Lisa Are WulfRezensionen

This review is based on the audiobook version of this book.

This is a lovely collection of 40 short devotionals, each containing a Bible verse, reflections, questions to ask yourself, and a prayer. They are light reads, especially good for beginning Christians, "busy" Christians without much time to devote to God, or people seeking to de-stress and unwind after a long day. The narrator's voice is very calming, and this is a great audiobook to play in the background at night.

I thought the devotional was nice and enjoyable, the stories in it sometimes thought-provoking or amusing, and the narrator excellent. There are two minor reasons that I gave it four instead of five stars, though. First, the Bible verses are all NIV or NLT, two translations that I don't particularly care for. Second (and this only applies to the audiobook), I felt the narrator read through the questions at the end of each chapter much too quickly, giving no "moment for silent reflection" as the book suggested. Sure, you could pause it, but that is a bit of a nuisance if you are only listening to it peripherally.

I still liked the audiobook and would recommend it. Four stars.

Reaching for God's Hand is built around Micah 6:8, urging the reader to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God. The book is split into four sections (1. Act Justly, 2. Love Mercy, 3. Walk Humbly, and 4. With Your God), with the devotions in each section relating to each section's topic.

The first section urges us to be kind, to help others, to make godly use of our time, and to trust the Lord in all that we do. The second section reminds us to be compassionate and uplifting, to give generously, to reflect God's mercy, and to live with true Christian relationships. The third section prompts us to serve faithfully, to seek God's will, to practice our faith, to feed our souls, and to keep moving ahead on the path that is life. The fourth section asks us to slow down, to listen carefully, to trust God, to take time to rest, and to grow a little each day of our lives. Peppered throughout the devotional are also reminders of God's love and purpose for us, reminding us that God seeks the best for us in both the good and the bad.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions expressed are completely my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review.

I couldn't have become the Christian woman I am today. I am an author of two Christian fiction books, administrator of a Facebook group for my Christian sisters, or a Christian blogger without reading/reviewing the number of nonfiction Christian books I've done.

The category of nonfiction Christian books I've found most helpful for Christians wanting to deepen their relationship with the Lord or deal with a specific part of their lives; would be those that get classified as being devotionals.

In this outing by author Lisa Are Wulf, the author desires that her readers obtain a deeper relationship with the Lord. For each day of the 40-day journey she's created, the author offers a conversation sandwiched between two scriptures, a moment for the reader to reflect/meditate what they've just read. Ms. Wulf then offers her readers probing questions to delve deep into themselves so find the answers that exist for who they are as a Christian. Naturally, as in all devotional books, each chapter ends with a specifically selected prayer for the reflection for that day.

In the end, when I consider what Ms. Wulf desires for her readers to obtain and the book's title, I couldn't help recalling Merle Haggard singing He Walks With Me [In the Garden], signifying the closer relationship one can get with the Lord.

…And he walks with me, and he talks with me
And he tells me I am his own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known…

For allowing her readers to ultimately being able to walk in the garden with the Lord, I've given Ms. Wulf the 5 STARS she richly deserves.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed two of Ms. Wulf’s previous books, so I was excited to read and review this one.

What I liked:
I really enjoy the conversational writing style and simplicity of Reaching for God’s Hands. Each reflection opens with a Scripture verse and includes thought-provoking questions, and gentle closing prayers.

One of the most unique and touching features for me is the section that urges the reader to “Be Still for a Silent Moment with God.” What a simple and humble aspect of devotion. This feature made an impact on me and is perhaps the most powerful part of this book of reflections. Yes, the Scripture verses and devotions are meaningful, and the questions are stimulating, but the importance of purposeful quiet time spent with God can’t be overlooked or over-emphasized.

What I wanted:
The only thing I can think of to make this book even sweeter, is perhaps including lines in the “Your Thoughts” section of each reflection.

Overall:
This is a unique book of brief and impactful devotions. The messages are approachable, inspiring, and motivating.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the #CWAReviewCrew.

On a Quest for Christ: tracing the footsteps of your spiritual journey, is a works which does just as it states - traces footsteps of one's personal journey. This is more than simply a book. The author has presented this self-help book in story form then developed it into a personal history and self evaluation documentation. The author gives examples and thoughts, then makes it very easy for the reader to develop his/her own story and experiences. At the end of each chapter, there are specific thought questions with a space to write in one's own answers. The author then assists the reader in discovering if these answers has helped bring him/her closer to God or perhaps created a greater distance from Him.

The Story begins at birth, suggesting what possibilities can occur simply through the birth process then allows the reader to ponder this and draw his/her own conclusions. The author continues on the "path of life", pinpointing steps of experiences, emotions, and actions which can affect us in various ways enhancing or impeding development and progress.

This book can be used as a guide but I strongly recommend it to be used individually as a personal workbook/journal. The questions are simple and to the point. There are many questions which totally stimulates the cognitive recollections and possibly increase memory capacity. The book ends, leaving one with a profound feeling of accomplishment, plus, a realization of the ongoing hills and valleys that are just LIFE.

Whether or not the reader uses this as a measurement as to his/her relationship with God, is immaterial. It is an ideal means of journal keeping and self-evaluation. A book that posterity would cherish if the blanks were filled in.

I was so impressed with the format and content and uniqueness of this book, I simply had to review it giving a Five Stars rating for this book.
This book was generously given me in exchange for an honest review of which I have done.

As usual, the subtitle is very telling—”tracing the footsteps of your spiritual journey”. That’s what this book is really about. It’s about looking back from the very beginning to when you first heard Him calling you, through your actual conversion and into your Christian walk.

It’s set up as a 30 day devotional and included are glimpses of the author’s life (which I appreciated the authenticity of), questions to ask yourself (don’t skip over these), a scripture to meditate on and a sample prayer. I most liked the passages to meditate on and the sample prayers.

Since I’ve been a Christian for decades and can barely remember what it was like to not be one, I did not relate to almost the first half of the book, which were about getting to salvation.

It was well worth the “wait” to get to the second half of the book. I related to that part very well.

Throughout the book it will get you to see that you are not alone. Not only does God not leave us and you will “see” that He was “there” more than you thought He was if you answer all the questions, but with the personal stories from the author she makes you feel that you are not the only one to go through whatever thing “it” is.

One particular group or kind of Christian does not stand out to me as to who would most benefit from this book except possibly someone who, like the author, came to Christ later in life. It seems to me that most Christians would find some benefit from this book, but the caution is that you must actually do the work, that is, answer the questions, and do the meditations and prayers.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author herself. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”