New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Family Devotionals [7-book Giveaway with 3 winners - USA/CANADA]

New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Family Devotionals Giveaway

For active families, reading the Bible together can feel overwhelming. However, family Bible study doesn’t have to be complicated! With just ten minutes a day, parents have enough time to pass on the most valuable treasure the world has ever known.

Start off the new year resolved to study the Bible together. New Growth Press has you covered and is giving away a family devotional package every family will want to win!

In this third and final Spirit of Giving giveaway of the Christmas season, New Growth Press is giving away THREE gift boxes of family devotionals (retail value of $148 each). From December 3-8, you can enter to win one of family devotional boxes.

Each gift box includes one copy of the following family devotionals written by Marty Machowski:

• Listen Up: 10-Minute Family Devotions on the Parables

Children love stories, and the parables provide a wonderful opportunity to engage their imagination and help them understand and live out the good news of the kingdom of God. After teaching a parable, Jesus often said, “Whoever has ears, let him hear.” In other words, “This is important, so you better listen up,” and what could be more important than the good news of the kingdom of God? This family devotional provides a unique opportunity for parents to help their children “listen up” and hear the gospel as Jesus himself shared it.

• Wise Up: 10-Minute Family Devotions in Proverbs

Wise Up is designed to connect the teaching of Proverbs to God’s larger story of salvation. Children will learn that Solomon’s wisdom, life, and failures all point to “something greater than Solomon”—they point to Jesus. The goal of this devotional is to present the wisdom of Proverbs against the backdrop of the gospel to show children that real wisdom comes only as we depend on Jesus for daily help and forgiveness.

• Long Story Short: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God

Long Story Short guides families through the Old Testament stories and is designed to cultivate honest and powerful discussion about the Bible, which is the catalyst for change in children’s lives. Through 78 Old Testament stories, Long Story Short explains God’s plan of salvation through the Old Testament, focusing on the hero of Scripture and important biblical truths without being corny, confusing, or condescending.

• Old Story New: Ten-Minute Devotions to Draw Your Family to God

Suited for children from preschool through high school, this gospel-focused book is full of ten-minute devotions to continue the gospel story that began in Long Story Short. The consistent and short structure helps children walk through the life-changing truths of the Christian faith in the New Testament—without overwhelming them. Through 78 New Testament stories, Old Story New does the hard work for moms and dads. Simple discussion questions (and answers!) for each day’s devotion help children understand and connect with Jesus’s life, death, resurrection, and the birth of the Christian church.

• The Gospel Story Bible: Discovering Jesus in the Old and New Testaments

This beautifully illustrated storybook captivates young readers with the heart of the gospel. The Gospel Story Bible points to Jesus, helping families and kids identify Christ as the hero of every story. While it’s easy to forget Jesus in the midst of frantic schedules, family squabbles, and conflicting priorities, Machowski reminds families of God’s plan of salvation in Christ, which is continually on display throughout the Bible. Ideal as a storybook for your preschooler, a devotional for your grade school student, a refresher for the adult believer, or an introduction for the new one, The Gospel Story Bible is also a companion to Long Story Short and Old Story New.

In addition to these books for the entire family, the winners will also receive a new book of devotionals just for parents, and New Growth Press’ latest parenting book.

• Parenting First Aid: Hope for the Discouraged by Marty Machowski

In this uplifting and faith-strengthening devotional book for parents, Marty Machowski encourages parents in the midst of trials. Full of Scripture, testimonies of faithful parents, and insightful meditations, Parenting First Aid equips moms and dads to run to God and trust his ability to do what they can’t. The easy-to-use format provides encouragement to turn to God in the midst of family difficulty. While God does not promise happiness and ease in parenting, all can find comfort in God and peace beyond understanding through the Scriptures and meditations found in Parenting First Aid.

• Child Proof: Parenting by Faith, Not Formula by Julie Lowe

Every family is unique, which is why Child Proof explores the need for parents to cultivate personal and intimate care for their children as modeled in God’s individual, personal, and fatherly care to his children. This child-rearing book lays a foundation of parenting by faith and progresses by teaching readers how they can know their own kids well and raise them accordingly. By discussing particular issues moms and dads might have in family life, Lowe demonstrates how formulas aren’t the answer, and parenting with biblical wisdom is best for a proactive rather than reactive approach to parenting.


NOTE: In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season (facebook.com/ngpbooks | twitter.com/newgrowthpress | instagram.com/newgrowthpress).

DISCLOSURE: The information and material for this post was provided by Read With Audra. I received no compensation to share this information.

New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving "Youth Book Giveaway" 7 books in prize pack [Nov.26-Dec. 2 USA/CANADA]

Last week, I shared about books from New Growth Press for the youngest members of the family. Maybe your kids have outgrown that stage and are now preteens or teens.

Books are a great gift for those members of the family who need a break from all the electronics in the house. Actually, that may apply to everyone in the house! Books are a great gift for everyone in the family, by the way!

Even if there aren’t kids in your own house, I’m sure you know some young people who would enjoy these books. Maybe you are a youth leader or teacher with young people on your Christmas list.

This week, New Growth Press is giving away THREE gift boxes of books for tweens and teens. From November 26-December 2, you can enter to win one of three gift boxes of books (retail value of $114).

Each gift box includes the following titles for youth:

The complete Rwendigo Tales series by J. A. Myhre:

• A Chameleon, a Boy, and a Quest
• A Bird, a Girl, and a Rescue
• A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star
• A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World

Written by J. A. Myhre, a doctor living and working in East Africa, this adventure series teaches readers of all ages important truths about justice, overcoming evil, and the courage to make a difference. The latest release is A Fever, a Flight, and a Fight for the World, a compelling African adventure story that will enthrall eight- to fourteen-year-old youth who love adventure and learning about faraway places. In the exciting fourth and final book in the Rwendigo Tales Series, readers will be inspired by ordinary people who make the extraordinary choice to stand against great evil.

Dragon Seed by Marty Machowski

An angry teen, a desperate mother, a missing father, and a shadow lurking in the background. Things were going from bad to worse for Nick and his family. Tempted to run away after yet another argument with his mom, Nick receives a handwritten, leather-bound copy of an old book—a family legend passed down to him from his great grandfather. The book, called Dragon Seed, leads Nick deep into his family’s history and introduces him to another angry young man who lived in the shadows (the shadows of the tombs). Like Nick, you’ll be shocked to discover where he fits in this story of epic proportions!

The Biggest Win: Pro Football Players Tackle Faith by Joshua Cooley

The Biggest Win gives athletes and sports fans of all ages a unique, insider's look into the lives and faith of six Christian NFL players from the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl team. Through the ups and downs of their experiences, author Joshua Cooley shows how these high-profile athletes remain committed to God's Word, genuine Christian discipleship, and sharing their faith. Using their voices and stories, The Biggest Win gives sports-minded readers hope and direction for living out their faith while competing. See your youth athletes' faith grow as they hear and learn from the amazing stories of these Super Bowl Champions.

Between Us Girls: Walks and Talks for Moms and Daughters by Trish Donohue

Between Us Girls was written for mothers with daughters between the ages of seven and fourteen. These twenty-six gospel-driven talks are a fun and easy guide for mothers who want to disciple their daughters but don’t know where to start. In each short chapter, moms and daughters read God’s Word, ask one another questions about their thoughts and experiences, get honest about their struggles with sin, brainstorm ways to live out their faith, and build genuine fellowship into their relationship.

(Between Us Guys for dads and sons will be available in May 2019!)

In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season (facebook.com/ngpbooks | twitter.com/newgrowthpress | instagram.com/newgrowthpress).

DISCLOSURE: This post information/material was provided by Read With Audra and I received no compensation to share it on this blog.

New Growth Press’ Spirit of Giving Children’s Book Giveaway (Nov. 19-25 - USA/CANADA)

Who doesn’t love giving and getting books for Christmas? (If you don’t, we may need to have a talk!)

Books are a great gift, especially for children. Not only do we want to encourage the love of reading and give them stories they will enjoy, we want to provide teaching moments. Plus giving little ones new books is really a gift to the parents as well. They need a break from the same old bedtime stories.

You don’t have to be a parent to buy for kids, you know! Maybe you have grandkids, nieces, nephews, neighbors, or want to bless some children from church.

New Growth Press is jumping into the gift giving season by giving away THREE children’s book gift boxes (retail value of $125 each). All of their children’s books are beautifully illustrated, entertaining, teach a lesson, and most importantly, are biblically based!

From November 19-25, you can enter to win one of three children’s gift boxes.

Each gift box includes five of New Growth Press’ new children’s releases and two of their best sellers:

God Counts: Numbers in His Word and His World by Irene Sun click here for link

This playful children’s book serves as a beginner’s theology book for young readers who love numbers and patterns. By discovering numbers in God’s world and in his Word, parents help their children foster a deeper love and knowledge of who God is and how he counts them as his. With countable illustrations and an easy-to-learn structure, children who are always seeking, finding, tracing, and counting numbers will be captivated by God Counts.

Buster’s Ears Trip Him Up: When You Fail edited by Edward T. Welch click here for link
Jax’s Tail Twitches: When You are Angry edited by David Powlison click here for link
Zoe’s Hiding Place: When You are Anxious edited by David Powlison click here for link

These three books are a part of the Good News for Little Hearts series. This is a new series of hardback, illustrated children’s books for three-to eight-year-olds—each centered on an animal family. The animal characters, colorful illustrations, and the real-life issues each animal family face will captivate children. The first three books address anxiety, anger, and failure, bringing biblical counsel and hope to issues every child faces. Together children and parents will be guided by the stories into meaningful conversations about living by faith in everyday life.

God Made Me and You by Shai Linne click here for link

God Made Me and You invites kids to explore God’s design for ethnic diversity. Because Scripture teaches that ethnic diversity is not something that should be tolerated but rather enthusiastically embraced, Christian hip hop artist Shai Linne helps children, parents, and caregivers to celebrate this biblical truth through a lyrical, rhyming style and colorful illustrations.

God Made All of Me by Justin and Lindsey Holcomb click here for link

God Made All of Me is an invaluable resource and beautifully illustrated story to help families talk about sensitive issues with two- to eight-year-old children. This helpful guide starts from the fundamental truth that God created everything and applies that truth to kids and their bodies. With the help of God Made All of Me, parents and caregivers can begin conversations with boys and girls about their bodies, navigating a discussion that can so easily be warped into confusion, embarrassment, and secrecy.

The Radical Book for Kids: Exploring the Roots and Shoots of Faith by Champ Thornton click here for link

The Radical Book for Kids is a fun-filled explorer’s guide to the Bible, church history, and life for boys and girls ages eight and up. Vibrantly illustrated and chock-full of fun facts and ideas, this interactive book competes with screen time by stimulating children’s natural curiosity and sense of adventure! Along with the many fun and exciting stories of historical figures, young and old readers alike will learn about the roots of our faith and the importance of the gospel in our lives.

In case you don’t win the prize pack, sign-up for New Growth Press’ e-news at https://newgrowthpress.com/ to receive information about their Countdown to Christmas discounts so that you can order copies. Be sure to follow them on social media as well where they will be sharing daily deals throughout the Christmas season.

 (facebook.com/ngpbooks | twitter.com/newgrowthpress | instagram.com/newgrowthpress).

DISCLOSURE: I was not compensated for this courtesy post and information was provided by publicist on behalf of the publishing house. Giveaway is run and provided and shipped by publicist or publisher.

LISTEN UP: Ten-Minute Family Devotions on the Parables by Marty Machowski [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: My perception of this new devotional release by Marty Machowski is that it is on target theologically. I see the family grouping to use this book to include upper elementary and upwards to adults. Though conceived and written for parental lead devotions, it can be used as a personal devotional for older teens though it is obviously a "guided" study.

The first take-away I got from Listen Up is that when instructions are given in the Bible for us to hear ("he that hath ears to hear.....") is not simply an act of hearing. But we are to hear what is being said, listen to  our heart, and act on what we hear. True hearing involves doing or acting on what we hear. This is in the first week's lesson where the action word is "listen."

Each week has a focus..... listen, build, treasure, follow, etc.

The first parable addressed in the study is that of the sower as presented in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In this five day lesson plan, we learn that the parables are given to explain Christ's teachings to those with open hearts and yet some interpretation is hidden to those with closed hearts.

Each five day plan has a Get Ready and Get Set introduction that can be read on Sunday in preparation for the other five days lessons. Having a five day plan seems to allow for the busyness of Sunday and Wednesday (usually quite busy days for chuch folks) and using the five non-church days or evenings to have family devotions.

Several versions of the Bible are utilized throughout Listen Up. The passages are not lengthy so you can read your preferred version (mine is the KJV) or you can use that printed in the book itself.

As with other materials I have had the opportunity to review for New Growth Press and the author, Marty Machowski, I am quite impressed and pleased to recommend this devotional book. There is a lot of good, sound information to be gleaned from Listen Up. This is not a cute devotional book for young children and there are no illustrations or cute activities. This is straight-forward teaching that is interesting and valuable.

About the book: After teaching a parable Jesus often said, “Whoever has ears, let him hear.” In other words, “This is important, so you better listen up” and what could be more important than the good news of the kingdom of God? This family devotional provides a unique opportunity for parents to help their children “listen up” and hear the gospel as Jesus himself shared it. Jesus told simple stories using everyday activities and objects that point to surprising spiritual truths about life in his kingdom. In the parables children (and adults!) will learn to treasure the gospel.

Children love stories and the parables provide a wonderful opportunity to engage their imaginations and help them understand and live out the good news of the kingdom of God. This thirteen-week family devotional is designed to help families explore the parables that Jesus taught through reading selected parables, activities, discussion questions, and “fun facts.” Each five-day session includes Bible reading, discussion questions, a fun activity, and songs.

GIVEAWAY

The publisher and author are graciously providing a copy for this giveaway.

Begins April 25

ENDS May 9 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given.

The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy, Illustrated by Trish Mahoney from New Growth Press [Review & Giveaway]

My thoughts: I have found publications from New Growth Press to be Biblically accurate and well written. The illustrations chosen for each of the publications for children that I have reviewed have been different and quite interesting and appealing. Previous books I've reviewed were by Marty Machowski and well done. Mr. Machowski highly recommends Jared Kennedy's (MDiv, ThM) The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible saying, "...I will be placing a copy of this book in all our children's ministry classrooms and recommending that every family in our church with small children add it to their bookshelf." High praise from a pastor and children's book author.

This is a somewhat large book but not overly so. There are about 50 stories so you can do one a week or more - whatever suits your family schedule. The illustrations are graphic designs done by Trish Mahoney and very colorful in the primary color range. The people are stylized and not realistic looking.

A brief application is made with each story enabling parents to guide children in their thinking outside of the actual storyline.

With the assortment of Old Testament and New Testament stories, you can begin to teach your young child the beauty of knowing their Bible and the lessons it holds for everyone. I like that the stories in this compilation include Paul's missionary journeys and the promise of Christ's second coming.

About the book: Kids know the value of a promise. Through the gospel, our good and all-powerful God keeps his word and fulfills his promises to us better than we could have ever thought or imagined!

In The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible, author Jared Kennedy traces God's perfect promises through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories, retold in simple and compelling ways with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. Each gospel-centered story highlights God's tale of redemption through Jesus and the unexpected and surprising ways that God's grace and mercy are revealed throughout the Bible. Children will hear the good news of God's love for them clearly expressed in ways that will speak to their young hearts. Brightly colored illustrations highlight the stories and add fun teaching elements of counting, opposites, patterns, and object recognition to keep even the youngest child's attention. Every story also ends with a question that parents and caregivers can use to further reinforce the message.

• Through reading this book one chapter at a time to your children---or letting them read it to you!---even the youngest kids will come to know that God's promises are especially for them, and that God always keeps his promises.
• Gospel-centered Bible stories expressed in ways that speak to toddlers and preschoolers.
• Children will learn the good news of God's love for them.
• Traces God's perfect promises through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories.
• Brightly colored illustrations by Trish Mahoney highlight each story and add fun elements to keep young children's attention.
• Each story ends with a question that parents and caregivers can use to reinforce the message.

More information, read a sample, and purchase a copy: here

GIVEAWAY

Begins November 15

Ends December 1 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Author: Jared Kennedy, MDiv, ThM, is the husband to Megan and the father of three girls---Rachael, Lucy, and Elisabeth. He serves as Pastor of Families at Sojourn Community Church-Midtown in Louisville, KY and as children's ministry strategist for Sojourn Network. He blogs regularly at gospelcenteredfamily.com and is also the coauthor of Leadership Mosaic and two VBS programs, Proof Pirates and Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the publisher and author to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given. Winner's copy is provided by the publisher and winner is selected using the Rafflecopter system.

The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible by Jared Kennedy & Illustrated by Trish Mahoney from New Growth Press [Giveaway]

About the book: Kids know the value of a promise. Through the gospel, our good and all-powerful God keeps his word and fulfills his promises to us better than we could have ever thought or imagined!

In The Beginner's Gospel Story Bible, author Jared Kennedy traces God's perfect promises through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories, retold in simple and compelling ways with toddlers and preschoolers in mind. Each gospel-centered story highlights God's tale of redemption through Jesus and the unexpected and surprising ways that God's grace and mercy are revealed throughout the Bible. Children will hear the good news of God's love for them clearly expressed in ways that will speak to their young hearts. Brightly colored illustrations highlight the stories and add fun teaching elements of counting, opposites, patterns, and object recognition to keep even the youngest child's attention. Every story also ends with a question that parents and caregivers can use to further reinforce the message.

• Through reading this book one chapter at a time to your children---or letting them read it to you!---even the youngest kids will come to know that God's promises are especially for them, and that God always keeps his promises.
• Gospel-centered Bible stories expressed in ways that speak to toddlers and preschoolers.
• Children will learn the good news of God's love for them.
• Traces God's perfect promises through fifty-two Old and New Testament stories.
• Brightly colored illustrations by Trish Mahoney highlight each story and add fun elements to keep young children's attention.
• Each story ends with a question that parents and caregivers can use to reinforce the message.

More information, read a sample, and purchase a copy: here

GIVEAWAY

Begins November 15

Ends December 1 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only

a Rafflecopter giveaway Author: Jared Kennedy, MDiv, ThM, is the husband to Megan and the father of three girls---Rachael, Lucy, and Elisabeth. He serves as Pastor of Families at Sojourn Community Church-Midtown in Louisville, KY and as children's ministry strategist for Sojourn Network. He blogs regularly at gospelcenteredfamily.com and is also the coauthor of Leadership Mosaic and two VBS programs, Proof Pirates and Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the publisher and author to facilitate a review. Opinions are my own and freely given. Winner's copy is provided by the publisher and winner is selected using the Rafflecopter system.