Learn to Study the Bible
by Andy Deane

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Pastor Andy Deane’s new book teaches you forty different step-by-step Bible study methods to help you discover, apply and enjoy God’s Word. Each practical method has a handwritten example to demonstrate it and make it easy for you to follow the steps. Learn how to study the Bible with so much variety that you’ll never get into the rut that routine brings ever again. Learn to Study the Bible has more Bible study methods than any other book out there!

Whether you’ve been a Christian for some time or a newbie, daily bible reading along with prayer is essential for growth. Pastor Andy Deane opens his book up with an emphasis on prayer and then follows up with an amazing amount of bible study methods – 40 total. 

I’ve always been big on using journals as apart of my studies. Pastor Deane emphasizes the importance of “developing a habit of writing down what God is revealing to you as you read His Word.” Being a visual person, I really liked viewing the handwritten notes and diagrams for various methods.

I have ran across quite a few bible study method books and articles over the years. I must say this independently published book definitely impressed me. I’m not sure if it has more methods than any other book, but there were quite a few that were new to me. This is one of those resources that is a keeper and would be great to provide as a gift copy to someone you know struggling with bible reading.

I encourage you to check out the companion website for this book at http://www.learntostudythebible.com/

Reviewed by Tyora Moody

Disclaimer: This book was provided for review by Pastor Andy Deane.

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Designer Women
by Ruth Tuttle Conard

Ten different attributes women are designed to be are discussed in view of ten different women (groups of women) from the Bible. The author chose five from the Old Testament and five from the New Testament.
The main problem is there aren’t very many passages about any of these women. The author takes what little there is and then imposes what she thinks each woman would do in a given situation and then discusses how women were designed to do that. There are times when she really stretches it and has no basis in Scripture for most of what she says.

The idea of telling women what they were designed to be on the basis of Scripture is a wonderful idea. But passages that actually prove the point should be used. The author doesn’t have a right to impose her thoughts and feelings on the women of Scripture. The author would have done a better job to describe what Scripture actually says about the women whether or not they fit into a specific category.

When authors base a book on Scripture they have a responsibility not to add or subtract from the Word of God. What this author has done is add thoughts and feelings to historical people to try to prove a point that she’s making.

Although the idea of using Scriptural women to teach women of our age lessons in life is a good thing, it should have been done in a different way. Reading things into Scripture that aren’t there isn’t the right way to go about it.

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The Bible Believer’s Handbook
by Larry Vaughn

The author of The Bible Believer’s Handbook, Larry Vaughn, must have spent considerable time putting together this topical bible reference book. He states,"This is what The Bible Believers Handbook is all about, teaching the things that Jesus commanded us to do (Matthew 28:19-20).”

The handbook is split into five sections with several topics in each.

1. Things of God
   The Blessing of the Lord, Eternal Life, The Holy Spirit, Law, etc
2. Things God Expects You To Do
   To Abide in Christ, To Be Faithful, To Be Godly, To Do God’s Will, etc
3. Good Things
   Confidence, Families, Hope, Love, Patience, etc
4. Evil Things
   Affliction, Anger, Envy, Pride, Sin, etc
5. Life’s Losers
   Adulterers, False Prophets, False Teachers, Liars, etc

Each topic includes related scripture and candid commentary from the author. Vaughn emphasizes this book is for everyone who believes the Bible is the Word of God. Since it’s set-up topically, I can see referring to it often whether you are a new or mature believer.

As a bookworm, I give many books away throughout the year. Books you will rarely see me give away and probably make up the bulk of my bookshelves are bible references books.  The Bible Believer’s Handbook is one of those books that is a definite keeper and as the author states, it’s a book to share with family and friends.

I have to comment in this day and age, believers or those who are curious about the bible, there is plethora of resources available. No excuses NOT to get into God’s Word.

Reviewed by Tyora Moody

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The 52 Greatest Stories of the Bible
by John Alan Turner and Kenneth Boa

It’s that time of the year where I start checking out bible studies and devotions. It’s been awhile since I have read through the bible in a year so I’m definitely looking at bible reading plans.  John Alan Turner and Kenneth Boa recently collaborated on a devotional that can be used throughout the year. I love these kind of devotionals because you get an overview of the Bible. No matter how many times I’ve read Genesis or The Gospels,  there’s a new revelation awaiting when you read it again.  For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. — Hebrew 4:12

Now this isn’t a typical devotion where you have a scripture and short passages to read.  The authors chose fifty-two stories from the bible, so readers can study and meditate on a story for a week. There are some stories that have been left out and others are consolidated into one week’s worth of reading.  For example, the reading for one week is Genesis 12 which focuses on Abraham and the Promise of a Nation.  In another week, the reading includes Exodus 1-14, which tells the story, The Birth of a Nation.

The authors explain in the beginning, this book is in no way intended to replace Bible study.  It is meant to supplement your Bible study. I would suggest reading the bible passages before jumping into the weekly reading.  That would make using The 52 Greatest Stories of the Bible more effective during your quiet time.

The structure of the book follows this weekly format:

• Monday is Narration. The story is paraphrased conversationally in context.
• Tuesday is the Orthodoxy.  Explanation of how the story shapes our beliefs.
• Wednesday is the Orthopathy.  Explanation of how the story shapes our values.
• Thursday is the Orthapraxy. This day covers how the story shapes our actions.
• Friday is the Prayer Response to the story.

If had a gripe about the book, it’s about the structure.  Apparently, John Alan Turner wrote the commentary/explanations for Monday through Thursday. Kenneth Boa wrote the prayers for Friday. I thought the prayer should be placed immediately after the commentary for that day versus lumping them all on Friday.  So, I chose to read the passage for the day and then jump to Friday to read the corresponding prayer.

I have not covered all fifty-two yet, but I will continue the readings into 2009.  John Alan’s writes in a down-to-earth manner that’s humorous and thought-provoking. Kenneth Boa’s prayers are very beautiful written.  Definitely consider purchasing this one for your quiet time.

Reviewed by Tyora Moody

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 The Divine Mentor is for anyone who has been disenchanted or feeling burnt out with their devotion time. The author, Dr. Wayne Cordeiro, reminds us of the many mentors we have in the bible. Folks like Moses, Joshua, David, Rahab and many more have timeless experiences that are still relevant today.

The book is split into three sections, (1) The Voice That Brings Life (2) How to Listen for God’s Voice and (3) How Sweet the Voice. 

[Reviewer's Note] Cordeiro is a man after my heart, because he encourages something that I’ve done for years – journaling .

For people who are a little apprehensive about journaling, Corderio provides a real simple plan called SOAP (Scripture – Observation – Application – Prayer). This plan allows for bible study to become a more intimate experience. Instead of reading somebody else’s thoughts, by keeping a journal, this allows for the person to view their own thoughts and experience the scriptures for themselves.

This book provides a great jumpstart to getting back to the bible for personal devotion times, rather than relying solely on prepared devotionals.

Reviewed by Tyora Moody

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The Busy Mom’s Guide to Bible Study
by Lisa Whelchel

Have you been so busy that bible study ends up being the last item on your daily to-do list? Are you ashamed to admit, you get so busy some days you never crack open the bible? Or maybe you read the bible regularly, but you still desire to go deeper?

If you’re a mom struggling to keep up with your children, keep the house clean and keep husband happy, this little book by Lisa Welch maybe a step in the right direction.  The former Facts of Life star explains up front she’s not a bible expert, but wants to teach skills that make opening the bible not quite so intimidating.

Lisa not only battles business like most moms, but she ran into another problem when it came to bible study — prepackaged bible studies. There’s nothing wrong with these type of studies, but when somebody else has already done the work for you, it takes the passion out of the study.  With The Busy Mom’s Guide to Bible Study, Lisa created a three month system with the ultimate goal of teaching readers how to dig into God’s Word directly.

During the first month, Lisa teaches several skills that can be used to dig deeper into scriptures.  These skills include reading various bible translations, investing in concordances and dictionaries, learning how to meditate on scripture, journaling thoughts, memorizing verses with flash cards and many more simple, but effective skills.

When the student reaches the second month, Lisa elevates the study to another level by adding coaching tips. Her tips encourage the application of the skills learned during the first month. By the time the reader has reached the third month, Lisa uses a hands-off approach, only providing suggestions, allowing the student to choose learned skills to study a particular passage.  By the time, an individual has finished this book, she should be empowered with some pretty solid study skills to continue studying God’s word on her own.

The length of each study is really an appealing factor with the average time probably taking no more than 10 minutes. Despite this short amount of time, a mom will receive a lifetime of valuable skills that she might not receive from reading a devotion only. With a devotion, the reader is basically reading someone’s commentary. With The Busy Mom’s Guide to Bible Study, a mother can learn how to use her limited time to dig deeper into God’s word for herself.

NOTE: As the reviewer for this book, I wanted to mentioned the title can be a little misleading. Not in a bad way! The book is specifically marketed to moms. I’m not a mom, but I found anyone could benefit from the skills Lisa Whelchel presented in this little book.  I would definitely recommend adding The Busy Mom’s Guide to Bible Study to your personal shelf and getting one for a friend. The size is great for sticking down in your purse (and even the diaper bag).

Reviewed by Tyora Moody

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The BECOMING A MAN DVD Bible Study was designed for fathers and sons. The subtitle is “A Father and Son Journey Together.” Two DVD’s, a leader’s guide, a workbook and leather keychain are included in the package.

Yesterday I reviewed WILD ABOUT YOU and there is a distinct difference in the presentation, mainly because this series was designed for adult men and their sons (ages 16-19). The feel and design of the DVD and books are masculine and quite serious. Then again, it should, because in today’s society, becoming a man takes a lot more effort than physically growth. There are serious issues that need to be addressed that are often downplayed in the world.

Robert Lewis, the Executive Director of Global Reach, a research and resource organization, serves as the teacher for this series. Lewis is also the founder of the Men’s Fraternity which is a worldwide ministry that helps thousands of men embrace a Christ centered, authentic manhood.

The DVD includes six sessions:

• The Four Faces of Manhood
• Genesis and Manhood, Part 1
• Genesis and Manhood, Part 2
• The Two Adams of Manhood
• A Biblical Definition of Manhood
• A Man and His Life Journey

Lewis begins each session with a teaching that is punctuated with biblical scriptures and storytelling. After the teaching, students (fathers and sons) can follow a PowerPoint like presentation and record their answers in their workbook. The workbook allows for a thirty minute interaction between the fathers and sons.

The young men that are involved definitely have to be mature and have a willing heart to want to participate. Once again the suggested age for participation is ages 16-19.

The format is wonderful, but it would be nice to see the lessons tailored for a younger age, possibly around 12-13, where minds become really impressionable. Starting as early as possible with discussing manhood certainly can’t hurt.

Reviewed by Tyora Moody

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Wild About You

Author Angela Thomas presents a DVD bible study geared towards teenage girls. Angela is the mother of four children, speaker, teacher, and best-selling author of Do You Think I’m Beautiful? and A Beautiful Offering. Angela’s ministry and past book offerings often center around building women and young women up in Christ. Very transparent with her writing and experiences, Angela teams up with members of the Barlow Girl to bring the WILD ABOUT YOU bible study to youth leaders and their female youth members. The WILD ABOUT YOU package includes a leader’s guide, a bible study book and a DVD.

The six sessions included on the DVD are:

• Am I Invisible or What?
• What Does God See in Me Anyway?
• The Voices of Other Loves
• Whispers of Unbelief
• What Lies Do I Believe?
• Time to Dance

Angela serves as the host as she introduces each session. She is candid and honest about issues that she faced as a young woman and how those issues are still relevant today. Rebecca, Alyssa and Lauren Barlow (Barlow Girl) provide entertainment and also provide stories of their own. The DVD sets the tone for discussion with music, animated presentations and plain girl talk.

The bible study book was created to resemble a magazine. This format is quite popular and has been used by many publishers with great success. The layout certainly works and will encourage a young woman to pour into the articles and quizzes. This reviewer’s only gripe was the lack of representation of various ethnic groups missing in the pages. Of course that can be found in regular teen magazines. Still it would have been nice to see the layout visually reach a wide range of girls from various backgrounds.

The WILD ABOUT YOU DVD bible study should be a big hit with girls and their youth leaders.

Reviewed by Tyora Moody

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Oxygen: Deep Breathing for the Soul
by Keri Wyatt Kent

Keri Wyatt Kent, the author of Breathe offers the perfect guide to Christians desiring to deepen their walk with Christ. The author reveals several practices that will help develop our most important relationship — the same one that often gets neglected due to the busyness of life. These simple practices have been apart of the Christian tradition for centuries. The author takes the reader on a journey through learning the following practices in 28 weeks.

Deep Listening – This involves reading the words slowly, letting each word from the verse or chapter sink in. The reader should listen and make note of any word or phrases that stand out.

Journaling – The author encourages the reader to purchase a blank notebook and nice colored pens. The journal can be used for writing or sketching, but it is not meant to be critiqued by the journal owner or others. This activity opens up thought patterns, allowing the student to track over time.

Being There – Imagine yourself in the passage you are reading. This method is based on Gospel Meditation or the Ignatian Method, name after a monk, Saint Ignatius of Loyola.

Breather Prayer – This is a short prayer that can be prayed in the space of one breath. This technique provides the person an opportunity to focus his/her mind by meditating on Jesus versus the distraction.

Solitude – Being alone with God is the sole purpose for this technique. People have been conditioned to desire business or noise around them. During this technique a person must not only spend time alone, but spend it in silence.

Kindness – The last practice requires putting your faith in action. We must remind ourselves life is not about us, but about God and others.

In our walk, we have to learn to be flexible and try new things to refresh our souls. It is really easy to get into a routine and thus find ourselves in a boring rut where we are not growing spiritually. Oxygen: Deep Breathing for the Soul is definitely a keeper for the bookshelf for those times when a person needs to revive his/ her quality time with God.

Reviewed by Tyora Moody

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