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Mercy like Morning: Discovering Truth in Seasons of Waiting
I could simply share with you the treasures I've discovered.
The ones I've dug out from the depths of God's Word.
But I'd rather give you the treasure map.
This is a story about reading the Bible, and it can be your story too.
We all know we're supposed to be spending time with God through daily prayer and studying His Word. But we don't always know how to make that happen—or how to be truly refreshed and changed by the experience. Enter this comprehensive guide, which provides step-by-step instructions to...
study Scripture intentionally instead of picking a verse at random
turn a trickle of insight into a rushing stream of understanding
dig wells of knowledge in your quiet times so you can draw from them in dark times
If you're ready to dig deep and drink in living water, start exploring the Word in these fresh, full-to-the-brim ways.
The ones I've dug out from the depths of God's Word.
But I'd rather give you the treasure map.
This is a story about reading the Bible, and it can be your story too.
We all know we're supposed to be spending time with God through daily prayer and studying His Word. But we don't always know how to make that happen—or how to be truly refreshed and changed by the experience. Enter this comprehensive guide, which provides step-by-step instructions to...
study Scripture intentionally instead of picking a verse at random
turn a trickle of insight into a rushing stream of understanding
dig wells of knowledge in your quiet times so you can draw from them in dark times
If you're ready to dig deep and drink in living water, start exploring the Word in these fresh, full-to-the-brim ways.
224 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2018
66 people are currently reading
357 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 9, 2018
Mercy like Morning introduces you to one woman (Jane) and her journey toward growing intimate with God. Through her decade-long journey of infertility and experiencing the gut-wrenching loss of a dear friend at a young age, she shares how God walked with her in those difficult times and how she was able to dig a well of hope and knowledge. Now because of her journey and faithfulness to God's calling, she is able to share how she grew to know God personally through her scripture studies.
As I read her story my heart was being tugged by God speaking through Jane. As I also walk on a similar path of infertility I am able to see how God uses scripture to give us peace while His plan unfolds. Tears streamed down my face as Jane shared the very raw emotions and events that played out through her friends battle with cancer. But God was obviously in the midst of it all and showing his sovereignty over everything.
For Jane to share such a raw story must be extremely difficult however it gives her credibility as she gives guidance and instruction about how to dig into God's word through whatever life may bring. As Jane shares her story she also shares about how she began to study God's word and really come to know it and Him. Through the book, she will reveal how she follows God down rabbit trails through cross-references, commentaries, and Greek terms during her study time. And sometimes in very unexpected ways, God speaks through his word.
At the end of the book, she will take you through three different sample studies so you can also start to dig your own well. Her Godly wisdom and understanding of the word is a gift to any reader. I hope that as you dig into this book your relationship and understanding of God's love and plan for you will only grow deeper and more intimate!
A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher.
As I read her story my heart was being tugged by God speaking through Jane. As I also walk on a similar path of infertility I am able to see how God uses scripture to give us peace while His plan unfolds. Tears streamed down my face as Jane shared the very raw emotions and events that played out through her friends battle with cancer. But God was obviously in the midst of it all and showing his sovereignty over everything.
For Jane to share such a raw story must be extremely difficult however it gives her credibility as she gives guidance and instruction about how to dig into God's word through whatever life may bring. As Jane shares her story she also shares about how she began to study God's word and really come to know it and Him. Through the book, she will reveal how she follows God down rabbit trails through cross-references, commentaries, and Greek terms during her study time. And sometimes in very unexpected ways, God speaks through his word.
At the end of the book, she will take you through three different sample studies so you can also start to dig your own well. Her Godly wisdom and understanding of the word is a gift to any reader. I hope that as you dig into this book your relationship and understanding of God's love and plan for you will only grow deeper and more intimate!
A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher.
September 26, 2018
I want all of my friends to have this book! I have been reading Jane’s blog for over three years and Mercy Like Morning is a treasure map, memoir, and precious Bible study gift all in one.
This book is written with women of all ages in mind, and meets you right where you are, whatever season you find yourself in. Jane's ten-year journey of infertility and the grief she experienced at losing her best friend to cancer led her to dig deeply into God’s Word for promises and encouragement. Through it all, God walked with her, and Jane was able to dig a well of hope and truth, which she invites us to drink from deeply and find refreshment.
Even though our struggles are not the same, I am so grateful for Jane’s vulnerability and her faithfulness to God’s calling. As Christians, we are all called to persevere in similar ways, while desiring many different things. And what binds us together is a confidence that, in the midst of our heartache and white-knuckled faith, we share a joy and a buoyant hope that God will fulfill His promises. Because of this, Jane is passionate about giving you everything you need to walk out your own path to intimacy with God. She outlines her Scripture study methods and provides the tools to uncover wisdom and truth in the Bible. And with each passing chapter, I felt more and more drawn to “seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11, NASB).
I will return to this book again and again to revisit Jane’s stories, sample studies, and resonant joy as she follows heart-thumping trails through cross-references and commentaries. Her deep intimacy with the Word and her adoration of her Father is a gift to any reader. I know this book will bless you and bring glory to God!
A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher.
This book is written with women of all ages in mind, and meets you right where you are, whatever season you find yourself in. Jane's ten-year journey of infertility and the grief she experienced at losing her best friend to cancer led her to dig deeply into God’s Word for promises and encouragement. Through it all, God walked with her, and Jane was able to dig a well of hope and truth, which she invites us to drink from deeply and find refreshment.
Even though our struggles are not the same, I am so grateful for Jane’s vulnerability and her faithfulness to God’s calling. As Christians, we are all called to persevere in similar ways, while desiring many different things. And what binds us together is a confidence that, in the midst of our heartache and white-knuckled faith, we share a joy and a buoyant hope that God will fulfill His promises. Because of this, Jane is passionate about giving you everything you need to walk out your own path to intimacy with God. She outlines her Scripture study methods and provides the tools to uncover wisdom and truth in the Bible. And with each passing chapter, I felt more and more drawn to “seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually” (1 Chronicles 16:11, NASB).
I will return to this book again and again to revisit Jane’s stories, sample studies, and resonant joy as she follows heart-thumping trails through cross-references and commentaries. Her deep intimacy with the Word and her adoration of her Father is a gift to any reader. I know this book will bless you and bring glory to God!
A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher.
August 29, 2018
If you are looking for some way to be renewed or refreshed in your quiet times, if you are someone who wants to know how to understand and dig into the Word deeper on your own, and/or if you are someone who wants to teach others how to do the same, then you NEED to read this book. Jane writes so beautifully and her storytelling keeps you enthralled over this topic of studying the Word as she simultaneously shares her incredibly God-glorifying testimony of waiting. Are you waiting for something?
What you will find in these pages is how life-giving and life changing studying the Bible and journaling your prayers can be, and Jane gives you SO many different tools on how to do just that - how to create such a rich and meaningful quiet time. It will refresh your soul and give purpose to your season of waiting. It has given me totally fresh eyes and desire for spending time with the Lord and meeting with Him expectantly. This book is an incredibly amazing tool and I can't recommend it enough! I want my sisters, my mom, my friends, my coworkers, and EVERYONE to read it! This is the BEST investment because of its eternal value. Get this book for yourself, for your Bible study to go through together, for your friends, etc.
It. Will. Not. Disappoint.
A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher.
What you will find in these pages is how life-giving and life changing studying the Bible and journaling your prayers can be, and Jane gives you SO many different tools on how to do just that - how to create such a rich and meaningful quiet time. It will refresh your soul and give purpose to your season of waiting. It has given me totally fresh eyes and desire for spending time with the Lord and meeting with Him expectantly. This book is an incredibly amazing tool and I can't recommend it enough! I want my sisters, my mom, my friends, my coworkers, and EVERYONE to read it! This is the BEST investment because of its eternal value. Get this book for yourself, for your Bible study to go through together, for your friends, etc.
It. Will. Not. Disappoint.
A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher.
September 20, 2018
This is a book I will go back to over and over. I have followed Jane for a few years and have loved her way with words and the way she digs into Scripture. I knew her book would be beautiful, but she far surpassed my expectations. Mercy Like Morning is a powerful testament for the Kingdom and how God can redeem anything. She is vulnerable in sharing her season of delayed fertility and the grief that goes with losing her best friend to cancer. During that season she dug her well deeply so she would have Scripture to cling to when she needed it most. Scripture always affirms Scripture. Jane does an amazing job of not only telling you that she find cross references, the meaning of a word, the Greek word, etc. she teaches you exactly how she studies Scripture so you can dig your own well. The way she studies has truly made Scripture come alive for me more than ever and I'm excited to dig in and know His Word better. Her entire book makes you feel like you're sitting next to her, chatting over a good cup of coffee. I honestly believe this book isn't just for grown women. It's for everyone; man, woman, teenager, grandparent.
A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher.
A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher.
August 30, 2018
First of all, I have to echo what another person said: as I was reading it, I kept thinking, "I need to read this again!" I couldn't agree with this sentiment more!
AHH! I can't wait for you to read this book. It was an incredible blessing. I had a feeling this book would be great, but Jane blew my initial thoughts away with her vulnerability, depth, and LOVE for the Word. We all can relate to a season of waiting... Whatever it is, Jane testifies to how she fell in love with Jesus over and over again through her passion for the Word while she waited for God to work a miracle. I left this book encouraged by the daily discipline that she developed through her story. But not only was I encouraged, I was TAUGHT. Because this isn't only her testimony, it's a teaching tool. Woven throughout Mercy Like Morning are these golden nuggets [read: whole chapters...] so that while you're connecting on a heart level with her life/story, you're also connecting on a head level with her methods of how to study the bible.
I have always had a hunger for a hunger for the Word. Can you relate? But since reading this book, I've been able to drop that first hunger and really crave time with God because our relationship is growing and time with God feels REAL and deep and intimate and not one way. He is speaking and this book can help you learn to listen.
AHH! I can't wait for you to read this book. It was an incredible blessing. I had a feeling this book would be great, but Jane blew my initial thoughts away with her vulnerability, depth, and LOVE for the Word. We all can relate to a season of waiting... Whatever it is, Jane testifies to how she fell in love with Jesus over and over again through her passion for the Word while she waited for God to work a miracle. I left this book encouraged by the daily discipline that she developed through her story. But not only was I encouraged, I was TAUGHT. Because this isn't only her testimony, it's a teaching tool. Woven throughout Mercy Like Morning are these golden nuggets [read: whole chapters...] so that while you're connecting on a heart level with her life/story, you're also connecting on a head level with her methods of how to study the bible.
I have always had a hunger for a hunger for the Word. Can you relate? But since reading this book, I've been able to drop that first hunger and really crave time with God because our relationship is growing and time with God feels REAL and deep and intimate and not one way. He is speaking and this book can help you learn to listen.
October 4, 2018
I have bought Jane's other "book" a 9-week Devotional, Treasures of Darkness. This book + that guide have transformed the way I look at the trails in my life and truly the way I prepare myself for the trials to come.
Jane delivers her story in such a raw way, you yourself feel pieces of what she went through. You rejoice with her and mourn with her and find hope with her through this book! And at the end, Jane lays out how she herself prepared her heart and walked through some of the darkest points in her life.
The bible study guides have transformed the way I read and interpret scripture. They have helped me deepen my relationship with God and have helped my love for His word grow!! I encourage all y'all, no matter what season of life you're in, to read this book and begin digging wells for the drought.
Jane delivers her story in such a raw way, you yourself feel pieces of what she went through. You rejoice with her and mourn with her and find hope with her through this book! And at the end, Jane lays out how she herself prepared her heart and walked through some of the darkest points in her life.
The bible study guides have transformed the way I read and interpret scripture. They have helped me deepen my relationship with God and have helped my love for His word grow!! I encourage all y'all, no matter what season of life you're in, to read this book and begin digging wells for the drought.
January 2, 2020
I would give this book six stars if it was possible. I came across a sample of Mercy Like Morning on my Bible app and I was hooked after the short seven days. Jane Johnson's years long struggle with delayed fertility (as she calls it) and losing her best friend to cancer is laid out in each chapter of this book to help the reader understand Jane's period of waiting and asking God why. As someone who is in her own period of waiting this book/devotional has helped me to realize there is a purpose in the wait.
I've also been wanting to study the Bible more in depth and this book is the answer on how to get started. It teaches you how to use the Strong's Concordance along with the Blue Letter Bible and other resources to get the most out of reading.
This was a great book to start the new year!
I've also been wanting to study the Bible more in depth and this book is the answer on how to get started. It teaches you how to use the Strong's Concordance along with the Blue Letter Bible and other resources to get the most out of reading.
This was a great book to start the new year!
September 20, 2018
With all of the kindness, openness, and joy of a dear friend sitting down at your kitchen table for coffee, Jane walks us through her personal journey of faith in "Mercy Like Morning," sharing how it led her to study and rely on Scripture in a whole new way. But she doesn't end the story there! Chapters bounce between the telling of her own story, and the teaching of her Scripture study methods, which are sure to encourage you and provide new ways of meeting God in His Word. It doesn't matter if you have years in the Word under your belt or if you're picking up the Bible for the first time - everyone can benefit from Jane's teaching, and everyone can be built up by the hope in her story. This book is a must-read!!
A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher.
A review copy of this book was provided to me by the publisher.
July 28, 2023
What a beautiful story of God’s faithfulness and the raw emotion that comes with times of waiting — I loved how Jane didn’t paint these two as inherently separate. Through her memoir she paints a story of scripture and her time with God being her anchor through a really long and difficult journey. Then she takes your hand and leads you through her process of studying the Bible step by step! It’s a kind and gentle leading that leaves the reader with a deep yearning to study and the tools to make it happen! Even down to the scripture inspired prayers to use when there’s *something* getting in the way. I’m so thankful for her gift in this book!
January 20, 2019
I loved this book. The author’s story is very inspiring and both heartbreaking and fulfilling. Such an easy read for people who are just beginning to dive into the Bible and their religion and a wonderful story for those who are deep in their bond with Christ. Her how-to introduced me to such a unique way of studying the Bible, which really helps you read between the lines and uncover a deeper meaning to every verse. I will be returning to this book whenever I want to further study, analyze, and make notes on the stories in the Bible.
December 18, 2019
I love Jane Johnson's website blog and Instagram account. She has shared bits and pieces of her story of growing deeper in her faith, becoming a "scripture digger", the loss of her best friend to cancer and her long journey through delayed fertility. This is an excellent book to learn a little more about those things in sequence, but is really geared towards equipping you with the tools and know how for deeper studying of scripture. A must read for anyone who wants to draw closer to God, but not sure where to start.
August 21, 2018
Absolutely incredible book. Seeing God's faithfulness in Jane's wait is not only encouraging but truly inspirational for me in my wait. The way Jane sends us to scripture over and over and then gives us Sample studies to dig in deeper in scripture is exactly what I look for in a book. I want what I read to lead me always right back to Christ.
January 9, 2019
Part of it is a memoir, which I enjoyed. Then part is an how to study the Bible. I read this with my bible study group and it was good for personal conversations. I would recommend this for someone who wants to dig deep into research of the Bible and their faith.
February 26, 2019
I loved the layout out of this book! Her biblical insight and study habits were exactly what I needed to spark a new found love for the bible! 10/10 recommend! I found so much peace following through with each study
March 18, 2019
I wish I had had this book when I first became a believer because of her approach to studying the Bible. Even though it looks like a lot of work at first, her excitement and love for the Word just makes you jump right into you own Bible and never stop studying. Cannot recommend this book enough!
February 23, 2020
I really enjoyed how Jane's Bible study framework was shared through her personal storytelling of waiting in the valley. I needed some further foundational knowledge before I could keep pace with Jane's deep dives into lexicons, root words etc. But I know I will grab for this book again one day.
April 11, 2020
Jane has such a beautiful perspective. I didn’t realize when I bought this book (by recommendation of another infertility friend) that it was such an excellent resource for learning to study Scripture.
December 30, 2024
I cannot recommend this book enough if you are someone who is walking the hard path of TTC. This book has been the encouragement to my soul that I was hoping it would be, and the kick in my pants to get back into a routine that allows for plenty of time to sit with God and study His word.
May 18, 2019
Most amazing book! It has taught me so much about the Bible. My first well digging brought me to tears bc God's promises go so much deeper than the words on a page.
May 28, 2019
This is a great book. It's full of tips and ways to study the Bible.
October 10, 2020
So refreshing to my soul. A reminder that He has so much in store in the waiting and that I don’t want to miss out on the beautiful things He’s revealing amidst it all.
January 1, 2021
Liked some of it, other parts not at all. Simple as that. Also, did not finish the sample plans, but read all content.
August 7, 2021
It's a book that embraces you. Cozy, kind, gentle, the few words I can use to describe the book
April 4, 2023
A Christian book that’s a cross between an autobiography on the faithfulness of God and an instructional book on how to delve deep into the Word. Well done!
October 2, 2018
This is a beautiful book unlike any I have read. Jane describes her 10 year struggle with infertility and losing a close friend and what God taught her through those “Valley of Baca” years. She explains how she dug deep and learned more about Him than she ever would have if not prompted by the heartache. But what’s more? She provides step-by-step instructions AND three sample studies so the reader can begin to dig into scripture with the same fervor. This is an invaluable resource that I will return to again and again. I cannot wait to start using her methods during my own studies.
I received an ARC from the publisher for reviewing purposes, but these opinions are completely my own.
I received an ARC from the publisher for reviewing purposes, but these opinions are completely my own.
May 2, 2025
Mercy Like Morning is a book that meets you where you are at - in the morning with sleepy eyes and a big ole cup of coffee, like a dear dear friend. Jane Johnson welcomes you into her personal story of how she learned to dig deeper into the Bible alongside heartache and waiting on the Lord for His promises, and she invites you along the journey with her, but she doesn't stop there. She gives practical tips on how to study the Bible on your own, with little pieces of her story intertwined throughout! I absolutely loved this book and had the most difficult time putting it down. I found myself crying along with Jane, and I was eager to wake up each morning and read along with her sample studies in the book. I'd recommend this book to anyone, especially those who find themselves ready to read the Bible, but unsure of where to begin. This is the book for morning people and night owls, for mommas and teenagers, for college students and retired folks. It's an absolute gem of a book!
March 2, 2019
I had the honor of meeting Jane at a retreat we were both leaders at (quite a few years ago) and it was such a treat to read her book! Within the pages of this book are the stories of prayers being answered that I remember Jane praying back when I met her! Her testimony of faithfulness to the Lord and trust in Him has inspired me in the time I've followed her story.
There is so much in this book about studying the bible and I will absolutely reference it and reread portions in the future! Jane knows the bible better than most people I know and that is largely due to the time and priority she has given the study of scripture in her life. Reading this book reignited in me a desire to take more seriously my studying of the bible and prioritize my time in a way that allows for more time in the word.
4 stars - I enjoyed this book a lot and will reference it in the future for sure!
There is so much in this book about studying the bible and I will absolutely reference it and reread portions in the future! Jane knows the bible better than most people I know and that is largely due to the time and priority she has given the study of scripture in her life. Reading this book reignited in me a desire to take more seriously my studying of the bible and prioritize my time in a way that allows for more time in the word.
4 stars - I enjoyed this book a lot and will reference it in the future for sure!
February 12, 2019
Jane’s story will touch and inspire anyone who is familiar with the pain of being in a waiting phase. No matter what you are waiting for, you will be able relate and draw from Jane’s wisdom.
And as for the study aspect, her guide to studying the Bible? It’s a gold mine of practical ways in which you can enrich your bible reading.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone. It’s a hidden gem.
And as for the study aspect, her guide to studying the Bible? It’s a gold mine of practical ways in which you can enrich your bible reading.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone. It’s a hidden gem.
June 20, 2020
Encouraging and refreshing
The first word on waiting I’ve read that is encouraging and also drew me closer to God. Would recommend to anyone!
The first word on waiting I’ve read that is encouraging and also drew me closer to God. Would recommend to anyone!
May 10, 2023
This book changed everything about how I study the Bible. It was a life-changing book that I would recommend to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews