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60 Days of Happiness: Discover God's Promise of Relentless Joy
Would you like to experience true happiness?When it comes to happiness, most of us have the same questions. Why can't I be consistently happy? Is it wrong to be happy when there's so much pain and suffering in the world? And perhaps the biggest one: How can I be happier? Some Christians make an artificial contrast between joy and happiness, while others claim God wants us to be holy, but not happy. In fact, he wants us to be both, and the two go hand in hand!In "60 Days of Happiness," noted theologian and "New York Times" bestselling author Randy Alcorn shares sixty timeless devotions demonstrating that God not only wants us to be happy in him and enjoy his gifts, he commands and empowers us to do so.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published January 4, 2017
14 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Randy Alcorn
222 books1,590 followersRandy Alcorn is the founder of Eternal Perspective Ministries (EPM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to teaching biblical truth and drawing attention to the needy and how to help them. EPM exists to meet the needs of the unreached, unfed, unborn, uneducated, unreconciled and unsupported people around the world.
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org
"My ministry focus is communicating the strategic importance of using our earthly time, money, possessions and opportunities to invest in need-meeting ministries that count for eternity," Alcorn says. "I do that by trying to analyze, teach and apply the implications of Christian truth."
Before starting EPM in 1990, Alcorn co-pastored for thirteen years Good Shepherd Community Church outside Gresham, Oregon. He has ministered in many countries, including China, and is a popular teacher and conference speaker. Randy has taught on the part-time faculties of Western Seminary and Multnomah University, both in Portland, Oregon.
Randy is a best-selling author of 50 books including Heaven, The Treasure Principle and the 2002 Gold Medallion winner, Safely Home. He has written numerous articles for magazines such as Discipleship Journal, Moody, Leadership, New Man, and The Christian Reader. He produces the quarterly issues-oriented magazine Eternal Perspectives, and has been a guest on more than 650 radio and television programs including Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, The Bible Answer Man, Revive Our Hearts, Truths that Transform and Faith Under Fire.
Alcorn resides in Gresham, Oregon with his wife, Nanci. The Alcorns have two married daughters, Karina and Angela.
Randy and Nanci are the proud grandparents of five grandsons. Randy enjoys hanging out with his family, biking, tennis, research and reading.
Taken from the Eternal Perspective Ministries website, http://www.epm.org
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this devotional, though I read it more like a normal book because I couldn't quite tackle his full book Happiness. This disproved some of the command misteaching about happiness and gave a solid look at what the Bible says about it.
March 9, 2020
Read this book with my sisters and mom. A truly standalone devotional that challenges the christian norm of the way most people think of the word Happiness.
Filled with great quotes, solid doctrine, and lots of hope. A great devotional you could go back to again and again!
Filled with great quotes, solid doctrine, and lots of hope. A great devotional you could go back to again and again!
February 27, 2017
I’ve been on the search for a devotional that fits my needs for a while and I was really hopeful with this one. I like the premise of it, the desire to be happy, but didn’t connect with it on a personal level. Perhaps because I’ve always been fairly vocal about my mental health issues I’ve not experienced a church setting that viewed happiness as somehow ‘not-Christian’. If anything I’ve witnessed the opposite, the forced smile and put together attitude that is usually fake and shallow. While I didn’t connect on this, what bothered me more was the emphasis put around “if you’ve accepted the good news of Christ, how can you not be happy?”. I agree with this in a way for new Christians because it’s fresh and everything is bright and shiny. I’ll even acknowledge that for some, this is probably true and works well for them. This just isn’t the case for me, and I don’t think it’s natural to be happy during tough circumstances. I think faith and a belief in something bigger than yourself can give you courage and peace in the face of struggle and hardship but I question if happy is perhaps the wrong thing to strive for in certain circumstances.
You can view my full review and others on my blog, Glorious Panic. Thank you to Tyndale for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
You can view my full review and others on my blog, Glorious Panic. Thank you to Tyndale for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 11, 2017
Would you like to like to experience true happiness? Whet it comes to happiness, most of us have the same questions. Why can't I be consistently happy? Is it wrong to be happy when there's so much pain and suffering in the world? And perhaps the biggest one: How can I be happier? Some Christians make an artificial contrast between joy and happiness, while others claim God wants us to be holy, but not happy. In fact, he wants us to be both and the two go hand in hand. In "60 Days of Happiness" noted theologian Randy Alcorn shares 60 timeless devotions demonstrating that God not only wants us to be happy in him and enjoy his gifts, he commands and empowers us to do so.
Confession: I read 2 devotions a day, so I read this in 30 days instead of the intended 60. However, it was a great devotional book none the less. The book is a 60 day devotional, with each day dealing with a different question regarding happiness. Examples include; "Why Aren't Christians Known for Their Happiness?", "Who or What is Our Primary Source of Happiness?" and "Will We Really Live Happily Ever After?" One of my favorite devotions was the "Who or What is Our Primary Source of Happiness?" devotion on Day 27. The author writes, "Happiness can't be bigger than it's source.God is primary; all other forms of happiness - relationships, created things and material pleasures are secondary. If we don't consciously see God as their source, these secondary things for enjoyment can master us." The devotion goes on to talk about how things like a promotion or a vacation are too small to bring big happiness and that if we don't look to God for that happiness, we are doomed to spend our lives trying to get our happiness from these small things.
I really liked this devotional and I can't imagine that it wouldn't be useful to anyone who reads it. Day 27 stuck out to me the most, reminding me to look at the bigger and overall picture, rather than trying to find the "big happiness" from the "small things." Each day the author includes scripture relating to the topic of the day, along with the devotional ending in a daily prayer. I feel that this devotional is something everyone will find both interesting and useful, as it seems that everyone is always looking for happiness in a variety of different places.This book is also really beautiful, it is hardcover and a bright sunshine yellow, which is perfect for a devotional on happiness!
Thank you to the publisher, Tyndale House Publishers, for sending me a complimentary copy of this book.
Confession: I read 2 devotions a day, so I read this in 30 days instead of the intended 60. However, it was a great devotional book none the less. The book is a 60 day devotional, with each day dealing with a different question regarding happiness. Examples include; "Why Aren't Christians Known for Their Happiness?", "Who or What is Our Primary Source of Happiness?" and "Will We Really Live Happily Ever After?" One of my favorite devotions was the "Who or What is Our Primary Source of Happiness?" devotion on Day 27. The author writes, "Happiness can't be bigger than it's source.God is primary; all other forms of happiness - relationships, created things and material pleasures are secondary. If we don't consciously see God as their source, these secondary things for enjoyment can master us." The devotion goes on to talk about how things like a promotion or a vacation are too small to bring big happiness and that if we don't look to God for that happiness, we are doomed to spend our lives trying to get our happiness from these small things.
I really liked this devotional and I can't imagine that it wouldn't be useful to anyone who reads it. Day 27 stuck out to me the most, reminding me to look at the bigger and overall picture, rather than trying to find the "big happiness" from the "small things." Each day the author includes scripture relating to the topic of the day, along with the devotional ending in a daily prayer. I feel that this devotional is something everyone will find both interesting and useful, as it seems that everyone is always looking for happiness in a variety of different places.This book is also really beautiful, it is hardcover and a bright sunshine yellow, which is perfect for a devotional on happiness!
Thank you to the publisher, Tyndale House Publishers, for sending me a complimentary copy of this book.
January 7, 2017
Respected author Randy Alcorn states that our problem isn’t that we want to be happy. Rather, our problem is that we keep looking for happiness in all of the wrong places. He writes that this new book, drawn from selected portions of his acclaimed 2016 book Happiness, will take you to God, the primary source of happiness in the universe. The book then connects the secondary sources of happiness back to the God who created them and graciously gives them to us.
The author has reworked the material from Happiness to present it here in a fresh and different way. I have not yet read Happiness, which is nearly 500 pages in length, though have read his small God’s Promise of Happiness, which encouraged me to read this medium sized book. For this book, the author and editor have selected subjects that most lend themselves to personal growth and worshipful meditation on God and his Word, which will be an excellent way to start 2017. Each of the 60 daily readings begin with a scripture verse and an inspirational quote (Tim Keller, Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, etc.), and end with a prayer. I am using the book for daily devotional reading, though it can certainly be read straight through as you would a regular book. Whether you have read the larger Happiness and would like to return to the subject in a devotional format, or whether you haven’t read Happiness but want to learn what God and his people have said about the subject of happiness throughout the centuries, I think you will enjoy and be blessed by this new book.
The author has reworked the material from Happiness to present it here in a fresh and different way. I have not yet read Happiness, which is nearly 500 pages in length, though have read his small God’s Promise of Happiness, which encouraged me to read this medium sized book. For this book, the author and editor have selected subjects that most lend themselves to personal growth and worshipful meditation on God and his Word, which will be an excellent way to start 2017. Each of the 60 daily readings begin with a scripture verse and an inspirational quote (Tim Keller, Charles Spurgeon, Jonathan Edwards, etc.), and end with a prayer. I am using the book for daily devotional reading, though it can certainly be read straight through as you would a regular book. Whether you have read the larger Happiness and would like to return to the subject in a devotional format, or whether you haven’t read Happiness but want to learn what God and his people have said about the subject of happiness throughout the centuries, I think you will enjoy and be blessed by this new book.
February 7, 2017
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Tyndale Blog Network. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
I must admit that I am no stranger to the writings of Randy Alcorn, who is a prolific writer about a lot of subjects ranging from happiness to heaven to Christian persecution in China to abortion [1]. This familiarity is somewhat of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, I have long been familiar with this tendency of mouthing Arminian and Calvinist statements simultaneously, talking out of both sides of his mouth as it were, and on the other hand I have seen him come to positions not far from my own but in the process demonstrate that he does not know as much about the Bible or follow the Bible's precepts as much as he thinks he does. These tendencies are to be found in this book, which reworks the material of very lengthy book on Happiness into a shorter and somewhat more conventional devotional a bit less than 300 pages. Even here, though, the author shows himself to be an unusual writer even in such a familiar format as the devotional [2]. Whether or not you like this book, or the extent to which you enjoy reading this book, will depend in large part on how much you like Randy Alcorn. If you find his writing to be authoritative and hard-hitting, you will probably like this. If you find his writing to be a bit tiresome and negative, this book has plenty of those tendencies as well. I have mixed impressions of him myself and so my own thoughts of this book are somewhat mixed between a grudging admiration and an annoyance at how much he thinks he knows and attempts to speak authoritatively about that he does not in fact actually know correctly.
At its heart, this book is a devotional that seeks to encourage believers that God wants us to be happy, that God is happy, and that we are responsible for our own happiness. He uses a fairly conventional format within each devotional, as each devotional starts with a day, a title, scriptural citations and quotes from various Christian leaders like C.S. Lewis or Jonathan Edwards or others of that caliber, a discussion of a few pages, and then a prayer at the end to our heavenly Father. So far this is pretty conventional, except for being a bit longer than the usual devotional, which is usually a good thing but in this case means you get more of Alcorn's pontificating, which is a mixed blessing. What is more unconventional is the fact that the author chooses 60 days to happiness and not the usual 40 day period of trial and testing that is common in such devotionals, or 52 for a weekly devotional. It appears that the author wants the reader to take two months to go through this book. For this reader at least, the book had some modest enjoyments, and it is clear that the author has a bone to pick with leaders who seek to deny that God wishes us to be happy or thinks happiness to be lacking in spirituality, but at the same time the author does not show himself to be particularly happy in this book, which makes for a very strange disconnect between a book that speaks very forcefully about happiness without reflecting that happiness. There is a tension here that is recognizable, especially in light of the fact that this is at least the third book in which Alcorn has sought to write about this subject. Is he trying to write himself into happiness? If so, I wish him the best.
Like the subtitle of this book, many readers will likely find this book to be a bit relentless. At this point in his career, though, Alcorn is a known quantity and those who like the way he writes will find much to like here. I must admit that I would have preferred more discussion about the semantic domains of different words for happiness that was in his larger book, but I am aware that few of his readers likely share my intense interest in linguistics and communication and the struggles of translators to match word for word and concept for concept. Even so, this book clearly shows someone who has read and thought about his subject, even though his failure to correctly tie the love of Team Hoyt father and son to the love of God the Father and Jesus Christ and their desire to increase their family through believers is a missed opportunity. Still, if you like reading Randy Alcorn urging happiness and you like seeing him score points against Christoplatonic thinkers who deny the importance of happiness to God, you will probably enjoy this book even if it is not quite as scholarly as most of his works because of its genre.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
I must admit that I am no stranger to the writings of Randy Alcorn, who is a prolific writer about a lot of subjects ranging from happiness to heaven to Christian persecution in China to abortion [1]. This familiarity is somewhat of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, I have long been familiar with this tendency of mouthing Arminian and Calvinist statements simultaneously, talking out of both sides of his mouth as it were, and on the other hand I have seen him come to positions not far from my own but in the process demonstrate that he does not know as much about the Bible or follow the Bible's precepts as much as he thinks he does. These tendencies are to be found in this book, which reworks the material of very lengthy book on Happiness into a shorter and somewhat more conventional devotional a bit less than 300 pages. Even here, though, the author shows himself to be an unusual writer even in such a familiar format as the devotional [2]. Whether or not you like this book, or the extent to which you enjoy reading this book, will depend in large part on how much you like Randy Alcorn. If you find his writing to be authoritative and hard-hitting, you will probably like this. If you find his writing to be a bit tiresome and negative, this book has plenty of those tendencies as well. I have mixed impressions of him myself and so my own thoughts of this book are somewhat mixed between a grudging admiration and an annoyance at how much he thinks he knows and attempts to speak authoritatively about that he does not in fact actually know correctly.
At its heart, this book is a devotional that seeks to encourage believers that God wants us to be happy, that God is happy, and that we are responsible for our own happiness. He uses a fairly conventional format within each devotional, as each devotional starts with a day, a title, scriptural citations and quotes from various Christian leaders like C.S. Lewis or Jonathan Edwards or others of that caliber, a discussion of a few pages, and then a prayer at the end to our heavenly Father. So far this is pretty conventional, except for being a bit longer than the usual devotional, which is usually a good thing but in this case means you get more of Alcorn's pontificating, which is a mixed blessing. What is more unconventional is the fact that the author chooses 60 days to happiness and not the usual 40 day period of trial and testing that is common in such devotionals, or 52 for a weekly devotional. It appears that the author wants the reader to take two months to go through this book. For this reader at least, the book had some modest enjoyments, and it is clear that the author has a bone to pick with leaders who seek to deny that God wishes us to be happy or thinks happiness to be lacking in spirituality, but at the same time the author does not show himself to be particularly happy in this book, which makes for a very strange disconnect between a book that speaks very forcefully about happiness without reflecting that happiness. There is a tension here that is recognizable, especially in light of the fact that this is at least the third book in which Alcorn has sought to write about this subject. Is he trying to write himself into happiness? If so, I wish him the best.
Like the subtitle of this book, many readers will likely find this book to be a bit relentless. At this point in his career, though, Alcorn is a known quantity and those who like the way he writes will find much to like here. I must admit that I would have preferred more discussion about the semantic domains of different words for happiness that was in his larger book, but I am aware that few of his readers likely share my intense interest in linguistics and communication and the struggles of translators to match word for word and concept for concept. Even so, this book clearly shows someone who has read and thought about his subject, even though his failure to correctly tie the love of Team Hoyt father and son to the love of God the Father and Jesus Christ and their desire to increase their family through believers is a missed opportunity. Still, if you like reading Randy Alcorn urging happiness and you like seeing him score points against Christoplatonic thinkers who deny the importance of happiness to God, you will probably enjoy this book even if it is not quite as scholarly as most of his works because of its genre.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2012...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
[2] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2016...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2015...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2014...
May 4, 2017
I really enjoyed the writing in this book but struggled with actually reading it. I tried a daily ritual with reading a passage a day but that didn't work as it was not my normal routine. I switched and tried to read it straight through but it was too much to read. I ended up reading in chunks at a time and using it more as inspiration when needed.
Overall I really enjoyed the book and will be keeping it around on my shelves for when I need it again.
Overall I really enjoyed the book and will be keeping it around on my shelves for when I need it again.
June 2, 2017
60 Days of Happiness really set my world on fire! I feel like, as a society, everyone is frantically searching for happiness. I want to scream it from the rooftops that I was one of you! Some days, I still am. But, you'll only find that kind of happiness that you're looking for- from Jesus. And this book helps break it down for you. It's a slow approach type of helping book, not a flip-your-world-upside-down-in-30-seconds type of book. And I love that the cover is a happy yellow color :)
March 17, 2017
60 Days of Happiness is a devotional that I believe is best fitted for personal use. While you could use this for group study, there is no study questions and the devotionals are straight-forward instruction with the occasional addition of a personal story from the author. However, it is definitely worth adding to your bookshelf for your personal reading.
Each chapter is about 3-5 pages long and contains a verse, quote, devotional, and prayer. Each chapter is entitled with a different question about happiness, which i found to be quite interesting. The devotional themselves are packed with good information and reference listed so you know you’re getting truthful information. Also, I wanted to note that I liked the addition of a quote to each chapter. Verses are a typical addition, but the quote as well was good choice.
I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for this honest review.
Each chapter is about 3-5 pages long and contains a verse, quote, devotional, and prayer. Each chapter is entitled with a different question about happiness, which i found to be quite interesting. The devotional themselves are packed with good information and reference listed so you know you’re getting truthful information. Also, I wanted to note that I liked the addition of a quote to each chapter. Verses are a typical addition, but the quote as well was good choice.
I received this book for free from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for this honest review.
December 20, 2017
I enjoyed reading the book very much. The idea of a God that is happy who wants us happy was very clearly presented. This book will have a permanent influence on my thinking about happiness in the Lord
May 19, 2017
I couldn't deal with it. It was the same lesson worded a different way over and over and over and over and over and over. I GET IT!!!!! MOVE ON!!
November 2, 2020
Encouraging book
Helps us realize how much God loves us. His joy is our strength. It is so much better to have joy which makes us happy.
Helps us realize how much God loves us. His joy is our strength. It is so much better to have joy which makes us happy.
October 4, 2025
I very much enjoyed this devotional on Happiness. I’ve read Randy Alcorn’s Heaven book and loved it. This of course was much lighter and gave daily inspiration. I would definitely recommend it.
January 14, 2017
I love that Alcorn writes that happiness and joy are the same thing. Joy is not holier than happiness according to Alcorn. God wants us to be happy during the challenging trials that we face as Christians.
Check out my full review on my blog.
Check out my full review on my blog.
April 14, 2017
Who doesn't want a little more happiness in their life?
Noted theologian and bestselling author Randy Alcorn received so many encouraging responses to his larger book Happiness that he reworked much of the material to create this collection of short, self-contained meditations that can be used as a standard day-at-a-time devotional:
Of course, you can always just plow through the entire book at one sitting, but I really enjoy being able to work through a book's concepts on a daily basis - it helps all the greatness sink in a bit better!
When I learned I was being sent this book to review, I made a few assumptions about it based on other "happiness" titles I'd read in the past.
But when my copy arrived in the mail, I realized I need to leave those assumptions out there in the mailbox.
My first assumption was with the cover. The book is smaller than average (about the size of a 5x7 photo) and devoid of a book jacket.
At least, a "normal" book jacket.
It may be common to find this on books nowadays, but this was the first time I'd seen a book jacket as a simple sleeve on the back cover only.
It was a little odd at first, but I quickly realized I liked it (no shifty jacket that I'd just take off and set aside while I read the book so it doesn't get messed up) and I don't know whether the publishers did it intentionally for this reason or not, but it also saves some trees!
The sunny yellow of the cover is the perfect choice for a book on happiness - I felt happier already, just having it sit there beside me!
My second assumption about this book was that it would be of the "name it claim it" sort. Not that I'm 100% against that theology (God does promise us certain things, after all), but I've just encountered some proponents who seem to lose the biblical aspect of this assertion and focus on mainly on looking for happiness in all the wrong places.
It didn't take many days of reading through these devotions for me to realize that this assumption of mine was erroneous, as well.
Alcorn spends quite a bit of time discussing the debate between happiness and joy in addition to seeking to answer questions about whether happiness is even something God wants for us or whether it's possible to be truly happy in such a fallen world.
For each of the 60 days, Alcorn begins by posing a question about happiness, followed by a pertinent Bible verse and related quote from some of church history's most noted names. He then spends 2-3 pages fleshing out the day's topic before closing with a prayer.
There have been several of these daily readings that I have found especially interesting to ponder. Questions relating to whether or not happiness is unspiritual, if there's any happiness beyond that which is selfish and superficial, and a breakdown of the differences between happiness and joy are just a few that rolled around in my brain all day after I read them.
But what I most appreciated in Alcorn's book was how he made sure to remind us that we can find lasting and settled happiness by embracing a biblical worldview and by looking at our lives through the lens of redemption, which provides permanent and multiple reasons for us to be truly happy.
This devotional was the perfect thing to start working through in the new year. I know many friends who choose a word to focus on every January 1st and this would be the ideal accompaniment for the word "happiness."
Regardless of whether it relates to your New Year's goals or not, if you want to explore happiness a bit more in your own life, I suggest checking this book out.
I received a free copy of this product from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own.
Noted theologian and bestselling author Randy Alcorn received so many encouraging responses to his larger book Happiness that he reworked much of the material to create this collection of short, self-contained meditations that can be used as a standard day-at-a-time devotional:
Of course, you can always just plow through the entire book at one sitting, but I really enjoy being able to work through a book's concepts on a daily basis - it helps all the greatness sink in a bit better!
When I learned I was being sent this book to review, I made a few assumptions about it based on other "happiness" titles I'd read in the past.
But when my copy arrived in the mail, I realized I need to leave those assumptions out there in the mailbox.
My first assumption was with the cover. The book is smaller than average (about the size of a 5x7 photo) and devoid of a book jacket.
At least, a "normal" book jacket.
It may be common to find this on books nowadays, but this was the first time I'd seen a book jacket as a simple sleeve on the back cover only.
It was a little odd at first, but I quickly realized I liked it (no shifty jacket that I'd just take off and set aside while I read the book so it doesn't get messed up) and I don't know whether the publishers did it intentionally for this reason or not, but it also saves some trees!
The sunny yellow of the cover is the perfect choice for a book on happiness - I felt happier already, just having it sit there beside me!
My second assumption about this book was that it would be of the "name it claim it" sort. Not that I'm 100% against that theology (God does promise us certain things, after all), but I've just encountered some proponents who seem to lose the biblical aspect of this assertion and focus on mainly on looking for happiness in all the wrong places.
It didn't take many days of reading through these devotions for me to realize that this assumption of mine was erroneous, as well.
Alcorn spends quite a bit of time discussing the debate between happiness and joy in addition to seeking to answer questions about whether happiness is even something God wants for us or whether it's possible to be truly happy in such a fallen world.
For each of the 60 days, Alcorn begins by posing a question about happiness, followed by a pertinent Bible verse and related quote from some of church history's most noted names. He then spends 2-3 pages fleshing out the day's topic before closing with a prayer.
There have been several of these daily readings that I have found especially interesting to ponder. Questions relating to whether or not happiness is unspiritual, if there's any happiness beyond that which is selfish and superficial, and a breakdown of the differences between happiness and joy are just a few that rolled around in my brain all day after I read them.
But what I most appreciated in Alcorn's book was how he made sure to remind us that we can find lasting and settled happiness by embracing a biblical worldview and by looking at our lives through the lens of redemption, which provides permanent and multiple reasons for us to be truly happy.
This devotional was the perfect thing to start working through in the new year. I know many friends who choose a word to focus on every January 1st and this would be the ideal accompaniment for the word "happiness."
Regardless of whether it relates to your New Year's goals or not, if you want to explore happiness a bit more in your own life, I suggest checking this book out.
I received a free copy of this product from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own.
February 16, 2017
60 Days Of Happiness: Discover God's Promise Of Relentless Joy by Randy Alcorn can be read as a 60 day devotional (as the title implies), or in larger chunks as a more traditional book. Each of the 60 days begins by posing a question the reader may have, such as "Why aren't Christians known for their happiness?". This question is followed by a brief scriptural excerpt and a quote relevant to the issue at hand. Randy then uses biblical explanations, personal anecdotes, and real-life examples to shine a light on God's view of the issue, as best as we can learn from the Bible. After each reading session (an average of 3 pages), Randy includes a simple yet very detailed prayer to help us become attuned to God's desires for us and our happiness.
In the clever introduction, Randy explains how this book came to be. It's drawn from selected portions of his larger book on the subject, Happiness.
"While I've written the big book Happiness and also a very small one, God's Promise of Happiness, I felt the need for a medium-sized book for those who want more than the one and less than the other." (page xi)
While I have not read either of the other books mentioned, I found this book to be just right for providing insight into a lot of different issues surrounding the concept of our happiness, both individually and as a society. The readings were all simple enough that my 12-year-old can relate to and learn from them, yet complex enough for me to gain a new understanding of things I had not thought to look at in the way in which Randy presents them.
Overall, I'm giving this book 4/5 stars, and would recommend it to anyone who struggles to find a place for happiness in the daily flow of life. If nothing else, start by reading just the sections that appeal to you. By the time you finish, you'll most likely want to go back and read the rest to see what insights you've been missing.
*Disclaimer: I received a free print edition of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
In the clever introduction, Randy explains how this book came to be. It's drawn from selected portions of his larger book on the subject, Happiness.
"While I've written the big book Happiness and also a very small one, God's Promise of Happiness, I felt the need for a medium-sized book for those who want more than the one and less than the other." (page xi)
While I have not read either of the other books mentioned, I found this book to be just right for providing insight into a lot of different issues surrounding the concept of our happiness, both individually and as a society. The readings were all simple enough that my 12-year-old can relate to and learn from them, yet complex enough for me to gain a new understanding of things I had not thought to look at in the way in which Randy presents them.
Overall, I'm giving this book 4/5 stars, and would recommend it to anyone who struggles to find a place for happiness in the daily flow of life. If nothing else, start by reading just the sections that appeal to you. By the time you finish, you'll most likely want to go back and read the rest to see what insights you've been missing.
*Disclaimer: I received a free print edition of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are my own.*
January 4, 2017
Happiness is something everyone longs for but what does it really mean to be happy? By worldly standards, it could mean recognition, the acquiring of things, prestige, and so forth. Life has it's highs and lows. We are happy one moment when things are going well and sad the next with things seem to be out of our control. Randy Alcorn sums up what happiness as a believer in Christ should look like in bite size devotions that can be read daily or at whatever pace you chose.
Hardcover format and brightly colored in a shade of yellow that draws you to pick it up for a read, this book has been hard to ignore or put down once opened. Anyone thirsty for the Biblical application of happiness and what it truly means to live in a way that would be pleasing to God will get a lot from this book, I know I have. Randy offers personal stories, a look at scripture, and a prayer to wrap it all up. Each 3-4 page devotion features a verse, quote, life application, and prayer.
Hardcover format and brightly colored in a shade of yellow that draws you to pick it up for a read, this book has been hard to ignore or put down once opened. Anyone thirsty for the Biblical application of happiness and what it truly means to live in a way that would be pleasing to God will get a lot from this book, I know I have. Randy offers personal stories, a look at scripture, and a prayer to wrap it all up. Each 3-4 page devotion features a verse, quote, life application, and prayer.
A lot of questions one would have about being happy are sure to be answered while reading through the book. It covers pain, sufferings, ups, downs, and the difference between joy and happiness. I thought joy and happiness were two different things before I cracked into this book. God wants us to be happy and in doing so we can still be holy.
This book is well organized. It answers questions such as the Who, What, When, Where, and Why. It inspires change. It turns our eyes away from self but to our ABBA father. I would have liked to have a ribbon bookmark attached to keep my place but that doesn't take away from the content within or my recommendation to get this book.
Hardcover format and brightly colored in a shade of yellow that draws you to pick it up for a read, this book has been hard to ignore or put down once opened. Anyone thirsty for the Biblical application of happiness and what it truly means to live in a way that would be pleasing to God will get a lot from this book, I know I have. Randy offers personal stories, a look at scripture, and a prayer to wrap it all up. Each 3-4 page devotion features a verse, quote, life application, and prayer.
Hardcover format and brightly colored in a shade of yellow that draws you to pick it up for a read, this book has been hard to ignore or put down once opened. Anyone thirsty for the Biblical application of happiness and what it truly means to live in a way that would be pleasing to God will get a lot from this book, I know I have. Randy offers personal stories, a look at scripture, and a prayer to wrap it all up. Each 3-4 page devotion features a verse, quote, life application, and prayer.
A lot of questions one would have about being happy are sure to be answered while reading through the book. It covers pain, sufferings, ups, downs, and the difference between joy and happiness. I thought joy and happiness were two different things before I cracked into this book. God wants us to be happy and in doing so we can still be holy.
This book is well organized. It answers questions such as the Who, What, When, Where, and Why. It inspires change. It turns our eyes away from self but to our ABBA father. I would have liked to have a ribbon bookmark attached to keep my place but that doesn't take away from the content within or my recommendation to get this book.
January 16, 2017
Author Randy Alcorn has taken his larger book, Happiness, and distilled out 60 daily devotional studies in this compact book, 60 Days of Happiness. Alcorn invites readers to (page xiii), “join me in meeting the happy God on these pages and the pages of the Bible.”
Each chapter of 60 Days of Happiness begins with an applicable verse of Scripture and an inspirational quote from one of a variety of writers including Matthew Henry, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, Dwight Moody, John Piper, and A. W. Tozer. The chapters are brief enough to make the book readable in devotional time, but the depth of meaning is not sacrificed in this banquet of ideas.
Sources for quotes and illustrations used in the text are provided and the author gets high marks for adding that feature. Those who teach, preach, or write can use 60 Days of Happiness as a valuable resource. Chapter titles are descriptive questions that offer easy return to favorite sections.
Alcorn offers excellent coverage of the relationship between happiness and other aspects of the Christian faith such as reading God’s Word, forgiveness, and thankfulness. He raises interesting and thought-provoking questions though some may not agree with all the author’s conclusions. In that case, turn the page and keep reading. You will likely find a gem you can claim in the next chapter.
In reviewing the book by reading straight through I found some material and themes to be repetitive but used as a daily reading those same repeated features may serve to reinforce the concepts.
Note - Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of 60 Days of Happiness to facilitate my review.
Each chapter of 60 Days of Happiness begins with an applicable verse of Scripture and an inspirational quote from one of a variety of writers including Matthew Henry, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, Dwight Moody, John Piper, and A. W. Tozer. The chapters are brief enough to make the book readable in devotional time, but the depth of meaning is not sacrificed in this banquet of ideas.
Sources for quotes and illustrations used in the text are provided and the author gets high marks for adding that feature. Those who teach, preach, or write can use 60 Days of Happiness as a valuable resource. Chapter titles are descriptive questions that offer easy return to favorite sections.
Alcorn offers excellent coverage of the relationship between happiness and other aspects of the Christian faith such as reading God’s Word, forgiveness, and thankfulness. He raises interesting and thought-provoking questions though some may not agree with all the author’s conclusions. In that case, turn the page and keep reading. You will likely find a gem you can claim in the next chapter.
In reviewing the book by reading straight through I found some material and themes to be repetitive but used as a daily reading those same repeated features may serve to reinforce the concepts.
Note - Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of 60 Days of Happiness to facilitate my review.
January 18, 2017
60 Days of Happiness by Randy Alcorn
A Book Review by Becky Holland
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN-10: 1496420004
ISBN-13: 978-1496420008
* I received this book for free from the publisher to present a fair review.
Ratings: 4.7 stars
Discovering God’s promises of relentless joy through 60 Days of Happiness by Randy Alcorn is a book of simple essays filled with thoughts and facts about how God wants us to enjoy life.
In the fast-paced world that we live in today, we all seem to be searching endlessly for satisfaction. We look at food, clothes, movies, books, cars and whatever the latest trend is to make us happy. The more money we have, the more opportunity we have to be happy.
Um, not. And Randy Alcorn’s 60 devotions show us just how we can receive that joy and happiness – through God and God alone.
The text is detailed, yet not overwhelmingly so. It is filled with facts from Scriptures and personal observations. There is no room for analyzing or trying to make God’s word fit our lives. Alcorn puts it to the test – he shows it in black and white. God wants us to be happy and at the same time follow His steps.
Alcorn’s devotions can fit any time and any occasion.
It is worth grabbing up and reading over and over again.
A Book Review by Becky Holland
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
ISBN-10: 1496420004
ISBN-13: 978-1496420008
* I received this book for free from the publisher to present a fair review.
Ratings: 4.7 stars
Discovering God’s promises of relentless joy through 60 Days of Happiness by Randy Alcorn is a book of simple essays filled with thoughts and facts about how God wants us to enjoy life.
In the fast-paced world that we live in today, we all seem to be searching endlessly for satisfaction. We look at food, clothes, movies, books, cars and whatever the latest trend is to make us happy. The more money we have, the more opportunity we have to be happy.
Um, not. And Randy Alcorn’s 60 devotions show us just how we can receive that joy and happiness – through God and God alone.
The text is detailed, yet not overwhelmingly so. It is filled with facts from Scriptures and personal observations. There is no room for analyzing or trying to make God’s word fit our lives. Alcorn puts it to the test – he shows it in black and white. God wants us to be happy and at the same time follow His steps.
Alcorn’s devotions can fit any time and any occasion.
It is worth grabbing up and reading over and over again.
February 6, 2017
Happiness. It is something that many seek and do so in various ways. Yet, when it seems to be found it flees. King Solomon wrote this “I have seen everything that is done under the sun. Look at it! It's all pointless. [It's like] trying to catch the wind.” (God’s Word Translation)
Many feel this way about happiness. Randy Alcorn understands this and has written a 60-day devotional to encourage Christians that happiness can be found and it can last. The error is that it is sought...in the wrong places.
Thus his devotional sets out to remind Christians that Christ offers everlasting happiness. By finding our happiness in Him, and not material possessions or intangible successes, our search for happiness can end.
Each devotional is designed to refocus a Christian on Christ. By using personal and non-personal stories to drive each truth deeper, and then a prayer to summarize, each day is intent on making Christ the source of happiness.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
Many feel this way about happiness. Randy Alcorn understands this and has written a 60-day devotional to encourage Christians that happiness can be found and it can last. The error is that it is sought...in the wrong places.
Thus his devotional sets out to remind Christians that Christ offers everlasting happiness. By finding our happiness in Him, and not material possessions or intangible successes, our search for happiness can end.
Each devotional is designed to refocus a Christian on Christ. By using personal and non-personal stories to drive each truth deeper, and then a prayer to summarize, each day is intent on making Christ the source of happiness.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review
January 9, 2017
What makes you happy? Is it your new sweater? Maybe the gorgeous pair of shoes you just got on sale? Randy Alcorn helps us gain perspective on what actually makes us happy. It's not in the "physical" things we have. True Happiness can only be found in one place. In our relationship with God. The closer you get to God by reading scripture, you will understand all the gifts God has bestowed on us and how God truly wants us to be happy.
The book is broken into 60 devotional readings, so it's wonderful to read a few pages a day and be able to reflect on Randy's word and Scripture. I honestly found the book quite intense and written as a scholar would write. I gave it three stars as I am personally drawn to books that are based on "every day" circumstances and connect with the reader in a more personal way.
I was gifted a copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers and am so grateful.
The book is broken into 60 devotional readings, so it's wonderful to read a few pages a day and be able to reflect on Randy's word and Scripture. I honestly found the book quite intense and written as a scholar would write. I gave it three stars as I am personally drawn to books that are based on "every day" circumstances and connect with the reader in a more personal way.
I was gifted a copy of this book by Tyndale House Publishers and am so grateful.
January 11, 2017
I love this book.. Randy Alcorn is a great author and can bring this book to life. Got this the other day and started diving into it.. I am just in the first few days and I can say wow. God is in this book.
I like the 1st day when he talks about why we all need happiness. He tells the story about the Shawshank Redemption and how God uses it as a way of happiness for the guy. I also like that each reading ends in prayer and starts out with verses.
I skimmed through the chapters to write this review but going to read each chapter and divulge into discovering God's Promise of relentless joy.
That by reading this book you can discover that God has his joy for you and that you are able to use it and reach out to others about how his joy is in you and how they can have it too.
I like the 1st day when he talks about why we all need happiness. He tells the story about the Shawshank Redemption and how God uses it as a way of happiness for the guy. I also like that each reading ends in prayer and starts out with verses.
I skimmed through the chapters to write this review but going to read each chapter and divulge into discovering God's Promise of relentless joy.
That by reading this book you can discover that God has his joy for you and that you are able to use it and reach out to others about how his joy is in you and how they can have it too.
December 27, 2016
I recevied a complimentary copy.
Review Q&A
- What did you like about the book and why? Everything from the bright yellow cover to the uplifting feelings of joy from the devotions included.
- What did you not like about the book and why? I found the book to be well organized and written in a great light, so nothing that I would not or did not like.
- What did you learn? There are people everywhere on certain levels of happiness but they can all be happier with the help of God.
- To whom would you recommend this book and why? The book is faith based and so anyone of any age around teen and older who has a love and strong faith in God will benefit.
Review Q&A
- What did you like about the book and why? Everything from the bright yellow cover to the uplifting feelings of joy from the devotions included.
- What did you not like about the book and why? I found the book to be well organized and written in a great light, so nothing that I would not or did not like.
- What did you learn? There are people everywhere on certain levels of happiness but they can all be happier with the help of God.
- To whom would you recommend this book and why? The book is faith based and so anyone of any age around teen and older who has a love and strong faith in God will benefit.
January 13, 2017
This is an excellent devotional! I love that Randy Alcorn has written this devotional, since I have heard the arguments of happiness verses joy. I think that Randy makes a compelling argument on why we were made to long for happiness and seek it out. I love the length of these devotions, I feel like a lot of devotionals are so short and don't really allow to get past the surface of a thought. These devotions are a perfect length, longer but not too long to make them impossible.
I love the true stories included in these devotions. I also love the key message, that we were made to find happiness in the Lord.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.
I love the true stories included in these devotions. I also love the key message, that we were made to find happiness in the Lord.
I received this book from Tyndale in exchange for my honest review.
January 31, 2017
The Author explained practical ways to live a joyful life as one discovered God’s promises of joy. Each day ended with a short pray. Through the short prayer, one can pray and think about the author’s conclusion of the question of the day. The Bible verses Alcorn used in the book are short and great for memorization.
To read more visit: http://hellofelecia.tumblr.com/post/1...
To read more visit: http://hellofelecia.tumblr.com/post/1...
January 3, 2017
I love this book by Randy Alcorn. Everything from it's bright yellow color to it's small size is just perfect. Alcorn, makes this book fun to read and makes you realize that you can be happy with God. If you've ever struggled with happiness then this book is a must read.
* I received a sample of this book
* I received a sample of this book
April 25, 2017
I don't enjoy writing reviews much especially if they aren't going to be great ones. The other reviews I saw were very favorable, so I feel bad and wonder what I didn't get out of reading it.
I just didn't connect. I didn't get any new answers come to me or read something that made me wonder and want to explore.
I do like the book is in yellow-with being a 'happy' color and that it was relatively small in size.
I like the theme subject keeps getting repeated and yet asked in different ways. But just like most of religious writing, there seems to be too much vagueness and not any real answers or solutions.
I think maybe there should have been more direct bible quotes to support the chapter question. OR maybe I was looking for more personal comments from the author for his view.
I'm not sure. It just didn't touch me. Keep in mind my life situation right now is NOT happy or joyful at all. I am in a long struggle with finding employment and trying to lose weight. That sure doesn't help. Maybe I am searching for more answers than this book (or any other!) can give me!
I had won this book.
I thank the authors, the publishers and Goodreads for holding these book drawings and letting us 'readers' read and review early publications! what a great service that is!
I am thankful to have been chosen it free to review and will pass it on to others to read.
I just didn't connect. I didn't get any new answers come to me or read something that made me wonder and want to explore.
I do like the book is in yellow-with being a 'happy' color and that it was relatively small in size.
I like the theme subject keeps getting repeated and yet asked in different ways. But just like most of religious writing, there seems to be too much vagueness and not any real answers or solutions.
I think maybe there should have been more direct bible quotes to support the chapter question. OR maybe I was looking for more personal comments from the author for his view.
I'm not sure. It just didn't touch me. Keep in mind my life situation right now is NOT happy or joyful at all. I am in a long struggle with finding employment and trying to lose weight. That sure doesn't help. Maybe I am searching for more answers than this book (or any other!) can give me!
I had won this book.
I thank the authors, the publishers and Goodreads for holding these book drawings and letting us 'readers' read and review early publications! what a great service that is!
I am thankful to have been chosen it free to review and will pass it on to others to read.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews