Review of Devotional

Nobody Left Out*, by Michael Murray

Subtitle

A 40-day devotional for messy, broken people (like me!)

I found the titles irresistible. It had to be my next devotional to review.

It was released in 2020 and is currently ranking on Amazon, as of the eve of this post:

#2 for Inspirational Christianity

#5 for New Testimate Meditations

#7 for New Testament Criticism & Interpretation

What does that mean?

Michael Murray’s devotional is selling really well!

Out of three categories, it ranked, second, fifth, and seventh. As of October 13th, 2021.

What did I love about it?

Michael Murray wrote about familiar men and women in the bible.

He brought a new spark to the familiar stories.

Michael Murray makes room for everyone who reads the 40-day devotional. His storytelling and perspective welcome the oldest and the newest saint. And anyone who is unsure of what they think of God.

The daily devotions are filled with quote-worthy lines. I often found myself pausing and reflecting on Murray’s insight.

This devotional is written in a way that makes readers feel welcome.

What I didn’t like about it?

Reading, Nobody Left Out, took some adjusting.

Typical devotionals I read, have a verse or two, and then a brief telling of a reflection. And it will frequently end with a prayer or contemplative point.

Murray requires the reader to break out their bible or bible app and look up the verses he will address over the five-day period for that section.

Adjusting to more of a bible study technique was not what I was expecting.

I stayed with it because I was committed to providing a review of the devotional.

Each day’s section ends with two thought-provoking questions. I found myself jotting the answers down on the pages.

For me, this seemed like a mini-study each day rather than a traditional devotional time.

This is not a complaint, but letting you know my perspective, should you decide to purchase the devotional for yourself or someone else. It was excellently written.

Who would want it?

Nobody Left Out is a great idea for any of the following:

Teens

Young Adults

Family Devotional Time

People newly learning about God.

People who have questions about God.

A fabulous reading plan for Lent.

Who would not want it?

If you are wanting a devotional that has a verse to savor and then you read a reflection and a prayer to button it up, this devotional is not for you.

And that is okay. If your time permits for a one-page devotional, this is not the one you are looking for.

Michaels Murray’s devotional, Nobody Left Out, asks you read up to a whole chapter or at least a few verses of scripture, to cover the five days of reflection.

This borders on a bible study. It is filled with helpful insight. But you will be frustrated if that is not what you are looking for.

Did it bear fruit?

Yes.

Michael Murray, for one section, wrote about the widow who gave all she had. He enriched this story by researching the history of the times and what Jesus was doing before, after, and in this story.

I love the fresh perspective provided as the traditional teachings on this story have never held water for me. 

It was written, like all the other devotional sections, humbly searching for the view through Jesus.

I would recommend, Nobody Left Out. (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.) Michael Murray lets us know that he has cerebral palsy, so I knew his writing would come with a more profound trust in God than I have experienced.

I am grateful for his humble telling of men’s and women’s stories in the bible. He came to each exploration as someone on equal ground, which we all are.

As far as my Devotional Rankings, I might have to select two categories. Yes, I think I will. 

It is a great read for a snack for:

Learning about how God sees us and we do belong.

Individual or group/family study for Lent.

It is a great read for seasons for:

The sweet reminders of how Christ does see us.

We can have rest in belonging.

Fun announcement!

I am always learning more about writing. I want to provide great content for you in a way that engages and inspires you in your walk with God.

I participated in a virtual writers summit last week. 

A publisher asked me to review a devotional for you guys! I said, “Yes”! 

Next month’s Devotional will be a newer release. How exciting!

And…something else came from the summit…more about that in a couple of months!