Thirty daily devotions to inspire you to work out your own salvation with fear and trembling!
"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” - Philippians 2:12
As Paul commanded the church of Philippi to rely upon the Word of God rather than man's teachings, to cultivate their own faith rather than sharing in another's, Grace A. Johnson has written thirty simple but inspirational devotions that are geared to readers of all ages and stages in life. Meant to motivate readers to dig into the Word, prompt them to examine their relationship with God, and encourage them to walk in victory, the devotions include applicable Scripture passages, relatable true stories, and inspirational prayers.
"My prayer is that God will use these devotions to prick your heart, fuel your convictions, and ignite a desire to grow more in your faith and start living according to God’s purpose for your life!" - Grace A. Johnson
Grace A. Johnson is a Christian indie authoress with a passion for crafting authentic and edifying stories to inspire readers and glorify God. Since 2019, she’s released several novels, short stories, and a devotional. She’s also a marketer and editor who loves helping young authors through her editing business S&J Editors and her small publishing company Sky’s the Limit Press. You can join her growing community of Kingdom-minded readers and writers on her blog Of Blades & Thorns and her podcast Spirit & Script!
For a free e-copy of the novel that made her an author, which she published at age thirteen, subscribe to her newsletter!
Each of these 30 devotions were filled with biblical truth and insight. Grace A. Johnson urges the reader with emotive words and rhetoric to stand strong as we "work out our faith" (Philippians 2:12). With a daily passage from Scripture, a daily heartfelt prayer, and many verses embedded throughout the devotional, this book can be a powerful reminder in our everyday lives that GOD is our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1).
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Since With Fear and Trembling is a devotional instead of the novels I usually review, the format of this review is going to be a little different.
Thoughts: I'm not a big reader of devotionals, but I found this one enjoyable. Grace Johnson covers a lot of good topics in this devotional. Of course, I didn't agree with everything that was said. One time, it almost seemed like it edged in the direction of believers experiencing sinless perfection on earth.
Writing: Although most of what I've read by Grace Johnson has been fiction (and I love the writing style she uses for her novels), I also really enjoyed her non-fiction/devotional writing style. She wrote these devotionals in a conversational/easy-to-read style that I appreciated. And, unlike some devotionals I've read, the style didn't seem condescending.
Overall: With Fear and Trembling was a quick-to-read, thoughtful devotional, and I'd recommend it to ladies looking for a 30-day devotional that includes "applicable Scripture passages, relatable true stories, and inspirational prayers." And, yes, I did steal that last part from this devotional's description :)
I loved this devotional!!! I enjoy devotionals very much, and reading through this one was a blessing. I loved its layout, and I also thought each day’s topic and verses were well chosen. Most days when I read the daily devotional, that day's verse and discussion to follow was just what I needed that day. One day specifically, the verse I read that morning really helped me through a tough situation that happened later that day. (Isn’t it amazing how God works the timing of things?!😉) Anyway, the discussions in this devotional are eye-opening and great to ponder over. I definitely recommend you read this book!!!!
*I received a free e-ARC copy of this devotional book. This is my honest review.*
This is hands-down one of the BEST devotionals I've ever read!!! For several reasons actually:
(1) It was short. Yeah, I have a commitment problem I feel like. I've started countless devotionals, but the fact it took me like three months to read a one-month devotional shows I'm not very consistent, so those year-long devotionals? Yeah, I'd never make it. XD
(2) Though short, it held SO many deep and good truths! This is my second time reading it, because I had the honor to beta-read it, and I STILL feel like I need to go through it at least another time. SO much to unpack here, y'all!!
(3) It looks so pretty sitting underneath my Bible on my bookshelf. Yes, this is a valid reason to love a book. XD
The book has 30 devotions, spanning about 1-3 pages long. There's a verse at the beginning and a prayer at the end. It's a great way to maybe kick off your day with a bit of Biblical truth or to use during your Bible studies. It's easy to read and follow along with and Johnson explains everything clearly. Some of the devotions are encouraging and others challenge your faith deeper. I personally LOVED this variety in the devotions, having both encouraging, inspiring, and challenging ones!
I'm trying to figure out how to express how much I loved this devotional and how it's already inspiring me and been very life-changing (it's a long story) in this short GR review. And I think I'm failing at it miserably. I suppose there are only so many ways one can say they love a book. ;)
Weeeell, I'm a bit late to this update, aren't I? As of April 27th, With Fear and Trembling is out in the world!!! WAHOO!!! Readers are already sharing their thoughts about the devotional, and I am SO grateful and overwhelmed by how this devotional is blessing others!
Those of y'all who preordered a print copy...they're on their way! I'm still waiting on my copies to come in so that I can sign 'em and ship 'em out to y'all! Thank you!! :D
Update - April 6th, 2022
With Fear and Trembling is now AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER!!! *cue excited squealing* I have been so blessed by this project, and I pray that it will be a blessing to you as well! If you're ready to get my devotional in your hands, you can preorder a Kindle copy HERE...or preorder a SIGNED PRINT COPY from my website HERE! (Pst...you'll get a bookmark too!)
I can't wait to see this book in your hands! :D
Update - March 28th, 2022
Well, y'all, betas have finished and I'm almost done editing! ARCs are out, and I'll soon begin planning the launch for my first-ever devotional! I hope to see her out in the world at the end of next month!
In the meantime, don't forget to follow my blog and newsletter for updates! :D
When I first heard Grace Johnson was writing a devotional, I was so excited! I love this author's fervor for speaking the truth and proclaiming the Gospel through all her writings - fiction and nonfiction - so this book promised to be a great read. And I was happily correct!
First off, I really appreciated how challenging each of the devotions were. This wasn't just some short, feel-good monologue; instead, it's full of challenging ideas and calls to action. And most importantly, each of the devotions were based on Scripture - lots of Scripture. Definitely a good sign, because the more the Bible that we have, the better! The fact that the author just wrote on whatever verses she felt called to speak on is such a beautiful thing as well. Because of this, each of the topics were quite varied instead of just tending toward one idea.
This book could be read in a month (since there were 30 separate devotions), but I decided to read several of them a day. Well, long story short, I ended up reading almost all of the devotions in about an hour. Grace's writing style is very engaging and down to earth, which made it super easy to read.
I will say there were a few theological things I didn't completely agree with (or would need more clarification from the author), but overall, this was a very compelling, quick devotional read!
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
I really enjoyed reading this devotional! It gave me a lot of things to think over and was very sound Biblically. I liked that Grace had verses to backup everything she was saying and she wasn't just stating her opinion. That was really nice. The central message that God alone is the one to turn to..that He has the answers, that He is there for us, that He is beside us and loves us...was beautiful. I really enjoyed this devotional and can't wait to read more of Grace's books and, hopefully, more of her devotionals in the future!
Wow! This was a really good 30-day devotional. We enjoyed reading it and talking over devotions together afterward. Definitely gave food for thought and made us think about things and talk about them together.
This is a devotional that I really wanted to delve into, and I loved the life lessons that Grace A. Johnson taught. I got something out of each day's devotion.
While there were a few small things I didn't fully agree with, I still have no doubt that this is a powerful devotional. I would definitely recommend it to everyone wanting to strengthen their faith and learn more about God's Word! (But of course I would never recommend a devotional before the Bible!)
I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
***I received a PDF copy through a giveaway the author hosted (which absolutely made my day! Thank you) and this is my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and I was not asked to leave a positive review***
I strive to read devotionals but for whatever reason I can never stick with them. For this one, I really wanted to read one a day but that didn't work out as expected. Somedays I'd read two or three and others I'd skip entirely but I'm very pleased that I not only finished this, but also enjoyed it and received a spiritual refresher.
There were days when I needed an encouraging word or a convicting reminder (I got several of those, lol) and this devotional gave me both. The author's passion for sharing the Gospel and her love for the Savior radiates on every page. It's clear she put a lot of prayer into this project and let God do the leading.
One thing I really liked was how short each...day? entry?... was. Reading time was 1-3 minutes max which is great for busy schedules. And we can't overlook that lovely cover! Perfection!
There were a couple minor things that I didn't 100% agree with but other than that I had no qualms or dislikes.
This is truly a devotional for everyone- adults and teens alike- with messages for everyday challenges. I highly recommend this! Torn between 4.5 and 5 stars so I'm giving it a 4.8 rating! (Yeah, I know I'm difficult)
3.5 stars (4/10 hearts). This is a hard book to review. I personally found it very hard to get immersed in the book—the writing style felt very distant to me, and I struggled to relate to the devotionals. That may just be a personal issue, but the writing would be a 3 stars from me.
However, I appreciated the strong reminders about daily life decisions, and it made a good month-long devotional. I may not see eye-to-eye on everything with this author, but most of what she said here was very good and seldom heard of by Christians nowadays… especially ones around my age. The content was definitely worth 5 stars.
Overall, this is a great devotional for the right audience.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
The first thing that drew me in was the cover; it’s lovely!
I can’t really fault this book; it was well done, and I applaud the author’s passion and heart. My rating is more a reflection of my personal preferences when it comes to devotionals. It’s a short book and as such the readings are short. That’s not a bad thing, but I found some of them to be a little lacking depth. I struggled to engage with the writing style and felt it to have been directed to a younger demographic.
Again, these are merely personal preferences. Grace did a good job, and I know others would enjoy this work.
I loved reading through this devotional! Each day of this 30-day collection of devotions was both inspiring and challenging. Each day with a verse that is expounded upon on how we can effectively live out our faith. It is not enough to simply be a Christian! One must put their faith into action. It should be something every person they encounter and know will see and want for themselves. Christ had already overcome the world now our job is to live our life -not just knowing- but believing that it is true!
This devotional was amazing. Every day's reading is very short (usually less than two pages) but so thought-provoking. There's a verse at the beginning of every daily devotional and Grace usually expands and elaborates on the verse's topic using real-life examples and other biblical messages. Then there's a prayer at the end of each devotional, and I really enjoyed those. Grace's writing style is easy to follow and it's very engaging. With Fear and Trembling is one of my favorite devotionals now, and I recommend it to everyone!!
*I received an ARC and was not required to write a review*
I absolutely loved this devotional! It was so encouraging, and full of Biblical truth. It's wonderful to see a young lady with wisdom from the Lord who desires to share it with the world. Full RTC soon!
WOW! With Fear and Trembling by Grace A. Johnson was a five star rating. I loved each of these 30 devotional. I loved how each one were matched perfectly with the correlating Bible verse. I liked how each one had a heartfelt prayer with it. These were were great devotionals to strengthen your faith. I enjoyed reading each one. It also made you think about your relationship with God and how to make it better. Overall, if you are looking to grow your faith or make your faith stronger this is the devotional for you.
(Note: I received a ARC copy of the devotional by the author. My opinions were my own and does not affect the review of this devotional. I was not required to leave a review of the book).
Written from one sister to another, With Fear and Trembling is a passionate call to look up and walk obediently and joyfully in the Lord. If you're looking for snippets of encouragement along with a short passage of Scripture, this book hits the spot. I found the topics for each devotional very relevant especially in our culture and time. That said, it felt a little lacking in depth and real application, though still heartfelt and enthusiastic. I felt overall the devotional didn't dig as deeply into what it actually means to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling" (Phil. 2:12) as the title denotes.
All the same, With Fear and Trembling certainly encouraged me, and from the reviews of others, I see God's used it to encourage them as well. If you decide to give it a chance, like as not you'll find yourself encouraged, too.
The way this devotional is set up is similar to one I read recently. I really enjoy the style and how it is easy to read. Each day is short enough that you don't get overwhelmed with information. The point is made and then it all gets wrapped up. I think it is great for people who want something short everyday for a month.
Like with all devotionals, there are some things I didn't necessarily agree with. This one really strives for the truth, which I like. It remained focused on the Biblical teaching, which is a little hard to find. A lot of devotions tend to go into opinions, or even focus more on the person writing it rather than the Bible. I liked that this wasn't like that. We did get some personal things, but they aided the point rather than obscuring it.
I really liked how some of the lessons seemed to build off each other. That really helped me to keep those points in my mind. It made them stick a bit more. A lot of the days were good reminders of things I have heard a long time ago. I liked having a different perspective of them.
There were parts about this devotional that I really enjoyed and loved. It really spoke to me and made me more determined to spend more time reading and studying my Bible. But then there were parts that just wasn't my cup of tea. Still, a good devotional and perfect for you if you're looking for something with more depth than a lot of devotionals today!
With Fear and Trembling provides quick, yet impactful daily devotions that are biblically sound. I highly recommend it for those who are in search of a month-long, edifying devotional that will help you examine your life as a Christian.
I loved this devotional - it's one-of-a-kind, engaging, relatable, and powerful in the truths shared throughout its pages. And this is coming from someone who never liked - or should I say, gravitated towards - devotionals that much. Maybe it's because I rarely "connect" with them, especially in terms of the unrelatable examples they give. (Okay, maybe I'm not qualified to say it's one-of-a-kind because I haven't read many in general, but, just ignore that, alright? :P)
But With Fear and Trembling isn't geared toward a specific demographic; I believe it really is for everyone. While, naturally, most people might find certain theological nuances they disagree on (though the point of this devo isn't to argue for specific doctrinal points), overall this devotional is full of solid Biblical truths that every Christian will relate to and find encouragement in. Many times, I found myself being convicted, motivated, and encouraged. I mean, you just can't go wrong with Scripture, and Grace A. Johnson's heartfelt commentary provided many insights I hadn't considered before. (And I LOVE food for thought, so that was awesome!)
ALSO. Grace wrote this in an engaging, entertaining style that anyone can understand - and it's so NOT dry, which I so very much appreciated! Just because the topic is about growing in Christ doesn't mean it has to be delivered in a stale and boring way - that doesn't impact people. Words are used powerfully and skillfully in the Scripture, and there's no reason they can't be used in the same way in devotionals, sermons, etc. This devotional doesn't have that problem. (Yayyy!)
With Fear and Trembling is full of encouragements, beautiful truths, and thought-provoking messages. (And let’s be real; an absolutely lovely cover. ;) I hope you read it – it will be worth it! 😉
Disclosure: I received this book free from the publisher/author. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
As a Christian homeschooler who has lived a fairly sheltered life, I find it hard to relate to the usual devotionals for which deal with topics I have no experience with. In the introduction to this devotional, Grace said she struggled with the same thing and found that God had laid it on her heart to write a devotional that would be relatable, and inspire readers to work out their own salvation. It does just that. In the sweet and simple devotions that stretch over the course of thirty "days", she looks into Scripture, tells relatable stories, and motivates you for your day. I found the whole study very applicable and this devotional will definitely be one I recommend to others, and return to myself.
This was a fantastic Spiritual Growth/Bible Devotional. The neatest thing for me was that near the end, I started sharing something significant that stood out to me with my teen daughter. She broke out with a huge smile as she shared that that was the same thing she's been studying with our church's youth group! I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, but it did not in any way affect my review. All opinions are my own.
With Fear and Trembling is a wonderful devotion that helps Christians dive deeper into their faith and offers reminders of truth and grace in a depth that is refreshing. Along with that, this devotional is such that any Christian can pick it up. Definitely give this dear devotional a try.
I enjoyed reading this thirty-day devotional. A lovely read drenched in faith of the author; beautifully, warmly penned. Her words are insightful and kind, they shine with peacefulness, and lullaby to sleep, yes, it’s a perfect evening read. I recommend.