[I received an electronic review copy of both of these books from Netgalley – Made Like Martha from WaterBrook and The Family Bible Devotional from Discovery House. All opinions are my own.]
Made Like Martha: Good News for the Woman Who Gets Things Done – Summary
Luke the gospel writer shares a story of two sisters. Martha bustles around getting things ready for the Messiah’s visit while Mary sits at Jesus’ feet. Martha becomes frustrated and asks Jesus to make her sister help out. Jesus refuses, saying Mary is in the right place.
This passage seems to shame the do-ers of the world, saying they aren’t okay in the eyes of Christ. And when Marthas are shamed into trying to be Marys they fail, and the shame is compounded.
Katie M Reid offers Marthas another way to look at this interaction with Jesus. “What if God wasn’t asking me to be Mary but instead loved me for being Martha? (pg 10)
Review
It’s like this book was personally written just for me! I loved this from the very first chapter of the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) and immediately ordered a copy for myself so I could write in it and highlight pages to my heart’s content. I adore this book and it’s message for a do-er like me.
Each chapter includes an application activity as well as personal anecdotes, Bible stories and commentary on the scripture. There are also a few assessments and action steps (including an emphasis on spending time with God) for readers to try. There are links and websites for extra resources and a five-session Bible Study that readers can work through either after reading the book or along side as they read.
I think this would be an excellent study resource! I highly recommend this book!
Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
The Family Bible Devotional: Stories from the Bible to Help Kids and Parents Engage and Love Scripture – Summary
This is a devotional Bible study for families. It includes a passage of scripture, some discussion questions, kid-friendly activities, a prayer prompt and some background information. The author gives some tips for parents that are well-reasoned – things like keeping the emphasis on the activities, down playing questions if they aren’t grabbing the kids attention, keeping things engaging so the kids want to dig into scripture, etc.
Devotions are from both the Old Testament and the New Testament. The scripture passages are included in the book, so you don’t have to pull out a separate Bible. The book uses various translations – NLT, NIV, The Message and the NRSV.
Review
This is a well-organized devotional for families that focuses on the Bible as the source material. Sometimes devotionals only have one verse of scripture along with a story. I love that this is more Bible based. The activities seem like things that will work well for kids – art activities, build an “ark” out of living room furniture, go for a hike – and hopefully connect them to the story. The author doesn’t shy away from stories like David and Bathsheba or the woman caught in adultery, but they are handled in an appropriate way for families willing to dig into those stories with their kids. I think this would be a terrific resource for families who want to add a spiritual component to their family time but aren’t sure how to structure it on their own.