"What I love most about the living Word of God is the fact that every day we can reap wisdom from it."
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Not Just a Hearer But a Doer by Yolanda Shanks Bethany Press International
book review by Cheri Clay
Not a Hearer but a Doer is a collection of thirty one daily devotionals taken from the author's personal quiet-time and meditation with God, encouraging the reader to use all their experiences good and bad as a testimony to God.
The short, easy to read devotionals are placed in bible study format, which is more in depth than the standard bible verse and story method found in most devotionals. Shanks seem to target the female reader, although these devotionals would be beneficial to men, too. Each day begins with a bright and colorful picture that sets the tone for that day's reading. Topic titles include "An Invitation to Taste," "Being Still," and "Making Spiritual Investments." Each day there is a short message from the author followed by an "observation" which is the scripture verse to match the message, some "background" explaining the scripture verse, an "interpretation" where the author explains some of the keywords in the scripture, an "application" on how to use the scripture in our own lives, and an "additional memory scriptures" section which suggests other scriptures to help complete the devotional. Lastly there is a place for the reader to apply his/her own thoughts. Scriptures are taken from the King James Bible unless otherwise noted. Perhaps an easier bible version might be better understood.
As the book draws to a close, the author includes a closing prayer which is more of a call to action than a conclusion. This summarizes the book and how to apply it to our lives. While the book may be more for the Christian believer, the novice reader will enjoy the excellent insight that leaves the reader with a better understanding of key scripture passages and a desire to learn more.
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