WestBow Press

Monday, November 26, 2007

Loving Well - Retreat in a Box by Beth Moore

Many large women’s groups have resources to host retreats where speakers and singers can be flown in to minister, but smaller groups do not have this opportunity. What if, no matter what the size of your group or treasury, you could have a renowned Bible teacher come to your church? Now you can.

With the “Retreat in a Box,” Beth Moore teaches a four-part series on Loving Well. The study includes four video sessions, a 28-day Journal that can be used either as part of a 4-week study or as follow up for a retreat, postcards and posters to promote the study, and a tote bag. All you’ll need to do is invite the women.

The kit is very user-friendly with step-by-step instructions. The leader’s guide helps you organize the event outlining responsibilities of the prayer and worship leaders and how to promote the retreat.

The kit includes everything you need to start planning. You’ll only need to order more journals and tote bags so the overall cost per person will be quite reasonable.

Beth Moore teaches with enthusiasm and humor, even giving some hair care tips in a special “Extra Fun” section. The only thing I missed was a recording with praise and worship music, but you could easily use one of many excellent worship CDs to supplement the teaching by Beth Moore – a vibrant and inspirational teacher.

For more information and to order, click HERE.

Product Details:
Publisher: Lifeway Christian Resources
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1415832153
ISBN-13: 978-1415832158

NOTE: I received this kit courtesy of White Post Media.
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Saturday, November 24, 2007

The Literary Study Bible ESV - Leland Ryken & Philip Graham Ryken



I've read study Bibles, devotional Bibles, and even children's Bibles. Reading the Literary Bible gave me a new appreciation for the beauty of God's Word. The goals of Dr. Leland Ryken and Dr. Philip Graham Ryken for the ESV Literary Study Bible are, “(1) to make the Bible reader friendly and (2) to show how application of literary tools of analysis helps in reading and understanding the Bible” (xvii).

The scriptures are organized in single-column paragraphs to read more like a book, but still have chapter divisions and numbered verses. The introductory notes for each book of the Bible give a 'big picture' element to reading the Bible. Instead of focusing only on individual scriptures, they give an overview. Each genre is explored and explained along with the inferred literary intentions and theological themes, but you won't need a degree in literature to appreciate this Bible. Terms are defined in the Glossary of Literary Terms and Genres. Short paragraphs dispersed throughout the text give further details as needed.

I like the idea of the introductory notes for the text before I read it, but cross-reference notes can be helpful and practical. This Bible would make a good supplement to a Bible with the more traditional verse by verse notations, and an excellent choice if you just want to enjoy the literary beauty of God's Word. The ESV LSB is a 'reader's Bible.'


Product Details:
Hardcover: 2016 pages
Publisher: Crossway Bibles (September 14, 2007)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1581348088
ISBN-13: 978-1581348088


Note: I received this material from Crossway Books.

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