Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation

Biblical study is a lifelong apprenticeship for the dedicated Christian. Although no book can replace studying the Bible itself, Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation offers a companion-of-sorts to the reader who desires to increase his or her knowledge of the Bible and dedication to God. In Designed for Devotion, Bible teacher Dianne Neal Matthews comprehensively explains the main stories, people and teachings of the Bible. Additionally, she provides relevant historical background, Old and New Testament Scripture correlations and practical applications for the reader to implement.

I used Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation by Dianne Neal Matthews as a supplement to my regular Bible reading. I think new believers will find the book especially helpful as it hits all the major Biblical events, people and lessons. I liked that Bible references were given along with each devotion. There were a few stories that I was not familiar with and it was good to be able to go to the Scripture and see exactly what it said. Believers with more knowledge of the Bible can also benefit from reading Designed for Devotion. Like most devotional books, to receive the greatest benefit and impact, the lessons must be read slowly and seriously. Each entry is less than a page long, so there were times it was almost too easy to breeze though. However, serious, thoughtful reflection on these lessons and the corresponding Scriptures will certainly lead any believer to new discoveries and lessons.

Read an excerpt from Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation by Dianne Neal Matthews here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."

The Christian Alphabet Book by Tracy Sands

The Christian Alphabet Book: Teaching Children about Jesus, Prayer, and the Bible by Tracy Sands integrates Biblical concepts with artistic letters and symbols that form “The Christian Alphabet.” Rather than a recreational story containing a lesson, the material in this book is more like a children's church lesson plan. Each page spread is dedicated to one letter of the alphabet and has Scripture verses, brief explanations of the verses and/or the concepts, questions for discussion, a sample prayer, and the alphabet letter which is made of various symbols that are related to Christianity. An index in the back explains the significance of each symbol and most include a Scripture citation. Appropriate for ages four and older.

I think most Christians will agree with the concepts presented in The Christian Alphabet Book. However, there is prominent Catholic imagery in some of the symbols that non-Catholic Christians may or may not be uncomfortable with. Examples include: a person praying while holding an ornate cross, halos around the heads of Mary and Jesus. I found the information about the Greek/Latin words and letters to be quite interesting. I think this book would best be used in a Catholic Sunday school or children's church setting, but could also be effective in teaching one's own children.

To learn more about The Christian Alphabet, visit its website.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher via PumpUpYourBook. 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."