Tuesday, October 31, 2017

THE KJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE BY THOMAS NELSON | BLOG TOUR AND KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY


I have truly appreciated the commentary & insight provided within this study Bible. If you are like me and don't typically read KJV (I personally use ESV as my main translation when reading & studying the Word of God), it is still a great resource. I used this bible specifically while going through a study on 2 Corinthians. Our pastor has been going through a sermon series that our small groups then look at & discuss in more detail. I used the KJV Know the Word Study Bible to look more in depth at the verses. I appreciate how the study bible not only provides a summary, but provides a "How to Study" each particular book, actions we can take to follow through with what God is calling us to, who we are in Christ, and what we need to be going after. The segmented areas of this Study Bible are extremely clear and don't add anything 'extra' to what is specifically being said in the Word. I do enjoy this Bible, and while I don't plan to use it as my main Bible, I will continue to use it as a key resource as I study and seek to better understand God's Word.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*



Diving deeper into God’s Word can be easy and rewarding if you break it down book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic with the new KJV Know The Word Study Bible by Thomas Nelson. The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God’s Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.
This fall, become a regular student of the Bible and enter to win the Kindle Fire giveaway!
One grand prize winner will receive:
  • A copy of the KJV Know The Word Study Bible
  • A Kindle Fire 7
  • A Kindle Fire case (winner’s choice)
Enter today by clicking the icon below, but hurry! The giveaway ends on October 31. The winner will be announced November 1 on the Litfuse blog.
###

{MORE ABOUT KJV KNOW THE WORD STUDY BIBLE}

KJV Know The Word Study Bible (Thomas Nelson, September 2017)
Gain a greater understanding of the Bible book by book, verse by verse, or topic by topic.
The study of God’s Word can be easy and rewarding if you break down the Bible into easy-to-understand segments. The KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers three easy ways to begin studying Scripture and helps individuals transition from being a casual reader of the Bible to becoming a regular student of the Bible. You can choose to study the Bible book-by-book, verse-by-verse, or topic-by-topic; each path offers powerful insights that will help you develop a daily routine of Bible study.
The book-by-book series of notes leads you through the main points of each book of the Bible. The verse-by-verse notes help you to dig deeper into God’s Word. The topic-by-topic articles, which cover 21 theological topics, guide you through a series of insightful notes and give you a thorough biblical understanding of each topic. With the beautiful and timeless text of the KJV translation, the KJV Know the Word Study Bible offers you choices of how to study Scripture and grow in your relationship with Christ.
Features include:
—King James Version Bible text
—Three easy approaches to study the Bible: 1. Book by Book; 2. Verse by Verse; 3. Topic by Topic
—Insightful introductions for each book of Scripture
—Words of Jesus in red
—Beautiful two-color interior page design
—Comprehensive list of theological notes
—Concordance
—Full-color maps
—8-point type size
Thomas Nelson

{MORE ABOUT THOMAS NELSON}

In business since 1798, Thomas Nelson is one of the oldest Bible publishers in the world and the largest publisher of the King James Version. Their mission is to inspire the world by using our talents, assets, opportunities, and influence to engage and equip people with Scripture and draw people to a deeper study and understanding of God’s Word.
Find out more about Thomas at https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

The Action Storybook Bible {Book Review}

I really enjoyed the layout, illustrations, and delivery of the Bible stories found in The Action Storybook Bible. My 6 children range in age from 17-3; this particular Bible storybook isn't really one that interest my 3 year olds, but my 5 year old son enjoys it.....and his 15 year old brother enjoys reading it to him! I think my 5 year old will continue to grow into this book, as it isn't too "cutesy" and should hold his interest for a while. As a family we enjoy DC & Marvel comics, and I think that is one reason we like the Bible illustrations. I still strongly recommend (as I would for any storybook Bible) that this is not your only source of Bible knowledge for you or your kids, but that you incorporate it into time spent within a Bible as well.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*


The Action Storybook Bible (David C Cook, October 2017)
The Action Storybook BibleThe Action Storybook Bible invites families with children ages 8 and under explore God’s redemptive story together. 
From the sleek and amazing creatures God created at the beginning of the world to the powerful kings who reigned over ancient Israel to Jesus’s gift of eternal life for you and your family—God has a beautiful and exciting plan for the world. Where do you fit into that plan? How are the truths found in God’s Word reflected in your life?
This Bible storybook features 15 episodes highlighting key milestones in God’s story, packed with dozens of scenes—combining stories from God’s Word with brand-new captivating illustrations from Brazilian master-artist Sergio Cariello, illustrator of the bestselling The Action Bible. Discover your family’s place in God’s redemptive story and together put your faith into action!
Interactive features include:
—Fifteen episodes loaded with over 350 brand-new illustrations from master-artist Sergio Cariello.
—Short and easy reading for all ages. Take turns telling God’s redemptive story!
—The Life, Faith, Action! feature wraps up each episode and helps your family recognize how God is moving through each story, discover how that relates to your daily lives, and feel inspired to put your faith into action.
—Heroes Hall of Fame index, where you can look up your favorite Bible characters and discover their stories!
Learn more and purchase a copy.

Catherine and SergioCatherine has written more than twenty-five books for children, including the bestselling "Adventure Bible Storybook." As publisher of children’s resources at David C Cook, she leads product development for The Action Bible® collection, which has sold more than a million copies. Catherine lives with her husband, their three children, and their big furry dog in the Colorado forest. ||**|| Brazilian-born Sergio Cariello has been an accomplished artist since childhood, drawing a regular comic strip for his city’s newspaper at age 11. He spent many childhood hours poring over "The Picture Bible" (Portuguese edition), never dreaming he would illustrate an updated edition ("The Action Bible") decades later. Sergio has worked for Marvel Comics and DC comics and has illustrated Batman, Spiderman, Superman, Iron-Man, Wonder Woman, Fantastic-Four, and dozens more comic book characters.

Sunday, October 8, 2017

Deadly Proof: Book One of the 'Atlanta Justice' Series is Fantastic


If you are looking to jump right in to not just a fantastic novel but also have a front row seat for the start of a new book series, Deadly Proof is one you'll want to read! Deadly Proof is book one in the 'Atlanta Justice' series, and is a fast-paced weaving of murder mystery & legal thriller. The heroine is Kate Sullivan, a young and brilliant attorney who is hoping to become the Lead Counsel in case against a large pharmaceutical company. If selected, Kate will have to go up against her good friend and law school classmate Ethan Black. It doesn't take long for Kate to find herself in the midst of something bigger than she anticipated, as someone from the pharmaceutical company reaches out to her and shares that things within MPC (the pharmaceutical company) are deeper and darker than the lawsuit suggests. Kate wants to make sure her source is credible--she hires Landon James, a private investigator, to check out the source as well as the source's information.

The novel begins to take a more dangerous turn, and soon Kate finds that she needs Landon not just as an investigator, but as her personal body guard. The main storyline centers around Kate & Landon, but the other characters are very well developed. The novel is detailed, suspenseful, fast-paced, and doesn't leave any loose ends. I enjoyed the novel, and cannot wait for the second book!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*
 
Deadly proof FB banner copy
Click here to purchase your copy.


About the Book

Book title: Deadly Proof  
Author: Rachel Dylan  
Release date: September 5, 2017  
Genre: Legal Romantic Suspense

Tapped as lead counsel in a corporate cover-up lawsuit against Mason Pharmaceutical, Kate Sullivan knows this case could make her career. What really drives her, though, is getting justice for the victims whose lives were ruined by the company’s dangerous new drug. But when a whistleblower turns up dead, it paints a target on the back of everyone involved. Former Army Ranger turned private investigator Landon James steps in to handle security for Kate. He’s still haunted by mistakes in his past and is determined never to let something like that happen again. But it soon appears someone is willing to do anything–even commit murder–to keep the case from going to trial. As danger closes in, Landon can’t help but admire Kate’s courage and resolve–but will her determination not to back down become too great of a risk?

Giveaway

To celebrate the tour, Bethany House is giving away four Suspense Novels and a $25 Starbucks Gift Card!!
Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! 
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4664b04912/


About the Author

Rachel Dylan was a litigator in one of the nation’s most elite law firms for over eight years and now works as an attorney at one of the Big Three automobile manufacturers. She is the author of four Love Inspired Suspense novels and lives in Michigan with her husband. She is active on social media, and you can visit her website at www.racheldylan.com.

Dylan_Rachel1Q & A with Rachel Dylan

  1. The Atlanta Justice series is centered around strong, female lawyers who take on high-stakes cases. What made you want to write their stories?I’d have to say it’s personal! Having been an attorney for eleven years now, I love being able to pour parts of myself into the books. My everyday life as a lawyer isn’t that exciting and is definitely not as dangerous! But I’m able to draw on what I’ve lived through to bring life and authenticity to these characters.
  1. What type of research did you do for Deadly Proof?One of the great things about writing books related to my career is that I know lawyers who practice all different types of law. Deadly Proof focuses on Kate Sullivan, who is a plaintiff’s attorney taa Rafflecopter giveaway king on a big pharmaceutical company. I don’t do this specific type of plaintiff’s work, but I know lawyers who do, and I was able to talk with them. Also, I was able to relate to my characters on the defense side because I’ve done that work for years. It was really fun to write the perspectives of characters on both sides of the case.
  1. Is there a reason you chose Atlanta for this series?Yes! I’m from Georgia and lived in Atlanta, practicing law at a large law firm, for eight years. I wanted to pick a setting I was intimately familiar with to give readers an authentic Atlanta experience—sweet tea and all.
  1. Where do you think Kate’s passion for her work comes from?Kate truly believes that her life’s work is to help those who have been wronged. I believe a lot of her passion stems from her strong faith that has developed over the years. She’s not a lawyer to make big bucks but to change people’s lives for the better.
  1. What is the next book in the Atlanta Justice series about?Book two is about Kate’s friend Sophie Dawson, who we meet in Deadly Proof. Sophie is an Atlanta prosecutor. This story is exciting because it involves a completely different type of legal case than Deadly Proof. But I promise things get just as dangerous!

Blog Stops

September 26: A Baker’s Perspective
September 26: Faithfully Bookish
September 27: Reading Is My SuperPower
September 27: Fizzy Pop Collection
September 27: Blogging With Carol 
September 28: Fiction Aficionado
September 28: Moments Dipped in Ink
September 28: Genesis 5020
September 29: Just Commonly
September 29: Bukwurmzzz
September 29: D’S QUILTS & BOOKS
September 30: 100 Pages per Hour
September 30: Smiling Book Reviews
October 1: A Reader’s Brain
October 1: Bigreadersite 
October 1: Carpe Diem
October 2: Karen Sue Hadley
October 4: Mary Hake
October 6: Pause for Tales
October 7: Just Jo’Anne
October 8: Neverending Stories
October 8: Cafinated Reads

Monday, September 25, 2017

Fantastic Novel {Rule of Law Book Review}


My favorite book I've read this year...and I have read MANY!! How I haven't read a Randy Singer novel before I'm not sure, but this one will not be my last! Perfect blend of murder, mystery, political suspense, and legal tensions. The main characters are quite complex, and the minor characters add depth and interest to the novel. Kudos to Singer for providing a list of the characters at the front of the book; there were a few times I referred back to it to make sure I had the characters straight.

I think what makes the novel so riveting is the fact this fictional storyline is actually quite plausible. At the very least, I'm sure that some areas of the plot have and will continue to take place within the US political system. Rule of Law is a fantastic "Law and Order meets James Michener" work of art (without taking away whatsoever that Singer is an accomplished and gifted author in his own right). I look forward to reading more of his novels!

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*

Rule of Law (Tyndale, September 2017)
What did the president know? And when did she know it?
For the members of SEAL Team Six, it was a rare mission ordered by the president, monitored in real time from the Situation Room. The Houthi rebels in Yemen had captured an American journalist and a member of the Saudi royal family. Their executions were scheduled for Easter Sunday. The SEAL team would break them out.
But when the mission results in spectacular failure, the finger-pointing goes all the way to the top.
Did the president play political games with the lives of U.S. service members?
Paige Chambers, a determined young lawyer, has a very personal reason for wanting to know the answer. The case she files will polarize the nation and test the resiliency of the Constitution. The stakes are huge, the alliances shaky, and she will be left to wonder if the saying on the Supreme Court building still holds true.
Equal justice under law.
It makes a nice motto. But will it work when one of the most powerful people on the planet is also a defendant?

Randy SingerRandy Singer is a critically acclaimed author and veteran trial attorney. He has penned more than ten legal thrillers, including his award-winning debut novel "Directed Verdict." In addition to his law practice and writing, he serves as a teaching pastor for Trinity Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He also teaches classes in advocacy and ethics at Regent Law School and serves on the school's Board of Visitors.

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Mercy Triumphs {Book Review. Excellent finale to a great contemporary novel series}


I really, truly wish this third book was not the final one in the series. The substance, storylines, tension, and conflict make Mercy Triumphs a book you will want to finish in one day; I know, because that is exactly what I did.

While this book can be read as a stand-alone work, I highly recommend reading the first two books before reading Mercy Triumphs. The power of witnessing an American family living in Sudan, sharing about Christ, seeing the persecution taking place in Africa, and watching various characters within the book seeking out God's plan for their lives is quite incredible. What we believe God has planned for our lives is often not what He has planned for us... but when we trust Him and look beyond ourselves, we get to see that 'God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose' (Romans 8:28). Mercy Triumphs displays this beautifully, and for that reason I cannot recommend it enough.

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*
**********

Mercy Triumphs (New Hope Publishers, September 2017)
Three women. Three impossible circumstances. One merciful God.
Mia, an American Christian, has lived in Sudan so long that persecution, harassment, and danger have become commonplace for her. Her tough outer shell threatens to harden her heart while her newly Christian friends, Halimah and Rania, former Muslims, are forced to live in exile outside Sudan. All three quickly discover that escaping danger in one place only means facing even greater challenges elsewhere. As God’s mercy becomes evident in their lives, they must choose whether or not to offer mercy to those who don’t deserve it.
Third in a trilogy, Mercy Triumphs opens the reader’s eyes to modern-day persecution and the life of Muslims in Sudan. Based on real-life events, Mercy Triumphs reveals some of the struggles Christians face when living under Islamic law. The reader will be inspired to pray for new believers, those who are persecuted for their faith, and even for the salvation of the persecutors.

Jana KelleyAuthor of the captivating novel "Side by Side," Jana Kelley is a Texan who hardly ever lives in Texas. Raised in Southeast Asia, Jana developed a love for cross-cultural living early in life. Her love for writing came soon after. Jana returned to Texas to attend East Texas Baptist University. She and her husband married a month after she graduated, and by their second anniversary, they were living in a remote African town. After 13 years living in Africa and the Middle East, Jana, her husband, and their three boys moved to Southeast Asia where they currently live.

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

The Child Safeguarding Policy Guide {Book Review}


I had several reasons for choosing to read this book: I'm the Nursery Coordinator at a church whose Sunday weekly attendance is just under 3,000; my husband is also on staff as the Small Groups Pastor; we lead a small group and I'm sometimes involved in Biblical counseling sessions; and, above all else, I'm a mother of six--with 3 of my children being adopted out of foster care. Because of these various roles, child safety as well as an awareness of how to help adults who suffered child abuse are quite important to me.

I feel this book is a great resource for the following people:

Children's Ministry Director for its emphasis on volunteer background checks, check-in check-out safety procedures, security measures when children are in the children's ministry classrooms, how to recognize abuse (that's occurring outside of church), and how to create appropriate adult/child interaction within the classrooms.

Pastor who oversees staff hiring process and the overall facilities (at my church this is the Associate Pastor). For him, the book is a good resource for not just the hiring of church staff, but also ideas for having great security measures in place when children are in the building. It provides info that will help recognize the desired environment of a child predator. Also, the book shares ways to put guidelines into place for people who need to limit their contact with children (via a written contract) and how to communicate with other local churches when a potential predator leaves one church and moves on to try and plug in to another church.

Biblical Counseling Pastor or Director of Biblical Counseling. The book provides good information on how to come alongside and help an adult who experienced abuse as a child. Anyone else who helps serve as an advocate to that person (someone in their small group, possibly another pastor at church) would also benefit from this section of the book.

Elder Board, Senior Pastor, or similar key decision team. If a church is wanting to get fully onboard and seek out how to become a GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) certified church, the leadership should review this book, seek out more info on GRACE itself, and then pursue the path that leads to the certification. Even if a church doesn't want a full certification, the leadership may still decide to put measures from the book into place in how they approach church policies and procedures.

My main complaint with the book is I feel the title omits that the book contains a section on how to come alongside adults who were abused as children. That section was a tremendous resource for me, yet the title makes you think the book is just about keeping kids safe at church. But other than that, I truly think this is an excellent book. 

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher, but was under no obligation to write a review. My honest opinion has been provided without any requirement to write a positive review.*

ABOUT THE BOOK
The Child Safeguarding Policy for Churches and Ministries
The Child Safeguarding Policy for Churches and Ministries (New Growth Press, August 2017)
Churches have always sought to be a safe haven for children and families, but many today are dealing with the tragic reality of child sexual abuse.
This handbook, authored and edited by a multidisciplinary team of child abuse experts, is designed for use by a group that will be formulating policies and procedures to protect children and deal with possible child abuse in their ministry, school, and/or church. Working through this book will assist churches and ministries to assess their current child abuse polices and then guide them through each step they need to take to address the safety of children under their care. It will cover vitally important topics including:
—Protecting the children in a Christian environment from child abuse
—The warning signs of child abuse
—Crafting and implement a child protection policy
—Responding to abuse allegations
—Caring for victims of child abuse
—The legal implications and requirements for churches and Christian ministries
Written by a GRACE team with multi-disciplinary knowledge, headed by Boz Tchividjian, a lawyer and former child abuse prosecutor, this handbook will be an invaluable resource to Christians who are seeking to educate themselves and others about child abuse and how to best protect the little ones under their care.
Learn more and purchase a copy.



GRACE Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) is a nonprofit organization made up of highly trained, experienced multidisciplinary professionals who seek to educate and empower the Christian community to identify, confront, and respond to the sin of child abuse.
Find out more about GRACE at http://www.netgrace.org.

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Super Hero Kids Giveaway with David C Cook!

DOES YOUR CHILD LOVE COMIC BOOKS? HOW ABOUT SUPER HEROES?

Now is your chance to have DC and Marvel illustrator Sergio Cariello make your child's dream come true!

 

Parents!

David C Cook is proud to introduce the newest book in the Action Bible collection: The Action Storybook Bible (coming October 2017). Pre-order The Action Storybook Bible from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or ChristianBook.com to reserve your copy today. Plus click the graphic below to enter to have a chance to win an illustration of your child as a super hero by Action Bible artist Sergio Cariello (who has also illustrated comics for DC and Marvel!).

 

The giveaway is open until September 11, 2017, 5:00pm MST.  Your entry must be received by then to be eligible. Five winners will be chosen at random from eligible entrants.

{THE ACTION STORYBOOK BIBLE}

Families see the Bible in motion and put their faith into action! The Action Storybook Bible invites families with young children to explore God’s redemptive story together. An entry point into the world of The Action Bible, it tells of the amazing creation story, powerful kings who reigned over ancient Israel, God’s miraculous gift of eternal life through Jesus, and more! God’s promise for the world is displayed throughout every page. Discover your family’s place in God’s incredible story and together put your faith into action! Interactive features include:
  • Fifteen key episodes from God’s Word—each one loaded with several stories along with over 350 brand-new illustrations throughout.
  • Short and easy readings—for children ages eight and under with rich, colorful images.
  • Life, Faith, Action! features—conclude every episode and invite families to talk about how God moves in the stories, how to see God in life today, how to put faith into action, and how to easily talk to God with a suggested prayer.
  • Hall of Fame visual index—the place to look up favorite Bible characters by discovering their icon connections and finding them in the stories.
Learn more and purchase a copy here.