Simply Jesus, by Joe Stowell

Joe Stowell, well-known author, pastor, and now university president, knows that when all is said and done, all that matters is Jesus.  In his book Simply Jesus, originally published in 2002, Stowell reminds Christians what it means to put Jesus first in life.  Every Christian, by definition, knows Jesus.  But many Christians, maybe most Christians, do not experience knowing him intimately.

The reason may be simple.  For instance, "as long as there is residual sin in our hearts, there will always be a distance."  The solution for that, confession and repentance, is fairly simple (notice I said simple, not easy).  But a bigger barrier remains for most of us: self-absorption.  We have a hard time setting our selves aside and placing Jesus in first place.  "If your heart is full of complaining or self-pity--or of self-congratulating applause--you won't experience His nearness."  We have to "learn the sweet skill of boasting in Him, regardless."

When we value Jesus above everything and surrender to him, we can meet him in a fresh way.  And he will meet us, in our suffering, in temptations, and in our surrender.  Stowell's pastor's heart is evident in this brief, powerful book.  You will be encouraged to reflect on Jesus and the place you are holding him in your life.

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Thanks to Waterbrook/Multnomah for the complimentary electronic review copy!