ABCs of Praise and Prayer by Barbara Kois

How 15 minutes with God can change your day

 I found this devotional book very creative.

First, each devotion begins with praise.

Second, each devotion focuses on a particular letter of the alphabet. For instance, the praise section of the letter ‘M’ uses words like Mighty, Majestic, Maker, and Matchless to describe God.

The devotional thought for each day also follows the letter theme—its title for ‘M’ is Mercy.

Scriptures are sprinkled throughout, along with prayers. Thought-provoking questions end each devotion.

I love that the author begins each section with praise to God. So often we come to God with heavy burdens. Beginning our time by praising Him shifts our focus.

Recommend.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas

Never the Same by Steven James

Stories of those who encountered Jesus

What an amazing book!

Readers will meet a few of the people who interacted Jesus during his thirty-three years on this earth. And, as the author demonstrates so beautifully, you can’t meet Jesus and remain unchanged.

Unexpected folks tell events of Jesus’s life are told by unexpected people who were there, allowing readers a fresh look into stories they may have read in the past.

Each chapter, written in first person, reveals the reactions of those who were there—with plenty of surprising emotions. Readers may find a piece of themselves within the pages.

Insightful.

Thought-provoking.

Inspiring.

A must-read.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

 

Out from the Shadows by Pam Thorson

31 Devotions for the Weary Caregiver

 This author knows the caregiver’s path well. She writes about it in an honest way that will touch the hearts of other caregivers.

While dealing with the hardships of daily life, her message resonates with hope. I loved the honest outpouring of her heart.

I remember the days when this was my life. My father was the primary caregiver for my mother yet my sister and I were secondary caregivers. We were constantly at their home. I would have considered this book a treasure of support had it been available to me during those difficult days.

This devotional is truly a gift to all the weary caregivers out there.

Excellent book!

-Sandra Merville Hart

 Amazon

Secrets of Confidence by Ramona Richards

A 60-Day Devotional for the Inner You

What a treasure! This book is filled with 60 days of devotional thoughts designed to build, restore, or renew a woman’s confidence that lies with God.

Drawing from Biblical examples and from the author’s own experiences, this book contains short devotions that begin with a scripture reference.

Topics covered include encouraging others, inner peace, endurance, courage, reliance on God, risk, and facing difficult times.

Each devotion takes less than five minutes to read yet gives food for thought as you begin your day.

I’ve read novels by Ramona Richards and enjoyed them. Recommend!

-Sandra Merville Hart

Amazon

 

 

Get Your Spirit On! by Michelle Medlock Adams

Devotions for Cheerleaders

This devotional book is an inspirational read. Each day begins with a scripture reference. Then the author gives a devotional thought geared to middle-school and high-school girls. The stories are written in such a way that many girls of that age will be able to relate to them, even if they don’t cheer.

After an inspiring story about the author’s own squad or from her past, she gives another scripture in STRENGTH TRAINING.

Find spiritual tips in FIRE UP!

MEGAPHONE TO MASTER are prayers inspired by the day’s topic.

GIVE A SHOUT are encouraging remarks.

READY. OK. and JUMP INTO ACTION gives ideas for the girls to put what they’ve learned into action.

FAST FACTS and FIT TIPS are included in every devotion, along with a cheer.

I loved this book! Such a positive reinforcement of good life lessons on everyday trials. If your daughter or granddaughter is in middle school or high school, I recommend picking this up!

-Sandra Merville Hart

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas– Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!

Open Your Hymnal Again by Denise K. Loock

More Devotions That Harmonize Scripture with Song

What an insightful book!

This book is filled with devotional chapters about hymns. The author digs into the background of the song and then shares honestly with examples from her own life.

These meditations are written about old favorites like “I Am Thine, O Lord,” “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” and “Just as I Am.” Christmas carols such as “Joy to the World,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” are also included in this book.

There is a Rest and Reflect section at the end of every chapter with a thought-provoking question and scripture reference to deepen personal study.

Great devotional book! I will look for more by this author.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas – Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!

A Patchwork of Promises by Gayle Ottemiller

 

30 Devotions for Quilters

This devotional book is an inspirational read. Each day begins with a scripture reference. Then the author gives an inspiring story, often revealing a glimpse into her past. She ends with a promise from the scripture.

But the last part of each day’s reading is the reason that it’s geared to quilters. “Sew On” gives helpful sewing tips. Sometimes these are specific to quilters and sometimes not, so I believe anyone who sews would relate to this devotional.

Dealing with such topics as the fruit of the Spirit, God’s love, and safe havens, I found this an easy read. Some sewing devotions are also nestled in there.

Each day’s devotion takes only about 5 minutes to read so it is good for busy folks.

The sewing tips included set this apart for me. I really enjoyed the book and will watch for other books by this author.

-Sandra Merville Hart

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas  – Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!

Breathless: A Daily Devotional by Judith Rolfs

A Daily Devotional for Christians in a Hurry: One Minute meditations for women and men.

 What first drew me to this devotional is the “one-minute” daily read. I am one of those busy Christians in a hurry. I’ll bet you can relate.

This book wasn’t what I expected. Daily meditations are short. There is a scripture reference for each day.

The author writes in a poetic form, which is inspiring and different from other devotional books.

Each day’s topic can be read in about a minute as advertised. The author is transparent in her writing. I found it an easy read for busy folks.

-Sandra Merville Hart

 

 

My Father’s Business by Eddie Jones

30 Inspirational Stories for Discerning and Doing God’s Will

This book was an encouraging read. I loved the examples from well-known people in leadership, ministry, entertainment, military, artists, and other walks of life who sometimes learned about God’s Will the hard way.

I can relate to learning the hard way.

There are chapters on sacrifice, gratitude, perseverance, imagination, endurance, and many other helpful topics for Christians.

Bible verses and quotes from Oswald Chambers, author of My Utmost for His Highest and other books, begin every chapter. These quotes were insightful and inspiring.

Scripture references for a time of reflection end the chapters.

The stories used illustrate the author’s point beautifully. I read this book in a couple of days, but it would also be an inspiring way to begin or end your day.

I’ve read books by this author and always enjoyed them. I will look for more!

-Sandra Merville Hart

Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas – Use coupon code SandraMHart for a 20% discount on Lighthouse Publishing books!