BOOK REVIEW

Messages from Heaven, To Help You Be a Shining Star! Second Edition, by Pamela Joy delivers as titled: Messages from Heaven–received!  The author invites the reader on a journey through the Bible in a clear and concise text, revealing God’s Plan for His creation from the Beginning, as told in Genesis, to the Ending, as foretold in Revelation. The simplified messages from the Biblical God are substantially backed up with the appropriate scripture, leading the reader to see the truth in the consistency of God’s love shown in His plan of Salvation for all His children, through Jesus Christ. 

Throughout the book, the author asks probing questions, inciting a young mind in Christ to focus on the realities of life through the lens of our Heavenly Father, and then showing how God is there to help us through hard times.  This is an interactive book, getting all who read involved in traversing the Bible for clarity of whom Christ Jesus is, and who we are IN Him.  One way the author accomplishes this is by breaking the book down into three parts: Introduction to the Word, Messages for God’s Children, and Activity Fun (with answer key).  By providing activities that are not only fun but help to bring the message to memory, Pamela has succeeded in helping the reader test their knowledge of the Gospel. 

Upon first opening this book, my attention was immediately drawn to the beautiful and vibrant images on each page. The same can be said for my 9-year-old son, who enjoyed every aspect of this book, from the written text and scripture to finishing the activity pages.  He was engaged, encouraged and challenged in the best ways possible.  With his Bible out, he found the scripture as he read along, excited when he came across scripture he had previously read and asked questions for anything he had trouble understanding.  This lent itself to wonderful conversations about the Bible and our need for the savior, Jesus Christ.  

Being a Christian homeschooling mom, I find this book a rare find!  It has been hard to find scripturally sound Bible studies for my son that engage his interest in the Bible, and teach our identity in Jesus Christ.  I would recommend this book for the 9-13 and 13-19 age groups, due to the way the Gospel is presented: concise, encouraging and challenging, without being too difficult or confusing.  It is refreshing to see a book that is written in a simple form for easy understanding, with practical tools to help those young in Christ to overcome spiritual deception that points to our need for prayer.  This book is an excellent reminder of how great our God is, and how much He loves us.  

I give this book 4 out of 4 stars, for its diverse presentation of an interactive Bible study for children.  If you’re looking for a scripturally sound and engaging Bible study for your kids (or even yourself), Messages from Heaven, To Help You Be a Shining Star! Second Edition, by Pamela Joy is the choice to make.  I am absolutely going to recommend this book to my family and friends!

-- S. Baker  11-29-2018