The Essential Bible Companion to the Psalms by Brian L. Webster and David R. Beach

      “What you need to know, when you need to know it.” This Bible companion text is an excellent tool for referencing and applying the Psalms to our lives today.

     The first section works as an introduction to the Psalms in general. We see the different ways the Psalms can be used (songs, ceremony, prayer, the book of Psalms) as well as the different types of Psalms (hymns of praise/thanksgiving, laments, etc.). There is also a brief discussion on the superscriptions which begin some of the Psalms. There are further discussions on the poetry devices used, but what may be the most important part of this section is the part that discusses ways we can use the Psalms and apply them to our lives today.

     Part 2 is filled with charts for quick reference, including one that lists the types of Psalms, giving you all the Psalms that fall into that category. This makes it very easy to find the type of Psalm you are looking for, especially if you are using the Psalms as a form of prayer.

     Part 3 is where the discussion of the individual Psalms begins. Each Psalm is covered by one page of information, with the exception of Psalms 42 & 43, which are covered together on the same page. This page is broken down into seven sections:

1) Theme: gives the main idea of the Psalm
2) Type: gives the type of Psalm (hymn, lament, etc.)
3) Author: if the author is known
4) Background: the story behind the Psalm (if known)
5) Structure: looked at more from the poetic side. Talks of stanzas and lines and how they are broken down.
6) Special Notes: any unfamiliar words will be defined here. This area also lists other places in the Bible where the Psalm is referenced.
7) Reflection: gives us things to think about as to how we can apply the Psalm to our lives today. This area may also include additional scripture references.

The use of color and pictures on every page really draws you in, and the organization is wonderful. This is a great tool for an introductory study of the Psalms.

1) Is it understandable? = 5
2) Presentation of Information = 5
3) Accuracy = removed from average
4) Quality of Writing = 4
5) Overall Enjoyability = 4

Average of  score 4.5

Overall grade = B

Where to buy the book: CBD | Amazon | Zondervan

Check out my video review:

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from Zondervan.

This was book 15 in my 52 Books in 52 Weeks challenge.

The Day I Died by Steve Sjogren

The Day I Died is the story of Steve Sjogren’s death, and his life since he died. After a surgical accident, Steve was dead, but he came back with a message from God. God wanted Steve to change things about his life. This book discusses those changes, and encourages us to also make those changes, without having to die before we realize we should.

It’s a bit difficult to critique someone’s personal experience, especially when that experience involves dying. The only thing I feel like I can discuss is whether or nor this book met my expectations, and the answer is yes… and no. I was really expecting a lot about what Steve saw in the afterlife, but his situation wasn’t like that. He didn’t “crossover” in that way, you might say. The book is more about the changes he was called to make. It’s about Steve’s life, both before and after his death. Mostly after. It is a very interesting read.

This was book 2 in my 52 Books in 52 Weeks challenge.

52 Books in 52 Weeks

Since I’ve joined two book review programs, I’ve also decided to sign up for this reading challenge: 52 Books in 52 Weeks. The idea is to read one book a week. I’m hoping this will keep me motivated and help me knock out the book reviews. All of this has me so excited! I love to read!