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‘The Woman’s Study Bible’ – Review

“As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
~ Isaiah 55:10-11 (NIV)

Over the last couple of weeks I shared that I enjoy studying the Bible. I love digging deeper into His Word and maybe, by His grace and Holy Spirit, get a new perspective on hard to understand passages. Three weeks ago, I received an email from Sara Pence if I would be willing to take a look at the revised “Woman’s Study Bible” published by Thomas Nelson Bibles.

The study Bible arrived this past Monday. I know that people always say not to judge a book by its cover, but I personally like eye-catching covers. I guess that is the photographer in me. My first impression of the Bible was positive, feminine design and it is part of the ‘Signature Series’.

‘The Woman’s Study Bible’ is available in the King James Version; my review copy is the New International Version® (NIV). What I really enjoy in this particular study Bible are the introduction to each book. Each introduction is made of: ‘Title’ (where the name of the book comes from), Author, date it was written, background (including setting, purpose, audience, and literary characteristics), themes (why was the book written?) and a complete outline of each chapter.

The two other items that are appealing to me are the foot-notes (study help including references to other books of the Bible) and inspiring articles shared by Christian women like Anne Graham Lotz, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Roberta Hromas, Linda Dillow, Kathy Troccoli, and more.

In the back of the Bible you will find several beautiful maps that show you the “World of the Patriarchs”, “The Exodus from Egypt”, “The Conquest of Canaan” and of course “Jerusalem in New Testament Times” and Paul’s missionary journeys.

I honestly can say that it will be a joy to study God’s Word with the help of this beautiful Woman’s Study Bible. If you would like to take a closer look at the Bible, please visit Thomas Nelson Bibles and view the online sample.

 

May the His Holy Spirit give us a fresh perspective on God’s Holy Word.

Love & peace,
Iris

(A free review copy was provided by Sara Pence from Shelton Interactive)

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Reminder ~ Ephesians Bible Study

The Bible study on the book of Ephesians, lead by author and speaker Kathy Howard will start tomorrow, January 18th. To find out more about the Bible study, please visit Kathy’s website here.

I am very excited about the study. After all, my blog “Grace Alone…” is based on Paul’s letter to the Ephesians 😉 . I am double excited, because Kathy is leading the study. It would be great to have the study face-to-face with Kathy and other women, but the on-line study is the next best thing. I hope you will join us.

Love and peace,
Iris

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Chocolate paradise and every spiritual blessing
~ Guest Blog

Chocolate surrounded me. Left, right, ahead, and behind. Everywhere I turned, chocolate lay in great mounds. Every shape and size, wrapped and unwrapped, with nuts and without, cream-filled and nougat, round and rectangle. I have dreamed of a chocolate paradise such as this many times, but this wasn’t a dream.

This time I stood in an actual chocolate paradise. This was not some average, American chocolate shop. I had the joy of salivating in a European chocolate establishment. (And yes, Hershey, they do it better.) The chocolate aroma overwhelmed me and I had to squash the thought of Eve eyeing the forbidden fruit.

Everything I could have hoped for was here – plus many I could have never imagined. The tantalizing smorgasbord of tastes and textures excited me. Chocolate with coconut for my husband? Three choices! Sugar-free chocolate for my diabetic father-in-law? Oh yes, more than he could ever eat! The experience far surpassed my greatest chocolate fantasy. I left with gifts in one hand and my own personal stash in the other.

This morning I fondly thought about this chocolate shop visit when I read through the Bible book of Ephesians. Here’s a couple of passages that thrilled me:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. Ephesians 1:3, NIV

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us. Ephesians 3:20, NIV

I know my chocolate experience is a weak analogy for these glorious promises, but no physical comparison can measure up to the spiritual blessing God desires to pour into our lives. (So everything considered, being set loose with an unlimited chocolate selection was a good choice.)

Are you experiencing “every spiritual blessing in Christ?” Have you witnessed God do “immeasurable more than all you can ask or imagine?” I honestly can’t say I have, but I’m growing that direction. Want to come along?

You’re invited to join me in a study of the book of Ephesians. “Growing Up Together – a study of Ephesians,” begins Wednesday, January 18th on my blogsite. You can visit my blog now for a bit more information.

Do you long to experience God’s blessing in your life? In what areas do you feel your faith needs to grow?

Kathy Howard calls herself a “confused southerner.” Raised in Louisiana, she and her husband have lived all over North America. She doesn’t know whether to say “coke” and “ya’ll” or “pop” and “you guys.” But this Southern girl loves to encourage women through teaching and writing about God’s Word. Find out more about Kathy’s Bible studies and speaking ministry and get lots of free resources at www.kathyhoward.org

Photo & Content Copyright © – Kathy Howard

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Thankful Thursday ~ “Scripture Dig”

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” ~ Matthew 6:6-8 (ESV)

God always sends someone or something into our lives when we struggle with certain parts of our spiritual life. It was no different when it came to my prayer life. As I had mentioned in my IOWT post, I am struggling with prayer. I have prayed some prayers for years that have not been answered; which keeps me wondering if I do not pray hard enough…

…last week I came across a blog that I know will help me in my struggles concerning my spiritual life. Guess what subject the Scripture Dig team is covering right now?!? Yup, prayer. Kathy Howard is currently writing a series on ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. Her writings are thought provoking and powerful. But don’t take my word for it; check it our yourself (just click on the image to take you there)…

So, this week I am thankful for God’s provision for my walk with Him. I am thankful that He sent help growing closer to Him and His will.

What are you thankful for this week? Please share with us over that my friend Laurie’s blog “Women Taking a Stand“, linking up with your own Thankful Thursday post.

Thank you for stopping by today. Remember: God will always find a way to help you grow.