I really enjoyed this lovely devotional. The daily exercises brightens your day. It may be one of my favorite, most practical devotionals I've read. If you read it, and apply the concepts into your daily life, it's certain to fill you with joy.

The 4:8 Principle and its sequel 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life by Tommy Newberry are truly a package deal. Through I am still working through my 40 Days, I am so thankful to use them together in my study.

The author's approach to teaching and coaching is something to appreciate as the 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life is a journey that requires you do your homework. I have taken my time through these lessons and have gained much truth to arm me with the strength to choose joy and set my thoughts towards what is praiseworthy and not of fear.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things arejust, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8, NKJV

I love that Newberry refers to joy as "proactive happiness" in chapter one of The 4:8 Principle (5). For me, this implies and active faith in spite of myself. One might look at The 4:8 Principle as the textbook and 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life as its accompanying notebook to journal your progress. Each book prompts further thought at the close of each chapter or day helping you to directly apply what you've read.

You'll want to take this journey slowly so you don't miss joy as you pass through the pages. Application is key, especially when working through the drills following each of the 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life.

Through this combination study, I have begun to craft my mission statement and write the vision for my future (The 4:8 Principle, Chapter 3). This has proved timely in both my personal writing and application of financial wisdom to our household.

In fact, as I close the book on The 4:8 Principle I am embracing steps seven and eight of Newberry's "Eight Steps to Fortifying Your Self-Concept" (Chapter 4) by dwelling on the person God wants me to become and acting with joy now.

Though I am marking through the pages in my journal, I know there is still much work to be done. I know I will be referring back to what I have learned as I complete my 40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life.

[. . .] you will only receive what, deep down, you feel you are worthy of having" The 4:8 Principle (65).

These books have confirmed Hebrews 11:1 faith and reenforced the teaching of Ann Voskamp and the counting of gifts. It seems one cannot escape this process in seeking joy. So today I continue, one lesson at a time.

* This review is on behalf of Tyndale House Publishers who provided a complimentary copy of this book.

This is one of my top five devotional books of all time. The book, 40 Days to a Joy-filled Life: Living the 4:8 Principle, by Tommy Newberry, is the most practical, applicable and life altering devotional I've seen. Written to parallel Newberry's book, The 4:8 Principle, this is a book of great advice and insight into what causes us to experience joy. Each day has a short reading, two exercises, a thought for the day and a short prayer.

First of all, Tommy Newberry hit the target perfectly when it comes to what it is that builds or destroys our joy. Of all the self-help books I've read, none of them have proven this direct and immediately applicable. Between this book and his book The 4:8 Principle, someone that struggles with negative thought patterns should be able to make significant headway toward breaking those patterns and forming new, more Christ centered habits. He balances Christian scripture, psychology and practical experience well in this book and pulls them all together in an understanding, cohesive way.

The best part of the book, by far, is the exercise sections. Not only are the exercises powerful and directly pertinent, they are not the same old exercises you see in other self-help books. These are short, to the point, and really root out the issues in one's life quickly. Not only could I see this book being used as a personal devotional or as part of a small group study on joy, but this book could be used really well in a counseling/therapist setting.

I highly recommend this book for any Christian or even non-Christian that wants a life full of more joy and fulfillment. This is a book I'll buy multiple copies of to give away at Christmas. We all could use some more joy!

This book was given to me free by Tyndale House Publishers in return for my honest review.

I picked up "40 Days to a Joy-Filled Life" by Tommy Newberry through a summer reading recommendation and am so glad I discovered it. It is a wonderful tool to use when you are feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders. Each chapter is set up to read in a day with a short passage, an exercise to keep you on track, and practical suggestions. I love the little sticky notes at the end of each day that you could actually copy and put up all around you if you are a visual person and need this reminder. The simple prayer to end each day helps get your thoughts heading in the right direction. Our bodies become what we eat, and what we think and this book will get your body cleansed and ready to live a "Joy-Filled" life.

Great book---I looked forwarded to the reading each day. I am buying copies of this book and sharing with family and friends!