I love to journal in my Bibles. I underline and highlight. I mark up the text with symbols. I use colors for specific things I am looking for, such as characteristics of God and promises in the text. I often write out my thoughts to the side of the Bible passage I am meditating on. And for quite a few years now, I have used a journaling Bible to mark up and jot down my thoughts as I work through Scripture. Often, this journaling Bible is associated with working through a Bible-in-a-year reading plan during my daily devotions. And this particular journaling Bible, put out by Crossway, has been my go-to resource for marking and writing out my thoughts year by year. I have used this edition quite a few times now, so my bookshelf is very familiar with it!

Now, there are many journaling Bibles available, so let me provide a few reasons why I like this one the best. First, it has large, 9.5-point print, so I can see the text clearly, bold and big. Second, it has generous, two-inch margins that provide plenty of space to write out my thoughts directly next to the text I am commenting on. The poetry sections have even more margin space, sometimes three to four inches in some places! Third, the cream-colored paper gives the avid journaler an enjoyable writing experience. Fourth, this Bible is single-column, which provides a seamless reading and marking experience. And finally, the layout is simple. No cross-references or study notes, just plain Scripture to ponder and mark up.

I’ve talked about a few of the features, but here are some specifics of this Bible that may be useful.

• Size: 6.5″ x 9.25″
• 9.5-point type – very big indeed!
• Over 1,500 pages.
• Single-column format – makes for easy reading.
• Cream-colored paper – for an enjoyable journaling experience.
• 2″ ruled margins – providing lots of space!
• Smyth-sewn binding.

If you count up the hours spent, this edition of the Bible is probably the one I have spent the most time in. The simple reason: the layout is perfect for me. It’s just so enjoyable for marking and writing. And this particular edition also has a great cover. It is buffalo leather, deep brown in color. The feel, smell, and usefulness of the leather are all excellent. Not too floppy, not too stiff. The look of the binding and the grain of the leather are also high quality. The Bible looks great on a bookshelf too. I would encourage anyone who is interested in Bible marking and journaling to try out this edition. Highly recommended!