NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible Third Edition Leathersoft - A Review

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Third Edition

Leathersoft

edited by

Jack Hayford

A Review

Thomas Nelson has created one of the better Study Bibles that have crossed my path. I find little wrong with this compilation of helps.

The helps are indexed and are presented in full color. The 500+ brief word studies scattered throughout are helpful, lots of practical helps (“Truth in Action”), and an extra -long concordance (compared to most Study Bibles), all add extra value to this new edition. I was surprised that the includes two ribbon bookmarks rather than the three ribbon bookmarks found in the leather edition. Built with a nice sturdy cover, the book feels solid and well-built.

Concerns are minor and personal. Though I am not a fan of Jack Hayford’s theology, this is a book that I am still glad to have in my library – it has valued thoughts from a leader of the church. Similarly, I am concerned about the choice to put Jesus words in red. I much prefer a Bible with all text in a common black font. Finally, all of the helps add considerable weight to this Bible. I can see this book being used at my desk, rather than being carried into church on a Sunday morning.

This would not be the first Study Bible I would add to my library – but it does belong there.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Lethal Target - A Review

Lethal Target

by

Janice Cantore

A Review

Janice Cantore has written a powerful sequel to her earlier book, Crisis Shot. Tess O’ourke has now been the Chief of Police of Rogue’s Hollow, OR, for just about a year. The community has accepted her and she feels a part of the community she has made her home. At least until the body is literally found at the doorstep of her home. Oregon’s new legal pot trade has made itself at home in her community – but, surprisingly, there has been an uptick in the number of opioid overdoses during that same time. Suspicions run high that there is a connection between the pot farms and the increasing drug crisis – but Tess, the County Sheriff, nor the Federal DEA can find a connection between the two.

The book has enough suspense to keep this reader’s nose in the book for the four or five nights it took to read. Written by a former police officer, the book has the sound of truth from the first page to the last. Though probably classified as a romantic suspense, the romance is relatively light and does not overwhelm the plot as is sometimes happens in books of this genre. The role of faith is also present – a bit more than romance – but not overwhelmingly so. The book could easily find a home in the public library, the church library, or in the home of anybody looking for a well-written suspense novel.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible Third Edition Hardcover - A Review

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Third Edition

Hardcover

edited by

Jack Hayford

A Review

Thomas Nelson has created one of the better Study Bibles that have crossed my path. I find little wrong with this compilation of helps.

The helps are indexed and are presented in full color. The 500+ brief word studies scattered throughout are helpful, lots of practical helps (“Truth in Action”), and an extra -long concordance (compared to most Study Bibles), all add extra value to this new edition. I was surprised that the hardcopy version did not include the three ribbon bookmarks found in other editions Built with a nice sturdy cover, the book feels solid and well-built.

Concerns are minor and personal. Though I am not a fan of Jack Hayford’s theology, this is a book that I am still glad to have in my library – it has valued thoughts from a leader of the church. Similarly, I am concerned about the choice to put Jesus words in red. I much prefer a Bible with all text in a common black font. Finally, all of the helps add considerable weight to this Bible. I can see this book being used at my desk, rather than being carried into church on a Sunday morning.

This would not be the first Study Bible I would add to my library – but it does belong there.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

The Portable Seminary (2nd Edition) - A Review

The Portable Seminary

2^nd Edition

by

David Horton

A Review

Full of useful information – this book is not a portable seminary. No reader should take it off the shelf and expect to cover the topics to the depth that a typical seminary education would provide.

Having said that some topics are covered in further depth than others. A good overview of theology is provided – this is most of the first third of the book, though the author does sneak chapters on “Biblical Languages” and “Interpreting Scripture: Hermeneutics & Exegesis” into the middle of the theological chapters (immediately following a chapter on the “Doctrine of Scripture” and prior to “The Doctrine of God the Father”}. The author is strongly supportive of inerrancy; but, he clearly states, this doctrine must not be used to distinguish between authentic Christians and apostasy. Definitions are given for many of the most important terms, but few examples are given. For example, a clear distinction is made between exegesis and eisegesis – but no examples are given of either. In fact, no single example (from beginning to end) of exegesis is given. Similarly, no complete example of writing a sermon (from idea to finished sermon outline or text) is given.

Other topics covered include:

1. Five chapters introducing the Old Testament and New Testament 
2. Three chapters on evangelism: Apologetics, World Religions, and Missiology 
3. Five chapters on church history 
4. Four chapters on practical theology: Homiletics, Leadership, Ethics, and Christian Education 

It is not clear who has officially contributed to each chapter, versus allowing the quoted material to be included. Several pages of “Contributors” are included, but it is not clear who contributed what to the final volume. The ARC I was provided did set aside “1 page” for “Acknowledgments”, but it was blank and it is not clear what role these “acknowledgments” played in the development of the book.

To summarize, the book has lots of information, but the depth and helpfulness of that material will vary depending on the chapter and area of study. USE WITH CAUTION.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Cost of Betrayal - A Review

The Cost of Betrayal

by

Dee Henderson

Dani Pettrey

Lynette Eason

A Review

The publisher has brought together three accomplished writers to create a set of three romantic suspense filled novellas. Each story stands alone – there is no connection between them.

Dee Henderson’s story, “Betrayed”, shares the work of the Falcons – Ann, a retired FBI agent, and her husband, Paul. They have discovered a small box of leftover beauty products which also contains a knife, a murder weapon. The problem is that Janelle Roberts was convicted of the murder six years ago, but she probably is not the perpetrator. The Falcons need to find a way to get Janelle out of prison and discover the actual murderer.

Dani Pettrey’s story, “Deadly Isle”, has a young woman, whose engagement had recently been broken, finding that her cousin has been murdered and her own life is threatened. Finding the guilty party would mean risking her life yet again.

Lynette Eason presents a story, “Code of Ethics”, full of medical and police officers – who may or may not be able to be trusted.

Each could serve as a prequel for a series – though there is no indication that will be the case. I have previously read books by Dee Henderson and Dani Pettrey, their stories were suspenseful as those found in their books. Though I have never read a title by Lynette Eason, I expect the same is true for her books. These stories will make a good read during the cool Fall evenings facing readers over the next few months.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

The Monastery Murders - A Review

The Monastery Murders

by

E.M. Powell

A Review

A well-written mystery taking place in the middle ages. The protagonist is an agent of the King and his assistant. A group of monks are being systematically killed off and unless Barling and Stanton could discover the culprit, all those residing at the Monastery could be at risk.

I have no problem recommending the book with two exceptions. There is no warning given to the reader that there is one explicit heterosexual scene and a longer (though not explicit) description of a gay romance. If this were apparent in advance, this reader would have chosen to not read the book. If made into a movie (as written), I expect the film would be rated ‘R’ - though, with a bit of gentle editing (of the book or the movie), it could easily receive a ‘PG-13’ rating. Because of the lack of warning and the possibility of these scenes being triggers for some, the book receives a 3-star rather than a 4-star review.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible Burgandy Leathersoft Cover 3rd Edition - A Review

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Burgandy Leathersoft Cover

3rd Edition

Edited By

Jack W. Hayford

A Review

Thomas Nelson has created one of the better Study Bibles that have crossed my path. I find little wrong with this compilation of helps.

The helps are indexed, they are presented in full color. The 500+ brief word studies scattered throughout the are helpful, lots of practical helps (“Truth in Action”), and an extra -long concordance (compared to most Study Bibles), all add extra value to this ne edition. I also appreciate the three ribbons included to provide bookmarks – not just the two that normally are included in most Study Bibles. Built with a nice simulated leather cover, the book feels solid and well-built.

Concerns are minor and personal. Though I am not a fan of Jack Hayford’s theology, this is a book that I am still glad to have in my library – it has valued thoughts from a leader of the church. Similarly, I am concerned about the choice to put Jesus words in red. I much prefer a Bible with all text in a common black font. Finally, all of the helps add considerable weight to this Bible. I can see this book being used at my desk, rather than being carried into church on Sunday morning.

This would not be the first Study Bible I would add to my library – but it does belong there.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible Black Genuine Leather Cover 3rd Edition - A Review

NKJV Spirit-Filled Life Bible

Black Genuine Leather Cover

3rd Edition

Edited By

Jack W. Hayford

A Review

Thomas Nelson has created one of the better Study Bibles that have crossed my path. I find little wrong with this compilation of helps.

The helps are indexed, they are presented in full color. The 500+ brief word studies scattered throughout the are helpful, lots of practical helps (“Truth in Action”), and an extra -long concordance (compared to most Study Bibles), all add extra value to this ne edition. I also appreciate the three ribbons included to provide bookmarks – not just the two that normally are included in most Study Bibles. Thumb-indexed with a nice leather cover. The book feels solid and well-built.

Concerns are minor and personal. Though I am not a fan of Jack Hayford’s theology, this is a book that I am still glad to have in my library – it has valued thoughts from a leader of the church. Similarly, I am concerned about the choice to put Jesus words in red. I much prefer a Bible with all text in a common black font. Finally, all of the helps add considerable weight to this Bible. I can see this book being used at my desk, rather than being carried into church on Sunday morning.

This would not be the first Study Bible I would add to my library – but it does belong there.

______________

This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

God Bless The Broken Road - A Review

God Bless The

Broken Road

A Review
[Music]

I was privileged to be given access to a streamed copy of this new picture due to be released tomorrow. The film focuses on a mother and daughter whose husband and father were killed in Afghanistan in 2014 - a loss which neither have dealt with as they try to continue a normal life.

But life does go on - people enter our lives, circumstances overwhelm us, and life feels like it is crashing in on us. But even in the midst of crisis God continues to offer His love - we may not see it, may even run from it, He offers His love if we will listen.

Finding God’s grace in the midst of a busy life is sometimes difficult. There may be pain, waiting maybe hard, and finding Him will often require tears. Such is the case for Amber and Bree as they find God’s grace in the middle life’s difficulties.

If you do not yet have a movie in your sights for this week, let me suggest that you consider seeing God Bless The Broken Road. It will be worth your time.
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This review is based on a free screening provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

New King James Version: Holy Bible - A Review

New King James Version

Holy Bible

A Review

Tommy Nelson has put together a simple paperback Bible suitable for a gift for a young child. Included are 24 pages of colorful helps and a couple of maps. Though this will not serve as an heirloom gift, it would be appropriate for the child moving from 3rd to 4th grade or for a gift from grandparents to their grandchild. If is well-used, expect to replace it with something more sturdy and long-lasting within two or three years, but by then the child will be better prepared to appreciate something with a better binding and more helps.
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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Hidden Treasures - A Review

Hidden Treasures

by

Robin Bertram

A Review

We are all going to die. It may sound like I will be reviewing another cozy mystery, but you would be wrong. Hidden Treasures is a wonderful collection of devotionals focusing on the topic of death — not gruesomely, but as one looking forward to a joyous homecoming. It comes with the heart of a chaplain — though the author is not one. The stories are warm and encouraging.

The book is designed to help those who are dying, those who will walk alongside those, and those who have lost a loved one. The book is partly memoir, partly devotional, and partly self-help — all focusing on preparing us for our own death or the death of a loved one

The author has done this well – so well that as I look forward to Christmas, I am planning to make a gift of this book to each of the members of my small congregation of senior citizens living in community at a senior apartment complex. The book will be a blessing to those who choose to read a single entry or the entire book.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Delayed Justice - A Review

Delayed Justice

by

Cara Putman

A Review

We all carry pain. For some, it comes from the choices we make; for others, it is the result of war; and for some, it comes from abuse over which we had no control. We find all three in Cara Putman’s newest novel. 

Jaime Nichols abuse had occurred years ago, but she had told no one till now. Her Uncle Dane had first approached her when she was eight and had not stopped until she left for college. Chandler Bolton had been damaged by war – he was a survivor, but friends had died and been crippled. And he carried his baggage because of it. Late in October, their lives would collide. But the journey would not be easy.

Having spent the last 44+ years living in the shadow of abuse, it is easy to believe in the depth of pain exhibited by the characters penned by Cara Putnam in her newest novel. The story is well told and does not leave the reader with the false belief that coming to terms with psychological pain is easy. But the story does remind the reader that those of us who have lived with it have hope as we trust the process and learn to trust God to see us through it.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.