A few years ago, I found myself in a little in-between season—one Bible study had ended and the next wouldn’t begin for another two weeks. While rummaging through my nightstand looking for a pen (why is it always so hard to find one when you need it?), I spotted four small, pocket-sized books I had tucked away for “someday.”
The one on top caught my eye: Epic: The Storyline of the Bible. It felt like just the right fit for the next two weeks. If you haven’t heard of the Bible Savvy series by James L. Nicodem, think What’s in the Bible? – but for grown-ups. (You can read more about the series here.)
Oh, the Wonder of the Word
As I began reading Epic, I was immediately struck by the wonder of God’s Word. Here are just a few facts that stopped me in my tracks:
- It’s a compilation of 66 books
- Written over 1,500 years
- Penned by 40 different authors
- From 10 different countries
- Who held over 20 different occupations—from kings and shepherds to fishermen, doctors, and tax collectors
- Written in 3 different languages—Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic
- With 2,930 characters named
And yet… it tells one story. Just one!
One overarching, unified, beautiful storyline that ties everything together—from Genesis to Revelation.
And that storyline? Redemption.
It’s one giant rescue story. Humanity sinned, and we desperately need a Savior. And God, in His mercy and grace, came to rescue us.
This truth gives me chills every single time.
Call Him Daddy
Think about it—God isn’t some distant ruler just watching from above. He’s not cold or unreachable. He’s a Father who longs for you to crawl into His lap, lean your head against His chest, and simply call Him “Daddy.”
Friend, if you don’t know this redeeming God yet—or if it’s been a while since you felt close to Him—let this be the nudge to draw near. The resources I mentioned above are such great tools to help you start or deepen your journey.
And to help guide your time in the Word, I have two new Bibles I can’t wait to share with you…
Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible
From the soft leather cover with rose artwork to the empowering illustrations tucked inside, this Bible is truly b-e-a-utiful. It features a large 9.5-point font in a single-column format with wide journaling margins and line-art illustrations on every page spread—perfect for note-taking or coloring while you reflect on God’s Word.
This Bible also includes:
- A 52-week Bible reading plan
- Full-color maps
- A concordance
- Two ribbon markers
If you’re someone who enjoys journaling or connecting through art, this Bible in the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) version is a wonderful option. Learn more at Lifeway.
The Open Bible
If you’re looking for a Bible that offers more study support, The Open Bible might be just what you need. This one is in the New King James Version and is full of incredible features that help you dig deeper.
Here’s what makes it shine:
- Book introductions with outlines and overviews (these are incredible!)
- Over 200 word studies
- Timelines, charts, maps, and illustrations
- Gospel harmony to see events across all four Gospels
- And so much more…
The deeper I got into this Bible, the more I thought, “I might need to make this my everyday Bible!”
I’ve struggled in the past with study Bibles that made me rely more on the notes than the actual Scripture. But what I love about The Open Bible is that the study tools are placed before and after the text and sprinkled just enough to help—but not distract—from the Word itself.
If you want something deeper than a basic Bible but not quite as heavy as a full study Bible, The Open Bible hits that sweet spot beautifully.
Giveaway: CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition
I’m excited to give away a copy of the CSB Illustrator’s Notetaking Bible, Large Print Edition ($64.99 value)! All you have to do is, click to enter. This giveaway ends on Wednesday, April 23th @ 12:00 p.m (CST). I’ll announce the winner on the ABCJesusLovesMe Facebook Group—so be sure to check back!
One entry per household, US mailing addresses only. Click to read our Giveaway Rules.
Many thanks to Lifeway Christian Resources and FrontGate Christian Bloggers for providing samples of the products for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
