April Reviews (Title, Author, Publication Date)
The Well-Watered Woman, Gretchen Saffles, 06 Apr 2021
Rooted in Truth, Growing in Grace, Flourishing in Faith
#TheWellWateredWoman #NetGalley
Divided into three parts: The Well, The Word, The Way
Chapters include a quote, a story, affirmations connected to Scripture verses, a statement about the well-watered woman, and endnotes.
Includes a summary of statements at the end as refreshers "about what it means to live the well-watered life."
I think the chapters would be too long for a morning devotional but might be good for discussion as a Bible study.
Description (from NetGalley)
Discover the bottomless, refreshing Well of God’s Word—and experience a fullness and peace beyond your circumstances.
In the chaos of our everyday, it can be difficult to live out and apply the truths of Scripture. We want more of Jesus, but we find ourselves looking to our own lives and accomplishments for our worth and identity. And while that may buoy us for a time, we’re often left feeling dried up, discouraged, and longing for more.
Gretchen Saffles knows what it’s like to feel overwhelmed and unable to flourish. In The Well-Watered Woman, Gretchen leads us to the Well of fullness, the Word of freedom, and the Way of fruitfulness. She teaches that God’s Word will satisfy us for all eternity.
Using Scripture and her own personal story of surrender, Gretchen offers spiritually hungry women tangible tools to not only know Jesus more but to live a life that thoroughly enjoys Him, seeks Him, and follows Him into freedom.
100-Day Devotional Journal for Women
#FindingJesusinEverydayMoments #NetGalley
Each chapter begins with "The Context," giving the Bible passage being looked at. Includes a Bible verse, story, thought, "Jesus Moment" with a reflection question and space to journal. Chapters end with either a list of Bible verses, lyrics from a song, inspiring words, additional questions, a prayer, or action steps.
At two pages, this would make a good daily devotional book.
Description (from NetGalley)
Through 100 story-driven, Bible-focused devotions, you will be reminded that a personal relationship with your Creator changes everything. Popular Our Daily Bread author Anne Cetas invites you to wrestle with the peaks and valleys of life. “Jesus moments" journaling prompts you to draw near to God and reflect on His presence during everyday moments. Extra features will guide you toward a genuine encounter with the Lord each time you pick up the book.
Lent in Plain Sight, Jill J. Duffield, 14 Jan 2020
A Devotion through Ten Objects
A Devotion through Ten Objects
#LentinPlainSight #NetGalley
Designed as a six week devotional from Ash Wednesday through to Easter Sunday.
Chapters include Bible verse, story, questions for reflection, prayer. There is some white space at the end of the third page where one could add their own thoughts if desired.
This book comes across as unpretentious. Nothing showy or flowery about it. Just the basics for a daily devotional to focus our thoughts on the meaning of the season.
Description (from NetGalley)
God is often at work through the ordinary: ordinary people, ordinary objects, ordinary grace. Through the ordinary, God communicates epiphanies, salvation, revelation, and reconciliation. It is through the mundane that we hear Gods quiet voice.
In this devotion for the season of Lent, Jill J. Duffield draws readers attention to ten ordinary objects that Jesus would have encountered on his way to Jerusalem: dust, bread, the cross, coins, shoes, oil, coats, towels, thorns, and stones. In each object, readers will find meaning in the biblical account of Jesus final days. Each week, readers encounter a new object to consider through Scripture, prayer, and reflection. From Ash Wednesday to Easter, Lent in Plain Sight reminds Christians to open ourselves to the kingdom of God.
#LivingintoLent #NetGalley
Divided into seven parts:
Following Jesus
Meditating
Praying
Loving
Thanking
Enacting
Gathering
Each two page daily devotional begins with Pray (prayer provided), Read (Bible verse), Reflect (quote), Consider (reading on following page), and Action Step.
There are sessions for group study, which include: main idea, preparing to lead, gathering (logistics), opening worship (prayer and reading), conversation (questions), and conclusion (prayer and hymn). Though likely intended for a small group Bible study, I can see using this for a family devotional in this format.
Notes on quotes are provided at the end, adding information about the people quoted in the Reflect portion. Endnotes are also in included.
Description (from NetGalley)
The Lenten journey is a shared journey. Christians join with others along the way of faith, following Jesus and seeking to live out the will and purpose of God. Living into Lent, written by noted theologian, educator, and author Donald K. McKim, sets aside time during the Lenten season for readers to reflect on their Christian identities, listen to Gods Word and will, and engage in practices that deepen the Christian experience through discipleship.
Whether used for congregational study or personal reflection, each reading features Scripture, devotion, theological quote, response, and prayer. Theological quotes, drawn from the history of the Reformed church, will help readers better understand Gods Word and its implications for the Lenten journey. Readings are enhanced by a seven-session study guide and questions for conversation.
