Kristi Woods

Encouraging Women to Walk Deeper with God

Can the Bible Really Help Me? A Bible Review

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Bible with Can the Bible REally Help Me? written in black

This post may contain affiliate links. 

Have you ever asked, “Can the Bible really help me?”

Maybe you’re in a pinch, a bad situation, facing family turmoil, or simply don’t know where to turn. God, through His Word, helps people just like you and me.

He has guided me often with the Bible. Once, I faced an emotionally charged church meeting, one in which folks were taking sides for various leaders. I walked into the gathering armed with 1 Co. 3–a charge to keep eyes on Jesus and follow Him, not man–and walked out a little shaken but standing firm on the Rock. I was a new Christian at the time and nervous as all get out. God led me to the passage that helped me successfully navigate those choppy waters.

He’ll help you, too.

 

What Is the Bible?

Call it our Father’s guidance–or love notes as I sometimes say–every day words packed with spiritual fervor and power given to us for day-to-day life. The Holy book whispers God’s will, paints His picture, points toward good and godly direction, proclaims love, and sets the record straight about Jesus as well as forgiveness. The Holy Bible enables us to stand firm on right choices when impatience, anger, or other emotions attempt to sway us in a dangerous direction. It notes hope, describes God, and proclaims the way for eternity.

I get a little giddy when it comes to Bibles. I use one regularly to aid in Bible memory programs like Who AM I?, study topics like forgiveness, and find encouragement for times when I feel left out and battle other finicky feelings.

Recently, Thomas Nelson Publishing sent a Bible to review. I think you’ll like it. Allow me to introduce you to The NKJV Study Bible: Full-Color Version.

 

The BIBLE Review

The NKJV Study Bible: Full-Color Version, updated in 2018, is a delightful version. I’ve been using it for my own study recently and LOVE it! You might too.

Here are a few things I dig about this Bible:

  • THE COVER
    Oh.my.goodness. The sturdy, cranberry bonded leather cover will make a girl swoon. There are additional cover options as well, including leather and hardback.
  • BOOK INTRODUCTIONS
    Each book of the Bible offers one. The introductions help us understand who the author is, when they wrote the piece as well as a bit of historical background and theology. There are timelines, too. Oh, and pictures. (Love those color pictures.)
  • MAPS
    Handy dandy learning tools for better understanding battles and journeys.
  • CONCORDANCE
    The concordance quickly became one of my favorite Bible tools as a new Christian. It helps reference verses containing “abundant”, “enemies”, and many other key words. It’s super useful when diving into word studies.
  • NOTES
    Not only are there notes for most verses that take us into deeper understanding of that verse or passage, but there are also colored boxes of additional information along the way that help readers better understand Biblical times and culture as well as charts comparing and listing items or events related to that passage. For instance, a page in Revelation houses one titled God and the Problem of Evil. The book of Ezra offers explanation of “remnant” and “Jews”. This section is probably my favorite.
  • OTHER HELPFUL SECTIONS
    Also, the NKJV Study Bible: Full-Color Version contains sections at the back on The Bible as History, various tables, a dive into theology’s definition, and several charts and lists (like Prayers of the Bible). Can you imagine the help they offer during study time? (I salivated a bit extra flipping through those pages.)
  • WORD STUDIES
    If you dive into word studies like a woman clad in a bathing suit on a hot, summer day catapulting herself into aqua-colored cool waters, then you’ll like the word studies section. Yes, please.

 

Take a Peek

To Purchase

If you’re giddy for digging into and studying the Bible like me, consider this one. If you’re a new Christian, uncertain where to turn in the word, or if you’d like to purchase one as a gift to give, grab the NKJV Study Bible: Full-Color Version from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

You can purchase the NKJV Comfort Print Full Color Study Bible, Imitation Leather, cranberry here or anywhere Bibles are sold.

 

As a participant in the Blog About Blogger Network, the publisher provided a free copy of the NKJV Study Bible in exchange for my honest review. Only those items readers of KristiWoods.net will likely stamp “helpful” in their faith walk are accepted for this endeavor. 

 

Linking with other Jesus lovers and writers here: #heartencouragementThursday

Have You Ever Asked, “Who Am I?”

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Who AM I? on KristiWoods.net

 

Have you ever asked, “Who am I?”

Sometimes the question threads among feelings like being left out, not chosen, rejected, or simply feeling unsettled.

We come up for air after a conversation, situation, or season in life rattled and uncertain of our place or how to stand in life.

 

Goodness. Who am I?

 

I’m convinced the enemy of our soul desires to keep our identity twisted and shaken. Why? Because that keeps us captive and controlled while squelching the glory of God.

No more. Let’s allow our Father’s majesty to lead the way. Why garner worth based on lies when truth proves right?

And so, as we head into 2019 on KristiWoods.net, gather focus straight on Jesus and His assurance of who we are. We’re soaking in truth while sitting in prayer–holding hands with these verses and calling them our own.

Give God all glory.

Let’s march through 2019 more assured as children of the Almighty, allowing His magnificence to sit on display for all to see.

If you are a Christian, you are HIS.

I Am Enough Free Download

A Gift to Start the Year

Does the voice of “not enough” reverberate inside? Perhaps a mothering crisis has left you wrought with those feelings. Maybe a loved one, a job, or failed accomplishments leave you labeled with insufficiency.

Shall we allow that label to stick? Those feelings to rumble inside?

Or, shall we run to God and His truth and find a solid rock on which to stand?

As a New Year’s gift to you, grab this handy truth and declaration page by logging into the Subscriber Library. Muffle the voice of “not enough” with the truth of Almighty God.

Friend, we are enough simply because Christ stands as more than enough.

Grab these Bible verses. Declare them, using them as weapons in the battle against insufficiency. Know who you are. After all, the grace of Jesus Christ stands sufficient–always.

 

Not a subscriber? Never fear. Simply join us here. Look for an email containing the library password, offering access to a whole slew of faith-building downloads and encouragement for your walk with Jesus. You’ll also receive regular email updates and “3”, our monthly newletter.

 

Who AM I?

Welcome to “Who Am I?”–2019’s memory verse program on KristiWoods.net. This year’s program answers the question most of us ask: Who AM I?

Find scriptures reinforcing God’s truth about His creation–you and me. And interestingly enough, every one of these “Who am I’s” point straight back to Him. It’s a beautiful relationship.

Many times our insecurities, fears, and decisions rise simply because we haven’t solidified an answer to “Who am I?”

Our accomplishments tout knowledge. People too. Jobs offer insight, roles on committees or ministry as well. And we set our identity there.

Truth be told, only our Father knows our innermost parts. He created them. Only he holds the answer and the truth of who we truly are.

How about setting focus there–on truth?

We’ll dig into 22 verses this year, 2/month Jan.-Nov.–each one a refreshing waterfall of God’s rain pouring down on us, soaking us with truth, washing away the filthy lies we’ve believed so long.

It’s time.

Are you ready?

 

What to Expect

Look for new memory verses each 1st and 3rd Tuesday here on the blog. Find them automatically in your inbox by subscribing here. (Remember, this also allows you access to all the yummy free printables in the Subscriber Library, regular faith-building email updates, as well as “3”, our “family” newsletter.)

Feel free to right mouse click to save and/or print the memory verse graphics. They remain free for your personal or ministry use.

Unsure how to memorize God’s Word? Here are a few suggestions. 

If this memory verse program, Who AM I?, sounds like your gig, will you share it with someone else? Let’s squelch the voice of darkness and lift high that of our Father.

 

Who AM I? Join us for this #2019 #Bible memory verse program on KristiWoods.net Click To Tweet

 

Our 1st Verse

Without further adieu, here’s our 1st memory verse of 2019!

 

God's Children, John 1:12 written out

 

So there you go, beautiful child of God. Receive and believe.

 

Stay Tuned

Have fun hiding this one in your heart. And stay tuned. A wider array of downloadable “Who AM I?” memory verses and affirmations, as well as downloadable graphics for cards, are coming soon!

 

Looking for an Online Devotional? White background with Crosswalk.com written on it,

Are you looking for a 5 minute devotional that encourages and challenges women? Take a peek at Wholly Loved’s daily devotionals on Crosswalk.com. Simply subscribe and they’ll land in your inbox daily. I have been enjoying them for over a month now, and they’re really good. Short, sweet, and super encouraging. And hey, every once in a while you might see a piece pop up with a familiar name. Last year brought the privilege of joining Wholly Loved’s team of writers and speakers.

 

Last Ditty

Interested in last year’s memory verse program? Check out this link for more. See you next Tuesday!

 

Linking with other Jesus lovers and writers here: #Purposefulfaith, #HeartencouragementThursday, #FaithonFire

A New Year, A New You + Free Gift

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A New Year, A New You on KristiWoods.net

 

It’s a new year. Many of us have vision of a “new you” as well.

With God, call it possible. After all, Jesus came to earth, bringing heavenly possibilities with Him.

 

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.”

(Luke 1:37 KJV)

 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on them, I may receive compensation to help pay for the upkeep of this website.
The good news? It’s at no additional cost to you. Disclosure. Thanks, friends!

 

Recently, I read about Joshua. Like a bold reg flag waving and whipping in the wind, the Israelites’ march around Jericho gathered my attention. Here’s why:

The Lord spoke His promise.

Joshua ran with that promise, leading the Israelites accordingly.

After gathering the promise and instruction, they implimented the process. Because marching for 7 days, once around the city 1 time each for 6 days and 7 times the final day, IS a process. It’s not an instantaneous, click-your-fingers God move.

Amid the process, however, the promise remained.

It simmered all along. And even though that promise came to fruition after a period of time and through a process (work by those trusting God), it came because God was faithful to fulfill His promise.

The part I love most is summed up simply in Joshua 6:27.

 

“So the LORD was with Joshua,

and his reputation spread throughout the land.”

(Josh. 6:27 NLT)

 

Joshua’s reputation spread throughout the land. Maybe it sounded like this:

“Did you hear what Joshua did?”

“Look how Joshua serves the Lord.”

“Did you hear how those walls crumbled straight down?!”

“He’s quite the leader, that Joshua.”

 

But behind the chatter?

 

The LORD enabled Joshua to commence and complete the tasks. He offered the promise; He brought victory.

 

The stellar leadership? It happened because of the LORD.

The promise rose because of the LORD.

The walls crumbled because of the LORD.

The “new” Joshua and Israel experienced? It came straight from Above.

Truly, it’s all about the Lord.

 

And your life is about Him, too.

 

Impossible? Not with God

 

It’s a new year. You might be looking for a “new you”, a resolution of the common type. Or, maybe last year proved horrendous and you want something more.

Why not look for transformation from the One whose muscle makes possiblity happen? Make 2019 all about God. Grab His promises and stand solid, friend.

I’m convinced there’s one place to start a new year’s transformation that will transition into a whole life version: in His presence.

 

I Am Enough Free Download

Start with this FREE Download

Come into His presence with His word. Sail into the new year with your copy of I AM Enough…, truth and declarations to squelch the voice of “not enough.”

Feelings of inadequacy is the #1 battle my readers face. I’ve face the ugly wrestle, too. But with God we overcome and find a solid stance in freedom. I am a walking testimony of this and desire you to be one, too.

This free, new resource, is located in the Subscriber Library. It’s a sheet of truth, affirmations, and prayers based on the Word of God. Each one listed will help you identify yourself with the solid stance of Jesus Christ–not fleeting feelings, wobbly circumstances, or the inaccurate labels others paste on us.

So go ahead, grab your free copy. If you’re already a beautiful subscriber, click here. 

Not a subscriber? No problem. Simply sign up here. You’ll receive access to this library download as well as many other faith-building printables. (Watch the spam folder, however, as emails land there from time to time.) You’ll also receive weekly updates and  “3”, the family connection newsletter. It’s a place where we get a little more personal and share tips like this recent iphone shortcut.

 

Here are 3 additional New Year, New You suggestions to sit in His presence:

Prayer

Why not simply sit in the quiet with Him? Converse. Listen. 

Here’s a prayer I offer regularly, words that somehow usher a heart straight into His presence. God answers every.single.time. Why not begin here for true transformation in 2019?

Lord,

Show me my heart.

God alone knows the struggles and lies hiding in our heart. Why not go to the One who offers true transformation?

 

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.”

(PS 19:14 WEB)

 

Once I pray that prayer and wait His answer (which comes in a matter of days sometimes, months other times), then the process begins. God unveils that which defies. It’s like finding Jericho on a map. Then, He gives direction on how to march and watch the walls fall.

In that place, victory waves its flag.

 

“Give your people what their actions deserve, for you alone know each human heart.” (2 Chron. 6:30b WEB)

 

Bible Reading Plan

There’s a second place that settles us among the utterances of God Almighty, opportunity He offers in the pages of His Word. One way to dig into these love letters from the Almighty is a Bible Reading Plan like the free ones offered here.

Various versions of the Bible await. I enjoy the NLT, WEB, NIV, MSG, and AMP regularly, and sqeak a few others in from time to time. If you’re looking for a Bible that allows you to read God’s powerful word in one year, try this version:

NIV The One Year Bible

(affiliate link)

 

Memory Verses

A third way? Memorizing scripture. It sets truth solidly within, allowing us to recall truth when evil dangles questions.Who AM I? on KristiWoods.net

Don’t miss this opportunity to join us as we secure truth for the uncertainties deception spins. We’re answering the age-old question:

Who AM I?

Join us here at KristiWoods.net as we memorize scriptures in 2019 securing and reminding us of our identity in Christ. It’s simple. Jump in here and the posts will arrive automatically in your inbox each 1st and 3rd Tuesday, except January’s verses which will post on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday. (Along with emails containing the memory verses, KristiWoods.net subscribers also receive weekly encouragement, access to the Subscriber-Only Library, and “3”, our monthly “Family” newsletter. Yay!)

 

 

So there you have it, friend. Grab a hold of Joshua while heading into this year. Let’s stay in the presence of the Almighty–you encouraging me and me you–as we work through those promises and processes. Let’s open our Bible, too, allowing His truth to imprint our heart.

Happy New Year.

Happy New You.

Most importantly, praise the Lord.

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