Transformation Study Bible - review

This review will be my first of any form of Bible. The Transformation Study Bible has truly been a blessing in my quiet times, as the translation is well-done and the added features with this version make scriptures literally "jump off the page".

Many of you will recognize the name of Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe from his "Be" series. His thoughts and commentary are throughout this Study Bible, adding some depth to your personal times in study and meditation. Each book begins with a detailed outline, including the theme, key verse and overall breakdown. Throughout this edition, you will come across “Catalyst” note sections, in which Dr. Wiersbe challenges the reader to make true “transformation” in a personal way.

This is my first read of the New Living Translation, and I find the scripture easily readable and also good for memorization. Some translations are easy to read and understand, but the memorization is difficult at best. That would seem to hinder the ability to hide the Word in our hearts, right?

I would give this translation a 4 out of 5, but with this study version, would upgrade to 5 out of 5, a must-have for anyone who is looking for added depth in their personal, daily Bible study time. For more information on this book, or any others from Davod C. Cook publishers, check out their site here.

New Layout

Just wanted to ask for your personal ideas on the new layout and design of the blog. This is my second try at re-vamping the look of the blog, and I thought I would take a totally different approach at the whole visual concept. Thanks for your continued prayers and I have an idea for my next post, plus several reviews that are overdue. Have a blessed day and please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf today!!!

Where to from here???

As I sit thinking about the coming graduation and all the hopes, dreams and ambitions for those walking across that platform, I also think about the necessity of not facing the future without following that which has been taught since your youth. I know not all the graduates have been raised in Christian homes, but for those that have it would be tragedy to just "grow out of" the teachings learned from parents via Biblical standards.

Looking at setting a goal for the future, my mind goes to Philippians 3:13-16, which reads..."Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do , forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,(14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (15) Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. (16) Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing."

Here Paul is talking about not dwelling on those things in the past and working toward the calling that God has placed in his life. Sometimes, when we get out on our own, we decide that we know better than what we have been taught under our parents tutelage. Am I the only one who went that way and found out they really duid know what they were talking about? Do you notice in verse 15 it states that if someone is other minded, the truth shall be revealed by God? That's an amazing thing to think of. If we are honestly seeking the truth...through prayer and searching the Scripture...God will reveal it to us. But we must also stick to what we have learned (Biblically) and walk accordingly.

As many of you know, I like to look at what the Amplified version says, as often it brings more depth. Here's how it ptranslates the same passage..."I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, (14) I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward. (15) So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also. (16) Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that."

Paul says he is far from perfect, but he keeps his eyes forward...looking at what God has ahead instead of dwelling on the past. Any of you know someone who always talks about the "Good 'Ole Days" all the time? They tend to just meander through life with no rhyme or reason. They are living in the past. I am not saying to forget what has happened in your life, but if we dwell only on what has happened, how can we be prepared for action that is to come?

So, not only is this a message for those who are entering into a new phase of life, but also those of us who get sidetracked by the fun times of years past. Let's remember those times with fondness, but keep heads up and looking to reach the mark the Lord has in front of us.

Oh, and by the way...Congratulations, Class of 2010!!!

Let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf!!!

Can You Be Trusted???

Too many times we seem to ask God why we can't have more than what we already have, right? Whether it be money, stuff, friends, etc. But, are we found faithful in the meager things we might have? Are we faithful in the smallest things? If we aren't faithful with what we have now, how can we expect to be blessed with more?

Thinking on this brought to mind the passage found in Luke 16:10-12..."Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much. (11) So if you have not been faithful with the unrighteous money, who will trust you with what is genuine? (12) And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to someone else, who will give you what is your own?"


We get it brought down to our level here...whoever is faithful in little will be faithful with much and whoever isn't faithful in little can't be trusted with more.


I was looking at the passage in two other translations as well...The Message translation reads like this..."Jesus went on to make these comments: If you’re honest in small things, you’ll be honest in big things; (11) If you’re a crook in small things, you’ll be a crook in big things. (12) If you’re not honest in small jobs, who will put you in charge of the store?" Here it brings it down to an idea of a work situational setting. If we aren't able to bag the groceries, or even stock shelves on our own, how are we to be handed the keys to run the place?


Too many times, we want to run things without ever doing the menial tasks to earn favor, right? Believe you me, I am speaking at and to myself as much as anyone in this case. Let's not get weary doing the work...remember the verse found in Galatians 6:9..."And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." So, commit to do the work and wait on God's timing...


Let's look at the Amplified version, which reads..."He who is faithful in a very little [thing] is faithful also in much, and he who is dishonest and unjust in a very little [thing] is dishonest and unjust also in much. (11) Therefore if you have not been faithful in the [case of] unrighteous mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions), who will entrust to you the true riches? (12) And if you have not proved faithful in that which belongs to another [whether God or man], who will give you that which is your own [that is, the true riches]?"


I have come to enjoy reading the other translations to help make the words "jump of the page"...The point today is simple...If you aren't faithful in the little things, don't expect great reward...but be found faithful in the little and God will bless you abundantly.


Please let me know if you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf! Have a blessed day!!!

Come Unto Me...

Over the past week, I can't number the times I have heard others talking about the weariness they are experiencing through the trial and tribulations of this life. It's a normal thing that we will continue to face until Christ's return. So, where can we find a place to hide and recuperate?

The best passage that come up in my mind is found in Matthew 11:28..."Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (30) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

The Amplified Bible reads the same passage as follows..."Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. [I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.] (29) Take My yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. (30) For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good--not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne."

I love the Amplified version's depiction of rest...it's not just about sleeping or laying around, but also of recreation and refreshment. When we get weary sometimes, we want to just take a nap, right? But, that may not be the way we need refreshed at every point along our journey. Sometimes a "blessed quiet" time alone with God is what we need. When was the last time you spent alone with God to get rejuvenated? I think He could be exactly what you need, right?

Too often, we get mired down in the muck of this world and do all we can to get ourselves out, but never turn to the Master who can reach us no matter how far down we might be. If you are weary, worn down, need some refreshment...or just need to start back anew, call on Jesus' name...He will give you the rest you so terribly need!!!

I wanted to share the picture above simply for the fact that of all the pictures we see depicting Jesus, when was the last time you saw one with Him smiling? He's a friend and wants to see the smile put back in your life...

If you have a special prayer request I can word on your behalf, please let me know!!!