Jesus Speaks by Steven K. Scott

When I started to read this devotional I was not sure how I would enjoy the paraphrase of various Scriptures for each day. Scott take a passage from Scripture (which he also discusses in his book The Greatest Words Ever Spoken) and then paraphrases to add a personal flavor.

I found these paraphrases to be quite encouraging. They were not over the top but succinct and organic. There are times that I forget God is my Heavenly Father and these paraphrases remind me of fatherly wisdom that is needed often in life.

Is this the best devotional I have read? No. However, it may be the most father-like. In this respect, it is worthy of reading.

*I received this devotional in exchange for my honest review from Multnomah Publishing.

The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today's Language, edited by James N. Watkins

I have enjoyed reading the Imitation of Christ for some time. The small, but potent, devotions in this book have challenged me to know Christ more.

However, the older English can be a bit tough to comprehend. While I enjoy the older English in such cases it would be nice to be able to read a copy of The Imitation of Christ without having to consult a dictionary.

James N. Watkins has produced an updated version of this long-time classic for today's reader. He has also arrange the readings by subject rather than the days commonly used in previous printings.

By doing this, Watkins has enhanced the devotional aspect of Kempis' work while not losing the depth of this work. While I still suggest that reader get a copy of the older style I would encourage them to also get this copy of this work for those times when you want to read uninterrupted.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

Sacred Intent by Dr. Brent Crowe

It is not uncommon nowadays to hear often that there are a lot of books, self help books particular, relating to the maximization of one's life. Here's a thought: what if your life was a week long?

Brent Crowe, in new book Sacred Intent, has written a book with that in mind. What Dr. Crowe has done is divide the chapters as if they were days of the week. The seven items, or days of the week, have a subject that Dr. Crowe  focuses on to get the reader to see how valuable each topic is. The topics are: influence, time, calling, engagement, relationships, motivations, and dreaming.

What I appreciate about this is at the book can be read like a devotional but doesn't necessarily have a devotional feel to it. By focusing on the seven items that can define someone's life and make every moment valuable, Dr. Crowe has put together a wonderful book. I highly recommend that anybody who is getting ready to graduate either high school or college really take a look at this book. What it will do is hone one’s questions to what is really important in life.

I’ll also add that he has some very excellent quotes and prayers at the end in the appendices and is  something I highly recommend that the reader not overlook.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Worthy Publishing Group in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

The One: Experience Jesus by Carlos Darby & Friends

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for my honest review.

This is a visual devotional and though-provoking book. Instead of Bible passages and thought, this book combines thought with sight. By having a thought with a picture, the message that is intended to be conveyed takes on a more deep and powerful impact.

I found the images to add a layer of reality to them that a typed story lacks. I also found that the images brought about an effect that is relational. I could empathize with the stories, feel their thoughts; hear their agony.

From these stories, the book gets personal and ask questions of the reader. There is nothing theological but rather simple questions are asked to allow the images and text to take root in someone's life.

The goal is to experience Jesus. The images hint at Him; the words tell of Him. The choice, however, is yours to make: do you want to know Him?

Life Under God Devotional by Dr. Tony Evans

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

I really like this devotional for two reasons:

1. It is easy to follow.

There are some devotionals that I have that are difficult to read. They are not heady but the typeface and arrangement of Scripture, challenges, etc., are not very eye-pleasing.

This devotional has a very nice type setting which allows for ease of reading.

2. The content is broad.

Unlike some devotionals that are topic specific, Dr. Evans has placed devotional thoughts on a variety of topics.

I just read a devotional for July 2nd on singleness and how to use it for God. It also challenges married couples to not frown upon singles or be in a state of "matchmaking" around them. Let them be single until it is time for God to bring marriage into his/her life.What a great devotional to read.

However, as I mentioned, earlier in the devotional are thoughts about government, the Holy Spirit, prayer, being a man, being a woman, and more. This devotional really does contain topics for just about all that a Christian would experience as a "life under God".

Praying Over God's Promises by Thomas R. Yeakley

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House in exchange for my honest review.

How should I pray? That is a question that many a Christian has asked and most likely will continue to be one.

In his book Praying Over God's Promises, Thomas R. Yeakley teaches that one way to pray is by praying the promises of God. By taking God at His Word, a Christian can have the wonderful experience of seeing God work.

One thing that I enjoyed about this book is that Yeakley discusses the misuse and abuse of promises for personal gain and for selfish reasons. I do not often find this taught and was grateful that it was discussed.

This little book is a nice addition to my library and should be considered for anyone wanting to study a life of prayer and how to pray.

Be the Message Devotional by Kerry & Chris Shook

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Multnomah Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Most devotionals that I read are usually composed of a thought, some Scripture, and some sort of action at the end like reflection or prayer.

This devotional is quite different in that it had those elements but also has a place to write the thoughts that the reader has during the devotional; not at the end.

What this does is allow the reader to go back and see what was written so that he/she can remember what he/she was experiencing and learning. By doing this, the reader grows to become the change that this world so desperately needs.

Voices from the Past edited by Richard Rushing

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Banner of Truth in exchange for my honest review.

Voices From the Past is a book that should be in everyone's library. The devotional readings from past Puritan men of God is so rich, so deep, and so powerful that to not have this book is a grave mistake.

I was challenged with each reading to fall deeper into my faith as these voices declared their love for God, His Son, and His Holy Spirit.

The passion that is felt throughout each page cannot be ignored and puts life into words and pages.

Get this book.

Longing for More by Timothy Willard

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. 

This devotional was a different read than I was expecting. This was due in part to its layout. Some days were thoughts, some days were prayers, and some days were a combination. 

Yet through it all the book remained true to its intent: finding God. Life has a way of interfering in our relationship with God. Busyness, stuggles, hardships, and more seek to draw our attention away from God. 

What Timothy Willard has done is take those interfering situations and present them in such a way to draw the reader to find God in them. Sometimes this is done with a simple questions. Other times by a prayer or thought. The method isn't important; finding God is. And that is where this devotional succeeds.

John by Dr. R.C. Sproul

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reformation Trust in exchange for my honest review.

“The Word became flesh—and then through theologians it became words again.” ~Karl Barth

This quote sums up what many feel when they hear the word theologian. They have this idea that it is about men debating, arguing, dare I say fighting, over various doctrinal beliefs. Through it all one thing seems to emerge: Christianity is about being the right theological camp.

Get in the right camp and you are all set.

Commentaries, studies, lectures, and sermons all drive home this idea that the right camp is what is needed to be a good Christian. I agree that there needs to be some foundational understanding of Scripture, but sometimes the doctrinal issues take control over what really is the heart of Christianity: Christ.

Dr. Sproul in his commentary on John has reversed what Karl Barth said. This commentary is revealing who Jesus Christ is. It is not trying to prove a theological bent, though the reformed view is emphasized. Rather it seeks to show Christ for who He is: God incarnate.

Dr. Sproul does a masterful job of taking the book of John, showing who Christ is (John’s intent in his Gospel), and then bring the reader to a point of decision: who is Christ to me?

Over and over the commentary reveals various aspects of Christ’s ministry and then presents the reader with a thought.

For example, near the end of the commentary, Dr. Sproul focuses on John 21:15-25. In verse 25 Peter asks about John. Paraphrasing Jesus tells Peter that it is not Peter’s concern what happens to John; just follow Me (Christ). Sproul then writes

           

The Lord has jobs for each of us to do, and what others do is ultimately

none of our business. Each of us must do what God has given him or her to

do, and fulfill the mandate of Christ. (pg 408)

What a great challenge! I am not responsible for others; I am responsible to God. That is what is so great about this commentary. It is a commentary with a devotional mindset. For that reason, it is a commentary worth having.

The Heidelberg Catechism

*I received a review copy of this book from Banner of Truth in exchange for my review.

When I received the opportunity to review this book I was elated. As someone who really wants to catechize my children I found this to be a great option. I've already started though my wife informs me that I should wait until my seven-month old son is a bit older. :)

The book itself is small which makes teaching from easy. The print is great making for an easy-on-the-eyes read. Also, the pages are designed to be used often; thick and well-weighted.

The leather-softcover has a great feel and induces a thought of what those in the 1500's may have felt holding their copy of this catechism.

I highly recommend this little book for those wanting a long-lasting copy for both study and teaching The Heidelberg Catechism.

The One Year Hearing His Voice Devotional by Chris Teigreen

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for my honest review.

This devotional, while simple in its format, does well to make the reader think. With a Scripture first, followed by a devotional, and then a challenge, this book aims to get the reader to understand what hearing the voice of God is.

Once this foundation is laid, the next step is how to go about hearing the voice of God. Surprisingly, this is not difficult in word buy can be difficult in actin. Why? Tiegreen points out that many believe God no longer speaks to us through His Spirit. It is these readers that Tiegreen aims to address.

I found this devotional easy to read but challenging. It would be a great resource for anyone desiring to have a deeper relationship with God.

Living Life Undaunted by Christine Caine

Power in simplicity. That is how I would describe this book. The readings and reflections are short, but vibrate. Brief, but deep.

Each section begins with a scripture reading, followed by a devotional thought, then ending with action-inspiriting questions. In this way, it causes the reader to reflect on a few potent points and not get lost in a sea of length.

One thing to note, the paperback is quite light but may be susceptible to breakdown. I have not heard if a hardback or leather-like edition is to be printed but if it is I would suggest spending the extra money to purchase a more sturdy binding.

*I received this complimentary copy from Zondervan in exchange for my honest review.