THE STORY DEVOTIONAL

If you saw the look on my face when I opened up the package containing my latest book for review: THE STORY DEVOTIONAL you would have thought I was going to give a bad review. Even though it was a soft cover book the cover is beautiful, I am just not a fan of paperback books. (But it is, after all, a complimentary copy - I can’t always have hard cover books) Now, my first thought was: “Why did I agree to read another devotional”? First impressions are not always the best impressions.

THE STORY DEVOTIONAL -365 Devotions published by Zondervan is well worth the purchase; a disclaimer: there are 366 devotionals. I would not classify this book a devotional perhaps because I am not a fan of them, I would call it a years worth of Bible study ideas.  Covering principles from Genesis to Revelation this book helps you to see Scripture, perhaps, in a different way. Conceptually this devotional allows the reader to “DISCOVER YOUR ROLE IN GOD’S STORY,”  as it is stated on the cover of the book.
If you go to the Appendix you will find a list of the daily devotions by concept. By using this list you can coordinate THE STORY DEVOTIONAL with your yearly Bible reading. For example: Learn the Story of “Creation” which cover Genesis 1 through 9 and are the first twenty daily devotionals as you read Genesis. The story of David is discussed from Day 144 to 159; this is the books of Samuel, Kings, Chronicles and of course Psalms (not necessarily in that order).
Many people purchase devotionals as gift items, I would suggest you keep this one for yourself.   Marsha L F Randolph

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.”

BEYOND THE BOOK STORE 2011-2016

BOOK REVIEW: NKJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE

A person going to a book store to purchase his first Bible may get overwhelmed by the selection. Over the years I have reviewed quite a few, including a number of New King James Versions of the Bible, I have kept many and given away even more. But, each of these Bible translations offers something very unique and the Thomas Nelson’s NKJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE is no different.
So let’s break it down. What does the NKJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE have to offer?
Book Summary: This is just a sentence or two that let’s the reader know what to expect.
How to Study: This section, found at the beginning of each book helps the reader prepare by presenting questions to ask and things to look for.
Study the Book Highlights: Through out each book are overviews inserted at the beginning of the book the reader is made aware of what these overviews are. Each “Study the Book” includes “More Insight”
Topical Articles:  There are certain concepts / beliefs that are basic to Christianity. These subjects are shared by presenting 5- 6 Biblical references in which the reader can review for himself. For example: The Trinity is presented in Genesis, Deuteronomy, Matthew, John and Galatians.
Commentary: At the bottom of each page are notes, commentaries of a particular verse or word.  Something pretty standard in many study Bibles.
Cross References: Cross reverences are included at the bottom of the page along with the comments where necessary. There is not a section specifically dedicated to references.
Concordance and Maps: The standard concordance and maps are included. Also presented at the back of the book are information regarding- money, weight and measurements.

Just as important as the content is readability. The font size is good and the words of Christ are in red.
In this world of more than one style of Bible I recommend NKJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE, particularly if you are doing a topical study on the basics of faith.

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.”

BOOK REVIEW: LEADERSHIP PROMISES FOR EVERY DAY

DEVOTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS

I am not a fan of ‘devotional’ books however the title DEVOTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS peeked my curiosity so I decided to review it.

December 8, my mother’s birthday concept: Christmas Lights.  The verse Matthew 2:10 When they saw the light, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. My mother went to be with the Lord March of 2008 while she was here on this earth she was indeed a light to many people not just her children.  The concept and Bible verse are followed by a what I would call a “Porch Story” and the day concludes with food for thought, a mini prayer: “The dark is no place for Your people, Lord, Thank You for shining Your light into our lives so we can see another way, amen.”

This is truly a wonderful book. As a book reviewer I receive many books and give away most my original intent was to give this one away BUT I changed my mind. DEVOTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS is a keeper!

The cover design and the overall theme of DEVOTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS - A Celebration To Bring You Joy And Peace is a celebration of the gift of Christmas. The 142 pages have images that make you believe you can smell the holidays. How can you not buy this book?  Marsha L F Randolph


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.”

ANSWERS TO THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ABOUT THE END TIMES by John Hart

I don’t know if I am going to be raptured up before all hell breaks loose here on earth or if I have to stay here and survive with the rest of the world. But I do know there is enough problems going on right now that I have become a Prepper. Either way it is important for every person to have a general idea of what the Bible says about the end times.
I suggest every person read the Bible to see for themselves what Scripture says and add to their reading list; ANSWERS TO THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ABOUT THE END TIMES.

One of the most important questions addressed based on what is happening today is: What roll Islam plays in the end times? There is also a discussion about Israel, people always want to know what happens with the Jews.

I think this book is an excellent tool for study. Though I firmly believe each person must come to his or her own conclusions regarding such an important subject ANSWERS TO THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ABOUT THE END TIMES by Dr. John Hart is well worth the purchase.

The twelve chapters are broken down into unique studies that could be used for group study.  Its’ 189 pages are easy to read. I appreciate the numerous Scriptural references that help me to follow along in the writers dissertation.

ANSWERS TO THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS ABOUT THE END TIMES by Dr. John Hart is a very important book to read and I strongly recommend reading it, not just reading but using it to study.  By Marsha L F Randolph

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.”

MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH by Marsha L F Randolph

This ebook is available via SMASHWORDS in all formats. 

Sometimes a person can feel like he or she is the only one in the room who cannot seem to make things happen. I wrote MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH because I looked back on my life one day and realized I made it.
I don’t have a Masters, Bachelors or even Associates degree like many people I have a PhD in life. I survived because when I was down I looked up. There were days when I did not want to go on so I prayed. There were movements when the words “I quit” were on the tip of my tongue but I just said “Praise God” instead.
MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH is what I did and what I do. This book examines four ideas regarding personal growth and development: Perspective, Faith, Forgive and Purpose. As a Bible Teacher I don’t believe any lesson is etched in stone but should be adapted, within the boundaries of Scripture, to personal goals.
This is a revised edition originally published under the pseudonym M L Floyd. As I revised  MOVING FORWARD BY FAITH I was encouraged, we are always going through something. Read this ebook to help determine if you are indeed on the right path.

A note about this review: Yes, I reviewed my own book, I have chosen not to pay for reviewers who pretend to be a non-payed or unbiased reader. Most people who like books will recommend them to friends but not post a review. I write from experience and study and I share what I know with my pen.  FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST THIS BOOK IS FREE.