Kristi Woods

30 Christian Inspirational Gifts You’ll Love to Give

December 3, 2019 by Kristi 12 Comments

Gold background with post title of 30 Inspirational Christian Gifts You'll Love to Give on it. — **Pin Me for Later!**
*This post may contain affiliate links.*

It’s Cyber Monday as I write this post. Black Friday just scurried right past us. But I’m not really into either of those shopping frenzies. I like to take my time. How about you?

If you enjoy giving Christian inspirational gifts to girlfriends, your kids, hubby, and others, there are several online sales still to be found–no crowds involved yet good prices. Yay! Some of these finds are favorites of mine–tools for deeper Bible study, Bibles, and more. They help encourage a person’s walk with God–and isn’t that WHO Christmas is all about? Why not keep our focus Above?

Christian Gifts

I love giving gifts that bolster faith–books, wall hangings, and other items that encourage a deeper walk with Jesus.

Christianbook.com is offering a HUGE sale through December 9. If you enjoy supporting Christian business, check out the link below. They’ve included Bibles, study tools, gifts, and more Christian inspirational gifts you’ll love to give. (The sale prices impressed me, and they might catch your eye, too!)

Cyber Sale

Here are two of my favorites.

563788: Strong&quot;s Exhaustive Concordance, Updated Edition KJV

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Updated Edition KJV

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence

But not all gifts cost money. Consider giving the gift of time. I’ve written about it here. Or, be sure to check out the Free Christian Resources and Subscriber Library (password is always included in monthly newsletters or in the thank you email when you become a subscriber) to download the free printables for your use or as a giveaway.

Christian Gifts for Men

Some men are hard to buy for. Others are easier. Here’s a listing of Christian gifts for both kinds of men that might help you with your list this Christmas.

NKJV Duck Commander Faith & Family Bible, Hardcover

014386: Men&quot;s Stainless Steel Ring with Black Cross, Size 11

Men’s Stainless Steel Ring with Black Cross, Size 11

Trust In the Lord Travel Mug

Find MANY MORE Christian gifts for men in the link below.

Gifts for Men

Best Bible Gifts

I reviewed the Fresh Start Bible last week. What a great Bible! Look for another Bible review next week, too. (This one is simply beautiful.) But here’s a listing of several favorites or great deals to give the gift of God’s Word this year.

NLT Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition–Value Edition, Burgundy Genuine Leather

KJV Beautiful Word Bible, Hardcover, Large Print

ESV Study Bible, Black Genuine Leather

NIV Zondervan Study Bible–bonded leather, burgundy

NLT Fresh Start Bible, softcover

NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible, Hardcover

I used the NLT Chronological Life Application Study Bible in my own studies last year. I highly recommend trying a chronological Bible. It’s a whole new experience! The above version is a plus due to the study notes, too.

NIV Live: A Bible Experience–CDs with DVD

Christian Gifts for Children

Children absorb the world around them. I loved watching my three youngsters enjoy the stories of Jesus, play for hours with nativity scenes, and dive into the Advent calendar activities. Here are a few Christian gifts for children that might become new favorites for you and the children in your life.

750136: The Beginner&quot;s Bible, New and Updated Edition 2016

The Beginner’s Bible, New and Updated Edition 2016
By Zondervan

Be sure to read my review on The Beginner’s Bible from last year. My children LOVED this one when they were little.

The Action Bible

Baby’s First Bible

Playmobil Illuminating Nativity Manger

Ever heard of Playmobil? My kids played and played and PLAYED with ours. We didn’t have the Nativity Scene, but how exciting to see it’s an option.

Fisher-Price Little People Nativity Set

Nativity scenes like the one above are keepers. They don’t break when the kids play with them for hours. Because they will–play and play and play.

Adventures in Odyssey: Countdown to Christmas Advent Collection

Many kids love Adventures in Odyssey. I have a teenager who STILL listens–more than ten years after being introduced to this audio show by Focus on the Family. If you’re not into giving Advent audio, peruse their other products in the link below. They offer quality material.

Adventures in Odyssey

Looking for More Kids Gifts?

Find other Christian gifts for children, like Veggie Tales and stuffed animals, at the link below.

Kids and Toys

Cheap Inspirational Gifts

Make-A-Nativity-Scene Stickers, Pack of 12

Gold Nativity Cross Ornament

Nativity Sticker Activity Book

Dover offers many good activity books. If this one doesn’t fill a need, check out their other options by clicking the link below.

Dover Coloring Books

Faithful, Thankful, Blessed, 2020-21 Pocket Planner

Don’t forget inexpensive stocking stuffers like the Scripture Cards I made. They are available in the KristiWoodsStudio Etsy store.

Created to Believe is there too. The Bible word study is on sale for $5.50 (reg $6.99) thru 12/4 only.

pictures of believe t-shirt and bag, Christian faith Bible verse cards

Do Small Things With Great Love Mini Plaque

Let Your Light Shine Tote

Find other bargains like t-shirts, books, cards and more at the link below.

Bargains

Christian Decor

You Are An Amazing Woman Coaster Mug

Names of Jesus Throw

We Are Blessed With His Light and His Love, LED Lantern

Our Family Will Love Wall Plaque

How Great Thou Art Sonnet Wind Chime

We received a similar wind chime when my father passed away. It creates a beautiful sound. They’re on sale through December 9. Consider these for Christmas gifts and stocking up for other occasions as well.

I hope you enjoyed this year’s list of 30 Christian Inspirational Gifts you’ll love to give. Which one is your favorite? We’d love to know!

Announcing the Faith Library - light green with gold

Study God’s Word with This

November 26, 2019 by Kristi 6 Comments

White and gold background post title about a new Christian Bible from Gateway Press: Fresh Start Bible — Pin me for later!
This post may contain affiliate links.

Bibles are my gig. I love to study God’s Word! In fact, our shelves hold several versions. But the other day, I received a recently released Bible to review. Folks, it’s easy for me to fall in love with every Bible I meet. But this one…it was something special. Oh, the places we could go if we study God’s Word with this new release: The Fresh Start Bible from Gateway Press.

Benefits of Studying the Word of God

There are many benefits to studying God’s Word. We meet Jesus. We grow in faith. We learn to hear God’s voice through it. We understand who we are in Christ. We find prayers we’re invited to pray and promises God encourages us to believe. The new Fresh Start Bible helps us with every one of these and more.

Pastors Robert Morris, Jimmy Evans, Jack Hayford, and other contributors offer their wisdom and encouragement in this version of God’s Word.

Readers will find several short discussions on the lives of Bible people. These discussions list reading passages and include questions at the end of the section. They’d be great for personal Bible study. I’ve not seen anything like this in any other Bibles I’ve thumbed through or read, so be sure not to miss this part.

Easy to navigate and full of additional study materials, this will help new believers. Consider giving it after baptism, to seekers, or as a Christmas, graduation, or birthday gift. But don’t forget those further in their walk with the Lord. I’ve been a Christian for over twenty years, and I’m looking forward to studying this Bible in 2020. It’s good for all sorts of folks.

The Fresh Start Bible benefits readers because it’s approachable–if a Bible can be such a thing. It’s easy to read. The small excerpts, devos, and teachings threaded throughout it, are easily understood as well. It’s like a welcome mat set out and a door wide open, not unapproachable, intimidating, and cold.

Study God’s Word Daily

Look for the daily reading calendar in the back of this Bible. Yep. Study God’s Word daily. And complete it in one year.

This plan includes selections to read each day from both Old and New Testaments, Proverbs and Psalms too. It’s laid out in an easy-to-understand fashion. And with it being included in the Bible, there’s no losing it.

Understanding God’s Word

Understanding God’s Word isn’t always easy. But this is the NLT (New Living Translation), and that’s an easier version for our modern times.

Also included in the Fresh Start Bible are 52 questions folks often ask about the foundations of faith and practical teachings to assist in spiritual growth. It also includes:

59 key Bible characters and events
Charts
Color Maps
Discussions on the “What, Whom, Why, and How” of worship
And much more

Here’s a video explaining more about these and other aspects of this new Bible.

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

The Importance of the Word of God in the Life of a Believer

How will we know what is true and right if we don’t read God’s Word–His instructions and promises waiting for us? Reading the Bible is a light for our path. There’s no need to navigate this life in the dark. The Fresh Start Bible does a FABULOUS job of helping seekers and believers dive into His Word. It’s easy. It’s a joy. And as always, God’s Word is powerful.

By the way…
Don’t forget Created to Believe: A Bible Word Study is on sale between now and December 4th. It’d complement the Fresh Start Bible nicely.

Just $5.50 NOW!
**CLICK HERE for more.**

Fresh Start Bible Giveaway

Just in time for Christmas…
I’m so excited to give away one copy of this wonderful Bible to a KristiWoods.net subscriber!

(US resident at a US address, ages 18+)

More info coming in the December 6th Insider. Look in your email inbox. (Check spam if you don’t see it.)

If you’re not a subscriber yet, whatcha waiting on? Subscribers get information first, access to the Subscriber Library, and more! Subscribe simply by clicking the “Join Us” graphic below.

Where Can I Buy the Fresh Start Bible?

Buy a copy–in leather, imitation leather, linen, softcover, or ebook– through Gateway Press or in stores where Bibles are sold. And I hope you have a glorious time studying God’s Word with this new tool.

The publisher supplied both a copy for me to review and one for a giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

What Does the Bible Say About Being Thankful?

November 19, 2019 by Kristi 10 Comments

What the Bible Says About Thankfulness

It notes many things, but what does the Bible say about being thankful? Have you ever considered which verses include gratitude to God or pertain to a Christian’s thankfulness?

During this time of thanksgiving, but all year too, let’s dig in deep and take a look at what the Bible says about thankfulness.

How Can I be Thankful to God

Thankfulness begins with intentionality. But let’s be honest, it’s easy to rush on with the day-to-day grind, leaving gratitude and our offering somewhere behind. Being thankful to God is important, however, and we should include it in our daily lives.

David offered praise and thanksgiving. After Gabriel spoke the words of promise to Mary, she offered praise sprinkled with gratitude. So did Hannah and the leper. In both the Old and New Testament, we see intentional decisions to offer thanks to God, setting a grand example for us to follow.

Here’s How I Offer Thanks

I started listing my thanksgiving on daily tasks sheets. Find free links to these two faith-focused daily to-do lists in the Subscriber Library. Subscribers can check in the latest “Insider” monthly newsletter for the password. If you’re not a subscriber, sign up here and the password will arrive in the series of welcome emails. (Be sure to check spam if you don’t see it in your inbox.)

God also grabbed my attention one day when I didn’t feel like offering thanksgiving. He prompted me to start giving thanks backwards. Sounds a little off-beat, but it’s powerful–and easy. Read more here.

Why is Being Thankful to God Important

It’s in the Bible. That’s a start. Anytime I see topics in the Word, I perk up. How about you?

If we study the lives of those in the Bible who offer thanks to God, we find that some magnificent things happened. Consider that you and I, generations later, read about and glean from their offering. God likes our offerings of thanks and prompts us to do so in His Word.

Psalm 100:4 tells us that we enter His gates with thanksgiving in our hearts. That is, we approach the Almighty and come into His presence, with thanksgiving playing a vital role. Find out more about this verse in the Treasury of David or by comparing the verse in these versions. (I found The Message to be especially interesting.)

Bible Verses About Thanksgiving and Gratitude

Here are five Bible verses centering on both thanksgiving and gratitude.

Colossians 3:15 ESV
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
1 Chron. 16:34 ESV
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Psalm 69:30 ESV
“I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.”
Psalm 100:4 ESV
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!”
Psalm 9:1 ESV
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.”

Bible Verses About Being Thankful for the Little Things

God often uses little things in mighty ways. Consider what happens when we offer thanks for them. Here are three Bible verses to study, memorize, and hold close to the heart.

Phil. 4:6 ESV
“[D]o not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
1 Thes. 5:18 ESV
“[G]ive thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Col. 3:17 ESV
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Resources and Gift Ideas for Being Thankful and Showing Gratitude

Sometimes it helps to have a few resources on hand for our study or use. Below are items to use for self or as gifts.

517336: The Power of Being Thankful: 365 Devotions for Discovering the Strength of Gratitude

The Power of Being Thankful: 365 Devotions for Discovering the Strength of Gratitude
By Joyce Meyer

432551: Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy

Choosing Gratitude: Your Journey to Joy
By Nancy Leigh DeMoss

587448: In Everything Give Thanks: Three-Year Keepsake Gratitude Journal

In Everything Give Thanks: Three-Year Keepsake Gratitude Journal
By Rebecca Currington

552009: A Thankful Heart Is a Happy Heart: Gratitude Journal for Kids

A Thankful Heart Is a Happy Heart: Gratitude Journal for Kids
By Crystal Paine

Ceramic Mug-Handwarmer-Warm The Heart-Thankful

Thankful and Blessed Jute Hanging Decor

I’m Thankful for You: A Special Offer

As we wrap up this post on “What Does the Bible Say About Being Thankful”, please know I appreciate you, friend. For every subscriber and reader here at KristiWoods.net, I thank God. Because your life matters and this journey together is a good and God thing.

Sale on Created to Believe: A Bible Word Study

As a thank you, I’m offering this special price on Created to Believe: A Bible Word Study. It’s normally $6.99 but lists at $5.50 from now until Dec. 4. It’s a wonderful stocking stuffer, a faith-filled last-minute gift, a Christian option for gift-giving across the miles, and a great way to dig into God’s Word at the start of the new year. Don’t miss it! Buy your copy and save before Dec. 4.

Available Now

If you’re looking for a physical book to give this Christmas or one for yourself, consider these devotionals from Wholly Loved Ministries. You’ll find them on this “Published Here” page, under the “Non-fiction” heading. Both are available from Amazon. (I’m honored to have pieces in both devos.)