Member Reviews
Each day contains a short verse of Scripture, a brief explanation/reflection and a question to ponder.
I didn't dislike this book, but I much prefer the 365 day devotionals by Paul David Tripp and John Stott.
Among my collection of devotions, this title rates at the top. I really appreciate the included questions, which are perfect for journaling. Very highly recommended.
I really like what this book does. You read the passage for the day, whether it be from the Daily Bible itself or from the Daily Bible Chronological bible reading plan. Either way, this book does require having either of those. But what it does, is after you read that days selection or passage, you go to this resource and read the commentary provided that highlights a section of the passage and gives a question for you to think about, ponder, journal about, to really think about what you just read. It helps you to really pay attention and reflect on that day's passage rather than just checking it off as done. I like some of the questions that he's presented. Some things I really haven't thought about, maybe because it just wasn't presented to me or didn't occur to me, but I appreciate the time and effort involved really focusing on that reflection.
*I have received a copy from Netgalley for review. These thoughts are entirely my own*
Only since I have a seminary background do I consider that this book is not as theologially-developed to a Biblical standard that would support a high rating. For example, the teaching that multiple languages are a result of sin (connected to the Tower of Babel) is not true as scripture reveals there was a prevalence of multiple languages prior to the Babel event (see Gen. 10:5, 20, 31). Though I did appreciate the author's heart to ponder God, as is reflected in His writing.
To be fair, this book must be reviewed, first, as it was intended, and, second, as it stands alone.
The book was intended to be read along with another devotional book, The Daily Bible. The Daily Bible is a devotional version of the NIV Bible presented in chronological order for daily reading. Along with the entire text of the NIV, the author includes devotional and study helps interspersed with the Biblical text. The current book merely adds additional devotional material to the original book. Given its stated purpose, it is not needed.
However, as an independent devotional book, The Daily Bible Experience offers an excellent devotional experience on its own. The current book does not offer the reader a reading of the entire Bible, it does include devotions based on excerpts from the same passages offered in the earlier work. Each daily reading selects a verse or two from the outline found in The Daily Bible. Sadly, it does not provide readings or references to the larger context from which the one or two verses are drawn - for that the reader will need the earlier work. The devotionals are well written and aimed at the daily life of the believer. Each devotional begins by quoting the one or two verses chosen for comment, a one page devotional, and brief, one sentence, asking the reader to apply the day’s thoughts.
The Daily Bible Experience may not be needed for its stated purpose; it does serve well as a devotional book in its own right.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.
I have mixed emotions about this book. There are some good insights into Bible passages I really appreciated and there are some really silly aspects of this book that I did not appreciate.
First the good news. Smith has some informative commentaries on the daily readings. One example is his commentary on Joshua 6. The Israelites marched for seven days meaning one of those had to be a Sabbath. Sometimes breaking the rules is necessary to do God's work. Another is from 1 Samuel 16:7. Smith asks what would happen if we spent as much time on our souls as we do beautifying our physical bodies, becoming beautiful souls.
Sometimes Smith tries to explain puzzling passages. An example is 2 Samuel 14:14, “But God does not take away life...” He notes this is puzzling since “God has taken countless lives in punishment for sin.” He suggests, “The intended meaning, surely, is that God has no desire to take away lives.” (Loc 2670/5443) That seemed inadequate to me.
The silly aspect of the book comes in the questions asked at the end of each day's commentary. After a passing mention of bells, “The ringing question is...” (Loc 4080/5443) After the woman touching the hem of Jesus' garment, “The groping question is...” (Loc 4478/5443) His commentary on Colossians 3:1-2 includes a meaningless quiz that is a waste of time and is silly.
I really like the concept of devotions based on this popular Bible. I like the idea of asking thought provoking questions at the end of each devotional. Just don't expect anything consistently scholarly or with deep understanding. Many of the devotions are encouraging and insightful while others leave much to be desired.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
This devotional is designed to accompany bible reading in the Daily Bible. It is best when used that way because of the dependence on God’s word and the devotional typically is limited in the content it is addressing. This is a decent resource and the highlight is the question at the end of each day. These reflection questions help you apply the text in a very personal way and sometimes the questions are quite challenging. It’s not the most in depth devotional and functions more like a mini sermon than a commentary. I do wish there was more depth to it but this would be a great starting devotional for someone just beginning in God’s word. A commentary style can be overwhelming for many.
Well written collection of devotions. This book is meant to be read along with your bible. I received an arc from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.
As a person who is very new to Christianity I have found that The Daily Bible Experience allows me to explore God’s purpose in my day to day life. *EDIT* Upon further reading I still like the book but something just doesn’t vibe with me, it feels a lil too condescending at times
Great way of reading the bible from cover to cover in bite size pieces -it’s well explained and gives food for thought on a daily basis
This book is meant to be read along with the bible. I found it dry, and maybe a little superficial. You can tell that the author was trying to get the reader to think deeper and find meaning from the passages in the bible. It's not really meant for real life applications in my opinion.