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God's Love #1
The Nature of God: 50 Christian Devotions about God's Love and Acceptance
A book that will bring your heart closer to God.The Nature of God contains 50 Christian devotions, focusing on God's true love and acceptance of us. The devotions portray God's kindness, sweetness, grace, mercy and forgiveness.These devotions break down the notion that God judges us, and has strict requirements for how we should think, feel and behave. Mona's stance is that God loves us like a parent loves their child, with the same intimacy and compassion that a loving parent would have. Immerse yourself in heart-warming declarations of God's love, and remind yourself of the true nature of God.
- GenresDevotionalChristian
72 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2011
28 people are currently reading
495 people want to read
About the author
Mona Hanna
15 books380 followersMona Hanna is an author of fantasy/romance books and Christian non-fiction. She is the author of the Prentor and High Witch fantasy series. Her fantasy books do not contain Christian themes—she leaves that for the devotional writing. Mona enjoys reading, movies, chocolate, and adores cats.
https://monahanna.com
https://monahannadevotions.com
https://monahanna.com
https://monahannadevotions.com
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 7, 2012
Please visit my blog for my review of this Devotional Book:
http://thejoyofthewrittenword.com/201...
As usual, comments are welcome!
Enjoy!
Patricia
http://thejoyofthewrittenword.com/201...
As usual, comments are welcome!
Enjoy!
Patricia
August 6, 2013
This daily devotional guide is all about God's love. Some of the topics include a letter to God, a reminder that we are not alone,faith and that God is on our side. This is the perfect length to allow you to spend a few moments with God.
August 20, 2013
A handy book that can be opened anywhere and God will be with you! The author has a very deep faith to share with her reader and her relationship with God. The best line for me - "we just need to be".
March 27, 2012
Very inspiring into God's promises to us! A great read!!!!
October 7, 2011
I have to be honest with this review. I am struggling with the number of stars to assign. I first wanted to give 2 stars, but to be fair, I settled on 3 because of the quality of writing and the merits of what is contained in this book, but honestly, 3 is a stretch for me. I had some issues with this book, which I'll attempt to explain, and give more details on why I didn't give a higher rating below.
One thing which concerned me, was that there is very little scripture contained in this book. Most devotionals I've read, will list a scripture for every page. In my honest opinion, I think there's very little scripture in it, because there's not many to back up some of the statements/opinions the author makes here. There seem to be several half-truths in this devotional also; 'gray' areas if you will.
To be fair and give the author some credit, "The Nature of God: 50 Christian Devotions about God's Love and Acceptance", is a very sweet undertaking, with daily devotions which are short enough that they can be conveniently read in a few minutes. The author, Mona Hanna gives the view of a loving, patient God who waits for us with open arms.
For someone who is depressed, discouraged or needs to be uplifted, this would be a good book, but only temporarily. Why do I say that? Let me try to explain.
This is taken from the back cover of the book, the 2nd paragraph:
"These devotions break down the notion that God judges us, and has strict requirements for how we should think, feel and behave. Mona’s stance is that God loves us like a parent loves their child, with the same intimacy and compassion that a loving parent would have. Immerse yourself in heart-warming declarations of God’s love, and remind yourself of the true nature of God."
This book seemed awfully one-sided and out of balance to me, and biblically my heart grieved in parts. Yes! I believe God treats His children as a loving parent does. However, even the most loving parent sets boundaries, disciplines their child, judges their child's actions, and works towards teaching their child personal responsibility.
(I had a hard time seeing any of that displayed in this devotional; if anything, I saw the complete opposite).
I don't believe this is intentional on Ms. Hanna's part; I believe her 'spiritual menu' written here to be off though. For example, if a loving parent continually feeds their child a diet of food that consists of only the food the child loves, such as cookies, candy, ice cream, cake, etc., the child will grow to have only a singular view of what a proper diet is. This is where my concern lies.
Allow me to share a sampling of excerpts from the book in the author's own words to give you a taste. (It's possible I misunderstood, however I went through this book twice trying to be fair). The brackets are my comments.
Excerpts:
pg 6: "He (God) isn't trying to teach me certain lessons because I should go through them, and he's demanding them. He just wants me to be happy."
[Jesus taught us. He taught us lessons through parables. A loving parent teaches their child certain lessons.]
pg 56: "...We truly need to do very little in our relationship with God. We need to stay with him, and try; but Jesus does almost everything.... It's not entirely up to us to heal our relationship with God. Jesus will do that.
...Jesus doesn't hold us accountable, the way we hold ourselves accountable. His love is pure, and real, and strong. He doesn't blame us..."
[God, nor Jesus, can condone or ignore sin. Yes, we are still accepted and loved by God when we sin, but there must be repentance by us. We must be accountable for our sins, in order to confess them to God.]
pg 60; 61: "As Christians, we're often told we need to be separate from everyone else....
...We don't need to be separate from the world. We just need to be."
[The bible tells us to be separate from the world. 2 Corinthians 6:17].
pg 62; 63: "God told me it wasn't my fault - my guilt, my isolation, the other ways I turned out. He said I've done what I could with what I had...
[The phrases, "its not my fault. I've done what I could with what I had", is repeated at least 3 more times in the last devotional].
"...God looks at me and says: however I'm coping, however I'm feeling, however I'm doing, it's okay. ...Right now I'm doing what I can.... I'm doing what I can, because however I'm doing is okay. I'm okay, no matter how I'm doing, because I'm okay as I am....
...We're doing what we can. God doesn't ask any more of us. He loves us, as we are..."
Let me reiterate; I don't think Ms. Hanna intentionally meant to write blended truths (or the 'gray' areas); I believe she has been so touched, blessed, excited and overjoyed with her revelation of God's love and comfort that she wants to share it with all. However, in our excitement sometimes, we can add our own flesh and thoughts to God's word instead of letting the bible speak for itself.
However, I can't in good conscience recommend this book, unless it's to more spiritually mature Christians who have studied the bible and are grounded in their faith. To be honest, these are "whipped topping" devotions; no substance or "meat". I don't mean to speak for all Christians, however, I don't think more learned/mature Christians will find much here.
* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Goodreads. (Thank you Mona Hanna for the opportunity to read this book). 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.” *
One thing which concerned me, was that there is very little scripture contained in this book. Most devotionals I've read, will list a scripture for every page. In my honest opinion, I think there's very little scripture in it, because there's not many to back up some of the statements/opinions the author makes here. There seem to be several half-truths in this devotional also; 'gray' areas if you will.
To be fair and give the author some credit, "The Nature of God: 50 Christian Devotions about God's Love and Acceptance", is a very sweet undertaking, with daily devotions which are short enough that they can be conveniently read in a few minutes. The author, Mona Hanna gives the view of a loving, patient God who waits for us with open arms.
For someone who is depressed, discouraged or needs to be uplifted, this would be a good book, but only temporarily. Why do I say that? Let me try to explain.
This is taken from the back cover of the book, the 2nd paragraph:
"These devotions break down the notion that God judges us, and has strict requirements for how we should think, feel and behave. Mona’s stance is that God loves us like a parent loves their child, with the same intimacy and compassion that a loving parent would have. Immerse yourself in heart-warming declarations of God’s love, and remind yourself of the true nature of God."
This book seemed awfully one-sided and out of balance to me, and biblically my heart grieved in parts. Yes! I believe God treats His children as a loving parent does. However, even the most loving parent sets boundaries, disciplines their child, judges their child's actions, and works towards teaching their child personal responsibility.
(I had a hard time seeing any of that displayed in this devotional; if anything, I saw the complete opposite).
I don't believe this is intentional on Ms. Hanna's part; I believe her 'spiritual menu' written here to be off though. For example, if a loving parent continually feeds their child a diet of food that consists of only the food the child loves, such as cookies, candy, ice cream, cake, etc., the child will grow to have only a singular view of what a proper diet is. This is where my concern lies.
Allow me to share a sampling of excerpts from the book in the author's own words to give you a taste. (It's possible I misunderstood, however I went through this book twice trying to be fair). The brackets are my comments.
Excerpts:
pg 6: "He (God) isn't trying to teach me certain lessons because I should go through them, and he's demanding them. He just wants me to be happy."
[Jesus taught us. He taught us lessons through parables. A loving parent teaches their child certain lessons.]
pg 56: "...We truly need to do very little in our relationship with God. We need to stay with him, and try; but Jesus does almost everything.... It's not entirely up to us to heal our relationship with God. Jesus will do that.
...Jesus doesn't hold us accountable, the way we hold ourselves accountable. His love is pure, and real, and strong. He doesn't blame us..."
[God, nor Jesus, can condone or ignore sin. Yes, we are still accepted and loved by God when we sin, but there must be repentance by us. We must be accountable for our sins, in order to confess them to God.]
pg 60; 61: "As Christians, we're often told we need to be separate from everyone else....
...We don't need to be separate from the world. We just need to be."
[The bible tells us to be separate from the world. 2 Corinthians 6:17].
pg 62; 63: "God told me it wasn't my fault - my guilt, my isolation, the other ways I turned out. He said I've done what I could with what I had...
[The phrases, "its not my fault. I've done what I could with what I had", is repeated at least 3 more times in the last devotional].
"...God looks at me and says: however I'm coping, however I'm feeling, however I'm doing, it's okay. ...Right now I'm doing what I can.... I'm doing what I can, because however I'm doing is okay. I'm okay, no matter how I'm doing, because I'm okay as I am....
...We're doing what we can. God doesn't ask any more of us. He loves us, as we are..."
Let me reiterate; I don't think Ms. Hanna intentionally meant to write blended truths (or the 'gray' areas); I believe she has been so touched, blessed, excited and overjoyed with her revelation of God's love and comfort that she wants to share it with all. However, in our excitement sometimes, we can add our own flesh and thoughts to God's word instead of letting the bible speak for itself.
However, I can't in good conscience recommend this book, unless it's to more spiritually mature Christians who have studied the bible and are grounded in their faith. To be honest, these are "whipped topping" devotions; no substance or "meat". I don't mean to speak for all Christians, however, I don't think more learned/mature Christians will find much here.
* Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free through Goodreads. (Thank you Mona Hanna for the opportunity to read this book). 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.” *
November 16, 2011
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:35-39.
In her book, The Nature of God, author Mona Hanna explores the limitless depths of God's love and acceptance. She details the nature of God by describing His mercy, forgiveness, patience and grace. Each of the fifty short devotions delves into a deeper understanding of the attributes of God. We are reminded that even when we feel unlovable, God is there. His love in unending. His mercies are new every morning. His faithfulness is without end.
The book is well-written, and the structure allows for the reader to begin each day with one of the short devotions. What better way to start each day than with a reminder of God's love!
Doctrinally, the book had a few areas that troubled me. There were a couple of topics on which the line between truth and error was blurred. For example, many times God's acceptance is described in such a way that it seems God accepts our sins as well as ourselves. I Peter 1:16 says, "Be ye holy; for I am holy." It does not say, "Do the best you can, and that will be good enough for God." Yes, God accepts us as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way. He longs for us to grow in Him. He will forgive our sins, but He will not accept them or excuse them.
Another area that brought me grief was how the author made the relationship between God and the Christian seem like a one-sided arrangement. From what I read, I inferred that Christians can live their lives as they see fit, and as long as their happy, God is happy. They are not required to be separate from the world and do "Christian" things. I disagree. I Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." The word "Christian" means "Christ-like". Everything a Christian does should be Christ-like and for the glory of God. Yes, God wants us to be happy, but He also wants us to follow His plan for our lives.
Whether or not these blurred lines were intentional, I do not know. I may have totally misunderstood what the author was trying to say, but if that is the case, there needs to be more clarity. For stronger Christians who have studied the Bible and are firmly grounded in their faith, this book might be a beneficial addition to their libraries. For weaker Christians, I fear there are too many gray areas for me to recommend it.
In her book, The Nature of God, author Mona Hanna explores the limitless depths of God's love and acceptance. She details the nature of God by describing His mercy, forgiveness, patience and grace. Each of the fifty short devotions delves into a deeper understanding of the attributes of God. We are reminded that even when we feel unlovable, God is there. His love in unending. His mercies are new every morning. His faithfulness is without end.
The book is well-written, and the structure allows for the reader to begin each day with one of the short devotions. What better way to start each day than with a reminder of God's love!
Doctrinally, the book had a few areas that troubled me. There were a couple of topics on which the line between truth and error was blurred. For example, many times God's acceptance is described in such a way that it seems God accepts our sins as well as ourselves. I Peter 1:16 says, "Be ye holy; for I am holy." It does not say, "Do the best you can, and that will be good enough for God." Yes, God accepts us as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us that way. He longs for us to grow in Him. He will forgive our sins, but He will not accept them or excuse them.
Another area that brought me grief was how the author made the relationship between God and the Christian seem like a one-sided arrangement. From what I read, I inferred that Christians can live their lives as they see fit, and as long as their happy, God is happy. They are not required to be separate from the world and do "Christian" things. I disagree. I Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." The word "Christian" means "Christ-like". Everything a Christian does should be Christ-like and for the glory of God. Yes, God wants us to be happy, but He also wants us to follow His plan for our lives.
Whether or not these blurred lines were intentional, I do not know. I may have totally misunderstood what the author was trying to say, but if that is the case, there needs to be more clarity. For stronger Christians who have studied the Bible and are firmly grounded in their faith, this book might be a beneficial addition to their libraries. For weaker Christians, I fear there are too many gray areas for me to recommend it.
April 30, 2013
First I want to say thank you to the Author for the copy and Goodreads for making it happen. I was surprised that I won this copy because my yahoo account is not working anymore so I didn't know anything about it, but then, a mail man came today and gave me this. I don't know if this is God's way of saying, 'Everything will be alright, I'm always here for you, I love you', but Thank God for the book. My favorite part of this book is 'God is my strength', it hit close to home for me. This is the kind of book you want to pick up and read when you're feeling lonely, alone, depressed and feelings like you won't make it tomorrow. This book gives you hope and strength to go on with your life and reminds you that there's God who will always be there for you and loves you no matter what.
October 14, 2014
Good book with some reservations
This book has some good points. There are points that I personally don't agree with, but overall it's a good read.
This book has some good points. There are points that I personally don't agree with, but overall it's a good read.
August 13, 2018
Misleading
I purchased this little book with the expectation that it would help me to understand more of the nature of God. But instead I got what the author is calling a devotional.
It felt more to me like short paragraphs on how the author seesGod, nothing deep just shallow swimming in a lake.
I purchased this little book with the expectation that it would help me to understand more of the nature of God. But instead I got what the author is calling a devotional.
It felt more to me like short paragraphs on how the author seesGod, nothing deep just shallow swimming in a lake.
August 23, 2016
this book helped me get to know and relate to God on a personal, simple level.
December 3, 2016
I would have liked this book more if the author had included scripture instead of just writing their thoughts. To me, a devotional has to include scripture in order to be a good one.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews