Comparison Girl

So a new book is hitting the shelves and it’s definitely one for self reflection and allowing God to grow us in the ways that may be uncomfortable and definitely humbling but absolutely necessary for our good and God’s glory.

Comparison Girl is a book for the girl who is looking to do something different so she gets different results in life.

It’s always easy to compare ourselves with others even if we don’t know them. It’s even worse when you compare yourself to perfection and Shannon shares her first hand experience on how the attempt at perfection (whether for yourself or for appearances) is just as big an issue as comparing yourself to the lady you follow on Instagram or the lady on Pinterest whose life you never really see but just the carefully curated highlight reel. 

This one that goes in the arsenal for when life gets to the point that I’m comparing or doing ministry for likes or I’m posting simply for likes rather than to simply share something good and beautiful and educating.

So here’s the fun part: a giveaway! 

Here’s the link:  

http://www.audrajennings.com/2020/05/how-do-you-measure-up-win-copy-of.html

Women compare constantly—on social media, in their neighborhood, at church, even in the school drop-off lane. They glance sideways and ask themselves, "How do I measure up?" All this assessment feels like a natural way of finding a place in the world. But it pulls them into feelings of inferiority or superiority, guiding them into a trap of antagonism by the enemy. Satan would like women to strive to measure up, constantly adding to a tally sheet that can't ever be balanced. The way of Jesus is completely upside down from that philosophy. Instead, he says the last shall be first--and the greatest are those who empty themselves, lay down their lives, and serve each other.   Through conversations Jesus had and parables he shared, Shannon Popkin has created a seven-week Bible study to address this tendency to compare and judge ourselves and others. Each chapter is divided into lessons, allowing women on a time budget to read a Bible passage, engage in a complete train of thought related to the topic, and then make the content personal--all in one sitting. And the informal teaching tone will make women feel like they're meeting with a trusted friend. Suited for both individual and group study, Comparison Girl will guide women to leave their measure-up ways behind, connect with those around them, and break free from the shackles of comparison!

Seeking Him

So here’s a new bible study that feels more like an experience journal by Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth and Tim Grissom.

So I’ll be honest I had no expectations going into reviewing this bible study because of the personal revival aspect in the title. I didn’t know if it would be super rigorous.

However, what I found is a journal of sorts. The questions in the study are first geared towards scripture then they turn inward. There’s also many passages for additional reading and study. Each week starts with the memory verse and going deeper passages. Then it goes into the study, which broken down into roughly 5 days per week. And studies through several topical passages that are meant to spark an internal revival in us.

I haven’t finished the study yet but I am confident in the writing of it and would highly recommend it for a women’s bible study group as the format of the study is much more conducive to group study (each week has a section to be completed with the group and if you’re doing the study solo you would likely just skip over that section) than to individual study.

Disclaimer: I received a FREE copy of this book through from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way.

The Quiet (Crazy) Easter Day

I love these padded books. They are sturdy like board books yet have good story like a picture book.

And this is one that we enjoyed so much!

So as you can see its bright and colorful, which will hold any toddler or preschooler’s attention.

I like the story because it incorporates animal sounds which encourages my little audience to join in the story. They often get a good laugh from me making the animal noises as I read the book. And there’s almost a request for an encore performance. It’s a fun book to read to little ones who may not yet understand the full impact of the resurrection, but this book is a gentle introduction to our savior’s story. (They also have one about Jesus’ birth which is just as fun and colorful and full of animal noises to act out). 

I really like that this book takes the perspective that perhaps the animals were excited or maybe they somehow understood what was going on. And even if they did not, perhaps they were excited for God. As the Bible says that everything that has breathe worships Him, all creation worships Him. And animals are just as much God’s creation as I am. And they aren’t biased like humans are. So surely they worship God as a default. Their very existence is worship. And during those days, those who were sacrificed worshipped God in their death as well.

As always I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my HONEST opinion. And I am not required to write a positive opinion.

For All Who Wander

So here we have a new book by Robin Dance. What was uber  exciting about reviewing this book has been receiving the journey guide with it. Robin is an (in)courage author, which means she belongs to the same community of writers responsible for the (in)courage bible, devotional and a host of other books.



I love the color scheme of this book and the journey guide. I feel like its a navy with a hint of purple and journey guide itself is definitely purple. With the accent of red-seeded dandelion petals on it. And the full red-seeded dandelion on the cover of the journey guide. These books are 5x7 (roughly) so they are the size of the average book and can be thrown into your bag to take on the go with you.




At the core of this book is Robin’s own journey through life in coming into relationship with God. And the journey guide is a guide to help the reader understand our own journey through life in coming into relationship with God. The questions are very self reflecting to pull out the memories and get them on paper, to reflect on the life we’ve lived up until this point.

I’ll be honest, Robin has the stereotypical church background  (at least what she describes of it). She has been in the church her whole life, definitely as a result of her father’s promise to her mother (her mother passed away during her childhood, I cried). And she found the comfort that she needed as a child in going to church consistently no matter what, even if her dad didn’t go, he made sure she went. And from there her story unravels. I particularly sit up and dig in once she’s in the same space of life as me, a mom that’s trying to make it through broken sleep, many kids, and trying to live out the gospel I so readily try to share with others. She’s open with her questions to God. She shares the verses that have helped her. And she dares to bare her heart on the pages. And the journey guide takes us chapter by chapter on this journey with her, prompting us, well me, the reader to remember if I’ve felt like her, asked the same questions, or been in similar situations. It’s helping me to write my faith journey.

So my end take: TWO thumbs up. If you’re going to get the book, then do not miss out on the experience, get the journey guide as well. Let them help you through your journey as well. And answer the questions honestly.


{As always, I received this book from the publisher, B&H Publishing, as a member of this book reviewer community. I got it for free in exchange for my HONEST review.}

Children’s Book Review: God Made Me Unique

So here’s another children’s book from New Growth Press, this one is by Joni Earekson Tada. Joni is a well known author and motivational speaker. She’s known for being a champion of those itch advanced disabilities as she is also advanced disabled (a quadriplegic). I can see the motivation behind this book as she knows exactly how it feels to be different and to deal with discouraging thoughts.



This is a much appreciated book about the differences that are clear but sometimes children need to understand them so they can appreciate how their friends and classmates are different but to un that their differences is nothing to make fun of but something to celebrate. The story takes place in a church Sunday school classroom where all of the children have some disability or another yet the beauty is that their teacher is not allowing them to let it define them but teaching them how God’s Word defines them and call them beautiful and wonderfully made.


Highly recommend as we never know when our paths will cross with someone different from us but we always need to be ready for the resulting lesson.


(FYI, I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.)

The Moon is Always Round

Loss is hard. And just as it is hard on us adults, it is hard on children as well.

Simply written yet poignant in its message.

Little Ben notices the changes in the sky with the weather and times of day but then he sees that the moon always looks to change shape, yet Ben's dad always reminds him that the moon is always round. Ben's mommy becomes pregnant with a little sister and through it all, the moon is always round. As the come to Ben's baby sister being stillborn, dad reminds Ben that while we do not understand what's going on the moon is always round. At the baby's funeral, dad explains that the moon is always round is means that God is always good. No matter what happens in life, when we do not understand why things happen, God is always good and the moon is always round.

After reading this book I nearly wanted to cry. How beautiful of words to illustrate such a timeless truth.  And then to read that the story is true and based on the author's family. Tears. After going through loss this year, I greatly appreciate this book.

Family, have this book in your library. Adopt this saying in your family. The moon is always round.

God is always good. 

{FYI: I received this book from New Growth Press, the publisher, in exchange for my HONEST opinion.}

New Children's Book Review: Why Do We Say Goodnight?

A common ailment to young children is a fear of the dark. Fear of the sounds and shapes of the night tend to plague children. And so here is a new book to address a fear of the dark.

In this book, a mother and daughter are engaged in conversation about why they say good night especially since the daughter is afraid of the dark. The mother then explains why we say good night or that the night is good. She explains that while we cannot see well in the dark, God can and He is with us even while we sleep. 

Looking at the images, you can see the progression of the story from being fearful to no longer fearing the dark and trusting that God is there even while she sleeps.

This is a good and different book. It's the first book we have in our collection to deal with the fear of the dark, and considering I have had a few children to help cope with this fear I'm glad to come across and review this book.

Mamas of littles, go ahead and add it to your library.

{FYI: I received this book from New Growth Press in exchange for my HONEST opinion of the book.}

Habits for Our Holiness

Many are the number of books available on Christian Living. 

Rare is a book that puts different habits into one book (outside of the Bible).

So Philip Nation undertook the very high standards and responsibility of composing a book on the spiritual disciplines. He starts with actually loving Jesus and surrendering our lives to Him. 

The second chapter focuses on worship and not just in the manner of singing or rather listening to someone on a stage sing. Completely pleased with the way addresses this because people often think worship is just the beginning of Sunday service, the singing portion. But worship goes beyond that into the way we live and what we spend our time, affection, and resources on. 

The third chapter is on bible study. Praise God! And he makes clear the difference between devotions, basic reading and actual study of the bible. Yes, there is a difference. And unfortunately many I know get to devotions and because they may get a couple verses in the devotion, they stop there as if its a full meal and not a snack. 

Then the fourth chapter focuses on prayer. Yet another spiritual discipline that even I have to rein in. Prayer is a conversation with God, there's dialogue and too often we treat prayer like a monologue simply dumping on God then continuing on with our day OR treating Him like a genie (available to grant our wishes). 

The fifth chapter is on the discipline of fasting. Because it is something we are expected to do. Jesus doesn't say IF you fast but WHEN you fast, meaning it is supposed to happen. 

The sixth chapter covers fellowship. Again something else we are expected to do. We are expected to spend time with other believers in corporate fellowship and worship. Even if large crowds are uncomfortable, there are house churches (we need more of these) and bible study or belong groups, you can join. 

The seventh chapter addresses rest. Because there is a such thing as doing too much and even God rested.  

The eighth chapter focuses our attention on simple living. Something capitalist America struggles with. There's always the quest for more, more bigger, for better, for brand names. And there's the idea of being like the early church, live simple and be generous. 

The ninth chapter reminds us to serve. Jesus did not come to be served BUT to serve others. And we must also remember to serve others. 

The tenth chapter exhorts us to submission. Because that word is dirty, especially to women and almost always comes with a negative retort. Submission is to get under the mission, which is literally what we signed up for when we chose Jesus and when we get married. 

The eleventh chapter concerns spiritual leadership. Knowing that there is good and there is bad and we must always seek to serve God and lead people to God. 

And the final chapter like Jesus final instructions exhorts us to disciple-making. The end of the great commission is to make disciples. Our testimony can't end with us. And we have to help steward those we lead toward Jesus. Help then stay on the narrow path. 

READ AT YOUR OWN RISK. This is one of those books that once you read you're expected to act on what you know. Once you read and gain a base understanding of these spiritual disciplines, you will be held responsible for what you do or don't do.  And on that note, I do recommend reading. Especially new believers who may want and need a base understanding of these spiritual disciplines.

Remember: It's hard to do what you don't understand just like you can't love what you don't know.

{I received this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.}

New Review: Adorned

So a fairly big name in the Christian arena of authors, especially those that write on upholding biblical marriage and womanhood is Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth. A release of hers that I'm just getting to read this year is her first book post-marriage: Adorned.
Beautifully written and well thought out.

And yet it is not about marriage but about living out the gospel, per Titus 2 with the women around us. She gives the perspective of being both the older woman who seeks to exhort and the younger woman who accepts the exhortation.

The book is written in three parts with each chapter corresponding to part of Titus 2:1-5, 10. The end of each chapter has a section of questions for older women and one for younger women. It has the feeling of being read in a group or partner setting OR even used as teaching material for discipleship between women.
The first section focuses on submission to God and how that is fleshed out in a Titus 2 relationship. She starts with understanding that doctrine (regardless of what doctrine you adhere to) guides your beliefs and actions. She addresses teaching in the Titus 2 context, woman to woman, older woman to younger woman. I appreciate how she acknowledges that we are always in BOTH positions. Always in a position to learn and a position to teach. Even when we think we have nothing to teach, there is always some lesson you've learned that can be passed on to someone younger.
The second section focuses on being a woman under control. This is huge because we are in a culture where we have the liberty to do almost anything we want. But we have to understand and practice self-control; knowing that everything that I can do is not beneficial to us and much of it is harmful.
The third section focuses on our home. As we know part of Paul's advice is that older women instruct younger women in being wives and mothers. This is taking into account the older women are living in a manner that brings God glory and honor. And the last chapter focuses on tying it all together to be beautiful in God's eyesight.

So Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth's writings, in my experience, have always brought up some discourse or discontent from women, especially those who lean heavily feminist.
Generally, I enjoy the majority of her writing. And this book does not disappoint. It is very engaging and the questions at the end of the chapter beget us to sit still and reflect to see where we can improve. With her being a newly married woman, I will admit I was cautious in reading because there's so much she still has to learn but because she has spent much time in a Titus 2 setting and studying it, it gives her an advantage to be better prepared for marriage in a way that I was not.

I HIGHLY recommend for those who want to promote Titus 2 relationships among godly women, among the church. We need even the young women who are in college and pursuing God to reach back to the highschool aged women around them and help them pursue God as well so the younger generation sees that it is not just "old" women pursuing God.

{FYI: I received this book from Moody Publishers for free in exchange for my HONEST review.}

New Review: Play to Their Strength

So our next book is a parenting book. I'm almost always up for reading someone else's take on parenting because as parents we don't know it all. And if someone has advice that can make me a better, more God-honouring parent then I'm all ears.

From the cover, this one promises both.

So in this book, we meet parents who have got it wrong then strove on how to get it right.  Their goal is to not parent from a place of fear but one of working to uncover what their children's gifts and talents are, then parent their children in such a way that nurtures those gifts and talents. Some practical tools they offer are to find the 5 e's (your child's enthusiasm, ease, excellence, energy, and enjoyment) regarding what your children are involved in; creating a vision board, which works with children the same way it does us, adults; and keeping an eye out for red flags that trigger frustration and keep parents from reacting and disciplining out of anger.

Then the last 80 pages of the book is the Bonus Playbook which helps parents actually used what they've read. There are practical tips to go with every chapter.

This book has been an interesting book to read, especially since we have five (5) children that span in an age range from 1 to 12. For me, Chapters 12 and 13 have been the most useful and implementor. I see this book as an ongoing reference book that would get a reread every so often for recharge. But all in all, I like their approach to parenting, its encouragement and cultivation at its best.

I also like that they encourage really learning our children and not taking the approach that we know them because we birthed them.

I definitely recommend this book to parents. 

{Also, please note that I received this book from the publisher, Harvest House, in exchange for my honest opinion.}

God Made Boys and Girls

So here's another series of God Made books by New Growth Press.

This first book is about helping children understand gender from a godly perspective, which is hugely needed in today's society considering the constant discussion around gender and transgendered persons.

The story starts revolves around a little girl named Maya who prefers to play sports like football at recess. She's also really fast. So fast that when they line up for recess, her classmate (a boy) remarks that if she keeps playing with boys then she'll turn into a boy. This sparks a discussion about gender and how it does not change because of what we do or how we act. Gender is a gift from God and even if you like to do things that are considered "boy-ish" it doesn't change that gift. Gender is what you're born with and it doesn't change. It's ingrained so deep in us, it goes beyond what we can physically see down into our DNA and cells.

Again!  New Growth Press does it again with another good book with a much-needed lesson.

This is definitely worth reading, especially those who may have children or even teens who are struggling with gender identity and as a parent, you want to take a God-honoring approach to discuss it. This book does that and points them back to Jesus.

{I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.}

Good News for Little Hearts: Gus Loses His Grip

Our third book in the series! Such a good series so far. Each one is just as good as the last. 

Each book takes place in Mulberry Meadow and introduces another animal family. We've met Henry and Tori, now we meet Gus. 

Now Gus is a going through a sneaky phase. It starts with disobedience, eating candy in his room, which is a no-no. Then it delves into stealing candy at the market. All of this falls around Easter.

When Gus confesses to his dad he says he just had to have it (candy). So when he was offered a piece without any supervision he did what the kids next to him did, took more than he was told he could. Gus also confesses to eating candy in bed and hiding the wrappers knowing it was against the rules.

But the best part? His dad's response. His dad acknowledged what Gus did was wrong then self-reflected that even he as an adult needs to practice restraint and self-control. Then his dad tells him to return the candy, confess to the shopkeeper and apologize. 

Parents, a book that deals with disobedience, lying, and theft in a godly manner? Win!

Again add it to your home library for when the situation arises.

{I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.}

Good News for Little Hearts: Tori Comes Out of Her Shell

So we started this new series of books, we have 3 of 5 or 6 in the series.

While the first book dealt with loss and how to overcome grief. This book covers shyness and feeling lonely. And more specifically moving and being the new kid at school.

I so wish we had this book last year when we moved from Texas to North Dakota and our children were experiencing what Tori feels in this book. 

Tori's family moves to a larger log home and with that comes a new school, new friends and a new church. She also lands in Henry's class with Miss Minnick. She struggles with fitting in as well as being afraid of falling and being laughed at. Then comes Miss Minnick who helps Tori see Jesus as that invisible friend who's always with her. Then at church the message repeats. And at school the following week Tori meets Gertie Gecko who wants to have a shell like Tori so she wouldn't be exposed when she feels lonely. Tori is then able to pass along the message Miss Minnick gave her . Tori also invites Gertie to church. 

This message: tugs at the heart strings! Having a friend who just picks you up and holds you close is every child's wish even if they never say it and especially so for shy children.

OK, two books in and I'm starting to think this is just a must-have series.

Highly recommend for those with shy children.

Also, the pocket bible verses in the back (perforated so you have take them out) is AMAZING!

{I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.}

Good News For Little Hearts: Henry Says Good-bye

So we have TONS of new children's books to review from New Growth Press.

So Good News for Little Hearts is a very cute series that helps children address their feelings.

First Up: Henry Says Good-Bye

This is one of the  BEST books. It deals with grief and how feelings are real and how many times we can be mean when they are grieving. Henry's pet ladybug dies while he is at school one day and he's so sad and grieving, that even at times he takes it out on his friends. But then his parents help him to address his sadness and to grieve. They have a memorial service for Lila and all of Henry's friends come to say their good-byes he starts to not be so sad because he realizes his friends loved Lila the Ladybug too. 

Parents, this book is good to just have. Keep it on the bookshelf because death and loss are inevitable and as parents, we have to help our children through the losses that are sure to come. Even if the good-bye isn't due to death but perhaps moving and having to leave behind friends and family, a loss is still loss and our children need our help navigating the waters.

A must-have.

{I received this book from the publisher, New Growth Press, in exchange for my honest review.}

New Workbook Review: Vol 1 & 2 of Bible Workbooks!

Here are two new bible workbooks, vol 1 is Old testament and vol 2 is New testament.

My first impression when they arrived: they were not what I was expecting. When I hear the word 'workbook', I expect it to be thorough in aiding in understanding. But these books were not so. They are extremely thin and flimsy (roughly only 70 pages in each book).

So once I opened these books I realize they are the republishing so to speak of book from 60 years ago, so I should not be too surprised at their lack of depth. 

My hope was to find workbooks that I could sink my teeth into. However, I find that I've found base level workbooks. Onse that seem to gloss over some books of the bible with a simple summary while having outlines and questions for others. Then I look at a book like the Psalms and it got all of 1.5 pages, I'm flabbergasted to a degree over the briefness and condensation of a book with over 100 chapters covering a wide range of topics.  

So then I head to the New Testament with hopes that since it is shorter maybe there is more meat found in its workbook. And there is the meat for the gospel and again brief condensation for every other book. 

Honestly, I want to say a waste of my time, but then again with children in my house. It is not a waste but I can pass along for them to use in their studies of the bible. I dare say it would also be sufficient for the new believer who would want to lay a foundation of the bible before more in-depth studying.

{FYI: I received these books from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.}

New Book Review: You Can Trust God to Write Your Story

So one of my favorite authors is Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth. And I received the delight to be able to review her newest book authored with her husband Robert Wolgemuth.

When I'd first heard of the book, I thought it would be just about their story and seeing God in their lives but thankfully after reading it it is an accumulation of stories. Starting with their story and seeing God work in their lives. And just reading their story is simply amazing. Like seriously, Robert Wolgemuth's deceased wife actually said who she wanted him to marry BUT she didn't tell him, she told her friends. And once he and Nancy were engaged those friends recounted that conversation. The woman his wife chose was Nancy. God had heard her request and wove together the stories of their lives and knit together their hearts. 

And the rest of the book is filled with stories of people that could look back over their lives and see God in the details. Both real-life people and those from the Bible like Esther, Ruth, Joseph, and Mary, mother of Jesus. It is in these stories that we, the reader, can also place our faith in God to write our story in such a way that is for our good and His glory.

I definitely recommend if you're in need of an encouraging read.
You can purchase here.

{As always I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.}

New Kid's Review: Scarlett's Spectacles

So I am super excited about a new children's book I received to review. What makes this book so awesome is that it uses glasses for a metaphor for our perspectives.

So we're introduced to beautiful young Scarlett. She grumbly and whiny while wearing a boring pair of brown square glasses. With all of her grumbling and complaining, she misses out on the blessings in her life. Her mommy points that out to her, that if only she would change her "glasses" then perhaps her attitude would change as well. And behold that's exactly what occurred. When Scarlett decided to change her glasses, she stopped whining and complaining about everything instead of simply being grateful for what she has.

So my first reaction: ALL of my kids need to read it and for it to be read aloud so that we can have a house discussion on it.  My second reaction: ALL of my friends with children need to read this book and have a family discussion about it. It's that good.

Highly Recommend.
You can purchase a copy here.

{FYI: as always I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.}

New Review: Strong

SO if you all remember a little while back I did a review of an anthology called Empowered. Well here is the companion book for boys titled Strong.



Much like Empowered, Strong features the biographies of 11 men who have championed their faith in Jesus. Prior to reading this book, I'd only heard of two of them Jim Elliot, husband of Elisabeth Elliot, and famed baseball player Jackie Robinson. Each man has been chosen for a specific attribute that they represented such as humility, compassion, and endurance. I'll be honest I'm not much of a Jim Elliot fan, so his inclusion is one I'm not particularly interested in. (That is an entirely different topic that would need its own blog post on a different platform)

I also noticed she chose men who have no controversy and reform attached to them. It is as if she stuck to appeasing to a conservative audience. There is no mention of men like Martin Luther King Jr who as a pastor used his faith to help bridge gaps and bring positive progress during the civil rights movement.

For the most part, I think it is a decent book. It would be an interesting read for youth of all ages to read and learn about people who followed their beliefs no matter the cost. My plan is to have my kids read both this book and Empowered as I think they could learn a great deal about apologetics from them. And for that reason, I definitely would recommend to other moms for their home library as people of all ages could learn from their stories.




{As always I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.}

New Book Review: The Wonder of the Word

The Wonder of the Word is the second book in the Kingdom Pastor's Library authored by Dr. Tony Evans (father of authors Priscilla Shirer and Chrystal Hurst Evans as well as singer Johnathan Evans).

So the purpose of the Kingdom Pastor's Library is to put carefully written resources in place for pastor's who cannot quite afford to go to a seminary school for formal biblical training. The goal is to give sound resources and information and knowledge to those of us who cannot afford seminary. 

And that is why I could not wait to review this book because as a stay-at-home mom, my family lives on one income so going to seminary is not in the cards for me in the foreseeable future. But being able to read the vast knowledge available from sound theologians and pastors is much more affordable and allows me to learn on my time as my schedule permits.

So, my first reaction: Dr. Tony did NOT disappoint.

As you can see from the above table of contents, Dr. Tony Evans starts with the authority of Scripture helping the reader to understand that the Scripture has great authority as divinely inspired by God. Not only that but it is inerrant, meaning without error. Then the second chapter is on the sufficiency of Scripture, meaning that Scripture is sufficient for us in all seasons. No part of Scripture is insufficient or lacking. It is good in every season of life and therefore all of it is worth preaching and teaching. The third chapter is on canonicity which is how the books of the bible were chosen and set as the Bible as we know it. This is one of the best chapters because as many believers know there are many who seek to undermine the Bible by stating that there was ungodly bias in choosing which books made it into the Bible. But Dr. Tony Evans helps the reader to understand and be assured of the canon of the Bible. Some books lacked doctrinal consistency, in which all books of the bible are consistent and all support each other rather than contradict each other. 

The New Testament books were chosen based on the fact they were written by eyewitness apostles or those within the circle of the apostles (like Luke and James & Jude, brothers of Jesus), they also had to retain the consistency of the rest of the books written. All of the epistles regardless of the writer has a certain level of consistency where they can be referred to each other for greater understanding. For example, you can look to Peter's letters to understand something Paul wrote, and you can look to the Old Testament to further understand what is written in Hebrews Now mind you this was not even chosen during their lifetimes, as Scripture during their lifetimes would have been the Old Testament, the books of law, the books of the prophets, the books of poetry, and the books of history, which had already been gathered as Scripture. 

Then we come to the fourth chapter Transmission which is transmitting the message, preaching and teaching. Dr Evans covers four concepts involved in studying and preparing to teach Scripture: Revelation, Inspiration, Illumination, and Reception. Revelation is that part of the bible study where the Holy Spirit literally reveals God's heart in what you are studying.  Inspiration in this sense is the same in which books of the bible were written. Inspired by God, meaning that we allow God to guide our writing. Illumination is to be enlightened, as pg 90 puts it: "it is the work of the Holy Spirit that allows us to understand, experience, and apply the truth of God to our lives." Now Reception got its own chapter based on the fact that when we've studied God's word and we've gained an understanding of its truth, we're now in a position to receive Scripture and apply it to our own lives BEFORE we even preach or teach it. We can't preach or teach anything until we have come into submission to it. The Word of God sanctifies you and promotes intimacy with Christ, a personal relationship with Jesus. Then, the last chapter is Application which helps the reader to understand how personal application then needs to relate to the congregation and encourages them to not only study for themselves but to actually apply what they learn in their own lives. 

When the Bible says to study to show thyself approved (2Timothy 2:15) its more than just studying God's Word but to show thyself approved is to apply that studying to your life and when you consistently apply, then you've shown yourself approved because you're living what you're preaching. 

And so my rating: TWO thumbs up for this book. It's not too long a read but it packs a great punch and it definitely worth reading for anyone wanting greater confidence of Scripture and the due diligence in not only gaining confidence in Scripture but what's necessary ethically to teach Scripture.

{FYI: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my HONEST opinion.}

On Bended Knee

So if you know me, I love to review a good bible study and I love being on launch teams!

And this spring I got to do that TWICE.

The first was on Crickett Keeth's On Bended Knee. 

This is one of the very few bible studies I've come across that tackles prayer like this. She doesn't focus on one specific prayer or one specific person but she covers many prayers across both the Old and New Testament. 

So above you'll see the Table of Contents where each week the author takes on a new prayer and guides us through that prayer. 

She starts off with THE prayer by Jesus (you know the one: Our Father....). 

Then we go into intercessory prayer by Paul in Ephesians (and even get to cover one in Colossians). Next is Job's prayer in his despair and Hannah's prayer as she was longing to have children (the prayer that brought forth Samuel). 

By week 5 we get to David's prayer in the Psalms of Lament where we find how to be sad & hurting and yet still trust God to be God. 

Then there's Asa's prayer who was seeking God and trying to turn the people towards God. 

Then Jehoshaphat, Asa's son and the monarch after him, who is depending on God for his decision making.

And we end the study with Nehemiah whose prayer was very bold, especially for someone still in captivity in Persia. 

Then at the end, there's this section with MORE prayers found in the bible that we can study and replicate in our own prayer time: Jacob, Moses, Solomon, Elijah, Hezekiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Ezra, as well as others by David and Paul.

And if you choose to do this study in a group there's also a leader's guide in the back.

I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed this book when I read over it during the launch and even more so now that I am taking my time going through it, studying the prayers and praying them over friends and family. I highly recommend as a good study on prayer that's not warfare praying (which is not covered in this study).

{FYI: I did receive this book for FREE as a member of the launch team.}