Midweek: NKJV Peace of God Bible

Do you know someone who struggles with feelings of anxiousness? Are you looking for a resource to help you focus firmly on the Prince of Peace? This might be the Bible you can share or keep for your own this Christmas. The NKJV Peace of God Bible from Thomas Nelson and editor, Jeremiah Johnston, PhD, is a great way to bear in mind the peace that surpasses all understanding in all circumstances as you study and employ God's Word. Devotions --some using Johnston's own life experiences as object lessons --examine the theme of God's shalom throughout Scripture and encourage the reader to walk in that assured peace. (A convenient topical index of devotions is provided in the back matter.) 

The three articles in the front of the book discuss "The Peace of God: Find It and Keep It," how "Believers Can Recover the Peace of God," and how to "Find God and His Peace: The Plan of Salvation" (essentially, how mankind can have peace with God). My criticism here has more to do with the placement of the articles than the content. I would have placed the plan of salvation (peace with God) as the first article for a couple of reasons; one being, peace with God is required for all, and secondly, the peace of God inhabits our spirits as we study His Word and do life with Him. 

Just behind the Topical Index of Devotions is a Features Index which catalogues all of the devotions and "Peace Notes," pithy remarks and reminders about God's peace. For example, "The peace of God, which includes happiness and joy, is a discipline we learn, not an automatic skill or natural Christian ability." (Point made). After this are the concordance and full-color maps.

From Thomas Nelson's Website:

Key features include:

• 365 devotionals that explore how to receive and live out God’s peace, each tied to a key verse or passage
• 365 Peace Notes offering brief reflections on how peace is worked out in everyday life
• Book introductions that highlight the role of peace in each section of Scripture
• Topical indexes to help you explore how God’s peace shapes relationships and decisions
• In-depth articles exploring what the peace of God is, how to reclaim it, and how salvation anchors it
• Concise concordance and full index of devotionals and features for easier study
• End-of-page translators’ notes and cross-references for enhanced understanding
• Line-matched, double-column typesetting for a cleaner reading experience
• Clear and readable 9.5-point NKJV Comfort Print® for long reading sessions without fatigue

As for aesthetics, the complimentary copy I received was burgundy bonded leather with the spine stamped in gold, gilt-edged pages, a presentation page, and two satin bookmarks, each a different color. The words of Jesus are printed in red. 

It's a very nice Bible. I love the simplicity of it. The devotions are definitely helpful, and the prayer notes are very "portable;" they provide something to consider throughout the day. It currently retails for $79.99, though Amazon offers the same copy I received for $53.98, and christianbook.com is offering it for $51.99.