Review: Practicing the Presence of Jesus
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I almost passed up the opportunity to review Wally Armstrong’s Practicing the Presence of Jesus. I’m not a fan of non-fiction books. However, the subject of the book is something I’ve been struggling with understanding for many years even though I’ve been a Christian since I was a young teenager.
Practicing the Presence of Jesus looks at what a close, personal friendship with Christ looks like and how to cultivate that relationship.
When I got the book, I was afraid I was in trouble. It was a small book with a rather non-compelling cover. Yes, I really was judging the book by its cover. Seriously.
Folks, I’ve gotta tell you, don’t judge Practicing the Presence of Jesus by its cover. It’s packed with simple-but-profound insights and nuggets of wisdom written by a man whose experience as a Christian has frightening similarities to my own.
Apparently, I’m not the only one who has had “times in my life when I felt close to Jesus, but only when I felt my life was clean enough for him to be able to associate with me.”
It’s not just me who as “poured my energy into achieving good-enough status, instead of pursuing a real and interactive friendship with Jesus based upon his unconditional love for me.”
Mr. Armstrong goes on to remind readers that:
“…you can’t become fully human – everything God wants you to be – because you work at it and keep all the rules and pass all the tests. It isn’t about trying to change yourself, by your own effort, into what you think God wants you to be.
It’s about becoming a whole new person because of the companionship of the Friend walking beside you, helping you every step of the way. This is the process of transformation, and it has nothing to do with trying to change yourself.”
Practicing the Presence of Jesus shares Wally Armstrong’s experience of getting a clear mental picture of Jesus in his live and realizing that Jesus loves him and us and desires companionship – friendship – with us.
It’s a quick, easy read, but it’s packed with insights about our faith and our Christian walk. I’d say it’s a must-read for anyone who is struggling with what a relationship with Christ really looks like and wondering how to cultivate that relationship. (Hint: It’s not checking “morning quiet time” off your to-do list.)
Read more reviews of Practicing the Presence of Jesus here.
I received this product free for the purpose of reviewing it. I received no other compensation for this review. The opinions expressed in this review are my personal, honest opinions. Your experience may vary. Please read my full disclosure policy for more details.
Kris Bales is a newly-retired homeschool mom and the quirky, Christ-following, painfully honest founder (and former owner) of Weird, Unsocialized Homeschoolers. She has a pretty serious addiction to sweet tea and Words with Friends. Kris and her husband of over 30 years are parents to three amazing homeschool grads. They share their home with three dogs, two cats, a ball python, a bearded dragon, and seven birds.