Why Review a Devotional?

I love devotionals. I was introduced to them in my late teens. I quickly found what seemed to be a simple reading was anchoring my day. They transform my perspective of the world around me and how I interacted with it. God’s word was presented in bite-sized pieces I could chew on throughout the day.

Once a month I will share a review of a devotional I have read. I am excited to use this space as a reason to explore more devotionals. If you have one you would like reviewed, write your suggestion in the comments. I would love to know about it.

Yes! I will provide a rating system. It will have four categories. Not a typical, worst to best, because devotionals are not typical. Some can fill a year’s journey and beyond. Others are very specific for a momentary transition. Some fill a need that is subject-specific and can be used again and again but does not fill a need for a full year of time with God’s word.

I will rate the devotionals according to the purpose being fulfilled.

Review of Devotions For Dieters

Devotions For Dieters was written by Cecil Murphey, a New York Times bestselling author.

Are you asking why did I choose a devotional about diet? I don’t blame you. We are hit with advertising about this subject our whole lives. Who needs another reminder about their waistline?

At the time I discovered Devotions For Dieters, I was wanting to get back to basic nutrition information about food. This devotional provides nutrition facts while acknowledging the struggle with food, and that we need to take Jesus with us on this journey.

What did I love about this book?

Cecil Murphey was honest about his weight journey. Some people struggle from childhood into adulthood and others only in adulthood. It was important for me to know where he was coming from with his experience for authenticity. He delivered.

His devotions grounded my thinking. I would find myself reflecting on the point made for the day throughout the day.

What did I not like about this book?

Week 1 day 5 is my favorite yet most disliked day. It truthfully says no one diet is the right one for everyone. And every diet requires the work of sticking to it. Being smacked with truth hurts! His ability to close with a prayer that tied it all to letting Jesus lead helped me welcome what I wanted to deny.

Who would want this book?

If you are in need of troubleshooting with your diet, this might be a great option for you. It catches some finer points where we can easily slip up all while grounding the ideas presented in spiritual grace.

Who would not want this book?

People who would not like this book are people who do not want to reflect on why they do what they do.

In summary, I appreciated the topics Cecil Murphey covers in Devotion For Dieters. Some of the subjects are goals, sugar, commitment, exercise, forgiveness, and fear. There are many more.

He provides six weeks of devotionals, one for each day of the six weeks. In my opinion, this could be read and reread until the weight goal is reached. Refresher readings would be a great way to stay on top of any potential slip-ups. You can easily search by topic by flipping the pages. Sometimes we need encouragement in a specific area. And this devotional delivers.

Did it bear fruit?

Yes! I lost two pounds in the first read-through.

I hope you enjoyed my first devotional review. Please write in the comments any devotionals for me to consider for future reviews. Thank you!