REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Spirit of God Illustrated Bible

Let me introduce you to a new, illustrated story Bible, sweetly written by Doris Rikkers, and colorfully illustrated by Fernando Juarez. Before you start thinking, "Oh, its just another Bible storybook for children," let me tell you what's unique about this one.

The Spirit of God Illustrated Bible uses over 40 short stories, presented in a way that helps readers understand how God’s Spirit has been with us since the beginning of time and continues to be with us today.

The book starts out with the account of Creation, where it says in Genesis 1:2, "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." (NIV) From there, we are taken through many of the accounts in the Old Testament - some of which will be new stories to the children (and even the adults) who read them. Then, after the building of the temple in Jerusalem is completed, we are taken into the New Testament where we are taught about the life of Christ, and the birth of the church. 

In my opinion, this storybook is a unique way of presenting the Bible to children of all ages, while also being appealing (and educational) for adults.

For more information and to view a sampler, click the "landing page" here:

THE SPIRIT OF GOD ILLUSTRATED BIBLE 

GIVEAWAY:  I am happy to be able to give away a copy of this bible to one of my readers. If you are interested, you will need to do ONE of two things - either make a comment on this blog post and make sure I have a contact e-mail for you, or make a comment on the Facebook post on HHMRH MINISTRIES PAGE where I will contact you via private message if you are the winner. For all those who comment, a random drawing will be held on Saturday, September 22, 2018, at 8:00 p.m. Central Time.
 
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Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post. Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days on the same blog, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

My Thoughts On "The Voice" - A New Bible Translation

Back in February, I won a New Testament copy of "The Voice," a new translation of the Bible published by Thomas Nelson, and I've been reading various portions of it between then and now.

The official website of The Voice says this is a "translation that reads like a story with all of the truth and wisdom of God's Word. Through compelling narratives, poetry, and teaching it invites readers to enter into the whole story of God with their heart, soul, and mind. This bold new translation engages readers like no other Bible." And, the Translation Team consists of a large group of men and women who are Pastors, Professors, Lawyers, and Writers. So, it is not just one or two people participating in this project, but many.

So, what do I think about it? The wording is definitely more easy to understand, and it was interesting to read God's Word using language that was meant more for today. However, I'm not too sure I would recommend it to a new Christian, or to someone who doesn't already have a good grasp on the content in the Bible. In my opinion, caution is warranted because this new translation seems to change the meaning of some of the passages into something that was not originally intended. For example, read how Luke 12:15-20 is written:

Jesus:  You'd better be on your guard against any type of greed, for a person's life is not about having a lot of possessions. (then, beginning another parable) A wealthy man owned some land that produced a huge harvest. He often thought to himself, "I have a problem here. I don't have anywhere to store all my crops. What should I do? I know! I'll tear down my small barns and build even bigger ones, and then I'll have plenty of storage space for my grain and all my other goods. Then I'll be able to say to myself, 'I have it made! I can relax and take it easy for years! So I'll just sit back, eat, drink, and have a good time!' Then God interrupted the man's conversation with himself. "Excuse Me, Mr. Brilliant, but your time has come. Tonight you will die. Now who will enjoy everything you've earned and saved?"

What's wrong with this, you might ask? Well, there's nothing particularly wrong with it, except for the fact that the meaning is somewhat changed. In the major translations (NAS, KJV, NKJV, NIV) verse 20, which is highlighted above, uses the words "You fool!" to describe the man's ignorant actions and his egotistic way of thinking. Somehow, the thought of God saying, "Excuse Me, Mr. Brilliant" (which sounds like sarcasm to me) just doesn't convey the same idea. God wasn't intending to be sarcastic in this passage. He was strongly rebuking the man for his selfish and greedy actions. Maybe, to some, this change isn't a big deal. But, it just leaves me feeling a bit uncomfortable with leaving it in the hands of a new Christian.

As for the format, I liked how this translation was written in a play script format. It helped to show exactly who was speaking in different events. But, one thing missing in the format was a title or description at the beginning of each chapter. It was difficult to find specific chapters I was looking for because it was written like a play and not like a Bible. Some may like the format but, for my organized way of thinking, it made things more difficult.

That said, I wouldn't throw this Bible out the window. I understand the idea of this new translation, and applaud their efforts in wanting to make a Bible that is worded in today's language. It could be good to use alongside another translation, or possibly for doing a narrative in front of people. It just wouldn't be my first choice for a Bible to study with, or to read on its own - at least not without first knowing what other translations say as well.

REVIEW: The Take Action Bible

The Take Action Bible, published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, is a full-length Bible in New King James Version. The difference between this Bible and others is that it is interspersed with 48 full-color pages that include 15 true stories from real people. These stories give us examples of how to “take action” with God’s Word.

The theme of this Bible is: Together we can change the world.

You will “meet” people who have answered God’s call to GO, SERVE, GIVE, HEAL and TEACH. However, it is not insinuating that every Christian must be an overseas missionary. The idea is to help us understand that every Christian should be serving the Lord in some way. Even children can answer this call. In fact, there is a story included in this Bible that tells of 9-year-old girl who set up a lemonade stand to raise money for local flood victims. She raised $34, which is quite a lot for selling lemonade!

After each story also comes a Bible reference to look up. (How convenient to already be holding a Bible in your hand.) And, it also includes a couple of thought-provoking questions, as well as a place to write notes. Then, in the back of the Bible, there is also a list of 52 ways to “take action.” The reader is challenged to do at least one action per week, filling an entire year’s worth. A couple examples of these ideas is to (1) hold open a door for everyone you can during the week, or (2) volunteer at a soup kitchen. These could be considered small actions to some, but it could mean a world of difference to the receiver.

It’s definitely a neat little concept for a Bible and, in my opinion, would make a nice gift for a young graduate of High School or College. However, ANYONE could benefit from reading it.

You can find it on Amazon.com for around $11.00.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
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The Velveteen Bible - Review and GIVE-A-WAY!!!!

Now that we have our computer back, I can finally tell you about a new keepsake Bible I was given the chance to look over.... and give YOU a chance to win it!

I think almost everyone has at least heard of the popular classic children’s book “The Velveteen Rabbit.” Well, now here’s The Velveteen Bible. This is a complete copy of the NKJV Bible, enclosed in a sweet little keepsake box, and designed to be given as a gift to young ones. It has several pages at the beginning that allow the Bible to be personalized by the giver.

The cover of the Bible has the words “Holy Bible” written in pastel colors, and a brown & white rabbit that feels velvety to the touch. The designs encompassing the rabbit are also raised with a velvety feel to them, making it appealing to little fingers. There are also several colorful illustrations mixed among the traditional black & white pages, sure to be a delight to the eyes of a child.

While this is not a Bible with easy words for children to read on their own, it would make a cute gift for a baby shower, baby dedication, baptism, 1st birthday, or any other special occasion for young children. It would even be a sweet gift for Easter morning, which is coming up very soon!

With that in mind, I have decided to have a drawing to give this Bible away, as I don’t really have a need for it. My babies are.... well... no longer babies (Sniff, sniff....my how the time flies. One of my friends’ little ones spontaneously snuggled up in my lap for a few minutes on Friday and, oh.... I was in heaven.) So, anyway, if you are interested in participating in the drawing for this Bible, just do one of two things. Either comment below and be sure to include your e-mail address, or send me an e-mail: HERE. I will collect names through Friday, April 15th, draw a name on Saturday, and get it in the mail to the winner - hopefully arriving in time for Easter!

One entry per person.

Disclosure: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.