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Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation
Devotionals are designed to bring the reader into a more intimate relationship with God. Dianne Neal Matthews knows no better way for believers to know God more intimately than to immerse themselves in his Word. To that end, her new daily devotional combines fascinating historical background information about the Bible with practical application that readers can implement in their lives each day. She guides readers on a journey through the Bible from beginning to end, highlighting major events, characters, and stories, as well as difficult issues and topics (such as the concept of theophany, God's instructions to the Israelites to show no mercy as they entered the Promised Land, and what seems at first glance to be discrepancies between the Gospels).
Readers new to Bible study or those who long to learn more will appreciate the background information Matthews provides, as well as the way she shows how the Scriptures fit together to form a cohesive work. This is the perfect devotional for anyone who desires to go deeper into the Scriptures as they deepen their relationship with God.
Readers new to Bible study or those who long to learn more will appreciate the background information Matthews provides, as well as the way she shows how the Scriptures fit together to form a cohesive work. This is the perfect devotional for anyone who desires to go deeper into the Scriptures as they deepen their relationship with God.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2012
69 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Dianne Neal Matthews
11 books20 followersDianne Neal Matthews started daydreaming about being a writer in first grade, when she learned the joys a chunky pencil and lined tablet can bring. In her mid-forties, she finally attended a writers’ conference (Write-to-Publish, Chicago area). When the Warner Press editor read Dianne’s short piece about a spiritual lesson from her cat, she said, “I think you may be a natural devotional writer.” That meeting led Dianne to begin writing devotionals for the backs of church bulletins.
Two years later, at that same conference, Dianne received the 2001 Best New Writer of the Year award for an article published in Focus on the Family magazine. Five years later, her first book earned her the Writer of the Year award. The One Year On This Day (Tyndale House) is based on holiday origins, historical events, and pop culture trivia. It has since been updated and is available as On This Day: 365 Meditations on Holidays & Historical Events.
Since then, Dianne has published three other devotional books: The One Year Women of the Bible (Tyndale), Drawing Closer to God: 365 Daily Meditations on Questions in the Bible, and Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation (both by Baker Books). Designed for Devotion won a 2013 Selah Award. Dianne also collaborated with Ron L. Deal to write Daily Encouragement for the Smart Stepfamily (Bethany House).
Dianne has been a contributing writer for Guideposts’ Mornings with Jesus since the 2013 edition. Other compilations include Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace; Christmas Classics: True Stories of Holiday Cheer & Goodwill; More Christmas Moments; Writing So Heaven Will Be Different; and the newly released Arise to Peace: Daily Devotional. She is also a regular contributor for The Quiet Hour quarterly magazine (David C. Cook).
Her articles and devotions have appeared in LIVE, The Christian Communicator, Focus on the Family periodicals, and Guideposts magazine. Dianne frequently writes guest posts for bloggers and content for websites including More to Life and CBN.com. She has also written Bible studies, newspaper features, and she even sold a poem once.
Please visit her at www.DianneNealMatthews.com or connect through her Facebook Author Page (https://www.facebook.com/DianneNealMa...).
Two years later, at that same conference, Dianne received the 2001 Best New Writer of the Year award for an article published in Focus on the Family magazine. Five years later, her first book earned her the Writer of the Year award. The One Year On This Day (Tyndale House) is based on holiday origins, historical events, and pop culture trivia. It has since been updated and is available as On This Day: 365 Meditations on Holidays & Historical Events.
Since then, Dianne has published three other devotional books: The One Year Women of the Bible (Tyndale), Drawing Closer to God: 365 Daily Meditations on Questions in the Bible, and Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation (both by Baker Books). Designed for Devotion won a 2013 Selah Award. Dianne also collaborated with Ron L. Deal to write Daily Encouragement for the Smart Stepfamily (Bethany House).
Dianne has been a contributing writer for Guideposts’ Mornings with Jesus since the 2013 edition. Other compilations include Pearl Girls: Encountering Grit, Experiencing Grace; Christmas Classics: True Stories of Holiday Cheer & Goodwill; More Christmas Moments; Writing So Heaven Will Be Different; and the newly released Arise to Peace: Daily Devotional. She is also a regular contributor for The Quiet Hour quarterly magazine (David C. Cook).
Her articles and devotions have appeared in LIVE, The Christian Communicator, Focus on the Family periodicals, and Guideposts magazine. Dianne frequently writes guest posts for bloggers and content for websites including More to Life and CBN.com. She has also written Bible studies, newspaper features, and she even sold a poem once.
Please visit her at www.DianneNealMatthews.com or connect through her Facebook Author Page (https://www.facebook.com/DianneNealMa...).
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 2, 2013
The title has a 3 fold meaning:
1. We are designed to be devoted to God
2. God designed his word to help us have a personal relationship with Him
3. The book will help increase our devotion to God and his word
Each book of the Bible is included in this study and with each we are shown some details from the book
-purpose
-author
-historical background
-highlight of characters
-passages that portray Jesus
This study goes along wonderfully with my reading the Bible in a year study. It reinforces what I am already reading and gives a little more commentary to go along with the Bible passages.
If you are using this devotional solely I do suggest you first read the Bible passages noted right under the title, each day.
This will give you the daily word that Ms. Matthews is drawing from, so don't skip it! Each day is just a single page, easily read in 5 or 10 minutes. Reading the scripture references along with it will add another 10-15 minutes. 20 -25 minutes a day and you are well on your way to a devoted study of the word.
We are designed to be devoted to God. Reading his beautiful words ot us is so necessary in our walk. This devotional is a great asset to growing your walk and journey.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
1. We are designed to be devoted to God
2. God designed his word to help us have a personal relationship with Him
3. The book will help increase our devotion to God and his word
Each book of the Bible is included in this study and with each we are shown some details from the book
-purpose
-author
-historical background
-highlight of characters
-passages that portray Jesus
This study goes along wonderfully with my reading the Bible in a year study. It reinforces what I am already reading and gives a little more commentary to go along with the Bible passages.
If you are using this devotional solely I do suggest you first read the Bible passages noted right under the title, each day.
This will give you the daily word that Ms. Matthews is drawing from, so don't skip it! Each day is just a single page, easily read in 5 or 10 minutes. Reading the scripture references along with it will add another 10-15 minutes. 20 -25 minutes a day and you are well on your way to a devoted study of the word.
We are designed to be devoted to God. Reading his beautiful words ot us is so necessary in our walk. This devotional is a great asset to growing your walk and journey.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 27, 2016
Meaningful,short devotionals take you from gen to rev
If you're wanting to read the Bible through in a year, this devotional is a great way to find an application for the segments you are reading. The author uses real life applications to challenge the reader's actions and beliefs.
If you're wanting to read the Bible through in a year, this devotional is a great way to find an application for the segments you are reading. The author uses real life applications to challenge the reader's actions and beliefs.
May 10, 2017
The best devotional book I've ever read. I love that the daily scripture readings are longer passages instead of just one verse. I also enjoyed the practical applications of each devotion. Matthews certainly knows how to write as a servant of God.
February 22, 2013
I loved the idea of this book from the moment I saw it. That's because I love anything that can help me understand the Bible as a whole, as God's story throughout history. This author took on that daunting task and made it appealing at one-page-per-day.
Most of the daily entries (though not all) have from one Bible verse to several chapters that can be read as background to the daily reading if you want to (but reading those chapters is not required). However these readings would not work as a read-through-the-whole-Bible-in-a-year program because not every chapter and verse is covered. Just so you know, this book follows the normal order of books in the Bible and does not move through the material chronologically as it occurred in history.
I'm enjoying the catchy titles of EVERY page/devotion. That's kind of amazing in itself. Some pages, though not all, have a related Bible verse at the bottom, which is nice--especially the New Testament verses on the pages of the Old Testament story because they show how it all goes together. For several books of the Bible, though not all, there is a "Jesus in [the book of the Bible]" which is great information also as it shows how Old Testament books are relevant to today.
If I had a criticism it would be that I don't particularly care for the title of the book because it doesn't really communicate what the book is--which is what a title should do. In my opinion they should have started with the subtitle which describes the book clearly: "A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation." Yep, that's what it is. They should've stuck with that. It's kind of unclear to me what "Designed for Devotion" even means or how it relates to the book. I hope potential readers who see the title don't miss out on a great book because the title doesn't grab them.
Though I realize it's not the purpose of this book, I think it makes a great resource. I've already used it to look up the author's concise summary on certain passages, such as Daniel's vision of 70 weeks.
Overall I think this is a great book for the Thinkers among us--which is the type of book I crave. I'd recommend it for those new to the Bible who want to get a handle on what the whole Bible is about in digestible bites. I'd also recommend it for those who have studied the Bible for years as their daily dose of manna. I can see how it could be used to mentor younger Christians in a once-a-week group study, too.
I reserve 5-star ratings for books I'm truly excited about and I don't give them out all the time. I know I'm going to enjoy my copy not only this year but beyond. I received a free no-obligation copy of this book to review.
Most of the daily entries (though not all) have from one Bible verse to several chapters that can be read as background to the daily reading if you want to (but reading those chapters is not required). However these readings would not work as a read-through-the-whole-Bible-in-a-year program because not every chapter and verse is covered. Just so you know, this book follows the normal order of books in the Bible and does not move through the material chronologically as it occurred in history.
I'm enjoying the catchy titles of EVERY page/devotion. That's kind of amazing in itself. Some pages, though not all, have a related Bible verse at the bottom, which is nice--especially the New Testament verses on the pages of the Old Testament story because they show how it all goes together. For several books of the Bible, though not all, there is a "Jesus in [the book of the Bible]" which is great information also as it shows how Old Testament books are relevant to today.
If I had a criticism it would be that I don't particularly care for the title of the book because it doesn't really communicate what the book is--which is what a title should do. In my opinion they should have started with the subtitle which describes the book clearly: "A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation." Yep, that's what it is. They should've stuck with that. It's kind of unclear to me what "Designed for Devotion" even means or how it relates to the book. I hope potential readers who see the title don't miss out on a great book because the title doesn't grab them.
Though I realize it's not the purpose of this book, I think it makes a great resource. I've already used it to look up the author's concise summary on certain passages, such as Daniel's vision of 70 weeks.
Overall I think this is a great book for the Thinkers among us--which is the type of book I crave. I'd recommend it for those new to the Bible who want to get a handle on what the whole Bible is about in digestible bites. I'd also recommend it for those who have studied the Bible for years as their daily dose of manna. I can see how it could be used to mentor younger Christians in a once-a-week group study, too.
I reserve 5-star ratings for books I'm truly excited about and I don't give them out all the time. I know I'm going to enjoy my copy not only this year but beyond. I received a free no-obligation copy of this book to review.
August 25, 2013
Biblical study is a lifelong apprenticeship for the dedicated Christian. Although no book can replace studying the Bible itself, Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation offers a companion-of-sorts to the reader who desires to increase his or her knowledge of the Bible and dedication to God. In Designed for Devotion, Bible teacher Dianne Neal Matthews comprehensively explains the main stories, people and teachings of the Bible. Additionally, she provides relevant historical background, Old and New Testament Scripture correlations and practical applications for the reader to implement.
I used Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation by Dianne Neal Matthews as a supplement to my regular Bible reading. I think new believers will find the book especially helpful as it hits all the major Biblical events, people and lessons. I liked that Bible references were given along with each devotion. There were a few stories that I was not familiar with and it was good to be able to go to the Scripture and see exactly what it said. Believers with more knowledge of the Bible can also benefit from reading Designed for Devotion. Like most devotional books, to receive the greatest benefit and impact, the lessons must be read slowly and seriously. Each entry is less than a page long, so there were times it was almost too easy to breeze though. However, serious, thoughtful reflection on these lessons and the corresponding Scriptures will certainly lead any believer to new discoveries and lessons.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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."
I used Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation by Dianne Neal Matthews as a supplement to my regular Bible reading. I think new believers will find the book especially helpful as it hits all the major Biblical events, people and lessons. I liked that Bible references were given along with each devotion. There were a few stories that I was not familiar with and it was good to be able to go to the Scripture and see exactly what it said. Believers with more knowledge of the Bible can also benefit from reading Designed for Devotion. Like most devotional books, to receive the greatest benefit and impact, the lessons must be read slowly and seriously. Each entry is less than a page long, so there were times it was almost too easy to breeze though. However, serious, thoughtful reflection on these lessons and the corresponding Scriptures will certainly lead any believer to new discoveries and lessons.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. 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 2, 2012
Title: DESIGNED FOR DEVOTION
Author: Dianne Neal Matthews
Publisher: Baker Books
September 2012
ISBN: 978-0801072734
Genre: Devotional
DESIGNED FOR DEVOTION is a 365-day journey from Genesis to Revelation. Since there is no better way to know God more intimately other than to immerse yourself totally in His Word, DESIGNED FOR DEVOTION is designed to do just that. It combines fascinating historical background information about the Bible with practical application you can implement in your life each day. This devotional will take you through the Bible from beginning to end.
Key stories, characters, and basic teachings are highlighted. Old Testament passages that reveal Jesus as the Messiah are explored. There are historical information about each book of the Bible, including author, theme, and purpose. The Old and New Testaments are tied together to show the Bible as a single story. There is an application that will apply each day’s lesson to your own spiritual journey.
I love getting devotionals to review, and DESIGNED FOR DEVOTION is a good one. It begins with a portion of scripture for you to read from the translation or version of your choice, then it talks about the story and flows seamlessly into the application. Then it closes with another verse for you.
DESIGNED FOR DEVOTION is an excellent devotional book for yourself or for a friend. This would be a great gift for someone during the upcoming holiday season too. If you are looking for a new devotional then consider DESIGNED FOR DEVOTION. I enjoyed using it with my children when we had our family devotions. Recommended. $16.99. 384 pages.
Author: Dianne Neal Matthews
Publisher: Baker Books
September 2012
ISBN: 978-0801072734
Genre: Devotional
DESIGNED FOR DEVOTION is a 365-day journey from Genesis to Revelation. Since there is no better way to know God more intimately other than to immerse yourself totally in His Word, DESIGNED FOR DEVOTION is designed to do just that. It combines fascinating historical background information about the Bible with practical application you can implement in your life each day. This devotional will take you through the Bible from beginning to end.
Key stories, characters, and basic teachings are highlighted. Old Testament passages that reveal Jesus as the Messiah are explored. There are historical information about each book of the Bible, including author, theme, and purpose. The Old and New Testaments are tied together to show the Bible as a single story. There is an application that will apply each day’s lesson to your own spiritual journey.
I love getting devotionals to review, and DESIGNED FOR DEVOTION is a good one. It begins with a portion of scripture for you to read from the translation or version of your choice, then it talks about the story and flows seamlessly into the application. Then it closes with another verse for you.
DESIGNED FOR DEVOTION is an excellent devotional book for yourself or for a friend. This would be a great gift for someone during the upcoming holiday season too. If you are looking for a new devotional then consider DESIGNED FOR DEVOTION. I enjoyed using it with my children when we had our family devotions. Recommended. $16.99. 384 pages.
December 31, 2012
A unique devotional that takes you from Genesis to Revelation, "Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation" by Dianne Neal Matthews, takes the reader through the books of the Bible in 365, with snippets of passages, taken from each book.
This is a great way to get an inside look at each book of the bible, particularly if you haven't read all the books of the bible, while at the same time, spending each day, uplifted and encouraged by God's word.
Not confined to any particularly year, but rather a perpetual calendar,"Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation" ties together not only the Old Testament and the New Testament and shows how the background and history of the Old Testament explains the basis for the New Testament but readers are given biblical history, daily life encouragement and even background information about each book of the bible, making this a great way to begin to understand and appreciate the Bible as a whole and not just key verses, or passages.
For those who may not want a hardcover or soft print, "Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation" is also available on the Kindle and Nook and for myself, this is something that I can find myself adding either at night or in the morning to my regular bible study/reading time.
There is a brief introduction to the devotional and from there, "Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation" heads right into the devotionals with a clean cut approach that makes, "Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation" an absolute must have, for anyone's personal devotional time.
This is a great way to get an inside look at each book of the bible, particularly if you haven't read all the books of the bible, while at the same time, spending each day, uplifted and encouraged by God's word.
Not confined to any particularly year, but rather a perpetual calendar,"Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation" ties together not only the Old Testament and the New Testament and shows how the background and history of the Old Testament explains the basis for the New Testament but readers are given biblical history, daily life encouragement and even background information about each book of the bible, making this a great way to begin to understand and appreciate the Bible as a whole and not just key verses, or passages.
For those who may not want a hardcover or soft print, "Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation" is also available on the Kindle and Nook and for myself, this is something that I can find myself adding either at night or in the morning to my regular bible study/reading time.
There is a brief introduction to the devotional and from there, "Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation" heads right into the devotionals with a clean cut approach that makes, "Designed for Devotion: A 365-Day Journey from Genesis to Revelation" an absolute must have, for anyone's personal devotional time.
February 26, 2014
I really like this devotional compared to my other ones that I have or have read. I like it because it starts with Genesis and goes through the Bible all the way to Revelation. You read one page a day so anyone can read it. It only takes a few mins. to read each day and its great for someone that is new to the Bible or that has been reading for years! I have added this devotional to my daily Bible study and I plan on using it for many years to come.
This would make a great gift for anyone from someone that doesn't like to read, to not being able to understand the Bible, don't have a lot of time, or wants a closer walk with God. To me it will work for anyone and everyone that reads the Bible.
I recommend this Devotional for everyone and this is one that I would give to others in a heart beat.
This would make a great gift for anyone from someone that doesn't like to read, to not being able to understand the Bible, don't have a lot of time, or wants a closer walk with God. To me it will work for anyone and everyone that reads the Bible.
I recommend this Devotional for everyone and this is one that I would give to others in a heart beat.
September 12, 2015
This is such a wonderful daily devotional that our family read aloud this year. I like that it took us through the Bible - from Genesis to Revelation - using scripture verses and a passage that expanded on/discussed the text. I especially like that each day was focused on the Word - the author didn't include personal snippets about herself, but wrote about the relationship between God his people, past, present and future. Finally, I was very impressed about how she often focused on how God's word pointed to Jesus in the Old Testament readings.
February 9, 2013
Designed for Devotion, Dianne Neal Matthews
I loved this book. This is a not only wonderful devotional but a great addition to a Bible study. Dianne Neal Matthews takes us on a journey from Genesis to Revelations. She shows a little history of the scripture. The best part is the way we are showed ways to apply it to your life. It helps to bring you to a place of greater understanding. If you are searching for a closer walk with the Lord this is a great tool.
I loved this book. This is a not only wonderful devotional but a great addition to a Bible study. Dianne Neal Matthews takes us on a journey from Genesis to Revelations. She shows a little history of the scripture. The best part is the way we are showed ways to apply it to your life. It helps to bring you to a place of greater understanding. If you are searching for a closer walk with the Lord this is a great tool.
May 1, 2015
I started this devotion on January 1st, and I haven't missed a day yet. It's so informative, filling in the blanks and showing me areas of the Bible and stories that I never really realized. It makes me want to read more in-depth many of the stories I read about and learned as a child. I would recommend it to seasoned Christ followers as well as those who have just recently found a relationship with God. It's a great tool for learning more about the Bible and the God we serve.
January 4, 2014
Really enjoyed this daily devotional which took me through the Bible in a year. Each day would start with a synopsis of the chapters, some background about them and finally an application for everyday living. This was a freebie for my Kindle and I'm so glad I took advantage of the great price and great book.
January 10, 2014
A wonderful devotional that is thought provoking, comforting, and easy to use. It challenged me to think about people and events in the Bible in ways I had not before. I was able to take my daily life events and prepare for them through Bible verses and prayer.
I believe it is a book that can be used year after year.
I believe it is a book that can be used year after year.
August 12, 2016
I started this devotion on January 1, 2013 and finished this morning December 31, 2013. What a journey it has been. I loved this devotional book and I loved how the author was spot on with God's word. It has been a joy to walk through each day of this book. I highly recommend anyone looking for a new devotional book to pick up this one and start your own journey.
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December 31, 2014Really enjoyed this devotional I did for 2014, might need to repeat it one year. Very enjoyable and informative for a short daily devotional to supplement my 365 Bible reading plan. On to a new one for 2015!
December 31, 2015
Another great yearly devotional from Dianne Neal Matthews. This daily devotional walks you through the entire bible in short daily summaries designed to enrich your understanding of God's Word. I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend this devotional!
December 31, 2013
This is an excellent devotional. It greatly enriched my reading of the Bible and encouraged my walk with the Lord.
April 3, 2013
Reading each day's dedicated devotion.
September 16, 2015
It provided a good synopsis of the Bible. Encouraging a reading daily of the Bible.
January 19, 2016
A great devotion. A great read!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews