Book Review: Unto the Hills by Billy Graham...

I didn't have a lot to choose from when making a selection on BookSneeze, so I decided to go for Billy Graham's "Unto the Hills: A Daily Devotional".

As the name suggests, this is a perpetual daily devotional book. The author encourages the reader that “for peace, for strength, for courage and inspiration, look UNTO THE HILLS.”

Dr Graham has written this devotional from his life experience as a man of God. His goal is that when we have problems we look to God for peace and guidance. His love for God is evident by his writing.

As it’s only March, I haven’t finished the book given its genre. I was quietly refreshed when I read the first devotional as Dr Graham’s zeal and keenness to share God's Word shows in abundance. The loving way in which He shares God’s commands, love and desires for us is comforting to read.

Throughout and after each daily reading I am left pondering the message that God has in it for me. Biblical truths are written out in such a way that God’s message is easy to understand. The reader is left with either a question or a thought to ponder during the day. Dr Graham uses people from the Bible and in past and present times to illustrate God’s goodness, giving the reader a practical example of how His love works and is displayed.

I would recommend this book to mainly adults, but anyone from teen years and up would find it enjoyable.

Please read my last review here.

Emergency Bible Numbers...

After having a discussion tonight about the '911' of the Bible (Psalm 91:1) I thought it most timely to see a Twitter post on Emergency Bible Numbers - Bible Study Planet. I need to learn to go to the Word more when troubles arise. Much like my 'medicine' book in which I record all the poignant verses that assist me in my journey.

The Emergency Bible Numbers post reminded me of A Bushel of Promises from God that I found on the American Bible Society's page a few years back when I first returned to the loving arms of our King.

The discussion I had tonight was set on going to the Word of God first and foremost and not relying on interpretation of the Word through devotionals, etc. Basically, it was about just letting God guide us to what He wants us to read. I love doing this and over the last 7 months I have learnt much more about what God wants for me than by reading a devotional.

That, however, leads me to think that both serve a purpose. Devotionals open up our minds to things that we wouldn't ordinarily think about. Open and free reading opens our minds to what God wants us to think about. Both serve a purpose but I feel that prior to apologetics, devotionals, interpretations, study books and so on, the Bible was all that we had.

Either way, all are worthwhile readings when growing in the Spirit.