Book Review of Mornings with Jesus 2012 from Guideposts

MORNINGS WITH JESUS 2012: DAILYENCOURAGEMENT FOR YOUR SOUL

Written by Judy Baer, Gwen Ford Faulkenberry, Tricia Goyer, Sharon Hinck, Keri Wyatt Kent, Erin Keeley Marshall, and Camy Tang

ISBN 978-0824945046

Published by Guideposts

Reviewed by Clint Walker

Guideposts  has long been a leader in providing daily devotional material for folks in churches. I grew up with my mother having guideposts material on her nightstand, and with women in the church having Guideposts material on their end tables and coffee tables.

This year, the devotional “Mornings with Jesus 2012” has passed across my desk for review. There is much to commend about this fine devotional. First, it is authentic and down to earth. Many devotionals can come across as overly spiritual. Not this one. One devotional thought by Keri Wyatt Kent who was talking about a particularly difficult time in her marriage, and her need to win an argument particularly stood out to me. 

Also, included among the writers of these devotionals are competent, articulate women who are accomplished writers as well as younger women who are up and coming Christian leaders. Many of these women have name recognition through their writing and speaking ventures. Many Christian women will be already comfortable with their voices. On a personal note, I am also thankful that most of these devotionals are about real-life issues. Much of what I remember from Guideposts was about stories of encounters with angels by Guideposts readers. To be honest, all the Guidepost stories about angels have kind of burnt me out on angel stories.

What the reader needs to know before purchasing the book, and this should be obvious at this point, is that this devotional is geared toward women. It is written by women for women. It discusses issues from a woman’s point of view. And, the current cover looks like it could also be a stock photo for a feminine hygiene product. So, this would be a great gift for a mother or wife, or even a grandma. But if you are looking for a devotional for the man in your life, look elsewhere.

All in all though, Mornings with Jesus l accomplishes its purpose. It speaks to its audience in a way that not only touches their souls, but also gets into their lives with the intent of changing it. You can’t ask for much more than that.


I have two copies of this fine book to give away. If you want to win the book, leave a comment on facebook or on this blog, or email me about what devotionals you use, why you use them, and how you have found them helpful. Thanks!