NIV First-Century Study Bible... a book review

The NIV First Century Study Bible

Publisher: Zondervan / Harper Collins

Available: September 9, 2014

ISBN: 978-0-310-93890-3

Hardback price: $49.99

Publisher's Description:

Experience the Bible through the eyes of a first-century disciple by exploring the cultural, religious, and historical background of the Bible. This Bible allows you to understand God’s Word in its original cultural context, bringing Scripture to life by providing fresh understanding to familiar passages, beloved stories and all the Scripture in between. The NIV First-Century Study Bible invites you into the questions, stories, and interpretations—both ancient and modern—which introduce you to a world vastly different from your own.  Let us read with an eye on the past and with our feet planted in our present questions and circumstances.  Join Kent Dobson as he unpacks the culture of Bible times, and illuminates Scripture passages while asking thoughtful questions along the way.

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I was thrilled to have the chance to review the NIV First-Century Study Bible from Zondervan.  I had just started an Old Testament Literature class as college and knew this would be a great help in understanding many Old Testament passages.  I was not disappointed!  This new study Bible introduces the reader to explore the Biblical culture in a more meaningful way. 

Special features of this Bible include...

     -  book introductions and outlines for each book of the Bible

     -  study notes for understanding and challenging the reader through thought-provoking questions

     -  word studies to better understand the scriptures

     -  "Addressing the Text Articles" that delve deeper into the passages of scripture

     -  "Day in the Life Articles" to help modern-day readers to understand the Biblical culture

The NIV First-Century Study Bible even included the type of literature found in each book  This was so helpful to me in my current course as it reinforced the best way to interpret that particular book.

Thank you Zondervan for this wonderful study Bible - bringing Biblical times and culture to life for today's reader.  I look forward to mining more of God's Word with the NIV First-Century Study Bible.

My rating:  5 out of 5 stars

A+

I received a complimentary copy of NIV First-Century Study Bible from Zondervan and Harper Collins Publishing's BookLook Bloggers program for my honest review.

Blessings,

     Ellen

Leadership Lessons: Avoiding the Pitfalls of King Saul.... a book review

                    Leadership Lessons: Avoiding the Pitfalls of King Saul. 

Principles for Leadership and Personal Success

Thomas Nelson Publisher

Publish date: April 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4016-7728-2

Christianity Life / Professional Growth

$14.99

 

By examining the life of King Saul, warts and all, we can learn many valuable lessons in leadership.  Although he was chosen by God to be the first king of Israel, he did not stay in God’s favor throughout his reign.  We all have learned lessons by watching others fail.  In Leadership Lessons: Avoiding the Pitfalls of King Saul, the authors point out specific areas of leadership in which King Saul failed.  Once the failure is identified, concrete examples are given – both biblical and hands-on – that we can change the pattern in our own leadership styles.

For me, two chapters really hit home: “Saul failed to think before he spoke” and “Saul failed to promote or make necessary changes.”  It is so much easier to tell others what should be done (complain) and much harder to make the difficult choices and follow through with them; knowing you cannot make everyone happy.

I see this book being an invaluable asset to those already in leadership positions and those who will be in leadership roles in their future.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of Leadership Lessons: Avoiding the Pitfalls of King Saul from Thomas Nelson Publisher and the BookLook Blogger program for my honest review.

Blessings,

    Ellen

Wisdom for Everyday Living... a book review

Wisdom for Everyday Living

 

by Steve M. Woods

 

Available: October 1, 2013

 

Publisher: HCI Books

 

ISBN: 9780757317545

 

 

a simple way to reconnect with God

  

"A powerful collection of thoughtful, faith-filled devotions from some of the most inspired Christian hearts and minds."  ~ Publisher's description

This daily devotion book touches on the many stressful situations that life throws at us.  Wouldn't you like to find peace in circumstances beyond your control like enduring hard times, dealing with depression and addictions?  I know I do!

Each day take just a few minutes to focus on God's Word and His truths.  Let them soak into your spirit and bring peace to your soul.  For many of us, we are so busy that we let time with God suffer.  Wisdom for Everyday Living is a simple solution to returning to your quiet time with the Lord.

I received a complimentary e-copy of Wisdom for Everyday Living from HCI Books and NetGalley for my honest review.

Blessings,

     Ellen

Bold as Love... a book review

 

Available: January 6, 2013
Bob Roberts, Jr.

Thomas Nelson Publishers
ISBN 978-1-4002-0420-5
182 pp plus notes (ppbk)

 

How do you relate to your neighbors who are different from you? 

 

No, I'm not talking about how much money they make, what fancy toys they have,

or even their ethnicity.

 

How do you spend time with neighbors who are not Christian?

 

Maybe they are Muslim, Hindu, Buddhists, or atheist.  Do you keep your distance or just say a passing hello if you meet to cross the street at the same time?

 

We are no longer separated from other cultures by our countries or nation.  With our global economy, many faiths live in America and most likely just down the street from you.  In Bold as Love, Pastor Bob Roberts, Jr. shows us what is looks like to truly love our neighbor regardless of faith, culture, or nationality.

 

Bob Roberts, Jr. is the founding pastor of Northwood Church in Keller, Texas.  He has made it his mission to not only teach about sharing your faith with non-Christians, but has also introduced it to his own congregation.  We are reminded that we need to first have relationships with others.  Without spending time with people, we cannot share the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Why would they listen to us?  He and his church have teamed up with a Jewish congregation and a Muslim one.  The not only serve the community together, they also share worship service time.  Not for the sake of converting each other, but to better understand the other faiths and respect the people and their beliefs.

 

Bob Roberts, Jr. journey has taken him to many corners of the world which he shares in Bold as Love.  We can live out our faith while forging relationships with non-Christians.  It just takes faith!

 

It is a whole new world just outside your front door. 

Go and embrace others and spread God's love

through acts of kindness and frienships!

 

I received a complimentary copy of Bold as Love from Handlebar Publishing and Thomas Nelson for my  honest opinion.  I received no further compensation.

 

Blessings,

 

    Ellen 

May we never forget.... 9/11

 

 

The Eleventh Of September

 

We mourn their loss this day this year
Those now with God, no danger near

 

So many loved ones left do stand
Comforting loss throughout our land

 

My heart goes out to those who do
No one can fathom what they view

 

I firmly pray for peace of mind
Dear God please help each one to find 

 

And to our soldiers now at war
God guide above, at sea, on shore

 

They are the best, I have no doubt
Our country’s pride, complete, devout

 

The finest force you’ll ever see
All freedom grown through liberty 

 

One final thought comes clear to me
For what must live in infamy

 

Absolutely – We’ll Remember
The Eleventh – Of September

 

©2002 Roger J. Robicheau
“It (The Eleventh of September) was read before the United States Senate by Senator John Kerry on September 4, 2002, and is now a permanent part of our country’s history.  Officially it was Congressional Record Article 27 of 53, page S8196.”  The Poetic Plumber   Originally posted at Time2Save Workshops.com.

Blessings,

    Ellen

Thank you, Lord

photo credit

Blessings,

     Ellen

God and America in the words of Ronald Reagan

This tribute was put together by Ronald Reagan's church to honor his birthday.

Great man

Great words

Blessings,

     Ellen

To Heaven and Back... a book review

ISBN: 978-0-307-73171-5

$14.99

WaterBrook Press
Mary C. Neal, MD

Book Description:

Dr. Mary Neal was a devoted wife and mother of four children, a talented and successful orthopedic surgeon, and an experienced outdoor enthusiast, when the unthinkable happened on a vacation in 1999. Mary and friends were kayaking on the Fuy River in Chile, when her kayak became trapped under a waterfall. Despite her and her companions efforts to dislodge the boat, Mary lost consciousness and drowned before they could pull her body to shore.

During the time she lost consciousness and died, Mary experienced a taste of heaven that few in this world have known. She was led by heavenly beings and saints who had gone before. She saw and felt beauty and peace like she had never known, and approached the entrance to eternity. However, it was not time for her to enter, and she was sent back to the world.

To Heaven and Back is the story of Dr. Neal's spiritual journey, including the extraordinary account of that fateful day in Chile. She also chronicles her physical recovery, and the many miraculous events that accompanied her return to health. Her remarkable story is an inspiration and comfort to those needing reassurance of the presence and love of our incomparable God.  (christianbook.com)

Click here to read the first chapter of To Heaven and Back.

For me personally, this book is another insight to the magnificence of God.  For Dr. Mary Neal, this death experience was a life-changing event.  Her descriptions regarding her life before and after this accident shows that God works in His timing and in His way to direct and redirect our paths.

I love the fact that she is able to connect the dots between life events and see the fingerprints of God.  Nothing is a surprise to God; He knows that even through the pain of life circumstances we are being molded into the perfect image of His son, Jesus.  She has challenged me to stop and look back over my life and see God's fingerprints in my own story.

At times I felt disconnected to the author / book because her academic-side sometimes overtakes the heart message she is sharing - God is active in the lives of His children. 

Click HERE to watch of video of Dr. Mary Neal's interview on Fox News.

I received a complimentary copy of To Heaven and Back from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for my honest review.

Blessings,

     Ellen

The Ultimate Comprehensive Bible Timeline... a book review

The Ultimate Comprehensive Bible Timeline

by Rev. Jonathan Hall

ISBN: 9780980195224 (ePUB)

9780980195217 (ePDF)

9780980195200

Publisher:  Due Time Publishing

Book Description:

The Ultimate Comprehensive Bible Timeline charts the years from Adam to Jesus, providing a precise timeline of people and events that can be used by Bible students, teachers and scholars. The book includes seven horizontal timelines and 40 charts to graphically illustrate significant chronological issues. Additionally, a year-by-year timetable from 1949 BC to 70 AD is provided so that the precise counting of the years can be visually verified. The timelines, charts and timetables graphically show how all significant people and events fit together. The book also provides all the references and explanations for charting only 4,000 years from Adam to 70 AD. It clarifies the most troubling chronological passages, providing readers all the needed information to arrive at their own conclusions. In addition, The Ultimate Comprehensive Bible Timeline explains confusing subjects, including: the Creation and Religious calendars, Noah’s Flood year, the Sabbath year and Year of Jubilee, the holy days and feasts, the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the approximate date for Job, the meaning of Ezekiel’s 430 years of sin, the complexities related to the genealogy from Noah to Abraham, and the difficulties in correctly charting the judges, Eli and Samuel and the kings. Furthermore, The Ultimate Comprehensive Bible Timeline reviews in detail the four most commonly promoted chronologies, explaining how each evolved and the differences between them.

About the Author

Rev. Jonathan Hall is a graduate of Grace College, Winona Lake, Indiana, and Ashland Theological Seminary, Ashland, Ohio. Since graduating in 1978, he has ministered at an independent Bible church and within the Fellowship of Grace Brethren Churches. The fellow-ship is made up of independent Bible-believing evangelical churches rooted in the Brethren movement, birthed in Germany by Alexander Mack in 1708. In 1995, Hall felt an intense desire to study thoroughly Bible chronology for several reasons. This included the desire to provide a coherent Bible-based timeline as a part of an overall consistent, historically accurate, biblical worldview. The Ultimate Comprehensive Bible Timeline is the result of that study.

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This is a great reference for every Bible study I have done.  I can't remember how many times I tried to put Biblical dates in historical context.  Not only does this book give clear timelines, it also explains the when and why of the Jewish feasts - something I've always wanted to understand better.

Rev. Hall has done a remarkable job pulling together this Biblical timeline.  It is so important to have a Biblical worldview while studying scripture and learning world history.  The colorful charts are easy to understand and apply to your current Bible or history lessons. I will be using this wonderful reference for many years to come.

As a student of the Bible, I would prefer a hardbound copy of this book.  I find it more stressful to try to locate specifics in an eBook.

For more information on this book, click HERE.

I received a complimentary ebook from Bookmasters and NetGalley for my honest review.

Blessings,

     Ellen

Holy Week Hiatus

Today is Palm Sunday.  The time when Christians worldwide celebrate Jesus' triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem.  It is also the start of Holy Week.  A time of reflection on what Jesus' death and resurrection means to me, personally.

I will not be blogging during this week as I will be spending more time in the Word and prayer and with my terrific family.  Holy Week includes numerous times to gather as one people in Christ to remember His sacrifice for us all: Maundy Thursday, our family will be celebrating the Last Supper with others from our church followed by a Good Friday service at noon. 

Next Sunday is Easter (or Resurrection Sunday) and is a time of joyous celebration!

During this week, I pray that  you will slow down and reflect on all of God's blessings and grace in your life.

Next week, I look forward to hearing how God is working in your life!

Blessings,

     Ellen

1 Peter 5 Bible Study

As this 1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times comes to a close, I am amazed at what God is showing me, both personally and for my immediate and church families.

In 1 Peter 5, Peter is calling to the elders, wiser older men, in the faith community to step up as leaders to their local church body.  He is reminding the elders of their responsibilities and characteristics of good leadership.  Elders provide supervision, protection, discipline, instruction and direction to other believers.  How they carry out these responsibilities is just as important.

In 1 Peter 5.2-4 states, "Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve, not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.  And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away."

Are your church leaders following these instructions?  I have been in two churches that the senior pastor did not adhere to these seemingly simple directions.  One of the churches split apart.  The other one was then ruled by elders who felt control was the answer to the problems.  This only served as a catalyst for people to leave the church as the elders would not truly listen to the wisdom of those around them.

I believe there is no simple solution to problems in the church.  Churches are not perfect and neither are its members.  But what I see in the Bible is that we are to listen to each other and learn from each other.  By seeking godly counsel, churches can heal and have a deeper impact on its members and to the local community.

Have you ever walked through a serious disagreement in your church?  How has godly leadership brought peace and healing to those involved?

This study has reminded me that I will endure hardships and trials in this life.  BUT, I will never be alone.  God will walk through these with me and teach me in the storms of His love, grace, and mercy.

On the study itself... I prefer Inductive Bible Studies over other styles since I am learning directly from scripture.  I want to hear God speaking to me, not an author telling me what it means.  I learned a lot and enjoyed being in God's Word daily.  The only negative I found was not have a small group to discuss what we learned and how God is working in each of our lives.

Thank you to Kregel Publications for the complimentary copy of this study and to Sue Edwards for sharing yourself with us as we walked through 1 Peter together.

Blessings,

     Ellen

1 Peter 4.7-19 Bible Study

In our 1 Peter Bible study this week, we were reminded that as Christians we are to persevere with the end in mind.  What does this really mean and how are we to incorporate this thinking / living into our daily walk?

For me this means that I die to my will and seek God's will for my life.  Prayer is the first step to putting God first.  Without having daily time with God to 'plan' my day, I wouldn't know where to start; thus, I would be living in the flesh... not the spirit.

I have to admit... Prayer is not the first thing I think of on a daily basis.  Unfortunately, I have slid in my 'quiet time' and Bible study.  This study on 1 Peter has put the spark back into my study time and is reminding me how much I love spending time in God's Word.

Another way to persevere through the trials is to share my spiritual gifts with the body of Christ.  My spiritual gifts are leadership, exhortation, serving, giving, knowledge, and teaching (strongest first).  Ask my family, I have NO problem in the leadership department.  I do love to be in charge!  The exhortation caught me off-guard as I feel very ill-equipped to witness for Christ.  What I have learned is that I witness through my gift of service.  Praise the Lord!

Next week is our last week for this study.  If you are following along in 1 Peter, what has God been showing you?

Thank you to Kregel Publications for this complimentary copy of 1 Peter to complete my reviews.

Blessings,

     Ellen

1 Peter 3.13-4.6 Bible Study

1 Peter 3.13-4.16 teaches us the importance of "Standing Strong When Wronged."

We are all living in tough times --- the current economy, advertisers targeting our children with immoral ideas and pictures, the increase of 'living together' in lieu of or in place of traditional marriage, etc.  For Christians in our times, we are called to live a life pleasing to God; one that brings Him glory and wins others to Christ.  This means living a life witnessing to God's glory!

Sue Edwards asked the following questions:

Do you tend to compartmentalize your life into segments (life at church, at work, at home, with friends, etc)?   YES.

If so, why do you think you do this?  I can try to fulfill the expectations of that given group.  This makes it easier to fit in... be like everyone else. 

Why is it sometimes difficult to integrate your spiritual life into all aspects of life?  I don't feel I am a good witness for Christ.  I know this is faulty thinking, but I don't want to turn people away from God, so I remain quiet.  Also, I fear how others will respond to me, especially if I feel it may bring any type of confrontation.

How do you witness to God in all areas of your life?  Am I the only one who feels this way?

"Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

1 Peter 3.15-16

If you are following along in 1 Peter, what has God been showing you?

Thank you to Kregel Publications for this complimentary copy of 1 Peter to complete my reviews.

Blessings,

     Ellen

1 Peter 3.8-12 Bible Study

This week we studied what a healthy community of believers should look like.  I don't know about you, but it almost seems too hard to do this side of heaven... or is it?

What words describes a healthy church?

harmonious

sympathy

love

humility

How do the members act?

devoted to and honors others

accept others for who they are

serve each other in love

humble

gentle

patient

encouraging

God has given us simple directions to obtain peace in our churches and families. 

Psalm 34.12-16 states:

"Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days

keep your tongue from evil

and your lips from speaking lies.

Turn from evil and do good;

seek peace and pursue it.

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous

and His ears are attentive to their cry;

the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."

Pursue Peace!

If you are following along in 1 Peter, what is God showing you?

Blessings,

     Ellen

1 Peter 3.1-7 Bible Study

This week's lesson revolved around submission and beauty.  What caught me was Peter's description of a beautiful wife.

"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes.  Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." 

~ 1 Peter 3.3-4

Sue Edwards asked these questions....

When do you feel beautiful?  What do you think has influenced this assessment of yourself?

Nothing like hitting to the heart of low self-esteem / self-confidence.  Brutal honesty doesn't allow me to answer positively.  Why?  Because I believe the culture in what is considered beautful, not what God considers beautiful.  Unfortunately, it seems easier to believe the world. 

How might your life change if you adopted God's assessment of your beauty and ignored man's? 

I need to focus on God's truths about me, not the world's.  How?  By immersing myself in His word and repeating it over and over again until my mind and heart believe.

If you are following along in 1 Peter, what is God showing you?

Blessings,

     Ellen

1 Peter 2.11-25 Bible Study

This past week reminded me how to be a witness for Christ in my actions, attitudes, and words with everyone I come in contact with outside my home --- in society as a whole.

Peter is writing to Christians and us as we live in an increasinly un-Christian world.  We live in a time where true beliefs do not show in actions, attitudes, or words.  Many people give 'lip service' to God, but then live their life under their own terms - not God's. 

How can I, a believer in Christ, live in the world as a light to Jesus' glory?

First, I need to shadow Jesus.  Learn His ways of dealing with hardships, difficulties, hostility, and submissiveness to those in authority.

Then, I need to model His behavior and reactions in my own life.  Only then, will I be an effective witness to Jesus Christ during my time here on earth.

"Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong,

they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us."

1 Peter 2.12

Blessings,

     Ellen

1 Peter 2.4-10 Bible Study

This week was a definite stretch in completing week/lesson 3 - between a crazy life with home schooling, part-time work schedules, headaches/migraine, and having to cook dinner (really!).  Even so, God met me where I am... living in organized chaos and questioning to whom I belong.

1 Peter 2.9 focused me on my identity in Christ:

I am part of a chosen people.

I am part of a royal priesthood.

I am part of a holy nation.

I belong to God.

Pretty simple... straightforward.  Now, if only I believed (and felt this) on a daily basis.  Sue Edwards has challenged us to to find out why we resist these simple truths and to overcome our unhealthy thinking that hinders our spiritual growth.

If you are following along in 1 Peter, what is God revealing to you?  How are you applying His word to your life?

I am completing a complimentary copy of 1 Peter: Finding Encouragement in Troubling Times for my weekly review.

1 Peter 1.13-2.3 Bible Study

This week's Bible study led us through 1 Peter 1.13-2.3.

Core One reminds us to 'Get Ready.'  Get Ready for what?  For the trials which will come into our lives as believers.  1 Peter 1.13 states, "Therefore, prepare you minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when  Jesus Christ is revealed."

Am I living mentally alert?  Do I have a disciplined lifestyle toward God?  Am I living with my eyes soley focused on Christ and His work for me on the cross?

What can I do to live more fully in the hope that Jesus has supplied for me?  Only by taking control of my thoughts can I live more fully in Christ.  As we learn in 2 Corinthians 10.5b, "...we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ..."  This means I live with a Biblical worldview in which all my decisions need to be filtered through God's Word.  Is ______ within His will for me?  Does _______  line-up with the love and teachings of the Bible?

This is a daily struggle for me.  I want control of my life; but, I need to LET GO and LET GOD.  Let go of my will and give God supreme control over my life.

As usual, I am not only finding weaknesses I need to work on, but also I am reminding of God's love and grace toward me.  I wonder what next week will uncover for me.

Kregel Publications has provided a complimentary copy of this study for my honest review over the next 7 weeks.

Blessings,

     Ellen 

1 Peter 1.1-12 Bible Study

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope throught the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade - kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."

~ 1 Peter 1.3-5

One of the sections in this week's study focused on our blessings and resources that God provides for His children.  The exercise includes reading this verse aloud and then circling all the blessing and benefits, we as His children, enjoy.  What do you see listed in 1 Peter 3-5?

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This simple activity made me stop and consider all that Jesus has done for me.  I usually do not meditate on the positive things in life; unfortunately - being a pessimist - I focus on the negative and hope for a positive outcome.  I'm not proud in admitting this, but it's just the way I see life after living through some very emotionally, tragic events.

Lesson 1 (1 Peter 1.1-12) is about preparing for opposition.  Just as our first-century sisters faced hostility for their faith, we do too.  I call it the "Gag Order."  Christians are not allowed to: (1) openly pray in our public schools or lead our high school football games in prayer, (2) post the Ten Commandments in our courts, or (3) set-up a Nativity scene at Christmas on city/county property because it "might upset others."  (I know the list can continue.)

So what does preparing for opposition look like?  It is focusing on who God is and what He has done for us.  Digging our spiritual roots deep into the word of God and knowing, without a doubt, He will always walk through the trials with us.  By securing our faith in Him now, it will not be shaken during the times of hardship, challenges, or even persecution.

If you are following along, what has God shown you this week? 

Kregel Publications has provided a complimentary copy of this study for my honest review over the next 8 weeks.

Link directly to  your post, so we may encourage each other in our daily walk with the Lord.

Blessings,

     Ellen

Believe God, for He is faithful. Luke 24

This is our final day in the Gospel of Luke.  I have learned and relearned many truths that God is now leading me through.  How about you?  How has God spoken to you through His Word this month?

Scripture:
Luke 24.5b-6   "Why do you look for the living among the dead?  He is not here; He has risen!

Observation:
Other than the obvious, there is life after death for followers of Christ.  Death has been conquered; His resurrection gives us hope for the future.

Application:
I need to walk in God's promises and believe all He has told me in His Word, the Bible.  And to know this, I need to be: reading and applying His Word to my heart and life, spending time in prayer with him daily, and worshiping Him always.

Prayer:

"Show me your ways, O Lord,

teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,

for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, O Lord, your great mercy and love,

for they are from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth

and my rebellious ways;

according to your love remember me,

for you are good, O Lord."

Psalm 25.4-7

Blessings,

     Ellen