Drawing Near to God - a book review

Thirty-one Days of Drawing Near to God: Resting Securely in His Delight

By Ruth Myers / Multnomah Books

I hope you don't mind if I use my blog to give book reviews and get free books. If you mind, you can skip this post. NOTE: "This book, Thirty-one days of Drawing Near to God, was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group."

I chose to review a book by Ruth Myers because I was very touched when I used 31 Days of Praise several years ago as a daily devotion. I thought 31 Days of Drawing Near to God would enhance my relationship with our God and Savior. This book did not disappoint.

As she did with 31 Days of Praise, Myers opens the book with a brief history of her relationship and growth in Christ. While this section is not needed for the devotional part of the book, it adds to our understanding of her perspective and opens the reader’s eyes to alternate ways of seeing God. The author mentions aspects of her life that prompted some of her thought process and how she has changed over time.

When reading this devotional, have a highlighter and a Bible handy. The author references Bible passages frequently, many without including the verse in the text. References are to a variety of different Bible translations, which I think is refreshing. The author quotes many other writers and writings throughout the book which provides the reader with more potential resources. The highlighter is for all the bits of wisdom and insight that mean something to the reader’s heart.

This devotional is not a one page read then-put-it-down. The author provides much scripture to read and urges the reader to choose the passage that helps the most. This gives the reader the opportunity to not just read the devotional, but strive to apply it by devoting time to reflection on the lesson. The author also notes various “how-tos” throughout the book. For example she uses a red notebook for “recording truths about God” where she uses a system for recording and understanding personal truths as she discovers them. Her use of a variety of Bible translations gives us a glimpse of how she uses and reflects upon scripture.

If you want to draw nearer to God, this book will enable you to do that by erecting some direct links over or through the walls you have erected. God loves us individually, personally, intimately and desires us the same way. The reader cannot miss truth that after reading this book. As the author put it, “When I get lukewarm or sidetracked by lesser pursuits (even in my quiet time), nothing does more to rekindle my heart than remembering how much the Lord desires fellowship with me.”

One potentially negative comment is the author’s use of Bible translations that the reader has likely never heard of such as the Moffatt Bible, The Living Bible, and a New Testament translation by J.B. Phillips. While this isn’t a bad thing, it could be a distraction. I added some links to some of those for quick reference.

I very much liked this book. It has opened my eyes to areas of my faith that are not as developed as they should be. I know that God loves me but never spent the time to understand exactly what that means. Do I qualify for God's love? (See Day 25) Why does God love me? (See Day 21) This book will expand your relationship with our loving God.

Thirty-one Days of Drawing Near to God: Resting Securely in His Delight

By Ruth Myers / Multnomah Books

Other materials referenced in this post:

31 Days Of Praise

By Ruth Myers & Warren Myers / Multnomah Publishers, Inc.

31 Days of Praise: Enjoying God Anew

By Ruth Myers & Warren Myers / Random House, Inc

The Bible, James Moffatt Translation

By Kregel Publications

Referred to as "the original modern-language Bible," Moffatt's 1924 translation began the trend toward simpler versions aimed at the general Christian reader. Though Moffatt's emendations may be rather dubious, his translation is still one of the best ways to grasp a book's overall argument. 1536 pages, hardcover. Kregel.

The Living Bible, TuTone Brown/Tan Imitation Leather

By Tyndale House

Celebrating 40 years and over 40 million copies sold, Tyndale is releasing a new deluxe TuTone edition of The Living Bible. It features gilded page edges, a ribbon marker, a Bible reading plan, four-color maps, and a topical concordance. The uncluttered 2-column format makes for easy reading.

Phillips' New Testament in Modern English, Softcover

By J.B. Phillips / Simon & Schuster Trade Sales

With millions of copies in print since its first publication, J.B. Phillips' The New Testament in Modern English, the first major 20th Century interpretation of the New Testament—recently updated—remains a fresh and accurate account of the greatest story ever told. This is an authoritative, classic translation from the latest and best Greek text published by the United Bible Societies, recognized by many scholars of all denominations as the best source available.

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