Fantastic Idea! Great grad gift.College is a unique time in one's life. New issues crop up consistently, challenging what you know and what you think you know. I have a young person planning for college in my home right now. I am excited for her, but I'm also concerned for her. There are so many "other" paths to follow out there and she has led a quiet existence within the walls of our home, our small town school and our church. Soon she will see and experience the BIG, WIDE World.
Zondervan has published a College Devotional Bible. It is intended for those years when young people step out on their own and have to choose to stand for something.
For features, the text within the Bible is New International Version. The layout of the bible is crisp and clear with footnotes italicized at the bottom of the page. At the end of the book there are helpful pages such as:
- Weights and Measurements
- Subject Index
- Read Through the Bible in One Year Reading Plan
- 60 Days Overview of the Bible
- 30 Days for Beginning Your Walk with Christ
- 30 Days with Jesus
- 30 Days in the Psalms
- 30 Days in Proverbs
- 20 Not-So-Famous Bible Stories
- 30 Days With Paul
- 30 Days of Promises
- 30 Days of Leadership
- 30 Days of Prayer
- 30 Days of Knowing God
- 30 Stories of Great Faith
That's nearly 14 months worth of Bible Study - lasting several years of schooling.
As well, throughout the Bible are appropriately placed
devotionals intended to fill the school year (seven days a week for nine months). These are full page additions, containing a scripture section, contextual information, a true story relating to the biblical concept and three questions to help the student probe a little deeper in their understanding. They are not dated and direct you to the next devo by page number. (I like this, then there isn't a constant reminder of failure if a student doesn't do a devotionals every day!)
I thoroughly enjoyed the stories attached to each devotional and am certain others will to. My favorite part is the "Get Started" page or "Quick Start Guide" as they call it. It is cozy and informal, aptly aimed at its target audience. The casual chatter is on one hand odd to find on the first page of the Bible, yet refreshing to see the message never changes but the delivery can!
Overall the NIV College Devotional Bible gets a huge thumbs-up from me.
The only downside I found, which is personal preference, is the appearance of the Bible is plain. My copy is a hardcover navy blue with rust colored trim and accents. It is simple, crisp and classy, yet if I was to use it a gift for a college student I would like to have a little more visual appeal.
Feel free to check out the following trailer from Zondervan about the NIV College Devotional Bible.
Thanks to Zondervan and Booksneeze for a free copy to review. These thoughts are my opinion and I am not required to review it positively.
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