James Merritt (1) (1952–)

This book consists of 52 weekly devotionals with 5 scriptures to read each week. The titles of the devotionals range from "Yes, God", "Catch-22" and "Breaking the prayer barrier". James Merritt has taken important happenings in the Bible and used them to illustrate every day problems Christians face. For example the "Catch-22" devotional was about Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The route they took was fraught with danger, basically going down a cul-de-sac as the author puts it. show more But the Bible shows how God leads them out of danger through the Red Sea. He uses this example so that the person reading the devotional could apply it to their life as well.

My daughter and I worked through this book doing a chapter per day. It was a fascinating process as there were many chapters that applied to our lives as well as conversations we had with friends and family. It was amazing to be reading about the very thing we discussed that day and to be validated with the answers found in this book.

I would strongly recommend this book to everyone. It has a tread of hope running through, that no matter how bad or useless things may seem, God is there and has the answer and the way.

Thank you Netgalley and Harvest House Publishers for allowing me to read and review this book. show less

Read and Be Changed

For thousands of years, God's word has penetrated human hearts and transformed lives. So why does the Bible often collect dust on our shelves? Why don't we mine the wisdom filling its pages?

Pastor James Merritt, author of the bestselling 52 Weeks with Jesus, invites you to view Scripture afresh and fall in love with the book that changes everything. These simple weekly readings will help you...

Gain a big-picture view of God's message to you
Apply practical life lessons from show more the Bible's stories and teachings
Discover more about your destiny—on earth and in eternity
As you explore the lives of Israel's wisest kings, God's powerful prophets, and your amazing Savior, you'll see how every subject and story in Scripture paints a picture of God's plan for humanity—including the story God wants to write with you.

Top Highlights

“The number one reason you are on this earth is to relate your heart to God.”

“William Hunter was fifteen years old when he was burned at the stake in 1555. Like me, he had an insatiable thirst for the Bible, but he had a hurdle I didn’t. Possessing Bibles was illegal for commoners in England. The priests had a monopoly on this book and kept it under lock and key from nonclergy.”

“This is the first case of ‘victim mentality’ in history.”

“From that moment until now, everything has been infected and defected by sin. Roses now have thorns. Cities need policemen. Nations need guns and bullets, and the world needs cemeteries to bury the dead. The world that we live in is a result of the world that we lost.”

“Work is a divine calling for which we were all created. Work is the plan through which we give glory and honor to the God who entrusted us with his creation. When we work we fulfill our design.” show less