FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
This book caught my attention because I like studying prayeFTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
This book caught my attention because I like studying prayer and learning more about it. However, this devotional proved to be shallow and insubstantial in the very area in which I expected it to be deep and rich with solid content.
It assumed that the reader wouldn’t thank people because of their “age, creed, color, nationality, and political party” and that the reader wouldn’t “utter another ‘thank you’ to God” for the food a waiter brought to them. Both seemed rude assumptions to make about people. In my experience of traveling through 48 of 50 U.S. states, I found that the vast majority of people of all races, creeds, etc. were generally polite, including “thank-yous,” and I have no doubt that most devout Christians thank God for their food whether they are at home or at a restaurant.
The Message and Amplified versions of the Bible were used more than any other even though the author herself claimed, “Interestingly, The Message translates these verses differently than all the other versions of the Bible.” That is not a good thing! The loosest of translations, it often adds words and meanings that are not supported by any other English translation of God’s Holy Word. I kept having to look up the Bible verses in another more reliable translation to be sure I understood what was really being said in the verse before moving on to the “meat” of the devotional entry. For example, Psalm 100 doesn’t talk about a “password” to enter into God’s pasture, but The Message’s translation says there is a password required.
“For [God] is both a tender mother and a strong father to you.” No, God is not a mother at all. Nowhere in the Bible is He described as such. He has compassion and comfort toward us, but this does not make Him feminine.
There was a random Scottish term in “ken,” instead of the American English term “knowledge.” This felt very out of place. I hope it got fixed before this book was published (my copy was an electronic ARC).
“There could be a thousand reasons to ignore God’s voice.” In my experience, there are only excuses, not reasons, for such a thing. And millions of reasons for tuning into His voice.
“Jesus, the Man with the plan.” Similar to “the Man upstairs,” this phrasing felt disrespectful for such a holy, incomparable God.
“God’s words of wisdom (aka WOWs).” This rubbed me the wrong way, but it could just be my irritation at having so many unnecessary acronyms pop up all over the place in the last 15 or so years.
“And you can rest assured your loving Father God will take away all the troubles weighing you down.” I’m not sure where in the Bible God promised to remove all troubles from us when we trust Him. In fact, Jesus promised we would be persecuted, a tried and tested people. The millions of martyrs that have died for their faith in God are proof enough for me that not all earthly troubles will be removed when our lives are lived fully for God.
I was not at all sure what “arrow prayers” were until I researched them. Apparently, they are mainly taught in the Catholic church. They are definitely not mentioned in the Bible. So this sort of teaching felt odd to me. From my personal experience, God has answered prayers as short as “God, help me!” and as lengthy as about five essays crammed together. So the arrow-prayers theory seems untrue for me.
The “prayer maps” were more like journal entry spaces. I didn’t see anything map-like about them.
There were some really good points made in made of the entries. I’m sure this devotional will be helpful for some readers who are earlier in their prayer journey than I. It is my hope that other readers get a lot more good stuff out of this devotional than I was able to do. ...more
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
This collection of ideas of how to incorporate prayer into FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
This collection of ideas of how to incorporate prayer into one’s daily routine was delightful, easy to read, and quite an encouragement. I already do many of the tips (I don’t find it odd at all to pray in the restroom, by the way), but there were plenty that were new to me. It was good to see the Bible verses and other encouraging quotes included.
I particularly appreciated that the author suggested one ask for patience if one needs it. I’m of that same opinion, and it’s worked rather well for me in the past.
The irony was that the author failed to include thanks to God in the acknowledgements for His help in writing this book about prayer. ...more
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
“God never intended his children to live in fear.”
Such a deFTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book. These are my honest thoughts.
“God never intended his children to live in fear.”
Such a delightful little book! The encouragements were as sweet as the included recipes. I enjoyed the practical tips. From the cute cover to the catchy Southern phrases, this pint-size devotional was a breath of fresh air in a throwback-style package.
More favorite lines:
“It’s said we meet people for a reason—they’re either a blessin’ or a lesson.”
“People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
“Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest.”
What a lovely devotional! This is one of my favorites I’ve ever read. I grew up in the great state of Texas, and this devotional felt like HOME to me.What a lovely devotional! This is one of my favorites I’ve ever read. I grew up in the great state of Texas, and this devotional felt like HOME to me. It definitely had the country feel that I experience here in the South, but it also felt warm and inviting, like a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly winter evening. Across the pages were solid truth, quotes from historical figures, Bible verses, and some good country humor. It was especially enjoyable to have hymns featured with each devotional along the way. More often than not, I found myself singing the words rather than reading them....more
This tiny book speaks volumes about godly love. I particularly like the verse in which Paul asks Philemon to put whatever Onesimus owes him ont5 stars
This tiny book speaks volumes about godly love. I particularly like the verse in which Paul asks Philemon to put whatever Onesimus owes him onto Paul’s account. Being willing to take on another person’s debt, to clear their account with another person, to grant the pair a fresh start between them as brothers in Christ, is pure love and an extraordinary example of grace. I thank God for this example, and I ask Him to help me live up to it, to live out that sort of grace. ...more
This book, though somewhat difficult to understand at times, when taken as a whole is about good versus evil, right versus wrong.
Which side will you bThis book, though somewhat difficult to understand at times, when taken as a whole is about good versus evil, right versus wrong.
Which side will you be on? is the pressing question.
For me, I stand with God.
“He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8...more
Warnings: “But shun profane and idle babble, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will sThis book has a little of everything.
Warnings: “But shun profane and idle babble, for they will increase to more ungodliness. And their message will spread like cancer.” (2:16-17)
Encouragements: “Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you… for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (1:6-7)
Truths: “… the word of God is not chained.” (2:9)
Prophecies: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine.” (4:3)
Hopes: “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear.” (4:17)
This is one of my favorite books of the Bible, because there is so much richness to it, yet I can hear the urgency of Paul’s voice as he wrote, as he knew the end was near for him. It’s as if this were one of his final letters to write to a beloved son of the Gospel, whom he’d discipled for Jesus Christ. My heart breaks with joy for his having met Jesus in person soon after penning this letter to dear Timothy (at least it seems Paul died soon after this, from what he said in 4:6-8; I have not yet researched the timing of Paul’s death in comparison to when he wrote this book). I will be revisiting 2 Timothy often over the coming years, as I have in the past as well. Like I said, it's one of my favorites. 9/24/18...more
This brief book put me in mind of consequences. For evil deeds, there are negative consequences; while for good deeds, there are positive consequencesThis brief book put me in mind of consequences. For evil deeds, there are negative consequences; while for good deeds, there are positive consequences. Obadiah emphasizes the importance of being intentional about choosing right over wrong. It also reminds me of the fact that our works prove our faith. I like books like this one that get me thinking about how I live my life....more
I like that Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the End Times. It’s important to know where we’re going once we die. We don’t just wallow in a grave, fI like that Paul reminded the Thessalonians of the End Times. It’s important to know where we’re going once we die. We don’t just wallow in a grave, folks. There are two options: eternal death or eternal life. By God’s grace, I hope you choose the latter....more
Another book I don’t fully understand, but what I got from it this time (summer 2018) is that, if we turn to God and praise His name, we receive blessAnother book I don’t fully understand, but what I got from it this time (summer 2018) is that, if we turn to God and praise His name, we receive blessing rather than judgment when eternity comes. God is powerful, but He’s kind too, to those who choose Him. He loves us; yes, He loves you and me. This book shows His desire for us to turn to Him for our every need. Only He may fulfill them....more
One of my very favorite books of the Bible, this letter from Paul to the church in Thessalonica is uplifting and encouraging. There are lots of good iOne of my very favorite books of the Bible, this letter from Paul to the church in Thessalonica is uplifting and encouraging. There are lots of good instructions in this book too, which are still relevant today. I often read from this book when I need a pick-me-up or when I'm longing for my heavenly home. Comfort is to be found in this book, because it’s clearly a piece of God’s heart being poured out with compassion and encouragement from Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the dear believers in Thessalonica… and to the believers of every age since....more
There is so much wise instruction to Christians in this book. I love it. It’s encouraging to me that others also struggle with the “old man” like I doThere is so much wise instruction to Christians in this book. I love it. It’s encouraging to me that others also struggle with the “old man” like I do. It’s also encouraging to me that Paul says it’s possible to “put off the old man.” That’s what I try to do every day, to put of the old and put on the new, to become better at the things that drag me down.
During this most recent reading of this book (I visit it often), Colossians 3:8-9 stood out to me.
“But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds.”
How many of us get angry at times? What about that filthy language that I read in Christian fiction books? And lying… don’t get me started on how bad this can be out there, among Christians. It’s crucial that we learn to stop doing these things, especially when we take Colossians 1:21-23 into consideration.
“And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.”
Did you catch that word “if”? “If indeed you continue in the faith” is the key phrase in that verse, to me. Faith without action is dead. Our actions prove who we serve, God or Satan. So, looking at the above verses about filthy language and anger and lying to one another, who would those things prove we are serving?
Let us be very careful in how we choose to behave toward one another. Let us lay down our anger, malice, wrath, filthy language, lying, and blasphemy. Let us choose kindness, longsuffering, tender mercies, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness (Colossians 3:12-13). ...more
This is a book I don’t fully understand and will read multiple times in my life. The beauty I found in it this time is that, though God lays out punisThis is a book I don’t fully understand and will read multiple times in my life. The beauty I found in it this time is that, though God lays out punishments for those who go against His people, He also makes plans for great futures for those of His children who devotedly follow Him. I want to be one of those who devotedly follow Him, and I try my best to do so every day. This book was encouraging for me....more
I love this book! It’s one of my very favorites in the Bible. Paul had such wisdom and grace to share with so many churches during his time, but they I love this book! It’s one of my very favorites in the Bible. Paul had such wisdom and grace to share with so many churches during his time, but they stand the test of time and encourage me (and many others) as well, even now. I love especially the verses about being content no matter what he’s facing. Whether rich, poor, hungry, ill, Paul found his contentment in the Lord Jesus Christ, and I strive to do so as well. May the peace of God be with everyone who reads this book searching for Christ’s love and compassion....more
Marlo Schalesky has quickly become one of my favorite Christian Living authors. Waiting for Wonder was amazing, and Reaching for Wonder can cla5 stars
Marlo Schalesky has quickly become one of my favorite Christian Living authors. Waiting for Wonder was amazing, and Reaching for Wonder can claim the same. I love how deep Mrs. Schalesky dives into the topics she broaches. They aren’t easy, but they challenge me to go deeper with Jesus than I ever have before. I read her books with my Bible and a highlighter handy, because I now I’ll want to mark and look up stuff along the way. I especially like how she gave bonus Scriptures to look up at the beginning of each chapter, though some of them only mentioned the chapter rather than the specific verses. That turned it into a bit of a treasure hunt! This book had me laughing, sighing, weeping, and grinning from ear to ear. It took me on a wild, deep journey, and I found freedom and refreshing of hope. It can do the same for you as you Reach for God’s Wonder....more
All of that and so much more are available to us in the book of Psalms. God is so much greater than we caForgiveness. Grace. Encouragement. Hope. Joy.
All of that and so much more are available to us in the book of Psalms. God is so much greater than we can imagine, but we get fantastic glimpses of His character and love within this book. It’s a favorite of mine, one I dip into time and time again. I hope you will too.
Go on. Dive in. Discover His immense and unending love for you. ...more
There is so much encouragement through trials in this book. The thing I'm coming away with from reading it this time is to always keep my eyes on God,There is so much encouragement through trials in this book. The thing I'm coming away with from reading it this time is to always keep my eyes on God, no matter what anyone (family, friends, acquaintances, strangers) are advising, suggesting, or telling me I should do. I KNOW what to do: Keep my eyes on God. Why? Because He is mighty and all-wise, and I know NOTHING without Him. May I always remain humble and look only to Him for guidance. Amen.
I was not compensated for my honest review....more
Paul hardly ever -- if ever -- held back. He could be quite brutal with the truth. Yet, sometimes that's exactly what we need. What really struck me tPaul hardly ever -- if ever -- held back. He could be quite brutal with the truth. Yet, sometimes that's exactly what we need. What really struck me through Galatians this time around was how Paul confronted the Galatian people's stubborn belief that the law would save them, while also reminding them that it was Jesus who became the law in order to save us. Paul's words were harsh yet gentle at the same time. He also shared many encouragements with them as well, including this beauty found in Galatians 4:18 --
"But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always."
Boy, I wish more people would be "zealous in a good thing." Too much of the world are zealous for evil things. Only by the grace of God will that get turned around. As for me, I am trying to focus on God and any good thing He plants in my life.
I was not compensated for my honest review....more
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