The King's Daughter is All Glorious Within, by Carolyn Antonis

Practical, Biblical advice in today's world is a rare thing, but that's to be expected - this is not a Christian world after all, and the influences surrounding us have one intention only - to wear down the believer, making him or her ineffective in God's service. Even more disheartening, though, is that Bible based advice directly applicable to a Christian's spiritual life is starting to become a rare thing within "popular" Christianity as well.

I use the word "popular", because often - and I'll duck as the shoes and rotten fruit starts to fly - it seems like Christianity has gotten very "clique"; it almost reminds me of being in high school again, quite frankly. Some new idea comes down the pike, intending to craft a "more sensitive, caring believer who is culturally relevant to the ever changing times", (no, I didn't steal that off a book cover, I just made it up), and everyone jumps on the bandwagon. Those "left behind", (no pun intended either, but it works well, dontcha think?), who are wary of these new books promising "newfound purpose and goals" - fundamental, old guard Christians who'd rather stake their claim on the only thing they know to be infallible, God's Word - often feel the pressure to "get with the times, open their minds, and go where other people are".

Now - a breath of fresh air as I step down off my tub and halt my thumping for a moment. I'm in no way exhorting legalism and narrow-mindedness, nor do I believe we shouldn't reach out those in pain who are wildly different than us. Being culturally sensitive is never a bad thing, and let's be honest - a lot of different denominations hold conventions more solidly tied to tradition, rather than Biblical inspiration.

However, sometimes I get frustrated when I pick up a devotional at a store that's the "latest new thing"; "guaranteed to change your life" - (waitaminute - I thought only the Scriptures and Christ could do that) - and it reads much more like a self-help guide, with a few Christian precepts thrown in along the way. More than one Bible translation is used to prove the author's desired point, rather than address a Biblical need, and sometimes finding scripture references in these tomes are akin to the proverbial hunt for sewing implements in haystacks.

Not so with Carolyn Antonis's devotional, The King's Daughter Is All Glorious Within. Aimed primarily at women but containing Biblical truths applicable to all Christians, Antonis - wife of pastor Bernard Antonis - has laid down some very foundational, solid, and best of all - Biblically based precepts for spiritual growth. This devotional is laid out in thirty-six conversational, easy to read chapters excellent for daily devotional studies, or for group Bible studies. Each chapter focuses on a particular need or area of spiritual growth in a Christian woman's life, and though some of the chapters are specifically intended for a feminine audience - The Ministry of Being A Mother, or Pastor's Wives - much of the book addresses areas we all need help and guidance in.

One of this book's strengths is its abundance of scripture references throughout. As already mentioned, sometimes bestselling "Christian self-help" guides are overly psychological, and looking for scripture in its pages to see what God has to say is often a "hunt and peck" marathon. The King's Daughter Is All Glorious Within sports a wealth of verses, and this strengthens the value of what Antonis is saying: these are not merely her opinions or her interpretations, but Biblically sound advice.

Carolyn Antonis has enjoyed almost two decades of ministry to others, serving as a teacher at Women's Conferences across New England, while supporting her husband in his ministries in Maine and Massachusetts, respectively. She is the founder of Praise Women' Ministries, and has written over thirty gospel tracts.