I am tired of “You got this!” devotionals and “Shine, girl!” platitudes and “Do ya hear me sis?” pep talks.  Cut the chit chat and worthless vanity, give me the word and the Spirit and the character of God!  How can a daughter of Christ expect to grow in the knowledge of grace and of the love of Christ and to pursue perseverance in obedience and faithfulness before the Lord when the devotional she picks up doesn’t combat complacency or complaining, doesn’t elevate Christ’s call on our life, and doesn’t point to the ever increasing need we have to be sanctified by the Spirit through the word of God?

Ladies – put down Liz Curtis Higgs and pick up your Bible.  A woman who writes of “foxy” mamas and a workout room with a view (specifically a view of a much younger and very fit male) does not deserve your attention.  A woman who writes to call out that “radiant alive woman” who is within all of us (apparently), but fails to mention Christ who “is the radiance of the glory of God” does not deserve a place on your bedside table.  A woman who boldly and unabashedly proclaims that she “went with [her] heart” does not deserve the opportunity to shape your faith or understanding of the gospel.

Need I say more?

I am sad to say that Liz Curtis Higgs resembles some of the Hebrews mentioned in the latter part of the New Testament who needed “milk, not solid food.”  Prominent Christian authors should be firm in Christ, built up on a foundation of the true, solid gospel, and fluent in the words and ways of our Father who calls us to radical discipleship.  Though Liz Curtis Higgs “needs someone again to teach [her] the basic principles of the oracles of God”, she has somehow been put forth as a teacher.  She disqualifies herself with this devotional Rise and Shine.  In fact, I will give reasons in an upcoming review why all her books should probably be disqualified from appearing on your shelf.

But take comfort, dear reader!

I have eviscerated this little collection of devotional thoughts, and it’s quite possible that you have read or are reading or were planning to read it.  Let me urge you to put it down, but please don’t be dismayed or discouraged!  Growth in discernment takes time, effort, and usually a few mistakes along the way.  Run to Christ, He’ll comfort you.  And take a minute to look through these recommendations for better books to spend some time with:

1. Keep a Quiet Heart – Elisabeth Elliot
   Elisabeth Elliot writes deeply and carefully – she never fails to make me think.  In her collection Keep a Quiet Heart, she gathered a variety of her shorter articles and writings and organized them in a few sections with an overall theme of contentment and a quiet heart before the Lord.  I have found them thought-provoking as she speaks of general biblical principles or as she develops practical thoughts from scripture or answers to questions from her many speaking events and letters she received.  This is a wonderful option for any woman looking for a short but deep companion and supplement to her daily Bible reading.

   

2. Strength for Today – John MacArthur
   While at times devotionals are too short to fully convey both the severe importance of obedience and the wonderful grace of God towards sinners and Believers alike, I have found MacArthur’s daily devotional helpful, encouraging, and thought-provoking.  For a woman (or man) new to the faith who is weak and unpracticed in spiritual disciplines, Strength for Today offers daily reading and some deeper application that will help build a thirst for the word of God and a desire to know Him better.  For the more mature Believer, this is a wonderful devotional to start or end your day with a little extra down-time on top of your regular time with the Lord.  It has encouraged and reminded me that the foundational truths of who God is and what that means for me as a sinner is still important for me to dwell on!

3. Streams in the Desert – Mrs. Charles Cowman
   Streams in the Desert is a personal favorite of mine when it comes to devotional-style reading.  Anyone who knows me well enough has probably heard me lecture on the general shallowness of devotionals.  But these streams are not shallow!  Mrs. Cowman created a collection of poems, hymns, articles, thoughts, and commentaries from many sources.  All of them take you into deep waters and give you much to think about and dwell on.  I have found this devotional particularly comforting in years of trial and sorrow; however, it is just as applicable in years of great joy!

If you’re interested in more recommendations, check out some of my Christian Living book reviews or send me an email at megsbookquery@gmail.com.

As always, have a lovely Friday, dear readers.  And go read a good book this weekend!