Africa Study Bible

There are millions of English-speaking Africans that love and desire to follow Christ, but nearly every full evangelical study Bible is written from a US and UK perspective. As a Canadian living in Africa for almost two years now, I have seen first-hand how the lack of a resource that connects with African’s unique experience makes true understanding and discipleship difficult if not impossible. Yes, life really is that different here.

Oasis International along with major Christian organizations, have produced the first study Bible developed by Africans for Africans.

“Under the leadership of an 11-member editorial board of scholars from across Africa, we've brought together 350 writers and editors from over 40 African countries, representing 50 denominations. This is an unprecedented project that will impact the global church” says Dr. Matthew Elliott, president of Oasis.

Now that the editing work is almost complete, Oasis (and its partners), is inviting others to join with them to get this important bible into the hands of Africans. The goal is to raise one million dollars to print the first 100,000 copies. They are seeking private donors and have also launched Kickstarter campaign, which will run through June 16. Contributors to the Kickstarter campaign may choose incentives ranging from artwork prints to limited Italian leather editions of the new bible.  For top donors there are all-expense paid trips to the launch of the Africa Study Bible in both the United States and in Africa. You can check out the campaign here.

African needs this bible and the body of Christ needs Africa. Now is the time for us to see Africa rise up to fulfil her destiny and we all can play a part.

 

the hard parts

This week Diana has us pondering what we do with the hard stuff in the Bible.

there are so many books to read

page after page after page

of words, facts or fiction

all of questionable veracity

all, but one

this, a letter written

from a heart of love

mercy, grace

a verbal portrait of the author

the perfector of our faith

given to be read

again and again and again

but never alone

with our own eyes and reasoning

the words are flat

ink on paper

beyond comprehension

all of it hard stuff

so I read with an interpreter

the Holy Spirit

gifted, poured out 

and into me

there are words of love

easy to swallow, sweet

and satisfying

but words of correction

direction, can taste dry

stuck in my throat

I can struggle to understand

make sense of things

on my own, choking

and remain unnourished

how much better

to request living water

and let go, trusting

He will make all things

the hard, complicated

sticky things

clear in His perfect timing

help me then, Lord

to remember to release it all

that my answer to 

what do I with the hard things?

would be

I lay them at His feet

living into the answers with Diana

 

Shine

As part of observing this Lenten season, I have joined Chris Smith and others in 40 days of reading Jesus Sermon on the Mount - Matthew Chapters 5 through 7.

Some days I have read, other days I listen to audio. I have attempted to vary Bible versions daily to taste the differing flavours and nuances hidden in the words, always praying that God would speak His truth into my mind, heart and spirit.

And the frosty light of early morning sparkled on the snow:

You are like that illuminating light. 

Let your light shine everywhere you go, 

that you may illumine creation, 

so men and women everywhere 

may see your good actions, 

may see creation at its fullest, 

may see your devotion to Me, 

and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it.  

Matthew 5:16 The Voice

 

Enter His gate

Enter his gates with thanks; 

enter his courtyards with praise!

Thank him! Bless his name! 

Because the Lord is good, 

his loyal love lasts forever; 

his faithfulness lasts generation after generation. 

Psalm 100:4-5 Common English Bible

 

Singing His praises with Deidra and the Sunday choir

 

The Searchers by Joseph Loconte

I have often wondered what it would have been like to be one of the fellows walking along a road listening to the words of the One walking beside me not yet recognizing Who He Was.  I can't imagine not being able to see Him clearly.

In The Searchers A Quest for Faith in the Valley of Doubt by Joseph Loconte I was given the opportunity to see how at one time or another we all walk the Emmaus road.  As the back cover promises:

Drawing from literature, film, philosophy, history, and politics, Loconte shows how this biblical drama is an integral part of our own story.

As I read through these pages I become more and more convinced that nothing of any importance makes sense to me without the interpretive assistance of the Holy Spirit. Through His eyes I can look upon the world of history and politics and see Jesus in every bit of it.  With my own eyes I simply see what the world sees.

I pray that as you read Loconte's words you allow the Spirit to whisper truth in your ears and that faith would rise clear and strong.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


 

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.

 

The Voice New Testament - Ecclesia Bible Society

If you look around our house, you will find bibles of every shape, size, colour and translation. We simply love The Word of God. I use Biblegateway.com when I am writing or preparing a message because it is an easy way to compare texts and discover which version best captures exactly what I am trying to convey. I am always eager to acquire a translation I don’t have. When I read the following words by the publisher about The Voice New Testament by Ecclesia Bible Society I admit I was both intrigued and a bit uncertain:

The Voice™ Bible translation is a faithful dynamic translation of the Scriptures done as a collage of compelling narratives, poetry, song, truth, and wisdom. The Voice calls the reader to step into the whole story of Scripture and experience the joy and wonder of God’s revelation. Created for and by a church in great transition, The Voice uniquely represents collaboration among scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets, and other artists, giving great attention to the beauty of the narrative. The heart of The Voice is retelling the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works yet remaining painstakingly true to the original manuscripts. This translation promotes the public reading of longer sections of Scripture—followed by thoughtful engagement with the biblical narrative in its richness and fullness and dramatic flow.

I sat down with this new volume and my NIV study Bible, a New King James Bible and an Amplified Bible and I was delighted to find that although the words are not the same, the team of writers and artists have indeed remained true to original manuscripts. Unlike The Message, (which I do enjoy and quote often) I find The Voice better able to stand on its own without my needing to check it constantly for the faithfulness of its translation.

There is information added in italics that will help readers in these modern times understand what the original readers would have known. The in-text commentaries add cultural and historical information that I also find quite valuable. The introductions to each Book are well written and helpful as well.

God longs to speak into the heart of His people. I believe this will be a powerful tool to enable many hearts to hear His voice.

New Testament has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson

The opinions I have expressed are my own.


 

As long as...

As long as the earth remains, there will be planting and harvest,

cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night. 

Genesis 8:22 NLT

Breathing in His truth today with Deidra and others

 

Courageous Living by Michael Catt

I watched and was greatly moved by the film Courageous, and when I was offered the opportunity to review books related to the film I gladly accepted.

The first book I read was Courageous Living Dare to Take a Stand by Michael Catt. I think I was expecting this book to be the story that the film dramatized, but by reading the following on the back cover I knew I was in for something more:

Catch a fresh wind of bravery through the bold biblical accounts of Abraham, Joshua, Ruth and many others in Courageous Living by Michael Catt, pastor and executive producer of the unforgettable film Courageous.

Because we are called to take a faithful, fearless stand in all that matters, Catt sheds new light on the stories of people in the Bible who displayed great courage when it would have been easier to play it safe. They challenge and inspire us to keep moving forward, to examine our priorities, and to deal with anything that brings fear to our heart.

The stories on these pages were compelling in their application to our own lives.  I was challenged indeed to examine the way both myself and the corporate church have been living.  Are we walking in faith or fear?

Fear is believing a lie, listening to negative voices, and not taking God at His Word.  Faith is fear that has said its prayers.

Am I, are we, willing to allow God to work through us, strengthen us, make our lives count for the Kingdom, or have we become content with just getting by, living lives that would be called "average"?

We don't have time for average.  Average is climbing halfway up the mountain and stopping.

I don't want to go only halfway and I don't believe God wants His body to stop before reaching the goals He has set for us.

Do you need to have your passion reignited or are you content with the status quo?  I suggest you decide before you pick up this stirring book.

Book has been provided courtesy of David C Cook and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from B&H Publishing Group.

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Names of God Bible - Ann Spangler

I have not grown tired of spiritual things as I grow in my faith, but I find instead a greater hunger to know God more.  The publishers of The Names of God Bible by Ann Spangler say:

One of the best ways to get to know God on a deeper level is to know his names and titles as revealed in Scripture. Now the bestselling author of Praying the Names of God and Praying the Names of Jesus uncovers the richness of God's character and love found in his names right within the Bible text.

It appears that the arrival of this Bible was in perfect time, for I have been sensing God asking me study His names.

The original Hebrew names have been inserted where we are used to only seeing the translations "Lord" or "God" adding a richness not found in other editions.  I find myself understanding in a more profound way aspects of God's character.  There is a page on each of God's names that mention key places in scripture where the name is used, backgound information and other specifics connected to the name. 

One of my favourite features is the marked reading path for each name that leads me from the first passage where the name is revealed to the next and the next and so on.  I will find this useful as I plan to study each name, in depth.

I find the God's Word translation refreshing and the overall layout and print easy to read.

If you are searching for a way to draw closer to Yahweh, this should prove to be a helpful resource.

Bible has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The opinions I have expressed are my own.


 

His hand rules all

Rick met me in the living room, in the breaking light of day, as is our habit, to read to me from the Our Daily Bread devotional.  I had enjoyed my quiet time of communion with the Lord, listening for His voice and noting what He shared in my journal.

Rick always reads to me before I share my journaling with him.  God-bumps covered my flesh as he read:

“At this my heart pounds
and leaps from its place.
Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice,
to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.
He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven
and sends it to the ends of the earth.
After that comes the sound of his roar;
he thunders with his majestic voice.
When his voice resounds,
he holds nothing back.
God’s voice thunders in marvelous ways;
he does great things beyond our understanding.
He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth,’
and to the rain shower, ‘Be a mighty downpour.’
So that everyone he has made may know his work,
he stops all people from their labor.
The animals take cover;
they remain in their dens.
The tempest comes out from its chamber,
the cold from the driving winds.
The breath of God produces ice,
and the broad waters become frozen.
He loads the clouds with moisture;
he scatters his lightning through them.
Job 37:1-11 NIV

My eyes were filled with tears, I mumbled something like "just wait till I read you what He said this morning."

Rick put down his Bible and picked up the Our Daily Bread booklet with a strange look on his face.  He couldn't seem to reconcile the devotional with the scripture passage he had just finished reading. 

"Now I see why" he said.  "I was supposed to read from Psalm 37 not Job 37!"

I could hardly wait until he finished reading the devotional so that I could share my morning "word":

It is I Who forms the snow and rains, no ice freezes without My touch. No, not mother nature or any other god. Weather bows down at My command.

Sometimes what you see as punishment is simply that I have allowed you to suffer through consequences of your own design, faulty stewardship of the land you have been given.

Remember, when the storms rage, that I Am your shelter, I Am your place of calm, safety and peace.

Let the world around you grumble and complain if they must, but remember to meet each new day with thanksgiving, as a gift from My hand, no matter what the day holds.

"Do you still think that you made a mistake?" I asked, or was God just trying to put an exclamation point on His words?

What do you think?




Join us at Jennifer's and share your God-Bumps

 

The Jesus Calling Devotional Bible

The promotional material for Sarah Young's book Jesus Calling says:

After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever she believed He was saying to her.  It was awkward at first, but gradually her journaling changed from monologue to dialogue.  She knew her writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but journaling helped her grow closer to God .   Others were blessed as she shared her writings, until people all over the world were using her messages.  They are written from Jesus’ point of view, thus the title Jesus Calling.

Now Thomas Nelson Publishers have released the Jesus Calling Devotional Bible and I have been blessed to receive a sample to explore and review.

This New King James edition includes beautifully highlighted verses throughout, showing where God has spoken to His people through His Word.

There are intimate prayers written from the viewpoint of average people struggling to make sense of the world and on the facing page devotionals from one of Young's books that could be Jesus Himself answering the prayers with words of His own.

There is a topical index and an index titled When Your Heart Long For Help that directs you to the prayers and stories of people dealing with the same issues.

All this, surrounded by the truth and beauty of God's Word in New King James translation.

This is a Bible one can turn to in sorrow or joy, to find answers, comfort and truth and an edition you will surely want to add to your own colleciton or bless someone else with as a gift.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

 

Which Jesus?

Image via Wikipedia

We continue to move slowly through the book of John.
This is not a complaint.  Slow is good.  Meat is meant to be chewed.
Last week Jesus turned water into wine astonishing those who witnessed this, His first miracle.
This was a Jesus we love, a friendly, party loving type of Jesus.  He enjoyed helping others have a good time.

This week, we meet a different side of Jesus:

When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”  John 2:13-17 NIV

This is a stern, serious, angry Jesus.  This is perhaps not the Jesus we like to think of.
But it is Jesus indeed.  The Jesus Who cares.  The Jesus that will not tolerate injustice.
The Jesus Who shouted out:

My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers
Matthew 21:13b NIV

Yet this is still the same Jesus Who cares enough to assure that we all are treated fairly.
Jew or gentile;  man or woman;  adult or child.
Same Jesus. Same God. Still love made flesh.  He loves.
Can we love all aspects of Who He Is?

And the question we were left with was:
what might He need to clean in our own temples?

I am soiled, torn
cracked and dry
often no more than dust
yet He loves me enough
to come
pouring down on me
like good clean rain
leaving me moldable
again in His hands
He alone can shape me
into what I need to be.

Come visit Michelle's place to read what others are hearing and using today!

words, words, words....

Books are piled on my nightstand, the coffee table, next to my Jesus chair...
Words call to me, speak to me, encourage and educate me. 
As a blogger I am blessed to be able to receive free books to review.

Here are just a few in process:

Veneer - Living Deeply in a Surface Society by Timothy Willard and Jason Locy

Earthen Vessels - Why Our Bodies Matter to Our Faith by Matthew Lee Anderson

Eden Derailed - a theology of sex by Matt Williams

Rumors of God - Experience the Kind of Faith You've Only Heard About by Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson

A Confident Heart - How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God's Promises by Renee Swope

Watch for the reviews as I complete each book.

The volumes don't stop there...  even with so many free books I can't resist purchasing others.  I have fiction, devotionals and books on writing.  But I'll leave those for another post.

For those who wonder what standard I use to judge what I read, I confess there is only one; the most profound, compelling, encouraging and educational book ever written, both a history text and a love letter, His Word, the Bible. 

These are also piled up and scattered everywhere, in as many versions as we can find.  They are in every room (yes, even the bathroom), in the car, and in my purse.

Did I mention I love words?  Have I mentioned I love God?

The Whole Bible Story by Dr. William H. Marty

Dr. William H. Marty has written what he calls The Whole Bible Story Everything That Happens in the Bible in Plain English.  In his introduction he writes:

When you write a book, editors want you to be able to state its purpose in a sentence or two. Here's my attempt: The purpose of this book is to tell the story of the Bible.

It is not a paraphrase of the Bible's sixty-six books, and it is not intended to replace Bible reading.  My hope is that it will motivate people to read the Bible.

Dr. Marty leads us through stories that many of us know, in chronological order.  He does not include the Books of poetry and prophecy from the Old Testament nor any of the the Epistles that follow the Books of the Gospel.

Though the content is well covered, as a writer myself I did not sense the flow of story in Dr. Marty's words.  To me this read much more like very expanded chapter notes from a study Bible.

I was disappointed in the style, but I do believe that the author's purpose was accomplished; his words did indeed drive me back to the pages of the Bible.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

The Take Action Bible NKJV

I am holding in my hands the power of God's Word to motivate His people to listen to His voice and act on what they hear. The subtitle for The Take Action Bible is Together we can change the world. Richard Stearns of World Vision says:

From Genesis to Revelation the Bible shows an active God calling ordinary people to action. Our world is still in need of people who are willing to do something to make a difference.

This New King James version is familiar in translation, it is a common 2 column layout with footnotes and the words of our Lord Jesus Christ printed in red. What sets this volume apart is the inserted pages scattered throughout that tell 15 stories of people who chose to take action; to go, to serve, to give, to heal and to teach. After each story there are suggested scripture readings and a question to ponder and motivate you. There is also a list of 52 ideas for taking action, one for each week of the year.

This is not just another Bible, but a call directly from the heart of God. I challenge you to read it and allow Him to move you to action.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Max On Life - Max Lucado

When I opened the cover of Max on Life Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions I didn’t quite expect to feel as if I had opened my home to a guest who was willing to spend hours chatting, not only to me, but to all who would come, as if we were all old friends.

We all have questions, and in his years as a pastor and writer Max Lucado has received more than his share. In this new book he sets out to help us find answers.

There is something here for everyone who is searching, both new believers and those who have been walking with the Lord for a lifetime. Here are just a few of the questions Max addresses:

Can God use His followers today as He did His first followers?

The seven year old son of our neighbors died last week. They are devastated. So are we. What can we tell them?

We’re trying to teach our children humility, but at the same time we don’t want to destroy their self esteem. What would you say is a good balance?

Max speaks from years of experience, but more important, He leads us to open our Bibles to read God’s answers.

I also appreciated the addendum The Write Stuff, as this celebrated author shared tips like these on writing:

You’ll never write better than you live. Live with integrity.

Let editors do their job. Release your grip on the manuscript. A little red ink won’t hurt you. A lot of red ink might save you.

These are wise words from a man who lives by Words written in red and who knows well the power of a single drop of red.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.