Listen Up by Marty Machowski

In a busy life, families are sometimes pressed to find good, meaningful, devotions that push kids toward the Gospel and heart change, instead of just behavior modification. I have never heard of Marty Macholwski, but was excited to check out his new 10-minute family devotional book based on the parables.

We all love good stories and the parables that Jesus used are ones that we often remember. So what a great idea to use those to help teach the Gospel to our children!

There are 13 weeks in this study book. There is a tiny section for the adults to read, called 'The Get Ready and Get Set" section. Then, within each week, there are 5 days or lessons. The parables vary in length so some days can be shorter and some longer, but none of this will take longer than 10 minutes.

Following the parable, there is a Think about it section, as well as a talk about it section. There are some pointed questions that you can ask your children, but these questions are also good for us to ask ourselves. The answer is in italics, but there is also some guidance for parents to help lead their children to answers.

Then it ends with a pray about it section. For those that want to go deeper, there is a going deeper section, as well.

This is a family devotional that we will be using over and over throughout the years.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

The Ology by Marty Machowski

When I saw this book was about to be released, I knew this was one I wanted for my own children. I had read some great reviews on it from some authors that I trust and they had so many good things to say. In fact, the reviews in the front of the book are from some well-known theologians, pastors, and authors.

Many people hesitate to teach their children theology, thinking that it is too deep for them to understand. I have long held the idea that it's not too deep because even as adults we are still learning theology and will never fully grasp all of it in our finite minds.

The book has a parent guide that in the very front of the book. I appreciated this because as a homeschooling family, we are easily able to incorporate this book into our daily studies. It's tailored for elementary students, children ages 6-12. However, my 5 year old has learned a lot from it. It does say that teens and adults can use it to help lay a solid biblical worldview. For that matter, adults will find this book very enjoyable to read. I also really appreciate how it encourages the readers to check out a few more books as your child ages. I definitely want to get the companion album that goes with this book. How neat to be able to teach theology with music.

The sections of the book are:
1. The Ology of God
2. The Ology of People
3. The Ology of Sin
4. The Ology of the Promise and the Law
5. The Ology of Christ
6. The Ology of the Holy Spirit
7. The Ology of Adoption into God's Family
8. The Ology of Change
9. The Ology of the Church
10. The Ology of the End Times
11. The Ology of God's Word

The chapters are short in each section and the author highly recommends you take the book one chapter at a time and really discuss the chapter throughout the day. There is Scripture included on the pages that you can memorize, but surrounding the pictures on the opposite page is extra Scripture verses that you can use to go deeper into the subject.

Another thing that I found extremely helpful for my children is the Glossary. It tweaks some important Bible Words and some big words we hear most often and it explains them in a way for children to understand.

Following that page is a Think Theology, Talk Theology page. Each chapter has two questions that you can ask your child to help clarify any concepts they may be confused on or have difficulty understanding.

This book will be one that we will be using in our family for many years and I will definitely be purchasing this to give to others for gifts. It is especially important for our children to know what they believe and why and I'm so thankful for this book written for children.

Read more reviews on this book at
When I saw this book was about to be released, I knew this was one I wanted for my own children. I had read some great reviews on it from some authors that I trust and they had so many good things to say. In fact, the reviews in the front of the book are from some well-known theologians, pastors, and authors.

Many people hesitate to teach their children theology, thinking that it is too deep for them to understand. I have long held the idea that it's not too deep because even as adults we are still learning theology and will never fully grasp all of it in our finite minds.
Read more reviews on this book at http://litfusegroup.com/books/the-ology.

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About the Book

The Ology: Ancient Truths Ever New (New Growth Press, October 2015)
A page-turning storybook of theology for kids
In the cellar of the old stone cathedral, Carla and Timothy uncover a life-changing treasure, a carefully wrapped ancient book known as The Ology. What adults might describe as a beautifully illustrated storybook of systematic theology, the kids discover to be a story of adventure, mystery, and wonder that leads them to the truth about God, themselves, and the world around them.
Truth is for kids, not just for adults! So The Ology gives kids of all ages a beginner’s theology book to help them understand who God is and how we, as his children, relate to him. Arranged within a traditional systematic theological framework, each truth in The Ology is also connected to the larger redemptive story of Scripture. The doctrine of God, for example, is presented in the larger framework of creation, where the attributes of God are more clearly on display. The Ology takes abstract theological concepts and makes them easier to understand with the use of creative examples, illustrations, and analogies. The goal is not to say everything that could be said about a theological topic, but rather to share the key thoughts behind a theological concept. The Ology is a starting point to learning theology and aims to create a hunger and desire in children to learn more as they grow older.
Designed for six-year-olds through preteens, this flexible resource includes built-in adaptations for use with younger or older children, so that entire families can enjoy it together. Read The Ology to preschoolers, read it with grade-school kids, and let older kids discover the “hidden” truths by reading the corresponding Scripture passages for each section. However you read it, The Ology will give your children a gift that will last a lifetime—a solid foundation of life-changing biblical truth that will point them to the God who loves them and gave himself for them.
Check out this preview!
A companion The Ology CD from Bob Kauflin and Sovereign Music is also available.
Learn more and purchase a copy.

 

Marty Machowski

Marty Machowski is a Family Life Pastor at Covenant Fellowship Church in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, where he has served on the pastoral staff for over twenty years. He is the author of the Gospel Story for Kids series, which includes "The Gospel Story Bible," "Long Story Short," "Old Story New," and the "Gospel Story Curriculum," as well as the Advent devotional and curriculum "Prepare Him Room." He and his wife, Lois, and their six children reside in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

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I received this book free from Litfuse Publicity Group and New Growth Press in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy by John Piper

I was so excited to walk through Advent with some daily readings from John Piper. He is challenging to read and his love and passion for Christ flow off the pages. I knew that I would get a lot from his reminders of what Christmas is truly about and what it's not about.

As I expected, it was challenging. It was challenging in a different way than I expected. It made me want to keep my focus on Christ instead of on material things. With the loss of my grandfather right before Christmas, the cancer journey took over much of our life since June, as well as grieving my grandmother's death at Thanksgiving. With that said, I wasn't really in the "Christmas mood." This reminded me that it was okay to not feel all into the lights and traditions like I usually do. What did matter was my love for Christ and the joy Christ gives.


I read this book in about a week (could have been a lot faster), but since I was catching up front the first part of December I wanted to be sure to end by Christmas. Each day is very short and takes just a couple of minutes to read. I found that I wanted to sit and meditate on the Scripture and journal, so it took it a little longer.

This is a great book for the Christmas season, but I honestly think it's great for even those times when you just need to be reminded of the purpose of Christmas and the joy God gives.

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I received this book free from Crossway Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.

Women's Devotional Bible (ESV) from Crossway

I saw this Bible several times in the store, but never opened it because I'm not a big fan of the devotional Bibles. It's good for some people, but I tend to like Bibles without a lot of clutter, lots of note-taking room, and not many study notes. I like digging and finding the background myself.

With that said, I received this Bible in the mail and thrilled for several reasons. One of the reasons is because I knew that several godly women, whom I enjoy reading their books, had written devotions in here. I also was excited because it looked pretty and was well-laid out. It was very aesthetically pleasing for someone who is studying God's Word. There wasn't a lot of "clutter" on the page. The down-side is that there isn't a lot of white space to take notes, but I have my other Bibles that I use that for.

This is the perfect size to carry places. It's the typical size of the Bible, but is crammed full of helpful things. I love the dictionary in the back that explains Bible terms in a simple way. I really liked the devotional that are tailored to women and really encourage women straight from the text. It's not as if the devotional takes a Scripture verse then turns it into a lesson to fix yourself. The devotional focus on God, and through that, the woman is challenged and encouraged. I greatly appreciated that difference in this Bible vs. other devotional Bibles I've seen. It keeps the focus on God, not on me.

After using it for several months, one thing I think would be extremely helpful is a concordance or some sort of system to find other scriptures related to the individual verses. There are some, but not many. There's not really a concordance, and I find there are times when that is actually helpful. I'm sure that would greatly increase the number of pages in the Bible, but that was one thing I found lacking.

Other than that, I have used this Bible non-stop. I like the layout, the neutral colors, and it is so easy to find what you need. There is so much packed into this Bible that has greatly set it apart from other devotional Bibles. I plan to use this Bible for many years to come. Once again, Crossway has put out another helpful resource that is biblically sound and God-centered (as a Bible should be).

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I received this Bible free from Crossway Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion of this Bible.

Mom's Night Out and other things I miss...by Kerri Pomarolli

This would be a good baby shower gift.  New, first-time moms may not fully appreciate it at the time, but they would eventually.  It would be an encouraging gift for new and old moms, especially those with little ones.  I would also pair it with a devotional that has more Scripture, since that's what is most important.

My only dislike about this book is that it's more like a self-help book in a way.  I wouldn't classify it as a book that points you back to the Word and encourages you to spend time in the Word, even in those desperate times during parenting.  This book wouldn't be what I would read to grow in my relationship with the Lord.  It does have Scripture verses before each devotional.  I feel like so much more could be brought out in the Scriptures to those moms who feel at the end of themselves.  I think that's where we need to be pointed to our eternal purpose in parenting.

With that said, it is a book that has lots of devotions.  The devotions themselves can be read in less than 5 minutes.  Then it has a section to think about.

To read more reviews, go to http://litfusegroup.com/books/moms-night-out-and-other-things-i-miss-devotions-to-help-you-survive.

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Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive
As a Mom, couldn’t you use a good laugh?
Inspired by the endearing, true-to-life movie MOMS’ NIGHT OUT, comedian Kerri Pomarolli has created this light, yet inspiring devotional that will definitely make you laugh, but will also help you discover that indeed you are not alone, and that God’s gracious provision of love and faithfulness is at work in your life and of your loved ones.
Whether you’re running full-speed-ahead or disappointed that it’s Monday (again), you’ll find joy in these devotions where Kerri shares hilarious stories and insights on daily life. Messy homes, messy kids, lost pets, never ending casseroles, forgetful husbands, and the desire to just take a long bath… This world can be a funny place, and these stories are bound to prove it. Read a devotion to brighten your morning, or catch a few words to make you smile before bed. There’s never a bad time for a good laugh, and as a Mom, you need a Moms’ Night Out and Other Things I Miss: Devotions To Help You Survive.
The MOMS’ NIGHT OUT film features Sarah Drew (Grey’s Anatomy), Sean Astin (THE LORD OF THE RINGS), Patricia Heaton (Everybody Loves Raymond, The Middle), Alex Kendrick (COURAGEOUS), Robert Amaya (COURAGEOUS), Andrea Logan White (REVELATION ROAD), Kevin Downes (COURAGEOUS), and platinum-selling country recording artist Trace Adkins (THE LINCOLN LAWYER).
Learn more and purchase a copy at Kerri’s site.

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 I received this book free from B & H Books and Litfuse Publicity Group in exchange for my honest opinion of this book.