A Year With Jesus

Happy New Year! As 2012 commences it is a good opportunity for stating hopes, dreams and resolutions. I pray that this year my walk with Jesus will be strong, and that I will grow in knowledge of him so that I can become more like him (Colossians 3:10). I pray that it will indeed be "A Year With Jesus".

That is the title of a complimentary daily devotional book by R.P. Nettelhorst which I recently received from Booksneeze:

A Year with Jesus

Daily Readings and Reflections On Jesus' Own Words

Part of the deal in receiving it was that I submit a review in my blog, which I am very pleased to do, because it is a very easy to read, yet pithy, little volume.

This book invites the reader to “spend a year with Jesus. Listen to his heart as you contemplate his words” (Introduction). Here is a work that provides the tools to get to know Jesus better. It is all about relationship. The intimacy and love is mutual: “When you spend time with Jesus, you’ll soon discover that what matters to him most of all is you” (back cover).

This is a book of daily devotional thoughts which provide insight, inspiration and encouragement, along with a good portion of conviction and challenge to stir the soul. Succinct yet pithy reflections complement well-chosen Scripture readings. There is a good balance between Scripture readings and comment. Neither overwhelms the other, unlike some devotionals which offer a ‘key verse’ and lots of personal opinions.

The readings are divided into ten sections, each comparing and contrasting a specific desirable virtue, such as humility, with an opposing characteristic, such as arrogance. There would be very few readers who could not find much to relate to in these featured subjects. Every topic is relevant to the life of the Christian who desires to walk closer to their Lord and develop a greater intimacy in their relationship with him. It is through Jesus’ voice that the reader hears authentic answers to their questions and receives guidance for daily living.

Non-dated daily readings enable the reader to commence using these readings at any time without loss of continuity, which is good for those times when the daily routine has been interrupted by life.

While there is no scriptural or topical index for reference purposes, it is easy enough to peruse the contents list for topics and references for the daily readings.

I would definitely recommend this book to someone seeking sound, reliable, reflective daily reading material.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”