"Quiet Time with God Devotional" by Joyce Meyer

 

My review...

I love devotional books. I've read a few from Meyer, and I've always found them insightful and encouraging.

As is typical with devotional books, this one has a verse, devotion, and a final thought. This book also includes additional verses to look up in order to "dig deeper" into God's Word. I appreciate this addition, as it's not common with many devotional books.

It stated for the calendar, which I liked, and its compact size, making it quite portable. I do wish there had been a ribbon marker. This book makes a wonderful addition to my daily devotional time, as I agree with what Meyer says in the introduction: "Without a doubt, the very best time you can spend each day is time with God."

The primary Bible version used is the Amplified version, though there are some from the NIV and NKJV, as well.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

"Do It Afraid" by Joyce Meyer

I've read many of Meyer's books. I've always found them to be timely, insightful, and encouraging. Her latest is no exception. 

One of the greatest weapons the Enemy throws our way is fear (and that's been quite obvious in 2020, as I read this book during the Covid-19 Pandemic). However, we don't have to allow him to use it to gain control over us. In her latest release, Meyer uses personal experiences (her own and those shared with her) to show how we can use God's Word combat anything the Enemy tries to send our way.

Meyer helps the reader grab onto courage and face their fears, reminding them they're not doing it alone, as God is with them. Numerous relevant Scripture verses are woven throughout to reinforce your message.

The cover and book jacket are stunning and one of my favorite things about this book!

The book is divided into three parts: Understanding Fear, Confronting Fear, and Mindsets for Walking in  Freedom from Fear. chapters include: Do It Afraid, The Antidote for Fear, Take One Step at a Time, Learn to Be Secure and Confident, You Can Be Yourself, and You Can Believe Good Things Are Ahead.

Some of my favorite quotes include:

• "Fear is the devil's favorite tool in the toolbox of schemes he uses to steal, kill, and destroy God's good plan for us."
• "We receive grace through faith, not to fear."
• "Faith is our plug in to the power of God."
• "Do what you can do when you can do it, and don't worry about what you cannot do. Anything is better than nothing!"
• "When I feel fear, I will do it afraid."
• "Don't just pray for fear to go away. Instead pray for God to fill you with boldness, courage, and confidence."

Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

"Healing the Soul of a Woman Devotional" by Joyce Meyer

My review...

This is a companion devotional to Meyer's book, Healing the Soul of a Woman. It's designed to guide the reader through ninety devotions and encourage them through the daily obstacles along the way that may be holding them back. 

I read the companion book, and I love devotionals, so I was happy to see this book. Meyer's didn't disappoint. Each entry begins with a Bible verse or quote, followed by a devotional message, and then a "Declare This" statement. Joyce shares her own personal stories and emotional wounds in an open and honest way to show that there are no shortcuts to healing. The author's advice is practical and encouraging.

A wide variety of subjects are dealt with, so there's likely to be something that most readers can relate to in this book. Topics/Titles include: Overcoming the Accuser, You are Free to Be Yourself, Setting Boundaries, Your Journey Is Unique, It's Time to Let Go, A Shame-Free Life, You Are Beloved, Trust God with the Heavy Loads, No Looking Back, and All Things are Possible.

My favorite part was perhaps the "Declare This" section. some empowering messages in this section include:

"I put my trust in God, and He never fails me."

"I will make the most of the special gifts God has given me."

"I will remember to rest my soul, just as I rest my body, as the Holy Spirit leads me."

The compact size makes this convenient to take while traveling, and it'd make a good gift, as well. I was surprised that it didn't contain a ribbon bookmark, but it's still a practical and inviting devotional overall.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

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"Your Battles Belong to the Lord" by Joyce Meyer

My review...

I always enjoy reading Meyer's books, as she never fails to tackle spiritual battles with biblical truths, and her latest is no exception. Here, she reminds the reader who the true enemy is (Satan), and she provides ways to apply God's Word and prayer to do battle against whatever the enemy may throw our way. Meyer wants to help the reader do battle with God at their side.

If you're looking for encouragement, this is a book to check out. It'll remind you that the enemy can be defeated. I enjoyed the sections on ways to incorporate prayer into the battle and the importance of removing thoughts that begin with "I can't" or "I'm not." My favorite chapters were "Hold Your Peace," "The Power of a Thankful Life," "Internal Rest," and the ones on spiritual warfare (and strategies for battle). 

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

• "As we learn to stop thinking about our problems and fill our minds instead with the truth that our battles belong to the Lord, we will be able to let God fight our battles for us and realize that worry is something we no longer have to do."
• "Our problems never change the truth that God is good!"
• "God can give us joy without things, but things without God will never give us joy."
• "All loss of peace and upset begins in the mind."
• "Sometimes we look for a miracle when all we need is common sense."
• "Worry is useless, but most of us continue to do it...until we finally realize that the longer we worry, the longer we delay the help God wants to give us."
• "When we are anxious, we use the time God has given us today to try and fix or solve something that is either in the past or in the future."

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the FaithWords blogger program, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

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"100 Inspirational Quotes: And the Life-Changing Scriptures Behind Them" by Joyce Meyer

My review...

I have read many books by Joyce Meyer, and I always find her inspirational, so I really like this book. It’s a short book (easily portable, too!) filled with quotes from Meyer, and each quote is linked to a corresponding Bible verse. There’s one quote per page, and the adjacent page has the verse behind the quote. The illustrations are a nice addition to the verses and quotes, and they match the cover, as well. Scripture verses are primarily from the Amplified Bible, though a few other translations (NIV, NLT, and NKJV) are used. The book is to the point, but it also gives the reader a lot to ponder. So much positivity in this little book!

It was hard to narrow them down, but here are a few of my favorite quotes:

·        “It isn’t what other people think of us that hurts us—it’s what we think of ourselves.”

·        “Everyone wants to be an overcomer but nobody wants to have anything to overcome. You can’t have a testimony without a test!”

·        “Don’t get your ‘who’ confused with your ‘do.’ Your true value is found when you fully understand who you are in Christ.”

·        “God has given us an antidote for fear: When fear knocks on your door, send faith to answer.”

·        “Courage is doing what you know you should do even though you feel afraid. DO IT AFRAID!”

       Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the FirstWords Blogger Program, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review. #SponsoredbyFaithWords

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Are you looking for some gift ideas?

I've mentioned on more than one occasion that I adore devotional books, so I was excited to have the opportunity to review a trio of books from FaithWords. I'd highly recommend these books for gift ideas (even if it's a gift for yourself!). In this collection, there's a bit of something for just about everyone. I can't wait to use all three of these books during my 2019 devotional time 😊

Moore's devotional is different than any I've read, and I really liked that fact. As with many books, the readings are short, sweet, and on point. They begin with a Bible verse, have a message, and end with a short prayer. However, in this 365-day devotional, each day focuses on one key word. The words are simple, yet powerful, for instance: Relax, Seek, Stop, Belong, Doubt, Chosen, Hungry, Journey, Prepare, and Love.

This devotional allows the reader to look at common words in a different way. I particularly love how Moore finds a Bible verse using the word, and then she incorporates the word in the body of the devotion, as well as the prayer. The book itself is small and easy to hold, and the color/scheme of the pages complements the cover.

Amazon purchase link for What a Great Word! 

 This is such a fun book! The cover is bright and cheery, and the illustrations and big, detailed, and easy to color. The pages are a bit thicker than some books, so you could use colored pencils, gel pens, crayons, and markers (though there may be a bit of ghosting with some of these). Bible verse are included with many illustrations, and each journal page contains numerous lines,a s well as a basic picture to color. There's a page at the front to list who the book belongs to, as well as a page at the end which says, "The End." (This would also make a nice book if you have someone in your life who's an aspiring author!)

Amazon purchase link for Here's Some Happy

I like Joyce Meyer, so I was excited to add this devotional to my collection. This is a powerful daily devotional that tackles a number of issues, including lack of confidence, self-image, and relationships. Each devotion begins with a Bible verse and ends with a prayer. The message contains practical tips and wisdom to address to those issues. The book itself is a beautiful pink leather cover, and a ribbon bookmark is also included. Each week begins with an intro with general encouragement for the week.

This book has been revised and expanded from an earlier edition. Some of the devotions do seem geared toward wives and mothers, so keep that in mind when picking this one up. (Most could be applicable to women, in general.)

Amazon purchase link for The Confident Woman














Disclaimer: I received complimentary copies from the publisher, but I wasn't required to leave a positive review.

"Healing the Soul of a Woman" by Joyce Meyer

My review...

#SponsoredbyFaithWords

Meyer’s latest release is a follow-up to the popular book, Beauty for Ashes. The author focuses on emotional healing from past hurts and the redeeming love of Christ. She helps the reader discover how to love and trust again. Meyer’s speaks from experience, and she shares personal stories (including abuse) throughout the book. Biblical wisdom, Scripture verses, and inspiring quotes reinforce her points. She offers practical advice on areas such as: guilt and shame, self-pity, the healthy soul, standing up for yourself, and establishing boundaries. Learning to trust God is key in healing.

The book begins with a history of women. It then goes on to uncover the lies Satan uses to bind us to our past pains. The book ends with an informative appendix (including one that reminds the reader who they are in Christ) and a journaling section.

Some of my favorite quotes include:

·        “God’s Word is medicine for your wounded soul.”

·        “We all crave acceptance, but the greatest need we have is to accept our unique selves.”

·        “We cannot change the way things were, but we can go forward and never look back.”

·        “It is what you believe about yourself that really matters.”

·        “The best kind of life is only found in God because He is life, and the life that we call ours is a gift from Him.”

·         

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

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"Living a Life You Love" by Joyce Meyer

My review...

Meyer’s latest is encouraging and full of applicable truths. Few people can truly say that they love their life, but they don’t always do anything to change it, which is what Meyer want to help people do with this book. Relevant quotes and Bible verses are woven throughout.

It’s divided into the following sections:

1. Loving Life Begins with Loving God
2. Love Yourself and You Will Love Your Life
3. Love Other People and You Will Love Your Life

Some of the chapters that I found most relevant are:

• Chapter 2: This Moment is the Most Important One You Have: Meyer points out that each day contains 86,400 seconds. Yesterday is over, and tomorrow is not promised, so make the most of today—this moment.
• Chapter 3: Refuse to Let Fear Determine Your Destiny: Meyer reminds the reader to stay focused on God’s promises and decide to be a strong, confident, courageous person.
• Chapter 5: Don’t Poison the Present with the Past: With God’s help, it’s possible to not be defined by the choices in the past.
• Chapter 13: The Five-Minute Rule: In this chapter, Meyer implores the reader to not spend even five minutes obsessing about things that won’t matter in five years, five months, or five weeks from now.
• Chapter 15: Be the You God Created You to Be: This chapter is designed to remind the reader that the best way to love life is to be comfortable with yourself, and then you will find a greater peace of mind.

There are so many practical tips that can be applied to daily living. I know this is a book I will look to again when I’m feeling anxious or worried.

Some of my favorite quotes:

• “When you realize God is in control, it takes all the pressure off.”
• “Fear is the opposite of faith.”
• “Grace is the power of God that enables us to do with ease what we could never do on our own.”
• “What we may see as a dead end, God sees as a new beginning!”
• “Don’t wait until everything is perfect before you decide to enjoy your life.”
• “We cannot continue allowing ourselves to be upset and disturbed and have peace at the same time.”

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy as part of the FirstWords blogger program, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.

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