Kristi Woods

The Jesus Bible {Review}

December 10, 2019 by Kristi Leave a Comment

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Just in time for Christmas and our roll into the new year, we find another Bible review: The Jesus Bible. And the Scripture fanatics among us are cheering with delight. 🙂 Because isn’t God’s Word good?!

Have you crossed paths with The Jesus Bible yet? Zondervan Bible released this version in 2019. Oh my goodness, it’s absolutely beautiful!

What to Expect with The Jesus Bible

The Jesus Bible focuses on story–that of Jesus as told in one Bible, woven together by sixty-six books. After all, doesn’t story impact each and every one of us? Yours intersects with mine. Ours, whether together or individually, intersects with others. And so forth. Those stories, well as the Word of God, make a powerful impact on our faith.

The publishers and contributors to this Bible believe it’s best viewed as one story about one name broken into six acts: Beginnings, Revolt, People, Savior, Church, and Forever. The “Welcome” section gives a good overview of each of these.

What Will I Find in Each Book of the Bible?

At the beginning of each book of the Bible, you’ll find a brief introduction and a timeline. Look for sidebar articles that reveal Jesus–over 700 of them dotting the outer column of most pages. This layout proves easy to read and simply makes sense. It’s organized well.

Sidebar articles in Job include: “Suffering as Punishment?” and “To Judge or Not to Judge.” Matthew’s include “Paying the Temple Tax” and “Wealth and the Kingdom of God.”

Readers will also find helpful sidebar space for journaling and those beautiful artistic doodles and pictures.

Announcing the Faith Library - light green with gold

Essays in The Jesus Bible

Also, readers will find seven compelling essays in this Bible. In Genesis, for example, John Piper provides one called “Beginnings: Jesus as the Supreme Display of the Glory of God.” Find other thought-provoking essays from other trusted and popular writers Louie Giglio, Max Lucado, Ravi Zacharias, and Randy Alcorn.

Components of This Jesus Centered Bible

Here are other components included:

Expect a comprehensive copy of the Word of God. It’s quite thick compared to others.

I’d rank it as one of the most beautiful Bibles I’ve encountered – when buying the one listed below. (There are a variety of options.) This one is artistic and feminine looking. Look for hardback and black options as well.

The Jesus Bible, ESV Edition–soft leather-look, multi-color/teal

Concordance included! (This is a VERY helpful tool to have at the back of a Bible…and if you’ve been around for a bit, you know this is one of my all-time favorite Bible study tools.)

I received an ESV (English Standard Version) copy. NIV (New International Version) is available as well. Its colors appear to be a tab more brilliant versus the ESV pastel version.

NIV, The Jesus Bible Comfort Print–soft leather-look, teal/multicolor

The version I received for review also includes gold page edges and two ribbon bookmarkers. I’d definitely rank this one high on the list for gift-giving Bibles. But regardless of how you use it, whether for self or others, I hope you enjoy this beautiful, life-changing story as it’s presented in The Jesus Bible.

A special thanks to BibleGateway and Zondervan for supplying a free copy of The Jesus Bible in exchange for an honest review.

30 Christian Inspirational Gifts You’ll Love to Give

December 3, 2019 by Kristi 12 Comments

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*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!

Study God’s Word with This

November 26, 2019 by Kristi 6 Comments

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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.

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