THE BELIEVERS CODE by O. S. Hawkins

What an unexpected surprise! When I received THE BELIEVER’S CODE- 365 Devotions to Unlock the Blessings in God’s Word, by O. S. Hawkins, I was pleasantly surprised. First I had to chase my daughter to get the book since she opened the mail when it arrived.

FIRST IMPRESSION: The book looks elegant very inviting.

This book invites the reader to go deeper in Scripture. THE BELIEVER’S CODE is a daily devotional but, for me, it goes beyond a quick read in the morning or before you go to bed. This is a mini-Bible study book, I cannot imagine how anyone could read one day and not want to search the Scriptures for more.

The format of each devotional is as follows: Scripture, Comment, Code Word, Prayer. The “Code Word” is what makes this devotional unique. Take for example: June 8 entry. The Scripture is John 14:6 and the Code Word is “THE”. “The” is a very important word within the context of Scripture  because we know that Jesus is “the” way. This format makes the devotional something you will want to meditate on.

I am excited to begin my personal journey in Scripture using this book. Chances are I amy stay on one devotional for longer than the given day but then this is what I do- study the word daily. This is one book my daughters will not be getting.  - -  written by Marsha L F Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

THE CHRISTMAS CODE by O. S. Hawkins

THE CHRISTMAS CODE - Daily Devotions Celebrating The Advent Season by O. S. Hawkins is a book that allows you to slow down and remember the real reason for the season. With exactly 25 devotionals one could begin on December 1, if that is your pleasure.

Of course it would make a great stocking stuffer but that would mean the person would not get the book until Day 25. It would also make a wonderful table top book, or bathroom read (if you know what I mean) however, I think THE CHRISTMAS CODE is a great book to read anytime of the year but then again I watch Christmas movies year-round.

THE CHRISMAS CODE helps you keep the spirit of Christmas in your heart and mind no matter when you read it thus it would make a great gift.

Technically speaking: the book is 58 pages and each devotional comes with a Bible verse, commentary, a code word and a mini prayer. On December 11th the “Code Word” is Providence and the elaboration begins: “God is at work,behind the scenes in your life, right now.”  This book contains words of faith and encouragement a great devotional for personal use as well as a gift.   - written by Marsha L F Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

THE STORY DEVOTIONAL

If you saw the look on my face when I opened up the package containing my latest book for review: THE STORY DEVOTIONAL you would have thought I was going to give a bad review. Even though it was a soft cover book the cover is beautiful, I am just not a fan of paperback books. (But it is, after all, a complimentary copy - I can’t always have hard cover books) Now, my first thought was: “Why did I agree to read another devotional”? First impressions are not always the best impressions.

THE STORY DEVOTIONAL -365 Devotions published by Zondervan is well worth the purchase; a disclaimer: there are 366 devotionals. I would not classify this book a devotional perhaps because I am not a fan of them, I would call it a years worth of Bible study ideas.  Covering principles from Genesis to Revelation this book helps you to see Scripture, perhaps, in a different way. Conceptually this devotional allows the reader to “DISCOVER YOUR ROLE IN GOD’S STORY,”  as it is stated on the cover of the book.
If you go to the Appendix you will find a list of the daily devotions by concept. By using this list you can coordinate THE STORY DEVOTIONAL with your yearly Bible reading. For example: Learn the Story of “Creation” which cover Genesis 1 through 9 and are the first twenty daily devotionals as you read Genesis. The story of David is discussed from Day 144 to 159; this is the books of Samuel, Kings, Chronicles and of course Psalms (not necessarily in that order).
Many people purchase devotionals as gift items, I would suggest you keep this one for yourself.   Marsha L F Randolph

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

BOOK REVIEW: LEADERSHIP PROMISES FOR EVERY DAY

DEVOTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS

I am not a fan of ‘devotional’ books however the title DEVOTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS peeked my curiosity so I decided to review it.

December 8, my mother’s birthday concept: Christmas Lights.  The verse Matthew 2:10 When they saw the light, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. My mother went to be with the Lord March of 2008 while she was here on this earth she was indeed a light to many people not just her children.  The concept and Bible verse are followed by a what I would call a “Porch Story” and the day concludes with food for thought, a mini prayer: “The dark is no place for Your people, Lord, Thank You for shining Your light into our lives so we can see another way, amen.”

This is truly a wonderful book. As a book reviewer I receive many books and give away most my original intent was to give this one away BUT I changed my mind. DEVOTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS is a keeper!

The cover design and the overall theme of DEVOTIONS FOR CHRISTMAS - A Celebration To Bring You Joy And Peace is a celebration of the gift of Christmas. The 142 pages have images that make you believe you can smell the holidays. How can you not buy this book?  Marsha L F Randolph


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLook Bloggers <http://booklookbloggers.com> book review bloggers program. 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 Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

AWAKENING FAITH by James Stuart Bell

I am not a devotional fan, however I chose to review Awakening Faith: Daily Devotions from the Early Church by James Stuart Bell with Patrick J. Kelly, because the title caught my curiosity. My first impression upon opening the book was that of happiness; there were no dates to control my reading pleasure!

Because my goal was to review the book I chose a few passages to read, however before I give you a thumbs up or a thumbs down from what I read in Awakening Faith: Daily Devotions from the Early Church I would like to point out a few tidbits.

There are 366 thoughts from various men from the past with an accompanying mini biography which makes Awakening Faith: Daily Devotions from the Early Church a great introduction to Christian history. Each thought, or entry, found includes a Bible verse,or two, upon completion of the book the reader will have read something from every book of the Bible. The index of Scripture listed according to the book in which you will find is a very thoughtful tool.

Scanning the various pages I did not find the text offensive, or condemning but thought provoking and relevant. Despite many of the passages being written over one thousand years ago each entry was easy to read and understand.
The first devotional I read was entry #160 “Stay Focused In Spiritual Warfare”. The key Bible reference was Philippians 1:9-10; within the context was an additional 1 Thessalonians 5:19 was quoted. The words by Diadochus Photice presented a practical posture for the believer to maintain and what is needed to overcome spiritual battles. I appreciated the opinion of the author and believe his words can easily be applied to lives of any individual.

After reading a few other exerts I and reviewing the remainder of the book unlike other devotionals this is one I can use. I recommend you purchase this book. I only wish I had a copy prior to Christmas because it would have made a great gift for numerous of my friends who love the Word.

I received a complimentary copy of in exchange for an honest and fair review. 

Related articles

• Review of AWAKENING FAITH written by James Stuart Bell
• Devoted