Wednesday, January 26, 2011

The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible (Book Review)

Lucado Bible

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.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Everything Christmas (Book Review)

 

‘Everything Christmas’ is an entertaining little book celebrating all that is Christmas. The book is set up so you can read a chapter a day starting December 1st as you get ready for Christmas. It includes song lyrics, poems, short stories, recipes, gift ideas, crafts, history and Christmas traditions from other countries.

I enjoyed reading about where some of our current traditions have come from. The Christmas traditions and recipes from other countries is very interesting and I will enjoy using this with my children in the future as we study Christmas around the world. There are lots of nice poems and quotes that would be great for adding to cards or letters. A great book for new ideas and to get you in the holiday mood!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All the opinions are mine.