The Bottom Line
21 Days Closer to Christ is by Emily Freeman and uses many beautiful paintings by Simon Dewey. The inside dust jacket states that within this book "you will find an invitation... to embark on a life-changing, 21-day journey toward a closer personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. This thoughtful book will help you recognize the hand of the Lord in your life and make you even more aware of the power He has to comfort and lift you."
I believe this is possible (and probably) if one honestly studies the accompanying scriptures and takes adequate time to ponder the questions included in this book.
I believe this is possible (and probably) if one honestly studies the accompanying scriptures and takes adequate time to ponder the questions included in this book.
Pros
- 21 invitations that draws one closer to Christ throug scriptures and thought provoking questions
- Beautiful artwork by Simon Dewey
- Spiritually touching scriptures, quotes, stories, and personal experiences
Cons
- Introduction is a little gimmicky
Description
- Quote in the introduction, "If with all your hearts ye truly seek me, Ye shall ever surely find me" (Children's Songbook, 15)
- Scripture quoted in chapter six, "And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise" (Hebrews 6:15).
- With 21 chapters, 21 invitations and 21 journeys to embark upon, this book is a great place to start coming closer to Christ.
Guide Review - 21 Days Closer to Christ
I personally requested to review this book because I was drawn to the title and invitation to take 21 days to draw closer to Christ. When I received the book and read the introduction, called "The Invitation," and the first chapter I was highly disappointed. The introduction felt like a marketing ploy to sell yet another book by sharing some simple scriptures, quotes, and stories that cleverly went along with Simon Dewey's beautiful artwork. I flippantly read the next few chapters but wasn't very enthusiastic about it and was definitely critical. During the fourth chapter, though, titled, "Never Stopping, Ever Searching," I felt the spirit touch me as I read the words, scriptures, and author's personal experience- and my heart was softened. Even though the author's experience was different from my own I was touched by her words, and especially by her thoughts regarding the two Bible stories she shared. My experience with this book shows that it's invitation to come closer to Christ is not possible if your heart is closed and you are full of pride. To come closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ we must humble ourselves, and diligently seek Him. I feel that some of the chapters, invitations, scriptures, and stories in this book are better then others, which is why I've given this book 3.5 stars. I believe that what we get out of this book will depend on what we put into it as well as who we are and what we currently need to help us draw closer to Jesus Christ. I would recommend reading this book in addition (not in place of) your personal scripture study as you seek to come closer to Christ.
