"Walk with God Daily" (Brian Williams)

TITLE: Walk With God Today: Christian Daily Devotional
AUTHOR: Coach Brian Williams
PUBLISHER: Del Mar, CA: Inspired for Life Media, 2012.

This is a Christian devotional authored by a pastor, a "Board Certified Coach," a small groups facilitator, as well as one who attends Rick Warren's Saddleback Church. This gives you an idea that the book is a guidebook for one to attain a certain purpose in one's spiritual life. This purpose is evident in at least three ways. Firstly, it is systematic. Written with 52 chapters, a chapter a week, with a question per day, the author adopts a story-question-action format. This three-fold method hooks the reader with a powerful story. It then considers a biblical passage to challenge the reader to think and to reflect on God. It then moves toward a prayer of willingness to obey, and the courage to take action through the application questions. Secondly, it is very easy to follow. While each chapter can be used seven days in a row, with a different question used daily, readers can choose to use the book in other ways, like using it just once a week, alongside other devotional materials, or consider a few chapters at a time. Ease of use is particularly important if one is to let the devotional challenge the soul, rather than to get trapped in the difficulties in following the guide. Stories always help and here, Williams has done an excellent job in providing that. Thirdly, it is ready to use. Group leaders will find this book a quick resource to use straight off as a simple devotional. In summary, the book is ordered well, easy to follow, and quick to use.

I like the stories that provide a hook on the topic concerned. Stories remain tone of the most effective ways to communicate a lesson or a thought. The Scripture references are brief and the language used is free of complex theological language. I enjoy particularly the Hoover Dam illustration and the lessons of exceptional power that is controlled. The part about not just calling oneself a "Christian" but to BE one requires surrender and obedience. There are also devotionals that address people feeling down and out, to expect the unexpected, and to practise truth-speaking. Williams covers quite a big range of topics which make this devotional quite a good one to follow. Again, a devotional is meant to be a devotional. Application is emphasized over analysis of theological concepts.


Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

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