Category: Tyndale Bible Update

“How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey.” Psalm 119:103, NLT

Chocolate bunnies, jelly beans, and peanut butter filled eggs all make Easter baskets a tasty surprise, but why not give the young person in your life the sweetest gift, God’s Word. From kids to teens and beyond Tyndale Bibles offer engaging Bibles that help your loved ones savor God’s Word.

Hands-On Bible
What if you could not just read but also taste, feel, and smell Bible truths? What if the Bible was filled with games, crafts, and even snacks to make Bible stories come to life? Wouldn’t that make it the coolest Bible around? Enter the Hands-On Bible! This Bible takes you beyond just reading to truly experiencing the Bible through activities that you can do together with your child, making Scripture relevant, fun and memorable.

Boys Life Application Study Bible
Packed full of notes and features, the Boys Life Application Study Bible is easy to use and helps answer the questions preteen boys may have about God and life. The notes help them learn to think biblically about real issues they face, such as self-esteem, friendship, and peer pressure. Discovering God’s will for their lives has never been this much fun!

The Epic Bible
Get swept away by God’s awesome story in this riveting graphic Bible. The Epic Bible tells the central story of the Bible, with dramatic, full-color art created by some of DC and Marvel’s best comic book artists. Whether you’re reading the Bible for the first time or looking for a fresh perspective, The Epic Bible’s cinematic storytelling will make God’s Word come alive.

Girls Life Application Study Bible
A one-of-a-kind discipleship resource, the Girls Life Application Study Bible helps girls draw closer to God and establish healthy relationships with those around them. Over 800 Life Application notes plus full-color features are designed to help girls learn more about the Bible, understand the big story, meet Jesus, know what it means to follow him, learn how to share their faith with others, and gain practical faith and relationship skills that will help them live out what they believe.

Inspired for Girls and More!
Inspire Bible for Girls is designed to draw girls deeper into God’s Word and to inspire creativity and connection with God! It includes over 500 beautiful full and partial-page Scripture line-art illustrations to color are attractively displayed throughout the Bible. In addition, there are over 300 devotionals, journaling prompts, and interesting Bible facts to enhance girls’ coloring and creative journaling journey through the Bible. Girls can leave traces of their faith throughout their Bible for a unique treasure that will truly inspire!

But don’t forget our other titles in the Inspire Bible line. These best-selling coloring and journaling Bibles are perfect for girls and people of all ages.

Streetlights New Testament

The Streetlights New Testament is an interactive, digital experience that cuts through misconceptions about the Bible. It encourages readers to listen to, read, and study it with fresh ears and hearts. It includes access to the Streetlights Audio Bible, and features like profiles, book introductions, and devotionals that encourage youth and young adults to go deeper into God’s Word in a way they can understand.

Teen Life Application Study Bible
The Teen Life Application Study Bible is filled with features designed to meet the challenges and needs of today’s high school students. Combining traditional study Bible features like book introductions, textual notes, person profiles, and maps with application-oriented features focusing on choices, real-life issues, and real-life stories of actual teens, the Teen Life Application Study Bible helps answers the tough questions and ground teens in their faith.

A Few Other Ideas:

Maybe you are looking for an Easter gift for a young adult or someone else in your life. Here are a few ideas:

Filament Bible Collection
These beautifully crafted Bibles offer a simple and engaging reading experience. But just scan a page with your phone or tablet and it opens an app filled with thousands of study and worship resources and content curated to the page you are reading.  

Immerse: The Reading Bible
Ever had a book you just couldn’t put down? Immerse: The Reading Bible takes away all the distractions and gets you right into story. With no chapters and verses and a cover that feels more like a novel than a Bible it’s like reading the Bible again for the first time. Start falling in love with the Bible all over again

Art of Life Bible
The Art of Life Bible weaves the beautiful NLT text into a rich tapestry of artwork illustrating many living things mentioned in Scripture. Captions highlighting their significance and wide-margin design offer readers a unique way to meditate on Scripture focusing on God’s creation. Featuring 450 original hand-drawn illustrations in a unique style this Bible encourages contemplation and visual interaction with the Word.

by Kim Adetunji, brand manager

It’s fun to reminisce and look back on God’s blessings! Next month marks the 5-year anniversary of the launch of the first Inspire Bible. Back then, some people wondered whether anyone would be interested in coloring or creating art in a Bible!

It may seem like coloring Bibles have been around for a long time, or perhaps you are just now discovering them, but not that long ago, Bibles with hundreds of pre-printed, ready to color Scripture line-art illustrations beautifully-displayed alongside the Bible text didn’t exist. Coloring and being creative in our Bibles has become a favorite way for many to meditate on God’s living and active Word, to express key truths, and to create legacy Bibles with notes and prayers that will be given to our loved ones someday.

For the first 7 or 8 months after the Inspire Bible released in March 2016, we could not keep it in stock. Our favorite comment back then was when someone compared it to the Cabbage Patch doll craze of the 1980s, when no store could keep them on their shelves! It was the same with the Inspire Bible—and soon after, the teal original Inspire Bible became the bestselling Bible of 2016! Five years and many editions of Inspire later, the teal is still our most-loved binding. In fact, some of you may have noticed we were out of stock in the months leading up to Christmas (sorry!).

It has been so much fun interacting with so many of you through our Inspire Bible journaling events and studies, in our social media communities, and by email over the years. Please reach out any time! We love hearing from you, and we’re always blessed to be able to get even a tiny glimpse into what God is doing in your life.

Imagine if we could capture all of the stories of life-change represented by each Bible that has been read and journaled in. Or if we could flip through all of the pages that have personal expressions of faith and Scripture truths or notes and prayers splashed across them in response to time spent with the Lord in his Word. Imagine if we could hear how God inspired each entry. What if we could hear all of the testimonies of how God made himself known on those pages—of how God provided instruction, vision, hope, peace, strength, wisdom, courage, and yes, even course-correction and conviction of sin. We need it all in our pursuit to know God and live in step with him.

God’s Word is living and active. If you doubt it, or if you’ve never experienced the power of God’s Word to transform, begin reading; make a daily habit of it. Say a prayer before you read to invite God to speak to you through his Word, and quiet your heart to listen. It’s the greatest adventure, and you’ll soon find yourself hungering to be in the Word, walking closer with the Lord than you thought was possible and living it out as you genuinely seek him.

If you’re new to the idea of Bible journaling and you think you might enjoy expressing your creativity on the pages of your Bible, read on! There are a bunch of new releases in the Inspire Bible line. Perhaps one of them will interest you.

If you haven’t already read today’s Inspire Bible Ambassador Spotlight, you’ll be blessed to read about how Bible journaling has drawn Barbie of Instagram’s @contigo.art closer to the Lord and has strengthened her faith!

For those who are interested in what is new and coming soon, please read on.

Now Available

INSPIRE BIBLE – ORIGINAL EDITION

Inspire Bible NLT Softcover Pink
Inspire Bible NLT HC LL Navy

New Releases in MAY 2021

INSPIRE PRAYER BIBLE

Inspire PRAYER Bible Giant Print NLT LeatherLike Purple
Inspire PRAYER Bible NLT Softcover

New Releases in JUNE 2021

INSPIRE BIBLE FOR GIRLS

Inspire Bible for Girls NLT LeatherLike Pink

INSPIRE CATHOLIC BIBLE

Inspire Catholic Bible NLT LeatherLike Dark Brown

New Release in JULY 2021

INSPIRE: MATTHEW AND MARK

Inspire: Matthew & Mark Softcover

Valentine’s Day is a great time to share what you love. And we LOVE Bibles!!! There are so many wonderful Bibles out there, but we have a few that make our hearts so happy. We love them so much that we just can’t help but share them! Here are a few of ours. What are yours?

Maissie Currently I love the Immerse Reading Bible. It is easy to read and understand. There is something special about reading the Bible like a novel without the distraction of verse numbers, chapters, and notes. Reading Immerse reminds me that God is the Author both of the Word and of my life.

Ready to experience Immerse like Maissie?

Callie I’m so excited to own the Art of life Bible! While I wouldn’t say I am a Bible journaler per say or even artistic, I love jotting down my reflections in the margins of my Bible. This Bible gives me extra room to do this alongside new content that I can’t wait to dive into. Who’s ever wondered what the trees and plants look like in the Bible that God talks so vividly about? Or wondered why God goes into such detail on specific animals? I know I have, and it’s always fascinating when someone connects the dots on what the Bible is describing and why it’s important. It’s going to be a great way for me to explore the Bible in a fresh way.

See why Callie loves the Art of Life Bible

Kim One of my favorite Valentine’s Days was when a married friend surprised me with a care package in the mail that included the sweetest note and some personalized items, including a CD with hand-picked worship songs. It touched my heart so very deeply. I would love to do the same for my close single friends and surprise each of them with a Valentine’s care package including a greeting card with a heartfelt prayer-note and either the THRIVE Creative Journaling Bible (for those who would like the blue interior and wide margins for note-taking or creating original art) or the THRIVE Devotional Bible for Women (for those who would prefer a traditional setting without wide margins—and a pink interior). Both Bibles are the same other than those two unique features—the interior second color and the margin width. I think my friends would love this Bible because it is filled with daily readings that encourage us to keep our eyes on Christ and thrive in him. As Sheri Rose Shepherd, the author of the devotionals, says: “God paid much too high a price on the cross for us to live powerless lives.” I pray this Bible would be a daily, tangible reminder to each of them that they are so very loved by God and that they can trust him with their hearts! ❤

Learn more about the THRIVE Bible and see why Kim can’t wait to share it with those she loves!

Dave It has been a joy for me to read through the Bible over many years and I LOVE our New Living Translation One Year Chronological Bible .  For me, this has been the best way for me to understand the big story of God laid out in order. As the Bible Acquisition Director for Tyndale I’m also really excited about a project we’re working on right now to create a One Year Chronological Study Bible……stay tuned for more details in the months ahead about this amazing new resource.

Want to read through the Bible in one year like Dave? See all our One Year Bible options.

Blaine My favorite for 2021 is the Mosaic Bible.  I love the finish on the leatherlike edition with the classic celtic cross design. In the front of the Bible there is a 340 page section of beautiful ivory paper. This section features 52 meditations, each with full-color artwork, thought-provoking writings from historical as well as contemporary scholars, prayers, poetry and space to write my reflections as I meditate and pray. Each week’s theme compliments the Church calendar which helps me stay in rhythm with my fellow believers.  The Bible text is only interrupted by the center column references which are there when I need them but easy to ignore as I read scripture.  A very nicely done Bible in my opinion.

Want to read the Mosaic Bible with Blaine in 2021? See more

Jim There is so much to love about the Life Application Study Bible that it’s hard to know even where to begin. This Bible has had a special place in my heart for over 20 years. I learn something new every time I pick it up! And it is always relevant to what I am facing today.

See why so many people, like Jim, love the Life Application Study Bible.

The Other Jim I once had a Sunday School teacher who, when I – or another student – forgot to bring a Bible to class, would say: “that’s great; you must have it memorized.” I didn’t, but I’ve used his line since then.  And it leads me to my recommendation of a Bible I love. I love the HelpFinder Bible because of its extraordinary 352-page Index-on-steroids.  The index is an amazing guide when you’re looking for biblical counsel on more than 200 topics from Abilities to Worth, including Faith, Humility, Rejection, Sexuality, Success and Vulnerability, and so much more.  Each topic in the Index has questions and answers and biblical references. And alongside the Bible text there are short teachings on many of the topics. It’s a terrific, helpful, must-have Bible for everyone from new believers to Bible veterans.  Unless you have the Bible memorized!

Think you could love the HelpFinder Bible? Learn more

Evie I have been loving the Swindoll Study Bible. My parents were huge Swindoll fans so I have memories growing up listening to him on car rides or hearing my parents discuss Swindoll’s thoughts on different Scripture passages. I feel like he’s my spiritual grandpa. But it wasn’t until I started reading the study Bible on my own that I understood his significant impact on my parent’s walk with Christ. It’s truly like sitting by a beloved mentor as he helps to bring God’s truth and the amazing intricacies of Scripture into a way I can understand and grapple with. One of my favorite features is the Holy Land Tour. It’s like being on a trip to the Holy Land with Chuck Swindoll (#lifegoals)!

Want to go deeper into God’s Word with Chuck Swindoll too?

The start of a new year means some great new Bibles are releasing in early 2021. See what’s coming your way this winter and early spring.

Filament Bible Collection

The Filament Bible Collection now includes a Personal Giant Print line. These Bibles have a 12 pt readable font and are a great size to carry with you on the go. They are available in the NLT and KJV translations and include the revolutionary Filament Bible app. Learn more

A New Testament for a New Generation

We have partnered with an amazing ministry, Streetlights Bible, to release a multimedia New Testament. This visually compelling, easy-to-understand Bible links to remarkably creative audio and video resources. The NLT Streetlights New Testament explains Christian truth and is a discipleship tool for young people and beyond. It’s unique tone and approach removes road blocks, allowing users to actively engage with God’s Word. Learn more.

Journaling and Art Bibles

Our Inspire Bible line continues to bring beautiful and exciting ways for you to engage with God’s Word through art journaling and coloring. Releasing this month are two beautiful new covers for the original Inspire Bible. A navy and pink floral hardcover and a pink softcover provide more cover options for this beloved line of Bibles.

We are so excited about our new Art of Life Bible that releases next month. This Bible features 450 original hand-drawn illustrations in a unique style that encourages contemplation and visual interaction with God’s Word. Learn more about this beautiful, unique Bible. Take a look inside.

For Kids

The Hands-On Bible is more than just a Bible you read; it’s a Bible you experience. The entire text of the NLT is surrounded by games, crafts, recipes, and so many more activities to get all the senses involved. It helps kids (and you) better understand and get excited about God’s amazing Word. And the new LeatherLike covers releasing next month add to the fun of this Bible. Find out more about the Hands-On Bible.

Women’s Devotional Bible

The THRIVE Devotional Creative Journaling Bible for Women has become a fan favorite. In the fall, we released two new covers in the journaling edition. Next month, we are releasing an edition with no wide margins, making it easier to carry with you. It still has the treasured 365 devotionals within the entire NLT text, but this edition has a beautiful rose interior. The navy and pink floral hardcover and rose metallic LeatherLike covers will be cherished.

Reading Plan Bibles

Just a few months ago some exciting new One Year Bibles and the NLT Daily Reader’s Bible were released. Check out these Bible if you are interested in reading through the entire Bible in a year.

Immerse: The Bible Reading Experience is revitalizing communities and bringing people together in God’s Word. This spring, we will be releasing a large print edition of Immerse: Messiah and Immerse: Beginnings. Learn more about Immerse.

Study Bibles

Every Man’s Bible is the top-selling Men’s study Bible. We recently released some new covers in the large print editions, including a beautiful genuine leather cover. See them all.

The Life Recovery Bible is now available in a LeatherLike rustic brown cover, and the personal size recently released in a black LeatherLike cover. Learn more about The Life Recovery Bible

Want to see more? Check out tyndalebibles.com

Every year for 20 years, Hank has read through a One Year Bible. But reading these Bibles goes beyond personal edification or completing a resolution. They are his legacy to spur others on in their Bible reading and inspire them to grow in their relationship with Christ.

“I love the Bible. It’s such a joy to read it, and I just want everyone to have that joy and understand what it can give you,” said Hank.

“For 20 years I have read through a One Year Bible, and each year I dedicated it to a family member. The notes in the margin were personal, such as ‘This is my prayer for you.’ I’ve underlined, circled, and highlighted many passages, letting them know what inspires me. It is my legacy to them,” said Hank.

Through these Bibles, Hank has encouraged a love for God’s Word in others. Sharing his struggles, joys, failures, and triumphs as he moves closer to God has been a comfort and a catalyst for his family members to grow deeper in their understanding of God through his Word.

“When I give it to them and they read it, they always come back saying, ‘I didn’t know you were going through that’ or ‘when you wrote this it helped me to better understand what I was facing.’ The Bible gives me joy whenever I read it, and I get joy by sharing it with others. The more you get into it, the more your joy will grow,” said Hank.

In 2020, Hank read through The One Year Pray for America Bible.

“I especially love the prayers that have to do with that day’s reading. . . . I also love the prayers you’ve inserted throughout the Bible, such as a prayer by Dr. Pridgeon for the anniversary of 9/11,

or the prayer by the Rev. Samuel Smith spoken July 4, 1831, or the broadcast by FDR on D-Day on radio, June 6, 1944. What a wonderful Bible!” said Hank.

We are excited to hear what Bible he will be using in 2021!

What Bible will you be reading through this year? Still not sure which one is right for you? Check out all our One Year Bible options.

The Bible is a huge book. It is made up of lots of smaller books which are made up of stories, letters, poetry, prophecy, and more. The Bible can look overwhelming when we start thinking of it as something other than a beautiful story of God’s love and redemption. When we try to dissect it into categories, it sounds more like a textbook than a life-giving word from our Savior.

That is one of the reasons I like reading through the Bible in a year. It’s important for us to go deeper—learn more about the different stories, trace how the prophecies thread through the different books, see why poetry is important, and so much more—but we can’t lose sight of the overarching story. Using a daily reading Bible helps you to stay connected to the bigger message while discovering areas where God is leading you to dive deeper.

The One Year Bible reading plan is one of the most beloved ways to read through the Bible in a year. It was created to help people move beyond roadblocks and into daily conversation with God through his Word. Understanding each person is different, The One Year Bible offers different ways to read through the Bible in a year.

There are daily reading plan versions that have a portion from the Old Testament, the New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs for each day’s reading.

Want to read the Bible in the order the events occurred? There are chronological plans.

Enjoy note-taking, coloring, art-journaling? The journaling editions come with wide-margins, and some editions include beautiful line-art for coloring.

Our newest addition to the One Year family is our “pray for” series. The One Year Pray for Bibles include prayer prompts at the beginning of each day’s reading to help us focus our prayers on pressing issues, allowing us to intercede for others. In the newest edition, we have teamed up with the amazing staff at Joni and Friends to pray for the sanctity of all life with The One Year Pray for Life Bible.

Want to learn more about The One Year Bible? You can see all the options and find the one that’s right for you at theoneyearbible.com.

One more thought: Though not a traditional One Year Bible, the new Daily Reader’s Bible offers another way to read through the Bible in a year. Each day’s reading consists of Scripture from three categories—story, teaching, and wisdom—that are grouped together by theme. Learn more about this Bible at thedailyreadersbible.com

We all have our own unique Christmas traditions. Maybe you open gifts on Christmas Eve or wait until Three Kings Day in January. Maybe you create a special family recipe or play a game each year. Do you decorate a tree or buy gifts for someone in need? One of my favorite traditions is helping my kids make their Christmas lists.

This year I asked my fellow team members to make their own Christmas lists and include which Bible they wish would be waiting under their Christmas tree. One of the things I love most about working on the Tyndale Bible team is that we are all so different. Each of us brings our individual gifts and abilities so that together we can bring God glory. But though we are all different, yet we are united in the Word that became human. What a reason to celebrate!

Here is what the Bible Team hopes is under their Christmas trees this year. You can click on the Bible title if you want to learn more.

Callie is excited for the new NLT Daily Reader’s Bible.

“I am asking for the Daily Reader’s Bible. I am really curious about the unique layout, and I love the fact that the readings are numbered, not dated. My plan is to start in January, but because the readings are numbered, I don’t have to fear getting behind. I can just pick right back up when I can!”

Blaine is hoping to unwrap a beautiful new classic Bible.

“For Christmas this year, I have selected the NLT Filament-enabled Personal Size Giant Print Black Genuine Leather Indexed edition. Its uninterrupted readable text will allow me to focus on the Scripture without the distraction of study notes or other features. Knowing that a full suite of carefully curated study notes, devotionals, videos, and even worship songs is available to me by simply opening the Filament Bible app and pointing my phone at any page makes this a Bible unlike any other I’ve had the privilege of using over the years. I’m really looking forward to 2021 with this new Bible.”

Kim loves Bibles and surprises so she is sharing her top three so she will be surprised at what shows up under her tree.

“The new Art of Life Bible because this Bible is so gorgeous and artsy—and there’s nothing else like it out there that I know of! I absolutely love that this Bible is slightly oversized with wider margins, comes in a slipcase, and has the most beautiful teal hardcover cloth design with gold foil accents. It looks more like a coffee table book than a Bible, but that’s what I love about it! The inside has amazing hand-drawn illustrations of Bible things like people, animals, and plants scattered throughout along with descriptions. It will be a really fascinating way to read through the Bible and reflect on this artist’s rendition of things mentioned in the Bible. It’s a spacious setting, so I could embellish, color, paint, or add to the illustrations if I wanted to do some Bible journaling in it, but I think I might reserve this one for reading since it’s already so amazing.

The new THRIVE Creative Journaling Devotional Bible for Women just released in two new bindings, and I absolutely love the teal cover with “Thrive” displayed in rose gold foil across the front. Probably my favorite thing about this design is the rose gold page edges. It is stunning, and it pairs so beautifully with the teal. I will be able to spend the whole year reading through the daily devotionals and journaling my reflections and prayers in the wide margins.

The new Inspire PRAYER Bible is another Bible I cannot wait to read and Bible journal in! I would love to use the extra-wide margins in this Bible to write out personal prayers focused on my marriage and also listing out ways (bullet journaling style!) that I can challenge myself to become more like Christ. I would love either of the cover designs—so surprise me! I adore the metallic champagne gold Hardcover LeatherLike binding because it is so special and unique (like me!), but I also love the colorful one because it is so cheerful—and floppy! This Bible has thirty-two of the most beautiful, colorful vellum sheets with prayers on them, prayer prompts in the margins, and hundreds of line-art illustrations I could watercolor, paint, or color in!”

Jim J. is wishing for the genuine leather brown NLT Filament-enabled Edition Personal Size Giant Print Bible. He even wrote this poem:

Under the tree this Christmas morning
I’ll search for the gift I find myself yearning

The Word became flesh we remember this day
Come to teach and to save us, his life to pay

And the Word we are given to keep and to cherish
Comes in beautiful books without being garish

I look for a Bible that is handy in size
With the magic of light, the Filament prize.

With print that is giant, truth without explanation
Expressed in the language of a living translation

For me I want brown with the rich touch of leather
That gift would bring joy as our family’s together.

As I think of that day of holy observance,
I wish for a Bible to illumine remembrance.

Linda is wishing for a stalwart favorite: The One Year Chronological Bible in the NLT.

“It’s not flashy or new, but I would like The One Year Chronological Bible, NLT, Large Print. This year, more than ever, I’d like to start 2021 on a fresh foot, with renewed commitment to good habits that are healthy for my body, mind, and soul. I like the idea of reading the Bible chronologically as it happened, and I think the reading schedule and the way The One Year Bible breaks the Bible into manageable portions for each day is helpful and sets me up to successfully complete reading the whole Bible in a year. The large print edition is also easy on the eyes and would be nice to have.”

Dave is excited to partner with Joni and Friends to intercede on behalf of the most vulnerable by using The One Year Pray for Life Bible.

“The Bible on my wish list this Christmas and the one I plan to use daily in 2021 is The One Year Pray for Life Bible. With sanctity of life issues continuing to dominate the news cycle every day, I look forward to listening to God in his Word daily. I also look forward to joining my voice with thousands of other Christians around the world to pray not only for those who are threatened and impacted adversely by laws and policies but also for those who hold the power to write and support laws that defend the weak and powerless among us.”

Evie is all about relationships, so her wish list Bible is about time with family.

“I am hoping the purple and pink swirl Hands-On Bible is waiting under our Christmas tree. The interactive activities and lessons help me to engage with my girls in God’s Word in a way that keeps them entertained and excited to learn more. I love that we can play together while learning about God and his plan for our lives. It’s so wonderful to come together as a family to have fun and grow in our understanding of God’s Word.”

Jim G. has had a life-long love for the Life Application Study Bible. Here is the one he’d like under his tree.

“The Life Application Study Bible has been such a blessing in my life. Not only did I have the privilege of providing this life-changing Bible to thousands of people when I served in retail stores, but I also recently had the honor of working on the team that published the new ‘Third Edition.’ I just love how I can go anywhere in the Bible, begin reading, and understand how God’s Word really relates to me today. I learn something new every time I pick it up! The notes and features were updated through an amazing collaborative effort between the founding editors and a group of editors across generations which resulted in trustworthy biblical teaching that is incredibly relevant today—regardless of who you are. Also, my eyes appreciate a larger print font size, so the new Large Print Life Application Study Bible, Third Edition, in the handsome brown genuine leather is the forever Bible that I hope to have under my tree this Christmas.”

We are so thankful that the most precious gift given to the world wasn’t wrapped in beautiful gift wrap and placed under a tree. It was a baby placed in a lowly manger who was himself the Word become human.

“So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.” John 1:14, NLT

“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'” 1 Samuel 16:7, NLT

Note from the Life Application Study Bible

Saul was tall and handsome—an impressive-looking man. Samuel may have been trying to find someone who looked like Saul to be Israel’s next king, but God warned him against judging by appearance. When people judge by outward appearance, they may overlook quality individuals who lack the particular physical qualities society currently admires. But appearance doesn’t reveal what people are really like or what their true value is.

Fortunately, God judges by faith and character, not appearance. And because only God can see what’s on the inside, only he can accurately judge people. Most people spend hours each week maintaining their outward appearance; they should do even more to develop their inner character. While everyone can see your face, only you and God know what your heart really looks like. What steps are you taking to improve the attractiveness of your heart in God’s eyes?

Learn more about the Life Application Study Bible

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” 2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT

Raised in a home of drug addicts, Tim Nickels saw getting high as just part of the daily routine. He remembers the first time he realized his homelife was different from that of other families.

“When I was in first grade, my dad got high with my teacher. When I told my friends, my teacher was fired. My dad told me that I couldn’t talk about it and that our lifestyle was a secret. Even at that young age, I started to realize that something was wrong.”

But Tim didn’t heed that warning in his heart. He followed in his dad’s footsteps and started living in addiction. But although he was chained to drugs and alcohol, he had the desire to break free, and he tried numerous times on his own to get clean and start over.

During one fitful night, he had a dream about hell that shook him to his core. He woke up sweating and crying. A new craving started to overtake him—a craving for a relationship with Christ. He desperately wanted to know about him, so he turned to a King James Version Bible that was sitting on a shelf in his house.

“I got so frustrated that I couldn’t understand it,” remembers Tim. “But then a woman gave me a Life Application Study Bible, and it blew me away. It was like a whole new world had been opened up to me. A Bible translation I could understand, and then notes, books introductions, commentary—I just devoured it! I couldn’t get enough.”

After pouring over the Bible, he knew that he needed to get involved in a church. He found a local congregation and attended a service where an evangelist was preaching.

“I surrendered right there to Jesus, and he took away my desire for drugs and alcohol. I had tried over and over again on my own, but it was only in Jesus that I found true freedom. Twenty-five years later, I’m still free.”

Tim continued to read his Life Application Study Bible and was drawn to 1 Samuel 16:7: “People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

“This spoke to me,” Tim recalls. “God can use anyone if they are willing.”

God was about to make his plan very clear to Tim.

“My pastor told me that he thought God was calling me to be a pastor. Me? I was so scared. I thought, I can’t do this! But I followed his will for my life, and I am so thankful!” Now Tim has been a pastor for over twenty years, and he currently leads a church in Kentucky.

Tim’s love of the Bible has continued to grow. He even has a YouTube channel where he reviews Bibles. Though he reads lots of translations, he has a special place in his heart for the New Living Translation.

“It is definitely one of my top recommendations for anyone who is struggling to understand the Bible,” says Tim. “And yes, I recommend the Life Application Study Bible to many who are trying to understand how to live out what the Bible says. I am an example of how God can use any of us if we submit to him and keep our eyes focused on him.”

Learn more about the Life Application Study Bible

Challenging circumstances often drive us deeper into Scripture and into more fervent prayer as we turn to God for wisdom, hope, peace, and strength.

We are God’s ambassadors in a world that can greatly benefit from knowing him, and his light shines brightest in the darkness!

Staying grounded in truth and enduring in prayer equips us to bring glory to God no matter what challenges we face.

Draw near to God through his Word and through prayer with the all-new Inspire Prayer Bible!

James 5:16 tells us, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”

Special features of the all-new Inspire Prayer Bible include:

• Even more space in the extra-wide three-inch margins for note-taking, journaling, or original art
• 400 all-new full- and partial- page Scripture line-art illustrations to color
• 142 prayer prompts tied to margin line-art illustrations
• 32 colorful, beautifully designed prayer vellum pages
• Thicker Bible paper that is great for journaling
• Two ribbon markers
• Two beautiful cover design options

Create a beautiful spiritual legacy and record your prayers in this special edition of Inspire!

TYNDALE, Tyndale’s quill logo, New Living Translation, NLT, the New Living Translation logo, Inspire, and LeatherLike are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Ministries. Extrabiblical artwork, cover design, and product design of Inspire copyright © 2017 by Three Streams Publishers, Ltd.