Tag Archives: discipleship

Book Review & a Giveaway: Fresh Start Bible

Do you ever need a reset button, and a chance for a do-over? The Fresh Start Bible is the perfect fit! “With over 500 discipleship articles and studies, Fresh Start Bible will help you find God’s direction for every day.”

Fresh Start is published by Gateway Church in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Provided in the New Living Translation, features include:

“Fresh Start Journey: 52 important questions about the foundations of faith

Intersections: 59 key Bible characters and events

Road Signs: Practical teachings that illuminate Scripture and inspire spiritual growth

Worship Way: Discusses the What, Whom, Why, and How of worship

Freedom Path: Explores the spiritual freedom available to every believer

Bible Reading Breakthrough: Explains the importance of reading God’s Word every day”

As a teacher of God’s Word, I appreciate the leader’s guide, including keys to a dynamic small group. As a reader of God’s Word, I appreciate the breakdown of a daily reading plan, to apply a practical method of study. And, as a student of God’s Word, I appreciate the study resources, including in-depth teachings, Bible studies and message notes. Each book of the Bible has an introduction, sidebars, footnotes and articles to pursue a better understanding of the material in the context and intent.

When I think about receiving my first study Bible, I remember the joy I found in the pages of notes. The cross-references became a delightful jigsaw puzzle and helped me piece together an understanding of who God is and who He wants to be in my life. The notes throughout gave insight to difficult passages and provide an “ah-ha” to God’s code book.

Today, that Bible is a cherished friend; the notes I scribbled in the margin became signposts for direction. Underlined portions of Scripture jump out every time I turn the page. My desire to share God’s Word in reviews, is that others would also find the thrill of discovery within its pages. God wants to be known by you, and He gifts so many translations, so that we can know Him. Fresh Start will delight, disciple and direct you, as you dig into daily deciphering!

I am giving away a copy of the Fresh Start Bible to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) about tools you use to study God’s Word and you will be entered into the drawing, to be held in three days, December 18.

Sally

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from the publisher through The Blog About Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Review & a Giveaway: The NIV Lifehacks Bible!

NIV Lifehacks

If you were offered the key to unlock mysteries, would you take it? The NIV Lifehacks Bible extends that and so much more, in the quest for understanding God’s Word.

It contains 365 articles to explain the process of becoming more like Jesus.

It covers 30 everyday disciplines.

It chronicles 8 different categories of spiritual formation (the process of conforming to the character of Christ).

 

That’s 365 articles for each day of the year.

30 disciplines for each day of the month, on average.

8 categories to examine one a day, plus one.

But do you need to read or apply every entry? The author, Joe Carter says, “No. This Bible contains over 1,000 tips and suggestions, and no one could (or necessarily should) attempt to apply them all. My goal in writing these articles is that every reader will find at least eight things to apply to their life, one in each of the eight categories of spiritual formation.” (Seeing Jesus in Scripture, Prayer, Engaging Scripture, Communion with God, Internal Disciplines, External Disciplines, Responding to God’s Calling and Assessing Spiritual Growth.)

NIV Lifehacks 197 become like Christ

Imagine what would happen to The Church, if all Christians took it upon themselves to make Bible study and discipleship a personal endeavor? This Bible is called “Lifehacks” because we live in an age when we’re looking for tips and tools to handle life more efficiently. Ever wish you could “cut to the chase” in the way you study the disciplines of the Christian life?

This format is a work of genius! The tools draw you into the Word of God with practical clues to texts and connections to concepts. Even the titles entice you to engage your brain… before you know it, you’ve been studying the Bible!

  • When We Should (Probably) Not Agree to Pray for Someone
  • What Lambs Reveal About Jesus
  • The Essential Vocation of Burden Bearing
  • The Benefits of Handwriting Scripture
  • How Honey Helps Us to Know God
  • How 15 Minutes a Day Can Change Your Life
  • Kill the Dragon, Get the Bride

Are you curious yet? Get your own copy today. Or, you can enter the drawing!

I am giving away a copy, courtesy of Zondervan Publishers, to one reader in the continental United States. Leave a comment on my blog (at the top of this post, under the title) about one of your favorite Bible study tools, and you will be entered into the drawing to be held one week from today, July 7. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts!

Sally

P.S. Each person who leaves a comment will also receive a free pdf, “20 Prompts for Spiritual Journaling,” from the NIV Lifehacks Bible!

 NIV Lifehacks 58 (3) Scripture points to Christ

Disclosure of Material: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through The Blog Spot Network book review program in exchange for a fair and honest review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR Title 16, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”