CSB STUDY BIBLE

I owned a Study Bible, one I got because it was pretty. The cover was a beautiful brown and pink and the leather was soft to the touch. But I never really used the study elements until about ten years ago when God changed my life. My relationship with God deepened and Bible reading became a passion. The more I read God's Word, the more I wanted. That's when I really began to dig into the study part of my Study Bible. Soon my Bible was worn and marked from use. I decided to retire my Bible and purchase a new. This time, I didn't get a study Bible. I got a wonderful Bible that I will use for many years to come, but I greatly miss all of the wonderful the study elements.

I recently received a CSB Study Bible and I am so excited! Study Bibles give you additional information and commentary. Sometimes when we read the Bible we think something sounds odd or weird. The commentary tells you why they might have done that or used that. It explains the time or culture. Study Bibles also show how different verses correlate together. They give you so much information that helps you to dig deeper into God's Word. I once heard a pastor say, "Never ever read the Bible again. Instead, however, study it." We need to not just read the Bible, we need to study what it says and study Bibles truly help.

The CSB Study Bible is designed to help you know and be transformed by God’s Word. The Bible features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) that keeps Scripture primary on every page.

To inspire you to grow in your understanding and love for God’s Word, the CSB Study Bible, includes an array of study resources including over 16,000 study notes, tools, and word studies—each tool presented on the same page as the verses it refers to. Whether you are preparing for future Bible studies or daily readings, this study Bible for men and women is the ideal resource for lifelong discipleship.

If you are ready to not just read, but study God's Word, check out the CSB Study Bible. Just click HERE.

*Disclaimer: I received this Bible in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

CSB NOTETAKING BIBLE

Growing up my mom had this one Bible that she always used. She carried it to church every week. As the preacher would preach his sermon, my mom would take notes in that Bible. She still has this Bible full of notes and markings. Now, this was a "regular" Bible. No special margin or section for notes or anything. So she had to carefully and creatively write all around the words.

If you like taking notes in your Bible too, the CSB Notetaking Bible is a perfect option! This Bible is great for taking notes at church or during a Bible study, or for using in your own personal quiet time.

The CSB Notetaking Bible is designed to enhance personal Bible study as well as preparation for teaching and preaching. This Bible provides you with a 1.75 inch note taking space on every page to make observations, record insights, raise questions, and suggest to yourself additional exploration of the text.

One thing I love about notetaking is that it leaves a legacy. I love seeing my mom's Bible with all of her marks and tear stains. One day, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and even farther down the line will see that Bible and those notes and know what God spoke to her.

Check out the CSB Notetaking Bible. You will love it! Just click HERE.

*Disclaimer: I received this Bible in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

WE SAVED YOU A SEAT

Last month I shared with you the lovely Lisa-Jo Baker's new book Never Unfriended. Today I want to share with you a new companion resource to Never Unfriended. Dayspring and Lifeway have teamed up to bring us the We Saved You a Seat Bible Study. This 7 session study is all about finding and keeping lasting friendships. The Bible study is great to do on your own but even better to grab a few friends and do it together. As summer approaches, it is the perfect time to do a study with some friends or neighbors. Gather the kids to play in the sprinkler for an hour while you and your friends learn all about friendships.

In We Saved You a Seat, you will find that friendship takes...

showing up

vulnerability

encouragement

service

forgiveness

walking away wisely

action

See what Lisa-Jo has to say...

Friendship isn't always easy. And many aren't prepared for all that it takes. Lisa-Jo gives us wisdom and insight and she always points to Scripture.

Each week has the group session then 3 days of "homework." You will love the homework, and I promise, it won't really feel like homework! I love that there are only 3 days because it can be so easy to get behind. This allows for you to actually split it up into 6 days. Or strive for 3 days and use the other days to catch up if you are behind. Each day has a friendship challenge that help you dig deep. There are 7 video sessions to go with each week. In the video sessions you will find Lisa-Jo, Alia Joy, Deidra Riggs, Aliza Latta and Kristen Strong. They share real life experiences, humor and encouragement. You will feel like you are sitting at the table with them!

To pick up We Saved You a Seat, click HERE.

Here are some great products to go with We Saved You a Seat and Never Unfriended:

This We Saved You a Seat Bible Study Kit is great! I am all about mini bags and office supplies. The kit is perfect for the We Saved You a Seat Bible study and includes: 1 pouch, 20 inspiration cards, 2 sticky note flags, 1 sticker sheet, 2 mini-highlighters, and 1 washi tape.

This Conversation Start Jar is great! We've used this at home with our teens as well as I've used it with my ladies Bible study I lead. The questions really get everyone talking and sharing. Some questions are light and just for fun and some are deep and emotional. Pick up the Conversation Start Jar  for your home, ladies night out or Bible study group!

Whether friendship comes easy for you, you are shy and struggle to make friends, or you've been burned deep by an old friend, We Saved You a Seat and Never Unfriended are great tools. You will learn how to make lasting and true friendships and learn when it is healthy to walk away.





*Disclosure: I received this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion. All opinions are my own. Links on this page may be affiliate links. Thank you for supporting this ministry by using the affiliate links.

FINDING JESUS {GIVEAWAY}

My family loves documentaries, especially one that have to do with Bible times. CNN has a show Finding Jesus that discovers fascinating new insights into the historical Jesus, utilizing the latest scientific techniques and archaeological research.

Season one of this hit series, Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact Forgery captivated audiences as well-known Pastors, theologians, and archaeologists, examined famous religious artifacts, and brought to life the places, pilgrimage sites, and people from the Bible and ancient world. Season two, which begins March 5th, will begin with a focus on Jesus’ disciple Thomas.

Doubting Thomas In All Of Us

Trusting God and believing in his love and grace brings strength and great joy.

But living a life of faith doesn’t come without struggles – I feel that we’ve all been there.  And we’ve all had moments where we might have questioned ourselves, our faith, and our path.  These moments are especially hard to overcome when life throws a particularly difficult obstacle our way or we go through an incredibly painful experience.  When that happens – pain and or anger sometimes opens the doorway to doubt.

And doubt can be incredibly difficult to overcome.

If you look at scripture, it even touched the disciple Thomas.  You may know him as Doubting Thomas.  After Jesus’ death, Thomas doubts the resurrection, even after being told by the other disciples that Jesus has risen.  It is not until Thomas sees Jesus for himself that he believes.
I recently got advance press copies of a show titled Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery.  One of the episodes from the series focuses on Thomas, his role in the Gospels, his relationship with Jesus and his journey.

Thomas’ faith journey is one that might resonate with many people out there.  His story is one of fear and doubt, but also redemption and courage.  After Thomas sees the risen Christ for himself, it is believed that he risked his life and undertook a dangerous journey to India to spread the Gospel, evangelize, and share Jesus’ message of love.  The episode concentrates on the clues and evidence of whether Thomas reached his destination and fulfilled his mission. Whether Thomas reached India or not, many people might feel connected to the theme of the episode – and may recognize moments in their faith life past or present in comparison to Thomas.

With Lent and Easter coming, below are a few ways that might help readers overcome doubt, renew faith, and find joy in Christ.

1) Open the Bible or a book of devotionals.  Some of the best and most encouraging words to help restore our faith come from the Bible.  In particular this passage from Psalm 91:“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”  Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.  He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge…”

2) Talk to a Pastor or friend.  Talk to someone you can trust.  Sometimes all we need is to talk, be heard, and be healed with words of encouragement.

3) Begin each morning or some part of each evening in silent prayer and/or meditation.  Thank God for all the blessings you have – food, a warm bed, a hot shower, drinkable water – these are all blessings.  Pray for those who struggle without these blessings.  And pray about any fears, doubts, and special intentions.    Sometimes just talking to God and taking stock of one’s blessings can be so helpful in our faith journey.

For those of you interested in that episode of Thomas and the series I mentioned, Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact, Forgery premieres this Sunday, March 5 on CNN.  It’s the second season of the hit series. The show really makes Jesus’ journey throughout the ancient world and characters from the Bible come to life.

Check-out the trailer:

Like with all things, I highly encourage you to refer to the Bible. See what Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact Forgery is all about. Get new information you may not have known. But always take it back to the Bible.

To celebrate season two of Finding Jesus: Faith, Fact Forgery, we are giving away a $25 gift card to LifeWay! To enter to win, complete each task in the rafflecopter below.

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