Midweek: Tracing Edition: Engaging the Scripture Word by Word (NKJV)

Are you familiar with "verse mapping"? According to The James Method website:

Verse mapping is a technique used to gain a deeper understanding of God's word. It is a method of breaking down a verse by identifying and defining keywords, historical context, alternate translations, and cross references.

Verse mapping usually begins with a great cup of tea and a verse from a word-for-word Bible translation. Using a journal, highlighters, a concordance or Bible dictionary, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, one digs deeply into the verse, examining historical context, word meanings, other biblical references, and finally, personal application. Bible tracing is similar. Like verse mapping, Bible tracing engages left and right brain; analysis and logic meet creativity and intuition for full immersion into Scripture. 

Thomas Nelson Bibles has given me the opportunity to peruse their New King James Version of the New Testament in the Tracing Edition. The copy I received free of charge is bound in brown Leathersoft™ over board for a sturdy yet attractive cover. The front cover is stamped with a beautiful image of a shepherd and his sheep, and the back cover is marked with the words of Matthew 24:35. The spine is exposed with a Smyth-sewn binding that allows the book to lie flat when open. It arrives in a sturdy box, is complete with a presentation page --perfect for gift-giving, and it carries Thomas Nelson's lifetime guarantee. Included in the front matter are ten topical Bible study suggestions; subjects like anxiety, comfort, the Holy Spirit, community, and others. At almost two full inches of thickness and containing only the New Testament, this is a sizeable text --there are no additional study aids, maps, or articles; reason being, the font is much larger (17 point) than most Bible editions in order to facilitate tracing. The print is single-column, lending to a more casual, comfortable style, and is in a lighter grey, rather than black, print. The paper is of a heavier weight to support highlighting, and the margins are wide for notetaking.

Personally, I've never done verse-mapping or tracing, but I can see the benefit of tracing repeated themes throughout a chapter or book, tying the whole of it together and collating specific truths. And there is a clear link between handwriting and cognitive function. Is there a better way to keep your mind sharp and your heart pure? This edition from Thomas Nelson would be an excellent start to your journey in tracing the Scriptures or help someone you know as they seek to grow in the Lord. An edition like mine is currently available on Amazon for $30.98 or at christianbook.com for $30.88. A grey cloth over board edition is available as well.