NKJV: Apply the Word Study Bible

The apply the Word Study Bible put out by Thomas Nelson is a new Bible with the understanding for readers to help develop an intimate understanding of God's Word, the Bible message, and that the application of what they read to their daily lives. I found this Bible to be very well laid out and the notes the maps and the helps are in ideal locations that did not distract the reader for the main text. One other thing that is very nice is that this particular Bible has a guarantee for life so that if there's any problem with the Bible whatsoever it can be returned.

As for some of the negatives of the Bible, it is a little heavy so it's not very conducive for an individual who wants to do a devotional reading or take it with them on a trip. Also one thing that I've noticed is that while there are a lot of good helps they are geared more towards  application and I have seem to see very little in terms of actual study. I prefer more study notes that dig into the meaning of words and some history that is behind what is happening. Having said that, when they set out to develop an application based Bible this Bible does the job.

This is definitely a good Bible for somebody who is new to Christianity who would like to understand the Bible better and how it is applicable to them but doesn't want some of the theological notes that a more robust study Bible would have in it. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this Bible from Thomas Nelson in exchange for this honest review.

End Times Secrets of the Mahdi by Dr. Michael Youssef

This is a fascinating book on the book of Revelation in the Bible and the Antichrist also known as the beast in the Book of Revelation. What Dr Youssef has done is relate the eschatological understanding of Islam and compare that to what is written about the Antichrist in the Book of Revelation.

It is an amazing read to see the correlations between the two individuals that being the Antichrist and was known as the Mahdi in Islamic eschatological teachings. However, the book didn't really go out much into this as it was displaying Dr. Youssef’s understanding of Revelation and what is called the End Times. There was probably a chapter or two on the correlation between Islam and the Antichrist and I I was hoping for more. Having said that, I must admit it was a great read and is something that will open the eyes of I believe many Christians in the United States today.

I would highly recommend that those getting this book also look at some information by Perry Stone called Unleashing The Beast. It is a book of his that he has updated once and it is a quite fascinating read on the correlation between Islam and the Antichrist. Both of these books and give a reader a very good understanding of how Islam could potentially play a major role at the end of time. 

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Proverbs Prayers by John Mason

Many have suggested that because Proverbs has 31 chapters that it is a great devotional to read daily; one Proverb per day. That is a great options.

John Mason has taken it one stop farther and built prayers around each of the 31 Proverbs. I found this to be a great way to meditate on the Word of God and would suggest that those reading the daily Proverb get a copy of this book and pray along with each reading.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Books in exchange for my honest review.

God's Smuggler by Brother Andrew

A man who had a desire to God's Word spread thoroughout Europe.

This is the story of Brother Andrew. A Dutchman who came to know God and wanted others to come to know Him as well.

This story tells of trials and struggles, joys and elation, and above all God showing Himself mightily.

I was quite surpoirsed and how reading this book I saw parts of my own life in it. Desiring to serve God but being hampered by many obstacles, Brother Andrew placed his life in God's ahnds and let God control the outcome. Many would do well to follow this lifestyle.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Chose Books in exchange for my honest review.

Reframe by Brian Hardin

What if we viewed things from the perspective that we need God? Like air, water, food, and sleep, we need God to survive. Being made in His image, we have to seek Him in order to truly find us. I must admit that such a thought has become more and more pressing in my life. Enter the book Reframe by Brian Hardin.

Hardin sets forth to point out that we need God; desperately. Until such desperation happens we will feel empyt and void. In his book, he points out three areas in which our thinking has to be changed in order to be made whole in God.

First, we have to rethink in three areas: us, the box (how we limit God, and finally God himself. Rethinking must take place because without it we will continue to operate counter to what God has planned for us.

Second, we have to reframe in the areas of starvation and nourishment. What Hardin means by this is we deprive ourselves from God and starve our souls from Him. We must have God. This should lead to nourishment: finding fulfillment in God alone. By finding soul-satisfying life in God we feed the starvation we so longingly crave. To be nourished, Hardin says this:

-Reframe your spiritual life: everything is spiritual
-Reframe the Bible: it is a friend; not a bully
-Reframe your prayer life: life is prayer
-Reframe God: He is not aloof and distant. He has done everything you allow Him to do in order to be with you.

Finally, restart and do this by changing everything. Change must happen and it starts with changing how God is viewed. From this vantage point, everything else begins to change and come inline with God's plan. That is the message of this book and it is a message that must be shared.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.