Dwelling in His Presence: 30 Days of Intimacy with God; A Devotional for Today's Woman

I felt God's peace throughout this book and I enjoyed the short chapters and the stories she used in the book. I love her seeking nature and how she draws us in to look at our relationship with the Lord. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a break and longing for some bonding with the Lord! **review copy

As I finished this book this morning, I thought about what I wanted to write in this review. I realized that I had begun reading this book looking for a Bible Study rather than a Devotional (since I had just finished two of her Bible studies). So, my expectations weren't met. But, they shouldn't have been. I realized this morning that devotionals are different--they are intended to share a few thoughts with you, maybe a verse or two, and a matter for prayer. That is exactly what Cynthia Heald does in this study. Often devotionals have a theme and the theme of this study is to draw a woman closer to the Lord. I loved what she shared and appreciated her honesty and openness about things she's struggled with and which God has taught her through. One of the things that I appreciate most about Ms. Heald is that she points people to the Lord, not to herself or others. Her heart is not to get mired down in the tragedy or struggles, but to acknowledge them, understand what it feels like to be in them, and then look to the Lord for wisdom and truth. I will say that I know I would have gotten a lot more out of this devotional if I had spent more time with the Lord in prayer at the end of each devotional. That is my weakness right now (with 3 little kids, homeschooling, and a puppy) that I'm not very good at sitting quietly with the Lord. But, I feel Him prompting me more and more in how I can pursue that... I think the next study for me to do is Ms. Heald's Becoming a woman of Simplicity Bible study... If you enjoy devotionals, this is a wonderful one that is easy to read! I hope you will enjoy it! I think this devotional would be wonderful for any Christian woman--whether you've been walking with the Lord for many years or have just recently come to know Him. Please note that I did receive a complimentary copy of this book from Navpress for review--but I would have wanted to buy it myself anyways!

As a mother of three children (two under age 5), I long to dwell in God's presence, but find it difficult to do that on some days! So, I was extremely interested in this title right away. It did not disappoint. I have done a couple of Ms Heald's Bible studies and knew her as a solid Bible teacher and trustworthy to rightly divide God's word. This is a very attractive book with about 185 pages of material. In "Dwelling In His Presence", Ms Heald takes the reader on a 30 day journey of intimacy with God. The subtitle calls it a "devotional for today's woman". But I found it to be more of a short Bible study broken into 30 short segments with each segment about 3 to 4 pages in length. One of the things I really liked about each day's reading is that you are not left hanging with just Ms Heald's thoughts. You are given the opportunity to respond in relationship with God. At the end of each day's study, the reader is given the opportunity to "Listen to the Most High" where a scripture passage relating to that day's thoughts is given to be read and a corresponding question for thought and meditation. Also the reader is given the opportunity to apply the scripture with a section called "Experiencing His power and Presence". Being a busy mother of three, I appreciated the opportunity given in "Dwelling In His Presence" to have a time of Bible study without having a lot of reading to do. Don't misunderstand the shortness of each day's reading for shallowness of thought on Ms Heald's part. Those 3 to 4 pages pack a powerful punch. She very concisely fills each day with deep biblical thought and leaves you with plenty to "chew" on. If you feel the following words taken from the preface of the book, then you should seriously think about getting your hands on this devotional book: "A continual cry of my heart is that I might always be deepening my intimacy with the Lord. I do not want to become complacent, or even satisfied, in my current relationship with Him. I desire to keep growing in my love and knowledge of God in essence, I thirst for His ongoing power and presence in my life."

Cynthia Heald is the author of the best-selling Becoming a Woman Of...Bible studies.She is also the author of Dwelling In His Presence, a 30 day devotional for today's woman. This small book of devotionals was a pleasant surprise to me. I have read many such devotional type books in the past that are nice if you just want a quick paragraph or so to go along with your Bible reading, or to read as a pick-me-up throughout the day. But Dwelling In His Presence is much more than that. It goes beyond surface issues, cute stories, and words of wisdom from some well-known author you assume knows more than you. Cynthia has a way of getting past your walls of complacency and under your skin, to the heart of a matter. In her preface she wrote, "A continual cry of my heart is that I might always be deepening my intimacy with the Lord. I do not want to become complacent, or even satisfied, in my current relationship with Him. I desire to keep growing in my love and knowledge of God--in essence, I thirst for His ongoing power and presence in my life." She uses much scripture to back up her words, showing how much God desires a close relationship with His children and how far He is willing to go to draw us to Himself. Each chapter or (day) she uses three or four pages to give a story example, leave us with scripture and questions to ponder and meditate upon, share a quote that is applicable to the topic, and call us to intimate prayer with the one who desires for us to dwell in his presence. This cycle may sound familiar, the skeletal model of devotionals the world over, but I can assure you that it is much more. The subjects are familiar but she has a way of making it personal. Day 14 deals with abiding in the word. She uses Judas as an example when she writes, "...he was not steadfast, loyal, or faithful. He did not have an obedient heart. He went through the motions of being with the Lord, but he was not teachable or submissive to the Lord's words. To be a disciple indeed, it is necessary to abide with a heart to obey." That cut to my heart. So often I feel as though I'm going through the motions, but refuse to submit to what I know he wants from me personally. The author writes not as one preaching from a head of knowledge, but teaching from personal experience with God--simple devotions that call us to examine our inmost desires and our love for God, that in obedience we will abide in his presence. For more reviews and/or entertainment, visit me at [...] Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Cynthia Heald's newest book, Dwelling in the Presence: 30 Days of Intimacy with God, is a devotional for women. Heald encourages women to walk faithfully with God by delving into His presence on a daily basis. Her principle verse Psalm 91:1, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty" calls women to intimate fellowship with God Most High--the Creator of the universe, the Possessor of Heaven and Earth. Each day focuses on a particular aspect of our relationship with God. Heald shares a personal story and scripture and then offers challenging questions at the end of each days devotion. I loved this devotional. I enjoyed the personal stories included in each devotional--telling me other women have similar situations, feelings, and issues as myself. What thrilled me most was the fact that the God of all wants to have a relationship with me. How awesome. Yet how often am I too busy to simply "dwell in His presence." Thank you Cynthia for a devotional that calls women back to relationship with God the Father. If you are looking for a daily devotional that will encourage you in your walk with God, Cynthia Heald's Dwelling in His Presence, is an excellent choice. I am a blogger reviewer for NavPress