Writing Joy on My Heart: A 6-Week Bible Memory Devotional

by Jean Fischer

This 6-Week Devotional Will Lead You on a Simple but Powerful Scripture Memory Journey
 
Writing Joy on My Heart is a 6-week devotional for women that focuses on one simple Bible memory verse per week. Each day’s devotion explores a different aspect of that week's verse, like
   
Equal parts challenging and encouraging, this unique book includes a 2-color interior and 6 full-color tear-out index cards, each with a weekly memory verse printed on it to be displayed as a reminder to write God’s Word on your heart—perfect for the fridge, bathroom mirror, computer monitor, or even as a bookmark. 
 

176 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2020

About the author

Jean Fischer is a professional writer with a solid background in publishing. While an editor at Golden Books, she oversaw the creative development of activity books and award-winning audio and book products. As a freelance writer, she co-wrote books with Christian authors Thomas Kinkade, John MacArthur, and John C. Maxwell and created devotions for the popular children's series Adventures in Odyssey concepted by Dr. James Dobson.

Jean writes Christian literature for adults as well as children's picture books, board books, nonfiction books and K-6 Language Arts workbooks and textbooks. She also creates promotional material for a leading fast-food restaurant. Her recent books include four preteen novels in the Camp Club Girls series published by Barbour Books and A Charles Dickens Devotional by Thomas Nelson.

Jean holds degrees in elementary education and library science and an advanced certificate in technical communication.

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 1 out of 5]

First sentence: Where are you on your path through life? Is there always joy in your heart? Dictionaries define joy as “a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.” If you rely on that definition alone, you will discover that joy is fleeting. It is impossible to sustain that kind of joy 24-7. Life’s path, your journey from birth to death, is strewn with obstacles intended to steal your happiness. Satan will deliberately put roadblocks in your way. Jesus confirms this in John 10:10 (nkjv): “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” Satan’s purpose is to steal joy—sustained feelings of great pleasure and gladness—and obliterate it.

Fischer has selected six verses with the theme or subject of JOY which she is encouraging her readers to memorize. She provides tips throughout her devotions for how to memorize Scripture. So. Six verses, six weeks, seven days worth of devotions per memory verse. This one is essentially straight forward. What you see is what you get...mostly.

The six verses are:

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 16:11
This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men. Colossians 3:23
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:11

Without a doubt these are six fantastic verses that everyone should consider memorizing or at the very least meditating upon.

I began this one with hope in my heart. I wanted the devotions to be good--aka BIBLICALLY SOUND and Berean approved. But ultimately I was disappointed. Not initially. Not from the first week of devotions. But more and more with each passing week.

Stop and consider these sentences:

You radiate true beauty when you find joy in yourself. It begins with you! Unless you first find joy in who you are—God’s creation and His beloved child—your senses can’t fully enjoy and rejoice over all the wonderful blessings He puts around you.

Shouldn't it be you radiate true beauty when you FIND JOY IN GOD?! when you FORGET ABOUT YOURSELF?! Isn't there a song that goes LET'S FORGET ABOUT OURSELVES AND MAGNIFY THE LORD AND WORSHIP HIM?!?!

Begin each day talking with God. Ask Him to help you block any negative self-talk, and ask Him to show you the beauty He set within you. Recognize your worth as the daughter of the King of all kings, the Creator of the universe.

You could I suppose ask God to help you block any negative self-talk, or, you know you could ask him to forgive you of your sins and cleanse you from all unrighteousness. You could ask God to show you your own beauty or worth, or, you know you could ask him to open your eyes to HIS beauty and HIS worth.

At the end of the day, tell God about the beauty you found inside you, and thank Him for putting it there.

Okay. So let's get this straight. We are supposed to go to God at the end of the day and brag on ourselves and all the good and beautiful things we have found within ourselves that day...with the excuse that God planted that goodness there?!?! Isn't that a bit vain and prideful? That doesn't sound like a model prayer from the Bible to me.

Turn your thoughts to God’s love for you. As His love grows within you, so will your love for yourself.

So it's not turn your thoughts to God...or turn your thoughts to God's love...or God's goodness...or God's anything else...but God's love for YOU. Because apparently God really wants you and me to LOVE ourselves more and more.

Compare your relationship with God five years ago to the relationship you have with Him today. Here are ten questions to guide your thinking: 1. Overall, have you grown closer with God? 2. Has your relationship with your heavenly Father made you a better person? 3. Have you dug deeper into Bible study? 4. Do you spend more time now praying and listening to Him? 5. Has your trust in Him grown? 6. Are you more aware of what God expects from you? 7. Have you become more compliant with His rules? 8. Are you more comfortable sharing your faith with others? 9. Do you think about God more often throughout the day? 10. Do you rely more on Him for guiding your decisions? If your bond with God hasn’t grown stronger during the last five years, think of ways you can improve it. Prayer is the best starting point. Talk with God about how you plan to make a more powerful connection with Him. If your relationship doesn’t feel stronger right away, persevere. Believe that God is drawing you nearer to Him.

Legalistic much?! Not that some self-reflection is a bad thing. It can be good--in moderation. THINK OF WAYS *YOU* CAN IMPROVE IT. Not God. Not Jesus. Not the Holy Spirit. Not prayers of repentance and confession. Not prayers for humility. Not praise or gratitude. ABOUT HOW *YOU* PLAN TO MAKE A MORE POWERFUL CONNECTION WITH HIM. Seriously?!?! Because apparently it's all on you and the Holy Spirit doesn't have a thing to do with it?!?!

Today, list five good things about yourself. Then give thanks to the Lord.

I'm speechless. I am. Again we're being prompted to brag on ourselves and our worth and thank God for how good we are?!?!?!

And be ye kind to yourself, tenderhearted, forgiving yourself, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Just guessing that the the ORIGINAL meaning of that Scripture doesn't line up exactly with this "new and improved" one that is help you love yourself because you're awesome.

Your relationship with God should be your first priority and then your relationship with yourself. If you aren’t right with God and if you have unresolved issues with yourself, your other relationships will suffer.

THEN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOURSELF. Apparently I've been reading the SECOND most important commandment all wrong!!!! The Bible apparently commands us to LOVE OURSELVES AND PUT OURSELVES SECOND--RIGHT AFTER GOD. FORGET ABOUT OTHERS. FORGET ABOUT YOUR FAMILY. YOUR SPOUSE. YOUR KIDS. YOUR PARENTS. YOUR NEIGHBOR. IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU.

Again, you can look to Paul as an example. He resolved his issues with God and himself. He went on to find joy in hardship and teach others to do the same.

I wonder if Paul knows this about himself?!

In Noah’s story, God sets the perfect example of organization and efficiency. Your goal is to model yourself after Noah and work as if working for the Lord. To do that you need to rid yourself of any clutter that gets in the way of serving Him. When you work in an orderly way, you can serve God joyfully and efficiently.

Wow!!!! Apparently I've been reading the story of Noah all wrong too!!! All my life I've been under the impression it was about GRACE and MERCY--finding REFUGE from God's wrath and punishment.

Don’t just read about Jesus; study Him! Ponder His relationships with others. Then try to be more like Him.

This isn't as out-there-weird as some of the earlier statements. But. Jesus isn't to be studied and examined so much as trusted in, loved, obeyed, worshipped.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing Joy on My Heart by Jean Fischer is a nice little devotional/journal that, of course--as if it needs to be said, focuses on joy. Jean does a good job sharing great Bible verses on joy as well as explaining and discussing the points she is making with each day/entry. She keeps the daily entries short and to the point and easy enough to read quickly but still create an impact.

Joy is my jam, so I Jean's book is right on point with my love of all things joyful!

My ONLY complaint is that I have a digital version; I do not feel that WRITING JOY ON MY HEART is conducive to being an ebook. This book needs to be purchased and held in the hands especially since Jean includes memory cards at the back. I feel a little cheated because I don't have the print book to have those memory cards. :)

Now that I have read the paperback version of WRITING JOY ON MY HEART, I can honestly say that Jean's book is WELL worth reading...a valuable devotional for any and all joy-seekers. :)

I would like to chat with you, Jean, about the true definition of Pollyanna. . .Or you can read MY book, JOY ACTIONS, where I discuss the stereotypical definition of Pollyanna, that you use, versus the true meaning.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gives you a joyful scripture to memorize each week with lessons on how to write joy on your heart. Great insight & lessons! Very easy read with meaningful content!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Writing Joy on My Heart, Jean Fischer embarks on a unique, six-week devotional journey that encourages readers to memorize and meditate on scripture. Of course the theme for the entire book is joy, and topics include finding joy in God's creation, finding joy in your relationships, and finding joy in your work. Fischers idea of encouraging women to memorize scripture by helping them to repeat it, meditate on it and internalize it is truly an amazing one. I applaud her for it, and I truly hope for more volumes in the future. My only regret is that Fischer focuses in on the King James Version, which is outdated English. A more modern but trustworthy translation like the ESV or the CSB would make this much more accessible to women of all ages.

As for the set up, each week has 6 days of devotionals, with a seventh day, "Putting It All Together." Each week's deovtional has a focal memory verse, while daily devotions dig into the Word to help readers really understand and apply that focal verse. Each day includes a devotional thought, space for meditating and journaling, and an opportunity to pray the scriptures. The printed book includes a set of scripture memory cards readers can carry along with them.

Note: I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for this honest review. However, the opinions expressed are my own.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]


Writing Joy on My Heart
A 6-Week Bible Memory Devotional
by Jean Fischer
Barbour Publishing, Inc.

Barbour Books
Christian
Pub Date
01 Apr 2020


I am reviewing a copy of Writing Joy On My Heart: A 6-Week Bible Memory Devotional through Barbour Books and Netgalley:


In this book we are reminded that though life is strewn with obstobstacless the Lord is there to help us if we seek his guidance. 

On week one day one, the author of this devotional remind us that "Life’s path, your journey from birth to death, is strewn with obstacles intended to steal your happiness. Satan will deliberately put roadblocks in your way."  We are faced with obstacles but we are also blessed with joys.


This book reminds us that to discover true joy.
, we should start small.  Notice the little things that make us happy.  


We are reminded too that learning to trust Jesus means putting him first.   In order to trust God, you first need Faith.   


This six week devotional would make a great edition to your personal Bible Study time.


I give Writing Joy on My Heart five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new, top shelf, return-to devotional. I wholly enjoyed and appreciated this labor of love. A six week devotional that focuses on one verse a week. The writing is geared towards woman and applicable to all ages and stages because the focus is on the Truth in your life. Each week starts with the new verse, then each day has a reflection to make it personable. In addition, each day has a section title Blank Page. These were my favorite of all nuggets gifted to the readers. The Blank Page incorporates journaling or drawing, a way to tangibly express the Truth that is being watered in your heart. Then, each day concludes with The Last Word, a final thought to guide your closing your time in prayer. I look forward to seeing the final print copy, as I was not able to experience the full-color tear out cards in the electronic version. While the devotional itself may be finished, the habits of prayer and journaling will continue on for time to come.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Courtney Birkbeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It's beautiful and artistically done. I always love a devotional that is pretty. This devotional dives deep into finding the heart of God for ourselves. It asks hard questions and takes us on a journey to getting to know God better and go deeper in our faith in Him.

I will definitely be buying a copy of this when it comes out because this is something I've actually been searching for. I love devotionals that are light hearted, but I've been searching for one that goes beyond the surface things and dives deep into the painful places of my heart where God wants to heal things.

I believe this devotional will help women to go deeper with God and I can't wait to buy one for myself and for a friend and to tell other friends about it.

Thank you for the chance to read this book. I am blessed to have been able to read through and I will be going through it page by page right now and then buying the hardcopy of this book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing Joy on My Heart is a 6-week Bible memory devotional by author Jean Fischer.

Writing Joy on My Heart begins each week with a scripture memory verse for that week with tear-out index cards in the back of the book. The verses are written on index cards so you may carry them wherever you go or post them in a place you visit daily.

Each day there is a devotion, a blank page that gives ideas on applying what you are learning, and The Last Word section for digging deeper.

My favorite week was week two aptly named Finding Joy in God’s Creations. This devotional met my expectations. I recommend Writing Joy on My Heart to all Believers.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Fischer has some wonderful thoughts and applications for living a godly, evangelistic life. Memorizing scripture is or should be a daily task for every believer. I think the book could be better if she would broaden her reader demographic. This was clearly written for young mothers. A few places that simply did not apply to my life. A few of the ideas could be applied in other situations, but not always. I don't memorize out of the King James - that is a personal choice. Her memory cards in the back of the book are a waste, in my opinion. Blank cards would be better, so anyone could use the version of the Bible that they prefer. Other than that, it was an easy read with excellent life applications.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for an ARC.

A very well crafted devotional. I especially appreciate the authors emphasis on memorizing scripture. She includes it throughout each week, focusing on a verse a week. She also includes some "quiet time" and next steps/apication. As a teacher, I appreciate the way she planned out the devotional.

[Vnunez-Ms_luv2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice devotional with a Bible verse to learn every week. Every day, the reading pertains to the verse, which helps with the memorization. I wish they would come out with this concept for more than 6 weeks. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.