The Way Bible - Tyndale House

As I frequently mention, I have a yearning for real, for true, for living honest and transparent in the world.  When I read Tyndale House's words about their revision of the 1970's Bible The Way:

Today’s 16–30 year olds are looking for connection to something bigger than themselves. They want something that works and is honest, authentic.

I thought, "yes, indeed", though I am surely in a different age group.  The hunger for authenticity transcends age.

Though perhaps not my favourite, I do enjoy the New Living Translation for a refreshing change of language. The translation, however, is not what sets this Bible apart from others.  It is the notes that introduce each book, the sharp black and white photos, the Living in the Way commentaries that lead to deeper thought about what living like Jesus really means.  What I most enjoy are additions from real people scattered liberally throughout the pages.  These include This Is My Story and What I Wish I'd Known,  true stories of struggle and learning.  There are also the words of hearts crrying out for answers in pages called Laments.

With only an old fashioned cell, not a smart phone, I could not take advantage of the more interactive benefits of this journey through God's Word, and as of yet have not scanned a single QR (quick response) Code,  I'll be interested to see howthat adds to the experience.

The back cover reads:

The answers that Christians have given me just seem to fall flat. Like maybe the people giving them don't even believe what they're saying. What I really want is someone to show me that all of this matters. That there is a better way to live.

Show me that the way of Jesus is better.

I believe and pray this revision of The Way will do just that.

Advanced Reader's Copy of the Bible has been provided courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

 

Heroes and Monsters - J.J. Riebock

I had not heard of Josh James Riebock or his first book mY Generation but when I read the description of his new book Heroes and Monsters: An Honest Look at the Struggle within All of Us I was intrigued:

In this stunningly honest, thoroughly unconventional, and ultimately hopeful book, Josh James Riebock explores issues that form us into the people we are--issues of family, love, intimacy, dreams, grief, purpose, and the unexpected stops along the journey. With artful prose and vivid storytelling, he shows that pain and beauty are so inextricably linked that to lose the former costs us the latter.

Honesty and hope are what I find myself hungry for and Riebock delivers hefty helpings of both as he steps into spaces in his soul that few choose to share.

The transparency in the words one who has learned that life in Christ is not simple kept me turning page after page, laughing, weeping and nodding my head with an "amen" on my lips. This story shows us that life makes more sense to us when we can look back and trace the journey.

We exchange vows, and in doing so, I break an old one. Sure, I swore I’d never get married. But I guess life is a matter of knowing which vows matter most and which ones you’re better off without. Sometimes it’s the broken vows that let us know how far we’ve come.

Riebock has come far indeed and I am grateful that he allows us to come along for the ride.

If you are looking for an easy story, I suggest you leave this book on the shelf. If however, you desire to be challenged and changed as well as entertained don't miss this well written tale.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.  The opinions I have expressed are my own.