One Good Word a Day: 365 Invitations to Encourage, Deepen, and Refine Your Faith

by Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl, Kristin Demery

If you were to pick one word for the year, what would it be?
Invite . . . Abide . . . Balance . . . Simplify . . . ?

Every January, many of us proclaim our word for the year, choosing something inspiring that will help us set our intention for the coming months. But what would happen if rather than choosing one word for an entire year (because let's face it, some of us forget by March), we focused on one good word each day―one thought-provoking, spiritually relevant, and encouraging word that reveals the many lovely and delightful truths of who Jesus is in our lives?

One Good Word a Day, by the creators of the online community, The Ruth Experience , offers simple, but deeply spiritual meditations that will help readers linger on one word each day so they can identify and reflect on how Jesus as the Word influences their daily lives.

Jesus is more than one word. He offers us abundance, hope, peace, kindness, courage, mercy, and so much more. One Good Word a Day reminds readers that in Christ, we find all we need to live encouraged and uplifted every day.

Genres: Nonfiction, Faith

400 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2021

About the author

Julie Fisk traded a 15 year legal career for writing books. Recognizing the power of story, she shifted her storytelling from courtrooms and boardrooms to stories of God’s faithfulness and transformational love through the lens of kindness, friendship, gratitude, and beyond.

Julie is a national speaker and co-author of nine books, including The One Year Daily Acts of Gratitude Devotional: 365 Inspirations to Encourage a Life of Thankfulness. Together with her co-founders of the online community One Story Well Collective, Julie connects with an encouraging community of women seeking and living out their faith.

When she’s not writing or speaking, Julie loves hiking the North Shore of Lake Superior, puttering in her garden, and curling up with a good book on snowy days.

You can connect online with Julie at www.onestorywellcollective.com or on social media as One Story Well Collective (formerly The Ruth Experience).

Reviews

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It didn't take me too many pages of reading this to know that I loved this book. I read each page and felt the sweet peace it gave. I read the personal vignettes and pictured myself in their place and loved the examples of truth they shared with me, the reader.

I especially enjoyed the example given of a child with a bad dream, coming to the mother's bed for comfort and peace. And how this compared to our relying on God as our comforter and going to Him at the time of our needs with our worries and life's day to day concerns.

This book warms the heart and brings peaceful thoughts to your mind as you read it. I loved each page and the feelings it brought to my heart. There are scriptures that apply to the stories and and the end of the day's Word or thoughts, there is a prompt for "One Good Step". These are suggestions as to how you can implement these suggestions and lessons into your life.
I highly recommend this book to bring you happier days and peace with all that life gives you.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts are my own.

[Ronni · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book like I didn't think it would be. If you have ever wanted to make a new year's resolution, but never got to it, or forgot. . . This book is for you! If you have ever chosen a word of the year, or season, this book is for you! If you are breathing, this book is for you! Great ideas, great goals, great WORD discussed in this book!

[Michele Reinhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book. The daily suggestions to do have been so inspirational. I loved being able to use these ideas in my daily life. I not only felt my spiritual life blossoming, but my daily life. I'm trying to be more positive on a daily basis and this book is just what I needed.

[April March · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiration to have so many good words to challenge and uplift me each day for an entire year. I love the heart of the author's that share deeply and authenticly. If you're searching for your new years devotional, look no further! One Good Word a Day is it!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The One Good Word a Day devotional does just what the title suggests: provides one word to focus on each day. Each devotion begins with a verse and closes with a prayer and a “One Good Step” section that includes one practical application point. The writing is engaging and relevant with stories that are relatable. Many of the stories are antidotes taken from the authors’ real lives or the lives of friends. The authors’ ability to see deep spiritual truths in the nitty gritty of everyday life was inspiriting. Often a line or two would stand out as especially profound and I would find myself chewing over it the rest of the day. For example, from July 20: “The things we consider slow may instead be just the refining needed to create a beautiful masterpiece out of the patchwork pieces of our lives.” So beautiful! Even though there were three authors, they presented a cohesive tone that was warm and compassionate while also exhorting the reader to practically live out her faith. I felt like I was sitting down for a chat with friends over coffee. Highly recommend!

Note: I received a copy from the publisher for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

[Carina Alanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am on the launch team for this book, and I’ve been reading and so enjoying my sampler of the devotional!

Each devotion is a meditation on one word, such as “Begin,” “Resilience,” “Comfort,” and “Create.” So, instead of having one “word for the year” as many of us do, Kristin, Kendra, and Julie help us instead focus on a different word for each day of the year.

The authors weave relatable, interesting, and sometimes poignant personal stories together with encouraging and powerful truth, and their writing is beautiful and easy to read.

I love how each devotion is short and sweet but definitely makes me think. They also have action prompts at the end of each devotion related to the word for the day, which I think is a great way to get us thinking about how we can apply what we've read. I recommend this devotional!

[Sarah Damaska · Rating 5 out of 5]

Books that offer one page devotionals for each day of the year are such a gift! I just received this book in the mail, so I've only read a handful of the devotionals, but I can tell you with confidence that I will continue to pick this up for years.

I have skimmed much of the book (not closely, because I want to be reading each one fresh on the day it's supposed to be read), and there were so many good words that struck me. Words like Prepare, Encompass, Self-Control, Grit, and Strength. The authors write a one page devotional on a different word each day and I really, really love their thoughts. They also include a short prayer and offer an action step. The devotionals are easy and quick to read, but offer deep insight and truths. I would recommend this for all women who are pursuing a deeper relationship with Christ, and even as a gift for a high school or college student.

[Alley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thing I love about this devotional is that it truly gives me something bite-sized to focus on for the day. There is a word to focus on (some included were "welcome," "comfort," "linger," and "protect"), a Bible verse, a short story, and an action step included for each day. Each day is short, but meaningful and I love that there is an action step included to take out and focus on throughout your day. If you've read anything else by these ladies, then you know their heart for the Lord and in this devotional the same heart shines through. I would definitely recommend this to anyone needing encouragement or direction in their walk with God.

[Antoinette Wells]

This book is life changing!! I love the idea of focusing on a word a day vs. one word for a whole year. What I'm feeling/experiencing January 1st is different than September 1st lol.... There is a bible verse for each day, a short devotional, prayer, and a action step. Words so far are; Begin, Welcome, Words, Before, Abundance, Helper, Rejoice, Create, Do, Space etc.... I will definitely order this book! I was given a sampler for being on the book launch team but need/want/desire the entire book lol... Also this would make a great Christmas gift :)

[Mariléne · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I saw this book, I immediately knew I wanted to read it. The cover appealed to me and the design was in that same vein, which was very pleasant to read. Each day focuses on a word, with a text to go with it from God's Word. There is a short reflection and finally a practical assignment related to the word, such as "try to change negative comments in your mind into positive comments."
Julie Fisk, Kendra Roehl and Kristin Demery did a really wonderful job with this!

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy through the authors. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[Angela Hodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Day in December by Josie Silver is one of those books that I’ll be thinking about for a while after reading it because it was that good! Laurie and Jacks eyes meet through the window of a bus and they have an instant connection. What follows over the next decade is a series of friendship, love and heartache in varying degrees between the three main characters, Laurie, Jack and Sarah.
This is one of those books that brings out all the emotions, which is something I like! I definitely recommend!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The set up is as follows. Word of the day. Bible verse. Devotion/life story and a comparison or draw to the Bible. Finishes with ONE good step to apply to your day.
I really liked the book. As many people start to have a word of the year, having a word of the day makes you focus on ways to GROW, HERITAGE, CONTENT, SING etc... plus the one good step keeps you thinking about the word and how to incorporate it into life so you can deepen your faith and be encourages in walking with Jesus.

[Pat Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am actually still reading this book as it is a day by day devotional book. However I want to share my thoughts so you can get it as soon as it launches. Each day is a devotion that you can actually relate too and a practical step and word to focus on. You don’t just want this book, you need this book.

[Casey Hilty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s on my desk at school? The perfect start to my day! This 365 day devotional has been a great way for me to get my mind and heart focused on the Lord before the school bell rings. These daily words stick with me and have kept me grounded as I reflect on them throughout the day. This book is a gem and I have been recommending it to everyone I know!

[Amy T. - Book lover! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great devotional!

Every day, a new word, tied to scripture and an anecdote, makes the scripture and word accessible, memorable, and actionable. This is especially good for women and mothers. So many days it felt like God knew I needed that word on that day. I highly recommend this devotional!

[Loretta Brewster]

I am currently reading this fabulous devotional! The raw honesty from the girls is so refreshing! No judgment, we have all been in their shoes. That’s what makes it so real ~ seeing yourself in the quick snippets. Another great devotional from these ladies. Get your copy now!!! Great gift idea!

[Brenda Lacey]

This book so far has been amazing, I am not quite done reading it yet. I enjoying taking my time and reflecting on each devotion and where to apply it to my life.
You will not regret purchasing this book.

[Dawn Brommer · Rating 5 out of 5]

One Good Word a Day is a daily source of inspiration. I’ve been reading the sampler 90 day and it is terrific. I’m looking forward to buying the book on November 9th and making it a part of my daily morning routine to inspire, connect with God and pray.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. I love that it gives you one word to focus on each day and really helps you dive into that word with personal anecdotes and scripture related to the word. The words, stories, and scripture are so relatable and applicable to everyone. Go get yourself a copy!

[Lynnea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring, beautifully written and encouraging. This is the 5th book I've read by these ladies and it's by far my favorite. It's a great book to read by yourself or with family.

[Elizabeth M. Frisk · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea of picking only one word for a whole year was always daunting to me, so I love the idea of focusing on one good word a day!! Just started the book and loving it so far!

[Angie 'Tilus' Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book will help encourage and inspire you to make small daily changes and focus on that one word. Keeps you positive in your walk in life and in Christ!

[Merci · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great all-around devotion. It covers all sorts of topics and they have a daily challenge to act out the word of the day.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of helpful suggestions, One Good Word a Day is to be read and re-read, drawing us closer to God.

[Krisi Kranz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I have shared with family & friends and will re-read many times!!!

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little devotional book. A word is selected for each day’s devotion. East to read and won’t take too much of your time each day, but will start you off on the right track!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent daily devotional. Short, meaningful and a joy to read day by day.

[R.j. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan of most devotionals. Growing up, I read things like Keys for Kids, Our Daily Bread, and daily set up devotionals. Most are superficial and rely heavily on the author's experience. This fits in well with those, only the title for each day is a single word.
There is nothing BAD in this devotional. But I much prefer a more meaty, in-depth study. I'm probably not the target demographic in that. This book is good. Solid. Just not my thing.

I received a sample of this text from the publisher. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise.

[Kaitlyn Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve loved every devotional from The Ruth Experience. Each day you get one word to really meditate on. They follow it up with scripture to support what God says about that word. We get to dive into personal experiences that resonate with the word of the day. Finally, “One Good Step” is given to put that word to action. The authors are kind, insightful , and, at points, vulnerable. Words like “encompass,” “pray,” and “steadfast” have been wonderful to ponder through the lens of boldly women.
I would recommend everyone who needs some positivity in their life to get their hands on this book!

[Kelly Studer Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book! I have numerous failed attempts at choosing one word for the entire year. This devotional focuses on a powerful new word each day. This approach helped me stay engaged & be more intentional. I love that it gave me direction/focus, real-life/practical applications, scripture, relatable stories through the eyes of each author, along with encouragement & inspiration! I looked forward to starting each day, with every new word. It challenged me & helped me grow. I highly recommend this book! It is one that I will definitely read over & over again.