The Voice of the Lord: Messianic Jewish Daily Devotional

Rating:
Summary: An inspriational, educational, and practical book.
Review: This book is really my first taste of a Messianic devotional and I really enjoy the flavor, although I concede that it may be an acquired taste. Like most devotionals, it has short daily readings that help you to think about Godly things and about how you are doing in your spiritual walk with the Lord. What sets it apart is that all 22 authors are leaders in the Messianic movement.

The authors consistently use the Hebrew (or Yiddish, etc.) terms for many words that we have translated into English, thereby losing some of the meaning and "feel" of the chosen word from the original language. But not to worry, they are usually translated for you right there so that you still understand everything that is being said. This constant saturation with the more meaningful proper terms helps you to feel closer to the Jewish people and understand their thought process better. Also, interjected into some of the readings are historical accounts or other information that would only normally be known by persons with a Jewish background, which further helps us to acquire an educated knowledge of their culture.

Other features include the Hebrew calendar date in bold display at the top corners of each page and the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates below, up through the year 2004. The names of the writers do not appear on each page which really helps you to concentrate on the teaching and to give glory to God and not to the man who wrote the particular piece. However, the individual authors' initials do appear in small fine print at the bottom so that you can look them up in the index at the front of the book. The index, by the way, gives a brief profile of each author, which will also help you to get a feel for who is who in the Messianic movement around the world. There is a small sidebar for listing prayer requests and there is also a thought of the day (Today I will...) to make the teaching practical at the bottom of each page. An inspirational, educational, practical, and handsome book.

Rating:
Summary: A little gem of a devotional!
Review: This is a little gem of a devotional! Twenty-two contributors (equivalent to the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet), representing a "broad spectrum of the Messianic Jewish community," have shared their insight into various Scripture passages, giving the book a decidedly unique perspective compared to other devotionals I have looked it. Although each day's commentary is only a page long, each devotion is packed with punch, often giving Jewish background or customs to each reading. Key Hebrew words are sprinkled throughout with the English translation included in parentheses. The Jewish calendar is followed, however Western dates, six years worth (beginning in 1998), are included so the reader can easily follow throughout the year. Each page has a side-column that shows the stage of the moon on that particular date. Also listed are any important biblical events that have occurred, as well as the traditional Jewish holy days and observances that are celebrated. A small section in the column is left for personal writing or a "prayer focus." There are three appendices that cover the biblical festivals, the traditional Jewish observances, and a synagogue reading cycle.

As a personal note, I would like to add that the reading cycle is especially insightful each week, and I realized that even more after reading the author's comments when introducing the concept to the reader:

"Do you intercede for Israel's salvation? If not, the synagogue reading cycle, like an alarm clock, can wake you up to this most important responsibility. It will remind you of the seasons when many of our people around the world are turning their hearts to God in prayer, repentance and meditation on his Word. These are the ideal times to pray for our people — marvelous windows of opportunity to send our prayers heavenward. Let us remember that the best time to pray for Israel is when Israel is praying."

— Ronni

Rating:
Summary: A little gem of a devotional!
Review: This is a little gem of a devotional! Twenty-two contributors (equivalent to the number of letters in the Hebrew alphabet), representing a "broad spectrum of the Messianic Jewish community," have shared their insight into various Scripture passages, giving the book a decidedly unique perspective compared to other devotionals I have looked it. Although each day's commentary is only a page long, each devotion is packed with punch, often giving Jewish background or customs to each reading. Key Hebrew words are sprinkled throughout with the English translation included in parentheses. The Jewish calendar is followed, however Western dates, six years worth (beginning in 1998), are included so the reader can easily follow throughout the year. Each page has a side-column that shows the stage of the moon on that particular date. Also listed are any important biblical events that have occurred, as well as the traditional Jewish holy days and observances that are celebrated. A small section in the column is left for personal writing or a "prayer focus." There are three appendices that cover the biblical festivals, the traditional Jewish observances, and a synagogue reading cycle.

As a personal note, I would like to add that the reading cycle is especially insightful each week, and I realized that even more after reading the author's comments when introducing the concept to the reader:

"Do you intercede for Israel's salvation? If not, the synagogue reading cycle, like an alarm clock, can wake you up to this most important responsibility. It will remind you of the seasons when many of our people around the world are turning their hearts to God in prayer, repentance and meditation on his Word. These are the ideal times to pray for our people — marvelous windows of opportunity to send our prayers heavenward. Let us remember that the best time to pray for Israel is when Israel is praying."

— Ronni

Rating:
Summary: ~Edifying and Insightful~
Review: This is a must for anyone who wishes to add to thier collection of devotionals and commentaries. I own and read several devotionals including Spurgeons Morning/Evening,My Utmost for His Highest and a Calvary Chapel Pastors Devotional, this Messianic perspective on the Scriptures add some salt to my collection. The Messianic perspective has much to add and is a blessing to the reader in building him up in his faith through edification, conviction, humor and praise of our King Yeshua. Don't miss this one !

Rating:
Summary: The Voice of the Lord Messianic Jewish Daily Devotional
Review: This is a must for those seeking understanding for their daily walk with Yeshua. It is a refreshing light with great insight and a good way to share the Word and the Good News. It is the way that our day starts and the words carry us through with a longing for what is to come the next day. It is a must for the Messianic believer.