Every Story Whispers His Name

Posted on by Michele Morin

What if every little person could grow up knowing that she is lovely because God loves her?

What if everything in the sky and under the sky were suddenly revealed as mirrors, reflecting God’s huge “I LOVE YOU.”

What if the Bible could be understood NOT as a book of rules or as a dusty collection of stories about perfect people, but instead as a love story that really happened, full of adventure and featuring a daring rescue?

It appears that author, Sally Lloyd-Jones may have asked herself these questions before sitting down to write the text of The Story of God’s Love for You. 

With her eyes and mind lashed securely to the biblical record, Sally has woven the familiar Bible stories with elegant descriptions in which God hovers like a mother bird over His creation and in which the sun dances and gleams and bounds across the sky in a race with Mary Magdalene on Resurrection Day.

With theological precision and straightforward parlance that explains and depicts without talking down, The Story of God’s Love for You demonstrates that every subplot in the Bible — from the Garden of Eden to the New Jerusalem — shines with laser clarity on two over-arching themes:

  1.  The Terrible Lie:  God doesn’t really love you, and He doesn’t want you to be happy.
  2. The Great Rescue:  God’s secret rescue plan to get His children back is based in His “Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.” When the rescue is accomplished, His children will believe in His love and delight in His world — a perfect home once again.

With text taken directly from her award-winning picture book (The Jesus Storybook Bible), Sally has created a chapter book that highlights the big-picture, narrative arc of redemption.  For example, in her account of Noah’s rescue from the flood, Sally describes the aching and yet majestic truth that the rainbow, “God’s war bow,” is aimed away from humanity with bull’s-eye accuracy toward the heart of heaven.  God would let His arrow fly and it would pierce His own Son.

The arrangement is perfect for young readers or for reading aloud during family devotional time.  It will assist the new believer who wants an overview that lays out the narrative arc of Scripture, and will inspire the seasoned saint who wants a refreshing reminder that Jesus is the Baby who would bring laughter to the whole world, the Prince who would break His own heart to heal humanity, the only Rule-keeper, and the Rescuer of His people.

If you’re planning a read-through-the-Bible project for 2016, sit down for a couple of hours with Sally’s book — or read it to a favorite little person!  Let The Story of God’s Love for You tune your soul to the truth that every story in the Bible whispers the name of Jesus.

Then . . . open the pages of Scripture and let your heart rejoice.

This book was provided by Zondervan through the BookLookBloggers program in exchange for my review.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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Published by Michele Morin

Michele Morin is a Bible teacher, writer, reader, and gardener committed to the truth that women can become confident Christ-followers and students of God's Word. She has been married to an unreasonably patient husband for thirty-plus years, and together they have four sons, four daughters-in-love, and five adorable grandchildren. Michele loves hot tea and well-crafted sentences, poems that stop her in her tracks, and days at the ocean with the whole family. She laments biblical illiteracy and advocates for the prudent use of “little minutes.” She blogs at Living Our Days, and you can connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

24 thoughts on “Every Story Whispers His Name”

  2. I LOVE this: “God’s secret rescue plan to get His children back is based in His “Never Stopping, Never Giving Up, Unbreaking, Always and Forever Love.”

    You’ve convinced me I need this book. I can think of several people who’d get a lot out of it.

    I love your reviews, Michele!

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Ah, the bible as a love story. Love that. We too often view as a set of rules, but it really is a beautiful book layered with stories that provide twists and turns. Lovely review Michele. #Grace&Truth

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Hi Michele, I looked over my blogging friends and realized i have not sent you a proper Christmas message. So here it is…
    It was nice knowing this year, a blessing reading the words God has placed in your heart, exciting reading your book reviews..I can’t wait to see what God has in store for you next year. Thank you for being a Blessing to me. I Love You. May God richly bless you and your home.
    Enjoy your holidays and see you in the new year by His grace.
    God Bless

    Liked by 1 person

  7. Michele,
    This is one of those books that I want to get a copy for myself…for the times that I need to pick up and read or re-read God’s love letter to me. I would also love to give it to a few people, who come to mind, who desperately need to hear this loving Good News. I ALWAYS enjoy your reviews and I am finding that my personal library is growing thanks to you. My bookshelves over-floweth 🙂
    Blessings and Merry Christmas to you sweet friend,
    Bev

    Liked by 1 person

  10. God broke into my life and protected me many times, many places. I’m a strong worshiper and, even when I was a kid, I was a Tough Cookie and now I’m a Godly-Orienting “Cookie” forever and ever. Thank you for sharing.

    Like

  15. I love Sally Lloyd Jones so much! I think it’s a bit curious that they’ve repackaged the same text of the Jesus Storybook Bible in this way, but I’m sure they have a good reason and I hope it will bless many more people!

    Thanks so much for being a part of Mommynificent.com’s Booknificent Thursdays weekly link-up party! Happy New Year!
    Tina

    Like

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