• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Anchored in Christ

KevinHalloran.net

  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact
  • Popular Posts
  • Speaking
  • Resources
    • Recommended Resources
    • The Gospel
    • Free Prayer Tools
    • 100+ Book Recommendations for Christians
    • 100+ of the Best Christian Biographies
    • 250+ Free Online Seminary Classes, Courses, Programs, and Book Recommendations
    • Accessible Theology Book Series
  • When Prayer Is a Struggle
  • Videos
  • Español

Kevin / October 7, 2019

Brief Review: The ESV Illuminated Scripture Journal from Crossway

By God’s grace, I have many Bibles, both physical and digital, in English and in Spanish. My new rule of thumb for purchasing new Bibles is that if it will help me engage God’s Word, it’s usually worth the investment. (That being said, it’s easy to fill up your Amazon basket with what you think you will use but don’t actually use!)

From the start, I thought the idea of a Scripture Journal through a book of the Bible was a great idea. You already know I mark up my Bible, why not have a dedicated volume for certain books specifically for marking up?

Crossway graciously gifted Scripture Journals to the ministry I serve with (WordPartners) for each of the books we study in our pastoral training program. I’ve used the basic Scripture journals with the black covers for a few months now and enjoy using them for brainstorming during sermon prep and for writing insights and connections I make in the text. I also got my wife the beautiful Illuminated Scripture Journal New Testament set. In addition to magnificently designed covers that tie to each book’s message, each journal has several artistic designs of key verses or phrases.

My wife and I have enjoyed using our respective journals for several reasons:

  • Like I said, the Illuminated Journals are beautiful!
  • They seem like a great way to store notes, insights, illustrations, etc. for a book you want to study deeply. (That’s why our organization will use them sometimes.) It’s one thing to have information digitally, it’s another thing to have it in your own handwriting.
  • I engage the Bible in a more personal way when I write in it.
  • Practically, one journal is easier to hold up to read than a bulky Bible. (They also won’t hurt as much when they fall on your face if you fall asleep reading—done that!)
  • My wife likes the size compared to a full-size Bible because she can throw it in her purse and read it throughout the day.

If you’re interested in Crossway’s Scripture journals but don’t want to pay for a whole OT or NT set (black cover or Illuminated), my recommendation is to try one and see how you like it. Maybe you’ll love it or maybe you’ll realize that reading with a Moleskine could enrich your walk with God as well.

Whatever your choice, rejoice with me at the riches of God’s Word available to us in many different (and compelling) formats. We truly are a privileged people.

More to be desired are they [the words of God] than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
Psalm 19:10–11

Buy ESV Scripture Journals

  • ESV Scripture Journal – Old Testament Set | New Testament Set | Hardcover NT
    Illuminated ESV Scripture Journal – Old Testament Set | New Testament Set
  • See all Scripture Journals on Westminster Books

Dede shared this photo on my Facebook post sharing this review:

Print Friendly, PDF & EmailPrint Friendly

Related Posts

  • 100+ of the Best Christian Biographies (HUGE LIST)100+ of the Best Christian Biographies (HUGE LIST)
  • Charles Spurgeon’s 9 Tips for Christian ReadersCharles Spurgeon’s 9 Tips for Christian Readers
  • 10 Recommended Christian Books on Prayer10 Recommended Christian Books on Prayer
  • 15 of the Best Christian Books on Grief, Death, and Suffering15 of the Best Christian Books on Grief, Death, and Suffering
  • 10 Christian Books on Lust, Pornography, and Purity10 Christian Books on Lust, Pornography, and Purity

Share this:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Print

Filed Under: Books & Reviews

Primary Sidebar

Let’s Connect

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Now Available in Paperback, Kindle, and Audiobook

Recent Posts

  • Recommended Links for September 2023
  • Ten Ideas for Cultivating Small Group Prayer
  • Recommended Links for August 2023
  • Praying Paul’s Prayer from Ephesians 1:15–23
  • Recommended Links for July 2023
  • A Biblical Tool for Cultivating Godly Emotions
  • Recommended Links for June 2023
  • 31 Ways God Can Use Your Suffering for Good
  • A Prayer to Not Waste Your Suffering
  • God’s Purpose for Your Suffering

Blog Sponsors

Blog Categories

Bible & Theology Books & Reviews Christian Living Culture Evangelism Humor Leadership Life Links Marriage & Relationships Ministry Missions Prayer Quotes Resources Social Media & Technology






Footer

About Me

I serve with Open the Bible. I wrote When Prayer Is a Struggle: A Practical Guide for Overcoming Obstacles in Prayer(P&R). And I'm glad you're here. Learn More about Me

Let’s Connect!

Follow me on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter

Follow me on Instagram

Subscribe to my channel on YouTube

Videos: When Prayer Is a Struggle

FTC Disclosure of Material Connection: I sometimes share affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through a link, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you to cover blogging expenses.

Copyright © 2023 · Digital Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

 

Loading Comments...
 

    loading Cancel
    Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
    Email check failed, please try again
    Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.