Seven months after I moved to the Bay Area, I gave birth to my first child. I didn’t have any family nearby, and since I was new to the area, I didn’t have any close friends nearby either. I had quit my job to stay home with my baby, which I was very thankful to be able to do, but that also meant I was home alone all day, every day with no family and no friends.
I struggled with postpartum depression as isolation and loneliness became my new norm, and since the internet wasn’t really a thing yet back then, it wasn’t like I could go online to connect with other moms.
But God met me in a powerful way and gave me the sweetest, most unexpected gift.
One morning I was desperate to get out of the house, so I swaddled up my little cherub and drove to the local Christian bookstore. As I pushed the baby stroller and meandered through the aisles, I stopped occasionally to browse the back covers of books. I happened upon a women’s devotional Bible. Intrigued, I thumbed through the pages and discovered all these stories written by women. Even though I had a couple of personal study Bibles already, I knew I needed this one, too.
Over the next few days and weeks, I devoured every devotion. I felt like I had found a sisterhood — women who were honest about their own struggles and doubts, yet who described a God who proved faithful time and again.
The weeks turned into months and the months turned into years, and I took that women’s devotional Bible with me to every church service and every Bible study I attended. As I carried their stories with me, I felt a little less alone and a lot more hopeful.
Because the same God who had transformed their lives could transform mine, too.
Twenty-three years later, that tiny baby of mine has graduated from college, and well, needless to say, my daily life circumstances are very different now. But a big part of my faith journey was shaped by the faith-filled stories within the pages of that Bible, and I’ve prayed for years that someday I could give a similar gift to other women. And that day is today.
Two years ago I was asked to take the lead on a brand new devotional Bible for women, and I finally get to share it with you.
We are so excited to announce the new CSB (in)courage Devotional Bible for women!
There is so much blessing and goodness tucked within the pages of this Bible:
- There are 312 devotions written by 122 writers with stories from women in all seasons of life.
- The devotions are organized into 10 themes, and each theme has a distinct color and design in the Bible.
- Each theme also has its own reading plan to guide you through a beautiful experience of Scripture.
- There are 50 Women of Courage featured with biographical profiles throughout the biblical text.
- Each of the 66 introductions (one for each book of the Bible) are original to draw you into the overarching biblical narrative.
There are many more custom features — each one like a sweet surprise waiting for you!
The CSB (in)courage Devotional Bible will be available in four different covers at a variety of prices. This beautiful new Bible for women will be released on October 1, 2018! But you don’t have to wait that long — sign up for a FREE 54-page sampler from the (in)courage Bible! The sampler includes two full books of the Bible (Esther and Romans), several devotions, reading plans, and more.
Click here to sign up for your FREE (in)courage Devotional Bible sampler!
It’s probably our biggest news ever, and we are SO excited to finally share it with you! We’re a little bit giddy, clappy, jumping-up-and-down thrilled.
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Very exciting news! Praise God! May He bless you, all the contributors and all the women who will use this bible to draw them closer to God!
It is a very exciting development. Thank you for your YES to doing it. ❤️
Thanks, Olivia, for your enthusiasm. God has definitely been behind everything involved with this Bible!
Denise,
Wow…you’ve been busy! What a great announcement! I have my one “go-to” Bible that has been written in and highlighted for 30 years, but I always love His Word with fresh perspectives and ways to ponder what I’ve read (His Word is alive and living). Plus, what a great gift I can give to new moms and new believers with whom I am friends. I am reading through the Bible again and what a great companion with which to do so! Congrats! And I’m signed up for the free chapters 🙂
Blessings,
Bev xx
Bev, I love those Bibles with years of notes and annotations. What a heritage! And, yes, this devotional Bible for women will be a perfect gift for new moms and new believers! 🙂
YAYYYYYY!!!!! A while back I received an email hinting at this new Bible- I’ve been anxiously awaiting it and already my husband for one for my birthday (it’s October 3rd- right after it launches!!)
So exciting!!
The (in)courage community has blessed me so- as I’veived 3 hours away- from friends and family- with my husband and four young sons. It’s helped me through the lonely months, and now establish relationships with godly women.
Thank you ladies, for sharing your hearts everyday with us!
Ashley
Oh, Ashley, I so know what you’re talking about! We’re so glad you’re a part of the (in)courage community!
Wonderful! I’ve been looking for something like that. Yes, please sign me up! Thank you!
Hi Diane, we’re so glad you’re excited! You can sign up right here: http://eepurl.com/dCLy6T!
Fun! 🙂
It sure is!
Will this be released as a ebook as well? I’m allergic to paper and I’ve been looking for a devotional bible for women, where I can add notes etc. I’m very excited to see this devotional bible coming out soon!
Hi Jacqueline,
Thanks for your excitement! We’re not sure if this will be published as an ebook, but the sampler is a digital download that you will be able to enjoy!
Thank you for your response, I really appreciate it. I started reading the sample and I’m really enjoying it. I did see a page in the beginning of the sample with prices. One of the prices was for “ePub” for $14.99. Is that an ebook? If that is going to be an option, how do I sign up for it? On the incourage order page this is not an option.
Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions.
God’s blessings always
Jacqueline
Denise how exciting! You talked about this when we were at Winsome together and now it’s here. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy and dive in. God’s word always changes lives and I know this new bible will go out into the world and do just that. Love it!
Niki
You’re gonna’ love it! 🙂
*jaw drop* this is the biggest news ever! Can’t wait!
Yep. For real. 🙂
How do we sign up for the sample? Beautiful!
Hi Amanda! You can click right here — http://eepurl.com/dCLy6T — and sign up!
JUMPING FOR JOY!!! <3
Denise, first...thank YOU for all your hard work on this!! Behind the scenes, we know you've poured yourself into managing this project, and so many will benefit because of your obedience to the Lord to lead, and for your hard work to deliver a beautiful result.
What I love and appreciate about this new Bible, is 1) Ancient Words, inspired and Divine. God's Word is always beneficial to read; and 2) personal devotions from so many writers, inviting us to linger over scripture, and to consider our own stories in light of His. I cannot wait to hold a copy in my hands. All four versions are GORGEOUS so it will be hard to choose a favorite.
<3 <3 <3
“…to consider our own stories in light of His…” << Yes and amen! Thanks, friend. I'm so grateful for your part in this project!
It’s gorgeous! What a long process filled with incredibly hard work on your part, Denise. Thank you for taking this on, and for allowing me to be a small part. I can’t wait to hold a copy in my hands!
Kimberly, I’m so glad to include your voice in this project. Your heart for God is evident in all you write.
xo
Denise
How amazing, strengthening and comforting this will be. Thank you. I’ve signed up for the introductory chapters, I already know a friend who would so prosper by reading theses shared stories. We are all connected and interwoven in life.
I love your choice of words, Lynn. >> “strengthening and comforting” << That's it exactly!
Yay!! I LOVE the idea of the stories of women! 50 of them!? When I think of women of faith in the Bible, I usually only think of the “big” ones…Ruth, Mary, etc. I am excited to see which stories of faithful women are in the this Devotional Bible! Stories we can sometimes skim over and miss their significance. Thanks for doing this (in)courage! 🙂
Oh my, yes! We’re featuring so many women in addition to the “main ones” we normally think of. Because all our stories…and all our voices…matter! 🙂
This is so wonderful Denise–a wonderful surprise and a worthy endeavor. We are so blessed in America to have access to so many special Bibles, that enhance the Word of God and help apply it to our lives. God has such great plans in providing us ways to grow in Him and to share the Gospel. Thank you for your faithfulness in loving Him, His Word, and His women!!!
Love
Lynn
You are so right about that. We are so blessed to have such abundant access to God’s Word. May we never take it for granted!
Yes! Sign me up!
Hi Kristen! You can sign up right here: http://eepurl.com/dCLy6T
Yes! I’m in!
I’m so glad!
This is a double blessing. I have wanted a CSV Bible for some time, just kept procrastinating; and I love..love..love the (in)courage devotionals and inspirations, posted by you and your sisters in Christ. It amazes me how the messages connect us (singles, new moms, grandmothers) around the world and draw us closer to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Looking forward to receiving the sample and the October release.
I really do like this new translation a lot! It’s really great! You’ll love it!
Awesome!! Will it be available in large print i would love to get one for my mom!!!
I’m sure hoping someday it will be!
Sounds wonderful.
This is fabulous and so very special! I can’t wait to grab myself a copy in October! Hugs n love to each of you who share and (in)courage us daily! I’m truly blessed to be a part of such an amazing community of women. God has really done amazing things over the years and the growth of this community is astonishing! ❤️
So much so! We don’t take it for granted either. 🙂
Yesss!
I too was blessed by my Women’s Devotional Bible aboit 20 years ago as a newly independent adult and found comfort and hope in the pages. It became my favorite. I can’t wait to see this one!!!
I love that! Mine has a special place in my heart. And this new one has a special place in my heart too. 🙂
I too have been immensely blessed having this community to (in)courage me at times I have needed. I thank all the ladies who humbly shared what they have gone through or are going through. For me personally there has been a connection to each story that has always given the hope of the Lord and look forward to the continued (in)courage connection. The Lord bless you an I look forward to getting this new Bible.
Valerie, I love what you said >> “For me personally there has been a connection to each story that has always given the hope of the Lord…”
^^^That is our deepest hope and prayer here at (in)courage. Our stories truly do connect us. 🙂
They are CRAZY beautiful!! Just like the stories in those pages!! CAN NOT WAIT to get my hands on it!! HUGE congrats Denise and team for creating this phenomenal devotional Bible.
Lots of cheers to go around!
xo
How exciting! I’ve already shared it around. Really love the look and can’t wait to see the free sample. Thank you for sharing two entire books! Thank you to all at (in)courage for everything you do. It’s such a blessing!
This looks like exactly what I have been looking for! I am excited to get a copy, and have signed up for the free sample. Thank you so much!
Denise,
What an incredible surprise. I have had two Women’s devotional Bibles. The latest was given me by my hubby in 2009. It goes with me everywhere. I have read all the devotions & underlined items. I love reading devotions from women. It helps to know that others have gone through similar trials. You really get to know people & other Christian women. Congratulations on getting this book out & published. Can’t wait to get sampler & maybe get some as a gift for others. This will make a great Christmas gift for many women! Thank you for being obedient to the Lord & putting this book together!
Blessings 🙂
Yes! It will make a great Christmas gift! You’ll love it!
Robin,
What exciting news and what a wonderful resource! So proud of you!
Denise, love your story and so very excited to hold this Bible in my hands!! God is so good!!❤ Thank you for all your work on this.
Thanks, Christine. I’m so grateful for you.
xo
This is an amazing news.
I have all your scripture writing book and “Deeper Waters”
Love every single book you write. Thank you for what you doing helping us to get closer to God. Being part of ministry; my husband just got ordained as a pastor. I see and feel the opposition of the enemy, need to have an intentional spiritual grow.
I will take this devotional bible and make it my go to battle ready in my spiritual growth.
Monica, thanks so much for your kind words. I think you’ll find a lot of sweet comfort and deep hope within these devotions.
Grateful,
Denise
Congratulations Denise on a job well done. It’s hard to believe “I knew you when…” my 27 year old had you as a teacher at Ramona Middle School and you daughter was still a little tyke. I have enjoyed your Bibles studies and come across your beautiful and encouraging words time and time again. I am thankful for you and the way you honor and share our Mighty God.
Blessings to you and your family.
Wow, Kathy! It’s hard to believe those 7th graders from all those years ago are now 27! It’s been a gift to stay connected to you throughout the years. 🙂
Grateful,
Denise
So excited to finally share this news! I can hardly wait for October, though it will quickly land at our feet. Congratulations–a lot of perseverance in it.
I’m excited too! And I’m so thankful for you!
xo
What a gift to share the story of how God meets us right where we are and then exceeds anything we may think or imagine! These look beautiful! So grateful to be a part of this dream becoming a reality! Love you, Sweet Denise and so thankful for you and the team for this gift to all of us who will read and be encouraged!
XOXO
Angie, you are a gift to all who know you. And I know your words within this Bible will bless so many!
xo
This very exciting news! What is the font size? The specs don’t mention anything about print size.
Denise, You continue to amaze me in how God is using your gifts. Looking forward to getting a copy of my own. Blessings!
I am so excited to hear about this new Bible. Can you tell me which translation it is?
When can we get this Bible? Pre order?
If it tells me I’m sorry I didn’t see it. Guess I was to excited about this Bible and I couldn’t see straight!
I cannot find the (in)courage Devotional Bible Sampler that I signed up for. When I click on it again, it says that I signed up for it so wondering where it is?
Please help. Thank you.