PRAYER QUOTES by Kevin W Shorter

The truth is I have more Bibles than I do books on prayer yet I have a lot of books on prayer. In addition I am in the process of editing a book I wrote on prayer which is why the last review I wanted to do was one on prayer. Yet here I am reviewing 2,500+ PRAYER QUOTES inspiration to draw you closer to God. Really?

PRAYER QUOTES by Kevin W Shorter is not what I thought it was going to be and I was truly surprised that I liked it’s content. I am disappointed however that it is an ebook because this is something that should be in print.

So, What is PRAYER QUOTES- inspiration to draw you closer to God? It is exactly what the title declares it to be a series of quotes that relate to praying. It is not a list of Bible promises; those books are becoming so cliche’.

For me, a closet intercessor, I would love to have this book in print so I can use it for a teaching tool. Not only does this book include words that will help direct and motivate prayer but there are quotes from many of my favorite men and women within the world of Christiandom! (Of course I did not recognize everyone he quoted.)

Admittedly, I did not read this book (eBook} cover to cover but I did check out every chapter. This is not something you read like a novel the words, the quotes, should be examined, reviewed, meditated on, digested and absorbed into ones’ soul. Is it possible that there is something in PRAYER QUOTES that I do not like? Of course but it would be so minor that I would not tell you anyway. But the book- though as I write this PRAYER QUOTES by Kevin W. Shorter is a free download on Amazon.

If you want to learn about prayer get this book. I recommend you purchase a copy.

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

NIrV GIANT PRINT HOLY BIBLE - Zondervan Publishers

I can see! When I opened up the NIrV GIANT PRINT HOLY BIBLE published by Zondervan I was amazed to see “super sized” fonts!
I had heard of, and have several versions of the NIV Bible but never had I heard of the New International Reader’s Version Bible. Promoted as a Bible that is not only easy to read like the NIV but easy to read and understand no matter who is reading it. This is important because many people skip the introduction which contains valuable information regarding how this particular translation was written and notes regarding particular verses.
Did you know that some verses are not included in various translations because some of the original translations did not have them?
Whereas many Bibles have a concordance in the back the NIrV GIANT PRINT HOLY BIBLE has a dictionary which though is not extensive does carry basic definition that are important for Believers to know.  Instead of a Topical Index there is a list of  150 famous Bible Stories.

I chose to read various Scriptures that are often quoted and familiar. This included: Psalm 23 and 91, Proverbs 31, Matthew 6:33 (my favorite verse) Hebrews 11 and lastly Genesis 1. In comparison with its’ counter the NIV Bible the words are not the same, it is even more simplistic.

Part of the beauty of the Bible is the poetic flow of the words. Unfortunately in making the book a much easier read it takes away from some of the majesty. For example we can read in Psalms 23:1: “The Lord is my Shepherd. He gives me everything I need.”  Though this is what ‘the Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want’ means there is a difference.

I think this is a good Bible and if you or someone you know has a desire to read the Bible but lack the motivation to read a more traditional translation the NIrV GIANT PRINT HOLY BIBLE is worth it. My only hope is that after reading this translation the individual would eventually advance to one of the not so simplistic version. I do recommend this Bible, if for no other reason the font is excellent.

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.”

CHILDRENS' BOOK REVIEW- STAY! A TOP DOG STORY by Alex Latimer

Eye appeal is crucial when creating a book for children and the cover of STAY! A TOP DOG STORY by Alex Latimer looks like something my 7 year old grandson would be interested in. Aside from the graphics which were pretty cool the book was not for him.
The plot an overactive dog, was conceptually interesting. Unfortunately the wording did not flow in such a manner that it is easy to read aloud. Nor could it capture and hold the attention of a 7 year old particularly if your goal is to get him or her to read the book with little or no assistance.
The graphics were drawings which were apparently digitally enhanced. This may have been OK if the story was not so wordy.  Older children, particularly those who are tech savey, will find the graphics boring.
I reviewed an ebook copy of STAY! A TOP DOG STORY which did not present well. The publishing credits were mixed in with the first pages of the book. Because this was an advance copy of a book that is to be released in print I disregarded those technical errors.

Even evaluating this book on a “curve” I cannot recommend it. I don’t know what child would find this book worth owning.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion.  The opinions of this review are my own.

The expected release date of STAY! A TOP DOG STORY: September 1 2015

SPENT MATCHES by Roy Moran

I chose to review this book simply because no one else seemed to. I kept waiting for someone among the BOOKLOOK reviewers to post a review but after about a month there was still no takers. By the time I had received SPENT MATCHES by Roy Moran in the mail there were a few reviews posted. As I began reading it I could understand why the delay. The book is not something I would rush to the store to purchase because I just do not want to read another book about what is wrong with churches and how do we fix it.
This is a good book, well written. If you are an introspective person who wants to evaluate your faith you might want to read it. If you are a church leader or considering entering the ministry I would suggest you read this book.
I don’t think the information presented is “new” thus SPENT MATCHES is more of a reminder of what those who are followers of Jesus should be doing. I think the book serves as a course correction, unfortunately I doubt the individuals who need to read this book will.
I don’t know if SPENT MATCHES will help ignite the fire in the spiritually dissatisfied however the book does have valid points to make. I am honestly not excited about this book HOWEVER I still recommend it. Every now and then a book reviewer will come across a book this is good but not for her, this book is that book for me.

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.”