Thursday, April 25, 2019

The Chronology of Israel's Kings and Prophets

This pamphlet "The Chronology of Israel's Kings and Prophets" is a must for anyone studying the Old Testament. As a student of the Bible, the New Testament was always easier for me. First and Second Kings and First and Second Chronicles seemed repetitive and confusing. The Old Testament books labeled the Major and Minor Prophets took more historical training. When I studied the Divided Kingdom, I was a novice and struggled to line up the prophets and the kings with the Upper and Lower Kingdom. The fact that different prophets could serve different kings during the same time period was the key to make a timeline. As a participant in Community Bible Study, I enjoyed entering pertinent facts on a table or chart. Trying to make create my own chart was time-consuming and tedious. When I became a bible study teacher, I searched for a resource to share with others. Hendrickson Publishers and Rose Publishing have the perfect tool: "The Chronology of Israel's Kings and Prophets." The facts are organized in a clear and concise manner throughout this pamphlet using a color. Starting with the book of First Samuel the people demanded a king. Saul and David were anointed by Samuel, chosen by God. Prophets names are written in red. The key events for the King and Prophets are listed in the table with the chapter of the book included. The reign of King Saul is noted with a yellow stripe running vertically on the chart. The reign of King David is shown with the dark green band and King Solomon is denoted with the lighter green band. After the death of Solomon, the kingdom was divided, his descendants ruling Judah in the south and other kings ruling Israel in the North. The color key for the Divided Kingdom: PROPHETS are in red; KINGS OF ISRAEL (Northern Kingdom) are in gold; KINGS OF JUDAH (Southern Kingdom) are in blue. Key events are listed by chapter (CH). The boxes sprinkled throughout the pamphlet contain relevant information about the kings and prophets. It was a privilege to review this resource from Hendrickson Publishers and Rose Publishing. I received this PDF for a fair review.

Monday, April 15, 2019

100 Days of Peace


This collection of devotions by Stephen Arterburn is appropriate for this time in our lives. So many people are seeking peace. The only true peace can be found through Jesus Christ in the Words of the Holy Bible. I enjoyed the format of the devotions. A simple title with a key verse and two or three paragraphs offering encouragement.  Also included are three or four quotes from famous biblical writers including Billy Graham, Oswald Chambers, and C.S. Lewis. My favorite part is “For Further Reflection“ listing four or five additional scripture verses. As a discipleship coach and a Sunday school teacher, I am is always on the lookout for a relevant Christian reading. Scripture is the basis for all of my teaching and I am so glad Stephen Arterburn has included multiple selections of scripture.  Each day ends with a simple prayer. Several topics of interest include; Turbulent Times Build Character, No Problems are Too Big for God, The Right Priorities, Controlling Your Emotions, Facing Fears, Trusting God. There is a listing for almost any type of anxiety. This is a good resource for those who are seeking peace.
 This resource was offered to me for an honest review by Hendrickson Rose  publishing company.