Midweek: NKJV Personal Size Reference Bible & Journal Set

This week I've had the opportunity to look at Thomas Nelson's NKJV Personal Size Reference Bible and Journal Set. The complimentary set I received came in a protective sleeve, bound in a rich purple Leathersoft™. The covers of both books are stitched and embossed in a beautiful, matching design, and the pages of each are gilded in silver, perfectly complementing the covers. Thomas Nelson stands behind this Bible with their lifetime guarantee. The retail value is $59.95, but Amazon is currently selling the set for $37.33.

The Bible is basic in nature: no commentaries, introductions to books, timelines, charts, or Bible survey. There are eight full-color maps and a concordance. Other Bible features include:

• Verse-style Scripture format starts each verse on its own line so it’s easy to navigate the text
• End-of-verse cross-references help you to find related passages quickly and easily
• Words of Christ in red help you quickly identify Jesus’ teachings and statements
• Line-matched text for improved clarity when reading
• Portable personal-size edition allows this Bible to be a perfect travel companion wherever you go
• Durable and flexible Smyth-sewn binding allows the Bible to lay flat wherever you are reading
• Two Ribbon markers make it easy navigate and keep track of where you are reading
• Easy-to-read extra-large 10.5-point NKJV Comfort Print® (The concordance, however, is printed in a much smaller font.)

Journal features include:

• Matching cover and design
• 224 pages of lined space for recording your insights, study notes, and prayers
• Ribbon marker

Personally, I think it's a beautiful set. If I had one criticism, however, it would be with regard to the Bible: the pages are thin and would not support gel pens, most highlighters, and probably many pens without bleeding. Overall, though, both the Bible and journal are elegant in appearance but very functional. The simple design and text of the Bible make it a suitable carry Bible; the sturdy, lined pages of the journal are without ornament, leaving plenty of room for actual journaling. A journal of this quality, purchased on its own, would probably cost anywhere between $10-$15. The set for its current price is a terrific value and would make a lovely gift.