NKJV Bible Review

The NKJV Adventure Bible says it is the number one Bible for kids and I can understand why. The bright cover will certainly capture the eye and attention of the youngster that plans to use it but it is the easier to understand NKJV that will allow them to better grasp what they are reading. I really like the sturdy feel of the hardback version that I am reviewing and think it would hold up over continuous use, and the slick covering, is durable and can be wiped off if something is spilled on it. The first thing that I noticed when I opened the pages is that there is a bright little presentation page with a scripture verse on the bottom. I thought the two page section titled How to use the Bible was very informative by introducing the structure of the pages in the Bible pointing out the page number, book name and chapter,section heading,chapter and verse number along with footnotes. There are features peppered throughout the Bible which include Words to treasure, which highlight key verses, did you know points out many interesting small facts that one might overlook, life in Bible times shares information about what one may have eaten, worn etc during the time that they lived. People in Bible times shares stories about important people of the Bible. There are also full color pictures that make the Bible quite attractive. Plenty of useful information that will allow the user to grow in their walk with God.  The perfect tool to use for home school study or even in a Sunday school setting. Of all the things this Bible includes the one that was the most important was the one that lists the ABC's of becoming a Christian. 

A copy of this Bible was provided for review purposes.

The Maxwell Leadership Bible

When I decided to review this Bible I wasn't sure how it would relate to me, because I was thinking about church leadership, well this Bible is for anyone, whether you are a mother, father, teacher, coach we all have the ability to influence. First thing I noticed about this Bible is the dustjacket which is done in green and white, and this color theme is carried throughout this Bible. There is also a presentation page which makes this one perfect for gift giving. Some of the features are 21 laws of leadership,the 21 indispensable qualities of a leader, and one that I really enjoyed was the short articles and read as you go notes that encourage. Introductions to each book of the Bible point out the leaders in each book, while also providing useful information about each book of the Bible. An index of leadership issues allows the reader to find guidance on topics they may be facing.Overall The Maxwell Leadership Bible is a solid choice for anyone looking to gain insight into leadership. The NIV text is easy to read, and the  print is a nice size which makes for easy reading. 

A copy of this Bible was provided for review.

NIV First -Century Study Bible

I have been looking for a new study Bible and thought the NIV First Century Study Bible might be the one for me. I will say it is different than most study Bibles that I have used because of a few of the features including the word study which pulls out significant words and provides the meaning for Bible times as well as today, I found the Hebrew writing of each of these words to be interesting. In depth book introductions provide details about the author if known, when the book was written as well as outlines which helps with understanding the structure of the book. The day in the life articles allows the user to gain what living in Bible times might have been like by providing a glimpse of people such as midwives, shepherds, and farmers. I found these articles extremely useful because it allowed me to better understand about the people of the time and what they might have experienced, not only by using text but pictures as well. Another great feature of this Bible was the color pictures that really bring the text to life. There are several other study aides included in this Bible including an in depth concordance, plenty of color maps,and an index that makes it easy to locate them. Study notes along the bottom of the pages as well as footnotes. I will admit when I first started using this Bible I was a bit overwhelmed with all the information  packed inside, but not I find myself enjoying all of the added information that is provided. There is a nice presentation page that makes this Bible perfect for gift giving. While this Bible has a pretty cover it is actually all the useful information packed inside that will keep me using this Bible for years to come.

A complimentary copy of this Bible was provided for review.

The Spirit Filled Life by Charles Stanley

I have been watching Charles Stanley on television for years and have recently started listening to his podcasts, and have always found his preaching/teaching style to be so easy to understand so when I realized that he had written The Spirit Filled Life I knew I couldn't go wrong reading it, and I was right. He writes just the same way he speaks, in an easy to understand style that not only shares his ideas but uses scripture verses to back up what he is saying. From the beginning this book is so relatable he shares with us who the spirit is, and how to develop a relationship with him to what it means to hear the Spirit's voice. Within each chapter we find personal stories blended together with spiritual teaching, to finish out each chapter there is a think about it section that is just what it says, because the ideas and questions will have the user thinking about what they have read. Overall, this is a book filled with practical information about how to gain a Spirit Filled Life.

Synopsis:

Are you trying your best to be a good Christian but still feel something’s missing? Do the peace and joy you long for seem to elude you? Does following Christ sometimes feel like a lot of work—or like it’s just not working very well?

Much has been written and spoken—and argued!—about the Holy Spirit and what it means to be filled with the Spirit. Charles Stanley cuts through the confusion and introduces you to a living Person as real and active as God the Father and Christ the Son. Through personal stories, biblical exploration, and insightful explanation, he will help you discover:

• who the Spirit is—and how to develop a relationship with Him


• who the Spirit isn’t—and how to avoid damaging misconceptions


• how being “filled” with the Spirit actually works


• what the Bible really teaches about spiritual “signs” such as speaking in tongues


• how the Spirit can increase your capacity for faith, hope, love, and personal transformation


• what it means to “hear” the Spirit’s voice


• how to make the most of your unique spiritual gifting to build up Christ’s body


• what happens when the Spirit’s power is unleashed in your workplace, your family life, your friendships, and every other area of your life

In The Spirit-Filled Life Charles Stanley reveals how to recognize and begin to live with the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit.

NIV Fast Facts Bible ~ With 1000 Facts

Book Description

A Bible that points out interesting facts and challenges the reader to dig deeper into God’s Word.

The NIV Fast Facts Bible is designed to creatively engage Bible readers who have a passion for finding out interesting facts about the Bible. It features unique Bible book introductions that point to fascinating details that can be found in each of the Bible's 66 books. At the end of each book is a full page of intriguing questions that will drive readers back into the text to discover the answers for themselves. Includes the complete text of the NIV, the world's bestselling modern English translation.

• Paperback: 1280 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan; Special edition (April 22, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310432162
• ISBN-13: 978-0310432166

My review:

I always enjoy finding a new Bible but with the NIV Fast Facts Bible I was a bit disappointed. Some of the things that I liked about this Bible was the NIV translation,and it is a nice size. I enjoyed answering the questions in the Fast Fact trivia quizzes but truthfully that alone wouldn't make me pay the retail price for this Bible. The Fast Facts that introduce each book of the Bible weren't that informative, and most of it was information that I already knew.Another negative about this Bible is the small print. While I am a fan of paperback Bibles this one didn't feel sturdy, and honestly it seems overpriced, for the quality.  Overall, if your looking for a paperback Bible in NIV this might be the Bible for you,but honestly for me  this Bible is one of my least favorite and will probably become a shelf sitter.

A complimentary copy of this Bible was provided for review.

A Mother's Secret by Amy Clipston

Carolyn Lapp wants to marry but she wants to marry for love but at the age of 31 she is considered well past marrying age. Even though she never married she does have a fifteen year old son, and that is something her brother just can't get over, so her brother thinks she ought to marry Saul Beiler who lost his wife and now needs a mother for his daughter. When she meets Joshua Glick feelings develop but there is something he doesn't know.

Easy to connect with characters made this book a page turning read for me. While this is an Amish story Carolyn could be anyone really, and that's what I like about this series, the characters have  real life issues, not Amish or English but real life. They aren't perfect, they have depth which makes them feel real. While the format of being torn between two men is sort of standard stuff  and one can sort of predict where the story is going it's the getting there that makes the reading worthwhile.
A Mother's Secret is the second book in the Hearts Of The Lancaster Grand Hotel Series, but I think it could probably be read as a stand alone just because Ms. Clipston is great at filling in enough information so that a reader wouldn't feel lost, that said, it's such an interesting series that I would say readers should read both books. Fans of Amish romance will find plenty to enjoy, but the author provides enough turmoil, secrets and everyday life to make this a fast read for anyone just looking for a story that pulls you in and leaves you wanting more.

A copy of this book was provided by Booklook.com

Heaven &Hell ~ Are They Real by Christopher Hudson

Heaven and Hell ~ are they real, well this book gives us the answer. The author tackles more than sixty questions regarding heaven and hell. While the Bible offers clear answers for some questions such as whether Hell exists, or if there is a Heaven, for some of the questions there are no true answers, instead there are hints as to what we might expect, and the author shares scripture guiding us allowing the user to come to an informed decision. Written in two different sections the first section deals with the topic of heaven and touches on things such as what happens right after death, life in heaven, descriptions of Heaven, the people we will find there and looking forward to Heaven. The second section deals with the topic of Hell including descriptions, whether hell is a choice we make and how we can avoid going to Hell. Written in a clear and easy to understand way, this book really shares true insight into what one might expect once they die. I found the list of Bible verses on heaven and hell to be quite informative and they really encouraged me to pull out my Bible to study further. There is an appendix included that makes it easy to navigate to topics that really interest the user. Overall a handy little book that tackles subjects that many wonder about. This book would make an interesting Bible study and there are even questions included if one wants to dig deeper into what they learn. Overall, the answers are in our Bible, but this book guides us to those answers, the insights from many of today's prominent Christian leaders provide fuel for thought and the scripture verses shared really provide clarity into what the Bible really says about Heaven and Hell! Recommended for anyone looking to further their Bible knowledge.

A complementary copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson for review.