I tried to enjoy this book, and took my time reading it, in order to give it a chance. However, I could not get past the fact that the tone of the book felt preachy and condescending. I know other reviewers have loved the book, and I'm glad. I just feel the tone of the writing food not fit well with my personality or tastes.

Six week bible study - perfect for women who fear the future and unknown.

I received this book courtesy of Netgalley and its publisher, Moody Publishers. This book guides you with prayer, scripture and inspiration for six weeks with daily stories and prayer. Lessons with Bible references are provided to expand spiritual growth. It is an easy step-by-step book that provides guidance and structure for spiritual development. I recommend this book to anyone who wants guidance and structure in daily prayer. I found it inspirational.

This I Know

by Laura Dingman

In This I Know, Laura Dingman invites the reader to participate in a Bible study where “our unknown future doesn’t look so daunting” as we “know and experience God.” It is a six week investigation into the “truths of God’s nature.” Each week has five lessons followed by a day of contemplation.

I am not a theologian or even an aspiring theologian, but I am a Christian and I enjoy Christian literature and Bible studies. I found This I Know to be a little esoteric in its beginnings. Week 1, Day 4 held a turnaround for me. Up until this point, Dingman’s writing only seemed “real” to me in her prayers and in some of her journaling prompts. She comes down to earth for me as she examines Mary’s response to the angel who told her she would be the mother of Jesus. This is a discussion I can relate to. This makes clear the kind of experiential knowledge of God that Dingman has previously expounded on.

Dingman challenges her readers to examine what they really believe about God. Her Week 3 focus on Jesus as the Cornerstone is really well thought out and well written. In Week 4 Dingman devotes the introduction to the lengthy but fascinating story of Jehoshaphat and encourages the reader to keep her eyes on God. In Week 5 we look at the goodness of God in times of trouble and joy. Week 6 explores the importance of remembering what God has done for us.

I recommend this book for people who are looking for a structure to their Bible study or are devotees of the “Listen and Linger” method of Bible study or the “S.O.A.P.” method. If you want an introduction to these methods, this would be appropriate for you as well. Dingman uses a type of guided reading with questions to direct your attention as she alternates by day through the two methods.

I would like to extend my thanks to netgalley.com and to Moody Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

Category: Christian, Bible Study

Disclosure: Normally I would review a Bible study book by following the prescribed timings. In this case I did for two weeks. The Bible study methods employed did not appeal to me. I know they are quite popular with a lot of people; it is a personal preference. I continued on and read Week 3 and skimmed weeks 4-6 so I could write a review that hopefully is helpful to others. If you are not familiar with these methods, an Internet search can provide information.

Publication: January 2, 2018—Moody Publishing

Memorable Lines:

When we know and experience God, our unknown future doesn’t look so daunting. And that’s the kind of peace everyone craves.

Sometimes in church circles, people will say your anxiety and depression will disappear if you pray more or spend more time in the Word or if you just trust God more. While these are wonderful disciplines and can lift a person’s spirits, sometimes medical intervention is necessary to alleviate anxiety and depression.

Knowing facts about God is important, but data doesn’t necessarily grow our faith in God when we are facing difficult circumstances. This sort of knowledge is where we begin when we are starting our journey with Jesus. We are to grow our cognitive knowledge because it leads us to an experiential knowledge.

This I Know is a wonderful Bible study geared toward women who struggle with the unknown, fear, or worry. You can do this study either on your own or as a group. Each chapter has lessons, questions, takeaways, and Scriptures to memorize and meditate on. I really liked this style of study and would recommend as a great small group study.

When you feel that you are concerned about your life and your future, this is the book for you. I really enjoyed the writings,and the questions. In answering the questions, it felt like bible study and a chance to center myself. Very good book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for my honest review.

This I Know

Trusting Your Unknown Future to a Known God

by Laura Dingman

Moody Publishers

Christian

Pub Date 02 Jan 2018

I am reviewing a copy of This I Know through Moody Publishers and Netgalley:

If you worry about what the future holds, and honestly who doesn’t from time to time this book will help you to live like God is in control, (because he is).

We are reminded that we are often trying to fill in the unknown. We are also reminded not to make a God of Idols!

This book reminds us too that we need to think about what we believe.

We are reminded too that Prayer does change things.

This six week study takes us through Acts 17, James 1, Habukuk 3, Psalms 46, 2nd Chronicles 20 and Joshua 3. Dealing with subjects such as abundance in Jesus, along with the goodness of God in trial. As well as the value of remembering God’s past faithfulness.

This study would be beneficial for both individual and group Bible Studies.

Five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Nice study. My favorite parts were actually the author's comments about each day's subject. She also included a few good questions to ask when engaging the selected Scriptures. I appreciated her focus on the God who knows our unknown future and the emphasis the study placed on the reader learning to focus on the character of God as well.

Absolutely love the set up of this Bible Study! Has you go to Scripture and see how God want s you to apply it your life. She uses a couple different ways like The SOAP Method and one I haven’t used before, Listen,linger, learn and live

I am a lover of bible studies. I truly enjoy that this study (along with others from Moody) can be completed alone or in groups. Each study feels like a conversation and coffee. I love it!