The Family Bible Devotional Volume 2 - A Review

 

The Family Bible Devotional

Volume 2

by

Sarah M, Wells

The subtitle describes this book well: “Stories from the Gospels to help Kids and Parents Love God and Love Others”. What the author has done is to compile a set of 50+ devotionals for parents to share with their children.

After briefly giving some brief suggestions on using the material found in the book, each of the 52 devotions follows a similar pattern:

1. A one-paragraph description of the setting for the chosen text.
2. The week’s scripture is quoted using The Message
3. Some suggested Bible study questions and provide an opportunity for each member of the family to ask their own questions
4. “A Closing Thought” summarizing the lessons that may have come from the passage
5. A “Prayer Prompt” based on the lesson is provided
6. A couple of activities are suggested to help all participants cement the lesson
7. Each lesson concludes with a brief bit of trivia taken from scripture, history, culture, etc.

Though my kids are long gone from home, this year’s collection of studies is among the best I have seen for use in family worship. It would make a great gift for a church to make to families with middle school or junior high school students. With a bit of work and patience, it might even be used with a younger family. Though not designed for a church setting, it might also be used as the basis for the weekly study with a small youth group. I can easily give this book five-stars.
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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 my own.

Big Truths Bible Story Book - A Review

 

Big Truths
Bible Story Book

by

Aaron Armstrong

A Review

Aaron Armstrong has written a book that is colorful enough for children and detailed enough for an adult audience. The book is well-suited for family devotions. In seminary it was suggested that those of us not brought up with a substantial Christian background take the summer before beginning our studies to read a children’s story Bible. At the same time it could serve as a primer on theology.

The book is divided into 52 weekly stories chosen from both the Old Testament and the New Testament (Genesis to Revelations). Each entry consists of two to four pages of commentary and one page of helpful and thoughtful discussion questions. The book concludes with a two page glossary and a two page summary of the “Big Truths” presented within the book and suggested memory verses for each concept discussed within the book.

Whether used for family devotions, personal devotions, preparation for more formal education, or a discipling program with a new believer, the book gets five stars.
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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.

Philippians: A Biblical Study - A Review

Philippians

A Biblical Study  

by

Joyce Meyer

A Review

Joyce Meyer has prepared a nicely done devotional/Bible Study on the book of Philippians. 

This book crossed my path just as I was preparing for a group study of Philippians in my local church. I expect it will contribute to my thoughts as I prepare for each weeks study.

After a brief study of the setting and recipients of Paul’s letter, she offers 14 studies on the entire book of Philippians. Most of the studies are 4-6 pages in length though a few are much shorter. Studies include sections for reading and one or two questions requiring personal reflection. My only concern is the lack of a Scripture Index as the author often draws from verses in Philippians outside the current context as well as from the entire Bible at times.

The devotions are practical - often giving explicit instructions to follow when applying the scripture. The book could easily be used for individual study. However, because a few (very few) are shorter, the reader might want to consider combining some studies for group use. I give the book 3-1/2 stars.
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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.

The Story of the Bible in 365 Readings - A Review

The Story of the Bible

in 365 Readings

by

Ed Strauss

This new book presents a group of simple but thought-provoking devotional readings that take the reader from the days of creation in Genesis to the end of time in Revelations. Each entry is a little less than a page in length. Here is an example from I Samuel 24 and 25:

The entry begins with a sentence explaining the key points from the lesson. The lesson ends with comment or two that the reader can remember throughout the day. Though the entries are numbered, they are not dated, allowing the reader to start or begin their study when convenient for them. The book contains a Table of Contents near the beginning of the book that allow the reader to find a reading based on a particular passage. The book concludes with a scripture index - though I could not use it to easily find references.

The book will take the reader through the whole story of scripture, but I would have a difficult time recommending it as the first devotional for Bible Study.

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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 my own.