Part of a three book devotional series, Stand: Diving Into God's Words focuses on helping teens to "fall in love with Scripture". Alex McFarland digs into Psalm 119 and pulls out eleven topics, one per chapter. He covers God, Scripture, Relationships, Prayer, Truth, Happiness, Blessings, Priorities, Troubles, Attitude, and Goals. A reading guide can be found in the back with room to jot down a personal reflection or "jewel" for each day. My fourteen year old is currently using this as a personal devotion study. He loves the look of it; it's small and skinny and has a glossy, colorful cover. The design makes you want to pick it up and at least flip through it. I know a book can't be judged by it's cover, but it doesn't hurt to be attractive either.
The design appeal continues throughout the book, making it easy to read. Thankfully, the content is just as good as the design. At approximately ten pages a chapter, there's enough there to chew on but not so much as to be overwhelming. The writing is easy to understand but with the depth I am looking for in a teen devotional. As I was reading through myself, there was enough for me to contemplate and consider. I enjoyed the short biographical illustrations as well, as did my son.
At only eleven chapters, it's a rather short devotional. I'm thinking maybe that's why it's a three part series? Breaking it up into three smaller books is less intimidating to the average teenager than a larger book that would last for a longer period of time.
This could also be used as a jumping off point for those who teach teenagers in a church setting or for great discussions with your homeschooled junior/senior high schooler. I believe it would work well with boys and/or girls, probably grade six and up.
Stand: Diving Into God's Words by Alex McFarland is available for $12.99 from your favorite online or local bookstore.
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