The Tender Words of God: A Daily Guide

by Ann Spangler

Over the years, Ann Spangler has read through the Bible several times, plowing straight through from Genesis to Revelation. But like many people who tend to be self-critical, Ann found it easier to absorb the harsher-sounding passages in the Bible than those that speak of God’s love and compassion.Then one day, Ann listened as her friend Joan talked about a time in her life when she became convinced of God’s love. Ann expected her friend to reveal something complicated and difficult, a tragedy perhaps that God had brought her through. But Joan had simply decided to set aside one month in which she would act as though God loved her. And that settled it for her—for good.In the months that followed, Ann decided to develop a remedial course in which she could reflect morning and evening on the most tender words of God in the Bible. She prayed that God’s penetrating Word would transform her as she hunted through Scripture for words of mercy, compassion, peace, and protection. The Tender Words of God is the result of this process, offering ninety days of devotional readings on some of Scripture’s most encouraging words. While the core of the book is Scripture, each week contains reflections and daily prayers that chronicle Ann’s struggle to know God better. These are included not because she believes her quest is all that remarkable, but precisely because she knows it is ordinary, expressing as it does our common longing to love and be loved, especially by the One who made us. Ann invites you to join her on this journey to know God better, to let his tender words become like guardians at the beginning and at the end of each day, convincing you once and for all of his faithful, committed love.

Genres: Devotional, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity

290 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 5, 2008

About the author

Ann Spangler is the best-selling author of numerous books, including Praying the Names of God, Women of the Bible, and Finding the Peace God Promises. An award-winning writer, Ann’s books have sold millions of copies over the course of her writing career. The mission of her books is to help readers strengthen their connection with God by encountering him in Scripture.

Before becoming a writer, Ann was an acquiring editor at various Christian publishers. From her unique perspective as an author and publishing professional, she believes readers are looking for well-written books that address the deep spiritual hungers that characterize our world.

She is the mother of two teenage daughters, both of whom were born in mainland China. In her spare time (what is spare time?), she loves to read, have dinner with friends, spend time on Lake Michigan’s beautiful beaches, travel, and stream British TV shows. An admitted Anglophile, she harbors deep prejudices in favor of anything British.

Reviews

[Ben Moser]

This book has been monumental for me. It is absolutely necessary that we view ourselves the way that God views us. If we don’t, then we will never experience long-term growth.

This book gives us truth twice daily for 13 weeks. Beginning and ending your day with truth about who God is and how he relates to us. It will change your life. I recommend everyone read this book. Slowly you see your whole mindset shift as we truly recognize the truth of God’s word and cast off the lies of Satan that have enslaved us for far too long.

Huge shout out to friends that let you know what they’re reading. Without that, I likely never would have read this book.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Tender Words of God" is a God-focused and Scripture-focused devotional. It takes a Hebrew word each week, looks at what it means, then looks at verses that use that word(s) and what it means for us. (The words are compassion, forgiveness, peace, strength, protection, love & mercy, blessing & provision, guidance, faithfulness, hope & comfort, healing). The author also has a small section on how studying that week's word impacted her life and her view of God.

I bought this book for a male friend who thought God viewed him harshly, but I enjoyed reading it. It has some very good insights. The friend I got this for thanked me and said it helped him get a right view of God. So I'd highly recommend this devotional to anyone who thinks it sounds interesting.

[Rachel L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great 90-day devotional, comprised primarily of God's own words to His people. There are two short readings for each day (morning and evening) and each week they are focused on a particular characteristic of God, such as His faithfulness or His lovingkindess. It's an encouraging reminder of how much God does love and care about His people. I'd certainly recommend this one and I will likely work through it again.

March-June 09
Sept-Dec 09

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

For anyone who tends to get lost in the circumstances of life, who wonders with or without words whether God is still good, this book is for that one. God's holiness and greatness are equalled by His love and care for His children. God's love is changeless. Let us change, instead, our view of Him to be the God He reveals Himself to be in His Word.

[Wendy C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome morning and evening devotional. Hits the spot at exactly where you need to hear His tender words. I'll be reading this continually.

[Suzi]

found via Zondervan Breakfast Club.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Larissa Ingram · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books of ALL time. God and i sent many many quiet times together ask through this book and i could feel my heart growing fuller and fuller with each scripture passage and prayer.