Voices of the Faithful, Book 2: Inspiring Stories of Courage from Christians Serving Around the World

I started reading this several weeks ago, and I have really enjoyed it. Each day has a short story written by a missionary about his or her experiences. Some are funny, while others about bring you to tears, but all are inspiring. These stories are daily reminders of how important the decisions are that we make daily in our lives. There were two devotions that touched me more than the others. One was a reminder that no matter what mistakes I've made in my past that I am still useful to God. Even though I know this, I always need to be reminded from time to time that I may be just the "tool" God needs to reach someone. The second one was about our children and how God has a plan for them. The prayer for that particular day said "You have a plan for my children and grandchildren, Father. Do not let me hinder what you are doing in their lives." Wow! This was so convicting for me and a reminder that as my children's mother I need to daily let God have control of their lives. As moms, we tend to try to "do it all" and He doesn't want us to. This devotional has been such a blessing and a thought-provoking addition to my daily devotions.

This collection of daily devotionals is rich in the spirit. Beth Moore's idea of devotionals based on stories from the mission field continues to be needed in this world. Even though the news tells us that the world is getting smaller thanks to media and social networking; we are still in the dark about the basic day to day life of most of the world. The devotionals that are shared by the missionaries bring realness to the places that they are serving that can only be achieved through stories from the battle lines. The book is divided into monthly segments with an introduction by Kim P. Davis, the compiler that includes the topics: God, Our loving Father; "Follow Me"; Lessons from the young; and Hope for the World. Each day there is a scripture, story from a missionary, and a prayer. The book is beautiful to look at but even more beautiful to experience. Having served for a brief time in the Sub-Saharan Africa, it is encouraging to hear of the work that our brothers and sisters in Christ are doing there. But the book also does an excellent job of addressing the danger that is inherent in spreading the gospel in non-Christian cultures. I would recommend this devotional for anyone that wants to be in prayer for missionaries and for those that want to grasp a greater understanding of the mission field.

This book full of 365 daily devotions, will bring tears to your eyes, faith to your heart and keep God on your mind. I've been encouraged as I read through dozens of stories that missionaries has shared. Some of the simple way God reminded them about their relationship with Him, others of the struggles of being so far away from family and friends. These short stories, shared by missionaries, is such an awesome look into the lives of those who have devoted their lives to serve God by sharing His name with many who have never heard. It's amazing to see that they are just like me and you, struggling with meeting bills, doubting God sometimes, wondering 'Why?' You can not go wrong with this book, Voices of the Faithful Book 2 has been an amazing reminder to me to pray daily for those working in missions, near and far, and that I am not alone in my imperfect walk with Christ.

I have to admit--a big part of the appeal for me is the gorgeous design. The book just begs to be read and treasured! But what is inside is more precious than gold...and I'm so grateful we have a second volume of valuable stories. "Voices of the Faithful, Book Two" is more stories from around the world--stories of believers serving and at times sacrificing for their God. In America, we can easily forget about our brothers and sisters in other countries. It's book like this one that help us remember to pray, and to not take our freedoms and faith for granted. Over 300 missionaries contributed to this volume, and each one will move you to a richer, deeper faith. And an appreciation for those who are called to go and serve away from home. Or to serve where home is a dangerous place. Each devotional is a daily reading, brief but so rich! I highly recommend both volumes to you. I'm giving "Voices of the Faithful, Book Two" the Golden Bookmark for Inspirational Writing and a huge thank you for sharing their stories with all of us. May we be inspired to reach out more to a lost and dying world in desperate need of a Hope and a Savior.

The latest book for review is Voices of the Faithful Book 2 by Kim P. Davis and Beth Moore. This one year devotional brings encouragement and insight to women from women around the world. Each month focuses on a different aspect of Christian living from the unique perspective of women on the mission field. Some of the topics include: Prayer, the Priority, God, Our Loving Father, Divine Appointments, Lessons from the Young, Lost and Found, Making Him Known, and more. The drawing card for me on this book was the fact that the contributors were women in the mission field. I love reading personal testimonies from people who are doing the work of ministry. Their zeal for the Lord and their work comes through in their writing. I also appreciate their dedication as many on in countries resistant to the Gospel. The varied voices in each days reading made them both interesting and personal. I think this devotional is great for personal devotions as well as a tool that can be used in women's ministry groups (i.e. MOPS, women's Bible study, or small groups.) I am a Blogger Reviewer for Thomas Nelson Publishers