A Fresh Start (Review & Bible Giveaway!)

Do you need a fresh start?

I don’t know what it is about this time of year, but it sometimes makes me a sentimental head case.

The year gone by feels like a blurry haze, the pressure’s on to make time count, and the constant admonitions to do better clutter my thought life as I put my head to the pillow each night.

I start questioning where I’ve been and where I’m going.

Ironically, a few weeks ago, I was given the opportunity to review something called the “Fresh Start Bible.” And when I signed up to share about it, I thought, “well, that’s perfect. Because a fresh start sounds great right now and I know what I need is found in God’s Word.”

It’s funny how we can know something and still not feel or do it. I mean, I may know I need a fresh start and time spent with God facilitates just that, but this time of year? I often try to manufacture my fresh start by scrolling through social media, shopping on Amazon, and vowing to do better starting January 1.

I don’t want to spend December that way this year.

So I picked up the Fresh Start Bible and started reading. Psalm 51:10-12 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.”

You may wonder, like I did, what makes The Fresh Start Bible different from other great versions. The Fresh Start Bible is unique because of the inclusion of contemporary resources to equip readers in their spiritual journeys. In fact, the tagline is “Direction for Every Day.”

The Fresh Start Bible has been designed for those who are new to faith, rededicating their life, or for anyone who might be encouraged by reminders of how following God makes a difference in our lives. At it’s heart, the The Fresh Start Bible is about loving God and loving people. The focus on discipleship is evident through many features including two in-depth programs, a small group leader guide, suggestions for small group study, practical teachings, studies about worship, finding freedom, and reading God’s Word. Each book of the Bible also includes introductions, and cultural/historical background information. In some ways, it feels like there’s someone holding your hand as you read through the passages.

The editors used the New Living Translation (there’s a whole section on why and details of the translating process).

What stood out the most to me about the Fresh Start Bible was a 52 lesson program called, “The Fresh Start Journey” by Pastor Jimmy Evans (Gateway Church). The program is about the basics of Christian living and addresses questions such as. “What should I believe about God?” “How do I accept Jesus?” and “How do I forgive?” Each section points readers to scripture and asks follow-up questions.

Needless to say, I love The Bible and I love this particular version. If you want to find out more about it, you can visit the website here. You can also find it on Amazon. I am also super excited to be able to give away a copy of this Bible! Just comment below by 11:59pm PST December 7th, 2019 and let me know what makes the Fresh Start Bible interesting to you. I will pick one winner at random on December 8th and send the winner a copy!

Bibles make great gifts because we all could use a fresh start. One of my favorite ways to give a Bible is to write a note of encouragement and highlight or underline my favorite verses. If you win the giveaway, you can keep it for yourself or share it with a friend. And I promise I won’t underline my favorite verses but this has to be one of my favorites:

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” ~Lamentations 3:22 & 23