‘Mornings with Jesus 2012: Daily Encouragement for Your Soul’ by Various Authors – Book Review and Book Giveaway

I can think of no better way to start your morning than to spend it with Jesus. ‘Morningswith Jesus 2012: Daily Encouragement for Your Soul’ offers a fantastic tool to help readers to grow closer to Him.

Here is the synopsis of this wonderful book:

        Invite Jesus into your Day.

“Be Still and Know That I am God” is one of the most beautiful verses from the Bible. But it’s not easy to practice in this busy world. Mornings with Jesus 2012 will help usher you into the quiet that you crave, where you can experience more of Jesus’ beautiful and powerful presence.

In a year’s worth of devotions, Mornings with Jesus 2012 offers a fresh perspective of who this Healer, Comforter, Good Shepherd and Son of God is, and gives a deeper understanding of what that means for you.

The warm and friendly voices of seven women reflect on the character and teachings of Jesus, and encourage you to draw near to Him and invite His presence, truth and relevance into your life. Each devotion includes a Scripture verse, an insightful reflection on Jesus’ words, wisdom, compassion and comfort, and a faith step that will inspire and challenge you.

Spend time with Jesus in the morning, and experience His nearness and peace throughout your day.

Here is a short biography of each author:

Judy Baer was born on a farm and grew up in the prairies of North Dakota. Judy is married, lives in Minnesota, and has two daughters and three stepchildren. She is the author of more than seventy-five books.

Gwen Ford Faulkenberry lives and writes in the mountains of Ozark, Arkansas. She and her husband, Stone, have three children. Gwen teaches English at Arkansas Tech University – Ozark Campus and is the author of two novels and three devotional books.

Tricia Goyer is a best-selling author who has written more than twenty-seven books. Tricia’s intention is to serve ordinary women by encouraging extraordinary things with God’s help. In addition to writing, she enjoys sharing Jesus’ love through volunteering as a mentor for teenage moms in her community and ministering in the Czech Republic on missions trips. Tricia and her husband, John, have four children and live in Arkansas.   

Sharon Hinck is a wife and mother of four, who loves spending mornings – and all day – with Jesus. She has a master of arts in communications and her award-winning novels explore ordinary women on extraordinary faith journeys.

Keri Wyatt Kent is the author of many devotionals, including Simple Compassion and Oxygen. She writes and speaks to help people slow down, simplify, and rest so that they can listen to God. She and her husband, Scot, live with their teenage son and daughter in Illinois.

Erin Keeley Marshall is the author of Navigating Route 20-Something and The Daily God Book. She was raised in Chicago’s western suburbs and graduated from Taylor University in Indiana. In her spare time, Erin enjoys exercise, outdoor activities, lake living, decorating, traveling, reading and hanging out with her husband, Steve, and their two children, Paxton and Calianne.

Camy Tang grew up in Hawaii and now lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and her rambunctious mutt, Snickers. She is a staff worker for her church youth group and leads one of the Sunday worship teams. Camy has authored many novels.

I like to review devotional books by focusing on significant dates in my life – February 21 (my birthday), my anniversary (June 10), and my husband, Fred’s, birthday (June 12).

February 21’s devotion was written by Judy Baer and feature Hebrews 6:17-18. I love this paragraph:

In God there is no variation or shadow due to change. There are no discrepancies or inconsistencies in God. People are fickle, changeable and unpredictable, but God is exactly the opposite. He never changes or takes back His offer of grace and salvation. Difficult as it is to imagine this great generosity, we can hold it as true. God does not – cannot – renege on His promises. What a comfort that is. Our salvation does not depend on a fickle God but one whose promises endure forever. (p. 52)

That is one encouraging paragraph!

June 10 was written by one of my favorite authors, Tricia Goyer and features Luke 5:18-20, about the paralyzed man. This inspired Tricia to write about her friends and her Lord:

I know now that when I’m facing a struggle I don’t want anyone to know about, that’s the time I need to seek support from the people God has brought into my life. It’s hard to admit weakness, but true friends are those willing to carry us when we’re too weak to take a first step. (p. 162)

The Faith Step (which is included each day) for June 10 is very impactful – and wonderful advice:

Think of a private struggle you haven’t shared with your friends. Consider a way you can confess to them and ask them to help you find Jesus even in your weakness. (p. 162)

Tuesday, June 12 features Exodus 3:14: “I Am Who I Am” (NIV). Erin Keeley Marshall asks the question, ‘Who does God think He is anyway?’ She provides her answer to this question:

After spending thousands of years showing His awesome character, God the Father introduced His Son, Jesus, to the world. Jesus, in turn, proved that He is just like His Father – knowing exactly who He is and what He is about. He said He has the authority to forgive sins (Matthew 9:6), He would be in the grave for three days (Matthew 12:40), He commands angels (Matthew 13:41), He is the Messiah, the Son of God (Matthew 16:16-17), and He would rise from the dead (Luke 18:31-33).

Imagine if any Person of the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – were not wholeheartedly confident of His identity. What kind of God would He be? Not one we could trust, that’s for sure.

Today be confident that Jesus will continue to be Himself. (p. 164)

I love finding a worthwhile devotional book; ‘Mornings with Jesus 2012’ is certainly that. I encourage anyone to spend the rest of their mornings in 2012 with Jesus and this heartfelt and encouraging book.

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Guideposts and provided by them for review and giveaway purposes.

As part of the LitFuse blog tour, I have a copy of this wonderful devotional to give to one person! In order to enter, please leave a comment telling me if you’d keep for book for yourself or to whom you would gift the book.

Please make sure to leave your email address in this format – yourname at domain dot com.

The deadline to enter is Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.  The winner will be chosen by the Random Number Generator on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. The best to all of you!

‘On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories About Saints, Martyrs and Heroes’ by Robert J. Morgan – Book Review

I recently discovered a unique devotional – ‘On This Day in Christian History: 365 Amazing and Inspiring Stories About Saints, Martyrs, and Heroes’ by Robert J. Morgan.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

Amazing Stories of Faith From Twenty Centuries of Church History. From the Roman Empire to the Reformation, St. Valentine to St. Francis, Martin Luther to Billy Graham, best-selling author Robert J. Morgan introduces you to a parade of preachers, popes, martyrs, heroes, and saints. Intriguing and inspiring stories from two thousand years of Christianity offer a glimpse into church history.

On This Day in Church History is an introduction to 365 of the most remarkable men and women of faith you will ever meet. Simple, colorful stories tell you about history-making events in the lives of people who loved God wholeheartedly. This unique devotional:

·         provides a rarely seen view of believers and their roles in the Christian church

·         offers daily Scripture reading from the Contemporary English Version

·         is a goldmine of speech starters – lessons and sermon illustrations for speakers, preachers, and teachers

·         includes a helpful index of selected topics

On This Day in Christian History brings a year’s worth of insight and spiritual challenge as you learn what some Christians endured because of their love of God.

Here is the biography of this author:

Robert J. Morgan, pastor of the Donelson Fellowship in Nashville, Tennessee, is the author of best-selling Then Sings My Soul (volumes 1 and 2), Come Let Us Adore Him, From This Verse, Nelson’s Complete Book of Stories, Illustrations, and Quotes, and The Red Sea Rules. He conducts Bible conferences, parenting and marriage retreats, and leadership seminars across the country.

I always like to focus on important dates in my life when I review a book that is categorized by date – February 21 (my birthday), June 10 (our anniversary), and June 12 (my husband Fred’s birthday).

Interestingly, February 21 focuses on one of my favorite women in history – Jeanne d’Arc - also known as Joan of Arc:

A sorcerer or a saint? Spiritual forces were active in her life, but from what source? The French called her a godsend; the English burned her as a witch.

Joan was raised in a poor farming family in Champagne during the Hundred Years’ War when England was battling for possession of France. When Joan was thirteen, she was the first of many transcendental experiences, hearing voices accompanied by searing light. The saints, she determined, were commissioning her to save France. She set out to see the Dauphin (prince). He attempted to disguise himself, but Joan wasn’t fooled. “The King of Heaven send word by me,” she told him, “that you should be anointed and crowned in the city of Reims. You are the heir to France, true son of the king.”… (February 21).

At the bottom of each page/date, Pastor Morgan shares a complementary Bible passage. The one for February 21/Joan of Arc is 1 Samuel 28:5, 7-8):

Saul took one look at the Philistine army and started shaking with fear. Then Saul told his officers, “Find me a woman who can talk to the spirits of the dead…” His servants told him, “There’s a woman at Endor who can talk to spirits of the dead.” That night, Saul put on different clothing so nobody would recognize him. Then he and two of his men went to the woman…

June 10’s entry is entitled ‘What Grace!’ – which happens to be one of my favorite spiritual topics! This entry introduced me to John Hus:

John Hus, born in a peasant’s home about 1373, worked his way through school and began teaching theology at the University of Prague. He was exposed to Wycliffe’s writings, and in 1402, when he was appointed preacher at Prague’s influential Bethlehem Chapel, his powerful sermons about justification by faith stirred all Bohemia. Church officials grew alarmed by the ferment, and in 1414, Hus was summoned to Constance in charges of heresy. On June 10, 1415, he wrote to his followers in Bohemia:…. (June 10).

I really appreciate this book. I plan to add it into our daily devotional circulation. Although it is not a traditional devotional, it is unique in that we learn a lot about Christian history. It is also very encouraging for the Christian who wants to live an honorable and God-glorifying life.

This would be an awesome book for some of the events happening at this time of year – as a graduation gift and as a great Father’s Day gift. Books make great gifts!

You can order this book here.

This book was published by Thomas Nelson and provided by them for review purposes.

‘Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey Through the Scriptures’ by Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe – Book Review

I am always on the lookout for a good devotional. When I heard about the one from Dr. Warren Wiersbe, ‘Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey Through the Scriptures,’ I knew that it would be worthwhile.

Here is the synopsis of this book:

Experience An Unforgettable Year of Spiritual Growth. We all long to read more of God’s Word. Yet our world never seems to give us time for a quiet moment with Scripture.

Pause for Power: A 365-Day Journey through the Scriptures is a topical, daily devotional designed for how you live. In just a few minutes each day, you’ll explore biblical truths on themes such as love, peace, and ministry. This devotional is filled with wisdom and insights that can improve your life.

Each day you’ll encounter:

·         Select Scripture readings that explore practical, everyday topics

·         Themed commentary from Dr. Wiersbe’s popular “BE” series

·         Thoughtful questions that prompt personal reflection

Topical. Relevant. Inspiring. Take a journey through Pause for Power, and experience an unforgettable year of spiritual growth and discovery.

Here is the author’s biography:

Dr. Warren W. Wiersbe is an internationally known Bible teacher and the former pastor of The Moody Church in Chicago.  For ten years he was associated with the Back to the Bible radio broadcast, first as Bible teacher and then as general director. He has written more than 160 books, including the “BE” series of Bible commentaries (of which ‘Be Authentic’ is one), which have sold more than four million copies. He and his wife, Betty, live in Lincoln, Nebraska. 

At the beginning of the book, Dr. Wiersbe explains how to use his devotional:

In the pages that follow, you’ll hear Isaiah’s invitation to wayward hearts, wrestle with Job’s dilemma, examine what Hebrews says about the breathtaking work of Christ, and listen in as Paul writes letters to infant churches. Such a task might seem daunting at first, but with the help of Pause for Power, it will take you only a few minutes a day. And here’s the best part: Over the course of a year, you’ll have read fifteen books of the Bible.

The devotions are undated, so you can start any day of the year. They’re also blended, so you can enjoy a variety of biblical voices and themes each week. One day you might contemplate Paul’s letter to the Philippians, and the next you might consider a wise saying from Ecclesiastes.

To get started, simply turn to Day 1, read the associated Bible passage in your favorite translation, spend time with the devotion, then ponder the question of the day. Repeat daily. In twelve months, you’ll have studied Job, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Timothy, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, and 1 John. But more importantly, you’ll have gained insight into God’s Word – insight that will bring you closer to the Author Himself. (p. 3)

When I review devotionals, I usually focus on my birthday and my husband Fred’s birthday. Being that the days are not dated in this one, I have to count off the day. Mine is Day 52, which is entitled ‘When Hope Becomes Hopeless.’ The featured Scripture is Ecclesiastes 9:5-10. I found both of those items to be interesting, as hope has been a little topic of focus for me of late, and because Ecclesiastes is one of my favorite books in the Bible! This verse is included in the book:

The living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten.

                                        Ecclesiastes 9:5 (p. 55)

Here is part of Dr. Wiersbe’s devotion for that day:

What Solomon wrote about the dead can be reversed and applied to the living. The dead do not know what is happening on earth, but the living know and can respond to it. The dead cannot add anything to their reward or their reputation, but the living can. Solomon was emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities while we live, rather than blindly hoping for something better in the future….

We endure because we hope, but “hope in hope” (like “faith in faith”) is too often only a kind of self-hypnosis that keeps us from facing life honestly. While patients may be better off with an optimistic attitude, it is dangerous for them to follow a false hope that may keep them from preparing for death. That kind of hope is hopeless. When the end comes, the patients’ outlook may be cheerful, but the outcome will be tragic. (p. 55)

Each day includes ‘Something to Ponder.’ Here is the one for Day 52:

What is your definition of hope? How does your hope keep your faith strong? (p. 55)

Fred’s birthdate is Day 163, which is entitled ‘In Search of Good Samaritans.’ The Scripture passage is Philippians 2:19-21. Here is the Scripture included in the book:

I have no one else like [Timothy], who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.

                                        Philippians 2:20-21 (p. 166)  

Here is part of that day’s devotion:

Is it possible to be a Good Samaritan today? Must we harden our hearts in order to protect ourselves? Perhaps sacrifice and service are ancient virtues that somehow do not fit into our so-called modern civilization. It is worth nothing that even in Paul’s day, mutual concern was not a popular virtue. The Christians at Rome were not too interested in the problems at Philippi; Paul could not find one person among them willing to go to Philippi. Times haven’t changed much. (p. 166)

And here is ‘Something to Ponder’ for Day 163:

What are some ways you’ve looked out for your own interests and not those of Jesus Christ? (p. 166)

Personally, that is a convicting point to ponder….

This book is a beautiful hardcover book that is compact in size, and includes a ribbon to keep track of the page where you left off. This book will be added to the nightstand where our devotional books are easily accessible before it is time to retire for the evening. 

As always, I highly recommend using resources from Dr. Wiersbe; our Life Group worked through the study of the book of Galatians, ‘Be Free: Exchange Legalism for True Spirituality.’ I have reviewed other Dr. Wiersbe’s books on my blog: ‘Be Authentic: Exhibiting Real Faith in the Real World,’ reviewing the lives of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (you can read my review here), ‘The Wiersbe Bible Study Series: It’s Always Too Soon to Quit! – 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon’ (you can read my review here) and ‘Be Available: Accepting the Challenge to Confront the Enemy’ (Judges – OT Commentary) (you can read my review here). I hold Dr. Wiersbe in high esteem – and it is a pleasure to attend church with one of his daughters! 

You can order this book here.

This book was published by David C. Cook and provided by the B&B Media Group, Inc. for review purposes.