NIV Student Bible-Zondervan

Available: July 2011
World excluding United Kingdom & Europe

A hardcover study Bible for students of the Bible with notes and articles written by Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford. Includes the full text of the NIV Bible, the world’s most popular modern English Bible translation.

Description: 
This Bible’s proven, common-sense approach to studying the Scriptures appeals to high school students and college readers. Its thoughtful, carefully researched features will help overcome common obstacles to reading and understanding the Bible. Written and edited by award-winning authors Philip Yancey and Tim Stafford. Features: • Complete NIV text • Three-track reading plan • Book introductions and overviews • Insights provide background information on key passages • Guided Tours offer a bird’s-eye view of the Bible • Highlights present short commentary on specific verses • 100 People You Should Know • Indexes, glossaries, and study helps • Subject guide • Eight pages of maps with index

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The NIV Student Bible is a helpful introduction to the Lord's Word for youth and adults who do not have experience reading the Bible;  it is also a valuable resource for more seasoned Bible readers, Sunday School teachers, and Bible study leaders. The Reading Plans and many comprehensive helps (e.g., Guided Tour of the Bible; 100 People You Should Know; notes, charts, maps and explanations) enable the novice to understand the underlying themes of the Bible and the many Biblical characters quickly, while offering deeper explanations, understanding and connections to those already familiar with the Bible. 

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* I received an advance copy from the publisher for purposes of review. I was in no way obligated to write a review much less a favorable one. The opinions stated herein are all my own.

Today's Inspiration

Whatever You Do Will Prosper

Today’s Scripture:

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers”
(Psalm 1:3, NIV)

Today’s Word:

God’s plan is for you to prosper and be successful in every area of your life. Some people might say, “I don’t see how you can say that with the economy like it is. All the experts are saying it’s going to get worse before it gets better.” That may be true in general, but it doesn’t have to be true for believers in Jesus. We are connected to a supply line that will never run dry. Don’t be talked in to having a bad year. The economy is not your source. God is your source. And God wants to bless you beyond your salary. He wants to bless you beyond your normal income. He likes to do unusual things. He can bless you with what I call an explosive blessing! That means, all of the sudden, unexpectedly, something happens that takes you to a new level. Old limitations are broken, and suddenly, you find yourself further than you ever dreamed!

The key is found in Psalm 1:1-2. We have to separate ourselves from the system of the world and set our heart and mind on the Word of God. When you meditate on His promises and follow His commands, you will experience these explosive blessings. When you put Him first, you will be strong and stable, and whatever you do will prosper!

Prayer for Today:

Father God, thank You for Your Word which lights my path and directs my heart. I submit every area of my life to You and put You first in everything I do. Teach me Your ways so I can walk with You and experience everything You have in store for me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Joel and Victoria Osteen

Lightening the Load-Weekly Devotional from Pastor Bayless Conley

When we get into the storms of life, it is often difficult to know what to do.  It can feel like the noise of our troubles drowns out everything else.

In Acts 27 we find the apostle Paul caught in the midst of a horrible storm.  The ship was being tossed all over the place, and the situation was becoming quite serious.

Embedded in this story is a spiritual truth that can guide you and me when we get caught in the storms of life.  It is found in verses 18-19,

And because we were exceedingly tempest-tossed, the next day they lightened the ship.  On the third day we threw the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands.

Notice that when the storm got bad and threatened to capsize the ship, they lightened the load.

Sometimes in a storm you need to throw some things overboard.  In fact, it is a great time to evaluate any baggage that you are carrying in your life.  There are some things that may not be a sin to you, but they are a weight to you.
          
One of the things you need to carefully evaluate is your relationships.  There are some relationships you need to cut loose because they are hanging you up, holding you back, and they are hindering you from getting to where God wants you to go.

Or maybe it’s something as simple as too much TV.  Watching TV may not be a sin, but it can sure be a weight!  It can sure be a hindrance to you hearing from God, especially when you are in a time of crisis.

If you really want to hear from God and get yourself unstuck, lighten your ship.

Answers with Bayless Conley