NIV Life Connect Study Bible by Zondervan with Dr. Wayne Cordeiro

Think about all the things we love. We love God, our children, our families, our pets, book, some of us may even love our cars. But- and this is a big -BUT-. Do we love our Bibles? Sure, it IS the Word of God and all but do we really love them?  

   There are so many things competing for our attention tees days and that makes it hard to love our Bibles. To love something, we actually have to WANT to spend time with that particular thing we love, right? See where I'm going with this? 

   Dr. Wayne Cordeiro says we should love our Bibles, love them, spend time with them-with The Word. Spending time with The Word is spending time with God. The NIV Life Connect Study Bible makes this idea of loving your Bible so much easier. 

   This Bible is truly for today's technologically proficient believer. With The Word literally at your fingertips every where you go , there is no excuse NOT to love your Bible. Features of the NIV Life Connect Study Bible include:

-The complete text of the NIV Bible

-Thousands of verse-by-verse study notes

-SOAP (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer) articles to invite interaction with the text through a helpful framework 

-Wide margins for notes, prayers,etc

-Life Connect articles bring the truths of the Bible to your life today

-Insightful quotes to invite reflection

-Study tools including book introductions, cross references and an NIV concordance

-A read through the Bible in a year check off chart

-Red letter edition

   I LOVE MY BIBLE!! I love everything about The Word. I use it every single solitary day of my life. And just like the NIV Life Connect Study Bible claims, all these extra special features make my journey through The Word much more profitable. I was already familiar with the S.O.A.P acronym study method and when I saw it was incorporated I to this Bible I was ecstatic!! I believe this tool is invaluable for digging deeper into the various hard to interpret passages, and the easy ones too! Actually, S.O.A.P can be applied to ANY passage. Along with the wider margins for note taking, there are these wonderful things called Life Journal Pages. They are used to record responses to what you read. This way, you have a record of the nuggets you glean from your study. The Life Journal Pages typically occur at the end of each book.  There is also an index so you know what passages you studied and what you learned. 

   My other favorite feature appears in the book introductions. A section called "As You Read" offers things to look for when reading such as key words and themes. "Did You Know?"  provides facts about people, places and things in that chapter. The verse numbers are included  for your convenience. 

   The NIV Life Connect Bible is A-MAY- ZING!!! I have yet to find a study Bible so in tuned with today's bible students. The Bible has it all!! If you want a one stop bible study shop buy this Bible. I honestly can't think of even one reason NOT to purchase The NIV Life Connect Study Bible. I even enjoy the layout of the cross references. My rating is 5/5. Zondervan did it again, with the help of Dr. Wayne Cordeiro.

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.”

The Gift For All People by Max Lucado

"If God is for us, who can be against us? This mean. Had God a calendar, your birthday would be circled. If he drove your car, your name would be on his bumper. If there's a tree in heaven, he's carved your name in the bark." In knowing this truth, Max Lucado(the author) asks, "Could death harm you now? Can disease rob your life.... You are protected. God is for you. And that's what grace means." Grace is the foundation of this beautiful inspirational book.,

Lucado is one of the greatest of our time. In his book The Gift For All People, Lucado has assembled more than 30 of his most inspirational essays this short but heart warming selection of thoughts and stories.  Each brief chapter offers a lesson for Christian living based on Scripture.  The pages of this book are filled with words of reassurance offering steadfast comfort to numerous Christians. Believers and non believers alike.

I was going through a tough time when I received this book and it literally brought me to my knees. I was humbled immediately and felt the emence love of the Father... At the exact moment I needed it most. I felt right next to the Almighty. 

   I would suggest this book to anyone looking for a little pick me up, someone who needs that kind of hug human hands cans possibly accomplish. The pages are beautifully layed  out and the stories are short enough to read quickly in one sitting. I would rate this 5/5. 

The Catholic Catalogue by Melissa Musick & Ann Keating

We are all curious. As humans it is in our nature to wonder about things. We are always yearning to learn new things and to add knowledge to the things we already know. We inquire about the known and unknown alike. The Catholic Catalogue is a go- to place for everything Catholic. It is a fountain of knowledge of the known and unknown. 

   The authors a three part book or catalogue of everything Catholic. The 3 sections include : Smells and Bells, Seasons of the Church Year and Seasons of Life. This layout lends itself to those who are completely unfamiliar to Catholicism as well as the old pros. In each section you will find practical information and helps on :

-church history

- the saints

-the liturgical calendar

- holidays, feast days and holy days

- prayer

-the sacraments 

And so much more.

   Keating and Musick also educate the reader on lesser known Catholic practices such as planting a Mary garden, keeping Lent, blessing a child, keeping a name day, confirmation gift giving and Eucharistic Adoration. The authors do not try and "push"their faith on the reader. They deal with education and information only. 

   I am a cradle catholic, born and was baptized into my faith and I have chosen to keep it into my adult years. When it comes to Catholicism, I like to say that I know my stuff. However, as I began to read The Catholic Catalogue, I soon realized that there was many many things that I had absolutely no idea about. I really enjoyed this book for that exact reason. Because I now possess this wonderful well of Catholic data I can now make a home altar, shrine or prayer corner for my family, make real beeswax candles with my children, teach my catechesis students about first Friday and Saturday practices and with my husband, bless my children and every room in my home. See, there are things to learn for even the most seasoned Catholic. 

   I would rate this book 5/5. There is so much to be gained by reading The Catholic Catalogue. Anyone with a little human curiosity can benefit greatly from the books contents. I would recommend this book to literally anyone that may want to learn about Catholicism in an informal setting. Believers and non alike will learn something. Go out and get it- you will be glad you did. 

Notice of Material Disclosure:

I received this book free from Net Galley c/o Crown Publishing in exchange for my honest review. I only review products that I have personally used myself. My opinions are my own and did not promise to give a positive review.

   

Rediscovering Discipleship by Robby Gallaty

In Matthew 18:19-20, Jesus tell the Apostles to "Go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." This passage is commonly referred to as the Great Commission. As one of the last things the Apostles heard Jesus say, they took this command very seriously and went off to carry the message of the Gospel to everyone who would listen and most likely to those who wouldn't as well. 

   The idea of discipleship didn't begin here. Rediscovering Discipleship has us begin in the Old Testament and leads us through the time of Jesus, the early church fathers and ends in preset day. Dr. Gallaty doesn't stop there. He offers the reader a concise plan to expand our idea of discipleship as we know it and improve our disciple making practices. The author'a plan is simple.he shows us practical ways  we can all make disciples like Christ. 

   The description of this book piqued my interest immediately. I volunteer in a few ministries at my church, one of them centered on evangelization and disciple making. I believe these two terms go hand in hand. I enjoyed how Gallaty started at the beginning with heavy emphasis on the Eastern or Hebrew way of how the Old Testament was written. I leaned that the Hebrews think in pictures and westerners think in bullet points. This point matters greatly when trying to interpret Old Testament Scripture. The book goes on to explain how the Jewish Rabbi was the first disciple maker. The disciple makers are useless on their own. That's where the Apostles come on the scene. Gallaty uses Jesus and His disciples to further his point. After this comes the early church fathers and their respective denominations. 

   The most vital part of Rediscovering Discipleship, in my opinion is when Gallaty gives us his own great commission, a simple plan that packs quite a punch. He directs individuals as well as the church as a whole. I'm very grateful for the authors insights on this integral part of being a christian. I can certainly apply the facts to my ministries and encourage others to do so easily. 

   I would rate this book 5/5. As Christians we are called by the Great Commission to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations close to home and far away. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to obey Jesus' command whether in ministry or in everyday life. 

**Notice of Material Disclosure:

I received this book free from Net Galley c/o Zondervan Academic in exchange for my honest review. I only review products that I have personally used myself. My opinions are my own and did not promise to give a positive review.

 

  

Jesus Speaks by Steven K. Scott

 I love devotionals! I can never get enough. Jesus Speaks- 365 Days of Daily Guidance And Encouragement Straight From The Words Of Christ is unlike any  devotional I have used. Scott uses the "red-letter" words of Christ as the daily focal point in his book. Christ is our teacher, our Rabbi. Naturally, we should look to Him for daily encouragement and guidance. 

   No problem we face today is beyond the help of our Savior. In Jesus Speaks, He is speaking directly to us through the Word followed by a powerful reflection on how He wants us to apply His truths to our daily lives. This is a one stop shop for everyday living. Scott urges us to spend more time in The Word. The more time we spend with Jesus in the Word, the more clearly we will hear Him speak to us. 

 

The layout of this special book is basically the same as other devotionals. The author begins with the focus for that specific day. For example: Take Control of Your Heart and Trust My Father and Me. Then, he gives us a red-letter verse from scripture. In this instance he references John 14:1. After the scripture, Scott goes on to reflect on the verse. He writes as if it is Jesus himself directing the reader in life's spiritual ins and outs. This is very helpful if you practice spiritual or scriptural meditation. After the reflection comes a second Bible verse (also red letter) that summarizes the reflection and the first verse. The day's passage is closed with a reference, including page numbers, to Scott's other book "The Greatest Word's Ever Spoken". 

   As I stated above, I love devotionals, and this one is no different. Using the red-letter only verses really puts the focus on Jesus' teaching. I firmly believe the things Jesus taught his disciples way back when can still be applied to life today. I feel that His message is of the utmost importance for Christian living. The cover and layout of Scott's book is pleasing and user friendly. I wasn't aware that Steven Scott penned "The Greatest Words Ever Spoken" and that this book would be such an integral part of this  work. If the author was looking for a great way to pitch "The Greatest Words Ever Spoken" it worked. Reading Jesus Speaks really makes me want to go out and buy his other boom because I feel as if I'm missing something each day. This is really the only down side to using Jesus Speaks. 

   In closing, I would give this book a rain of 4/5, only because I feel a strong sense that I'm missing pieces of the message by not having the companion book. I would recommend this devotional WITH the companion book to anyone looking to change up their daily devotional time or looking to work on the Christian living aspect of their life.

**I received this book free from the publisher c/o Blogging For Books in exchange for my honest review. I do not review products that I do not personally use myself. My opinions are my own. 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/reviews/1601428421/ref=cm_cr_dp_aw_btm?ie=UTF8

Listening To The Voice Of God by Shirley Smith

  Oh how I long to hear His voice. I think it's something most Christians want to experience in their journey of faith. Shirley Smith is one of the "lucky ones." In her book, Listening to the Voice of God, she  gifts the reader with her personal witness of God moving in her life. 

   Smith's experiences are based on God's Word as recorded in the Holy Bible and portrays God's gracious response to those who have faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The author uses this book to show us the many ways that God speaks to us in this time. Scripture is the backbone to most all her claims.Circumstances and strong inner conviction round out her case. 

I enjoyed reading this book. It was an easy quick read. However, it wasn't exactly what I expected. Smith's book is more of a personal account of her experiences seeking the voice of God and how she got there. I was expecting a kind of "how-to" self help type book. Regardless of my assumptions, the book was extremely helpful. Smith begins by giving us a thorough introduction on why we need Jesus in our lives, why we as Christians NEED to hear God- why LISTENING is so important and how we can use His Word to answer these critical questions. 

   I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to read Listening To The Voice Of God and learn practical applications for my own journey with God. I appreciated all the real life examples and ties to scripture found in the book. 

  I give this book a rating of 4/5 and would recommend it to Christians looking to further their relationship with The Father through prayer, meditation and Bible study. 

**FTC regulation book review post

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.”

Prayer Points from Tyndale House Publishers

   Is there any instance in life where prayer isn't applicable? I don't believe so. Prayer Points, offered to us by Tyndale House Publishers makes the task of prayer easier and much more productive. 

   As Christians, the Bible should be out go-to resource for prayer. After all there are countless examples from God's own people on how we should pray. For as many different characters there are in the Bible, there are an equal amount of different ways to pray and reasons for us to pray.

   Why don't you give yourself a helping hand and check out Tyndale's Prayer Points. Each entry provides Bible verses, a promise from God, and a prayer to help you along. This helpful resource features nearly 250 entries and addresses more than 150 topics. Look here for relief for what ails you. You WILL find it. 

   There are certain times throughout the year when I feel especially dry spiritually. These times usually occur at the end of the year/beginning of the year. My emotions run the gamut. What I find most challenging is that when I'm having a dry spell, I often have the hardest time finding the words for prayer. I get frustrated when I try and talk to God. Now, I realize that God doesn't care about my flustering flubs, however, if I just had that certain something to help me with my words for prayer, I would feel dramatically better. Well, now I have it! I was fortunate enough to receive a copy of Prayer Points for myself.

   This beautiful book of love has been extremely helpful, not only in times of dryness but for each and everyday. I literally use it multiple times a day. I'm a mother, a wife, a woman-heck, I'm a HUMAN BEING!! Therefore I go through multiple emotions throughout the day. That is where Prayer Points is most helpful. Whatever emotion or problem you are facing, you can bet there is a prayer-and scripture verse for that. Feeling bored?- there's a verse & a prayer for that. Have a tough choice to make? There's a verse and prayer for that. Are you struggling in your marriage? You guesses it- there's a prayer and verse for that too. Other topics include: oppression, feeling adrift, resentment, breaking up, death, envy, fatigue, sleeplessness and many, many, many, many many more. 

   I would recommend Prayer Points to anyone who has feelings. We are human beings that long for a relationship with our creator, our Heavenly Father. Anyone and everyone could benefit from having this book by their side. I give it 10/10 for the content, portability and the beautiful cover and text font. 

**I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I do not review products that I do not personally use myself.