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This devotional offers fifty-two weekly truths to ponder, each followed by one to three appropriate Bible verses. An online search for weekly devotionals results in theme-based ones on joy, uplifting, etc. or group-oriented devotionals geared toward families, married couples, and even dancers. Kurban’s book is theme-based and centers around personal growth through studying and applying the incredible truth found in the Bible.
With the goal of bringing comfort to her readers, Kurban dives right in, not wasting words on explanation. Individual devotions include one memorable truth, always short and concise, written in the second-person singular or the first-person plural. The author’s words are fresh and full of thought-provoking wisdom. Readers will notice a similarity in how Kurban starts her devotions. She often uses if-then type statements such as “When we are (X) we must do (Y).” Sometimes she jumps into the reader’s mind with an insightful lead like “You may be (Z).” The author always speaks with the authority of an educator who has been in a similar place and is pointing students to real answers from the Bible.
Although there are no formal organizational strategies, it is apparent that the topics could be easily grouped into a series for study on subjects such as Christian training, looking inward, lacking understanding and wisdom, relationships, or blessings. Digging into the book also unearths some devotional gems such as “The last straw” (it does not break the camel’s back) and “...leave your comfort zone” (to fill your heart). Some topics receive greater focus than others. For example, several devotions address subjects such as possessions, love, and the cross but approach their topics from different angles. For instance, the devotions on love are based on such diverse thoughts as “You may be searching for a person to reciprocate your love” or “You cannot love one person and hate another.” Devotions about the cross may speak of getting “rid of a cross” versus accepting it or challenge those who lead others to carry the “heaviest cross.”
Without imposed limitations in the way of suggested or preferred usage, the reader is free to pursue whatever application for this book works best. For example, some might wish to use it as an aid in their private prayer closet. One of these devotional gems might be the perfect subject for a week-long meditation to strengthen one’s determination to pursue personal growth. A devotional entry could also be read at the family breakfast table either daily or on whatever day of the week proves less hectic. A second reading later in the week could then help cement the truth into memory. Younger family members could even be given a prize for being able to quote one of the Bible verses that accompany the devotion.
Kurban’s devotional demonstrates why bookmarks exist. Favorites may be searchable in the e-book version, while bookmarks simplify finding passages in the print versions. Navigational strategies such as the addition of titles, a table of contents, or an index would make the devotional more user-friendly. However, tracking one’s progress is easily accomplished with external notations on a calendar or in a journal. Just as the Bible promises blessings to whoever reads it, blessings abound to readers of this devotional.