Tag Archives: GreenePastures.org

Bible Review, Bible Study, Concordance, Core Topics, Doctrine, Faith, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, Jesus Christ, King James Version, KJV, New Testament, Note-taking Space, Old Testament, Patti Greene, Spiritual Growth, The Bible, Thomas Nelson, Topic-by-Topic Notes, Uncategorized

Bible Review: Color Code Study Bible (KJV) by Patti Greene

Leave a comment

If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more.

———-

Personal Review: KJV Color Code Study Bible by Patti Greene

I recently received the King James Version Color Code Study Bible and want to share my appreciation and main observations.

KJV Color Code Study Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2026.

ISBN: 9781400350988

First Impressions: Lovely At First Look

When this almost 2,000-page leather soft, red-letter Bible arrived, I thought, “What a beautiful Bible.” The rich purple cover with its elegant indentation makes it feel special—an excellent, memorable gift. Its design appeals to gift-givers, collectors, and anyone who values thoughtful presentation. This is a Bible worth treasuring or sharing. The white satin ribbon marker is beautiful and practical.

Color Code Study Bible Features

Depth and Richness: Great for Learning More

I was impressed by the substantial commentary, notes, and archaeological insights, which are clearly for those desiring more than a casual understanding of God’s Word. One of my favorite features is how charts are placed throughout the Bible. This makes a noticeable difference when studying, keeping the reader engaged without always having to flip pages to find answers.

Visual Impact: Very Well Designed

The visual elements are excellent. Over 270 photos provide context and richness. Thomas Nelson excelled here.

Color Code Study Bible Map

Study Tools: Extremely Useful

As a Bible teacher, I appreciated these study helps:

  • Book introductions and summaries
  • “How to study” guidance for each book
  • Footnotes that clarify meaning and context
  • Topic-based articles (obedience, suffering, God’s will, and more)

The way additional insight is woven directly into the text—such as explanations of locations or historical references—is incredibly helpful and meaningful.

Nothing better than reading the Bible while in a massage chair!

Organization: Designed With the Reader in Mind

The layout and structure make this Bible easy to navigate:

  • A helpful table of contents
  • A topical index with page numbers
  • Cut-out tabs for quickly locating books (thumb-indexing)
  • A Scripture index highlighted with colors to link to major topics in the Bible. They consist of the following.
  1. Purple – God the Father
  2. Blue – God the Son
  3. Gold – God the Holy Spirit
  4. Red – Salvation
  5. Green – Sanctification
  6. Gray – Sin and Temptation
  7. Orange – Last things
Color Code Study Bible

These features show purposeful planning and a desire to truly serve the reader.

Practical Use: Perfect For Those Who “Engage” With Their Bible

I also appreciate the wider 1.25” margins, which allow for making notes—something I value personally and as a teacher. The inclusion of character profiles, prayers, a concordance, and a weights-and-measures section adds even more depth.

Color Coding: A Creative Idea with Some Challenges

I want to share my thoughts on the color-coding system, as this was of particular interest to me.

My husband is colorblind, specifically with red, green, and brown tones, so I evaluated the color-coding system from that perspective. While color-coding is creative and has potential, in practice, several colors—particularly red (which looks pink), gold (which looks yellow), green, and orange—are difficult to distinguish for those with color vision problems. The colors often blend or appear muted due to their similar tones and low contrast. This reduces the intended usefulness for colorblind readers.

Various Kinds of Colorblindness by color-blindness.com

A Suggestion from Personal Experience

Based on what works well for my husband, using stronger, higher-contrast colors would greatly improve accessibility. Bold tones are much easier to distinguish than soft pastels; however, this might not be advisable because dark colors may show through on the pages. But these colors would work for many colorblind folks.

  • Dark blue
  • Deep purple
  • Black
  • Bold tones (rather than soft pastels) tend to be much easier to distinguish.

How I See It as A Teacher

As a Bible teacher for ladies ages 40-90, I try to be mindful of the needs of those I teach, including those with visual challenges and those in an aging population. Because of this, I would likely not use or recommend this Bible as a primary teaching resource in a group setting. Relying on subtle color distinctions could make it difficult for some to fully engage. However, I would absolutely recommend it to individuals with strong eyesight who enjoy a visual, color-based approach to study. For them, this Bible can be a very enriching resource for study.

Color Code Study Bible Scripture Links Per Color

Additional Considerations

A couple of smaller points I wanted to note:

  • The print, while described as large, felt somewhat small to me.
  • The Bible is a bit heavy, which may be a consideration for some users.
  • A New King James Version of this Bible with the same study notes would be very welcome, as many younger Bible readers prefer versions other than the King James Version.

Closing Thoughts

The Color Code Study Bible is engaging and meaningful, but it is not for everyone.

Book Review, Church and Ministry, Devotionals, Faith, God's Will, GreenePastures.org, Jesus Christ, Leadership, Missions and Evangelism, Most Recent Post, Obedience, Oswald Chambers, Pastoral Care, Patti Greene, Salvation, Writing and Speaking

Book Review: My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Leave a comment

If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more. Please, don’t miss the video link below – All about OSWALD CHAMBERS and a life dedicated to His Lord.

———-

The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers is a large book—over 1,400 pages—and it contains all of Chambers’ published writings and many of the messages he delivered during his life. The collection was compiled after his death by his wife, who had taken careful notes on almost everything he taught. Because of her work, we can read his words today.

Oswald Chambers was born in 1874 in Aberdeen, Scotland, the youngest son of a Baptist minister. When he was a teenager, his family moved to London, and he soon publicly professed his faith in Christ and joined Rye Lane Baptist Church. Over the years, he served as a pastor, a traveling speaker, and a representative of the League of Prayer. Later, he became the principal and main teacher at the Bible Training College in Clapham, London.

During his lifetime, he published only three books. He died in 1917 at the age of forty‑three and was not well known at the time. But after his death, his wife gathered the notes she had taken during their seven years of marriage and shaped them into many books. From those notes came My Utmost for His Highest, a devotional that has been translated into more than twenty‑five languages.

My Utmost for His Highest is a book of 365 daily readings. Many of the entries come from his lectures at the Bible Training College. Sometimes a single sentence can sound sharp or surprising when read alone, but when the rest of the paragraph or work is read, its meaning becomes clear.

For this blog, one sentence from each month of the devotional will be shared. These small pieces are simply what stood out along the way. They are offered to anyone curious about Oswald Chambers, his life, or the heart behind his teaching.

January: “[God] expounds things to use as we can understand them.”

February: “We show how little we love God by preferring to listen… to personal testimonies, but we do not desire that God should speak to us.”

March: “Faith never knows where it is being led, but it loves and knows the One Who is leading.”

April: “Character determines how a man interprets God’s will.”

May: “The purpose of God is not to answer our prayers, but by our prayers, we come to discern the mind of God.”

June: “If you are recognizing your Lord, you have no business with where he engineers your circumstances.”

July: “The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience.”

August: “It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we do for Him.”

September: “God does not ask us to do the things that are easy to us naturally. He only asked us to do things we are perfectly fitted to do by His grace, and the cross will come along that line always.”

October: “It is not a question of whether God is willing to sanctify; is it my will?”

November: “God never gives us discernment in order that we may [criticize], but that we may intercede.”

December: “We are sent by God to lift up Jesus Christ, not to give wonderfully beautiful discourses.”

———-

Bible Verse: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” — Psalm 119:105

Source: Chambers, Oswald. The Complete Works of Oswald Chambers. Grand Rapids: Our Daily Bread, 2000. 738, 749, 761, 774, 783, 792, 805, 817, 827, 835, 848, 857.

greenenpastures.org

Feel free to share, forward, comment, and/or subscribe to GreenePastures.org to receive a variety of Christian articles, reviews, stories, and snippets of information!

Unstoppable by Patti Greene; Available on Amazon or through Ingram Distributors
Bible Review, Bible Study, Book Review, Christian Blog, Coloring Bible, GreenePastures.org, Patti Greene

Bible Review: The Sketch Book Bible by Patti Greene

If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more.

As a Bible reviewer for Thomas Nelson, I received The Sketch Book Bible (NKJV) and am excited to share my honest thoughts with you.

***************

Bible Review by Patti Greene
The Sketch Book Bible
ISBN: 9781400339471

I’ve seen it again and again — the way a child lights up when they open a new coloring book or a fresh pack of crayons. Their whole face changes. Their shoulders lift. Their eyes sparkle. It doesn’t matter if they’re three or ten. Joy is joy.

That same joy is exactly what I imagined when I opened the Sketch Book Bible (NKJV). To write this review, I stepped into the heart of a child — the kind who loves color, stories, and anything they can make their own.

And from that place, this is what I saw.

A Child’s View — Full of Wonder

It was Christmas morning. Wrapping paper was everywhere. When I opened one of the special gifts, I stopped and stared.

It wasn’t just a book.
It wasn’t just a coloring book.
It was a Bible I could color in.

My heart felt like it jumped. I wanted my crayons right away. I wanted to flip through the pages and find the stories I knew from Sunday School. I wanted to see the pictures. I wanted to color everything.

The Sketch Book Bible

When I opened the front cover, I saw my name written inside.
My name.
Inside a Bible.

It felt like this Bible was made just for me. I could color the cover, the inside pages, the edges — all of it. I could use bright colors or soft ones. I could stay in the lines or scribble if I wanted to. It didn’t matter. It was mine.

I turned to the page where Moses comes down from the mountain. I picked my brightest crayons and started coloring. I tried to stay in the lines because I wanted it to look special. When I finished, I felt proud — the kind of proud that makes you want to show everyone.

I showed my parents.
I showed my grandparents, and my Grammi even wanted to color with me!
I even wanted to take it to church and show my teacher.

And something else made me happy, too. I got to flip through the pages just like I’ve seen my parents and pastor do. I know I’m still a kid, but holding this Bible made me feel older in a good way — like I was learning to love God’s Word the way they do.

Yes, the adults who bought this Bible probably looked at all the features — the 275 illustrations, the Bible characters, the animals, the book introductions, and all the extras. But for me, the best part is simple:

I finally have a Bible I can make my own.
Thank You, Jesus.
I like being an artist.

The Sketch Book Bible

Why a Parent Would Choose This Bible

Parents love giving gifts that spark joy, creativity, and faith all at once. This Bible does exactly that.

• It helps children interact with Scripture, not just read it.
• It gives them a sense of ownership — “This is my Bible.”
• It encourages quiet focus, creativity, and learning.
• It helps them remember Bible stories because they colored them.
• It becomes a keepsake — something they’ll carry, color, and treasure as they grow.

A parent doesn’t give this Bible just to fill a shelf. They give it because they want their child to love God’s Word with their eyes, their hands, and their heart.

The Sketch Book Bible

Many children may want to keep this Bible forever. Why, one may ask?

  • They may want to look at how they colored as children.
  • They may want to show their children someday.
  • They may want to see what colors they liked best.
  • They may like to recall their favorite childhood stories, or
  • They may want to relive the joy experienced flipping through the pages of the Bible.

What a cool Bible! For sure.

The Sketch Book Bible

Bible Verse:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV

 

Bible Review, Bible Study, Book Review, Christian Blog, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, New Testament, Old Testament, Patti Greene, The Bible, Thomas Nelson

Bible Review: NKJV Foundation Study Bible by Patti Greene

If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more.

As a Bible reviewer for Thomas Nelson, I received the NKJV Foundation Study Bible, and I am excited to share my honest thoughts with you.

***************

Bible Review by Patti Greene
NKJV Foundation Study Bible 
Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781400351022

1. First Impressions: A Simple and Beautiful Bible
The cover caught my eye right away. The words “Holy Bible” are printed in gold on a warm brown cover. The stitching around the edges makes it look durable and well-made. The spine says “Foundation Study Bible,” and the whole design feels classy and peaceful.

It is the kind of Bible someone could use for many years.

NKJV Foundation Study Bible

2. A Presentation Page That Feels Personal
Inside the front cover, the presentation page includes spaces for Presented to, By, Date, and Occasion. I love this. Many Bibles leave out the “occasion,” but it is a great addition. When I give a Bible as a birthday gift, Christmas gift, wedding gift, or “just because I love you” gift, I like writing the occasion down. This small detail makes the Bible feel more personal and meaningful.

3. Easy Navigation for All Readers
The Table of Contents lists the books of the Old Testament and New Testament in order. It also includes a list of abbreviations for each book. Many people—especially those new to the Bible won’t know these abbreviations, so this is very helpful.

The introduction and preface explain:
a. How the New King James Version (NKJV) was created
b. Why this translation was made
c. How the text is formatted, and
d. How the translator notes work

These pages help readers understand the purpose and style of this Bible.

4. Helpful Introductions to Each Book of the Bible
Each of the 66 books begins with a short introduction. It includes:
a. The author
b. When the book was written
c. A key verse
d. The main theme

These introductions give readers a strong starting point before they begin reading each book of the Bible.

5. Study Notes and Subheadings That Bring Clarity
Because this is a study Bible, many pages include notes at the bottom. These notes explain verses, provide references, and offer helpful background information.

The subheadings inside each chapter are also very useful. I noticed this especially while reading 1 Kings and 2 Kings. The subheadings helped me keep track of the people, places, and events. They make the stories easier to follow.

If you teach the Bible, these notes can help you prepare a lesson quickly, although that should not be one’s priority!!!

NKJV Foundation Study Bible

Wide Margins for Note‑Takers
One of my favorite features is the wide margins. I love taking notes in my Bible, and I often run out of space. These margins give plenty of room for writing thoughts and prayers, or for referencing.

For people who journal in their Bible, this is a wonderful feature.

7. Helpful Indexes for Deeper Study
This Bible includes several tools that help readers study God’s Word:

a. Notes Index by Location

This index begins in Genesis 1:1 and continues through 1 John 3:24. It helps readers follow important themes throughout the Bible.

b. Theological Notes Index by Title

This alphabetical list shows topics and the verses that go with them.

c. Concordance

The concordance is more complete than many Bibles this size. It includes words such as prayer, compassion, and covetousness.
These tools make this Bible helpful for personal study, teaching, or preparing devotionals.

8. Maps That Are Clear and Easy to Read
The back of the Bible includes colorful maps. They are bright, clear, and well‑designed. I especially like that Paul’s missionary journeys are spread across two pages. If they were squeezed onto one page, the names of the cities would be too small to read. This layout was a smart choice.

9. A Teenager’s Viewpoint
My granddaughter (almost 16) went through the Bible and shared her thoughts:
– The cover looks nice and could be used by anyone.
– There is a lot of room on the sides for notes.
– The print size is fine for me.
– I like the gold on the spine and page edges.
– It would work well for Sunday School.
– I understand why the two‑page map needed to be separated—it makes it easier to read.
– I would add my own tabs if I owned it.
– At my church, most teens use the Christian Standard Bible (CSB) because that is what my pastor uses. My friends mostly use the CSB, the New Living Translation (NLT), or the New International Version (NIV), so the New King James Version (NKJV) is less common among the teenagers I know.

Her comments reminded me that different age groups often prefer different translations, but the design of this Bible appeals to many people.

10. Final Thoughts: A Bible for Many Readers
The NKJV Foundation Study Bible (NKJV) is simple, pretty, and very useful. The study notes, wide margins, clear subheadings, and helpful indexes make it a strong choice for:
a. Long‑time Bible readers
b. Sunday School students
c. Teachers and small‑group leaders
d. Men, women, and teenagers who enjoy a clean, classic design

My only challenge is the print size. At 71 years old, it is too small for me (even after having cataract surgery). However, my granddaughter thinks it is perfect, and I believe most readers will feel the same.

Overall, this Bible is a wonderful tool for anyone who wants to grow in their understanding of God’s Word.

NKJV Foundation Study Bible

GreenePastures.org

 

Prayer:

My heavenly Father, help me as I read Your word to understand it more clearly. Help me make time every day to seek and meditate on You. Speak to me, make me aware of others’ needs, and teach me to love them unconditionally, as you do. Thank you, Lord.

Bible Verse:

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV

Bible Review, Bible Study, Book Review, Book Reviews, Christian Blog, Christian Living, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, How to Guides, Jesus Christ, Life Issues, Patti Greene, Prayer, Technology, The Bible

Starting Over Gracefully: Please Resubscribe or Subscribe — I lost many of you!

2 Comments

Hello there — I hope things are going well in your corner of the world.

My blog has been giving me serious trouble lately — mostly because the “back end” of a website still feels like a big maze to me. Somewhere in that maze, a number of my subscribers slipped away-my fault! I was able to save about two hundred subscribers, but many were lost. So if you want to join — or rejoin — I would be truly grateful. I promise I’m not trying to be an influencer. I only want to point people to Jesus.

If you want to subscribe or resubscribe, go to GreenePastures.org on your computer. On the top right block, add your first name (optional) and your email address and then press Subscribe.

If you want to subscribe or resubscribe from your phone, go to GreenePastures.org, click on the three lines in the upper right-hand corner, and scroll down to see the subscribe form.

Or if you’d rather not deal with any of that, email, text, or message me. I can add you myself — I only need your permission and email address.

In Greene Pastures, I write about the Bible, prayer, and the little things God teaches me along the way. My blog is for anyone wanting to grow in the Christian life. I don’t post every day. I only write when the Holy Spirit gives me something to share.

I believe God gave me this ministry back in 2015. And yes — sometimes in life, He allows us to hit the “start over” button. And with His help, we keep going, one small step at a time. That is where I’m at.

IMPORTANT: If you received this blog in your email, you do NOT need to resubscribe!

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?” — Isaiah 43:19

I’m praying this works!

Feel free to share or forward to your friends and family.

 

Church and Ministry, Faith, Patti Greene, Prayer, Spiritual Growth, The Bible

A Simple Guide to Christian Terms — Christianese

2 Comments

If you are receiving this blog via email, clicking the post title will show the best version.

————————

Many people use words—sometimes called “Christianese”—that can be confusing. Whether you’ve studied the Bible for years or are opening it for the first time, no question is too small. God meets each of us right where we are. My prayer is that this list will help you and others understand the terms believers often use in daily life.

Words About Faith

Sin — Anything we do that goes against God
Romans 3:23 — “For all have sinned…”

Repent — Turn to God, through Jesus
Acts 3:19 — “Repent…that your sins may be wiped out.”

Believe — Trust Jesus with your life
Acts 16:31 — “Believe in the Lord Jesus…”

Faith — Choosing to trust God even when we can’t see
2 Corinthians 5:7 — “We live by faith, not by sight.”

Saved — Made right with God
Romans 10:13 — “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Lost — Far from God; needs a new life in Jesus
Luke 19:10 — “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Gospel — The good news about Jesus
Romans 1:16 — “It is the power of God for salvation.”

Born again — Given a new life through Jesus
John 3:7 — “You must be born again.”

Justified — God forgives us and makes us right with Him
Romans 5:1 — “We have been justified through faith.”

Sanctified — God growing us to be more like Jesus
1 Thessalonians 4:3 — “This is God’s will…your sanctification.”

Redeemed — God bought us back and made us His own
Ephesians 1:7 — “In Him we have redemption…”

Words About the Church and Bible

Scripture — A verse or passage from the Bible
2 Timothy 3:16 — “All Scripture is God‑breathed.”

Covenant — A promise God makes and keeps
Jeremiah 31:33 — “I will be their God, and they will be my people.”

Disciple — A person who follows Jesus
Matthew 28:19 — “Make disciples of all nations.”

Discipleship — Learning to follow Jesus day by day
Matthew 28:20 — “Teach them to obey everything I have commanded.”

Fellowship — Spending time together in Christian friendship
Acts 2:42 — “They devoted themselves…to fellowship.”

Quiet time — Time alone with God
Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God.”

Devotional — A short reading that helps us think about God
Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet.”

Trinity — One God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Matthew 28:19 — “In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.”

Words About Spiritual Growth and Prayer

Intercede — Pray for someone else
Romans 8:34 — “Christ Jesus…intercedes for us.”

Anointed — Chosen and helped by God
Luke 4:18 — “He has anointed me…”

Calling — The work God wants you to do
Ephesians 4:1 — “Walk worthy of the calling you have received.”

Spiritual warfare — The battle between God’s truth and the enemy’s lies
Ephesians 6:11 — “Put on the full armor of God.”

Fruit of the Spirit — The good things God grows in us
Galatians 5:22–23 — “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”

Walk with God — Live each day with God
Galatians 5:16 — “Walk by the Spirit.”

Words About Church Practices

Communion — Remembering Jesus with bread and juice, wine
Luke 22:19 — “Do this in remembrance of Me.”

Baptism — Showing on the outside what Jesus has done on the inside
Acts 2:38 — “Be baptized…in the name of Jesus Christ.”

Testimony — Your story of what God has done in your life
Acts 4:20 — “We cannot help speaking about…what we have seen and heard.”

Worship — Showing love to God with our words, songs, and lives
Psalm 100:2 — “Worship the Lord with gladness.”

Compiled by Patti Greene, January 25, 2026

Not subscribed yet? I’d love for you to join the blog!

Here’s how:

On a desktop or laptop:
Visit the blog and look for the Subscribe box at the top right. Enter your details and subscribe; then you should receive a confirmation message.

On an iPhone:
Tap the three bars in the top right, scroll past NEWSLETTER to Subscribe Below. Enter your details and subscribe; then you should receive a confirmation message. 

Once you’re in, you’ll get uplifting Bible study insights and prayer encouragement straight to your inbox!

Christian Living, Devotionals, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, Life Issues, Patti Greene, Uncategorized, Worry

Bloops, Stress, and God’s Steady Hand

If you are receiving this blog via email, clicking the post title will show the best version.

————————

Bloops! Before you write me off as crazy, let me explain. I blooped a lot this week. And my reason? Stress. Real, honest-to-goodness stress.

At first, I thought my bloops were manageable. They were private, and only a few people knew. Like when I sent two packages to the wrong addresses. One was a birthday gift for my grandson—I mailed it to his old house, the one he moved out of five years ago! Then I sent my recently designed Christmas cards to Lubbock instead of here. I know, I know. Bloops happen.

But when bloops go public? That’s when embarrassment sets in.

I was trying to change my Facebook profile picture. Instead of uploading the right photo, I accidentally posted a picture of my hand, one I meant to show my doctor, not the world! I deleted the pic right away, but Facebook warned me: “Deleted but may still appear elsewhere.” Oh no. Then came the text from a friend: “What is this pic?” Yikes. It’s out there somewhere.

So why all the bloops? I believe it’s stress. Last week was full of it. My mind was tired. My heart was heavy. I wasn’t thinking clearly. And when stress piles up, mistakes follow.

Stress can make us forget things. It can make us feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even clumsy. But here’s the good news: God doesn’t write us off when we bloop. He doesn’t laugh or roll His eyes, or maybe He does, but I know He meets us in our mess and offers peace.

Let’s look at what the Bible says about stress and God’s care:

1. “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7
God doesn’t just tolerate our stress—He invites us to hand it over.

2. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
When we’re tired and bloopy, Jesus offers rest—not shame.

3. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1
He’s not just near us in calm moments. He’s right there in the chaos.

4. “The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.” — Psalm 29:11
Strength and peace are gifts He gives freely, even when we feel weak.

So if you’ve blooped lately—sent something to the wrong address, posted the wrong photo, or just felt off—take heart. You’re not alone. Stress happens. But God is steady. He’s kind. And He is always ready to help us reset.

Bible Verses: Within Blog

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we all fail or make silly mistakes. Lord, thank You for forgiving us when we sin, and thank You for loving us always, even when our personalities or humor get ahead of us. You are a mighty God, and we love You for loving us no matter what. Amen.

Bible Study, Devotionals, GreenePastures.org, Old Testament, Patti Greene, People in the Bible, The Bible

When Donkeys Speak: A Short Devotional by Patti Greene

If you are receiving this blog through email, click on the title of the post to see the best version—permission given by Patti Greene to use this devotional at any time.

If you are teaching a comprehensive Bible study, add more information to align with your teaching goals.

——————–

TITLE: When Donkeys Speak: Listening for God’s Voice

FOCUS: Numbers 22:1–35

THEME: God can speak through anything or anyone—and He wants our hearts more than our performance.

PRAYER STARTER: “Lord, open our ears and hearts today. Help us hear You—even when You speak in surprising ways.”

——————–
ICEBREAKER:
Have you ever had a moment when something odd or unexpected made you stop and think, “Is God trying to tell me something?”
☐ Yes  ☐ No  ☐ Not sure
Briefly describe it: ___________________________________________

SCRIPTURE READING:
Read Aloud: Numbers 22:1–35
Break into three parts for clarity:
• vv.1–14: Balak’s request
• vv.15–21: Balaam’s response
• vv.22–35: The donkey speaks!

OPTIONAL VISUAL CHART:
• Map of Moab and Balaam’s route
• Character chart: Moab, Balaam, Balak, donkey, angel of the Lord.

DOUBLE-CLICK on the chart below to view it more clearly.

Numbers 22 Chart

TEACHING POINTS:
1. Backdrop: Israel camps near Moab. Balak fears them and sends messengers to hire Balaam to curse Israel. Read Deuteronomy 2:9 to find out why Balak didn’t need to worry about the Israelites harassing Moab.

2. God’s First Response (v.12): “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.”

3. Balaam’s Wavering Heart: He says the right things but keeps entertaining the offer. His motives were not pure.  It is easy to question the motives of others—some tips for recognizing our own motives are:  1. Don’t rely on what others say about a person; 2. Don’t rely on first impressions; 3. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes; 4. Find out all the facts before judging a person’s motives; 5. Recognize when Satan is tempting us.

4. God’s Permission (v.20): God lets Balaam go—but with a warning.

5. The Angel & the Donkey (vv.22–35): The donkey sees the angel three times and tries to protect Balaam. Balaam beats the donkey, and then God opens the donkey’s mouth! In verse 38, the donkey says, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?”

6. God’s Message (vv. 31-32): “Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the way with His drawn sword in His hand; and he bowed his head and fell flat on his face. And the Angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out to stand against you, because your way is perverse before Me.”

PONDER THESE QUESTIONS:
• Do you act differently at home than you do at church?
• Do you help others only to receive recognition or rewards?
• Do you reflect Christ or seek your own glory?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
• What does this story teach us about God’s patience?
• Have you ever ignored a warning or nudge from God?
• What’s one way you can listen more closely this week?

CREATIVE RESPONSE:
Journaling Prompt: “Lord, help me listen—even when the message comes from unexpected places . . .”

CLOSING PRAYER:
“Lord, thank You for speaking—even through donkeys. Help us hear You and obey with humble hearts.”

Bible Study, Christian Living, Church and Ministry, Death, Faith, Friendship, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, God's Will, GreenePastures.org, Holy Spirit, How to Guides, Jesus Christ, Life Issues, New Testament, Obedience, Old Testament, Patti Greene, People in the Bible, Prayer, Salvation, Spiritual Gifts, Spiritual Growth, Testimonies, The Bible, Uncategorized, Wisdom, Worship, Writing and Speaking

THE WAIT IS OVER! My new book, Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God is now available !

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God by Patti Greene

AVAILABLE NOW: PB ISBN-13: 9798284335017; On Amazon!

To order, click this link. bit.ly/4eovDOw

If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more.

———-

THE WAIT IS OVER! My new book, Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, is now available. Ready to inspire, strengthen, and encourage you to pursue God’s path with unwavering faith.  And as proof that miracles still happen, my “desk” is finally clear–turns out writing a book creates more clutter than ever imaginable. 

But what you see below is a very messy table, with stacks of books and Bibles that filled every nook and cranny of my dining room as this book was being produced!

My work “desk” during a neat phase!

Unstoppable is officially LIVE and ready to jump off the shelves! You can grab it on Amazon or order it at your favorite local bookstore. But before I get into the wild ride that was my writing and publishing journey, let me tell you what’s inside.

This book began as a love letter to my children, a way for them to hear my voice long after I’m gone. But somewhere along the way, I realized it wasn’t just for them. It was for every believer, every seeker, every soul longing to know God more. The words are mine. Every thought, every bit of wisdom comes from a journey with the Lord. And I hope that as you read, you hear my voice—not just in ink, but in your heart. It is a book about the Bible, Prayer, Christian Living, Leadership, and Crises.”

The Writing Process

Writing a book should come with a survival guide. Between editing, formatting, and proofing (more than one hundred times), I learned that endnotes and bibliographies were designed to evaluate human patience. My dining room transformed into a battlefield of books, sticky notes, and a laptop that looked like it had survived a war. In an attempt to feel like I was in control of something, I started frequenting the nail salon. If nothing else, the salon became a form of stress relief to me.

And then there were the technical nightmares—the formatting jargon no one warns you about. Acrobat, DPI, cropping, templates, first-line indents, hyperlinks, marketing strategies, and the dreaded Kindle Previewer. I wrestled with Smashwords, preorders, reflowable text, TOC (which I now believe stands for “Totally Overwhelming Chaos”), citations, quotation marks, italics, and hyphens. Every minor detail became a new mountain to climb. Somewhere between resizing eBook files and debating whether “almighty” should be capitalized or not, I pondered every life instance, from toddlerhood to now, that the Lord allowed me to until this moment. And yes, He prepared me.

What God Taught Me Through the Process

But in all the challenges, God was working on me. He taught me patience, the importance of time management (because writing at 2 a.m. is not sustainable), and the power of prayer (especially when my manuscript almost disappeared into the abyss). I learned about His glory and honor, self-control, thankfulness, and stick-to-itiveness. Quitting was never an option. The Lord reminded me that persistence matters, that gratitude changes everything, and that friends, faith, and a sound support system are essential.

The Publishing Process

Ah, publishing—the part where a writer either gets an agent or slowly realizes that the industry now requires social media influence and more friends than you have. After six months of rejections and feedback that I wasn’t quite “popular enough,” I did what any stubborn writer would do—I self-published. Again.

This final process was chaotic, exhausting, but God nudged me forward, whispering that this book mattered. And when God nudges, you listen and obey—even if you’re delirious from lack of sleep.

Conclusion

So, here it is—Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God. It’s in the wild now, floating in Amazon’s Sea of millions of books. Will it become a bestseller? Who knows. But that’s never been the point. It’s a book of faith, a book of endurance, and, frankly, a book that put me through the ringer. And I believe it’s meant for someone, maybe even you. 

So, go ahead and grab a copy. Not just because I’d love for you to buy it,  but because I believe God has a purpose for everyone’s life, and it was written to help people live a godly life and “go the distance,” until God calls them home.

For ages 12 and above!

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, Paperback ISBN-13,  9798284335017

Unstoppable: Go the Distance with God, Hardcover ISBN-1,  9798284456651

It’s on Kindle too!

Feel free to share, forward, or comment as desired.

God bless you. Patti

Bible Verse: Ecclesiastes 11:5

To order, click this link. bit.ly/4eovDOw

 

 

 

 

 

Bible Study, Book Review, Book Reviews, God, Jesus, and Holy Spirit, GreenePastures.org, Most Recent Post, New Testament, Old Testament, Patti Greene, The Bible, Thomas Nelson

Bible Review: The Open Bible by Patti Greene

2 Comments

If you receive this article through email, you can click on the title to read it on GreenePastures.org for the best formatting, photos, and more.

As a Thomas Nelson Bible Reviewer, I received a black-cover edition of The Open Bible 2025 as a gift, and I am pleased to offer my honest review of this New King James Version Bible with the Scripture text taken from the NKJV © 1982.

The Open Bible by Thomas Nelson, division of Harper Collins Christian Publishing, Inc.

 ISBN: 9781400344031

WOW, WHAT A WEALTH OF INFORMATION!

First Impressions—Please don’t judge this book by its cover!

Upon taking this Bible from its attractive box, I thought, “What a drab and boring black cover, even though the writing and spine had a lovely gold imprint.” However, that is because I am a woman and like colors! Actually, most men would love the black flexible cover. This Bible measures 9.5” x 6.5,” measuring the cover, and weighs approximately three pounds. On the back cover, there are some numbers; one is the ISBN and the other I didn’t know what it was, but both imprints were hard to read. It is just unfortunate that I received that one.

The Open Bible 

Aesthetic Appeal

The Bible is flat when opened, features a beautiful red ribbon placeholder, and highlights gold-imprint page sleeves.

Structure of The Open Bible

Wow! Here is where this Bible becomes EXCEPTIONAL. Thomas Nelson wanted its readers to understand Scripture and specific aspects of Scripture. The publishing company is serious about sharing how to use the Bible as a beginning Bible student and a deep and seasoned believer. With so much preliminary information, the actual Bible from Genesis to Revelation does not start right from the beginning. Below is information that is included in each section of the Bible in alphabetical order.

 Features of The Open Bible

 Before the Scripture

  • A Guide to New Life,
  • A Bible Review
  • A visual survey of the Bible includes charts and maps about multiple points of interest, such as the history of Israel, the prophetic books, the history of the early church, and the themes of the New Testament letters.
  • How to study the Bible,
  • Introductions,
  • New Life in Christ,
  • Study Features,
  • Topical index, which is one-fifth” thick, per my measurement.
  • Word studies, and more.

 The Scripture Text

  • Definition blocks explaining words, such as yoke, tithe, redemption, Paradise,
  • Keys and surveys on each book of the Bible,
  • Outline of each book of the Bible,
  • Overview of each book of the Bible,
  • Red lettering of Jesus’ words,
  • Side blocks of information, i.e., Knowing the will of God, Christ’s righteousness, Reconciliation between enemies, The role of parents, The person of the Holy Spirit,
  • Thumb indexing for books of the Bible and more.

After the Scripture Text

  • 60 Days through the story of Scripture,
  • Concordance,
  • Facts about the Bible
  • History of the Twelve Apostles,
  • Prophecies of the Messiah fulfilled in Jesus Christ,
  • Read your Bible through in a year,
  • Table of monies, weights, and measures,
  • The Jewish Calendar,
  • The Jewish Feasts,
  • The Parables of Jesus Christ,
  • The teachings and illustrations of Jesus Christ, and more.

 Additional Information

This Bible even explains how to have a personal devotional time and a systematic Bible study through word studies, verse studies, paragraph studies, chapter studies, book studies, topical studies, and biographical studies. It explains the principles of Bible interpretation and gives a doctrinal overview of the Bible.

The Open Bible publishers were serious about teaching readers how to use this Bible by providing valuable information.

On an internal note, the Bible includes an attractive presentation page and uses two columns throughout its 1,750 pages, not including the introductory pages. Its font size is 9 pt. NKJV Comfort Print.

The Open Bible Text

 Drawbacks

Although the cover may not appeal to everyone and is heavy, it is definitely worth its weight in value.

 Who Would Benefit Most from The Open Bible?

While the Bible text in the New King James Version is an excellent choice for all readers, The Open Bible 2025 is particularly well-suited for Bible teachers, seminarians, pastors, and anyone deeply involved in ministry. Its wealth of resources and in-depth study materials make it an invaluable tool for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Bible.

 What Distinguishes this Bible from Others?

What truly sets The Open Bible 2025 apart from other study Bibles is its wealth of material. For instance, it offers a comprehensive topical index, a concordance, and a host of additional introductory and concluding material that most Bibles lack. This abundance of resources makes it a standout choice for deep Bible study.

 My Plan

I plan to read and familiarize myself with all the information in The Open Bible and recommend it to my serious Bible-lover friends. I also can’t wait to use some of the material in the current Bible study I teach.

I also recommend this Bible as a thoughtful gift for those who are into deep Bible study, such as on Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, birthdays, and other occasions.

5+-stars

Feel free to share this review with others.

If you like articles like this, please subscribe to my blog on the  right-hand side of this article, where it states, “SUBSCRIBE TO BLOG VIA EMAIL.” You will then be asked to confirm your subscription through an email request.

Bible Verse

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV).