We are well into 2016 and for many the giddiness of the new year has waned, and the promises of self-improvement have been replaced by the familiar hum of routines.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.
SUMMARY
God's Promises and Declarations is a daily devotional that addresses biblical principles to live by. It is intended to pique your interest and serve as a guide to reinforce God's promises for your life. 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 and heightened fulfillment in your life. This book addresses the fundamental truth that God's words will keep you safe, give you peace of mind, deliver you in times of trouble, and it will become your shelter in the midst of a storm. He commands what others believe cannot be done. When you can't, He can; live by His promises and see the difference they'll make in your life. To break free of despair, depression and disappointment you must absolutely surrender to His promises, His will and His purpose for your life. Know that, if He says it, He will do it. He is a never failing and an on-time God who promises to never leave you or forsake you.
About the Book
God's Promises and Declarations for Your Life: 365 Days of Blessings by Dr Audeanne D Donaldson
Published by WestBow Press on November 6th 2015
Genres: Bible Study/Devotions
Pages: 374
Format: Paperback
Source: Author
Goodreads
Thanks to the author for providing a copy of the book to facilitate this review.
About Dr Audeanne D Donaldson
Dr. Audeanne D. Donaldson has worked over 25 years in healthcare, serving in various roles within the industry. A dynamic lecturer and speaker, who knows how to motivate and move her audience to a more positive state of mind. She challenges her audience to make a difference in the world, but, most importantly in their lives. Through the years she has experienced God’s faithfulness through His promises and felt compelled to share them with others. She earned a PhD from Barry University and a MSN from Florida Atlantic University. She Lives in South Florida with her husband Derwent and her two sons Brintten and Brandon.
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.
Pamela Williams recently posted..Birthday Love
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.
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.
appreciate you.
“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
Jennifer Richardson recently posted..A basketfull of being…..
Wanda, Thank you for all your kind thoughts and prayers~ I will check this book out. I love day books-thank you!
You are welcome Ella, I’m glad to hear your son is doing better.
Blessings……
Nothing like a daily reminder to keep you lifted and gifted.
I will add to my “want to read” list on goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/rhapsodyphoenix
Rhapsody recently posted..A Trillion Reasons Why
Indeed. I can only imagine that your want to read list is bulging at the seams 🙂 Have a great week