Book Review: The Take Action Bible, NKJV

The Take Action Bible in the New King James Version is a handy reminder to believers to get busy about the work of God. It is UltraSlim, making it easy to carry with you, and paperback. The pages are quite thin to make this bible UltraSlim, but the writing is still readable and not too hard on the eyes. Interspersed throughout the Bible text are five groups of stories under the categories of Go, Serve, Give, Heal, and Teach. Each category contains 3 real life stories of people putting action to their faith, and a few thought provoking questions with space to write your answer. There is also a notes sheet at the end of each section.

At the end of the bible, they offer 52 practical ways to serve others, one for each week of the year. These aren't just randomly selected, each has a scripture verse to go with the action, to give you the reason WHY you are doing these things. It's easy to do good things, but it is also easy to forget the meaning behind them or for what purpose we are doing them. This helps to remind you of that.

I was hoping for more inspirational content scattered throughout the Biblical text, instead of being clumped together. I am also concerned about the durability of the Bible, since it is paperback with very thin pages. It is a nice idea, however, to include stories and ideas of ways God has moved others to help to hear His voice a little clearer in our own lives.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Book Review: Bad Girls of the Bible by Liz Curtis Higgs

Bad Girls of the Bible (And What We Can Learn from Them) by Liz Curtis Higgs is an eye opening look through the Bible for women. It can be read as an individual study, or the questions at the end of each chapter lend themselves to group discussion. There is also an extensive section at the end of the book which shows scripture references for each of the women the book looks at. While these women may have been labled as "Bad Girls" from our reading of the Bible, with the closer look that this book provides, I found myself identifying with these bad girls at some point in my life. The good news is that no matter the past, forgiveness can be found in Christ!

This book is written well, and will draw you in. It will help you to look within your heart and find areas that are not pleasing to God, and work to change those. While it was great read alone, I can only imagine the benefit from working through this convicting and encouraging book with a group of women who love God and desire to please Him above all!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review: Unsinkable by Abby Sunderland

Unsinkable: A Young Woman's Courageous Battle on the High Seas by Abby Sunderland is her gripping account of her attempt to solo circumnavigate the globe by boat...at the age of sixteen. Her family history is included, and you get the big picture of how Abby ended up with the skills and drive at such a young age to travel the world alone. The story is compelling, as many have heard about the rescue, but most do not know the entire story. She is a motivated, focused woman with a passion that drives her, and the book will leave you desiring to pursue your own dreams with the same kind of passion.

The book is written from three different perspectives: a narrator, Abby's own telling of the story, and those who rescued her when she was unable to continue on her journey. I did find it a bit difficult to follow, as it switched often from the narrator to Abby, but with a little practice, I was able to go back and forth without much effort. The story is one that will draw you in, and then leave you motivated.

I would recommend this book for anyone who has big dreams and a sense of adventure. You will be out chasing your own when you can put this great book down!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.