Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart

 
Check out this new devotional from Christian author Lysa TerKeurst! Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart, written by TerKeurst and her Proverbs 31 Ministry Team, will appeal to those who struggle to sleep at night as they struggle with anxiety and fears that fill their minds.

What lies heaviest on your heart as you lay your head on your pillow? Does your mind refuse to shut out thoughts keeping you awake? Listen to this invitation from Jesus: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28 NIV). Experiencing this kind of rest won't come from escapism, more vacation days, or stuffing our feelings. Jesus Himself provides rest to our weary souls. While He may not always fix everything right away, we can fix our thoughts on His Word. In doing this, we can sleep at night with ease knowing that God has it all under control.

Order your copy of Clear Mind, Peaceful Heart now.

• Quiet anxious thoughts that seem loudest at night by incorporating the Bible into your nightly routine.

• Find relief from the stress of pressures through 50 encouraging devotions and guided prayers written by women like you.

• Release the heaviness you feel so you can wake up refreshed and walk into the next day with courage.

MY REVIEW: When I saw the subtitle: "50 Devotions For Sleeping Well in a World Full of Worry," I knew that "Clear Minds, Peaceful Heart" would be a wonderful new devotional for me. I often lie awake for hours at night because my mind will not shut down, no matter how tired I am physically. It always helps if I have something to focus on rather than letting random thoughts energize my mind even more.

The devotions by Lysa TerKeurst and the Proverbs 31 Ministry Team help me to concentrate on the issues at hand - whether my problem or something a friend is struggling with- so I can relax and talk to God rather than worrying. Often the perfect Scripture is included to bring me peace. Even if you don't go through hours of restlessness, having a devotional like this is a wonderful way to wind down before going to bed. Spending time with the Lord before sleep is a great way to end your day. 

Giveaway: $5 Starbucks gift card
Enter with your full name and email address by 8/7/2024

Disclosure: Many thanks to Harper Collins Christian Publishing for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

LINKS:
BUY BOOK/LEARN MORE

Lysa TerKeurst 

Proverbs 31 Ministry 

Harper Collins Christian Publishing

 

Roar Like a Lion - Levi Lusko

 

Roar Like a Lion by Levi Lusko (with Tama Fortner) is a children's devotional suitable for kids 6-10 years old. This sturdy, hard-cover book is a 90 day devotional that helps kids who are facing fears and challenges with school, peer pressure, grief, bullying, etc. or just to build faith to face the future strong as a lion.

The Bible stories, scripture and related stories, actions (Get Ready to Roar!), and hidden anchors, and brightly beautiful illustrations by Catherine Pearson, this book is sure to delight your elementary-age kids while also building and strengthening their faith in God. The contents of this book can also open more intimate conversations with the child's caregivers as well as conversations with God (through prayer). Young kids are not mature enough to process everything that impacts their lives and I see this as a helpful addition in learning how to cope with disappointments and fears.

The 6-year-olds in my family do not read well enough to use this book on their own, but I look forward to sharing it with my great-grandkids by reading it to them during their overnight visits. As they get older and reading skills improve, this book will be a familiar source. Of course, older kids can read it themselves, but I still think adult participation is useful and a special bonding experience.  

I give "Roar Like a Lion" 5 stars and recommend it as an excellent choice for a child. ORDER NOW and give it to a child now... or save it for a Christmas or New Year's gift.

GIVEAWAY! You can also ENTER TO WIN a physical copy of Roar Like a Lion, courtesy of Thomas Nelson & Momentum Influencers Network. Leave a comment with #roarlikealion on this blog or the social media platform I've posted this review. Deadline to Enter is September 27, 2021. USA only.

LINKS: 

ORDER YOUR BOOK!
Roar Kike a Lion website

Levi Lusko

EXTRA RESOURCES:

• Downloadable Parent Guide: LINK
• More resources at free download

Disclosure: Many thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive the product in exchange for this review and post.

The Logic of God - Ravi Zacharias

The Logic of God: 52 Christian Essentials for the Heart and Mind by Ravi Zacharias is a weekly offering on the topics that are important to Christians on why the Bible and God are still vital, relevant and life-changing. Ravi says, "I am convinced that Jesus Christ alone uniquely answers the deepest questions of our hearts and minds." Each week's reading provides Scripture, questions for reflection, and some practical application steps that apply to your life.

The book itself is a beautifully bound hardcover that is meant to be used frequently. It's not necessarily one you would normally read straight through but to be used in either your own quiet time and study or as part of a small group. Some of the topics are going to make more of a personal impact than others, but each is important as part of your faith-walk. I rushed through much for review purposes although some did cause me to linger a bit. I look forward to reading the book again as part of a weekly devotion. As always, Zacharias uses rational thinking, courtesy, intellect, and humor to challenge the reader to seriously consider the topic. 



I received a copy of this Zondervan published book from BookLookBloggers at no cost to myself for review purposes. I was neither influenced or required to write a positive review.

Ravi Zacharias website is RZIM.org.
FaithGateway.com 
Zondervan 
Thomas Nelson books
Amazon

Restoration Year - John Eldredge

Whether you have had a great year or one filled with many difficulties, the thought of a new year always brings to mind that there are changes we can make to transform us and to restore anything that needs healed or made whole. Restoration Year by John Eldredge (Ransomed Heart) is a 365-day Devotional designed to guide you on a year of restoration as you follow God for a richer experience with your relationship with God, and with other people in your life.

Each day provides Scripture and a short daily reading and ends with a prayer, a challenge or an inspirational message to further guide you along your journey. The steps you take will make a remarkable difference in your relationship with God. And, this will lead to a richer relationship with family and friends as you seek God first.

This is an embossed hardcover book with thick, easy-to-turn pages and an attached ribbon bookmark. It's easy to hold while reading, and since it's one page per day, most people should manage that well. My one complaint is no room for writing my own thoughts; there is some room in the margins of the book, but I would like a bit more space. This is a great devotional for a man, but also suitable for a woman or for a couple to read together. Published by Thomas Nelson.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Links:
Resoration Year - Thomas Nelson 
Ransomed Hearts website
John Eldredge and Ransomed Heart Ministries

A Spectacle of Glory - Joni Eareckson Tada

A Spectacle of Glory: God's Light Shining through Me Every Day by Joni Eareckson Tada with Larry Libby is a compact devotional that focuses on how God loves you and enables you to live daily as a spectacle of His glory. 

Joni Eareckson Tada, who has lived nearly half a century as a quadriplegic following a diving accident as a teen, knows a lot about living with pain daily, and we would certainly understand if she complained about her physical pain and frustrations. But she has learned to say yes to God on a day-to-day basis and continue to follow Him on this difficult journey and glorifying Him through it all. Joni uses her experience to encourage you and bring comfort in difficulties by helping the reader focus on following Him each step of the way. No matter how insignificant you may think you are or what challenges you face, you can use your life and circumstances to glorify God.

Using a passage of Scripture to look up, a couple of paragraphs of thought on it, followed by a prayer, this book, together with a Bible, is intended to help the reader focus on glorifying God through simple changes in attitude and thought patterns. Instead of being overwhelmed, it is bite-sized portions of Scripture to slowly digest and allow to nourish your spirit. The book is also compact-sized, making it easy to slip into a purse or briefcase to carry with you. This is a wonderful gift for anyone, including yourself, if you need encouragement during hardships---or simply feeling too insignificant to be used by God.

Many thanks to Handlebar Publishing for providing me with a copy at no cost to myself. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado

Grace for the Moment (Large Deluxe): Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year by Max Lucado offers inspiring devotions to grow in your faith as you embrace the hope of the Lord every day. Featuring Scripture, along with devotional writings from Max's best sellers, each day's writing is a short but powerful message to remind the reader of God's love. Although there are variances, the majority of the Scripture is from the New Century Version (NCV). The devotion for each day also indicates which Lucado book used. 



This is the deluxe, large print edition of the classic devotional with a leather-flex cover, beautifully designed pages, and a ribbon marker. It is fairly lightweight and fits comfortably in one hand if you hold it to read. The pages do not flip and are thick enough that you can highlight or make notes that won't bleed through to several pages. (I recommend using colored pencils when highlighting, though. I have used them for years.) The strong binding will ensure this book can endure daily handling and will be a treasury you can visit in years ahead. I also love the look and feel of the cover. The book is published by Thomas Nelson, a registered trademark of Harper Collins Christian Publishing. 

I love the book and will definitely recommend it to anyone searching for a new devotional for themselves or as a gift. These are small nuggets of truth, with an insight to give the reader something to mull over and to build upon their faith.

I received a copy of this book from Booklook Bloggers for review purposes. A positive review was not required, and all thoughts regarding this book are my own.         

66 Ways God Loves You ~ Jennifer Rothschild

The Bible is a book that is actually 66 books in one volume. It contains history, poetry, instruction, but it is also God's love letter to his people. In 66 Ways God Loves You, Jennifer Rothschild goes book by book as she walks with you through the 66 letters from God. 

• In Genesis God Fashions Me With His Hands
• In Proverbs God Offers Me Wisdom More Precious Than Rubies
• In Revelation God Receives Me as His Beloved and Treasured Bride

Those are just 3 examples of how God speaks to His people through His Word. Rothschild gives a short reading that sums up each book, along with Scripture that brings a deeper understanding. Using only a couple of pages for each book, this is a wonderful small devotional to use daily or to use as you read through the Bible. You can begin each book with this concise overview to gain a better understanding of what the Author is saying.

I love it! It is a small book, but it contains a powerful message of God's love for us. It's great that it also reminds me of a favorite song: "He Is" by Aaron Jeoffrey! This book has the same impact, letting me know the different ways God reveals Himself to me. Whether it is used as a reminder, a reassurance or balm to a broken spirit, I highly recommend this. It is also a wonderful gift for a friend or yourself. Definitely 5 stars.

Many thanks to Icon Media Group for providing me with a copy of this book at no cost to myself. I was not required to give a positive review.

5 Minutes With Jesus - Sheila Walsh

5 Minutes with Jesus: A Fresh Infusion of Joy by Sheila Walsh is a small book that packs a powerful punch of hope and joy. When you are going through a dark valley or just stuck in a boring rut, joy can be difficult to find---but, our strength and joy are found in the Lord. It may not be easy to reach joy, but it is attainable. Jesus embraces His followers with a love that is almost tangible, but is manifested as a feeling of joy in spite of circumstances.

Sheila Walsh uses short stories, insights, and encouraging scriptures to help the reader discover joy in God's goodness, creation, and love. Each devotion reminds you that, no matter what, there is joy and peace to be found, and you can find it when you are frequently spending time in Jesus’ presence! Walsh and co-author Sherri Gragg provide a daily dose of encouragement through humorous or touching stories coupled with scripture that will provide light, no matter how dark life may seem. This book would be an excellent gift for anyone who needs encouragement and joy---including yourself! I highly recommend it.

I received this book free through the BookLook Bloggers book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Your Beautiful Heart by Lauren Scruggs

Fashion journalist Lauren Scruggs knows how it feels to search for beauty. She grew up knowing of God’s love, but never fully understood what that love meant, or how it extended to the deepest parts of her soul—until a horrible accident that resulted in the loss of both her left eye and hand. In her darkest hours, everything Lauren believed was tested. Yet it was there that God showed her where real beauty comes from: the unfailing love of the Creator. God’s love is what truly makes us lovely.

Lauren Scruggs has faced a lot of major changes in her life in recent years, and is very open about her struggle to overcome these challenges. Her refreshing honesty about the pain and hardships, both physical and mental, setbacks and triumphs make this a great book, especially for teens and young women who may struggle with self-image. Your Beautiful Heart: 31 Reflections on Love, Faith, Friendship, and Becoming a Girl who Shines, co-written by Lisa Velthouse, divided into 6 different parts:

1. Your Seeking Heart
2. Your Changed Heart
3. Your Obedient Heart
4. Your Heart For Others
5. Your Distinctive Heart
6. Your Heart Looking Forward

There are a total of 31 small chapters that touch on a variety of topics ranging from body image, self worth, peer pressure, inner beauty and more. There are also discussion questions at the end of chapter for self-examination or to use as part of a Discussion Group. Some of the stories told are ones she has shared in the past, but with an added hindsight of what she learned. The stories of how her faith in God kept her strong and guided her are inspiring and should be very influential for others.

Lauren continues to be an inspiration to others and I am happy to see her continued growth. I first heard of her when a friend in Dallas texted me that his friend Lauren had been in a bad accident and could I please pray for her. I have many times since that message. If you are unfamiliar with her story, I suggest you check out her book, Still Lolo.

Lauren & Jason Kennedy
Photo Credit: Lindsey Brittain and Kat Harris

Lauren, founder & editor of LOLO Magazine, works as a fashion journalist.She recently wed E! Network correspondent, Jason Kennedy. Lauren is also involved with a yearly retreat with surfer Bethany Hamilton to encourage girls who have lost a limb.

Beautifully Flawed Retreat

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of the Tyndale Blog Network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

100 Days Of Right Believing

100 Days of Right Believing is adapted from Joseph Prince's New York Times bestselling book The Power of Right Believing. 

What you believe is everything!

Break free from bondages and live a life of victory through inspiring bite-sized teachings that will help you develop highly effective habits for right believing.
Each daily experience includes:
• Today’s Scripture: A scripture to meditate on to recalibrate your mind and believe right about God’s heart and plans for you.
• Today’s Excerpt: A key truth about right believing that ministers and delivers God’s transforming grace to you.
• Today’s Thought: An uplifting, liberating, and powerful thought for the day.
• Today’s Reflection: A place to journal your thoughts and reflections.
• Today’s Prayer: A simple but powerful prayer to help you express your heart to your heavenly Father.
(from the website)

This is an excellent book. Each day's selection was perfect for just a few minutes to refresh your soul and connect with God. Whether it is read to jump-start your day, to reflect upon before going to bed, or as a much needed break somewhere in-between, I found the selections to be just enough to be healing and calming and to remind me of God's love. It is easy to believe the lies that are whispered into our minds, and this book has a portion of Scripture that replaces that lie with Truth. I also enjoyed reading the excerpts that expand upon what was read, along with a thought to meditate upon. There is room for you to jot down a few thoughts about how this spoke to you or whatever else you need to say. This is a good reference for you to go back to later to see where you were and where you are now. Finishing the daily selection with a prayer brings you to the throne of God. Hopefully, the published prayer is just to get you started with a time spent with God, but I find it very useful to help focus my thoughts as I formulate my own words. Of course, I simply scanned though much of the book in order to review it, but it is one that will be used for regular devotions. I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book from Faith Words at no cost for the purpose of writing an honest review.

Experiencing God At Home Day By Day: A Family Devotional

Experiencing God at Home Day by Day: A Family Devotional (B&H Publishing, Oct. 1, 2013) features 50 weeks of daily devotions the whole family does together, that takes them from Genesis to Revelations. Each devotion feature a passage of scripture, a parent connection section, a conversation starter and more. There are also special devotions for important family events like birthdays, holidays, and back-to-school. The book not only provides a basis for personal, daily family-time spent together in God's word, but aims to help parents to develop their own habit of seeking God in their lives. (publisher)




 

 My Review: This is a compact, padded book that may look small but packs a powerful message sure to impact your family. Each page starts with a question that opens up a conversation that is then easily steered in the direction of the focus of the day's study. Using the Scripture Reading provided at the top of the page as the story or theme, it allows you to lead your family into a more indepth study, and permits control over how much time you can invest during your devotional time. The Family Prayer Time is set up in the same manner so you can let one person pray or each may add to the prayer. The additions of Quiet Time for both younger and older children are excellent ways of introducing kids to having a personal quiet time aside from family devotions and training them early about the need to seek out their own relationship with God.

Day 1 is a Parent Connection that gives the topic of the week so you can better prepare for the discussions you will be having with your children. Tips are provided for extra Scripture to read and to familiarize yourself in order to answer the questions that are sure to arise. Another part I loved is the section in the back for Special Occasions. Of course there are the various holidays, but topics like 'Last Day of School', 'Death in the Family', 'Pregnancy', and 'Celebrating An Achievement' are all included. Finally, there are several blank pages provided for notes. If you are interested in having a family devotional time, leading your family, and training your child in the tenets of faith...this book is an excellent resource.


I received this book free from Shelton Interactive for review purposes.. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Blackaby Ministries International was founded by Henry and Marilyn Blackaby to help people experience God. The ministry focuses on three main concepts: helping people experience God, helping people and churches return to God, and helping church, business and family leaders move people to God’s agenda. Through writing, speaking and teaching ministries the Blackabys share their unique message, drawing on timeless truths to show how God is drawing people close to Him, and setting them free. For more information, visit www.blackaby.net.

Take Flight: A Sisterchicks Devotional by Robin Jones Gunn and Cindy Hannan

SISTERCHICK® n.: a friend who shares the deepest wonders of your heart, loves you like a sister, and provides a reality check when you’re being a brat.

I have enjoyed each of the Sisterchicks novels written by Robin Jones Gunn and was very happy to be given an opportunity to review this devotional. Thanks to the WaterBrook Multnomah Blogging For Books program for providing me a copy for an honest review.

If you have read the books, you will recognize a few quotes scattered throughout the book and they are sure to bring back fond memories. If you haven't (and you need to start soon!), you will still love this book. It is filled with stories of shared adventures with friends, quotes, photos, Scripture, and places to jot down what is on your mind. There are also suggestions of things you can do with, or for, a Sisterchick. The 2 authors work together well in sharing things from a personal perspective. I loved From Robin's Nest and From Cindy's Perch and the insight each brought. This book is filled with wit and wisdom that you are sure to enjoy on your own or as part of a devotion time with a Sisterchick or two...or a whole flock of them.

 For more information, check out the following links:

• Author's Web site
• More Info
• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

"I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review."

Limitless by Nick Vujicic

Limitless: Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life 
From limbless to limitless – anything is possible with God!

Nick Vujicic knows there is no greater hope than trusting in God’s plan for your life. Born without arms or legs, Nick has experienced both the peak of hope and the depth of despair. But he has overcome his circumstances and physical limitations by clinging to his faith and understanding the limitless love and power God has for every person.

Now he wants you to experience that same reassurance of hope and the power of God, everyday. In these fifty inspirational devotions, Nick shares his most compelling, hard-earned wisdom to help you face obstacles with confidence and courage and point you toward God. Whether you struggle with faith, relationships, career challenges, anger, health concerns, self-esteem, finding balance, or doubt in your dreams, Nick’s biblical encouragement and positive attitude will transform your life and show you that you can be limitless because God is limitless.

“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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21). (from the publisher)


I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

This book is a devotional that draws from some of his previous books, but it really doesn't matter whether or not you have read them. This is a small book intended strictly to share a portion of Scripture, a personal anecdote from either his own life or a friend's, and ending with words of encouragement and inspiration. Personally, I am not a huge fan of the short devotional type, but that does not take away from this being a well written book that I will recommend to anyone searching for a gift for someone who is struggling or for their own personal devotion. It is divided into 50 brief chapters that can be savored slowly for those who just need a few choice words to mull over (or for my few friends who truly dislike reading). So, while I prefer to dig deeper in my daily devotions, this is great for when you need just a quick reminder that God's love for you is limitless and you can trust Him no matter what obstacles you face.

Check out more about Nick Vujicic & Limitless on the links below.

• Author's Website
• Nick on Facebook
• Nick on Twitter
• More Info
• Read Chapter One
• Author Bio

From limbless to limitless – anything is possible with God!

Nick Vujicic knows there is no greater hope than trusting in God’s plan for your life. Born without arms or legs, Nick has experienced both the peak of hope and the depth of despair. But he has overcome his circumstances and physical limitations by clinging to his faith and understanding the limitless love and power God has for every person.

Now he wants you to experience that same reassurance of hope and the power of God, everyday. In these fifty inspirational devotions, Nick shares his most compelling, hard-earned wisdom to help you face obstacles with confidence and courage and point you toward God. Whether you struggle with faith, relationships, career challenges, anger, health concerns, self-esteem, finding balance, or doubt in your dreams, Nick’s biblical encouragement and positive attitude will transform your life and show you that you can be limitless because God is limitless.

“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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21). - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=218362#sthash.40ikQnub.dpuf

From limbless to limitless – anything is possible with God!

Nick Vujicic knows there is no greater hope than trusting in God’s plan for your life. Born without arms or legs, Nick has experienced both the peak of hope and the depth of despair. But he has overcome his circumstances and physical limitations by clinging to his faith and understanding the limitless love and power God has for every person.

Now he wants you to experience that same reassurance of hope and the power of God, everyday. In these fifty inspirational devotions, Nick shares his most compelling, hard-earned wisdom to help you face obstacles with confidence and courage and point you toward God. Whether you struggle with faith, relationships, career challenges, anger, health concerns, self-esteem, finding balance, or doubt in your dreams, Nick’s biblical encouragement and positive attitude will transform your life and show you that you can be limitless because God is limitless.

“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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21). - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=218362#sthash.40ikQnub.dpuf

From limbless to limitless – anything is possible with God!

Nick Vujicic knows there is no greater hope than trusting in God’s plan for your life. Born without arms or legs, Nick has experienced both the peak of hope and the depth of despair. But he has overcome his circumstances and physical limitations by clinging to his faith and understanding the limitless love and power God has for every person.

Now he wants you to experience that same reassurance of hope and the power of God, everyday. In these fifty inspirational devotions, Nick shares his most compelling, hard-earned wisdom to help you face obstacles with confidence and courage and point you toward God. Whether you struggle with faith, relationships, career challenges, anger, health concerns, self-esteem, finding balance, or doubt in your dreams, Nick’s biblical encouragement and positive attitude will transform your life and show you that you can be limitless because God is limitless.

“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, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21). - See more at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?work=218362#sthash.40ikQnub.dpuf

The ABC Daily Reader - Vol. 1

Now in it's 2nd season, The American Bible Challenge, hosted by Jeff Foxworthy, has rapidly become the highest-rated show ever in GSN history. By taking on unique questions spanning all of Scripture, teams excitedly won money, not for themselves, but for a favorite charity. I have also spoken with people who 'play along at home', testing themselves and others over who who gets the most correct answers.

Good news! Consulting Producer, Troy Schmidt, has put together a daily reader based on The American Bible Challenge. The book leads the reader through nine weeks of study and has over 300 questions to test your Bible knowledge. Each day has a portion of Scripture to be read and 5 questions designed to challenge and inspire you into both deeper study and life application. If you get stumped for the answer (or challenged by someone in competition with you!), all the answers are in the back.

To give you an idea of some of the type questions you may encounter, click on this link: American Bible Challenge Trivia Countdown

Other notable places you may want to check out are

Website: http://gsntv.com/shows/the-american-bible-challenge/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theamericanbiblechallenge?fref=ts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GSN_Bible

 

Love this book!! A devotional/trivia book that brings out my competitive side? Oh yeah!! I like it just for personal reading, but this would be a fantastic book to use for family devotions for older elementary aged kids on up to the great-grandparents. Even the younger kids can learn as the family discusses the Scripture, answers the questions, and talks about how the lesson learn can apply to your life. However, you could also use this as a group Bible Study---as simple or as elaborate as you want to go with it. I can see teams and challenges being made!

Of course, you may not want to get into cash rewards, but perhaps the winning team could select the next group missions project or something similar. There are many possibilities of how this book could be used for learning, but also for fun. We each have various learning styles, and there is no point in having access to God's Word if you don't read it, memorize it, and use it in your life.

GIVEAWAY!! FlyBy Promotions also has a copy available to send to a randomly selected winner. If you are interested in being in the contest, please let me know (preferably on the blog), and I would love to know how you would want to use this book. Dead line to enter is Thursday, April 18, 2013, at 6pm CDT.

 

 

 "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Live Second: 365 Ways To Make Jesus First

Christmas is officially over, and we are quickly racing forward to New Years Day with fresh hope, fresh promises, and new beginnings. Recently, I was part of a group of bloggers who participated in a blog tour for Live Second: 365 Ways To Make Jesus First by Doug Bender, but I was also given the opportunity to review the entire book. For those who received new reading devices or gift cards for books, let me recommend you get a copy of this book. If you are wanting to start a new devotional for the new year, this is a perfect choice.

Neatly divided into 12 Sessions with 4 (or 5) weeks per session, there is a daily reading part to cover your entire year. Day 1 of each week gives you a video from the I Am Second Official Channel . (The book has the QR code for these videos, but since I own no device that uses them, I'm really not sure how they work.) Each video, usually by a well known actor, athlete. speaker, etc., allows a person to tell where they were before and where they now are after making Jesus first in their life. The sense of community derived from watching these videos will definitely make you realize that you are not alone in your failures and struggles.

Day One has the video and scripture to read. You then have What It Says, What It Means, Live It, Tell It, and Practice It. The other 6 days have the scripture reading and Talk With God, Live It, and Tell It. Each day is only one page and you get out of it what you are willing to put into it. This would be excellent for a group of friends who meet weekly or monthly, but is also appropriate for personal study and growth. This book, your Bible, a journal, writing implements (I personally love colored pencils when I make notes in my Bible) and a desire to make Jesus your priority is all you need. (Well, if you want to watch the videos, you need more.) This is the book I intend to use during 2013 as I desire for Jesus to be first in all aspects of my life. #Iamsecond

I Am Second website
I Am Second Facebook page

From the Facebook page: "I am Second is a movement meant to inspire people of all kinds to live for God and for others. Actors. Athletes. Musicians. Business leaders. Drug addicts. Your next-door neighbor. People like you. The authentic stories on iamsecond.com provide insight into dealing with typical struggles of everyday living. These are stories that give hope to the lonely and the hurting, help from destructive lifestyles, and inspiration to the unfulfilled. You’ll discover people who’ve tried to go it alone and have failed. Find the hope, peace, and fulfillment they found. Be Second.
You are here for a reason. We all have needs and could use some help. Talk to us. Call, chat, or email. 24 hours a day. www.iamsecond.com"

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

On A Quest For Christ

On A Quest For Christ is a 30-day devotional that is intended to help you retrace your spiritual journey. From the first steps toward faith and a relationship with God to where you now are on your path of following Christ, this book shows you your past, your current, and encourages you toward your future steps. Using a variety of topics, the questions asked help you to record your own story.  Prayers and scripture are included that underline and enhance your thoughts and memories.

"Your spiritual story is significant. Who you are makes a difference. God ordained this path for your life even before the dawn of creation. It matters to you. It matters to me. In fact, it matters to the whole community of faith, both now and forever. The impact of your life is incalculable." —Lisa Aré Wulf

Each short chapter begins Scripture and a lead in to what the chapter is about. This is followed by a story from Lisa and then questions to answer about your own story. Reflections gives a couple of more questions and a Scripture to consider. This is followed by a written prayer, but leaves room for you to write a prayer of your own.

I really liked the format and the short chapters. I didn't feel like I was so bogged down with additional info that I wanted to rush through. This could work as a small group, but I like it as a personal reflection. Sometimes the worries and cares of the world can seem so burdensome and we feel as though we are in a rut. This can show you how far you still have to go, but you can also see how far you have gone...and the Lord's presence as you grow nearer to Him. I found it to be a great encouragement.

LIKE On A Quest For Christ on FB.

The author also very kindly sent me another copy to bless someone else. If you would like to be entered into a random drawing, leave a comment on the blog (or you can message me...a lot of Anonymous comments go straight to Spam). The winner will be selected on Wed., Dec 26th at 10:00 am (CDT).

 Disclosure of Material Connection-  I received a free copy of On a Quest for Christ: Tracing the Footsteps of Your Spiritual Journey by Lisa Aré Wulf to review.  I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.  I am part of The CWA Review Crew.

One Thousand Gifts Devotional

 "One Thousand Gifts Devotional: Reflections on Finding Everyday Graces"  Following the success of "One Thousand Gifts," her guide to giving thanks and finding joy in all aspects of life, Ann Voskamp returns with this "One Thousand Gifts Devotional." Follow in her footsteps, and find 'joy in the midst of deadlines, debt, drama and daily duties.' The 60 devotions in the "One Thousand Gifts Devotional" explore the simple graces and the hard graces we all experience every day of our lives. Each devotion provides a daily Scripture and prayer and invites you to go deeper into the concept of grace explored in her book and on her blog, www.aholyexperience.com. "One Thousand Gifts" has provided inspiration to many Christians swept up in the chaos of everyday life, and now you have the opportunity to respond with your own list of one thousand gifts. (from the publisher)

This is a tough one. There were some points made that made a huge impression on me. Something Mrs. Voskamp wrote on King Hezekiah made such an impact that it will most likely continue to influence the way I look at things. I also like the way she takes even the most mundane things in life and remembers to give thanks and treasure these moments now. Great outlook that is focused on turning the ordinary into the extraordinary and remembering to be always be thankful.

My problem is that her style of writing annoyed me. It's been too many years since school for me to remember the proper terms, but I would describe it as a "poetic imagery". I prefer someone to cut to the chase and say what they mean, so it made it harder for me to get as much out of this devotional as I would have liked. Bottom line is that I have too many authors whose style I do enjoy, so I won't be reading another by this writer.

About Ann Voskamp

Ann Voskamp is a farmer's wife, the home-educating mama to a half-dozen exuberant kids, and the author of the New York Times bestseller One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. She tells stories. She takes pictures. She sees the whole earth full of the glory of God. A columnist with DaySpring, a contributing editor to Laity Lodge's The High Calling, and a writer of articles featured in WORLD Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Christianity Today, Ann partners with Compassion International as a global advocate for needy children. The poor have made her rich and telling the stories of those who need a voice has changed her own story. Ann can be found writing about messy grace and a magnificent God at her daily online journal: www.aholyexperience.com. Visit Ann's website at: www.onethousandgifts.com.