40 Verses to Ignite Your Faith by Laurie Polich Short

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Short has provided thought provoking reflections on some Bible verses of less notoriety. There is a depth to the devotions I found refreshing.

The verses Short chose are not wonderful promises like we see in so many devotionals. They lent themselves to comments about our disappointments with God such as when He seems silent. Short reminds us that God ultimately uses such times to strengthen our relationship with Him.

I like the insights Short shares based on the Scriptures. One that impressed me was on timing. Some times God takes a long time to fulfill a dream, such as Joseph's of his brothers bowing down. As with Joseph, the dream comes true only after it seems it couldn't possibly happen. She has good thoughts on how waiting is part of our spiritual growth.

Short introduced me to a new concept in our spiritual experience called an agogic moment. It is when we are spoken to by something or Someone bigger than ourselves. God initiates the experience but we determine its effect.

This is a good collection of forty devotions on serious topics concerning our spiritual experience. Short's writing is thoughtful, not fluffy like some devotions. She includes good insights on patience, fear, suffering, thorns, circumstances, and many more. And there are great reflection questions at the end of each devotion. This book would be a good one for a personal forty day retreat with Bible and journal in hand.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Laurie Polich Short is a popular author and speaker at conferences, colleges and church events around the country. She has been featured on PBS, Focus on the Family, World Magazine and more. She is on the teaching teams at Oceanhills Covenant Church and Peninsula Covenant Church, both in California. She is a graduate of Fuller Theological Seminary and the author of sixteen previous books. She lives in Santa Barbara with her husband and stepson. You can find out more at www.laurieshort.com.

Bethany House, 176 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.