Looking Up!: Finding Joy as You Read and Pray through the Bible

by Janet Holm McHenry

Get into God’s Word each day and grow your faith with joy, boldness, and thanksgiving! These 365 daily devotions share insights from Janet Holm McHenry’s 20-plus years of reading through the entire Bible every year. From Genesis to Revelation, she guides you through God’s promises with a yearly Bible-reading plan, focus verses, inviting personal stories, and Scripture-based prayers.

Genres: Devotional

384 pages, Paperback

Published November 5, 2024

Reviews

[Julie Sunne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking Up! a 365-day devotional by Janet Holm McHenry makes a wonderful companion to reading through the Bible in a year. Each devotion is based on a book of the Bible in order from Genesis to Revelation, with a suggested passage for that day’s reading and a specific verse highlighted. McHenry offers engaging personal anecdotes, insightful thoughts, and powerful first-person prayers with every devotion. I especially appreciate the “Keep Looking Up” reminders at the end of each day's reading. Let Janet McHenry and Looking Up! help you find joy in your Bible reading.

[Sue Kuenzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book of 365 daily devotions. Janet McHenry is a writer with spiritual depth. She has done a beautiful job of writing this devotional book. I was delighted to see the way this book is organized. Janet has read through the Bible every year for many years with other women, and this book will guide us to read the whole Bible over the course of a year. I love how each day covers several chapters, starting in Genesis, and by the end of the year, we'll be reading the last devotional covering the end of the book of Revelation.

Each daily devotion will highlight a key verse from the chapters we are encouraged to read that day. Then Janet has shared practical examples and inspirational words that highlight truths from those chapters. I call this "mining for gold." God's Word has so much richness and depth, and this book will help us to go deep in His Word. I am excited to get into the Word with this resource, and Janet's capable spiritual companionship through the pages of this book. I love the prayers and the theme of Looking Up! Janet is a woman of prayer, and the subtitle--Finding Joy as You Read and Pray Through the Bible is something I've seen Janet do herself, year after year, with the women she gets into the Word with. So, it's kind of like traveling with a seasoned guide who knows the landscape and where to find gold. Her words remind us of the treasures found in spending time in the Bible. This would be a wonderful gift also, or a fun book to go through together with a few friends.

I'm already encouraged by this book, and I know that it will indeed allow me to find joy in the pages of God's Word. Janet has written many powerful books on the topic of prayer, so I anticipate my prayer life deepening as I study through this book as well.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janet’s heart that we would literally look up to God in trust, love and confident peace drives this 365-day read-through-the-Bible devotional.

Each day focuses on a positive aspect of God’s relationship to us through titles like “Friends Are God’s Blessings,” “Jesus Teaches on Prayer,” “God Provides Armor,” “God Persists.” We are then told a few chapters in the Bible to read, following a sequential reading pattern beginning with Genesis 1.

Janet zooms in, citing one of the verses in that day’s reading that inspires the day’s title. I love how her devotion rolls forward with that focus, sharing an intimate experience from her own life and how God proved that aspect of His character to her. Being a prayer warrior herself, she also cites the power of prayer and praying Scripture in different situations. I feel like I’m not only getting to know Janet personally, but I can see that what Scripture declares about God is true in the here and now.

This is a thoughtfully written devotional, designed to walk the reader through the Bible in a year, pausing to linger each day over truths about God and his relationship to us.

I recommend Looking Up! to any who are ready to read through the Bible in a year, whether it is their first time or their fiftieth time. And if you miss a day? Just pick up on the next day and move forward! When the year is up, you will be rich in understanding God’s heart toward us and equipped with various tools of spiritual development, suggested by Janet throughout the year.

[Psusan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Janet Holm McHenry is a new-to-me author. Having read the front page and comments from others, she is very well known in the Christian world, encouraging people for many years, especially women to read through the Bible every year. Looking Up! Finding Joy as You Read and Pray through the Bible is her newest book focusing on joy. It was that word that cause me to pick up this book. Joy has been my word of the year.

This devotional is a joy to read. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the author’s words were short and to the point while the focus of your time was to be spent reading the Bible. I haven’t had the book long enough to say that I have read through the Bible, but I have read through this devotional. I can say that I was impressed, moved and given much to ponder as I then read the Scriptures. Many of the chosen focus verses were ones used in sermons I have heard over the years but her ideas, and thoughts on them were fresh and original. All relevant to the times in which we live. A short prayer is also given to start you off, but it is the Keep Looking Up! Statement that often I found myself thinking about over and over, moving me to action. An example such as, “Sharing your testimony of God’s goodness, usually works better than sharing advice.” was powerful but simple. I recommend this book to all who read God’s Word, it will encourage you to do so all 365 days, and hopefully you read completely through in a year.

[Tracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s nice to have all the Bible reading in one place with the devotions. Since these are Scripture-based, reading sequentially through the Bible, the specific theme that emerges is the title: We look to God as our source of hope, strength, and guidance each day. Each devotion includes an anecdote and relevant application, as well as a prayer and thought to remember throughout the day. I love how Janet McHenry highlights gems in the Bible we didn’t know were there, especially in the Old Testament. I look forward to reading this as intended, through a calendar year, one devotion per day. Perhaps I’ll make it all the way through reading the Bible as well! I received a preview copy from the publisher; all opinions expressed are my own.

[Lisa Saruga · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have peeked ahead and am so excited to read through this 365 devotional/guide! The stories, guided prayer, and daily encouragement lead the reader on a journey through scripture. The reading plan for each day is manageable, and the devotions bring the chapters to life. If you have avoided reading the entire Bible because it seems daunting, it's time to dive in. This book will help you to devour the Word one bite at a time.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the perfect combo of daily devotional and read-through-the-Bible-in-a-year! On each page, Janet lists Bible verses to read that day, then also includes a coordinating uplifting devotion gleaned from her life, followed by a prayer to jump-start your conversation with the Lord. It's great for first thing in the morning, or last thing at night - or any time in between! It's a painless, encouraging way to read through the entire Bible. I'm loving it!

[Cheryl Bostrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd travel anywhere with author Janet Holm McHenry. She's warm-hearted, funny, and wise—and has led thousands of us in her Bible Girls FaceBook group through the entire Bible for years. Now she's offering that same rich guidance in Looking Up—a collection of 365 short devotional essays to guide us through the entire Word in as many days. Each entry's a gift. And this book will be a beautiful one for those you love.

[Maggie Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually purchase a new devotional for each calendar year, but I couldn't resist starting to read "Looking Up!" as soon as it arrived. The 365 daily readings take you through the entire BIble in a year, and they also help you understand and personally apply that day's Scripture reading. The writing is that of a seasoned, gifted communicator who clearly understands the needs of her readers. This is the perfect gift for a friend or to deepen your own spiritual walk. Highly recommended.

[Daniellehullreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you read through the Bible in a year? Or have you tried to? This devotional can help! Each day's entry gives you the passage to read, a scripture verse or two, then a short story or analogy, plus an end quote.

I like how Janet shares her experiences and insights throughout the devotional. If you need a little encouragement to read through the Bible in a year, this might be the devotional for you!

I received an eARC from NetGalley. Opinions are my own.

[Kelly Brinkmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book because I’ve read other titles by the same author and I have to say that this is my new favorite. It is a quick read to recenter my heart on God’s word and the way that he works. It’s set up with daily dated one-page devotions that are great to use at the breakfast table or as a bookend to the day. It’s warm, approachable, and wonderfully written (with some laughs in the stories!) linked to biblical truths. Loving this book!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a melancholy person by nature, I need devotionals that help me focus on joy. This book is the perfect solution. Janet has written bite-sized devotions that don't deny the hard facts of life. Yet she points you toward joy through engaging personal stories, meaningful prayers, and affirming declarations to help you look up into your Heavenly Father's face every day of the year.

[Linda Goldfarb · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I read through the days in Looking Up!, the genuineness of Janet McHenry’s story and truth from His story comfort me. I'm drawn in, albeit for a moment, and wrapped up in arms of love like a hug from a friend. We all can use encouragement laced with caring and that's exactly what you receive in these 365 devotions. I highly recommend Looking Up as a side table resource of hope.

[Rebecca White · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides encouragement to read through the Bible in a year. Each day in addition to the chapters to read for the day, one verse is highlighted and a practical passage that shares insight and wisdom from life to show how to put the wisdom from the word into practice. The day ends with a positive encouragement for how to keep looking up.

[Erin Greneaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved reading through the Bible in a year and this devotional is the perfect companion for that! Each day signs a few chapters to read from the Bible and gives a story based devotion that synthesizes the key idea from the Scripture reading into now sized applications. If you find the idea of reading the entire Bible intimidating, this book is the perfect guide to keep you on track.

[Leslie Sousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year I look for a devotional book to read along with the Bible. This one pairs perfectly. It is scripture-based yet warm and encouraging. If you have or haven’t read all the way through the Bible, let this be the year you do it Looking Up! - Leslie Sousa

[Delores Liesner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting through the entire Bible can feel intimidating, but Janet McHenry makes it more accessible with
brief daily visits that take us from beginning to end in one year.
Like a dessert bar, these tidbits give you delightful, relatable, and easy thoughts and guidance for each day,
that keep you coming back for more.
Whether new at Bible reading, or many years of experience, the relatability and personal application of the
scriptures and personal stories expands our understanding and sets the tone for each day.
Highly recommended. I've read some of the authors Bible studies and made my walking more purposeful
because of her prayer walking book, so I was pleased to

[Helen Baratta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the matter of factness of this book. It keeps me accountable to my desire to spend daily time with the Lord. Yet the "to dos" threaten to get in the way. Enjoy the rhythm of the daily guide as we find Jesus reading and praying our way through the Bible.

[Teresa Moyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Start the new year out right in 2025 with this powerful 365 day devotional book. It will take you along on a journey through the entire Bible in a year. Each day has 1 focus verse and even though each devotional is short it packs a deep punch to start your day out with God.