Thursday, February 11, 2010

Jesus Lives by Sarah Young

This 350-page devotional book aims to show how God’s love infuses every circumstance. The author paraphrases and expounds on Scriptures that address certain situations, emotions, and attitudes, such as trials, the future, brokenness, fear, endurance, and victorious living. She does an admirable job of applying the Word. Each devotional is written as if God is speaking to the reader.

One example of a good application is this, from page 146: “If it is possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. . . . To live at peace with everyone, you need to control not only what you say and do but also what you think. It’s common to assume that your thoughts about others don’t matter much, as long as you keep them to yourself. However, I am fully aware of all your thoughts. When you indulge in negative thinking about someone, your relationship with that person is damaged. Those hurtful thoughts also affect your relationship with me, and they may have a depressive effect on you. . . .” Again and again, the author brings this kind of wisdom, depth, and insight to her subject.

This book could bring comfort, inspiration, and encouragement to any Christian reader. It is thought provoking, concise, and edifying. I highly recommend it.