I want to start with saying that I love this study Bible! It is packed with a lot in it, but in a way that doesn’t seem overwhelming. I particularly enjoyed the Life Lessons that are on almost every page. They give you plenty to think about and I like that they relate to the chapter that I just read. Lots of practical advise and thoughts that have been excerpted from Lucado’s books.
As Max Lucado writes in his acknowledgements section of this study Bible, “This version of the NKJV is a library worth of books in one volume.” How true. There are over 1,000 Life Lessons in the margin that relate to the section of scripture that you are reading. Full page devotions through out the book include study guide questions. Christ Throughout the Bible sections are scattered throughout and show how the entire Bible is tied together. The New Life in Christ sections are to help lead you to a closer walk with Christ. In the back of the Bible are He Did This Just For You Verses, examples are God made you his own, He comforts you, He gives you confidence, etc. which are followed with a verse. Then comes the Spiritual Growth Verses, such as Commitment, Faith, Forgiveness, and Love. Next are 3o Studies for New Believers. A different topic everyday starting with some ‘Have you ever wondered…’ questions, then scripture to read relating to it. A few paragraphs of discussion and the some personal application questions, and even a scripture to read for a more in-depth study. The Big Picture, is a 30 day reading plan that will introduce you to key passages from the New Testament and provide an overview. Where to Turn When Index has several scriptures relating to many different life topics such as When you need encouragement, When you need to forgive, and When you feel stressed. In the front of the Bible there is a Two-Year Devotional Reading Plan, broken down into weeks and days to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Each book has an Introduction as well as an About this Book with author, date written, key themes, key verse, and contents or major sections.
This book was provided to me from the publisher in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
This is a collection of 150 hymns and the stories behind the songs. The left hand page has the sheet music and the right hand page has the history of the song and/or author. Broken down into Christmas, Easter and All time favorites, this is a beautiful book with the edge of the pages rough like in an old hymnal. The stories are uplifting, informative and encouraging. It’s always so inspiring to read about what some people went through and to see how they never lost faith and were still able to praise God in everything to the point of writing a wonderful song that is still sung today. The inspiration that lead to some of our favorite hymns is interesting and being able to read the words and the stories behind them give them a whole new meaning. I know that when I hear some of these songs again I will be thinking about the situations that the author was in when he/she penned these powerful words and the song will have more impact.
