I clicked open my email and saw a message from Dakota Lynch, Executive Director of Scripture Memory Fellowship. He had written another book and asked if I could read it and write a review. “Of course,” I thought. “I love all the books that SMF makes.” I clicked over to the file and found they even had an audiobook. So I began listening as I went throughout the day, managing my household, scrubbing dishes and chasing my children and golden doodle. I was not prepared for how incredibly personal and inspiring this book is! I had to pause several times to give myself time to process the story that was unfolding as I listened. I was brought to tears in several places. I found myself so thankful for the chance to listen to this book, and so thankful that this book is out there for many more people to listen, read, and be blessed in the same way that I was.
“Serving God in the Rain” has a similar structure to many of Scripture Memory Fellowship’s devotional memory books. It has a bit of story, a bit of teaching, and several verses to memorize bound together in each devotional chapter. What makes this book unique is the journey that Dakota brings the reader on. Dakota includes several biblical examples of God’s followers experiencing hard circumstances. He also shares his own story of growing up without a father, experiencing the abuse of his stepfather, and searching for peace with his Heavenly Father. This journey culminates with Dakota finally meeting his earthly father and seeing God’s hand in the story that brought him to this reunion.
Dakota shares his story with tenderness and care, gently guiding the reader through the same lessons that Dakota has learned through the difficulties he has faced. He has learned to serve God in the rain, and it’s on his heart to help others learn the same. This compassion is clearly communicated throughout the book, and it made for a poignant experience when listening to the audiobook- narrated by Dakota himself.
There are many Scripture memory journals I could recommend from the ministry of Scripture Memory Fellowship. This one stands out as a beautiful and effective gift to anyone experiencing their own seasons of rain. Dakota’s personal story, the biblical examples, the lessons from Scripture and the memory verses are skillfully orchestrated for a combined impact that brings the reader to a place of great hope in our great God. Whether you are looking for new verses to memorize or not, I recommend you take time to read through this book and be richly blessed.
“If God has called you to take a walk in the rain, take the umbrella of faith—and remember that His plans are bigger and better than you could ever imagine.” (Serving God in the Rain, Dakota Lynch).
Find this book here: Serving God in the Rain.
Enjoy a podcast interview with Dakota Lynch about his book here: Interview – Serving God in the Rain.
Find more bible memory resource reviews here: book and ministry by Simon Camilleri, “Public Bible Reading;” book by Jeremy Kluth from Scripture Alive, “Power to Remember;” book by Dakota Lynch from Scripture Memory Fellowship, “Remember the Words;” book by Glenna Marshall, “Memorizing Scripture;” ministry and book by Piercing word, “Warriors of the Word,” and my own book, “Speaking Scripture: How to Memorize and Recite with Purpose and Delight.”
Scripture Speakers 