I’m a huge fan of devotionals, and I’m always looking for fresh inspiration. Here are two new books I’ve found that are perfect for my morning quiet time.
Awaken: 90 Days with the God who Speaks
Priscilla Shirer is a renowned Bible teacher, but this is the first time I’ve read one of her books. I picked up this book as part of a special bundle at Lifeway this Christmas season. In two weeks, a new online Bible study for her book Discerning the Voice of God begins (read an excerpt here), and I want to become familiar with her writing before I begin the study. It’s free to sign up, and the study videos are the same as the ones you’d study in a church or group.
What I enjoy most about Priscilla’s writing voice is her confidence in God mixed with humility. She is obviously a powerful communicator and a woman of rock-solid faith. Yet she is real, sharing stories of her own daily life that inspire me. Originally she wrote the devotions in her own prayer journals. I think that’s why this book has such a personal feel, which I find refreshingly intimate from such a spiritual powerhouse.
Her devotions include slices of life like putting groceries away, surveying damage after a rain storm, and dealing with a bored child. But most of the devotions are teaching-focused, because she is a gifted Bible-teacher. The book flap tells the truth: “This kind of reading [devotional book] is not merely for the purpose of leisure and enjoyment. With this kind of book you’re praying for something more–to hear from God, receive His direction, and be refreshed in the depths of your soul.” I couldn’t think of a better summary for this book.
This beautiful quote from the book tells you what you can expect:
Be alert…present…fully engaged in the day stretched out before you. He’ll be there. Waiting to be seen by anyone watching and waiting.
Another aspect of this book I really enjoy is the plentiful lined space after each devotion for personal reflection and prayer. If you use the space to record what God is saying to you through the 90 devotions, you will surely see how the book helped you awaken to new awareness of His presence and new understanding of His desires for you.
Awaken to the sound of God's voice every morning with Priscilla Shirer's new book. Click To Tweet
Devotions from the Mountains
More than any other devotional I’ve read, this gorgeous book prompts me to praise God for his majesty. Breathtaking pictures of mountain scenery fill this book, which reminds me of the two years I lived on a mountain top.
My alma mater for my English degree is Covenant College. It’s located on top of Lookout Mountain, Georgia in the Smoky Mountains. The sunsets were spectacular, and the sparkling evening view of Chattanooga, Tennessee never ceased to amaze me. Let me tell you, the autumn scenery was astounding, and I’ve never seen anything else that compares. Here’s a picture of me in Cloudland Canyon, just down the road from Covenant, sometime in 1998:
Sometimes I would take a break from my heavy course load and hike in the mountains. Other times I would simply sit at a lookout and soak up the beauty. This unique devotional reminds me of those times when I drew close to God on Lookout Mountain.
Anyone who enjoys camping, hiking, or climbing in the mountains will truly enjoy this book. The devotions feature a variety of subjects like wildlife, mountain flowers, sunsets, and snowstorms. The full-spread photos are pauses that inspire praise for God’s marvelous creation.
The devotions are about one page long, and include a brief, personal prayer. The writing voice will appeal to either a male or female reader. I plan to use this book in my personal worship time.
I want to take more time to praise God from a position of awe and wonder, and this book is the perfect tool for helping me do that.
If you enjoy mountain scenery and devotionals, this is the ideal book for your quiet time. Here’s a quote to give you a sneak peek:
Just as we often feel both humbled and exhilarated by the mountains, it is fitting to be humbled and exhilarated in God’s presence.
The BookLook Bloggers Program provided me a free review copy of this book–many thanks!
Be inspired to praise God for His majesty with Devotions from the Mountains. Click To TweetDisclosure: If you purchase a book through the links provided, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support of my writing ministry!
Question for you: Which book looks most interesting to you? I love hearing your thoughts in the comments section!
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