LifeWay Women’s Christian Standard Bible
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2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) For God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline
Don’t let Bible versions intimidate you from reading the Bible
I remember growing up reading the King James Version of the Bible and thinking it was the equivalent of Shakespeare. Eloquent words strung together that I couldn’t understand or follow; It was intimidating. Then I grew up spiritually. I enjoyed listening to sermons and reading books about devotion and faith, but when it came to the Bible. I will have to admit it became intimidating and scary. I joined a Bible studies group and still owned that same KJV Bible I had been carrying with me since I left for college.
While in Bible Study, people would read the verses clearly in a language I could understand. Say what? I would try to follow my KJV, still lost and confused. Until one day, I noted their version of the Bible and immediately sought the help of Amazon.com. Oh, the options, so many to choose from; deciding on an NIV (New International Version) for myself and NLT (New Living Translation) for my daughter. Since then, I have purchased an Amplified Bible (AMP) and have become a little Bible-obsessed. I now have many versions in my collection. You can easily download an app to get cross-references, but I enjoy turning pages.
Trying something new
Recently, I received the LifeWay Women’s Christian Standard Bible, and I love it. It was at the perfect timing when I was feeling the need to study in a different version. The LifeWay Women’s Bible is such a delight. It’s the “something new” I was seeking. What makes the LifeWay Women’s Bible different from other Bibles I have is that there are many additional bonuses. Hundreds of devotionals, character profiles, plenty of space to journal and take notes, and the maps are so vivid.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Devotionals in the LifeWay Christian Standard Bible
I read an alarming statistic that about 11% of people who profess to be believers read the Bible. Many don’t find the relevance or a connection to reading the Word. First, the Bible is a way for us to see the character of God and get direction from God, and we can usually find a relatable circumstance in the Word of God. It is just as relevant now as it was in Biblical times, and most people’s confusion can be found in the living Word.
If that is not enough encouragement for you to read your Bible, the LifeWay Christian Women’s Christian Standard Bible has over a hundred devotionals through the Bible that is a reinforcement of the Scripture reading. For example, the corresponding page of Joshua 1 has a devotional on how to Meditate. Reading devotionals and character profiles helps to bring the Word to life. The devotionals are written by LifeWay’s amazing women like Priscilla Shirer,
Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
What makes the Lifeway Women?
Reading the Bible can be intimidating. The LifeWay Women’s Bible makes reading the Bible accessible and applicable to daily life. It doesn’t seem like words that can’t be applied today. It gives you additions to make the Word relevant. We know the Word is true now and forever, but when you’re first trying to read the Bible, it’s nice to have these additions.
A little extra help is, okay!
Character Profiles are an excellent way for readers to relate to the story. I love the different character profile commentaries written by other female theologians. The maps are so detailed and bright. It makes it easy to see where characters traveled and brings context to what you’re reading.
We need the Truth from the Word
When I first came to Christ, no one took me under, showings and showed me these things, or told me I could use a different version of the Bible. Not that I needed permission, but I did need guidance. I was looking for a mentoring program but never found one. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we had a Titus Women type mentorship in the Church? Many churches have it, but mine does not, I even asked and never was connected with anyone so I had to seek out mentors myself. Online Bible Teachers became a great source. It’s not ideal but in this disconnected world. It’s nice to find a community somewhere, even ifWesternn world; we must use every necessary tool t in this modern world to get the Truth. There is salvation in the Word and so much to learn and grow you need to find a Bible the one that allows you to understand. I am grateful for Bibles that make the Word easier to read and more accessible. This Bible is a new addition to the LifeWay Bible Collection, and I highly recommend you get it or gift it to someone you love.
