NIV Bible for Teen Guys Review

I have one teenage son, with two following quickly behind, so this Bible caught my attention.  I'm always on the lookout for content that will help them engage with and relate to God's Word.

The main thing you need to be aware of is that this is a devotional bible, NOT a study bible.  You will not find footnotes or maps explaining the text in further detail.  What will you find?

• Scattered throughout the Bible are roughly 333 one-page devotions focused on a specific verse found within the book where the devotion appears.  Several of these are excerpts from popular student edition books, such as All In, Thrive, and Gods at War.  At the end of the bible is an index arranging these devotions by topic.

• Since this is a bible for guys, there are 55 one-page highlights of Men of the Bible.  Each page tells what the man's name means, where his story can be found, and what lessons he can teach us.  There is an index at the back of the book for these highlights as well.

• Each book of the Bible starts with a one-page introduction.  It details when the events happened, who is in the book, popular verses, and a brief synopsis.

• The Bible ends with a 60-page concordance.

While I think a study bible might be the best choice for a teenage boy wanting to understand the Scriptures, I do like the features contained in this book.  The devotions are relevant and I think boys will be drawn to the stories of men.  The book I was given was hardback.  If I were going to purchase this book, I would probably spend the extra money for an imitation leather cover.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.

Riley Unlikely by Riley Banks-Snyder

This book is the heart-warming story of how God has and is using a teenage girl to impact the world.  Can one person really make a difference?  Absolutely.  All it takes is one step of obedience at a time.

Riley Banks has an aunt and uncle who were going on a short-term medical missions trip to Africa.  At the age of thirteen she was able to go visit them and help serve, which ignited a passion in her for the children in Africa.  She would see a need and then figure out what she could do, with the help of others, to meet it.  She sacrificed presents and other material goods for herself in order to raise funds for return visits to bless the children.  What started as something as small as collecting school supplies has now become her lifelong vision to live and serve in Kenya.

This true story was enjoyable to read.  It is encouraging to see how God can use an ordinary girl and her family to start a ministry and do more than they possibly could have imagined.  Riley is honest about the challenges and obstacles that were present on her journey, but is also quick to point out the many ways that God has shown Himself faithful.

If you want to learn more about Riley's ministry Generation Next, or if you simply want to read a story about the impact that one family is having on the world, check this book out!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from BookLook Bloggers in exchange for an honest review.