Extreme Devotion

by The Voice of the Martyrs, Extreme Devotion Writing Team (Editor)

By the coauthor of the best-selling book Jesus Freaks, this daily devotional features hundreds of stories of ancient to modern day believers--many of whose stories are published here for the first time--who sacrificed everything for Christ. Each true account concludes with a life application and a Bible verse to challenge you to live out your own extreme devotion.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Devotional, Biography, History, Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living

368 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization dedicated to assisting the persecuted church worldwide. VOM was founded in 1967 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned 14 years in Communist Romania for his faith in Christ. His wife, Sabina, was imprisoned for three years. In the 1960s, Richard, Sabina, and their son, Mihai, were ransomed out of Romania and came to the United States. Through their travels, the Wurmbrands spread the message of the atrocities that Christians face in restricted nations, while establishing a network of offices dedicated to assisting the persecuted church. The Voice of the Martyrs continues in this mission around the world today through the following main purposes:
Our ministry is based on Hebrews 13:3:
"Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."

Reviews

[Sarah]

I picked this up because I wanted to pray for the persecuted church. While the stories are inspiring, there is no date most of them. I have no idea if this is a story from 10 years ago or 100 years ago most of the time. Also, sometimes I felt like the story really shouldn't have been condensed down as much as it was, as I felt as if I was missing something important.
Overall, this just wasn't what I was looking for and I plan to move on to a different devotional.

[Mohammed omran · Rating 2 out of 5]

Christians were persecution 2000 years ago. Christians ARE persecution today Over and over as you read this book, you are challenged.As I read each day's devotional I see an example of incredible, sacrificial faith in Jesus Christ. And each day I am pushed to ask myself: what kind of faith do I have. Do I possess the sacrificial, selfless faith? Or do I have a fair weather kids of faith?The stories are incredible and well told. I was struck by the variety of people who have faced the ultimate questions and answered firmly and followed Christ, even to death. . Each day's reading features a story of a Christian, an application thought, and a scripture verse.Great book! Great challenge! Don't pick it up unless you're willing to face tough questions and have your life and faith changed.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic devotional book. Would go well with reading "Crazy Love, "Radical," "Not a Fan."

Some of the stories are hard to believe, but they all will challenge you to live what you believe no matter the cost!

[Sarah Ryder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always great getting encouragement and hope from my brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world and in all places and times. Just as amazing and inspiring as the first time I read it.

[Clair Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was AMAZING!!!!

[Andrea Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such powerful stories. This one is right up there with John Foxes' Book of Martyrs. A must-read for any Christian... and they'll want to share it with their non-Christian friends as a witness!

[Gabriel Wallis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that everyone should read. It's about martyrs... Christians martyrs who have suffered for their faith. The Voice of the Martyrs did an excellent job compiling stories of Christians who've been persecuted throughout the centuries. Since it's supposed to be read as a daily devotional, which I didn't do, each page is a short story of someone's suffering for Christ. As a church, we need to remember these people. And as individuals, we need to remember that suffering for Christ produces more faith in Him. And we also need to remember that the martyrs weren't/aren't "super" Christians. They are normal people just like us. Are you ready to suffer for Christ? That's a really deep question that all of us Christians really need to consider. There is a quote in the book that a Lutheran pastor, who endured horrific torture for his faith in Christ, said: "A church that does not remember its persecuted brethren is no church at all" (page 161). Let's not forget these people.

This is also the second time I've read "Extreme Devotion". I have no recollection of reading it before, but according to my annual book lists, I have read the book sometime between 2003 and 2005.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christians were persecution 2000 years ago. Christians ARE persecution today


Over and over as you read this book, you are challenged.
As I read each day's devotional I see an example of incredible, sacrificial faith in Jesus Christ. And each day I am pushed to ask myself: what kind of faith do I have. Do I possess the sacrificial, selfless faith? Or do I have a fair weather kids of faith?

The stories are incredible and well told. I was struck by the variety of people who have faced the ultimate questions and answered firmly and followed Christ, even to death. . Each day's reading features a story of a Christian, an application thought, and a scripture verse.

Great book! Great challenge! Don't pick it up unless you're willing to face tough questions and have your life and faith changed.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a devotional I would have bought for myself, but it was given to me as a gift; so I used it for my devotional reading for 2015. The book brought mixed emotions:
Guilt - for how easily I complain about the inconveniences in my life, while other Christians are have been and are being tortured and killed for their faith

Sadness - for the realization how many Christians are going through horrible things and death today, mostly in Muslim countries.

Determination: To learn from the examples in this book and hopefully serve God better and not fret about the little things.

I highly recommend the book. It will change how you look at things. It isn't easy reading, but it is encouraging and a great reminder that God is always with us.

[Danae · Rating 4 out of 5]

i really enjoyed this book. it was something i looked forward to reading. every day either has a story about someone who was persecuted for their faith paired with a bible verse or a quote from someone persecuted for their faith.

i would have liked if they would have put the approximate year that these stories happen. they do for a few of them but not all. otherwise, this book is great.

[Jeremie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mixed feelings about the book. Good, touching stories. But I often felt like the little "reflections" (The paragraph written in italic under the anecdote) were written because they had to. I didn't feel much sincerity in them.

[Ravin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has inspired me to evaluate my faith and where it stands. I have been encouraged to ask myself the question, "Am I truly following Christ? Would I be willing to give up everything for Him, even life itself to not shame the name of Christ?" It is a great book that I recommend!!!

[Inna · Rating 5 out of 5]

really makes you think of your walk with God and tests you faith.

[Barry Karschner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick daily devotional to remind you what other Christians have or are currently suffering for the name of Christ.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! Reading a story a day of those giving their lives for Christ keeps my life in perspective. It also increases prayer on behalf of the body of Christ around the world.

[Bob Mathias · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has humbled me and caused my prayer life to be more focused on those who because of their faith in Jesus Christ are killed, beaten, placed in prison and taken from family. Truly humbled.

[Vernita · Rating 4 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!

[Chas Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful. Heart wrenching. This book is one to keep on your shelves.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a follower of Jesus, He's called us to persecution and suffering for the sake of the Kingdom. I pray my endurance in this race is even a fraction of those whose stories are in this book.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shook me as a kid - that some people have it far harder than me for just confessing their walk. Realised I took so much for granted.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This semi-devotional was haunting, captivating and convicting. The passion of these men, women and children was emotional at times to say the least. With every story came the very real reminder that I am blessed to live in the United States of America; and I can freely worship my Lord without a second thought. Christian isn’t a label, it’s a lifestyle and one that Jesus gave everything for me to walk in. I have never faced persecution like the people in this book, but they truly lived by the Word of God no matter that it meant their death. There were also quite a few testimonies that put a smile on my face, knowing the devil will never win! I highly recommend this book starting with young teens. 5 stars!

[Cori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading these stories when I was less than ten years old. Because I read them during my formative years, they impacted me in a way that's shaped my thinking throughout my life.

My woeful devotion to Christ pales in comparison to the men, women, and even children in these true stories who were willimg to give up life and freedome for their faith, let alone creature comforts.

I'd rate this an R for disturbing content including abuse, torture, and murder.

Original review posted on 11/8/23.

[TrixieOwl6 · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF at 40%
I liked the first half of this book, I loved all the stories but I just can’t bring myself to read devotional type books. I loved the concept behind it but for my personality I’d much rather read a full-length book on one person than one tiny page. I just learn so much more by following a persons whole life than these types of tiny snippets. I’ll be passing this along to someone who will it enjoy this style much more than I do.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book written to be read over the course of the year one page a day. So many of the short stories were so heartfelt that I kept going way past the 1-page a day design. It tells of persecuted Christians from both the ancient past as well as today. These Christians face prison, torture, separation from their families, even death all because they choose to stand up for Christ. It is a reminder of how much freedom we in the west have--at least for now.

[Steve Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book challenges my comfortable Christianity. It contains snapshots of the lives of Christian martyrs from the first century to the time of its publication. It shows us how steep the cost can be to follow Jesus, but it also shows us how joyfully people throughout the ages and throughout the world have paid the price because of the surpassing worth of Jesus and of the promise of eternal life.

[Joy Rojas · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can only help others in proportion to what you yourself have suffered. The greater price, the more you can help others. The lesser the price, the less you can help others. As you go through fiery trials, the testings, the afflictions, the persecutions, the conflicts ---- Jesus in you ---- life will flow out to others, even the life of Christ." - Watchman Nee

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is stories of our fellow Christians. Do not go into this thinking it's a Bible study. It's a reminder of what followers in Christ endure for their faith.

[Blake Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book on Christians who gave their lives or suffered for their faith through the ages. I wishes there were more recent examples.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

i liked it. made me so sleepy.
very encouraging and humbling

[Julia Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very inspiring. While I didn't quite use it as a devotional (I read chapters at a time), I think it is still incredible that these are all true accounts. It definitely made me think about my walk with the Lord, and how small my struggles seem in comparison.