Max Lucado - (NCV) The Devotional Bible: Experiencing The Heart Of Jesus

by Karen Hill

The Devotional Bible is an exhilarating experience. As you read, youll uncover a saga of suspense and intrigue. Flip over a few pages and find poetry and romance. Turn the pages again and read tales of clashing conquerors, brave shepherds, and a captivating Carpenter. Chronicles of faith, miracles, misdeeds, and good deeds. Kings, queens, peasantsthe uncommon and the commonplace. Mystery, suspense, intrigue, drama, humor, poetry, romance its all in these pages stories of real people, with real problems, real joys, and a real Savior. All of that, plus some distinctive features to help you see that what happened on these pages is still happening todaythat the truths of old are truths for our age.

Life Lessons

To enrich your study, this Bible has some unique features some helpful tools to expand your understanding. Youll notice Life Lessons in the margins. Each Life Lesson contains a Situation, Observation, Inspiration, Application, and Exploration.

The Situation gives a quick look into the context of the chapter: it answers the question, Whats going on in this passage?

The Observation goes beneath the action to explain the point of the action. What truth or lesson is noticeable in the action of these people?

The Inspiration takes a point or lesson found in the chapter and amplifies it. Excerpted from the writings of Christian authors, these inspirations extend the main point and give it a contemporary message that will be useful in your private devotion or for sharing with a group.

The Application brings the message home. How can I use what Ive learned in this chapter? Is there anything about my life that I should change as a result of what Ive already learned by reading this?

The Exploration lists other scripture related to the same theme, for further study. Reading the Exploration verses provides a strong sense of the Bible as a complete story, rather than just a collection of short stories and lists of rules.

Full-Page Devotional Bible Studies

Scattered throughout the text you will discover full-page devotional Bible Studies. These encouraging pages will reveal what God thinks about you. Use the index to the topical inserts on page ix in the front of this Bible to locate specific topics covered on these pages.

Christ Through the Bible

The Christ Through the Bible articles are a helpful tool for understanding how the Bible truly is one storythe story of Gods plan of salvation as fulfilled through his Son, Jesus Christ. These notes help you discover the presence and attributes of Jesus Christ throughout the Old and New Testament. For example, observe how Jesus is foreshadowed as our high priest in the book of Exodus and how his title as Lamb of God can be seen in Leviticus.

New Life in Christ

The New Life in Christ articles help you walk through Gods plan of salvation as it unfolds through the Old Testament and is fully revealed with the birth, life, and ministry of Jesus in the New Testament. This series of short articles will also help you explore the path of discipleship, as it delves into aspects of the Christian walk. Let the questions found at the end of each article prompt you to a closer walk with Christ.

He Did This Just for You Verses

These verses reveal more about who Christ is and what he did for you. They will help you personalize Gods message and draw closer to your Savior.

New Believer Studies

These short studies will help you learn more about your faith and will answer some of the hard questions that may be on your mind. The studies cover a variety of topics, such as how to know that youre saved, how to pray, how to face temptation, and much more.

Spiritual Growth Verses

These verses cover topics of spiritual growth, such as your daily walk with God, listening to him, and forgiving others.

The Big Picture Reading Plan

This simple 30-day reading plan will introduce you to key passages throughout the New Testament.

Where to Turn When Index

This list leads you to relevant verses for many of lifes complicated questions and situations.

Reading Program

Designed to inspire you in your daily walk, the study helps are streamlined for ease of use. The comments are quick, tightly written nuggets to give you the most information in the briefest format possible, to assist your search for understanding. How do you use The Devotional Bible? The Life Lessons coincide with the chapters they address. It is best to read the Situation first. Then read the scripture referenced with the Life Lesson. Go to the Observationis this the point you understood as you read the action? Move on to the Inspiration. If youre in a class, read and discuss the Inspiration, then use the Application for further discussion. If you are studying alone, keep a journal of your commitment to new goals suggested by the Application.

A Brief Note to Parents and Teachers

This Bible is adaptable to any age group and is especially useful with mixed-age groups. For adults, the margin information can be used to initiate further study and discussion. For families or in childrens classes, they can be used as self-contained devotionals. The