Like Christ by Andrew Murray–Book Review

In one of those frequent “godcidences” I picked up this book to use as a daily devotional. After perusing it a bit, I realized that the theme is union with Christ — exactly what our Bible study class has been learning about recently.

Andrew Murray (1828-1917) was a minister in the Dutch Reformed Church in South Africa.  He spent 60 years in ministry, writing more than 200 books and tracts on Christian spirituality and ministry, doing extensive social work, and founding of educational institutions. In this book, he says he has two purposes:

1. To draw a portrait of Jesus, showing how He was the exact pattern that God desires us as Christians, to imitate
2. To help Christians to meditate on the image of Christ and allow that image to live in us, so that it is reflected in our own lives

Through thirty-one short readings, he discusses the different ways we can and should follow the example of Jesus. At the end there is an essay for pastors, “On Preaching Christ Our Example.” His contention is that we focus on the truth of Christ’s atoning death but neglect the power that this gives us to live a redeemed life. For Murray, the two things are inseparable.

VERDICT: 5 STARS. Union with Christ is a topic that’s difficult (at least or me) to grasp. Murray’s work will help you understand how to practice this challenging theological doctrine in daily life.

Note: You can purchase it as a Kindle book for Amazon for only $2.99

For more book reviews on devotionals see:

90 Days with The God Who speaks –Book Review

Women of Courage: a Forty-Day Devotional — Book Review

Big and Little Coloring Devotional – Book Review

Journey to the Cross from the (in)courage community — Book Review

This forty day devotional is meant to be used during the Lenten season.  The book itself is attractive:  hardbound with a crisp white and green cover and green satin ribbon bookmark.  There is a calendar at the beginning (for those who like to check off their progress) and a space for recording important insights.

Each day is not alike.  Some may be just a Bible verse to ponder;  others are a devotion plus reflection questions;  some are for journaling.  I enjoyed the variety.  Topics covered included fasting, sacrifice, gratitude, obedience,  our calling and more.  If you’re looking for a personal spiritual discipline to undertake during Lent, this little book would be a good resource.   It could also be used with a group, along with regular meeting to share and discuss the material covered.

VERDICT:  5 STARS.  I would recommend this book to others, and it would make a nice gift for a friend.

If you would like to purchase this book, follow this link:

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/journey-to-the-cross-P005819504

To learn more about the (in) courage community visit:  http://www.incourage.me

To see a review of another devotional from this community follow the link below:

Women of Courage: a Forty-Day Devotional — Book Review

The Lutheran Ladies received a free copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review. Disclaimer pursuant to FTC 16 CFR Part 255

Women of Courage: a Forty-Day Devotional — Book Review

This forty-day devotional from the (in)courage community(https://www.incourage.me) focuses on women of the Bible.  Some are well known (Mary Magdalene, Bathsheba, Ruth) and others are quite obscure (Shiphrah and Puah, Naaman’s servant, daughters of Zelophehad).  Each devotion includes not just a few verses, but a larger segment of Scripture relating to the woman, a fairly lengthy devotional reading, plus a prayer.  There are a number of sections including:

• Women of Beautiful Brokenness
• Women Better Together
• Women of Daily Grace
• Women of Leadership
• Women of Friendship
• Women of Hope
• Women of Hospitality
• Women of Gratitude
• Women of Second Chances
• Women of Bravery

The index makes it easy to find any woman in whom you are particularly interested. Each reading is prefaced with a black and white photo. The book itself is attractively put together and would make a nice gift for a friend.  I personally like the fact that these devotions and Scripture readings were a little longer and deeper than the average devotional.  However, the print is quite small, so older people with any vision issues might find it difficult to read.

VERDICT:  I give it 4 stars.  Except for the small print, excellent material attractively presented

If you want to purchase this book follow the link below:

https://www.lifeway.com/en/product/women-of-courage-P005816881

For other devotionals see the following posts:

Big and Little Coloring Devotional – Book Review

Epic Devotions — Book Review

Teen To Teen Academic Planner 2019/2020 — Review

The Lutheran Ladies received a free copy of this book in return for an honest and fair review – Disclaimer pursuant to FTC 16 CFR Part 255

New Every Morning compiled by Phil Barfoot–Book Review

I truly enjoyed this new 365 day devotional, created by music ministry professional and composer,  Phil Barfoot.  There are a host of different contributors, mainly worship leaders or worship ministers from churches around the country.  The entries are not categorized in any way, but each one encourages the reader to examine their understanding of worship.  Musicians and choir members will definitely want a copy!

Every daily reading consists of a short section of scripture, a personal reflection and a prayer.  What I appreciated most was the inclusion of several questions geared toward encouraging some deeper thought on the topic  This devotional encourages the reader to spend some time relating the message of the devotion to their own faith life and journey.

VERDICT:  5 Stars.  I’ve already recommended it to my husband for possible use with our Board of Elders, as they are in charge of planning our worship services.  I can also easily imagine using it as part of the opening of our Adult Sunday School Class

If you would like to purchase this book, follow the link below:

New Every Morning

 

 

The Lutheran Ladies received a free copy of this book in return for an honest and fair review – Disclaimer pursuant to FTC 16 CFR Part 255

 

 

H.E.A.R.

I’m conducting an experiment.  I got this idea from a book I reviewed recently, Disciple Her, by Kandi Gallaty.  She recommended a journaling technique I’m trying out as part of my own spiritual discipline.  It’s based on the acronym H.E.A.R.  So far, I’ve been doing well, using the verse from my daily devotional as a starting point.  Here is one of my first tries:

Highlight:

“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.”  Romans 12:10

Explain:

The apostle Paul is speaking to the believers in the Roman church.  After setting forth the basics of faith in Christ, he here moves on to practical application — in this instance, how we as believers should behave as members of Christ’s body.  Church members should love one another as family, sacrificially, always being willing to put the needs of others first.

Apply (generally and specifically):

These verses apply to believers today as well.  How can we love outsiders into our fellowship if we are not sincerely devoted to one another in a close, loving way?  Without sacrificial love, we are in danger of turning into a religious “club”– simply a group of people who adhere to a particular philosophy of life.  This means I must love all of my fellow members this way.  I must listen carefully and respectfully to their opinions, and do my best to understand and meet their needs.

Respond:

Heavenly Father, I ask for your help.  It is difficult for me to put others first, because I like having things go my way.  Sometimes I feel angry, or hurt or unappreciated. I often become irritable when my routines are disrupted.  Show me how to put those feeling aside and do what’s best for others, even the others who seem unlikeable.  Help me to love my fellow members sacrificially by reminding me of the example Jesus, who lived and died for me.

Amen.

If anyone else decided to give this journaling method a try, I would love to hear from you.  God loves you and so do I!

 

100 Days With Jesus–Book Review

This little gem of a book would make a wonderful gift for a friend.  It includes a presentation page, thick glossy pages and a beautiful photograph with each reading.  The author, Diann Cotton, first got the idea when she found a page in her Bible listing over 250 names and attributes of Jesus.  She began studying one or two a day, hoping to know Jesus better by the end of the year.  Her own research, prayer and reflection led to the book.

Perfect to be used as a daily devotional, each reading includes a name or description of Jesus, the scriptural basis for the name, a definition, prayer and reflection question. The entries are ordered alphabetically, so you can easily find a particular name. The questions could easily be used as a journaling tool if that is part of your daily routine.

Interested in learning more, or purchasing this book?  Click on the link below:

https://beta.lifeway.com/en/product/100-days-with-jesus-P005793050