"Awaken" by Priscilla Shirer

Priscilla Shirer has a gift of presenting the Word in such a way that you feel both punched in the face and hugged fiercely. That type of presentation is my favorite. 

I don't have a tremendous amount of patience for "fluff" writing that serves no greater purpose. I can rest easy that I will find none of that from Priscilla.

Ever since I read "FerVent" I understood that she knows the Word. Even more, she provides me with practical ways to apply the Word to my own life.  She doesn't write simply to showcase her knowledge of Scripture (which is vast and deep), but also to aid me in understanding and applying it. And the best part (for me) is that she comes from the place of "me too" not "how to." She's personally experienced the struggles and trials that she writes about and shares what the Lord has whispered to her during those times--like one friend sharing with another.

Her new devotional "Awaken" uses the same exact in-your-face-yet-wrapped-in-grace-and-love presentation that all of her other books display. I love the setup of the bite-sized daily devotionals that are broken up into 90 separate entries with space to write notes. My book is bleeding yellow as I have highlighted so many juicy nuggets of wisdom. 

What's amazing (yet not surprising) is how I can open up to any given day and find exactly what I needed to hear from the Lord. This devotional isn't Priscilla professing to be the Lord and sharing what she thinks the Lord is saying...this is the Word delivered in a way that anyone can understand. 

If you are looking for Scripture-based encouragement from the Lord, his book has it. Each reading took me no more than 5 minutes, and that includes writing notes and highlighting. You can absolutely spend more time that that (and I encourage you to do so), but this would be the perfect devo for having at work or in the car while you wait for dance or soccer kiddos to finish. In fact, I have it on my desk at school right now. I try to read first thing in the morning as I'm preparing for my second grade students to arrive, but often I will flip it open during my conference period just to get an infusion of encouragement. Stay at home? This would be perfect to read while the littles nap and you're in-between cleaning and laundry. I recommend this devotional for all!

​You can purchase your copy HERE at the Lifeway website. 

I received this book for free from B&H Publishing in exchange for an honest review as part of their Lifeway Bloggers Program. I was not obligated to write a positive review.

---