Authentic Living: 365 Devotions for Deliberate Faith

by Richard Exley

To live an authentic, fulfilled life we need to both understand and practice the core beliefs of the Christian faith. Being intentional about pursuing Christ is often challenging in our confusing, messy world, but like the biblical character Daniel who did not compromise his values, we must take small, deliberate steps to grow in spiritual integrity. The short, inspirational devotions in Authentic Living illustrate how we can be more deliberate in our faith each and every day through small actions like asking forgiveness, offering guidance, praying specifically, and more. With these simple yet profound readings, we can realize a more fulfilling life and faith one thought, one action, one day at a time.

384 pages, Hardcover

Published November 1, 2016

About the author

Richard Exley is a man with a rich diversity of experiences. He has been a pastor, conference and retreat speaker, as well as a radio broadcaster. In addition he has written more than 30 books including The Rhythm of Life, Man of Valor, When You Lose Someone You Love, and The Alabaster Cross. The Making of a Man was one of five finalists for the Gold Medallion Devotional Book of the Year. The Methodist Episcopal Church USA and the National Clergy Council Board of Scholars awarded him the Doctorate of Divinity honoris causa for his life's work in ministry and writing.
As a boy, Richard lived part-time with his widowed grandmother. Her home had electricity but she didn't trust it, so she only used it to power her refrigerator. When darkness fell she lit the kerosene lamps, casting the tiny living room with its braided rag rugs and coal oil stove in its ambient light. During those long winter evenings she spun out the story of her life. It was there Richard learned the art of storytelling, a craft that enables him to touch the heart through both his writing and speaking.
He loves spending time with his wife, Brenda Starr, in their secluded cabin overlooking picturesque Beaver Lake. He enjoys quiet talks with old friends, kerosene lamps, good books, a warm fire when it's cold, and a good cup of coffee anytime. He's an avid Denver Broncos fan, an aspiring bass fisherman, and an amateur photographer. And he hopes to become one of your favorite authors.

Reviews

[Melissa Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great tool to help you get your year started off with a bang is Authentic Living by Richard Exley. Mornings are a challenge, with or without kids, it’s a mad dash. I love that the stories in Authentic Living are always accompanied with a challenge, a verse, and prayer. It's like a bite-size meal with all the necessary nutrients to accompany your morning cup of coffee and get your days going. Devotions are a great way to prime your day.

Unfortunately, devos are often short and choppy - not allowing for substance or sustenance. I particularly like how Exley continues a particular subject for a couple of days. Creating some repetition and also allows you to get to know Exley better as an author.

I recommend Authentic living if you are looking to deepen your faith and grow spiritually.

Disclaimer: I did receive a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review. All opinions herein are my own.

[Yonasan Aryeh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a daily devotional written for the fast-paced busy individual that struggles to find the time to dedicate to spiritual improvement. The author hits it on the nose when he argues that believers walk in two lives - the physical realm and the spiritual realm, and that balancing the two can often be quite challenging. In this book, the author challenges the reader to live an authentic life, both spiritually and physically. Each devotional entry includes input from the author to help the reader learn what the author considers a spiritual truth, a related Scripture verse, and a scripted prayer that is in line with the discussion of that day. Quick and simple, these devotions are modeled for application in our current world. The devotions cover conversion, faith, forgiveness, guidance, prayer, adversity, suffering, grief, and eternal life. The devotions tend to follow a theme for several days to help the reader learn more about the theme and apply it to their life, which is a great departure from many devotions currently on the market.

The devotion is designed to start with the new year, so readers will need to adjust their reading schedule or application if not starting it in the beginning of the year. When reading the book, I actually read a couple of devotions before realizing that they were separated. While a printed version many be different than the digital ARC I received, the point is that the devotions are brief in content, and definitely something that can be achieved in literally less than a minute. For those looking on how to use a devotion that will help them and is easy to actually follow through with, this is a more realistic resolution to set, and keep, compared to other options.

Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post.

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This year for Christmas I gave out several Christian devotionals to family members.  Everyone leads such hectic lives that it's hard to have time to get into God's Word yet every day we should intentionally try.  With Authentic Living by Richard Exley you can actively pursue Christ on a daily basis and enjoy some much needed quiet time with the Lord.

Each entry is dated which I actually love.  Normally I do not like each devotional being dated.  If you fall behind you beat yourself up and either get frustrated and give up or spend more time catching up instead of taking those precious moments to come into the presence of the Lord.  I did not feel that at all with this devotional.  All you have to do is go to today's date and you have a short devotional that is relevant to every day life as well as a Bible verse and a simple prayer to end each day.

This is the first book that I've read by Mr. Exley and I was a little more than impressed.  Despite each days devotional being short, the author has a way of immediately pulling you into that certain days topic in a deep and personal way.  These devotionals are more that just daily readings that make you feel good.  Every day has one line, verse, or prayer that pushes you to meditate on that thought, often taking your study to a deeper level.  You can't find that in every devotional.

Authentic Living is a wonderfully refreshing devotional and one that I am blessed to read each day.  I've read numerous devotionals in my Thank you for visiting my blog and being apart of the First Look blog tour.  Go grab a copy of this amazing devotional.  I promise you won't regret it.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review

[Julie D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This devotional is simple and would definitely be good for the new Christian. Each devotional is easily read in a quick manner and not difficult to understand. They are concise with a Scripture, devotion, then a short prayer for each day of the year.

This author is a bit more charismatic than I prefer but I didn't find his views unbiblical. I did think he could be a bit repetitive here and there, but again, it wasn't off-putting to me because I gained so much insight and wisdom from his writings.

I really like the true faith that this author has and tries to instill in us, his readers. There were several things he said that really made me have a "wow" moment. They seemed to be written for just the things I feel I'm struggling with and that's the beauty of this little book. There is definitely something for everyone as the author covers a lot of ground well.

All in all, I enjoyed this devotional and gained some new insights and understand about God's Word. Unfortunately, the devotion did not stand out high above others that I have read. It's a nice book and I think it is inspirational. I give this book 4 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me for my honest review by Worthy Publishing

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

`Authentic Living` is a personal 365 day devotional for deliberate faith written by author Richard Exley. Richard Exley is a pastor, radio host, conference, and retreat speaker.

Each day Richard shares a bit of his foresight on God, a Bible verse, and a prayer. All three together only take about 3-5 minutes to read. Then the reader can ponder them all day. I was pleased to see a word on Robin Williams, April 16.

`Authentic Living`is to provide daily devotions to the intellectual dimension of our spirit, as well as focusing on living out those beliefs in our daily life- our practical side.

The book covers such topics as: conversion, forgiveness, prayer, grief,and eternal life. It also covers topics about marriage, family, and friends. These devotions are for the young in Christ, as well as the more mature.

This hardback devotional would make a great devotional for 2017. This devotional can be used year after year, as there is no year specified, only day and month.It could either be a great gift for someone or kept and read by the purchaser.

Disclaimer: "I was provided a free copy of this book. All opinions are my own."

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Exley's goal in creating this devotional was to renew our minds and transform the way we live. He distinguishes the intellectual and practical aspects of the Christian life and tries to address both. Each devotion includes a writing from Exley, a relevant verse, and a prayer. The devotions are short by design so they can be read in under five minutes. Exley covers a variety of topics and generally has a few readings on each topic. Some topics he returns to several times, such as prayer and money.

I would not identify these devotionals as intellectually deep nor particularly challenging. They would be suitable for new Christians or for Christians who have not read many intellectually challenging books on the Christian faith. Exley draws from books he has read, movies he's seen, and from Bible stories, such as Ruth and Joshua.

The devotions vary in quality and originality. The entire devotion for October 7, for example, is a quote from a blog he read. In one devotion, Exley tells the often repeated illustration of the high wire artist crossing Niagara Falls asking for volunteers to ride in his wheelbarrow. Potential readers should also be aware that Exley defends his pre-trib rapture view (June 4) and refers to his own charismatic experiences.

I found some of the entries repetitive, literally. For example, in the devotion for January 12, Exley writes about money, “I think money should come with a printed warning: 'Danger: Handle with Care!' Or better yet, 'Danger: Handle with Prayer!'” Then on August 6, “As I've said before, I think money should come with a printed warning: 'Danger: Handle with Care!' Or better yet, 'Danger: Handle with Prayer!'”

These devotions offer good general encouragement to keep at our Christian walk, especially for new Christians. Seasoned Christians may find the devotionals less challenging than others they have read over the years, as I did.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Laura Zielke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the past few years, I've worked very hard to stop all the people pleasing and embrace authenticity as a lifestyle. It's not been easy, and it's not been pain-free. All of my closest relationships have experienced major shifts, and yet, somehow, they are better. Better because they are real. Authentic. Not based on my being someone they want me to be, but rather my being my true self—who I am at the core. I have boundaries now, and I can say "no" without guilt or shame.

So, when I picked up Richard Exley's new book Authentic Living: 365 Devotions for Deliberate Faith, I was hopeful his words would inspire me to continue my quest for authenticity and not shove me back into some dinky, depressing people-pleaser pillbox. I was not disappointed!



This book is, well, how can I say it?

This book is EXACTLY what I need in my life right now as I launch into 2017.

It's NOT "fluff-n-stuff" for my mind; it's steak and potatoes (or, if that's offensive to you, imagine tofu)—comfort food for my soul. Yum!

The truth is, I'm finally comfortable in my own skin! (It only took 40+ years for that to happen.) I've accepted the fact that I am—first and foremost—a scholar. An intellectual. A deep thinker. A philosopher. I'm weird, and that's okay.

It's become clear to me that a lot of inspirational writing these days is like cotton candy: spun sweetness, devoid of any nutritional value. Unfortunately, when I read that stuff, I want to puke.

Popular, romanticized Christianity—based more on myths and traditions than facts and archaeology—does not cut it anymore. Truth seekers like me are starving for solid sustenance. We cry out, "Don't dumb it down! Make me think! Be my private trainer, and give my brain a workout! Make it hurt, and then ask me to read 10 more pages!" Yes, Friend, that is what we need!!! Books that make us think deeply about spiritual things and then adjust our lives accordingly. We are not sheeple!

I'm happy to say that Richard Exley has heard our cries and answered us with a rare treasure that can be read again and again, year after year. In his introduction, Exley clearly sets for this purpose for this book:

"The goal of Authentic Living is to provide daily devotions that renew the mind even as they transform the way we live. The spiritual life is lived in tension between the intellectual and the practical. The intellectual dimension of the spiritual life focuses on understanding the core tenets of the Christian faith...The practical dimension of the spiritual life focuses on living out those core beliefs in our daily life. Authentic Living addresses both dimensions and will help you become the person God has called you to be."

Wow. That is a huge goal, and I have to say that Exley delivers what he promises! The devotions are concise and poignant. Deep and practical. Each day's reading features Exley's words, the Word, and a brief prayer asking for God's help becoming who He has called us to be.

My husband, son, and I will be sharing this book. Reading it every day as part of a spiritual discipline of meditation and spiritual growth, and a reminder to choose authenticity over people pleasing every. single. time.

I HIGHLY recommend this book.

Authentic Living: 365 Devotionals for Deliberate Faith by Richard Exley



Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

[Jon Kidwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Each year for the past 'who knows how many?', right around Christmas time, I go through an annual process of selecting a devotional for the following calendar year. Looking back over the collection, I can see that the different points in my life can be seen reflected in my annual choices. This is not something I consciously set out to do; but that, indeed, is the result.

This year, my perspective changed, because, as a First Look Reviewer, I was exposed to a wide range of "niche type" devotionals, covering a broad band of subjects.

My experience as a devotional reader has shown me that our choices in devotional content are very personal, and very significant to us as individuals. Consequently, they become fixtures of our own personal taste.

Richard Exley is an institution. Longtime pastor, missionary, broadcaster, and author. I remember those nights, 30+ years ago, when the silky, calming and re-assuring voice sliced through the nighttime quietness to bring us the latest "Straight From the Heart". Since then, Exley has been somewhat of an unsung, yet elusive, hero of mine.

I say all this to tell you that Exley's devotional isn't one of the "trendy" mass produced devotionals. It is one that lives up to its title, as it is indeed "authentic" and "deliberate". In just a few lines each day, the passages elicit a mental and spiritual pause as one reads along. That pause causes a deeper pattern of thought and consideration. It may cause a question, or three, to bubble up inside.

But, what you get in this little annual package is a tool that will bless you, raise questions, raise doubts, raise challenges, and ultimately make you feel just a little warmer, cozier and safer wrapped in the Savior's arms. For that reason, "Authentic Living" easily makes the list for devotions I should consider for 2017 and/or beyond.

I received an advanced readers copy of this wonderful book from the publisher, Worthy Publishing, in exchange for an honest and timely review. No other expectations extend beyond that point.

Therefore, I provide a very favorable recommendation that you go to your local Christian Bookstore and thumb through a copy. I believe that you will be glad that you did.

Happy Reading and Happy New Year.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone has said you can be authentic without being holy, and one can put too much emphasis on the first and not enough on the other...... however, being a person who has had trouble being authentic for most of my life, I like the emphasis on authentic living this devotional has.

Each day has a short devotional centered around Scripture, a passage of Scripture that was mentioned in the devotional, and a short prayer. These are not long or deep devotions, but they are well done, and make you think. The author sticks with the theme of the book by relating several personal stories and reflections.

As with any time I review a devotional, I did not read the whole way through it, but started reading on a specific date corresponding to the date I started reading it, and also leaf through and read some random devotions. I like what I read, and feel this is a good devotional to use for a year, and a great addition to anyone's collection of devotional books.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Better than most devo! Great balance of scripture and application. Challenging but not condemning. Small chunks for busy lives but you can easily spend more time on prayer, journaling, looking up verse context, memorization or personal application. Not the kind of devo just to comfort but help you grow.

[Iola · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the sound of the title. I liked the description. Unfortunately, the content didn’t match up.


The book description says the devotions are "simple yet profound readings". Well, the devotions are certainly short and simple. Profound? Not so much. At least, not for anyone who has read the Bible and has anything more than a basic understanding of the core beliefs of Christianity. And I certainly didn’t see it illustrating how to be more intentional or deliberate or authentic in my faith … which was what I was interested in.

I haven’t read the whole book, and I’m unlikely to. I can’t tell you how far I’ve got, because all the days run together in my review copy, with no dates or even ‘Day 1’, ‘Day 2’ etc. to separate them (which got a little confusing at times, as he often speaks on the same theme for several consecutive days. And that got a little repetitive).

It’s not bad. It’s all good, solid stuff. It’s biblical. It’s preaching God, not man. It’s just not what I was looking for.

Thanks to Worthy Publishing and NetGalley for providing a free ebook for review.

[Michael Harshman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This devotional book is written very well and the author's skill in writing is very clearly seen. This is designed to be quick daily devotionals that take only a few minutes each day. First is the devotional section followed by a specific related Scripture then a short prayer for each day. One of the things that I liked was how the author created these devotions so they followed a specific theme or topic for 5 to 7 days and then went to the next topic. They flowed very nicely within the theme.

Now, with that said, the first theme in the book has to do with faith and finances. I don't personally prescribe to the prosperity movement and this first theme did have that undertone to it in my opinion. It was subtle, but I felt it was there. There are a few of the devotions that lend themselves more toward the Pentecostal side, but even if you are not from that arena, there are still a lot of daily devotionals that are very good and you would still get a lot out of these. Very well written devotional book.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.