The Voice - New Testament

I was so excited to receive this book from Nelson Publishing (I post reviews for BookSneeze and receive the book at no cost to me).  I typically use NIV (New International Version) for all my study.  The Voice is as dynamic as The Message was when released.  The style is very readable and unique as the writers (many collaborators contributed:  scholars (Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic), pastors, writers, musicians, poets and many other artists) brings forth an informative, narrative study Bible.  'The Voice help believers experience the joy and wonder of God's revelation by weaving these four key descriptions; Holistic - considers heart, soul and mind, Beautiful - achieves literary and artistic excellence, Sensitive - respects cultural shifts and the need for accuracy and finally Balanced - includes theologically diverse writers and scholars' (preface vii).  "The heart of the project is retelling the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works yet remaining painstakingly true to the original manuscripts" (preface vii).  "The Voice is essentially a retelling of the story of God's love and redemption of creation" and has 5 truths intricately weaved through each chapter.  These 5 truths include: A New Retelling, Readable and Enjoyable, Personal and Diverse, Faithful, Stimulating and Creative and Transformative.  The introduction discusses the importance of a covenant.  The Bible is God's Covenant to us, His people.  One of the unique things about The Voice that I really enjoy is within the text of the Scriptures, there are text boxes with deeper information about the culture, and expands on the theme.  In the back of The Voice is an Index to Biblical References for deeper study.  The Voice also has an introduction to each book of The New Testament and also includes the author.  The introduction gives the reader rich history that gives us the idea of what has been going on in the authors life and the ministry of Jesus.  One thing I have struggled with is the word change of the Christ to the Liberator.  Although the longer I study and read using The Voice, I understand the Christ is my liberator!  Chris Seay, President of Ecclesia Bible Society says this, "I invite you to listen to The Voice with an open heart,  You will hear God as he whispers of His love to you." 

Revolve 2010 The Complete New Testament

This "Biblezine" is an awesome devotional geared for girls 14-17.  I love the layout (magazine format), the fonts, colors, pictures and inserts.  I know we live in a "busy" era, so I think this format will be easy for teens to enjoy.  As I was reading through each page (all 283) I was a bit distracted (but isn't that the idea of most magazines).  I just hope the girls are not just reading the quizzes, make up tips, True or False, Fashion 4-1-1 (etc) but really getting to the "meat" of Revolve 2010 which is the New Testament.  It's New Century Version (NCV), a very easy to read translation.  The format is fun, fresh, but I hope the young readers do not just flip though.  I hope they use this tool to get in the Word and read The New Testament. I do enjoy all the fun stuff that was creatively put into this format.  The 365 Daily Devos, the Bios ("learn about interesting Bible characters and apply their expectations to your life"), Intros for each book in the NT, and my favorite is the "goodbook" which highlights several women in the Bible in the format of "Facebook".  In Revolve 2010, many books are reviewed, and kids from "The Word of Promise Next Generation New Testament audio youth edition" are also interviewed.  "Ask Jenna" is a great segment.  Jenna Lucado has proven herself as an awesome role model for young girls.  She is a speaker/writer that tours with Revolve Tour (more info at end of this review).  I would recommend any youth leader, mom, aunt, sister, daughter, or any person working with, living with and raising a teenage girl to purchase Revolve 2010. Revolve 2010 is full of tidbits I think young girls will love.  The running theme is 4Real.  And many articles discuss and encourage the reader to be REAL.  Lots of guy/dating tips from Chad Eastham, a Revolve Tour speaker.  For more information on the Revolve Tour go to RevolveTour.com or call 877-9-REVOLVE.  I write reviews for Nelson Publishing Company and received a free copy of Revolve 2010.

Redefining Beautiful

Jenna Lucado, daughter of Pastor and author, Max Lucado creates an amazing devotional for young girls.  Two of my daughters, ages 16 and 12 will benefit greatly from this devotional guide.  As a mom of three daughters ages 16, 12 and 9 we have had some pretty intense discussions, and at times, I have been at a loss of how to effectively communicate with them.  Jenna Lucado has a style that is comfortable, trusting and helps yield discussion on many of the issues and topics that preteens and teenage girls deal with every day.  Jenna Lucado is sincere and sensible as issues are addressed such as:  friends, boys, makeup, the mirror, practical tips, and to top it off, it is filled with scripture, notes from Jenna's dad, Max and she pens this as if she and the reader are best friends!  This devotional has room in to jot notes, fill in blanks and more importantly, allows the reader to dig deeper and to journal the journey!  Although I am not pre-teen or a teenager any more, this book is beautifully written and should be curriculum for Middle School and High School  (girls) Youth Groups!  I love how Jenna shares her heart and her vibrant passion for Christ with us all.  Redefining Beautiful helps us all look at God's creation (me...and you) and helps us to see that what He has created is Beautiful!  I must say, I wish I had this book when I was going through my preteen and teenage years.  I cannot wait to share it with my daughters and remind them a promise that Jesus said,  "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."  Hebrews 13:5.