AS THE NEW YEAR gets underway, we may or may not be looking forward to what lies ahead. But regardless of our situation, there is one thing we can be certain of. If we are trusting God to lead us, we need not fear the future. One tool that can be helpful as we seek God’s wisdom in the Word is having a devotional book to guide us through the Bible. Author Donna Schlachter hopes her devotional book, Transformation can do just that. She tells you more about it in my interview with her below.
Linda: Why did you write this devotional book and what is the format?
Donna: As believers or seekers, we know deep down we should read the Bible. But where to start? Some of those books in the Bible can be so dry. I wanted to create a book that readers would find relevant today.
Transformation is a 366-day devotional, so there is a devotion for every day plus Leap Year. It comes in print and digital versions, can be started any day of the year, and if you miss a day or a week or a month, you just pick up where you left off. Completing the reading is the goal, not how long it takes.
Linda: I see that you use the chronological Bible for your devotional. What made you decide to do that?
Donna: I had read through the Bible chronologically the previous year, and was astounded at how the books and chapters—and even verses—fit into the timeline of when they actually happened. Knowing that gave me new insight into the culture and context of the events. I’d not seen a devotional book that used a chronological timeline, so thought this might be a change for readers.
Linda: Why did you choose Transformation as the title of this book?
Donna: When I undertook to read the Bible through chronologically in a year, I started journaling as I went. Along the way, I realized that God was speaking to me personally through this format. I was changed—for the better. When I later felt Him tugging at my heart to compile my journaling into a devotional book, I was forced to transform my thinking about my personal quiet time. Now I could use it to reach and impact lives as God had done with me.
Linda: Do you focus on a particular theme?
Donna: As I read the passages each day, my goal was to pick a nugget from each reading, to look at a specific focus verse or verses in a brand new way. One that would change how I related to God. So the verses I use in this devotional are not the ones you see in other devotionals.
Linda: How is this devotional book different from other devotional books?
Donna: I used to struggle when I found a yearly devotional I liked, but it was August. I felt I had to keep it around until January 1st. I did that one year, and when the new year came around, realized I’d bought—and saved—three devotional books. What I realized then was I liked each of these books for different reasons, but mostly because the topic was something I was going through at the time. Now it wasn’t of interest to me. So when I sat down to write this book, I made certain it could be started any day of the year without confusion.
You can start reading it on any date. June 19th can be Day 1. Continue reading and complete the Bible on June 18th of the following year. Missed a few days? No worries. Pick it up where you left off and keep going. Take longer than a year if you want..There is no prize for finishing early. I just want readers to connect with Father God and accomplish reading the entire Bible.
Linda: How does your book, Transformation speak to the hearts of people who are going through a rough time in their lives?
Donna: Each day, readers will read God’s love letter to them. They will see His sacrifice, join other believers as they journey through their lives in this world, and come to understand that they are worth the life of God’s own Son. Once grasped, this truth can carry them through even the most difficult and trying circumstances and times.
I believe that any time spent reading the Bible is time well spent. You can waste your time watching a movie or reading a book that, at the end, doesn’t make any difference in your life. If what you’re doing doesn’t change you in some way, for the better, I say, “move on.” This book will not only carry you through the Bible in a year, it will also open Scripture to you in ways you’ve never seen before. You’ll notice verses hidden between the lines, so to speak. And I believe that time spent in God’s Word will draw you closer to Him. That’s my goal: Drawing people to God by the Word.
Will it answer all your questions? No, but it will introduce you to the One who knows the answers. Will it address every issue? No, but you will meet the God who is bigger than every issue that will come into your life.
Linda: I know you also write historical and traditional suspense and have been published in many publications. Where can readers learn more about you and perhaps purchase your book, Transformation?
Donna: The book is available on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq You can purchase it in print or ebook. Readers can also connect with me at www.DonnaSchlachter.com where they can learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive 2 free ebooks simply for signing up for our free newsletter! They can also check out my blog at www.DonnaSchlachter.com/blog and see previous blog posts at www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com and www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com
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