I had seen the ads on Instagram and Facebook. Amazing authors I respect touting how fantastic this new bible is.
It has artwork and room for notes and even devotions built right in. Plus, there are beautiful covers to choose from.
Yet, I was torn. A question kept circling my mind.
On one hand I wanted this Bible. It looks lovely and everyone is saying how great it is. Plus, I didn’t want to miss out.
You know what I’m talking about. When you see social media blowing up with how great that new product is and you just have to have it. Yeah, I had that feeling. About a Bible. I wasn’t quite sure how I felt about that.
Because on the other side I knew I already had a Bible. It was good and did the job and how different can a Bible really be, right?
I resisted. My practical side won and I carried on with life just fine.
And then God arranged things (as only He can) and I ended up with a copy of that very Bible to review. God does funny things.
As I flipped through this new Bible I felt peace, not because of the Bible itself, but because it is God’s Word. Maybe that’s the part I forgot in my mental gymnastics earlier.
This is God’s Word.
That’s worth a pause. Sometimes I forget the holiness of the words on those tissue thin pages. I forget that it’s not the package that matters as much as the content. And maybe I didn’t need another Bible, but God was using this one to remind me of some things.
Any Bible that encourages you to open it and read the words is the right Bible.
It’s true. God isn’t worried about what version you are reading or who compiled it. He wants you in His Word. Period. The end. Yes, we could talk about translation and accuracy, but those are details we get caught up in, all the while missing out on what’s really important. The (in)courage Devotional Bible reminded me.
It’s good to interact with the Bible.
The (in)courage Devotional Bible begs you to dig in. From the simple introductions to each book to the fifty Women of Courage highlighted throughout, this Bible gives an easy to understand foundation. My favorite parts go beyond this foundation to the included Reading Plans and Devotionals.
There are themed Reading Plans pointing you directly to Scripture. Plus there are 52 reflective devotions (one for each week of the year) and 260 additional devotions to inspire, encourage, and draw you deeper into God’s Word.
Plus, there is journaling space on every single page of Scripture. Every single one of these features reminds you that God’s Word is living and breathing and meant for you to use.
God’s Word is living and breathing and meant for you to use. Share on XThe Bible is for you.
I know this. You may know this. But holding this new book in my hands reminded me that it is a gift directly from God. Every word. Every part I don’t understand. Every verse that I think I know.
It all holds treasures for me, not because it’s about me but because it’s about Him. The Bible is full of who He is, promises about Him, and stories to illustrate His love. And all that is a gift for you.
Check out these great sites I’m linking up with: Literacy Musing Mondays, Purposeful Faith, Tea & Word Tuesday, Abounding Grace, Tell His Story, Porch Stories, Let’s Have Coffee, Worth Beyond Rubies, Moments of Hope, Tune in Thursday, Dance with Jesus, Fresh Market Friday, Faith ‘n Friends, Blogger Voices Network, Grace & Truth, Heart Encouragement
You’ve described a regular mental battle I experience. I like what you said here: “Any Bible that encourages you to open it and read the words is the right Bible.” YES!
It’s so true, isn’t it?!
Amen to this: “Any Bible that encourages you to open it and read the words is the right Bible.” That does look like a good Bible you have there! It’s been awhile since I’ve gotten a new “real” Bible. Every couple of years I get a new Kindle Bible in a different translation to read through. But they’re not as pretty as yours. 🙂
I use YouVersion on my phone every day. But there is something special about holding a heavy book and turning those tissue thin pages.
I know what you mean about clamoring for a new Bible as if it’s going to make or break your faith! (or a new Christian book) I’m glad you got a copy of it though! This summer I went through the (in)Courage Summer Psalms reading plan, and some of the devotionals were so good. Thanks for sharing a little bit more about it. Looks wonderful.
I didn’t get to participate in that one, but it looked great! So glad you enjoyed it!
I guess a new Bible can help your faith when you keep it in perspective.
It sure can!
I’m completely drawn in by your thoughts here, because, to this point, I have resisted the idea of reviewing a Bible because… well, it’s a Bible!
I’ve heard good things about the (in)courage Bible, though. And the fact that it’s pretty AND full of good tools is a definite plus.
I love that it has good resources! It’s a great gift Bible for sure!
Yep, you’re so right, friend. He just wants us in His Word, in relationship with Him, crazy in love with Him, sharing His light in this messed-up broken world …
I love that: “crazy in love with Him”
Have you read Crazy-Love by Francis Chan? So good!
Thanks for your practical, wise words, Rebecca. The Bible is the word of God, but we are human. We love bright, shiny, new things and there’s nothing wrong with that, especially if the new thing encourages us to read the Word!
Amen!
I love your review of this Bible, Rebecca. I believe my daughter has this. God does do funny things sometimes, doesn’t He? Sometimes I think He rewards us for our patience as well.
Pinned.
Thanks for linking up at InstaEncouragements!
It’s beautiful! And thank you 🙂
This is such a good post and review. It’s funny – I get so torn between a new and old Bible. I love the sound of pages being broken open for the first time. But then, there is something about the familiarity of my Bible which has already been stained with coffee and tears and my scribbling. Either way, may I always remember – it is His Word to me and for me! May you be blessed as you read His Word, Rebecca!
Amen! It is for YOU!
You have described the same struggle I had, Rebecca. I did end up getting one, but it was the Kindle version as it was on sale. I don’t know why I did that, because I much prefer a book in my hand or Bible Gateway where I can compare versions. I love what God taught you through this experience. It really gives me pause for reflection. Any verse I read from any Bible is precious. As you write, “It all holds treasures for me, not because it’s about me but because it’s about Him. The Bible is full of who He is, promises about Him, and stories to illustrate His love. And all that is a gift for you.” I love that! Love and blessings to you!
Thank you 🙂 It is so good to remember and focus on Him!
This right here is all I need —> Any Bible that encourages you to open it and read the words is the right Bible. Yes, I have an (in)courage Bible but honestly, any bible that leads me to knowing God better and deeper is the one for me. Thanks for a great post.
100%! And thank you 🙂
What a great reminder, Rebecca! I love your definition of “the right Bible” – any Bible that encourages us to open it and read the words! We may have the most beautifuly designed Bibles in the world, but the only thing that matters is if we feeding on God’s words.
Blessings and enjoy your new Bible!
AMEN!
Ooh…you may have just convinced me to get yet another Bible!! LOL I LOVE having different Bibles because I use them for various things. I also find it helps with study. When you can look at different ways various versions say the same thing it can often make you think of it in a new way (hence why verse mapping is so helpful). Thank you for sharing about this Bible and thank you for linking up @worthbeyondrubies this week!
Isn’t it amazing?!
This does sound like a Bible with lots of helpful features, but it’s so true, the important thing is that we’re reading the Bible whatever version we have!
100%!
Yes, it’s truly not the package that matters. What matters is God’s Word and how we use it.
Stopping here from Inspire me Monday.
Blessings to you and yours!
Marie
So glad you’re here, Marie!
Rebecca, I hadn’t heard of this Bible. Thanks for the introduction.
I hope you love it!