I have read several books by John Bevere. This is an earlier one co-authored with his wife, Lisa. It's a 40-day look at issues that keep us from being close to God.
I went through the book faster than planned once I realized it's mostly truths and testimonials, with little practical application offered. I felt the Spirit behind the words, and I like reading John's dialogues with God, but each day just presents an issue, some scriptures and stories, and then ends with a prayer. I was left wondering how do I do this?
On day 12, Lisa said that unforgiveness punishes a person. I found that perspective interesting since for me, I thought unforgiveness protected me from being hurt again. I was deceived into holding onto the past. Days 16-19 review letting go of the past, forgiving, and releasing others because my debt before God is greater than anything they've done to me and God forgave me. Still no talk about how to do it, but it's good advice.
I was shocked by day 27. A lady asked John to help her with her self-image, but instead of telling her she's loved and valued by God, he clanged what he considered truth in her face for being focused on the temporal rather than focused on the eternal (he judged her?). Why not show mercy and compassion first and tell her how God loves and values her? On day 30, Lisa said our self-worth is in Christ. Why didn't John share that with the lady?
Most of the devotionals are written by John. In the end, it's good advice, good examples and scriptures. However, I found it preachy and focused on striving to be better rather than letting God do His sanctifying work in us.