SEVEN MILE MIRACLE by Steven Furtick

This book is a Good Friday devotion and reflections. The author goes through each of the seven things Jesus said on the cross, and builds his devotions and reflections upon them. Steven Furtick begins this book with an Introduction. Then he spreads out his material over seven chapters. Each chapter begins with a page, which contains the saying the chapter is studying, with the Bible verse where the saying can be located. He closes his chapters with a set of personal questions based on the saying and material discussed in the chapter. He ends with a Conclusion and a plan for reading Scripture on Jesus' final days,over the forty-day Lenten period that many people observe. Furtick ends the book with notes from each chapter. Steven Furtick is the lead pastor of Elevation Church. He's also a New York Times best-selling author of Sun Stand Still, Greater, Crash the Chatterbox, and (un) Qualified.

This book is much what I had expected. I was counting on it being a small volume, based on Bible verses, and reflective. With discussion questions. This book is all this. In fact, it was such a fast read that I almost forgot to do this review. I got busy with other things. I think I was counting on this book being rather preachy with these sayings of our dying Savior. I didn't find that to be the case at all. He is conversational and down-to-earth without watering down the truth of God's holiness and justice. So many devotionals over-emphasize God's love and ignore His holiness and Justice. I read it just a chapter at a time. Books like this aren't academic, meant to increase knowledge. I could read these chapters as part of daily devotions. Often people will take on activities for Lent. Praying more. Attending more worship services. Giving more. And reading devotionals such as this one. Not just reading it, but applying it to one's heart. The author, from what I can tell, shares little about himself. THere may be a good reason for that. And while some people may not like that, it helps the reader identify with him. I often feel unable to identify with writers who go at length, into their experiences and in detail. His book shows us the moral and spiritual beauty of Jesus and HIs love for each of us. THough this author is a pastor, this book can be read even by teenagers.

I recommend this book for any time of the year. Not just for Lent and Good Friday. Jesus' death on the cross is meant to be remembered constantly. All year long. It is for anyone. Since all Christians need to keep the cross of Christ in front of us, this book is for all of us. The lack of theological terms make it one that teens can read. Non-Christians may encounter Jesus through this book's pages. THis is about all I can day. It's for all. Period.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Blogging For Books, in exchange for my honest review. I was not required to give a favorable review of this book.
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ISBN: 978-1-60142-922-3