Review: Amplified Journal the Word Bible from Zondervan
As part of the Zondervan bloggerprogram, I have received a copy of the Zondervan Amplified “Journal the Word” Biblepublished by Zondervan Bibles/Harper Collins Publishers at no cost to mein exchange for an honest reviewhere on the Adonai Shalom USA blog.#zondervanpartner
The Zondervan Amplified Journal the Word Bible uses the popular Amplified translation of the Biblical text. This particular edition allows ample space so that those who enjoy taking notes in the margins or even drawing and doodling can have room to truly personalize their copy of the Holy Scriptures.
The Amplified version is nice because this translation inserts notes to help define key words and phrases in Scripture that are otherwise misunderstood or overlooked due to difficulties in transition from the original Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew. The brackets and parentheses help to ensure that none of these notes are mistaken as actual Scripture, which is critical because Revelation 22:18 sternly warns us to never add to the actual Scriptures. The purpose of the Amplified Bible is to add understanding, not to add erroneous text, and I believe it fulfills its mission in a helpful way for those wanting to delve deeper into the original meaning of the text.
From the back cover book jacket: “The Amplified Bible translation delivers enhanced understanding of the rich nuances and shades of meaning of the original Greek and Hebrew words in Scripture. Using a unique system of brackets, parentheses, and italics, the Amplified Bible defines and expands key words and phrases within the text of Scripture. In this way, the fuller meaning of God’s Word unfolds, verse by verse, as you read.”
I immediately noticed the beautiful Leathersoft (TM) cover. The size of this Bible is perfect for personal devotionals.
It features two satin ribbon bookmarks and it lays flat when open, which is ideal for serious notetakers!
The Zondervan Amplified Journal the Word Bible is excellent for personal study. It is not; however, a “study Bible” in that this Bible does not contain notes, commentary, concordances, nor maps. The Amplified translation intends for the reader to gather insights from the amplified text which does contain elements that could be considered commentary. Immediately following the ending of the New Testament in Revelation, there are additional pages for personal notes.
The Zondervan Amplified Journal the Word Bible does contain an “Explanation of General Format” to help those unfamiliar with the Amplified version to understand how the features work within the text:
I personally enjoy anything that helps to further explain the original meanings, so I like the Amplified Version. The only thing I could suggest to make this particular Journal the Word Bible even better would be if there were further textual commentary included on each page.
This high-quality Amplified version of the Bible is suitable for anyone who enjoys writing notes or drawing in the margins of their personal devotional Bible. It would make a wonderful gift for the artists and creative people in your life who love God’s Word!
Rev. Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University
Book details
Title: Amplified Journal the Word Bible Publisher: Zondervan Release Date: February 2024 Genre: BIBLES/The Amplified Bible/Journaling
ISBN-13: 978-0-310-46362-7
Review: The Thomas Nelson NKJV VALUE Ultra Thinline Bible (And what is the difference between the Ultra Thinline and the VALUE Ultra Thinline?)
As part of the Thomas Nelson Bibles bloggerprogram, I have received a copy of the Thomas Nelson NKJV Value Ultra Thinline Bible published by Thomas Nelson Bibles/Harper Collins Publishers at no cost to mein exchange for an honest reviewhere on the Adonai Shalom USA blog.
This would be a perfect Bible for an evangelist or missionary: someone who knows the Word and does not want to carry extra weight around when traveling. This Bible does not contain commentary or even cross-references. This Bible would also be a perfect Bible for any new Christian wanting to read the Bible for him or herself without the distractions of footnotes, cross-references, or commentary.
Each of these Bibles have a presentation page that can be used if you are gifting this to someone special in your life.
A difference between the Thomas Nelson NKJV Value Ultra Thinline Bible and the Thomas Nelson NKJV Ultra Thinline Bible is that the value edition does not have the gilded golden edging on the pages. The edges are simple white paper.
I personally love the golden edging that is on most Bibles. It reminds me how special God’s Word is. But, if you are simply looking for an economical Bible or one that does not draw attention to itself, this will work for you.
The Bible does include an integrated red satin bookmark.
The NKJV Value Ultra Thinline Bibles use an 8-point font, called “Comfort Print” by Thomas Nelson Bibles. The text in both the ultra and value ultra looks identical to me.
The greige cover is beautiful and simple. The color is tasteful, too. I found it matches my kitchen table quite well!
Both the ultra and value ultra editions contain the beautiful full color maps that Thomas Nelson is known for. These Bibles are made with quality and longevity in mind.
The NKJV Value Ultra Thinline Bible contains only the simple Biblical text, keeping it lightweight and easy to carry with you anywhere. It does have the words of Christ in red. It would not be considered a “study Bible” because it does not have concordances or commentary.
The NKJV Value Ultra Thinline Bible comes with a lifetime guarantee which proves that Thomas Nelson stands by the quality of their Bibles. In order to get the lifetime guarantee, be sure to register your purchase using this link on the Thomas Nelson website.
This economical edition of God’s Holy Word in the New King James Version will last for years! It is easy to transport, making this a particularly useful Bible for evangelists and missionaries!
Rev. Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University
Book details
Title: NKJV Value Ultra Thinline Bible Author: Publisher: Thomas Nelson Bibles Release Date: 2024 Genre: BIBLES/New King James Version/Text
Review: The Thomas Nelson NKJV Ultra Thinline Bible
As part of the Thomas Nelson Bibles bloggerprogram, I have received a copy of the Thomas Nelson NKJV Ultra Thinline Bible published by Thomas Nelson Bibles/Harper Collins Publishers at no cost to mein exchange for an honest reviewhere on the Adonai Shalom USA blog.
The NKJV Ultra Thinline Bible features the thinnest edition of the Biblical text available from Thomas Nelson. Pictured is the Thomas Nelson NKJV Bonded Leather edition, available in Burgundy with gold gilded page edging. This Bible utilizes Smyth-sewn binding, making it a Bible that will last for a long time. In fact, I found out that Thomas Nelson has a lifetime guarantee on this Bible, so if you do invest in one, be sure to register your purchase using this link on the Thomas Nelson website!
I love the fact that this NKJV Bible is very lightweight. I often carry a Bible with me because there is just something special about having a printed copy of the Scriptures in hand rather than only relying on Bible apps. This Bible would be useful in any ministry setting.
This Bible provides the simple Bible text (in this case, the New King James Version) without the weight that would be added with study guides, commentaries, or concordances. The Thomas Nelson NKJV Ultra Thinline Bible includes a satin ribbon marker, a presentation page, and the words of Christ are in red.
This NKJV Bible uses an 8-point font, called “Comfort Print” by Thomas Nelson Bibles. It is clear and readable as advertised, but for those of us over 40 who have worn glasses since childhood . . . this Thomas Nelson NKJV Bible might remind a few of us that it is time to update that prescription! If you have excellent vision, you will love the font size because it enables this Bible to be as thin as it is.
There is ample margin space for a Bible of this size if you do enjoy adding short notes during a Bible study or sermon. The paper quality is exceptional – what one would expect with a high quality Bible.
The back of the Thomas Nelson NKJV Ultra Thinline Bible contains beautiful full-color maps of sites in ancient Israel:
as well as maps of the time of Jesus and the apostles:
This is a Bible that would make a beautiful gift for anyone in your life.
Coming up:
Stay tuned! Next week, I will be reviewing the value edition of the Thomas Nelson Ultra Thinline Bibles. I will share with you the unique differences between these editions. It can be so much easier to choose when you can see some pictures and read a description about them!
This beautifully constructed leather edition of God’s Holy Word in the New King James Version will last for years. If you are looking for a simple, no frills, lightweight, high-quality edition of the Bible, look no further! This Bible will bless anyone, of all ages.
Rev. Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University
Book details
Title: NKJV Ultra Thinline Bible Author: Publisher: Thomas Nelson Bibles Release Date: 2024 Genre: BIBLES/New King James Version/Text
7 Biblical responses for when your child experiences racism for the first time
Our family bubble
I like my faith-filled bubble.
Our family prays together and we read the LORD’s Word together and we worship together.
We love to share our faith with those who do not know the LORD and all of us are pretty resilient in the face of argumentation and those who refuse to accept the Truth.
My children are homeschooled and sometimes I forget that we live in this joyful little bubble!
The enemy wants to burst your bubble
And I was taken off guard yesterday.
My son had gone outside to walk our German Shepherd, Canelo, on a small dead-end road that borders one edge of our corner lot house. Our family has walked that way many times because there is rarely a car and we often see beautiful wildlife including deer and sandhill cranes. I often try to get a close-up picture, but the creatures prove elusive.
Canelo
An evening walk has become a new summertime routine for my son. He started taking the dog all by himself about a week or two ago and I believe it is a quiet time for him. I have noticed an improvement in his snarky-young-teenager remarks and so I was very happy that he had learned to get some fresh air and exercise.
The road seems like a peaceful one, with just four houses on the short northwoods street.
The end of the road
Last year, the houses on that road held a little community rummage sale, so we stopped by and met the neighbors. They were all fairly friendly, but the couple living at one of the houses seemed less so . . . and overly interested in detailing the alcohol flask collection they were trying to sell.
We assumed from their demeanor and manner of conversation that they perhaps struggle with drinking.
I hadn’t seen or heard from them since.
Until last night.
My son came home and he had a look of disbelief on his face.
I asked him what had happened.
When loving thy neighbor is put to the test
“The neighbor lady yelled at me.”
I couldn’t imagine this, so I asked for details.
He recounted: “She came out on her porch and yelled out, ‘. . . You need to go use a different path. Can’t you see you’re making my dog bark? Go on.’ Then she just stood there and stared at me until I left.”
I asked him if he replied to her spitefully (which would not have necessarily surprised me).
He said, “No, I just said ‘Ok, I’m sorry’ and came home. I had a million bad things I wanted to say to her, but I didn’t because I know I’m supposed to be Christian.”
Well, there’s a proud mom moment. My child is trying to act like a follower of our Messiah ought to act.
Trying to give the neighbor lady the benefit of the doubt, I asked if she perhaps was kidding? Maybe she had a twinge of humor, “look, kid, you make my dog bark and it drives me crazy…”
“No. She was not joking one bit.”
So the mama bear in me was incensed that our very neighbor could be so mean to a child! Especially my child! My son’s mere presence in the road in front of her house caused her an issue? Our dog wasn’t barking at her dog. I have heard her dog on other occasions. I believe he looks out their front window and barks every time a dog passes. But that is her issue, not mine. And most certainly not my son’s issue.
I want to tell her that the road is public land and my child has the right to walk his doggie wherever he so pleases. And I want to shout right back at her. How dare she hurt my son’s feelings! But alas. I am a Christian. I am a pastor! I have to be “Midwest nice” at the least, right? I have to love my neighbor!?
Ugh. No one said following Yeshua (Jesus) would be easy.
Perceived Racism
But there was something else that my son said that really hurt my mama heart. He said that the woman had muttered something before yelling and he thought it sounded like “you ill . . . ”
I said maybe she meant, “you ill-mannered….”
I asked if he did anything that seemed disrespectful, such as allowing the dog onto her grass.
He said, “no, more like ‘you illegal’ . . . “
I paused and took a deep breath.
My husband is a legal U.S. citizen. But that doesn’t mean everyone knows or believes that about him. Quite honestly, I wish it didn’t matter. My husband is caramel-skinned and was born in Mexico. My son is handsomely half Hispanic with beautiful tan skin, mocha eyes, and dark curly hair.
Whether or not my neighbor said something that horrible or not, my son perceived it that way.
My son felt like a target of racism.
This sweet boy who has grown up fairly sheltered from the ugliness of the world’s ways says he no longer feels safe walking down this small countryish road right next to our own house.
Addressing Fear
He told me not to worry, that he would use the other roads in front of the house instead.
But you see, that requires crossing a much busier road. And it is not fair that my son would have to change where he enjoys walking in nature just to please an angry (and possibly inebriated) lady who isn’t interested in dealing with her own dog.
I have never felt unwelcome or unsafe in this community. But then again, I am white and I grew up just over an hour from where we currently live.
My son said he observed that the woman’s garage was open with two rifles on display.
Now, my son is known to have an active imagination, so I do not know if this is true or not, though it would not surprise me. It doesn’t help that we just watched the movie “Till” the night before.
What saddens me is that my son is now scared.
He said he’s seen the videos where angry people shoot kids who just ring a doorbell or just because of the shade of their suntan.
I told him that he cannot live in fear. We will still walk on that road with our heads held high. I am blessed because my son knows much of the Word of God, so I reminded him of 2 Timothy 1:7:
I guess I knew we would confront issues of race eventually, but it was so unexpected, right here just a few houses up the road.
That said, I do want to be clear. My neighbor may not have said anything racially charged at all. I am focused on what my child perceived. Racially-motivated or not, the outburst was still unprovoked and unsettling.
So how do you help a child who has encountered real racism OR perceived racism for the first time?
I’m not sure I have all the answers to that one, but I do know that we should turn to the Word of God.
He comforts us because our identity is found in Him alone, not in what the world has to say. I am writing this because it is therapeutic to me today.
I am searching the Scriptures, too, to be able to minister to my son’s little heart and I am hopeful this can help someone else somewhere, too, because our world is full of division and unkindness.
1. Remind your child that all of us were created in the image of God. Race is a social construct and racism is sin.
2. If your child has accepted the free gift of salvation that is given to us by putting our faith and trust in Messiah Yeshua (Jesus Christ), he or she is part of a holy, set apart and chosen generation and God calls us “special.” We don’t need to rely on anyone else to validate our existence or our skin color.
3. Encourage your child to turn to the LORD when feeling scared, discriminated against, alone, or unsafe. He is our Stronghold, our Fortress, and our Deliverer.
5. Hear out your child. Allow him or her to express their emotions about racism.
I sat down with my son and I commended his recent progress on working hard and improving his early teenage years attitude. (We had some rough moments a few months ago with this too-big-for-his-britches young fellow!) He acknowledged his improvements, but also admitted having some pretty ugly thoughts about the neighbor. I believe it is so important to allow my son to have space to talk about how he was feeling and even explore this early introduction to racism. He knew that he could trust me to support him and love him through this. I’m grateful he has time to work through this as he matures and potentially encounters something far more direct or offensive.
I told him: you are acting like a child of God.
You have a tender heart and you are seeking to do what is right.
But whether that woman knows it or not, she is serving the devil. As harsh as this sounds, that makes her a child of the devil.
And the devil uses people like that to try to unnerve the children of God.
I told him, clearly, son, you’re doing something right if the devil has to take the time to come out and bother you like that using a daughter of the devil.
The best thing we can do is pray for her to come to understanding and repent and that she would, by God’s grace and abundant mercy, become a daughter of God one day.
Our Savior told us to rejoice and not just be glad: “be exceedingly glad!”
We can confront anything with exceeding gladness because we know our journey doesn’t end here. One day we will rejoice in heaven, rewarded for remaining faithful to our LORD.
6. Exhort your child to be an overcomer despite any circumstance.
I told my son that while you pray for those who persecute you or revile you, your duty is to guard your heart and your mind with the Word of God.
Realize that the Scriptures serve for exhortation: we know who God is and we know that He cares for us, therefore we make a conscious choice. We will.not.fear.
This coming from someone who battles anxiety! But I know deep in my heart the Truth that whenever I, with faith and conviction, truly hold onto the hem of His garment, my fear is lost and He makes me brave. I seek to instill this understanding in my children so they, too, will always rely on our Father’s goodness, provision, and security.
Whether confronting racism, sexism, religious discrimination, anti-Semitism, classism, or any other -ism, if we remember that the LORD is on our side, we can and will walk in victory.
7. Pray together in the Spirit.
There is no substitute for prayer.
Pray with your child.
Model a life of faith for your child.
And pray for your neighbors and anyone else who would cause you distress.
Trust that the LORD will work everything out.
Remind your child to wear the armor that God has provided and pray together with your child in the Spirit.
Walk in Faith, no matter what and refuse to be intimidated
This afternoon, my husband and I told our son we were all going to take a family walk.
He looked panicked.
“Can I stay home?”
My husband gently told him in Spanish: “no, m’ijo, pero estaremos contigo.”
“No, my son, but we will be with you.”
Just like the LORD is always with us.
We had our son grab a hold of Canelo’s leash and walk him just like he had the night before. On the very same path.
He learned one step at a time not to be afraid.
Because children of the Most High God shall refuse to be intimidated.
Review: NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG2). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of the NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible published by Zondervan Bibles at no cost to mein exchange for an honest reviewhere on the Adonai Shalom USA blog.#BG2
TheThompson Chain-Reference Bible is available in several translations including the King James Version (KJV) [as mentioned above], New King James Version (NKJV), New International Version (NIV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), and English Standard Version (ESV). Additionally, if you are involved with a Spanish-speaking ministry or are looking for a Spanish translation, Zondervan has made the Thompson Chain-Reference Bibleavailable in the Reina Valera (RV60) and Reina Valera Revisada (RVR).
This publication of the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible has been done with utmost quality. The King James Version (KJV) and New King James Version (NKJV) hardcover editions feature a glossy book jacket with metallic embossed lettering. The hardcoverNKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Biblefeatures a beautiful crimson red cover and comes integrated with red and golden-yellow satin bookmarks as well as full-color maps at the end of the book. The font print size is very readable at 9.5.
The NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
The Chain-Reference System
FaithGateway provides an explanatory video on their website that helps familiarize anyone who may not be accustomed to the Thompson chain-reference system used in this Bible. This helpful video is also available on YouTube:
The triangles indicate the beginning of a “chain” of references which is assigned to a “topic number.” Following that number, there is a Scriptural reference that points the reader to the next occurrence of that topic in Scripture. Continuing the chain will lead the reader to an end point, indicated by a square.
The NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
This system was developed by Dr.Frank Charles Thompson who began working on the chain-references in 1890. Some of them were incomplete, so Bible scholars have put in much time and effort to ensure the completeness of this work; the fruit of their labor now published as this newer edition NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible.
Of note on page 1635, “Principles of Bible Study” are provided in Thompson’s own words. It really provides a wonderful context to understand his personal reasoning and conviction in compiling such detailed references.
This Bible is intended to help serious students of the Scriptures engage in topical Bible study and even sermon preparation. Besides full color maps, the final section of this Bible provides an alphabetical index, numerical index, character studies, illustrated outlines, evangelical resources, memorization suggestions, concordance, and map index.
Back cover of the NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible
This is a high-quality study resource that will benefit anyone who loves the Word of God. It would make an excellent gift for anyone, whether a teenager, mother, father, seminarian, seasoned pastor, or even a retired professor!
As Dr.Thompson wrote: “Study the Word as a miner digs for gold or as a diver plunges into the depths of the sea for pearls. Most great truths do not lie on the surface; they must be brought up into the light by patient toil.”(NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible, p. 1635).
This is a Bible edition worth treasuring.
Pastora Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University
Book details
Title: NKJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible Author: Dr. Frank Charles Thompson Publisher: Zondervan Release Date: 4/11/2023 Genre: BIBLES/New King James Version/Reference
Review: the new NIV Student Bible (New International Version)
I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG2). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of theNIV Student Bible published by Zondervan Bibles at no cost to mein exchange for an honest reviewhere on the Adonai Shalom USA blog.#BG2
The NIV Student Bible, published by Zondervan Bibles
The NIV Student Bible is intended to help guide young people in deepening their familiarity with and understanding of the Bible. It was just recently published this month by Zondervan Bibles so if you are looking for a new Bible edition to gift to a student, this may fit your needs.
The hardcover edition of the NIV Student Bible features an attractive book jacket. The colors are appealing and the design continues throughout the overall Bible. The use of blues and neutral patterns makes this appropriate for both young men or young women. This Bible includes a yellow satin ribbon for use as a bookmark.
The NIV (New International Version) of the Bible is an accessible translation so it is appropriate that it was the translation chosen for a new student Bible. The New International Version is not my personal favorite, but when used comparatively, it holds its own and is valuable. The NIV translators sought to bring a modern English cadence to the wording which is particularly helpful for younger readers who may be unfamiliar or unready for a more complex cadence.
“Introduction to Habakkuk,” NIV Student Bible
The NIV Student Bible contains short explanations of key verses and book introductions that will capture the attention of a young person. For example, in the introduction to Hosea, a caption reads, “Tearing God’s Heart” and posits the question: “Why would He love such a woman?”
In the introduction to Habakkuk, the issue of theodicy is introduced (but not mentioned by its technical name). (“Theodicy” refers to the question of why God who is so good permits evil). I wonder whether it may be a disservice to the young student to not at least mention the term, but then again, this is aimed at teenagers who probably don’t need all the technicality yet. The introductions to each book appear to be intentionally kept short and simplistic so as not to overwhelm a young person.
Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford contributed to the notes found throughout this edition of the Bible. While the NIV Student Bible does contain some devotional-like study commentary, it would not be considered a “Study Bible” for most academic purposes. Yancey and Stafford’s writing style is easily understandable and the textual insertions are tastefully done.
The Bible text of the NIV Student Bible is printed using a “Comfort Print” font so it is readable and attractive.
“Habakkuk,” NIV Student Bible
This NIV Student Bible contains very useful information in the back of the book: a “Where to find it” section that includes “100 People You Should Know,” “Glossary of People and Places,” “Well-known Events,” a “LineUp of Rulers,” a “Subject Guide,” and beautiful glossy color maps.
Color map of Paul’s Missionary Journey in the NIV Student Bible
The LineUp of Rulers is so well done I wish I had it in my own personal study Bible! It is an excellent resource that will benefit anyone interested in the history of the kings and chronicles of Scriptures. It is exceedingly helpful for keeping straight the kings of Israel vs. the kings of Judah!
“A Lineup of Rulers,” NIV Student Bible
My recommendation:
★★★★★
Rating: 5 out of 5.
I would recommend the NIV Student Bible for high school aged students and possibly young college students. Some of the topics in the glossary may be too mature for middle schoolers.
This is a useful and valuable resource for students today who are wrestling with tough questions and are seeking guidance from the Word of God.
Book details
Title: NIV Student Bible Publisher: Zondervan Bibles Release Date: April 4, 2023 Genre: BIBLES/New International Version/Reference
I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG2). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of the KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible published by Zondervan Bibles at no cost to mein exchange for an honest reviewhere on the Adonai Shalom USA blog.#BG2
According to the introduction to this Bible, Dr. Frank Charles Thompson conducted in-depth Bible study beginning back in 1890 and wanted to make his findings accessible and available to the ordinary person studying the Scriptures. He highlighted what he felt to be the most important themes and topics and used a study system now known as “chain-reference.” As with any monumental task, Thompson’s original work contained some chain-references that were ultimately incomplete and needed revision. The editors of this new edition aimed to make appropriate corrections and reformat the margins to make it easier to use.
My first impression upon viewing this Bible was that it is bright and modern-looking.
The yellow coloring coupled with gray ribbon bookmarks will appeal to anyone and makes it stand out from other Bibles.
I also love the metallic lettering on the cover. I could immediately tell that the publishers wanted this Bible to be something the reader would treasure. After all, there is no greater treasure than to know the LORD through His Word!
I personally prefer the NewKing James Version of the Biblical text as I find it easier to read, but the New King James Version of the Bible was not published until 1982. Thus, Dr.Thompson would have utilized the 1611 King James Version that remains popular today.
Zondervan does have this Bible also available in other translations for those who would prefer.
A Very Practical Study Tool
The cross-references and numerical indices alone make this Bible well-worth the investment. Beyond that, Dr. Thompson included Bible character study outlines which include full Scripture references, map details, Messianic prophecies, an alphabetical index, and other charts including the harmony of the Gospels and topical studies.
Notice in this excerpt from the book of Ezra, there are many options for subsequent study found in the margins. The entire Bible is filled with these prompts and corresponding Biblical texts.
I really like how ample white space is given for short personal notes if desired and I also appreciate that the actual Biblical text isn’t broken up by commentary or other notes.
Moreso than a devotional Bible, the KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible is a study Bible in the truest sense of that word: rather than relying upon the comments of others, the formatting of this Bible encourages readers to search deeply into the Scriptures for themselves.
Each suggested reference topic is relevant and can inspire significant study. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Ruach haKodesh) as you read the Word of God using the references in the margins and I am certain you will make profound discoveries!
This is a Bible that will be beneficial to anyone who genuinely enjoys studying the riches of Scripture. It will be particularly helpful to those who prepare weekly sermons or messages as well as to those who lead Bible studies or other ministries.
The KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible would also serve well in an evangelistic encounter as cross-references can quickly and easily be located to help persuade an unbeliever to trust in the glorious Word of God.
Pastora Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University
Book details
Title: “KJV Thompson Chain-Reference Bible Author: Dr. Frank Charles Thompson Publisher: Zondervan Release Date: 2022 Genre: BIBLES/King James Version/Reference
I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG2). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of the“Matthew Henry Daily Devotional Bible – NKJV Translation” published by Thomas Nelson Publishers at no cost to mein exchange for an honest reviewhere on the Adonai Shalom USA blog.#BG2
The Matthew Henry Daily Devotional Bible – NKJVcontains the entirety of the Scriptural text in the New King James Version Bible translation along with devotional passages drawn from Matthew Henry’s commentaries, which are interspersed throughout the text.
Matthew Henry Daily Devotional Bible: 366 Daily Devotions by Matthew Henry
The introduction to this devotional Bible gives detail about Matthew Henry’s life. According to the introduction written by Philip Nation, Henry was a 17th century Presbyterian pastor in England. Nation shares background about some of Henry’s struggles, such as frequent childhood illness, loss of his wife and four of his infant children. Henry consistently turned to God’s Word as a source of comfort, making this devotional appropriate to any who likewise seek to draw encouragement and comfort from the Holy Scriptures.
Matthew Henry is well known to many for his numerous and thoughtful commentaries on Scripture. Many of us have relied on his thoughtful analysis of Scripture whether as students or as pastors. Because of my familiarity with Matthew Henry’s commentaries, I assumed this Bible would contain commentary, rather than devotional material – more of a “study Bible.”
The devotions in theMatthew Henry Daily Devotional Bible relate to the passage on the corresponding page, and they are dated for anyone who would enjoy following a devotional reading plan.
Matthew Henry Daily Devotional Bible
You will find the next day’s devotion listed at the bottom of the page, so you can place one of the two satin bookmarks there, ready for the next day, if you would like.
The Mathew Henry Daily Devotional Bible (NKJV) comes with two satin ribbons, one red and one blue as pictured, here placed at Isaiah 69.
With this format, one could easily find another interesting passage to read along with the day’s devotional, so I actually like the fact the devotions are spread throughout the Bible rather than arranged in a more traditional format. This allows the reader to spend time prayerfully in the Word and invite the Ruach haKodesh (the Holy Spirit) to truly guide one’s reading and devotional time.
A Devotional Bible
Matthew Henry Daily Devotional Bible (NKJV)
Given the exhaustive nature of Matthew Henry’s verse-by-verse six volume commentary on the whole Bible, I did expect to see more Matthew Henry devotionals in this particular Bible edition.
For anyone interested in a “devotional” introduction to Matthew Henry, this Bible will be very appropriate. It is less scholarly than jumping straight into his Bible commentaries. I could see this being an excellent gift for a young person going off to college or someone considering vocational ministry.
It is important to note that the Matthew Henry Daily Devotional Bible is aptly named and is not a Bible commentary nor a Study Bible. It is strictly intended as a devotional Bible.
TheMatthew Henry Daily Devotional Bible can encourage any of us to put away the study Bibles for a moment and just focus our attention in a devotional format. With all the apps and electronic means of accessing the Scripture, having an actual book to hold and look through can help us slow down and focus on our personal devotional life with our Heavenly Father rather than studying all the time! The devotions in this Bible are Scripturally-based and free of distraction.
My recommendation:
★★★★★
Rating: 5 out of 5.
My initial reaction was to give the Matthew Henry Daily Devotional Bible 4 out of 5 stars, but the more I thought about the purpose of this non-study Bible, I decided it is worth 5 out of 5.
This Bible does not purport to give commentary nor to serve as a study Bible. It is intended as a devotional Bible, and it serves that purpose very well. I highly recommend this Devotional Bible to anyone seeking a devotional that can be used all year, and reused every year if desired.
Pastora Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University
Book details
Title: “Matthew Henry Daily Devotional Bible – NKJV” Author: Compilation Publisher: Thomas Nelson Release Date: 10/18/2022 Genre: Bibles/New King James Version/Devotional
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Review: “Spurgeon and the Psalms: The Book of Psalms with Devotions from Charles Spurgeon” published by Thomas Nelson
“Spurgeon and the Psalms” published by Thomas Nelson
I am a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid (BG2). As a #BibleGatewayPartner, I have received a copy of “Spurgeon and the Psalms” published by Thomas Nelson Publishers at no cost to mein exchange for an honest reviewhere on the Adonai Shalom blog.
Few devotionals truly captivate my attention. I find that many of them are full of overly simplistic stories and cutesy platitudes. Certainly, for a new believer or a young person, these types of devotional books may be suitable, but for the serious and mature believer, I often recommend simply turning to the Scriptures themselves because everything else falls short.
That is why this devotional resource is WONDERFUL! “Spurgeon and the Psalms” will get you straight into the Scriptures and focusing on the LORD. That’s the point of having a devotional time, isn’t it!?
It is essentially a “Psalter”: the Book of Psalms published in a lightweight edition. Each Psalm is appropriately prefaced with words written by Charles Spurgeon, a well-known and beloved Christian pastor who lived in England and preached during the 1800’s. His timeless commentary and exhortation will bless you.
Book Review and description
“Spurgeon and the Psalms” published by Thomas Nelson
I was struck by the high quality of “Spurgeon and the Psalms” as soon as I took it out of its protective book jacket. The cover is embossed with a simple mountain/nature picture and the quality of the binding is excellent. Keeping with the mountain theme, the inside front and back covers have beautiful gray-toned mountain art.
Interestingly, near the back of the book, you will find a note on the selection of type/font.I found it to be such a nice touch that the explanation was included, as I had noticed the unique font used in this Psalter.
This definitely seems like a book that the publishers want you to treasure. I’m quite certain of that because there is a guarantee printed on the back of the book jacket: Thomas Nelson guarantees their Leathersoft “Spurgeon and the Psalms” for life!
The book contains all 150 Psalms with unobtrusive devotional commentary preceding each Psalm. There are also blank “notes” pages at the back.
The selections from Spurgeon’s own writings help connect the Psalms to the Gospel narrative. If you are unfamiliar with Spurgeon, you will find his writing to be eloquent, detailed, yet exceptionally applicable. There is no doubt he sought the LORD because his writing reflects that type of close relationship with the Father.
My recommendation:
★★★★★
Rating: 5 out of 5.
If you are looking for a Psalter, this is your book. As Spurgeon laments in the Preface, God’s people don’t know the Psalms the way they used to – and he was saying that well over 100 years ago! I encourage you to take the opportunity to truly meditate on and learn the Psalms, and this book will truly help you to do that.
If you are looking for high-quality devotional material for yourself or as a gift, you will very likely enjoy the newly published
I wholeheartedly recommend the newly published “Spurgeon and the Psalms” book to everyone! It is appropriate for believers at all stages in life, and quite honestly, is the type of book every follower of our Messiah should own.
This would make a wonderful gift for anyone you love and care about.
Pastora Jennifer Mieliulis Fuentes, M.Div., Duke University
Book details
Title: “Spurgeon and the Psalms” Author: Compilation Publisher: Thomas Nelson Release Date: May 10, 2022 Genre: Bibles/NKJV/Devotional
I am always a fan of books that primarily use the Scriptures! Check out my review of the Word for Word Bible Comic’s Gospel of Mark! There are so many wonderful resources that directly refer us back to God’s Word, and I love to recommend them so you can grow closer to the LORD each and every day!
