Bibles and devotions go together kind of like locks and keys since devotions are sometimes the key that “unlock” scripture with fresh insights. That’s especially true in the NIV Real Life Devotional Bible for Women from Zondervan Publishers released March 19th. Devotions, penned for women by women from Proverbs 31 Ministries and the President Lysa TerKeurst, share collective hurts, struggles and worries common to all. From young mothers to married women to single or older women, gospel targeted narratives touch hearts and minds with the reality of God’s truth, forgiveness, redemption and grace.
Three-hundred-sixty-six single page devotions are positioned near the scripture’s text for ease of lookup. Narratives are numbered but do not include dates or follow a specific reading plan. Each features a topical theme, brief elaboration with related scripture at the bottom, even a “go to” note for the next devotion.
For example, the devotion, No need to fear by Micca Campbell (pg. 824) is about negative aspects of fear that paralyze emotionally, breed fear, suspicion and worry. Such fear robs us of sleep and leads to distraction during the day over real or imagined consequences. Dozens of bible verses tell God’s children not to be afraid like the verse from this devotion, Isaiah 41:13. “For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you.’”
Useful indexes list devotions by subject to help the reader find a topic of interest or by author if following a specific writer in addition to alphabetized “author and contributor indexes.” Plus a brief author or contributor bio with website links.
The Devotional Bible’s appealing blue colors, artwork and dust jacket is found throughout the Bible pages as well as the hardback binding, which mirrors the dust cover. The size is easy to handle and the font size appears standard though it isn’t listed.
While this Bible follows the NIV thought-for-thought translation, this edition combines the 1984 revised translation with the 2005 revision known as Today’s New International Version, the TNIV. The Preface includes information about reasons for any changes, such as the controversial “gender neutral” revision and non-gospel sectional headings for reader aids.
I personally like and use the NIV and didn’t find anything objectionable in the TNIV, still readers need to be familiar with God’s Word and aware of any change to its content. I especially like this edition for its simplicity, authenticity and identification with real problems women face. The messages of hope found in the devotions direct readers to scripture that promotes faith, encouragement, trust and belief. It’s like hearing from a friend who’s been there, gets it and understands. This would make a wonderful gift for friend, loved one or mom for Mother’s Day.
***Check out the list that headlines the review for confirmation and Mother’s Day Bibles***
‘NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women: Insights for Everyday Life’ by Lysa TerKeurst, Hardcover, Zondervan Publishers, March 19, 2013, 1536 Pages, 978-0310439363, $34.99
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