90 Day Fix Her Upper Devotional – A Review
Steph Nickel reviews the book “90 Day Fix Her Upper.” She says the ” devotionals were written by real women who have dealt with—and are dealing with—relatable struggles and victories.”
What book would you like to recommend? Tell us about what you think. Comment below or contact us at HopeStreamRadio.
What’s Behind the Cover?
I mentioned Beth Duewel and Rhonda Rhea’s Fix Her Upper series when I outlined the nonfiction books I want to read in the next little while.
Since writing that post, I’ve begun using the devotional, and Wow! There is so much packed into each brief entry.
Each day there is a verse or two to read from God’s Word as well as a succinct thought on the passage and a prayer. The opposite page includes a graphic the reader can colour and a number of blank lines to record thoughts and prayers.
Chapters include “Renovated by a Loving Father,” “A Good Work in Progress,” “Overflowing Joy and Hope,” “Feeling Incomplete?,” “Lean on the Love of God,” and 85 others.
Beth and Rhonda’s Honesty
One of my favourite things about Beth and Rhonda is their honesty. They’re genuine and vulnerable. These devotionals were written by real women who have dealt with—and are dealing with—relatable struggles and victories. These ladies come alongside readers and assure them, “Been there; done that.”
Because God wired me to be an extrovert for whom authentic relationships are a top priority, I respond best to writers, teachers, and pastors who walk with me rather than talk at me.
Each day, I pick out a word or phrase that I designate “Today’s Theme.” As I glance back over the devotionals I’ve already read, this theme serves as a reminder of the main thing that struck me about that day’s reading.
Some of those themes have been Beauty and Eternity, Faith, Grace, God’s Workmanship, and Divine Attire. Reviewing these themes and the verse of the day will go a long way to securing the truths I’m learning.
What Happens on Spiritual Demo Day?
The devotional that has struck me most powerfully so far is What Happens on Spiritual Demo Day?
This is how it reads:
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires (Romans 13:14).
We’ve looked at how the Bible tells us to take off darkness and wear Jesus. Why is that sometimes so difficult? It’s easy to miss that part of today’s passage where we’re told to “make no provision for the flesh.” Got a sin that’s bugging you? Our tendency can be to follow it around or hang out where we know it might show up. We excuse it, hide it, rationalize it. We’re to instead: make no provision! Don’t feed it, water it, cultivate it. Take it off and wear Jesus instead.
Sometimes a spiritual renovation requires some demo:
- Are there places you’re allowing your mind to go that feed sinful desires?
- Do you even go there physically?
- Are you willing to draw a line in the sand this very day and stop making provision for sin?
Heavenly Father, empower me to say no to sin and allow You to live and work and influence every corner of my life today. Every corner. Every thought. Every action. Every word. Work in me to show more of You. In the name of Jesus.
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No Provision For Sinful Desires
What first struck me about this verse was that we are to make no provision—absolutely none—for our sinful desires. My prayer is that I would increasingly have victory in this area.
As I read the devotional, it struck me upside the head that the only way to do so is by obeying the preceding command to put on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Of course that’s the solution!
And how can we do so? By studying God’s Word. By spending time with Him in prayer. By fellowshipping with fellow believers in Jesus.
Is there any way to obey the commands in Romans 13:14 and elsewhere in the Scriptures without first confessing our sin and accepting the forgiveness that Jesus secured when He lived among us, died in our place, and rose victorious over sin and death? Absolutely not! So, if you haven’t come to saving faith, I pray that you will take that step and learn how to put on Jesus and make no provision for the flesh.
Letting it Sink in
While it would be easy to complete several devotionals in 90 Day Fix Her Upper each day, I’ve chosen to complete only one, allowing the theme to sink in. I will journey with Beth and Rhonda for the next three months—and beyond, as I read their other books and participate each Friday morning in Faith-Pump Friday, the Facebook group where hundreds of us hang out and encourage one another.
As I am using the devotional, I am reading the first book in the series, Fix Her Upper: Hope and Laughter through a God Renovated Life. Each brief chapter is written by either Beth or Rhonda and includes an “Added Accent” written by the other, a lengthier scripture passage, and a “Bringing it Home” section of application questions for contemplation and journaling.
Highly Recommended
As you can tell, I highly recommend these books—and these authors. Beth Duewel and Rhonda Rhea are “the real deal,” and I’m thankful the Lord caused our paths to cross out here in cyberspace. Hopefully, I’ll have the privilege of connecting with them in person.
I’d love to know who your favourite authors are. You can get in touch with me through my producer’s page on HopeStreamRadio. Hope to hear from you soon!
Steph Nickel
Stephanie is a freelance writer and a contributor to our Christian internet radio station, HopeStreamRadio.
Read and hear more from Steph Nickel on the contributor’s page or at Steph Nickel’s Eclectic Interests.
Stephanie’s show, “Family Life Lessons,” airs from Monday to Friday on HopeStreamRadio.
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Images courtesy of:
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