Review Moment: Bible Origins - The Underground Story

 

This book is one of the more unusual books I've reviewed as it combines New Testament Bible stories with graphic novels. As a picture book author, I appreciate the artwork and colorful illustrations. I'm not a big fan of paraphrased scriptures, but as long as this book is balanced with other translations, it would be a good way to get kids interested in the life and times of the early Church and discover just how exciting those times were. 

I would recommend this book for children a bit older, at least ages 8 and up. 

If you are looking for a way to share New Testament history, this book is both educational and entertaining. @HarperBooks #HarperBookspartner

To purchase: https://amzn.to/4wRPOxj

Review Moment: NKJV Premier Collection Bible

I consider myself so blessed to have received this beautiful Bible. The presentation for the NKJV Premier Collection Bible is elegant. It comes in a black embossed box and upon opening, the Bible is swathed in thick black paper with a seal. All of these extra touches make this Bible perfect for gift giving. 

What good would that do without a beautiful Bible inside though? The goatskin leather feels luxurious, yet sturdy. It’s hefty, but not so large that you couldn’t easily carry it with you.

Speaking of large – the text is large enough to read without difficulty and exclusive to Thomas Nelson. 

There are cross references at the end of verses, a concordance, and maps in the back, but I wouldn’t call this a study Bible. This Bible is more for simply digesting the Word. You won’t be distracted by lots of bells and whistles, but be more apt to actually focus on God’s beautiful message. Three satin ribbons will help you keep track of your journey through the Word of God. 

I highly recommend this Bible for its convenient size and large, readable text in the New King James Version. The durable leather and thicker pages means this will be a Bible that will last for years to come.        

To purchase from Faith Gateway, click HERE.   

To purchase from Amazon, click HERE.                      

I received the NKJV Premier Collection Bible for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. I am providing an honest and unbiased review. #BibleGatewayPartner

Review Moment - NKJV Thompson® Chain-Reference® Bible

Dr. Frank Charles Thomas initiated the research for the Thompson Study System in 1890. Suffice it to say that you would be hard-pressed to find another Bible that has so many resources packed within the covers and it makes for a hefty book with 8,000 topical listing and 100,000 marginal references. Instructions for using the chain method are in the front of this new and updated version of the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible. 

Each book of the Bible has an extensive introduction and the chains to follow for that book. For instance, the book of Revelation has 2 ½ pages of introduction alone. The New King James Version is my favorite version of the Bible and I like that it is a red-letter edition and was pleasantly surprised to find color maps included in the back. 

Two different color ribbons will help you keep track of your progress as you make your way through the vast number of helps included in this version. If you have need of study materials, look no further. I’m sure you’ll find the answer to almost any question as you take advantage of this particular study of the precious Word of God.  

I received the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible NKJV for free as a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid. I am providing an honest and unbiased review. #BibleGatewayPartner

Purchase your copy at the Faith Gateway Store: https://faithgateway.com/pages/thompson-chain-reference-bibles

If you prefer Amazon, here's a link: https://www.amazon.com/Thompson-Chain-Reference-Hardcover-Letter-Comfort/dp/0310459400

More information about this version is in the article on the Bible Gateway Blog: https://www.biblegateway.com/blog/2023/04/zondervan-releases-the-revised-and-updated-nkjv-thompson-chain-reference-bible/

Writers' Moment: Write a Memorable Devotion in Three Steps

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

- 1 Thessalonians 5:11-12 (ESV)

Devotionals may be short but pack a message and inspiration into very few words. Many times, I have people ask how I come up with the ideas for my devotionals. Most often, I say that the key is to be sensitive – to the Holy Spirit when He speaks to you with an idea, to the circumstances surrounding you where you'll find inspiration, and to the people you interact with or listen to who may motivate or inspire you to share a message.

Have you read a devotional first thing in the morning that stayed with you all day? How do you affect your readers?

• 1. First and foremost, ask, "Is my writing in line with Scripture?"

Many times, God will give you a message as you're reading and meditating on His Word. Even if God gives you an idea first, your next step is to research the Bible to make sure your message is biblically sound.

• 2. "Is my message relevant?" 

Are you writing to moms? Dads? Grads? Grandparents? Children? The list goes on and on. With so few words, you must focus on your audience with precision addressing their needs and concerns.

• 3. "How's my summation?"  

A devotion is so short that you have to conclude with a punch - a challenge, a question, an encouraging word, a prayer. What do you want your reader to remember?

I could go on and on about the subject, but I'm giving advice about writing with brevity. I'll simply say – Ask the Holy Spirit to help you share the message God wants you to share today. Read your Word. Pray. Listen. Be sensitive. Write.

Scripture Moment: Be Your Best

My quote for you today: 

"Never accept acceptable. Strive for superb!" - Donna J. Shepherd

Colossians 3:23-24 -Today's New International Version (TNIV) -^"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Christ of Christmas

Free download of the Christmas story from Luke read by singer/songwriter Matthew West. Tyndale's goal is to reach 1 million total downloads. You can also download a free copy of the Gospel of John in the New Living Translation.

http://www.thechristofchristmas.com/

Look for My Devotionals in NEW Cup of Comfort Books!