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Book Review – The Action Bible: God’s Redemptive Story
My husband and I recently bought this Bible to use with our kids, ages 5 and 7 because of all the great pictures. I have been truly amazed by this Bible. This Bible is formatted like a comic book with all the dramatic pictures that go with it. Also, usually with a typical kids Bible, you get just a selection of some of the main stories through the Bible, but this Bible goes so much farther! There are almost all the stories through the Old and New Testament that are represented in this Bible. The stories are written well and follow the Biblical account, even at times using direct quotes.…
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Christian Devotional – April 1, 2013
VERSE: 2 Chronicles 31:10–and Azariah the chief priest, from the family of Zadok, answered, “Since the people began to bring their contributions to the temple of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and plenty to spare, because the Lord has blessed his people, and this great amount is left over.” TRUTH: The people were being obedient to the Lord and sharing what they had with the priests. God blessed that and everyone had enough. When we trust God with what we have and are willing to share with others as God leads, God takes care of both. Are we giving and sharing what we have as God directs.…
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Christian Devotional – March 31, 2013
HAPPY EASTER!! I pray that everyone has a blessed Resurrection Sunday! VERSE: 2 Chronicles 30:18b-19–“May the Lord, who is good, pardon everyone who sets their heart on seeking God–the Lord, the God of their ancestors–even if they are not clean according to the rules of he sanctuary.” TRUTH: The people had not been following God’s commands, but they came together to celebrate and praise God. King Hezekiah prayed that God would see their willing hearts and accept them, even if they hadn’t kept all the rules up to that point. This is what Easter is all about. Jesus died as the sacrifice in our place, knowing we could never keep…
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Christian Devotional – March 30, 2013
VERSE: 2 Chronicles 29:3–In the first month of the first year of his reign, he opened the doors of the temple of the Lord and repaired them. TRUTH: Hezekiah didn’t waste any time. He knew what needed to be done to set things right in his kingdom and he began immediately. When we are able to, do we set things in motion to follow God? Do we do it immediately? God is to be our top priority and obeying Him should take priority over all things in our life. RESPONSE: Father, thanks for all You do and have done. I rejoice in You and I will make obeying You my…
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Christian Devotional – March 29, 2013
VERSE: 2 Chronicles 28:11–“Now listen to me! Send back your fellow Israelites you have taken as prisoners, for the Lord’s fierce anger rests upon you.” TRUTH: The Lord had allowed Israel to defeat Judah, but Israel had taken advantage of it and not just defeated them, but slaughtered them. Now Israel is being reminded that they, too, are sinful in God’s sight and should let go their prisoners or face the great wrath of God. Do we assume that we’re better than others and that they deserve to be stepped on? We’re not perfect either and we must remember that God wants us to have mercy just like he had…
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Christian Devotional – March 28, 2013
VERSE: 2 Chronicles 27:6–Jotham grew powerful because he walked steadfastly before the Lord his God. TRUTH: So often throughout this book, success is measured by obedience to God. How do people walk with the Lord? Do they seek after Him? While God does not promise monetary success and wealth or power in exchange for our obedience, He does promise that He will be with us. If we are following Him, we will be successful in God’s eyes, which is more important than success in the world’s eyes. RESPONSE: Father, I want my life to be so focused on You that You are my only desire. No matter what Your definition…
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Christian Devotional – March 27, 2013
VERSE: 2 Chronicles 26:16–But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithfu to the Lord his God, and entered the temple to the Lord his God to burn incense on the altar of incense. TRUTH: Uzziah trusted God and followed Him until he became successful, then Uzziah became proud. Pride is such a dangerous thing because it clouds our minds and distorts our perception of reality. We start to think we are more important than we actually are and we start to praise ourselves instead of praising God. God will not share praise. Whether we are successful in the world’s eyes or not, all glory and…
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Christian Devotional – March 26, 2013
VERSE: 2 Chronicles 25:2–He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly. TRUTH: Oh, how often does this describe us? We tell God that we love Him and are committed to following Him, but we are not wholly committed to God and to obeying Him no matter what He asks. This half-hearted commitment led to the downfall of King Amaziah. How will we turn out any different unless we are wholly committed to the Lord. RESPONSE: Father, You are worthy of my all. I will praise You and follow after You with my whole heart. I confess to You anything that I’ve been holding on…
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Book Review – NIV Study Bible, 2011 Edition
I recently bought a new study Bible, a big feat for me because I don’t typically change Bibles but about once every 10-20 years or so. I decided that I wanted a little bit of a change and purchased the NIV Study Bible. I must say, I am very impressed. I enjoy the readability of the updated translation and the extras that they have added to this study Bible are superb. They have full color on every single page of this Bible, whether it’s just a blue line that divides the scripture from the study notes, or a full color photo of the Sea of Galilee or an archaeological artifact…
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Christian Devotional – March 25, 2013
VERSE: 2 Chronicles 24:10–All the officials and all the people brought their contributions gladly, dropping them into the chest until it was full. TRUTH: When was the last time you remember giving an offering and being cheerful and excited about the opportunity to give? Giving our money is just as important as giving ourselves. We are to be willing to give cheerfully of anything and everything that God asks of us. RESPONSE: Father, You are worthy of any offering that I can give. I will gladly give to You anything and everything I have.