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Thursday 7 May 2015

Book Review - Comforts from the Cross: Celebrating the Gospel One Day at a Time by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick

Review by Ian Acheson

Photo courtesy of Amazon.com
Blurb

Many women don’t always find solace in their relationship with Christ because they don’t see how his life, death, and resurrection connect with daily pressures and frustrations. 
Comforts from the Cross provides bite-sized readings to remind women of their place in Christ and of his love in the midst of their busy lives. Elyse Fitzpatrick shows how gospel truths such as justification, sanctification, and redemption can refresh women’s souls every day. These five-minute celebrations of the gospel relieve readers of legalistic condemnation and empower them for joyful obedience.
Great for gift-giving or personal encouragement, Fitzpatrick’s book will help busy women grasp the comforts of the gospel message. Now redesigned.  

My Review

This is one of the best devotionals, if not the best, that I've worked through. I so love how Ms Fitzpatrick draws the state of our hearts with all its muck and helps us let it go by guiding us with practical teaching to the heart of Jesus.

This is a 31-day devotional designed to be read over the course of a month. I've now read it twice and plan to start it again soon. Each devotional is three to four pages in length so is meatier than the typical one page per day of most other devotionals I've read. She starts with a verse of Scripture that provides the context for her lesson. Many days, not all, conclude with a powerful prayer that enables you to walk away having handed over the contents of your heart to the Lord.

There are so many excellent lessons but Day 29 on prayer is worth the purchase price alone. I found I was highlighting much of the ebook and making notes in my journal. Ms Fitzpatrick brought new life to verses that I've read hundreds of times. For example, the vine, branches and abiding of John 15:4-5 she encourages us to consider that it's not about what we should do rather simply to receive the goodness and godliness that comes from intimacy with Jesus. (Day 20)

The essence of each devotional is to bring us back to Jesus, to see His great love for us, and to enable us to keep looking at Him throughout the day. Focusing on His attributes, what He's done rather than what we do, and allowing ourselves to receive all that He's done.

As indicated in the blurb it’s written for women but I believe it is just as valuable for men.




Ian Acheson is an author and strategy consultant based in Northern Sydney. Ian's first novel of speculative fiction, Angelguard, is now available in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. You can find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook page and Twitter

8 comments:

  1. Sounds excellent, Ian--I will check it out. But I have to say how refreshing it was to read how you were prepared to read a devotional aimed at women and acknowledge how you found so many treasures in it! Thank you.

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    1. Thanks, Jo-Anne. I actually read a lot of women's devotional material. I find a greater expression of hunger for Jesus and willingness to be vulnerable.

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  2. Sounds interesting Ian.Thanks for telling us.

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    1. Thanks, Dale. I really enjoy Elyse's work. I've read a couple of her books and find them tremendous. Her counselling and theology backgrounds are a great combination.In fact, her Bio states she has an MA (?) in Biblical Counselling.

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  3. Hi Ian,
    Having read other books by Ms Fitzpatrick, I know what a wise and thought provoking author she is. I'll add this devotional to my TBR list.

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    1. Paula, hi

      You've read others of Ms Fitzpatrick - yay. I notice she's written one on Romans which I might grab next.

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  4. Ian, great review! Thanks for sharing your insights with us.

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    1. Thanks, Narelle for popping over especially in all your launch busyness.

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