Max on Life.. Again

Thomas Nelson Publishing provided me with a copy of Max Lucado's book Max on LIfe: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions, in exchange for an honest review.
I LOVE Max Lucado's ability to share his insight into the Bible and how it is still relevant to our world today. Max on Life didn't disappoint me. I love the straightfoward approach that was taken on this book. It is divided into seven chapters which categorize the questions Max Lucado answered. I have found it an easy read, nice to pick up and read a few questions here and there, and will more than likely use it to help with encouraging others in the women's ministry at our church.
Most meaningful to me was a question on worry.. I love his definition of worry as antitrust. Backing up the fact that we don't need to worry with multiple scriptures is a great reminder that God has the answers; and that the answers might need to be repeated for me once in a while!

History of the Bible

I was given a copy of The Story of The Bible by Larry Stone by Thomas Nelson Publishing for review.. The opinion expressed is my own and I recieve no compensation for this review. Larry Stone has done an excellent job with this book. The front cover says it best.. "the fascinating history of its writing, translation, and effect on civilization." As a christian, i have struggled through many books that discuss history of the Bible and various translations. I did not struggle through this book, i enjoyed it. The timeline and pull-out pages are excellent resources. I initially thought i would review this book and pass it on to one of my pastors. Shortly after receiving it, i knew i was going to keep it for myself. I look forward to using it to teach my children the history of the Bible later.

Fasting... to do or not to do?

i received this book from Booksneeze.com in excange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own. I receive no compensatioon from Booksneeze.

I requested this book because i have become increasingly aware of more christians practicing fasting as a form of worship or seeking growth in their alk with God. I have always been glad that this practice was ancient and no longer required of us.
In reading this book as a form of research, i found myself intrigued by how many variations there are within the Bible and how many misconceptions i had about fasting.
I trulty enjoyed learning more about Why the characters in the Bible fasted and ho that translates to our modern day expectations from fasting.
I have gained tremendous insight into the practice of fasting, and a desire to give it even more consideration.
All in all, a book i would recommend to anyone looking for an easy to read, scriptural, fact-filled book on the subject of fasting.

Perhaps it's time for a new story. That's what author Jan Silvious says in her book Same Life, New Story. Silvious takes women from the Bible and brings their story into our life. Each chapter addresses a different issue, using scripture, personal reflection and group discussion questions to help us grow stronger in our faith and our biblical knowledge. This book was written as a 10-week study. I can't wait to get a group started on this journey with me!
I learned a long time ago that your perspective is critical. I am ready to see my life change as I go through familiar bible stories and see them through the perspective of these women.


I recieved a copy of this book from Booksneeze.com in exchange for my honest
review. I recieve no compensation and my review is not required to be
positive.

Save the Date

I just finished reading Save The Date by Jenny B. Jones. The title kindof gives away some of the story, but Jones adds a few twists along the way. This is a tender hearted romance story that spends time developing characters. There are several examples of godly relationships throughout the book, as well as circumstances that challenged those relationships. Save the Date is an easy read that encouraged laughter and a few tears. The author did an excellent job of weaving prayer and Christrian value into the story without beating you ovr the head with the message. I would highly recommend this book for teens and young adults.

Disclosure: i recieved this book from Booksneeze, in exchange for my review. There was no other compensation and my review is my own opinion.

Do I need another Bible?

Truthfully, There is no way that I NEED another Bible.. However, I love to get new Bibles and this one was no exception. Being a big fan of Max Lucado, I couldn't wait to get into the "Life Lessons" he incorporated into this Bible. I typically turn to NLT or NIV translations for Bible Study, but had the opportunity to receive this Bible (The Lucado Life Lessons Study Bible) for FREE from Booksneeze.com. At first glance, I was disappointed. I was expecting a true Study Bible with footnotes and such. Once I got past my initial disappointment and started really looking at the Bible, I was been pleasantly surprised at the translation and the format of the Bible itself. I enjoyed the standard Max Lucado devotionals, and found the Life Lessons to be very easy to read and informative. The real treasure of the book is at the very end, a section titled More Help For Your Spiritual Growth. This section of the book is broken down into five segments.

• He Did This Just for You Verses - verses to remind us of all the things God did for us.

• Spiritual Growth Verses - a topical assortment of verses to help us grow stronger in important aspects of daily living.
  

• 30 Studies for New Believers - 30 days of short Bible Studies with questions for personal application.
  

• The Big Picture: A 30 Day Overview to the New Testament

• "Where to Turn When" index

While I am not a "New Believer," I found the short studies to be very easy to read and neither assuming nor condescending.


This Bible will probably not become my "go-to" Bible, but I anticipate getting a lot of use out of it.

My biggest complaint about this Bible is that the pages are thin. I am going to get the pencil style Bible Highlighter and see how it works, but i am afraid it will still bleed through.

** I received this book FREE from Booksneeze.com in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any other way, and they did not require my review to be favorable.

I am always looking for a "new" devotional, something that makes me WANT to read it every day. It took me a little while to read and review this book. I have read and re-read the daily readings. I love that Nettlehorst pulled scriptures strictly from the Old Testament and wasted no words helping us see the words of God have meaning for us today.

The back cover states that "God's words are real, and they are full of his love, wisdom, and direction." This devotional helps us to understand just how much love, wisdom, and direction there is to be found in the Bible.

The devotional is arranged according to the topic that is addressed in the chapter. I definitely see myself referring to this book when i need encouragement from a biblical source.

Although it wasn't a fluffy, feel good type of devotional, it certainly held my attention.



** i received this book courtesy of Booksneeze in exchange for a written review. I was not compensated in any other form and my review was not required to be positive..