Devotional Reviews - Walking on Mustard Seeds

Devotional Review: Keep Teaching, Daily Grace for the Classroom – 365 Devotions by Nika Maples

Come on by and discover a devotional that will bless a teacher you know!

The school year has begun in most locations across the US. This is perfect timing to share a devotional written for teachers, by the 2007 Texas Secondary Teacher of the Year! I think this more than qualifies Nika Maples to minister to most any teacher you or your children know.

As we review this month’s devotional my neighborhood, it is a sizzling feels-like 116 degrees. So let’s get a cool cup of water or iced tea and sit a spell.

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Devotional Title

Keep Teaching

Subtitle

Daily Grace for the Classroom – 365 Devotions

Author

Nika Maples

Published

Published by Bel Esprit Books, LLC

Book Art

Cover: Alli Koch, Alli K Design

Cover and interior design and typesetting: Kent Jensen, knail.com

Found & Chosen

I have heard Nika Maples’ podcasts and follow her YouTube channel. One day I heard her read from of her book and fell in love with her writing style. Being a homeschool mom, I wanted to see how her reflections on teaching and the Word ministered to my heart.

Inside the Cover

Visually, the interior art is an invitation to draw near and take in the message of the day. Many pages have journaling lines at the bottom, to bring the message all the way home, into the heart.

First, the book cleverly begins with August, the month teachers are typically preparing to return to the classroom. And it ends with the month of July.

Each day, you are prompted to read the verse of the day out loud. I like this as it is an act of allowing the Word to double saturate your thinking. Her verses are quoted from six different Bible versions.

The topics she brings you to ponder are unique and essential for the teacher’s heart, mind, and soul. She has a lovely way of relaying each days point, bringing truth and relationship into focus. Maples makes key points every teacher can use to grow year after year as they shape young and curious minds while honoring God.

Who It’s For

The audience for Keep Teaching, are women teachers of public, private, and charter schools. Although I gleaned a lot from her work, it is written for those who teach with others within a system of staff and a modern classroom environment.

Your Thoughts

Let me know in the comments if you have a teacher in mind who would enjoy this devotional.

Signature line, Keep Waling on Mustard Seeds, Michele

Devotional Review of Jesus Listens by Sarah Young

Each page was a delightful surprise in winter and Christmas art, from wildlife animals to a manger. I can’t give it all away, but this book is worthy of purchase for the art alone!

Grab a cup of tea or coffee, and let’s talk about this new release. I would love to hear from you in the comments!

Devotional Title

Jesus Listens

Subtitle

For Advent & Christmas Prayers for the Season

Author

Sarah Young

Published

October 2023 by Thomas Nelson

Book Art

Sally Wilson

Voice Audio

Bill Russell

How Found & Why Chosen

Around the end of summer, I saw Sarah Young’s newest book was releasing in October. The cover was so beautiful and her being known for Jesus Calling, I knew I had to preview it for you.

Inside the Cover

This devotional is a complete experience with the art, the feel of the puffy cover, and the writing style many love about Sarah Young.

I purchased the hardcover (puffy), but it comes in a Kindle and Audible version. The Audible is well done by Bill Russell and comes with a PDF of the art. That is a win! The Kindle has the art images as well. Most but not all of the art is in the Audible and Kindle. The colored pages and snowflakes are all that are missing.

There are four pages for each day’s reading. Page one has a devotional of thoughtful prayer. The second page has a reflective short thought from Christ’s perspective. Pages three and four have the Bible verses that inspired the devotion and a beautiful wintertime art image.

There are four lined pages in the back where you can write your Christmas prayers.

Loved!

I enjoy Sarah Young’s devotional style and she stayed true to it here.

Her introduction was heartfelt. It was evident that she expects you, the reader, to gain a closer relationship with God as you read the devotions and the three to four Bible verses that align with each day.

The devotions covered topics from resting in the rush, praising God and Jesus, and focusing on the season while allowing the to-do list to wait. Sarah Young’s relational way of explaining your connection with God and Jesus is truly a once-a-day gift.

Pause! *

There are 40 devotionals. With 40 days I think this leads you into January when some celebrate the arrival of the three wise men.

Looking online at the Amazon preview for the Kindle version, it looks like the devotional is divided into four sections: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. The audio and physical book has no such divisions.

Your Thoughts

Let me know in the comments when you would start the 40 days of this devo.

Who’s it for?

Are you looking for an Advent or Christmas season devotional? This might be the pick for you. Young has a huge following of readers who will purchase because they like what she delivers in their quiet time with God. The art-packed devotional is a daily gift of retreat with the Lord, focusing on the reason for celebrating our Savior’s birth.

Who it’s not for?

It is not for men specifically, but if read in a family setting it would be acceptable. Full disclosure, I did interview my husband for his perspective on the hard-bound copy of Jesus Listens.

Who would you gift this to?

Please tell me in the comments.

Announcement

Book Release 2024! More details to come. Sign up for my blog posts to make sure you keep up to date.

Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29, ESV

Devotional Review: the Sword & the Spirit

Behind The Cover

Greco’s explanation of the morning and evening devotions hit solid ground for me. I won’t give too much away here, but the morning use is to set you up for the day’s complexities and the evening reading is to set you on a rock for the next day.

Devotional Title

The Sword and The Spirit*

Subtitle

A 40-Day Morning & Evening Devotional

Author

John Greco

Published

2023 by BroadStreet Publishing Group, LLC

The Where and Why

I discovered the Sword & the Spirit by John Greco on the BroadStreet Publishing website. It was sighted as a new release and I have been wanting to review newer devotionals for you.

I liked the blue cover and hoped the individual readings would live up to the title’s power-packed promise.

Behind The Cover

Authors can be creative with the presentation and purpose of their devotionals. Due to this fact, it is important to read the Introduction to a devotional. I enjoyed the creative reference to the introduction as being a ‘Note’. This revealed to me that Greco’s writing would be more personable throughout the text.

The size of the devo is no bigger than the length of my hand and each devotion fills up two pages. These are easy to read while sipping coffee in the morning and during your evening wind-down routine.

Each devotional begins with a bible verse, followed by an example and spiritual thought, and ends with a short prayer.

I must tell you about the deep orange ribbon marker! I am partial to orange, but add the book art and feel of the cover, and the Sword & the Spirit gets five stars from me for the experience before reading one word.

What I loved

Each devotional gave me a spiritual insight I had not seen before or had not seen so deeply. Greco is teaching the truth of scripture in an up close and personalized way. It was a joy to return to the Sword & the Spirit again and again.

This devotional is a way to linger longer in the word of God or transition into your day or night.

Who Wants It

Due to the cover of this book and the title, I think it has a male appeal.

I prefer a devotional with a message that packs a strong message, and Greco has done that.

This would be a great devotional for young adults, and seasoned Christians. It is a nice bite-sized daily reader that you can fit into your bible study time.

Many of the morning and evening devotions have references (the bible address) to scriptures. I liked this for further reading when wanting to dive deeper into a devotion topic.

This devotional is an excellent choice if you are new to bible reading or for those who are familiar with the text.

Who Doesn’t Want It

I think it was written for adults, males specifically. So I would not suggest it for children.

It would be great for young adults. My husband and I are in the second half of our life and we both enjoyed the devotional. (Complete honesty, I think I read two or three devotions from Greco’s work to my husband.)

Will You Gift This

Maybe you are thinking you would enjoy The Sword and The Spirit. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please share in the comments if you are planning to purchase it for yourself or someone you know.

Christmas is coming. . .

Signature line, Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds, Michele

For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Romans 11:29

Devotional Review of Crazy, Hard, Beautiful Journey by Joanna K. Harris

Devotional Review time!

The one thing I hear the most from you, my reader, is that you L O V E the devotional reviews.

I am oh so happy to add this new release to my collection of reviewed devotionals for you. Enjoy!

Devotional Title

Crazy Hard Beautiful Journey *

Subtitle

Stories of God’s Unfailing Grace, Goodness, and Divine Purpose

Author

Joanna K. Harris

Publisher and Copywrite Date

Where I found this book and why I selected it.

A few years ago I attended my first writer’s conference. The speakers were engaging and I still have a fat file filled with all my notes. A bonus of signing up was entry into a private Facebook group for all attendees.

Recently, on the Facebook group, I asked how to find devotionals that are being released soon or have just come out. A member replied with her newest title. I popped onto Amazon, to check out her devotional and decided to read and review it for you–and this is what I found …

What did I love about it?

After reading Joanna K. Harris’ devotional, I was left feeling like I just made a new friend.

Crazy, Hard, Beautiful Journey is filled with 60 devotions. Each page tells the chronological story of her life struggling with and triumphing in the face of medical challenges.

Each devotion reflects God’s continual provision for her. Growing up a missionary kid, prepared her for the life she would walk with the Lord, needing to rely on the kindness and care of fellow Christians. Each day is filled with hope, a learned wisdom, and a way to apply those two to your own experiences.

I felt invited along as she learned spiritual truths about God and how he was intimately involved in her circumstances.

You don’t have to have an ongoing health issue to relate to her challenges Harris weaves each devotion in such a way that she makes her lessons relatable to the reader. God is always sovereign and reliable, and Harris makes that point abundantly clear while leaning into His leading.

Each devotional starts begins and ends with a bible verse. It does not end with a prayer but with a section called Self Reflection. Here she places a question or two, to create an inner application to walk out the lesson in your own life.

Who would want it?

I think young to middle-aged women would be drawn to and appreciate Harris’ tested faith. She writes in a striking story-like way, bringing you along her journey. I found myself looking forward to reading what happened next in her life.

Who would not want it?

Men may not be initially drawn to her story, but her lessons learned about God do not strike me as just women.

A Bonus Point

Crazy, Hard, Beautiful Journey as a bonus message, perhaps unintentional, to take care of your body. It is important to make sure you take care of and notice symptoms in your body. Fatigue, pain, or other issues may be telling you to rest, take a break, seek medical help, and definitely, spend time with God.

Your Turn

Is there someone you know who might enjoy Crazy Hard Beautiful Journey? *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

“For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29, ESV)

Devotional Review: Daily Devotional with Prayers to Overcome Anxiety

Devotional Title

Daily Devotional with Prayers to Overcome Anxiety*

Sub Title

A 12-Day Guide Book to Help When You’re Stressed

Published

Author

Daniel Ufaruna

How I found this book and why I selected it.

The title and subtitle jumped out to me when I was looking for a new devotional to review. There is a lot of anxiety being pushed on you from the news to the cost of daily living on the rise. Add to that your personal triumphs and battles, this looked like a good devotional to review for you.

Also, Daily Devotional with Prayers to Overcome Anxiety is the first in a series by the author. Double win as you will have more to look forward to from Ufaruna–more about this at the end.

What I found in it.

This 12-day devotional packs a punch by keeping your focus on God and off of your worries. I believe that by reading a devotional a day as planned, you will experience a shift away from worry and onto your Savour.

Each day begins with a scripture, or sometimes two, a short view of what can cause anxiety in your life, and a prayer turning to God as the solution.

Two free bonuses are mentioned on the cover of the book. I purchased the Kindle version and it provides a link to enter your email to receive one of the free items. I have not investigated the second one yet. I can’t speak to how these extras are presented in the printed version.

Who would want it?

The examples the author uses are adult experiences so I would say his audience is adults. There is an image of a woman on the cover and I am guessing that most men would not be drawn to read this devo.

Who would not want it?

I would not suggest this for children or teens only because the examples do not target their life experiences; although the verses, prayer, and main point he makes in each devotion apply to teens.

Who would you gift this to? Share in the comments.

Daily Devotional with Prayers to Overcome Anxiety *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Extra!

The really exciting news, if you love this devotional, the second in this series came out in March. Daily Devotional with Prayers to Crush Anxiety & Depression in 40 Days: A New Guide Book to Discovering Peace & Hope in Just 7 Minutes a Day for Women & Men

Announcements

If you are looking for a devotional to read with your kids this school year, I still highly recommend Conversations With Jesus, 365 Daily Devotions for Teens.

A devo for the teacher this year, check out this previous devotional review God’s Promises for the Teacher.

Devotional Review of 31 Days of Prayer For My Nation

Stop on by for the newest devotional review of, 31 Days of Prayer for My Nation. Oh, and I have an invitation for you! : )

Devotional Title

31 Days of Prayer for My Nation*

Published

Authors (The list is long and mighty! 12 Authors in all.)

Dave Butts, Kim Butts, Frances Chan, Anthony Evans (AKA Tony Evans), Ronnie Floyd, Alton Garrison, Jonathan Graf, Kay Horner, Tony Perkins, Tom Phillips, Samuel Rodriguez, and Oscar Thompson.

How I found this book and why I selected it.

I found 31 Days of Prayer For My Nation with an internet search. This devotional, having the US flag on the cover, will minister to my United States readers. Thankfully, scripture relates to all nations, so I am sure those of you in other countries would find inspirational prayer points in it too.

Up close, part of USA flag, with stars and stripes.

How this devo is structured.

The devotions are a point a teach about our nation from a biblical perspective. Imagine major themes you have heard in church on Sundays, with the view of your nation in mind.

Each devotional thought is taken down a path of Thanks, Confession, Petition, Word, and Engage. This last part was my favorite because it leaves the reader with a next step to take action on the prayer topic.

Who would want it?

Do you spend time worrying about your nation? 31 Days of Prayer for My Nation is the devotional for you. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. You can purchase it as an eBook and as a physical copy.

PS Would you like to join a prayer team for my writing? If yes, please comment in the comments and I will be in contact with you. Or, if you receive my blog posts via email, you can reply there and I will be in touch. : ) Thank you!

Photo by Luke Michael on Unsplash

Devotional Review: Writing By The Book

Devotional Title

Writing By The Book

Tag Line

101 devotionals that encourage and equip writers to write well

Published

Copywrite 2023 Kathy Widenhouse

Author

Kathy Widenhouse

How I found this book and why I selected it.

I am on the email list for Nonprofit Copywriter, by Kathy Widenhouse. One of her recent emails announced her new release. Congratulations Kathy!

I enjoy the wisdom and clarity of her writing and knew this devotional would provide writers helpful insights.

What did I love about it?

Kathy Widenhouse’s audience is Christian writers; each devotional thought guides writers by teaching, encouraging, and guiding them on their chosen path.

Writing By The Book is available on Kindle. The cool thing about this is that she has embedded links within some of the devotionals. These lead to articles she mentions, other authors, and at times to her site for further reading in that day’s idea. Bonus, there are also links to Bible Gateway.

You can trust Kathy Widenhouse for solid encouragement and advice as you devote yourself to the work of writing.

What I didn’t like about it?

I love the entire read and I enjoyed reading it on my phone’s Kindle app.

If there is ever a physical book, it will go on my wish list.

Who would want it?

Christian writers.

Who would not want it?

A writer who does not use the bible as their compass.

Did it bear fruit?

Yes, she makes me feel normal! As a writer I often feel I am on an island no one has heard of.

PS I attached the link directly to the devotion reviewed for your ease of looking further into Writing By The Book. Did you find this helpful?

Devotional Review of Psalm 91

You have got to read this book!

Devotional Title

Psalm 91 Frontliner and First Responder Edition*

Tag Line

God’s Shield of Protection as You Protect Others

Published

2021 by Peggy Joyce Ruth

Parts of this book were previously published by Charisma House as Psalm 91, 2010

Author

Two authors are noted on the cover in this order:

Peggy Joyce Ruth

Angelia Rush Schum

How I found this book and why I selected it.

I found Psalm 91 Frontliner and First Responder Edition when looking through devotionals at my local Barnes and Noble. I thought I was picking up a devotional, and later that day at home realized it is a 21-chapter teaching on Psalm 91.

I loved the cover; it spoke a promise of ministering to first responders, and wanted to share it with you, my reader.

What I found in it

Peggy Joyce Ruth, according to the Forward and Introduction, had written a well-received book about Psalm 91. She was encouraged to write another book about Psalm 91 that was focused on first responders. And thus, this book was birthed.

Ruth and Angelina Ruth Schum do a great job of explaining every verse in this tightly packed, 125-page book. Each verse’s explanation is backed up with two to three stories of miracles due to the Psalm being prayed over specific people at specific times.

Each chapter pulls examples from battlefield miracles, while some also cite personal experiences. However, not every chapter has a personal story. All 21 sites a wartime move of God’s protection.

It was exciting and challenging to read this book. You will benefit, as I did, reading miracle after miracle. The challenge is to look straight at God’s word and realize either you believe the amazing promises in Psalm 91 or you don’t. And if you believe them, then pray them out.

Who would want it?

You have got to read this book! I found it interesting, even for historical reasons. It was fascinating reading about a famous actor and his personal devotion in wartime and out to Psalm 91. But you have to read it to find out! 🙂

This book says for frontline and first responders. I have to note that there is not a single example of police, fire, or EMT stories. Going strictly off of what the book provides, it fits anyone currently in the military and their family members, as there are examples of the family having prayed Psalm 91 for the person serving.

Who would you gift this to? Share in the comments.

I am going to gift the copy that I read of Psalm 91 Frontliner and First Responder Edition* to our local Black Rifle Coffee. They support veterans, first responders, and law enforcement, and they have a small book area for visitors. Does your coffee shop have books available to read while sipping coffee? *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Devotional Review of Unashamed

Devotional Title

Unashamed*

Tag Line

Devotions & Prayers for a Burden-Free Heart

Published

2019 by Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Author

Janice Thompson

How I found this book and why I selected it.

I saw this lovely book while browsing the shelves at my local Barns & Noble. The title and sub-title gave a great promise, and I was curious to read the individual devotions.

What did I love about it?

Thompson writes with the voice of a trusted friend explaining life topics to you.

Each devotion begins with a well-selected bible verse.

A great storyteller, she draws pictures of relatable situations. She switches between examples of well-known heroes of the faith or inserts depictions of realistic life situations to help the reader see their situation from the scriptures’ perspective.

Each ends with a short prayer, bringing the truth full circle and allowing God to finish the work in the reader.

What I didn’t like about it?

I would have loved this devotional by Thompson in my twenties and into my thirties. Kinda bummed it didn’t exist then. Is that silly to say?

Who would want it?

Unashamed is an excellent devotional for the young woman stepping into adulthood to thirty-something. Some examples budding adults and young mothers can glean from. Thompson covers many life examples that can feed the soul over a couple of decades. *As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

I would’ve cherished Unashamed in my twenties, and so glad to have read it in my – well, later in life. 😊

Who would not want it?

Maybe not the devotional for the older woman — whatever that age is now. 🙂 I’ll let you decide!

And this is not written for men, but I can see how there is some overlap.

Did it bear fruit?

I felt uplifted page by page and filled with confidence from God’s word, explained and proclaimed.

There are a lot of seeds to gather in this 90 devotional keeping the reader returning to it again and again.

Dog laying down, nose between the pages of a book, to look like he is reading it.

Update on the devotional my husband and I are reading together. <– Link here. We are thriving with the reflection of old experiences and repurposing the lessons learned over our marriage. (Maybe that is called tilling the ground. 🙂 )

We still recommend it for any stage of marriage.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope this issue of Devotional Reviews has blessed you or given you a gift idea for someone you know!

Top Three Devotionals and a Bonus

If you have been reading my devotional reviews, February’s will look different. Here’s the back story.

In the past, when purchasing a devotional to review, if I find that the material is not up to my standards, I do not review it.

What are my standards? Great question!

It has to fit the needs of my audience. (Perhaps not each of you every time, but most of you most of the time.)
I write for both women and men, so I search for devotions for both. When I review a devotional that is for only men or only women, I explain why I chose that one and which it is for.
The devotional needs to be well written.

Do I sound like a literature snob? I hope not! Allow me to explain my expectations of “well written.”

A hand holding up a magnifying glass. Mountain scape in the background is blurred, but through the magnifying glass it is clear, and the mountains are upside down.

Does it remain focused on the promise of the title, subtitle, and book blurb? (What is written on the back cover of the book.)

Does it bring the reader into a deeper relationship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit?

If I can say mostly yes to these two criteria, I gladly review them for you because I believe the devotional can bless you.

In the past, if a devotional did not meet these two criteria, I would find another one to supplement my original choice. But this month, I was frustrated.

Why frustrated? It is such a strong word.

I wanted to present a review that you might use for Lent. Yes, Lent is here. Wednesday the 22^nd is Ash Wednesday. Can you believe it?!

Some people observe lent from Ash Wednesday through to Easter Sunday. Some give up enjoyable food, entertainment, or technology. Others do not restrict or devote themselves in any extra way. I have attended churches that do all the things and those who did some of them.

Does your church observe Lent in a special way?

I wanted to acknowledge; Jesus was prepared for the cross. And being the body of believers, there are ways we can prepare too.

More about this soon…

But first!

This is a great opportunity to share with you my top three devotionals from past reviews. And a bonus that will fit perfectly for Lent!

1. I still love my Father’s Day suggestion of Everyday Grace for Men. It got my husband into reading a devotional, and you can read all about it from him!

2. Conversations with Teens is amazing for the teenage crowd, and I learned from it too.

3. Still standing strong is Want a beach experience? Who does not love the beach? This devotional brought me to the shoreline with deep and beautiful perspectives.

Bonus! Nobody Left Out is a top devotional I reviewed for you, and it is for 40 days!

Where is the devotional review for February? Worry not, and read on!

Title

Proverbs

Subtitle

AKA The Book of Wisdom

Author

Credit for writing the book of Proverbs goes to these three men:

Solomon wrote most of the book, who was the son of King David.

Agur* is credited with writing chapter 30 specifically.

King Lemuel wrote chapter 31.

Publisher

This will depend upon your copy of the Bible.

Where I found this book and why I selected it

This book is located in my house and in my heart. I selected it due to wanting to provide a solid, time-tested devotional.

What did I love about it?

The book of Proverbs never outgrows you. It is appropriate reading for every stage in life. It provides wise counsel about finances, work, time, marriage, family, how to be a child, how to be a young adult, how to age, and how to interact with Wisdom.

What I didn’t like about it.

Sometimes I don’t want to hear that I have been acting wrong or being tempted. Who wants to be called into doing wrong? But Proverbs one verse thirty-three says, it is better to live in the safety of these wise words than to run into the harm waiting for me if I do not.

Who would want it?

Anyone who wants wisdom in their career, childhood, adulthood, parenting, marriage, etc.

Who would not want it?

That person would not be reading this blog. 😊

Did it bear fruit?

Yes, every time I sit and read Proverbs, I am convicted, confirmed, blessed, or taught something.

I hope you have enjoyed this review.

Your Turn

What is a Proverb you love? Please share it in the comments. 😊

Until next week, keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,

Michele Marie Weisman

* Who Wrote the Book of Proverbs? (biblestudy.org)

Photo by Khara Woods on Unsplash (back story – building wall)

Photo by Kirill Pershin on Unsplash (mountains)

Photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash (proverbs)