addressed as well as how the Bible is weaved into the dialog It is as if you are actually reading the Bible even though you are only reading sections. For example: In section 2- Act, Chapter 12- Prayer subchapter “A Way to Find the Direction We Need (pages 194-201) The story of Gideon is discussed and Psalm 25:1-22 is quoted. A person can learn a lot from reading this book and prayerfully be motivated to read the entire Bible.
I found this book very interesting and I recommend the purchase of this book.


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.”

Monday, December 22, 2014

KJV NOTE-TAKER'S BIBLE - Zondervan Publishing


Every now and then I like to go “Old School” when I read the Bible. Zondervan’s KJV NOTE-TAKER’S BIBLE is up for the task. As a standard King James version of the Bible without commentaries, cute affirmations, maps or any of the other bells and whistles you would find in a study Bible I could see me wanting to purchase the KJV NOTE-TAKER’S BIBLE as a gift for many of my friends.

Yes, Jesus words are in red, for a new reader this is important for everyone else it is the blank margins and the space at the bottom of each page that becomes attractive. There are those who would not mark in their Bible under any circumstances if this is you Zondervan has plenty of boring King James Bibles with maps. Flipping through the pages I can see someone creating their own Bible Commentary.
The KJV NOTE-TAKER’S BIBLE is perfect for individuals who attend churches in which the Pastor suggest underlining, making notes, and presents cross references to a particular verse as well as the serious Bible reader. There really is enough space in the margins for comments and extensive notes can be written on the bottom (as if it was a commentary).
Needless to say I recommend the KJV NOTE-TAKER’S BIBLE. In the past few months I have reviewed a number of Bibles and have given them away- I am keeping this one!


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.”

Saturday, November 29, 2014

PRAY THE SCRIPTURES WHEN LIFE HURTS by Kevin Johnson

It does not matter how many friends and family you have or how often you see your therapist going through a difficult time is a solo event. PRAY THE SCRIPTURES WHEN LIFE HURTS by Kevin Johnson validates the emotions and points the reader in the direction of hope and healing.
Agony, Loneliness, Questions, Resentment Requests, Frustration, Peace, Surrender and Hope are not just chapter titles they are words that describe the experiences of many. The format of each chapter is easy to follow as an individual or in a group setting. There are numerous Bible verses which facilitate the reader examining his or her feeling.
PRAY THE SCRIPTURES shares the emotional place the author was in during a time of adversity. Many will tell you there is no easy way to cope with pain, even drugs cannot help you escape, it is only through faith that you are able to go through the valley and not go to.
PRAY THE SCRIPTURES is not a book of prayers that incorporates Bible verses but a book of Bible Verses that can be incorporated in ones prayer. There are all types of pain all sorts of reasons a person may feel hopeless but PRAY THE SCRIPTURES can help anyone who believes. By using this book as a healing tool the reader or group leader will open the door for the Holy Spirit to do what drugs or man cannot restore the believer.
I recommend this book. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Bethany 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.”


Monday, November 24, 2014

HINDS' FEET ON HIGH PLACES by Hannah Hurnard


Life is a journey, where you go and how far you go depends totally on you. Many people refuse to travel outside of their comfort zone, some allow others to dictate how to live life, very few people ignore the opinions of others and seek the desires of their heart. HINDS’ FEET ON HIGH PLACES by Hannah Hurnard is a classic allegory that examines the decisions Much Afraid, the main character, made about her life.
Because HINDS’ FEET ON HIGH PLACES is an allegory, many people have difficulty following this type of writing style but I can only tell you to stick to it.
You can find the synopsis of the book anywhere, feel free to read the back of the book, what I think you should know is this book is about life and faith. We all can relate to the various personalities and other struggles the main character was forced to deal with. Who does not understand how the wrong perspective can hold you back from succeeding in life. For me the most important concept, which is why this book is such a great read, was how faith was developed through the negative characters and self-identity struggles Much Afraid had to deal with. If you are honest you will not only enjoy this book but you will begin to relate to one of the characters in the book (which is what makes a novel go from good to great)and you will learn from it.
The first time I read this book I so identified with Much Afraid her journey became my journey. Today I see myself as a worker in His service.

HINDS’ FEET ON HIGH PLACES is from my personal collection, over the years I have purchased and given away several copies. Yes! I recommend you read this book. 

Sunday, November 16, 2014

THE DUCK COMMANDER FAITH AND FAMILY BIBLE

If I was not going to give away this Bible after I reviewed the DUCK COMMANDER FAITH AND FAMILY BIBLE I would keep it. As a Believer, wife, mother, grandmother and business woman I cannot think of any opinion or commentary that would be greater than those of Phil and Al Robertson the Executive Editors of Thomas Nelson’s Signature Series New King James Bible. The Robertson family of Duck Dynasty fame have indeed prospered financially and are in good health this Bible is proof that their soul has also prospered. I could think of no other family that I could learn more from than the Robertson’s.
A Bible is a Bible is a Bible, is the Word of God. There are plenty of New King James Bibles to choose from and it is possible to purchase one without references, comments or other nuggets. We purchase Bibles with more content in order to increase see Scripture from a different perspective. THE DUCK COMMANDER FAITH AND FAMILY BIBLE compliments the New King James version of the Bible without adding to the truths that are found within God’s words. The nuggets and comments scattered throughout the books could be a book by itself.
As a fan, though not dedicated watcher, of the Duck Dynasty television series I was not disappointed. I have read the NKJV Bible on more than one occasion thus my focus in reviewing this particular Bible was what the editors Phil and Al Robertson would share. “52 days with Phil” and “52 days with Al” each contain weekly values to contemplate the topics being: faith, family, fellowship, forgiveness and freedom. I was fascinated by the “Life-changers Index” which contained anecdotal philosophies consistent with the Robertson’s family values that viewers see on television.
I like this Bible and definitely recommend it, it would make an excellent gift. I will be giving this one to my husband, a Duck Dynasty fan, whose birthday is 4 days after our anniversary this month. Even if he wasn’t a fan I would give it to him because I know that he will love it. xxx Marsha Randolph
BONUS FREE DOWNLOAD: www.nelsonfree.com/DuckCommanderBible


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.”

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Thursday, November 6, 2014

EXPLORING CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY


Now more than ever it is very important for Christians to study the Bible not just read it. EXPLORING CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY Volume One, General Editors Nathan D. Holsteen & Michael J. Svigel is a great tool to help individuals understand the context of Scripture.
In general EXPLORING CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY is a Bible Study help that guides the individual through basic principles of faith regardless of his or her denomination. This book will: help the individual put events in the Bible in context, understand various foundational truths and reveal what was not seen by the reader before as he studies.
Graphics are used to illustrate various points and there are text boxes with suggested verses to remember throughout the book. There are charts and extensive reference notes throughout the book. What I appreciated was the sections entitled “Shelf Space” which contained an abundance of recommended reading.
EXPLORING CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY allows the reader to examine personal beliefs without the assistance of a dictionary. You will, however, need your Bible.
Each section is a study by itself though some may try to read the entire book I would suggest the reader pace himself. It is possible to use this book as part of a Bible Study group.
EXPLORING CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY is not for everyone. I have to admit that the writing style took me some getting use to. Quite frankly, I did not particularly care for some of the analogies used to segue to a particular concept.
The book is not necessarily an “easy” read but it is not difficult either. Based on its’ content I can recommend it.  Marsha L Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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.”