The Watered Soul

Finding Refreshment in the Word

Clinging to God’s Promises 365 Days of The Year

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We are well into 2016 and for many the giddiness of the new year has waned, and the promises of self-improvement have been replaced by the familiar hum of routines. While the word routine can often have a negative connotation, there is significance in the things we choose to do daily. Our daily doing determines our daily being. And one of the most important tools to incorporate in life is spending time in God’s Word.

Dr. Audeanne D. Donaldson’s devotional, God’s Promises and Declarations for Your Life: 365 Days of Blessing aims to serve as a guide to reinforce God’s promises for your life. Reminding readers that all of God’s promises, when put into practice, are guaranteed to make a difference in your thoughts, your words, and your actions, yielding a deeper level of peace of mind and heightened fulfillment in your life.

Each day’s devotion has a central theme and passages of scripture along with a declaration that corresponds to the topic. Like most devotionals, I appreciate that this book is easy to use, and I can quickly incorporate into my morning reading.

While I have enjoyed reading the different themed devotions, I believe the book could be improved by clearly indicating to readers when the author is quoting directly from the Bible and when she is using the scripture referenced as a basis for a declaration. Perhaps changing the way things are laid out would be clearer. For example, on March 18 the theme is The Righteous Will Flourish. One passage shared reads,

 

He is my anchor in difficult times and will prevent me from drifting. I will flourish as a branch if I put my trust in Him; if I trust in riches I will fall –Proverbs 11:28

However, when you look up the passage in KJV, it reads  He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.  While the overall context is still the same and I do not personally have a problem with personalizing scriptures, everyone reading this devotional might not take the time to look up each verse for themselves to see what it says.

Unlike many devotionals that I have acquired, Dr. Donaldson’s devotional does not include any stories. She has kept God’s Word as the central focus which I like. Choosing to concentrate on a specific promise of God each day of the year could only help fortify our spiritual lives, and I look forward to using it throughout the year. 

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Thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book to facilitate this review.

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Comments

  1. Always enjoying reading your take on various books, Wanda. Thanks for sharing about this one. I often use a devotional guide of some type to accompany my own personal devotions. Gives me a different insight into the Word.

    • Thanks Pam, I’ve been doing a study along with a group of ladies and it’s always interested to read their insights on the passage. They always help me see things in the scripture I have not previously.

  2. I like what you said about this devotional. I also appreciate the use of a devotional each day, and find that it enhances my thoughts and prayers. This year I am using “Daily with the King” by W. Glyn Evans. One reason that I am enjoying it so much is that it is really making me think. There have been days when I’ve been quite convicted, in a good way, and other days when I’ve have to wrestle with the words because they’re not *easy* – also in a good way! I am finding that this particular devotional is a perfect accompaniment to my year of being GRATEFUL!

    GOD BLESS!

    • Sharon thanks for sharing the devotional that you are currently using. I’m not familiar with W. Glyn Evans but I’m making myself a note to do a little research on this one. There is so much we can find to chew on in God’s Word and I do like the opportunity to use devotionals that help me get a fresh perspective.

  4. “I will flourish like a branch as I put my trust in Him”….I love that.
    The branches here are bursting with blossoms and pollen and tender leaves.
    It’s a perfect picture of branch-life. I want to abide like that. Sweet inspire.
    Thank you,
    Jennifer

  5. Wanda, Thank you for all your kind thoughts and prayers~ I will check this book out. I love day books-thank you!