by Christian Garcia
About the Author
John O'Malley is the President of World Wide New Testament Baptist Missions. He is committed to educating and training missionaries for the Great Commission while investing in college students preparing for ministry. Respected for his preaching, writing, and leadership, Mr. O'Malley is a champion for the cause of Christ.
Purpose of the Book
The author's purpose “…is about putting tools in your hand to help you go from defeated to victorious in your time alone with God."
Targeted Audience
This book is fantastic for the new believer. If you have had the opportunity to lead a soul to Christ and began a discipleship process, you’ve seen the overwhelmed look on the new convert’s face. Their eyes bulge at the concept of reading a book filled with a mountain of literary and cultural challenges. Wise is the mentor who has this book on hand to dispel the fear of new believers.
But it’s not just for new believers. Frustrated or discouraged believers who find challenges with their time with God find hope. I identified with each one of his eight obstacles and could pinpoint moments in my life where I struggled. So if you’re ready to flood the barren land of your time with God with fresh water, this book is a read for you.
First Impressions
Author's Sincerity
John O’Malley does way more than present facts about having your time with God. Within the book, he personally offers his own help to answer questions readers may still have about their alone time with the Lord. In fact, each chapter that uncovers a possible obstacle to a person’s time with God concludes with a personal invitation for readers to share their thoughts, takeaways, and questions with the author.
Freedom from Guilt
I remember the reoccurring guilt I would feel during my time at Bible college when it came to my devotional life. Students I looked up to all had a variety of reading and prayer methods. From the classroom and in private conversations, the professors I respected offered a multiplicity of ways to spend time with God. On many occasions I would sit alone with my Bible and start with a read-it-through plan, only to get past a few verses until I suddenly stop, switch gears, and try a topical study. I desperately tried everything at the same time, feeling guilty for not spending enough time studying out a particular word or covering more ground of God’s Word.
Relatable Content
He excellently describes the gap between our expectations of our devotional time and reality. In the dream-world, he imagines a woman sitting in solitude, with perhaps music and perfect lighting to adorn the atmosphere. Her eyes sparkle with tears as she drinks in the refreshing streams of truth from the pages of her Bible. Pulling back the screen, he exposes the harsh reality of how it is for the average mother: kids making noise, clothes and toys scattered throughout the room, and other distractions clamoring for attention.
Whether your challenges are weak comprehension or a lack of Bible knowledge, Overcoming Your Devotional Obstacles provides practical solutions to meet your needs.
Full of Practicality
This book is not an educational book to teach you the value of devotions. It’s a manual, a how-to guide to meet the needs of various believers. In fact, chapter one allows readers to skip ahead to different portions that fit their scenarios. As he unpacks eight obstacles a person may face in his time with God, he provides specific strategies or “tips” to break through the barrier. In the back of the book is the “bonus section” where readers find multiple reading plans, links to personal downloads, and strategies you can apply the next time you get alone with God.
My personal takeaway
Of the eight obstacles he wrote about, I identified most with the obstacle of comparison. As a Bible college graduate, I remember the pressure to have the perfect Bible reading plan. Students I looked up to and professors I highly respected expressed how much time they spend with God and what they were reading. Listening to how much they were enjoying their time with Jesus made me feel three inches tall when I thought of my own time with God.
Then I came across chapter four, where John O’Malley wrote, “Release yourself from other people’s picture frames and live in the picture frame of His grace and mercy.” Those words resonated with my heart and encouraged me to stop comparing myself to those around me and focus more on loving my walk with God.
Buy it
To order John O'Malley's Overcoming Your Devotional Obstacles, click here.