Book Review–Pure Joy

About the Book:

Book: Pure Joy: 90 Devotions on the Book of James

Author: Anita Higman

Genre: Christian Devotional Book

Release date: February 27, 2024

Pure Joy is a profound 90-day devotional that delves into finding joy through suffering amidst life’s challenges. In the Book of James, we’re challenged to embrace our trials with “pure joy,” understanding that they lead us to a point of lacking nothing. But how can we truly embody this spirit of joy in the midst of adversity? This daily devotional takes you on a transformative journey through James’ enigmatic teachings, encouraging you to discover the profound change that occurs when we accept Christ’s power in our anguish, confusion, discontent, and hardship.

My Thoughts:

Review from my mom because I haven’t seen the book yet (though I’m looking forward to it!):

I love it! Each devotional consists of two pages. The author presents one or several verses from James for each selection depending on the thought expressed in the verse(s), so that we get the complete thought. These are not dated nor numbered, which works for me. Then there are devotions from Proverbs every so often with the same format.

            The author uses one of 9 Bible versions for each selection; I wonder if she chose the version that best expressed the thought for each one and sometimes I look at another version to see how it compares. If someone has a problem with the use of the Amplified version, the Living Bible, the Message, or The Voice, not using this book is, of course, one option, but looking up the verse in the preferred version is another option. At the end of each selection is a brief prayer, and I found that many of those are prayers that I want to remember and use!

            I appreciated the author’s observations about each passage and her thoughts on applications! For instance, the introductory sentence for Verses 1:2-4, titled A Quest for Real Joy, reads: “Everybody’s definition of joy is different. Some folks might light up in ecstasy as they take a zip line across a deep canyon. Others might instead throw up…” She goes on to discuss Jesus’ offer of peace in John 16:33; the fact that life on earth will include troubles; and the inspiration that we can receive from those who have gone through trials and come out on top through Jesus. If we consider what work the Lord can accomplish in us through trials, we can have joy through them! What a paradox—but then, our God uses lots of paradoxes.

            In my opinion, this is a 5-star read.

I received a review copy of this book from the author, and these are my honest thoughts about it. Links may be affiliate links, which will benefit Esther’s website if purchases are made through them.

About the Author:

Anita Higman—an award-winning and bestselling author from Texas—has authored or coauthored fifty-plus books, and she has a BA in the combined fields of speech communication, psychology, and art. A few of Anita’s favorite things are fairytale castles, antiquing, exotic teas, gardening, and laughing with her family and friends! Her latest book, Pure Joy, is a collection of devotions inspired from the Book of James in the Bible.

More from Anita:

Life is broken. We keep trying and trying—and trying—to make something worthwhile out of life, but no matter what we do on our own, it’s still a hopelessly shattered mess. When we allow Christ to love His way into our lives, we discover this miraculous thing called grace. He can take what is fractured by sin and refashion it into a magnificent work of art. And He gives us a new lightness of heart and a livelier step. Best of all, paradise has been regained! Yes, that is us—when we journey humbly with Him.

It has been said that some of James’ inspired writings have similarities to the Book of Proverbs. So, I am hopeful you will also enjoy—Pausing for Proverbs—the little inset devotions, which are enfolded into this work.

May these ninety devotions and your journey with James flood your life with hope, ripen your faith, and transform you into a woman who knows how to dance in God’s light and His wonderful ways of joy…

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