Spending Time With Jesus
Jesus Spent Time With His Father Before He Did Anything. We Would Be Crazy Not To Do The Same.
Here are resources I recommend in your journey spending time with Jesus:
A Rhythm Of Prayer by Sarah Bessey
*Rachel’s note: This extraordinary collection of prayers and reflections has rightly received rave reviews, as well as some harsh, undeserved criticism for one honest heartache revealed by a Black woman (who happens to be a clinical psychologist, theologian, ecumenical minister, and Associate Professor of practical theology). This book is balm for the soul of those who seek honest and deep intentions toward relationship with God.
The Official Review:
It’s no secret that we are overworked, over pressured, and edging burnout. Unsurprisingly, this fact is as old as time—and that’s why we see so many prayer circles within a multitude of church traditions. These gatherings are a trusted space where people seek help, hope, and peace, energized by God and one another.
This book, curated by acclaimed author Sarah Bessey, celebrates and honors that prayerful tradition in a literary form. A companion for all who feel the immense joys and challenges of the journey of faith, this collection of prayers says it all aloud, giving readers permission to recognize the weight of all they carry. These writings also offer a broadened imagination of hope—of what can be restored and made new. Each prayer is an original piece of writing, with new essays by Sarah Bessey throughout.
Encompassing the full breadth of the emotional landscape, these deeply tender yet subversive prayers give readers an intimate look at the diverse language and shapes of prayer.
Freeing Jesus by Diana Butler Bass
*Rachel’s note: When it comes to a life of seeking Jesus through Christian church traditions, I believe it’s fair to say that Diana Butler Bass has seen it all. Being tremendously accomplished (author of eleven books on American religion, and holding a doctorate in religious studies from Duke University), she nonetheless reveals her deeply personal spiritual journey woven through the tapestry of how different denominations seek to love Jesus. I finished the book saying, “Wow.”
The Official Review:
“How can you still be a Christian?”
This is the most common question Diana Butler Bass is asked today. It is a question that many believers ponder as they wrestle with disappointment and disillusionment in their church and its leadership But while many Christians have left their churches, they cannot leave their faith behind.
In Freeing Jesus, Bass challenges the idea that Jesus can only be understood in static, one-dimensional ways and asks us to instead consider a life where Jesus grows with us and helps us through life’s challenges in several capacities: as Friend, Teacher, Savior, Lord, Way, and Presence.
Freeing Jesus is an invitation to leave the religious wars behind and rediscover Jesus in all his many manifestations, to experience Jesus beyond the narrow confines we have built around him. It renews our hope in faith and worship at a time when we need it most.
The Daily Bible: Unlike Any Other Bible You Have Read
*Rachel’s note: Every year, I reread the Gospels as a gift to myself. In these treacherous times, the most glaring difference between my beliefs and those of the the Religious Right lie in comparing Jesus’ life and teachings with the profoundly disturbing reign of Trump. This year, I’m using The Daily Bible. Presented in chronological format, it integrates the Gospels into one story- not missing anything, but not repeating passages. I’m walking with my Savior through every recorded moment of His time here on Earth. What a joy!”
The Official Review:
Reading through the Bible can be a challenge as you try to navigate the traditional arrangement of its 66 books. The Daily Bible® makes it simple by organizing the whole of Scripture in chronological order, as well as presenting Proverbs topically and the Psalms by themes.
This beloved presentation of the New International Version (NIV) includes introductory narration that sets the scene for each passage and provides rich spiritual insights. As you journey through the 365 daily readings, you will…
- grasp the historical context and unfolding story of Scripture more clearly
- accomplish your goal of reading through the entire Bible in a year
- find your relationship with God strengthened and nourished as never before
The Daily Bible®is designed to be read from cover to cover…and understood!
God Came Near
*Rachel’s note: Max Lucado’s first book is still my favorite. In writing, they say, “show, don’t tell.” This book does more than paint a picture of Jesus- it swings open the door so we can see inside. I absolutely love it, and I give a copy to every new Christian I meet.” Spending time with Jesus by reading God Came Near.
The Official Review:
It all happened in a moment — a most remarkable moment.
God came near.
He came not as a flash of light or as an unapproachable conqueror, but as One whose first cries were heard by a peasant girl and a sleepy carpenter. The hands that held him were not manicured, but callused and dirty.
No silk. No ivory. No hype. No party. No hoopla. God had come near … for you.
Travel back in time and relive Christ the Son of God becoming man. Come with Max as he brings to life the most important event in history … when God came near. And as you catch a vision of this incredible moment, let it mark the beginning of a new life for yourself.
God came near. If he is who he says he is, there is no truth more worthy of your time.
Blue Christmas: Devotions Of Light In A Season Of Darkness
The Advent and Christmas season is often associated with joy, love, generosity, and unity. But for many people, this time of year magnifies loneliness, anxiety, grief, and despair. While others are enjoying celebrations with their friends and families, those who are hurting often feel even more lost, abandoned, and alone than ever.
*Rachel’s note:
I find ‘The Holiday Season’ to be a little challenging every year, but 2020 is particularly difficult. How comforting it has been for me to find this simple devotional from The Upper Room. With short, daily messages of encouragement, prayers, and other features, it’s perfect for this time of quiet anticipation no matter how hard the winter winds blow. Jesus never changes, and He is always good.
“Not all Christmases are white; some are blue,” Todd Outcalt writes. Blue Christmas is a devotional book for the 28 days of Advent and Christmas Day. Each devotion includes a scripture selection, meditation, prayer, and suggested Advent action. The book also features additional prayers, a “Blue Christmas” worship service, and reflection questions.
In these honest devotions, readers will find their fears and realities named and brought into the light of God’s love. They will be led to sit with their experiences, acknowledge their losses, and remember Jesus’ promise “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.”
Blue Christmas reminds us that all of our Christmases, even the darkest ones, can be filled with honesty and hope if we are first willing to sit in silence and bring our deepest fears to God.