Encouragement for Today

A group of women from Proverbs 31 Ministries teamed up together to write Encouragement for Today which offers 100 devotions for women in all different walks of life. Most of the devotions are comprised by Renee Swope, Lysa TerKeurst, and Samantha Evilsizer (who together wrote about 40 of the devotions), although 15 other women also contributed to this devotional. Each two-page devotion is titled and has a theme verse. Most of the devotions are personal anecdotes, though some are based off of Biblical accounts. Often there are Bible verses embedded within this portion. Next, there is a short, but pertinent prayer followed by a three-part section: Remember, Reflect and Respond. Each devotion ends with a couple of "Power Verse" references.

 

I was not sure quite what to expect when I chose to review Encouragement for Today. I had only heard of the P31 ministry in passing conversation and I didn't know if I needed yet another devotional taking up space in my home. But I'm so thankful that the Lord led me to this book. He has already spoken to me through so many of the devotions and I know He will continue to use them to encourage or admonish me in His perfect time. I first fell in love with the cover-- it looks like a cover you would see on a Real Simple magazine; it's simple, yet peaceful photograph drew me away from my current, chaotic life with young children. But the real beauty comes from within the pages. I love how this devotional causes the reader to focus back upon the take home point (the "Remember" section), while offering a homework lesson of sorts for life application (the "Respond" section), thus fulfilling the call to not be hearers only, but doers of the Word of God as well (James 1:22). In addition, I loved the power verses, as it forced me to have my Bible close at hand, thus directing me back to the source of Truth itself. Finally, I loved, Loved, LOVED the "names of God" section that are included in an appendix. I've read His different names before, but it is so handy having them listed out as a reference. My only frustration, though minor, was the use of multiple versions of the Bible (nine that I counted); I understand that it helped to illustrate their point in their devotions, but it irritated me, because it almost seems like they are fishing for perfectly applicable words. I would still definitely recommend this devotional to my friends and have already signed up for their daily email.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze® book review  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