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Word before World: 100 Devotions to Put Jesus First
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)
When you think about your life and what you value, what would you put first? When you read God’s Word, are you doing so out of duty or out of a desire to delight in your Savior? When all we give Jesus is our leftovers, fear overwhelms our peace and worry clouds our vision.
Gretchen Saffles knows what it’s like to struggle to put Jesus first daily. During a season of spiritual discouragement, she learned that pursuing God is ultimately not a self-help journey, but rather it’s a Spirit-led surrender. This discovery led her to a simple phrase that helped her reframe how she desired to spend her time, start her days, and shape her Word before World. This three-word statement has become her morning manifesto, her afternoon anthem, and her evening comfort. When she practiced looking first to Jesus, she realized that while God’s Word never changes, yet it always changes us.
In Word before World you’ll discover ways the daily distractions that get in the way of time with GodDevelop a daily rhythm of seeking JesusSet aside your phone, lists, and plans in order to seek direction and nourishment in God’s Word insteadTransform your worldview, schedule, dreams, and desires to align with God’s purpose for your life.Cultivate a deep love for God in this 100-day devotional journey to experience God’s faithfulness and goodness. Put God’s Word before the distractions of this world, believing that he will meet your every need.
When you think about your life and what you value, what would you put first? When you read God’s Word, are you doing so out of duty or out of a desire to delight in your Savior? When all we give Jesus is our leftovers, fear overwhelms our peace and worry clouds our vision.
Gretchen Saffles knows what it’s like to struggle to put Jesus first daily. During a season of spiritual discouragement, she learned that pursuing God is ultimately not a self-help journey, but rather it’s a Spirit-led surrender. This discovery led her to a simple phrase that helped her reframe how she desired to spend her time, start her days, and shape her Word before World. This three-word statement has become her morning manifesto, her afternoon anthem, and her evening comfort. When she practiced looking first to Jesus, she realized that while God’s Word never changes, yet it always changes us.
In Word before World you’ll discover ways the daily distractions that get in the way of time with GodDevelop a daily rhythm of seeking JesusSet aside your phone, lists, and plans in order to seek direction and nourishment in God’s Word insteadTransform your worldview, schedule, dreams, and desires to align with God’s purpose for your life.Cultivate a deep love for God in this 100-day devotional journey to experience God’s faithfulness and goodness. Put God’s Word before the distractions of this world, believing that he will meet your every need.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 17, 2024
157 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Gretchen Saffles
21 books182 followersGretchen Saffles is the founder of the global online women’s ministry Well-Watered Women, bestselling author of “The Well-Watered Woman: Rooted in Truth, Growing in Grace, Flourishing in Faith,” and creator of the Give Me Jesus Bible Study Journal. She is passionate about encouraging and equipping women to drink deeply from the well of God's Word and longs to see women grasp the fullness of the gospel in everyday life.
Gretchen lives in Atlanta with her husband, Greg, and their three children. Gretchen loves going on adventures with her family, traveling to new places, baking fresh chocolate chip cookies, reading good books, and teaching women to know and love Jesus.
You can find her on Instagram @gretchensaffles or at www.gretchensaffles.com.
Gretchen lives in Atlanta with her husband, Greg, and their three children. Gretchen loves going on adventures with her family, traveling to new places, baking fresh chocolate chip cookies, reading good books, and teaching women to know and love Jesus.
You can find her on Instagram @gretchensaffles or at www.gretchensaffles.com.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 19, 2024
This was way better than I expected; not cliche or fluffy like most women's "devotionals". This devotional ministered to my heart in ways I didn't expect. I appreciate Gretchen's Christ-centered approach to each day's reading: a measure of loving & hard truth with a measure of Gospel reminders & application. The flow was concise and the reminder to put "Word before World" is always needed. This would make a great gift for mommas with children still at home!
I received a free digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free digital ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2025
One of my favorite devotionals!
April 10, 2025
My favorite devotional! There are so many wonderful truths and convicting and encouraging questions. Highly recommend.
April 7, 2025
Oh my, Gretchen Saffles is amazing, insightful, and honest before God and her readers. The book is beautiful. The art work, font, and colors bring peace and joy. At first I did not want to highlight or dog-ear pages because the book is so lovely. But I did. This devotional is exceptional and real. You will meet God on every page, receive comfort, and learn and grow. Beautiful!
July 31, 2024
5 Stars ✨
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy of Word before World, in exchange for an honest review.
IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD. JOHN 1:1
When you think about your life and what you value, what would you put first? When you read God’s Word, are you doing so out of duty or out of a desire to delight in your Savior? When all we give Jesus is our leftovers, fear overwhelms our peace and worry clouds our vision.
What a wonderful devotional this was. I love the thought behind it and even the name of it. Word before World is a devotional that speaks so sincerely to the heart of us who live in this world, but long for his word. Its focus is the importance of Gods word and how we so often get wrapped up in the “world” and things going on around us. It makes us take a step back and focus on his word and how to put it -no matter how much or how little- before the world.
This world is crazy right now, and it’s so easy to be distracted by some new bit of information, there are distractions all around us that steal our time. I love how this devotional was relatable and always seemed to be exactly what I needed for that day. It’s not about how much of the word we get in us, it’s that we do it- and do it daily. Setting time aside for what is most important to get us through each day. Highly recommend this one, it’s beautiful and holds true to what’s important.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy of Word before World, in exchange for an honest review.
IN THE BEGINNING WAS THE WORD, AND THE WORD WAS WITH GOD, AND THE WORD WAS GOD. JOHN 1:1
When you think about your life and what you value, what would you put first? When you read God’s Word, are you doing so out of duty or out of a desire to delight in your Savior? When all we give Jesus is our leftovers, fear overwhelms our peace and worry clouds our vision.
What a wonderful devotional this was. I love the thought behind it and even the name of it. Word before World is a devotional that speaks so sincerely to the heart of us who live in this world, but long for his word. Its focus is the importance of Gods word and how we so often get wrapped up in the “world” and things going on around us. It makes us take a step back and focus on his word and how to put it -no matter how much or how little- before the world.
This world is crazy right now, and it’s so easy to be distracted by some new bit of information, there are distractions all around us that steal our time. I love how this devotional was relatable and always seemed to be exactly what I needed for that day. It’s not about how much of the word we get in us, it’s that we do it- and do it daily. Setting time aside for what is most important to get us through each day. Highly recommend this one, it’s beautiful and holds true to what’s important.
September 17, 2024
I’ve been impressed with several daily devotional books that have been released in the last few years that haven’t just felt like fluff, and this is another great one! Gretchen Saffles and her ministry, Well-Watered Women, do so much to encourage women to nourish their hearts, minds, and souls with the word of God. This book continues the work of that mission and is easily relatable and applicable to daily life while remaining rooted in the deep truth of the Gospel!
June 26, 2024
This is a gorgeous put-together book, with short daily devotion, focused on scripture with daily application to help you put Jesus first. I found many of the devotions I read very encouraging and helpful. We so easily can get caught up in the distractions of this world or our mundane to-do’s, and we need reminders of our need for Jesus every day.
Gretchen does great at providing Scripture, examples, and applications to help us in our faith journey. She learned that it isn’t a self-help journey but a Spirit-led surrender, and this is where she came up with Word before world.
Here are a few highlights from the book I took:
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and He is faithful no matter what is happening in your world and in your heart.
The battle in your heart can only be won through Christ’s sanctifying work within you as He reframes your desires, rewires your mind, and renews your heart.
We do not fight for victory but from the victory Christ already accomplished on the cross.
When has God given you a tangible reminder about His provision and care? Look for those reminders as you go about your day, and thank Him for noticing all that happens to you – the big things and the small ones.
Every distracting thought is an arrow pointing you back to Christ and your need for Him. Set a timer for five minutes and write down every worry and distracting thought. When the time is up, review each thought and worry, and identify how each one points you to your need for Christ.
One recommendation about this book is that while I am reading this on my Kindle, I would definitely recommend a hard copy of the book because of the design.
Gretchen does great at providing Scripture, examples, and applications to help us in our faith journey. She learned that it isn’t a self-help journey but a Spirit-led surrender, and this is where she came up with Word before world.
Here are a few highlights from the book I took:
He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and He is faithful no matter what is happening in your world and in your heart.
The battle in your heart can only be won through Christ’s sanctifying work within you as He reframes your desires, rewires your mind, and renews your heart.
We do not fight for victory but from the victory Christ already accomplished on the cross.
When has God given you a tangible reminder about His provision and care? Look for those reminders as you go about your day, and thank Him for noticing all that happens to you – the big things and the small ones.
Every distracting thought is an arrow pointing you back to Christ and your need for Him. Set a timer for five minutes and write down every worry and distracting thought. When the time is up, review each thought and worry, and identify how each one points you to your need for Christ.
One recommendation about this book is that while I am reading this on my Kindle, I would definitely recommend a hard copy of the book because of the design.
November 5, 2024
Have you found yourself drifting away from Jesus? Have you found yourself discouraged from the weight of the world? In Word Before World, Gretchen Saffles gives 100 devotions to help you put Jesus first in your life.
This book is all about prioritizing God and his Word. It is an invitation to come back to Christ as your first love. It will help you refocus your spiritual sight, and how you live your everyday life.
Wake Up to God
Saffles is a strong writer. Each devotion is less than two pages long, but she still manages to pack in illustrations and inspiration. Her stories are instantly relatable, and she always ends hopeful. The Gospel permeates every page.
Each devotion ends with a one-sentence simple truth to hold on to throughout the day, as well as a reflection question and application point. Word Before World is a challenging and comforting read. It will refresh and reinvigorate you. And it will wake you up to the reality and goodness of God.
I received a media copy of Word Before World and this is my honest review.
This book is all about prioritizing God and his Word. It is an invitation to come back to Christ as your first love. It will help you refocus your spiritual sight, and how you live your everyday life.
Wake Up to God
Saffles is a strong writer. Each devotion is less than two pages long, but she still manages to pack in illustrations and inspiration. Her stories are instantly relatable, and she always ends hopeful. The Gospel permeates every page.
Each devotion ends with a one-sentence simple truth to hold on to throughout the day, as well as a reflection question and application point. Word Before World is a challenging and comforting read. It will refresh and reinvigorate you. And it will wake you up to the reality and goodness of God.
I received a media copy of Word Before World and this is my honest review.
June 6, 2025
A collection of 100 2-3 page devotionals with a Scripture verse, reflections on a topic related to the verse from the author, a closing thought, and short prayer.
I read these over the past couple of months and found them thought-provoking reads before bed each night (which kind of goes against the title, but hey, it still works). I felt like the author’s reflections were biblically sound, encouraging, and a good way to close my day and point my thoughts towards God and biblical principles. The book is also tastefully decorated so that it is pleasing to the eye as well.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Occasionally a reflection my talk about tragic events, but nothing graphic or anything.
Ethnic diversity: n/a didn’t come up
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: Nothing
I read these over the past couple of months and found them thought-provoking reads before bed each night (which kind of goes against the title, but hey, it still works). I felt like the author’s reflections were biblically sound, encouraging, and a good way to close my day and point my thoughts towards God and biblical principles. The book is also tastefully decorated so that it is pleasing to the eye as well.
Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None
Violence: Occasionally a reflection my talk about tragic events, but nothing graphic or anything.
Ethnic diversity: n/a didn’t come up
LGBTQ+ content: None
Other: Nothing
August 20, 2025
A must read for everyone !
For a couple years now I always wrote “Check in with the Lord before the world” as a reminder to do my devotionals before picking up my phone. I was thrilled to find this devotional with this title! It had been so helpful in growing my relationship with the Lord and will remain a staple I pick up often. Each devotional isn’t too long and it is easy to understand. I was a little sad when I did today’s devotional and swiped to learn I had completed it! I highly recommend!
For a couple years now I always wrote “Check in with the Lord before the world” as a reminder to do my devotionals before picking up my phone. I was thrilled to find this devotional with this title! It had been so helpful in growing my relationship with the Lord and will remain a staple I pick up often. Each devotional isn’t too long and it is easy to understand. I was a little sad when I did today’s devotional and swiped to learn I had completed it! I highly recommend!
November 8, 2025
I love the Well Watered Woman book and all their devotions.
This one is a little lighter than some of the others but still really good.
We need Jesus all day and sometimes Mamas are in a season where they don’t have that huge chunk of time they did before kids to sit with the Lord.
This book is perfect to start your day with or leave in the car to read in carpool line or waiting at practice.
It’s full of scripture, journal prompts and truth to write and put up on the mirror.
Lots of great little nuggets to point you to Jesus!
This one is a little lighter than some of the others but still really good.
We need Jesus all day and sometimes Mamas are in a season where they don’t have that huge chunk of time they did before kids to sit with the Lord.
This book is perfect to start your day with or leave in the car to read in carpool line or waiting at practice.
It’s full of scripture, journal prompts and truth to write and put up on the mirror.
Lots of great little nuggets to point you to Jesus!
January 29, 2025
I think this may be a good devotional for moms, for those with anxiety, and for people who have a very busy schedule. It has a lot of scripture, etc. However, I just felt like something was lacking. Maybe it's just that I'm not in a stage of life where it really speaks to me. I can't quite put my finger on it...
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance e-copy. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
December 26, 2025
Finished this devotional a little bit ago and it was one of my favorites I’ve read! This was such a great encouragement to read in the morning. I love how the author was so relatable and was able to connect with me even though our seasons of life looked a little different. This book left me blessed, convicted at times, and with a deeper understanding of the Bible. I’ll definitely be recommending this book for years to come!
October 9, 2025
This devotional surprised me in so many ways. I was called out, edified and everything in between. It's not just a wishy washy, overly spiritualized, hiper-feminine devotional, but has this tone of being discipled by a very sweet lady that has been through some rough patches, and grew more intimately with her Lord and Savior. What a blessing it was for me.
July 23, 2025
I definitely find her writing style to be clear and engaging. Was every devotion a mind-blowing revelation? No. But, many were very timely and relatable to me and my life immediately. Would recommend, and gifted a few copies already …
June 13, 2025
This devotional is great!! Particularly for women 30+. I really enjoy Gretchen's style of writing and her written voice. I think I'll hold onto it to come back to in the future!
September 10, 2025
Book 89 of 2025
[Devotional]
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read this devotional if you need to sort out your priorities, if you need to start your day in the Word, or if you enjoy scripture references.
[Devotional]
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read this devotional if you need to sort out your priorities, if you need to start your day in the Word, or if you enjoy scripture references.
October 18, 2025
I love Gretchen Saffles' writing, and this devotional is lovely. It's filled with Truth and doesn't take long to read each day's devotion.
November 1, 2025
I always enjoy reading anything written by Gretchen Saffles! Her words are always so encouraging while being rooted in biblical truth.
December 1, 2025
A really great devotional. I’m not in the target audience but still enjoyed it. It will be great for young mothers.
August 17, 2025
This is a great morning devotional. Each entry has a focus, a real-world application, several corresponding scripture references, and ends with a question or task for the day. The author uses struggles from her own daily life to make the devotionals truly relevant in today’s world.
December 18, 2025
I’m loving Word before World by Gretchen Saffles. The concept in the title is excellent and this book reminds me and helps me to put God first in my day. The day starts with a verse and follows with about a page and three quarters of writing. The concepts are relatable and a practical application is included every day. Many of the readings include quite a few parenthetical scripture references that require looking up myself, but that really is the point. There are 100 days, the perfect length for me so that I can stay with one for a few months but then get to enjoy a different one.
Icing on the cake – this is a gorgeous book. Maybe what a devotional book looks like shouldn’t matter but it’s a gorgeous cover, pages with a quality feel, tiny color illustrations, nice font and pretty end paper. This would be a great gift.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers, Tyndale Momentum for the early electronic galley to read and review. After reading through a few days, I loved it enough to order my own hard copy to keep and use at my morning reading spot. This book came out in September 2024.
Icing on the cake – this is a gorgeous book. Maybe what a devotional book looks like shouldn’t matter but it’s a gorgeous cover, pages with a quality feel, tiny color illustrations, nice font and pretty end paper. This would be a great gift.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tyndale House Publishers, Tyndale Momentum for the early electronic galley to read and review. After reading through a few days, I loved it enough to order my own hard copy to keep and use at my morning reading spot. This book came out in September 2024.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews