The Devotional
A devotional can be such a great tool! While I don't think a devotional should take the place of reading Scripture in its original context, it is sometimes nice to ponder a particular verse with a corresponding story or exhortation.
365 Devotions For A Thankful Heart begins each day with a Bible verse, follows with a short devotion, and ends with a quick prayer. Written in a conversational style, the devotional is designed to encourage women to grow in gratitude and to cultivate a heart of thankfulness.
Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James version unless otherwise noted. Other versions used are the ESV, King James, NASB, NCV, NIV, New Living Translation, and The Message.
Most devotions refer to characters and events straight from the Bible. Sometimes they reference historical figures like Augustine and George Muller, or fictional characters like Snow White and Winnie the Pooh. They also reference things that make up typical, everyday life that most women can relate to.
Quotes from notable people pepper the pages throughout this devotional. Some I'm familiar with such as John Piper, Tim Keller, Nancy Leigh Demoss, Martin Luther, Billy Graham, John MacArthur, Nick Vujicic, C.S. Lewis, Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Charles Stanley, A.W. Tozer, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, and more.
Some I'm not so familiar with such as Leeana Tankersley, Christine Caine, Olin Miller, John Wooden, Bob Goff, Elie Wiesel, and a few others, too.
Devotions are short but packed with thought-provoking truth to ponder throughout the day. They truly inspire and spur women to praise and give thanks to God.
My Thoughts
Whew! Reading 365 devotions in just a few weeks was a little overwhelming, but, overall, I enjoyed 365 Devotions For A Thankful Heart.
It is designed as a quality hardback with sturdy, glossy pages. And the cover is delightful like spring - fresh colors and bright flowers! The title is printed in a shiny silver font, which is pretty but unfortunately scratches easily. Mine has a distressed look to it now. Not that big of a deal, though.
The daily readings really are short. I timed myself one day, and it took me 1 minute and 4 seconds to read the entire devotion. I found myself wishing I had time to think more deeply about each one. They're relevant, truth-telling, and life-giving.
A few of my favorites are:
- January 10 ~ New Life
- January 28 ~ Being Like Mary and Martha
- February 11 ~ Please and Thank You
- April 2 ~ Serving with Love
- April 20 ~ Our Unchanging Lord
- May 21 ~ Multitasking . . . Your Faith?
- June 29 ~ Learning to Be Content
- July 31 ~ You're Not Big Enough
- August 16 ~ No What-Ifs
- October 8 ~ Beauty in the Darkness
- November 15 ~ Wait
- December 2 ~ Subtle Ingratitude
While the general theme is women developing thankful hearts, I think the devotional does a good job keeping God the focus. It's always better when God, not me, is front and center! He's the one working in us, and we owe our praise and thanks to Him no matter what.
I typically read the Bible in the NIV or ESV versions. I'm sure other versions are just as great, but from my understanding of The Message Bible, it's not a true translation. I thinks it's considered a paraphrase of a translation, so if it were up to me, I personally wouldn't use it in a devotional as a Scripture reference. I'd probably treat quotes from it like I'd treat quotes from other Christians. But not as God's word. I didn't count, but only a few Scripture quotations are taken from The Message. Anyway, just my personal preference on that.
Since I read all 365 devotions, I feel comfortable recommending this beautiful devotional to help train your heart to be thankful. It would surely make a nice gift for the women in your life.
Book Rating: 4.5 stars
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