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40 Days of Grace: Discovering God's liberating love
There are two fundamentally different approaches to living life in relation to God. The first approach is to jump up and down, trying to impress Him. The second is to relate to Him on the basis of grace. Though the first approach makes sense at first glance (since it is the way we get noticed), it comes with a whole load of baggage: guilt, shame, fear, pride. The way of grace is more subtle but is the way God actually has chosen to work. Grace is like breathing clean air. When you are surrounded by grace you flourish. Graceless living is like breathing carbon monoxide. You may not even realize it is killing you spiritually until it is too late. These reflections are easy to read, and often entertaining. But they are full of wisdom - and will show you how to live in the grace of Christ, day by day.
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 10, 2013
Christians know we are saved by grace but living by grace may be hard. There are so many issues that get in our way. Miller has written this devotional to help us work through those issues to be a grace filled person. This would make a good devotional for Lent or Advent. See my full review at http://bit.ly/GQTfL4.
October 11, 2013
In 40 Days of Grace, Rich Miller explored the fundamental concept of grace given by a loving Creator. Rich Miller described that when Jesus died on the cross for our sins and we repented and asked for forgiveness. This very act of sacrifice lead to grace being introduced into the world. The book is written in the form of a 40 day devotional and divided into six weeks. The weekly topics include “Amazing Grace”, “Canceling the Guilt Trip”, “From Disgrace to Grace”, “From Fear to Faith”, “The Power of Humility”, “The Grace-Rest Life”. Each day has a personal story demonstrating an aspect of grace, “a thought to chew on” – a sentence to think about, “a truth to remember” – a scripture verse to mediate on, “a question to mull over”, and “talking it over with God” – a prayer to pray.
In one of the day’s devotional, Rich Miller revealed a personal story about struggling with guilt over his sins. About a year after he began a follower of Christ and was saved, he was in college drinking with his friends. When his brother surprising arrived and handled him a Christian book for his birthday. Rich felt guilty for his actions but soon turned back to drinking to numb his emotions. His so called friends wrapped him in a bed sheet and threw him in an elevator and pressed all the buttons where every floor could witness his drunken state. A few hours later, he managed to make it back to his room and his buddies took the notation to pick him up off his bed and shove his head into the wall. Then his roommate also stated, “Do you really think this is glorifying God?” (Page 71). Overall, he later learnt that God adopted him and chose him (See Ephesians 1:5-8) and God already has provided us grace and forgiveness of our innumerable sins. The blood of Jesus that was shed on the cross has declared that we are forgiven for our sins by his unmerited grace.
My favorite story that Rich Miller shared was day 6, “Grace Works”. Rich Miller noticed that his son, Brian was having trouble sharing a room with his younger adopted brother, Luke. Luke struggled with understanding boundaries and he would constantly invaded Brian’s space. When Rich’s three other children were playing a game, Luke would destroy the game and they eventually begin to shut the door where Luke couldn’t mess up the game. As parents, they had to address the issue and they told their kids that they couldn’t treat their brother that way. Brian still struggled with sharing a room with him. Rich came up with an idea and he told Brian to imagine Luke sitting there listening to him. He told him to get out the anger and the hurt and then proceed to forgiveness. Afterwards, Brian took the initiative and went and played with his brother for 45 minutes for the first time ever. This gave me great hope and I wonder if we did that as adults and forgave quickly what would happen. Grace could rapidly change our relationships with others!
I would recommend this magnificent book to anyone who is needing a refresher course on grace. This devotional was very entertaining to read and each day was only about three pages each. I immensely loved the prayer that was at the end of each day and they were simple and consistent with the message content. I love the way Rich Miller connected all of the stories back to undeserved grace and forgiveness. One of my favorite day devotions was entitled, “A Return to Dignity”. This one Rich Miller encouraged readers who feel ashamed to proclaim out loud these helpful paragraphs regarding sexual abuse or rape, and emotional abuse. These statements relinquishes the lies that they may have believed about themselves. I also love how he used scriptures to assist in readers finding freedom from the lies of satan. If you’re looking for a book that will convey to you the importance of grace, then this book is the one you need to read!
"I received this book free from the publisher from Kregel Publications book review bloggers program."
September 12, 2013
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Passages such as Ephesians 2:8-9 make it quite clear how important the topic of grace is in our lives. There is no work sinful man can accomplish that can achieve them salvation. Only by the grace of God can we experience reconciliation to a holy God. Author Rich Miller in his book 40 Days of Grace: Discovering God’s Liberating Love, takes the reader on a 40 day journey of reflection, discussion, and interaction with Scripture on this all important concept of God’s grace and how it is to be understood, reflected in our daily life, and why it even matters.
Whenever I pick up a recent book on the topic of grace, I am always mindful of the urge by some to misappropriate what grace is, namely the idea that somehow actually living in obedience to God’s commands, the works aspect of the faith, is somehow unnecessary. Thankfully, Miller properly discusses grace within its proper theological context, noting “grace is God freely giving us what we don’t deserve and can’t come up with on our own, but what we desperately need.” We cannot even begin to contemplate the enormity of God’s grace, however, we need to more fully begin to understand what God’s grace means for us in everyday life, something Miller spends a great deal of time addressing in this book.
The reader of 40 Days of Grace will find its format to be extremely conversational. Given this is a devotional style book, that conversational style is highly appropriate. The book is setup so as to take the reader through 6 weeks of study on grace, with the first 5 weeks containing 7 days of devotions and the final week concluding with 5 days of study. So this overall 40 day journey through grace can be accomplished with a relatively small amount of daily commitment on the part of the reader as far as the actual printed page information is concerned.
What is perhaps most useful about this book is the additional study material and questions provided by the author. An excellent devotional book will provide more than just something to read or a nice story that connects with the subject being explored by the author as a whole or on that particular day. While those things are useful in their own right, arguably, a good devotional book will provide further food for thought. For each day’s reading, Miller provides a “Thought to Chew On”, “A Truth to Remember”, “A Question to Mull Over”, and “Talking it Over With God”. Each of these elements is intended to help the reader take the material discussed for that day and ruminate on it, ultimately assisting them towards a deeper understanding and application of that day’s perspective on grace. This is an excellent methodology by which to learn about any subject matter, something I found to be a rather smashing success for this particular book.
As noted earlier, grace is often a very misunderstood and misapplied doctrine. It is comforting to see a book like Miller’s 40 Days of Grace out on the bookshelves. Its personal, devotional style combined with timely and relevant additional study materials provided for each day, truly approaches the topic of grace from a firm biblical standpoint without losing the reader in the vastness of theological terminology or the opposite end of the spectrum, namely the shallowness of some authors hyper-grace discussions. Miller’s book is a great tool for personal or group bible studies for people of all theological levels of understanding.
I received this book for free from Kregel Publications for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Passages such as Ephesians 2:8-9 make it quite clear how important the topic of grace is in our lives. There is no work sinful man can accomplish that can achieve them salvation. Only by the grace of God can we experience reconciliation to a holy God. Author Rich Miller in his book 40 Days of Grace: Discovering God’s Liberating Love, takes the reader on a 40 day journey of reflection, discussion, and interaction with Scripture on this all important concept of God’s grace and how it is to be understood, reflected in our daily life, and why it even matters.
Whenever I pick up a recent book on the topic of grace, I am always mindful of the urge by some to misappropriate what grace is, namely the idea that somehow actually living in obedience to God’s commands, the works aspect of the faith, is somehow unnecessary. Thankfully, Miller properly discusses grace within its proper theological context, noting “grace is God freely giving us what we don’t deserve and can’t come up with on our own, but what we desperately need.” We cannot even begin to contemplate the enormity of God’s grace, however, we need to more fully begin to understand what God’s grace means for us in everyday life, something Miller spends a great deal of time addressing in this book.
The reader of 40 Days of Grace will find its format to be extremely conversational. Given this is a devotional style book, that conversational style is highly appropriate. The book is setup so as to take the reader through 6 weeks of study on grace, with the first 5 weeks containing 7 days of devotions and the final week concluding with 5 days of study. So this overall 40 day journey through grace can be accomplished with a relatively small amount of daily commitment on the part of the reader as far as the actual printed page information is concerned.
What is perhaps most useful about this book is the additional study material and questions provided by the author. An excellent devotional book will provide more than just something to read or a nice story that connects with the subject being explored by the author as a whole or on that particular day. While those things are useful in their own right, arguably, a good devotional book will provide further food for thought. For each day’s reading, Miller provides a “Thought to Chew On”, “A Truth to Remember”, “A Question to Mull Over”, and “Talking it Over With God”. Each of these elements is intended to help the reader take the material discussed for that day and ruminate on it, ultimately assisting them towards a deeper understanding and application of that day’s perspective on grace. This is an excellent methodology by which to learn about any subject matter, something I found to be a rather smashing success for this particular book.
As noted earlier, grace is often a very misunderstood and misapplied doctrine. It is comforting to see a book like Miller’s 40 Days of Grace out on the bookshelves. Its personal, devotional style combined with timely and relevant additional study materials provided for each day, truly approaches the topic of grace from a firm biblical standpoint without losing the reader in the vastness of theological terminology or the opposite end of the spectrum, namely the shallowness of some authors hyper-grace discussions. Miller’s book is a great tool for personal or group bible studies for people of all theological levels of understanding.
I received this book for free from Kregel Publications for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 11, 2013
Title: 40 Days of Grace (Discovering God’s Liberating Love)
Author: Rich Miller
Pages: 256
Year: 2013
Publisher: Monarch
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” (John 1: 17 NASB)
As the title suggests, this is a 40-day devotional written with a heart of understanding with splashes of laughter along the way. There are moments of serious contemplation of the choice to change our walk in the spiritual terra firma. God didn’t make robots; He offers us choice just as He did to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden so long ago. Let’s just face it; none of us likes change even if it produces a deeper walk with God. Change is never easy and frankly sometimes it is downright painful, especially when those around us may not want us to do anything different. Change is costly and it may cost us friends and family relationships, because as we change it sometimes causes others to see what they would rather not and vice versa. Change can bring a freedom we haven’t known before, and a closeness to God our souls have long desired.
Some of what I stated above is really from personal experience as I don’t want to review this devotional with you without being real. Each day the reader will be introduced to stories woven from the author’s experience along with those of Scripture. Then, there are thoughts to ponder, questions that lead to examining ourselves, and a prayer. All human beings desire to be loved, noticed and considered valuable or the apple of someone’s eye that trumps everything else. Here is a devotional that lets us know He does cherish us, love us, and we are the apple of His eye. We don’t have to understand those truths to believe them. We exercise our faith muscles here because we know God cannot lie.
One thought directly from the book I would like to share with you from page 13, “You will find quite a few forks in the road as you travel. The best path to take is not always easy, but it is wise.” Jesus’ life, death and resurrection showed us just how true that statement is. It wasn’t easy for Him, but He chose it not for Himself, but for you and me. He came for us; He will return for us again. Only our fleshly nature demands things to be easy. That is why our spirit and flesh are always fighting. Walking closely with God is something God wants for us. We have to choose whether to walk with Him or not. Do we really want an easy way to living for God? Yes, we do. Is the easy way real or satisfying? No! I personally never want to stop growing closer to Him until my last breath. What about you?
My rating is 4 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
Author: Rich Miller
Pages: 256
Year: 2013
Publisher: Monarch
“For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” (John 1: 17 NASB)
As the title suggests, this is a 40-day devotional written with a heart of understanding with splashes of laughter along the way. There are moments of serious contemplation of the choice to change our walk in the spiritual terra firma. God didn’t make robots; He offers us choice just as He did to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden so long ago. Let’s just face it; none of us likes change even if it produces a deeper walk with God. Change is never easy and frankly sometimes it is downright painful, especially when those around us may not want us to do anything different. Change is costly and it may cost us friends and family relationships, because as we change it sometimes causes others to see what they would rather not and vice versa. Change can bring a freedom we haven’t known before, and a closeness to God our souls have long desired.
Some of what I stated above is really from personal experience as I don’t want to review this devotional with you without being real. Each day the reader will be introduced to stories woven from the author’s experience along with those of Scripture. Then, there are thoughts to ponder, questions that lead to examining ourselves, and a prayer. All human beings desire to be loved, noticed and considered valuable or the apple of someone’s eye that trumps everything else. Here is a devotional that lets us know He does cherish us, love us, and we are the apple of His eye. We don’t have to understand those truths to believe them. We exercise our faith muscles here because we know God cannot lie.
One thought directly from the book I would like to share with you from page 13, “You will find quite a few forks in the road as you travel. The best path to take is not always easy, but it is wise.” Jesus’ life, death and resurrection showed us just how true that statement is. It wasn’t easy for Him, but He chose it not for Himself, but for you and me. He came for us; He will return for us again. Only our fleshly nature demands things to be easy. That is why our spirit and flesh are always fighting. Walking closely with God is something God wants for us. We have to choose whether to walk with Him or not. Do we really want an easy way to living for God? Yes, we do. Is the easy way real or satisfying? No! I personally never want to stop growing closer to Him until my last breath. What about you?
My rating is 4 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Other reviews can be read at http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspo... . Also follow me on Twitter @lcjohnson1988, FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/lisa.johnson...
October 11, 2013
Rich Miller in his new book, “40 Days Of Grace” published by Kregel Publications helps us Discovering God’s Liberating Love .
From the back cover: There are two fundamentally different approaches to living life in relation to God. The first approach is to jump up and down, trying to impress Him.
The second is to relate to Him on the basis of grace.
Though the first approach makes sense at first glance (since it is the way we get noticed), it comes with a whole load of baggage: guilt, shame, fear, pride.
The way of grace is more subtle but it is the way God actually has chosen to work. Grace is like breathing clean air. When you are surrounded by grace you flourish. Graceless living is like breathing carbon monoxide. You may not even realize it is killing you spiritually until it is too late.
These reflections are easy to read, and often entertaining. But they are full of wisdom–and will show you how to live in the grace of Christ, day by day.
There is a song appropriately titled, “The Only Word For Grace Is Amazing”. Even though God says His grace is sufficient for us do we live in His grace? Let’s be honest do we even understand His grace? Rich Miller has come to our aid with this 40 day devotional. It is divided into six week segments with individual days. Each daily devotional also includes” A Thought To Chew On, A Truth To Remember, A Question To Mull Over and Talking It Over With God. I believe this book is a resource that will be used over and over again. I also think it is a great gift to give to friends and family. I recommend this book highly.
You can find “40 Days Of Grace” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/ri...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: There are two fundamentally different approaches to living life in relation to God. The first approach is to jump up and down, trying to impress Him.
The second is to relate to Him on the basis of grace.
Though the first approach makes sense at first glance (since it is the way we get noticed), it comes with a whole load of baggage: guilt, shame, fear, pride.
The way of grace is more subtle but it is the way God actually has chosen to work. Grace is like breathing clean air. When you are surrounded by grace you flourish. Graceless living is like breathing carbon monoxide. You may not even realize it is killing you spiritually until it is too late.
These reflections are easy to read, and often entertaining. But they are full of wisdom–and will show you how to live in the grace of Christ, day by day.
There is a song appropriately titled, “The Only Word For Grace Is Amazing”. Even though God says His grace is sufficient for us do we live in His grace? Let’s be honest do we even understand His grace? Rich Miller has come to our aid with this 40 day devotional. It is divided into six week segments with individual days. Each daily devotional also includes” A Thought To Chew On, A Truth To Remember, A Question To Mull Over and Talking It Over With God. I believe this book is a resource that will be used over and over again. I also think it is a great gift to give to friends and family. I recommend this book highly.
You can find “40 Days Of Grace” at a discount at http://www.deepershopping.com/item/ri...
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Kregel Publications. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
May 3, 2014
I read 40 Days of Grace by Rich Miller for honest review from Kregel Blog Tours. I received a paperback copy of the book. This post contains Amazon affiliate links and images.
The book is a 40 day workbook on grace. The sections are organized by weeks and then days.
Week 1 Amazing Grace
Week 2 Canceling the guilt trip
Week 3: From Disgrace to Grace
Week 4 From fear to faith
Week 5 The power of humility
Week 6 The grace-rest life.
God provides us grace so we don't have rely on ourselves. Ephesians 2, verses 8 to 9 says:
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast (p. 15). The book also says Grace plus Faith equals salvation from sin and the penalties of sin (p. 15)
Other things the book says about grace:
God's grace must be received by faith. (p. 16 I think).
Grace is God freely giving us what we don't deserve...
God gives us freedom to fail (p. 27)
God never gives up waiting for us to return back to him (p. 28)
It is possible to do all the right things for the wrong reasons (p. 39).
God's grace helps us turn away from sin daily (p. 43).
Grace gives us the power to forgive (p. 44).
Love involves grace because grace is from God (p. 49).
Grace rescues us from guilt (p. 51).
I struggle with guilt over past mistakes. Even though I have learned from some of them, I still feel regret, guilt, and shame. I also struggle with understanding grace.
The beginning of each chapter provides a story, such as the author meeting his wife in Day 1. The end of each chapter gives a thoughts, truths, questions, and a talk with God. Each day is a short read with life-changing guidance.
The book is a 40 day workbook on grace. The sections are organized by weeks and then days.
Week 1 Amazing Grace
Week 2 Canceling the guilt trip
Week 3: From Disgrace to Grace
Week 4 From fear to faith
Week 5 The power of humility
Week 6 The grace-rest life.
God provides us grace so we don't have rely on ourselves. Ephesians 2, verses 8 to 9 says:
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast (p. 15). The book also says Grace plus Faith equals salvation from sin and the penalties of sin (p. 15)
Other things the book says about grace:
God's grace must be received by faith. (p. 16 I think).
Grace is God freely giving us what we don't deserve...
God gives us freedom to fail (p. 27)
God never gives up waiting for us to return back to him (p. 28)
It is possible to do all the right things for the wrong reasons (p. 39).
God's grace helps us turn away from sin daily (p. 43).
Grace gives us the power to forgive (p. 44).
Love involves grace because grace is from God (p. 49).
Grace rescues us from guilt (p. 51).
I struggle with guilt over past mistakes. Even though I have learned from some of them, I still feel regret, guilt, and shame. I also struggle with understanding grace.
The beginning of each chapter provides a story, such as the author meeting his wife in Day 1. The end of each chapter gives a thoughts, truths, questions, and a talk with God. Each day is a short read with life-changing guidance.
October 9, 2013
I found this devotional to be highly well written, enlightening, profound and at times humorous. Miller uses stories to help us grasps the meaning of grace in our everyday lives that are real. He helps us to identify many of theses situations, therefore making us capable of understanding better grace in our own lives.
If you read this book expecting an in-depth verse by verse expository on all the Bible has to say about grace, you will be deeply disappointed. On the other hand if you are looking for a devotional about grace that is deeply imbedded in the Word of God , this might interest you.
To get the most out of the book and truly soak in all it’s richness, I would recommend that you limit yourself to one chapter a day. Simply because despite the fact the most chapters consist of 4 to 5 pages in all, (and that they read quit easily) they are filled with provoking questions to ponder on. If one wants to truly get the most out of this devotional and grow spiritually, then doing these exercises of asking yourself these questions is part of the equation!
Miller touches many subjects, like; fear, acceptance, worship, death, love, conscience, pride and much more. Actually, subjects that as Christians we live with in our daily lives and many times we just don’t know how to apply grace to these areas. With examples and verses he helps us in great simplicity see and live grace as seen and lived through the eyes and life of our Saviour.
Ann L Beaulieu
*I have received a free copy of the book from Kregel Publications. However I am under no obligation to write a positive review. These are entirely my own personal opinions and thoughts expressed according to my own discernment.
October 7, 2013
From the Publisher:
Rich Miller has spent his ministry trying to help people accept,and then keep accepting, God’s perfect grace. As president of Freedom in Christ Ministries he helped develop the Grace Course which teaches this concept. In 40 Days of Grace, he has gathered his lifetime of reflections into devotional readings that thoroughly explore what it means to live a grace-filled life.
Rich has seen, time and time again, that so many of us start out excited and grateful for God’s saving, rescuing grace, and yet somehow we take a wrong turn. It’s as if we gradually get tricked into believing that somewhere God changed the rules and it’s actually up to us to make the Christian life work. We are drawn into self-effort and forget what it is to live by grace.
40 Days of Grace is a powerful reminder of the Father who loves us and runs to meet His wayward children—a chance to rest in His grace.
Grace is such an important topic to discuss. First we must think of what God did for us, how much grace He has shown toward each individual. Now, if we want to be like Him and reflect Him in our lives, what better way than to show grace? In his book Rich Miller has given a 40 day step on how to get us to think about grace and how to apply grace.
This would be an excellent study book for groups, or on your own. In any situation I think that it is a book that all Christians should read.
I received this book free from the publisher http://www.kregel.com . I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Rich Miller has spent his ministry trying to help people accept,and then keep accepting, God’s perfect grace. As president of Freedom in Christ Ministries he helped develop the Grace Course which teaches this concept. In 40 Days of Grace, he has gathered his lifetime of reflections into devotional readings that thoroughly explore what it means to live a grace-filled life.
Rich has seen, time and time again, that so many of us start out excited and grateful for God’s saving, rescuing grace, and yet somehow we take a wrong turn. It’s as if we gradually get tricked into believing that somewhere God changed the rules and it’s actually up to us to make the Christian life work. We are drawn into self-effort and forget what it is to live by grace.
40 Days of Grace is a powerful reminder of the Father who loves us and runs to meet His wayward children—a chance to rest in His grace.
Grace is such an important topic to discuss. First we must think of what God did for us, how much grace He has shown toward each individual. Now, if we want to be like Him and reflect Him in our lives, what better way than to show grace? In his book Rich Miller has given a 40 day step on how to get us to think about grace and how to apply grace.
This would be an excellent study book for groups, or on your own. In any situation I think that it is a book that all Christians should read.
I received this book free from the publisher http://www.kregel.com . I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 9, 2013
Many of us have grown up with a distorted image of God. We’ve grown up believing we have to earn God’s favor to get to heaven. We believe that the way to God’s heart is to earn His love. We strive to be “good enough”.
In 40 Days Of Grace – Discovering God’s Liberating Love, Rich Miller shows us there is a better way.
Grace. Some of us say grace at mealtime… some of sing about Amazing Grace… some of us even know one or two people named Grace… but how many of us truly understand the biblical concept of grace and just how liberating it really is?
Consider 40 Days Of Grace a biblical study on the concept of grace, written in a devotional format, by the man who co-authored The Grace Course itself.
40 Days Of Grace contains 40 daily readings that explain the major Bible passages on grace in an easy-to-understand, relevant way. The author also discusses many of the major issues we struggle with when it comes to applying the concept of grace to our lives – things like fear, works, father wounds, shame, and a whole lot more!
In addition to lots of Scriptures to study and real life examples to relate to, the author includes A Thought To Chew On, A Truth To Remember, A Question To Mull Over, and a concluding prayer in each reading.
Although this is a great devotional, this book would also work well in a small group setting where you could explore the concepts and discussion questions with others.
This review was written by and originally published at Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
In 40 Days Of Grace – Discovering God’s Liberating Love, Rich Miller shows us there is a better way.
Grace. Some of us say grace at mealtime… some of sing about Amazing Grace… some of us even know one or two people named Grace… but how many of us truly understand the biblical concept of grace and just how liberating it really is?
Consider 40 Days Of Grace a biblical study on the concept of grace, written in a devotional format, by the man who co-authored The Grace Course itself.
40 Days Of Grace contains 40 daily readings that explain the major Bible passages on grace in an easy-to-understand, relevant way. The author also discusses many of the major issues we struggle with when it comes to applying the concept of grace to our lives – things like fear, works, father wounds, shame, and a whole lot more!
In addition to lots of Scriptures to study and real life examples to relate to, the author includes A Thought To Chew On, A Truth To Remember, A Question To Mull Over, and a concluding prayer in each reading.
Although this is a great devotional, this book would also work well in a small group setting where you could explore the concepts and discussion questions with others.
This review was written by and originally published at Create With Joy.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 4, 2013
I began this book on the day it arrived in the mail. The whole discussion of Grace struck me where I live. Rich says, "Graceless living like breathing carbon monoxide. You may not even realize it is killing you spiritually until it is too late."
I once knew a church going woman who was in church every week and her husband played the Organ for the church. I often said, "She has Grace, but it is Cold Grace and not Warm Grace." Cold Grace is what Rich speaks about when he says that some people jump up and down and try to impress God. Yep, that was her in her own way, jumping up and down trying to impress God and everyone else in the church However, her husband was the exact opposite of this woman's approach to a relationship with God. The husband played almost weekly for the choir and other individual hymns. He played beautifully and with a love of God and music. He did not look for praise and when given he did not take it as his praise--it was God's praise and he was just the instrument. He demonstrated Warm Grace.
For 40 days (or less, sometimes I kept reading instead of taking the chapters one day-at-a-time) you will laugh, cry, nod your head in agreement, and say to yourself. I must share with book with others. Live by and with Grace.
"Please forgive me Father, for doubting Your acceptance of me and for thinking I had to do something to make myself acceptable to you. Your Son did that already, didn't He? What amazing grace!"
Yes, amazing grace, indeed.
And, this book is an amazing reminder from an equally amazing author who shares his grace with the reader.
Amen and Thank you, Rich.
Dr. Lois
I once knew a church going woman who was in church every week and her husband played the Organ for the church. I often said, "She has Grace, but it is Cold Grace and not Warm Grace." Cold Grace is what Rich speaks about when he says that some people jump up and down and try to impress God. Yep, that was her in her own way, jumping up and down trying to impress God and everyone else in the church However, her husband was the exact opposite of this woman's approach to a relationship with God. The husband played almost weekly for the choir and other individual hymns. He played beautifully and with a love of God and music. He did not look for praise and when given he did not take it as his praise--it was God's praise and he was just the instrument. He demonstrated Warm Grace.
For 40 days (or less, sometimes I kept reading instead of taking the chapters one day-at-a-time) you will laugh, cry, nod your head in agreement, and say to yourself. I must share with book with others. Live by and with Grace.
"Please forgive me Father, for doubting Your acceptance of me and for thinking I had to do something to make myself acceptable to you. Your Son did that already, didn't He? What amazing grace!"
Yes, amazing grace, indeed.
And, this book is an amazing reminder from an equally amazing author who shares his grace with the reader.
Amen and Thank you, Rich.
Dr. Lois
October 10, 2013
This is not your father’s devotional! This volume by Rich Miller and published by Monarch Books takes you on a 40 day journey of grace. Grace is a treasure of the Christian life that is so often misunderstood, neglected, and overlooked. It’s potential is transforming and sure, so the need is but to see it and take hold of it. Enter this volume as a real impetus to do so.
His design is well thought out as grace is ever his theme while each week he takes an aspect like dealing with misplaced guilt, or humility, or the “grace-rest life.” The setup really works.
He makes plain that there are two approaches to relating to God– impress Him and earn His love or relate in grace. He ever shows the futility and utter failure of such an approach as earning God’s love. It is a heavy, trying, and unfulfilling too. Grace opens a new, vibrant life with all the treasures of the Christian life. We need this discussion. I fear that most Christians are wrongly focused and are unhappy as their hearts yearn for God’s grace.
Have no fear of an unbalanced, cheap grace here. He well correlates the need of the fear of God, or justice, or the reality of sin. In fact, it is that reality of sin that makes our need of grace so epic. By the end as he describes grace people, find your heart soaring in its desire to that person. May the Lord help us to be that person and I believe this book can help. I recommend it!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
His design is well thought out as grace is ever his theme while each week he takes an aspect like dealing with misplaced guilt, or humility, or the “grace-rest life.” The setup really works.
He makes plain that there are two approaches to relating to God– impress Him and earn His love or relate in grace. He ever shows the futility and utter failure of such an approach as earning God’s love. It is a heavy, trying, and unfulfilling too. Grace opens a new, vibrant life with all the treasures of the Christian life. We need this discussion. I fear that most Christians are wrongly focused and are unhappy as their hearts yearn for God’s grace.
Have no fear of an unbalanced, cheap grace here. He well correlates the need of the fear of God, or justice, or the reality of sin. In fact, it is that reality of sin that makes our need of grace so epic. By the end as he describes grace people, find your heart soaring in its desire to that person. May the Lord help us to be that person and I believe this book can help. I recommend it!
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
October 15, 2013
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BOOK: I found this devotional to be well written, extremely enlightening, quite profound and at times very funny. Miller uses stories to help us understanding of the true meaning of grace in our everyday lives. He helps us to become aware of the many situations that occur in our lives. His book gives us the tools to better understand what grace is about and why it is so amazing. If you are looking for a devotional about grace that is deeply imbedded in the Word of God , this might be just what you are needing. When I first began reading the book I read it like any other book, but after reading the first unit I realized that this book was one you needed to take one chapter at a time. Miller tackles so many important subjects, fear, acceptance, worship, death, love, conscience, pride and much morenumerous others. Sometimes it is difficult to apply grace to these areas. Miller provides plenty of examples and verses as he helps us begin to understand what grace actually is. This is a great book to give to a friend that is struggling with grace, or add to your own personal library of devotionals.
STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE: I received an paperback copy of this title from Kregel Publications as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!
STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE: I received an paperback copy of this title from Kregel Publications as part of their blogger review program . I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC 16 CFR, Part 255 'Guides concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising. I was not asked to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are entirely my own. Thanks guys for letting me read this and participate!
August 6, 2013
Grace is defined as undeserved merit or love. At least, that is the way I would have defined it before reading Rich Miller's book titled 40 DAYS OF GRACE. Grace is a much deeper subject than I ever knew. It is boundless. I especially liked the chapter about guilt. At the end of the chapter about guilt and the other chapters in the book there are 4 units: A thought to chew on, A truth to remember, A question to mull over and Talking it over with God. Really, I am listening to the devil when thoughts of guilt are swimming through my mind. I can only conquer the devil by feeding my mind with God's love. Remembering I am most definitely His child. His plans for me are not for evil but for good. Neither is there condemnation found in Him.
I really looked forward to the units at the end of the chapters. They gave me time to examine myself with a gleaming spiritual flashlight. It gave me a chance to release my thoughts of anger and shame to God. This is a wonderfully simple but rich book about Grace which is a gift offered freely by God. I will look over this book in the days ahead. It is one of those books that always offers a new meal and a refreshing drink long after its read for the first time.(Monarch/Kregel)kregelblogtours
I really looked forward to the units at the end of the chapters. They gave me time to examine myself with a gleaming spiritual flashlight. It gave me a chance to release my thoughts of anger and shame to God. This is a wonderfully simple but rich book about Grace which is a gift offered freely by God. I will look over this book in the days ahead. It is one of those books that always offers a new meal and a refreshing drink long after its read for the first time.(Monarch/Kregel)kregelblogtours
October 10, 2013
This book grabbed my attention, as I have struggled all my life with the issue of grace, feeling like I could never measure up to deserving it, which is ironic since that is what grace is all about - undeserved.
This book is basically a 40-day devotional about God's grace. The full title is 40 Days of Grace, Discovering God's Liberating Love. All forty selections are about God's grace. They run five-six pages in length, and after the devotional part, end with these: A thought to chew on, a truth to remember, a question to mull over, and talking it over with God, which is a prayer.
I like the idea of the book, and it is an excellent book. I have never read anything by the author, but he did a great job on this book, of bringing out what grace is all about, and what it means to us. The selections aren't long, but have a lot in them, and are interesting and easy to read. It is a book the reader should slowly read through, taking a selection each day, then reading it again. No matter where we are in our walk with God, we can all use a reminder of how great God's grace is, and just what Jesus has done for us through His death.
This book is basically a 40-day devotional about God's grace. The full title is 40 Days of Grace, Discovering God's Liberating Love. All forty selections are about God's grace. They run five-six pages in length, and after the devotional part, end with these: A thought to chew on, a truth to remember, a question to mull over, and talking it over with God, which is a prayer.
I like the idea of the book, and it is an excellent book. I have never read anything by the author, but he did a great job on this book, of bringing out what grace is all about, and what it means to us. The selections aren't long, but have a lot in them, and are interesting and easy to read. It is a book the reader should slowly read through, taking a selection each day, then reading it again. No matter where we are in our walk with God, we can all use a reminder of how great God's grace is, and just what Jesus has done for us through His death.
October 7, 2013
The funny thing about this book was that I often felt like I wasn't getting anything out of it but then as I would talk to my Bible study group I would remember something I read that totally applied and share it with them.
This book is full of nuggets of wisdom. Little things you will grasp and not want to let go of.
I discovered, through this book. that I really don't have a very good understanding of grace and I still feel unworthy of what I do understand.
I really liked when the author talked about guilt is a fact not a feeling. Wow. So often as a child I felt guilty. Now I know I felt that way because of abuse done to me, but I wasn't guilty. You can be guilty and never feel that way. This is a nugget I will remember.
I enjoyed how the author used a very relaxed tone with his prayers at the end of each days reading. They sounded like something I would cry out, not forced and fake.
A good book for a deeper look at God's grace.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is full of nuggets of wisdom. Little things you will grasp and not want to let go of.
I discovered, through this book. that I really don't have a very good understanding of grace and I still feel unworthy of what I do understand.
I really liked when the author talked about guilt is a fact not a feeling. Wow. So often as a child I felt guilty. Now I know I felt that way because of abuse done to me, but I wasn't guilty. You can be guilty and never feel that way. This is a nugget I will remember.
I enjoyed how the author used a very relaxed tone with his prayers at the end of each days reading. They sounded like something I would cry out, not forced and fake.
A good book for a deeper look at God's grace.
A copy of this book was given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 20, 2016
40 Days of Grace ~ Discovering God's Liberating Love by Rich Miller is a Christian faith based course that shows us how to recognize, accept and keep accepting the wondrous grace that God bestows upon us each and every day.
The book is arranged into 40 daily devotionals that are short, funny, direct and inspirational. Each chapter contains the daily topic, sound Biblical references as well as follow up for the reader to ponder and explore - A Thought to Chew On, A Truth to Remember, A question to Mull Over and Talking it Over with God.
I found 40 Days of Grace to be well written, funny, informative and inspirational! It's available in both paperback or kindle.
Many thanks to Kregel for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book is arranged into 40 daily devotionals that are short, funny, direct and inspirational. Each chapter contains the daily topic, sound Biblical references as well as follow up for the reader to ponder and explore - A Thought to Chew On, A Truth to Remember, A question to Mull Over and Talking it Over with God.
I found 40 Days of Grace to be well written, funny, informative and inspirational! It's available in both paperback or kindle.
Many thanks to Kregel for the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 31, 2014
In 40 Days of Grace, through parables and provoking questions, principles and proverbs, Rich Miller brings the amazing, nearly unbelievable Grace of God down to a common-sense, day-by-day level. Taking higher-ground truths and placing them in laymen's terms with basic application, showing every Christian how to forgive others and themselves, change their view of how God views them and allow Grace to flow through every area of your life.
The end result?
Complete transformation.
The end result?
Complete transformation.
February 3, 2014
This is a Christian book, focused on the influence/impact God can have in one's life. I did not find it very different from most of the books of this genre.
There are many interesting short stories that the author used to make his point. Above all, one must have faith in Christ to gain from this book.
I received a free review copy of this book from Goodreads.
There are many interesting short stories that the author used to make his point. Above all, one must have faith in Christ to gain from this book.
I received a free review copy of this book from Goodreads.
February 9, 2016
Worth reading. I found some sections more helpful than others.
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