40 Days In God's Presence

PUBLISHERS WEEKLY JAN 2, 2006

"Do you enjoy God?" This is a question that Jordan, a freelance author and greeting card writer, has posed to Christians over the years. She discovered that although many honored, worshiped and feared God, few seemed to enjoy Him and seek His presence. She wrote this devotional to invite readers into biblical stories that offer a glimpse of some aspect of God's love and glory. Every devotional needs a gimmick, and this one is no different: it's a 40-day "devotional encounter" that comes with the usual trappings (an opening scripture for each day's devotion, Jordan's meditation and then a brief prayer and a question for personal reflection). Despite the tired format, some of the content is fresh and innovative, particularly since Jordan includes not only the usual biblical subjects (Noah, David, Job), but little-told stories about Elisha, Elijah, Stephen, Gideon and Habakkuk. Jordan has a gift for noticing oft-overlooked details in these stories and helping readers see their application to life today. She shares stories from her own life, marriage and ministry to illuminate the principles she's teaching. There are a few awkward moments in the book, particularly in the seemingly forced "personal truth" aphorisms at the end of each chapter, but overall this is a winning devotional from a perceptive evangelical writer.