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Life Is _____ Forty-Day Experience: A Devotional Journey Through God's Illogical Love
What is life? What are we here for? What will bring us true satisfaction and lasting happiness? In this companion to his highly-anticipated new book, Life Is ___ , New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Judah Smith takes readers on a forty-day devotional journey through Scripture to find the answers to these and others of our deepest questions. In forty daily readings, Judah helps readers understand that the meaning of life is found in loving and being loved, in enjoying God to the fullest, in trusting Him in every moment, and remaining at peace with God, others, and ourselves. This thought-provoking and inspiring collection of meditations is sure to reveal new and illuminating truths about what God intends for every person's life.
- GenresChristian
240 pages, Paperback
First published November 10, 2015
15 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Judah Smith
60 books286 followersJudah Smith and his wife, Chelsea, are the lead pastors of The City Church in Seattle, Washington. Judah is in high demand as a speaker, both in the United States and abroad. Judah and Chelsea have three children: Zion, Eliott, and Grace.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 21, 2015
I know that the popular thing to do when getting free books in exchange for reviews is to write a wildly favorable review that causes readers to swoon and books sales to accelerate. Every time I write a review for one of these publishers, and the review happens to be negative, I sit on my hands to avoid biting my nails while I wait for their email informing me I'm no longer a member of the club. I have to be especially careful when writing reviews of books written by so-called celebrity pastors.
Whatever.
I didn't like this book. I'm not sorry about that. I found it very difficult to engage Smith's writing style and I don't think he's particularly funny. I found it very difficult to understand his use of Scripture (I mean, if you are going to put at the beginning of each chapter that we ought to read such and such a Scripture, the I think the author ought to deal with the entire passage of Scripture, in context.) And frankly, I am tired to death of the 40 day metaphor. It is time-worn, boring, and just a little ridiculous at this point in the history of Americanized Christianity.
Each chapter, as noted, has a reference to a passage of Scripture the reader is to read, a few pages of 'devotional' material, and some questions for reflection at the end of each chapter. There are, surprise, 40 chapters. There is nothing coherent about the selections of Scripture that author wants us to read. I'm not about to speculate as to why he chose them; it's a chicken and egg kind of thing: did he write the devotionals to fit the Scripture or choose the Scripture to fit the devotionals? I'm just not sure. But the problem with such a motley collection of Scripture is that they can be made to say anything we want and fit any context we want. This is the main problem with many of these types of books.
What I am anxious for is an author who has the nerve to write a devotional that travels through an entire book of the Bible and whose devotionals consistently hammer home the point the Scripture is hammering home. But that's not how devotionals are written; that's how commentaries are written. And we certainly wouldn't want anyone to mistake a private, 40 day devotional, for a hardy, stout commentary. I will continue to belabor this point in my book reviews because I am convinced it is a massive misuse of Scripture's intended purpose and that it does not strengthen the church but, in fact, weakens it. The Biblical authors wrote cohesive books that pointed to Jesus. Not short, pithy passages that helped us navigate through the trials of America.
At some point, someone has to listen.
Another significant problem I had is this. I'll grant you that Smith has 300 some thousand Twitter followers. That's great. That doesn't mean that any of us actually know him (I'm not one of them.) I'm not going to bother noting all the times a chapter began like this: "I...". A few will suffice to make the point:
I have a reaction when dogs approach me. (4)
I like Disney songs. (5)
I'm glad I'm no longer single. (6)
The other night I was up late. (12)
I'm fairly certain, after intense biblical research, that math is from the devil. (17)
When I was nineteen... (22)
I recently discovered the glorious phenomenon known as emoji. (28)
And so on and so forth.
I'm a little concerned about someone whose only experience seems to be with himself. I'm a little more concerned with someone who feels that the rest of us need to know about it in order to have the Word of God make sense to us. I do not mean that in jest at all. A serious question: why would I, as a reader, want to know so much about Judah Smith, a preacher I will never talk to, never meet, and whose life as a celebrity pastor contradicts everything that seems to me to make sense about the Jesus we are called to follow? Why so much 'I'? Truth? It's a little arrogant to think I am that interested.
Finally, I'm a little concerned with the overall intent of the book which is stated on the first page of the introduction to the book: "I hope these devotional thoughts and Scripture readings inspire you to live the fullest, most complete life possible. That's what God wants for you, and I believe he will show you how to do that as you learn to focus on him" (vii). How does he know that this is what God wants for me? And where is the Scriptural justification for making such a statement? Is it in John's Gospel, chapter 10? And if that is true, wouldn't it be better time spent reading the Gospel instead of this book? It's a shallow idea, to be sure.
I hate to say it, but I simply did not enjoy the book. It may be helpful or a good read for someone, it wasn't for me. Everyone seems to have an idea about what we need as Christians, but very few are pointing us in the right direction. I'm not sure this book lives up to that standard either. I agree that God's love is at times illogical, but I also think that God's love is profoundly logical. It does make sense even if it doesn't make sense. Because, Jesus.
It would have made better sense if he had written 40 days of meditations about Jesus instead of 40 days of meditations about himself. Jesus helps me understand God's love; this book did not.
1/5 Stars
Important Book & Author Things
Where to purchase Life is_____. Forty-Day Experience (Amazon, $12.13, paperback)
Author: Judah Smith
On the Web:
On Twitter: Judah Smith
Academic Webpage:
Editor:
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 232
Year: 2015
Audience:
Reading Level: High School
Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book via the Thomas Nelson BookLook Bloggers book review program.
Whatever.
I didn't like this book. I'm not sorry about that. I found it very difficult to engage Smith's writing style and I don't think he's particularly funny. I found it very difficult to understand his use of Scripture (I mean, if you are going to put at the beginning of each chapter that we ought to read such and such a Scripture, the I think the author ought to deal with the entire passage of Scripture, in context.) And frankly, I am tired to death of the 40 day metaphor. It is time-worn, boring, and just a little ridiculous at this point in the history of Americanized Christianity.
Each chapter, as noted, has a reference to a passage of Scripture the reader is to read, a few pages of 'devotional' material, and some questions for reflection at the end of each chapter. There are, surprise, 40 chapters. There is nothing coherent about the selections of Scripture that author wants us to read. I'm not about to speculate as to why he chose them; it's a chicken and egg kind of thing: did he write the devotionals to fit the Scripture or choose the Scripture to fit the devotionals? I'm just not sure. But the problem with such a motley collection of Scripture is that they can be made to say anything we want and fit any context we want. This is the main problem with many of these types of books.
What I am anxious for is an author who has the nerve to write a devotional that travels through an entire book of the Bible and whose devotionals consistently hammer home the point the Scripture is hammering home. But that's not how devotionals are written; that's how commentaries are written. And we certainly wouldn't want anyone to mistake a private, 40 day devotional, for a hardy, stout commentary. I will continue to belabor this point in my book reviews because I am convinced it is a massive misuse of Scripture's intended purpose and that it does not strengthen the church but, in fact, weakens it. The Biblical authors wrote cohesive books that pointed to Jesus. Not short, pithy passages that helped us navigate through the trials of America.
At some point, someone has to listen.
Another significant problem I had is this. I'll grant you that Smith has 300 some thousand Twitter followers. That's great. That doesn't mean that any of us actually know him (I'm not one of them.) I'm not going to bother noting all the times a chapter began like this: "I...". A few will suffice to make the point:
I have a reaction when dogs approach me. (4)
I like Disney songs. (5)
I'm glad I'm no longer single. (6)
The other night I was up late. (12)
I'm fairly certain, after intense biblical research, that math is from the devil. (17)
When I was nineteen... (22)
I recently discovered the glorious phenomenon known as emoji. (28)
And so on and so forth.
I'm a little concerned about someone whose only experience seems to be with himself. I'm a little more concerned with someone who feels that the rest of us need to know about it in order to have the Word of God make sense to us. I do not mean that in jest at all. A serious question: why would I, as a reader, want to know so much about Judah Smith, a preacher I will never talk to, never meet, and whose life as a celebrity pastor contradicts everything that seems to me to make sense about the Jesus we are called to follow? Why so much 'I'? Truth? It's a little arrogant to think I am that interested.
Finally, I'm a little concerned with the overall intent of the book which is stated on the first page of the introduction to the book: "I hope these devotional thoughts and Scripture readings inspire you to live the fullest, most complete life possible. That's what God wants for you, and I believe he will show you how to do that as you learn to focus on him" (vii). How does he know that this is what God wants for me? And where is the Scriptural justification for making such a statement? Is it in John's Gospel, chapter 10? And if that is true, wouldn't it be better time spent reading the Gospel instead of this book? It's a shallow idea, to be sure.
I hate to say it, but I simply did not enjoy the book. It may be helpful or a good read for someone, it wasn't for me. Everyone seems to have an idea about what we need as Christians, but very few are pointing us in the right direction. I'm not sure this book lives up to that standard either. I agree that God's love is at times illogical, but I also think that God's love is profoundly logical. It does make sense even if it doesn't make sense. Because, Jesus.
It would have made better sense if he had written 40 days of meditations about Jesus instead of 40 days of meditations about himself. Jesus helps me understand God's love; this book did not.
1/5 Stars
Important Book & Author Things
Where to purchase Life is_____. Forty-Day Experience (Amazon, $12.13, paperback)
Author: Judah Smith
On the Web:
On Twitter: Judah Smith
Academic Webpage:
Editor:
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 232
Year: 2015
Audience:
Reading Level: High School
Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of this book via the Thomas Nelson BookLook Bloggers book review program.
February 7, 2016
Life is____________________________.
Can you fill in the blank? Seriously, most of you probably said just okay. Some may have said awful. Some may have said groovy.
Judah Smith leads you on an introspective look at how God's love can seem illogical at times but that it is real, whole, and waiting to be showered on you. Yes, you, just as you are.
Book Description
What is life? What are we here for? What will bring us true satisfaction and lasting happiness? In this companion to his highly-anticipated new book, Life Is ___, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Judah Smith takes readers on a forty-day devotional journey through Scripture to find the answers to these and others of our deepest questions. In forty daily readings, Judah helps readers understand that the meaning of life is found in loving and being loved, in enjoying God to the fullest, in trusting Him in every moment, and remaining at peace with God, others, and ourselves. This thought-provoking and inspiring collection of meditations is sure to reveal new and illuminating truths about what God intends for every person's life.
About the Author
Judah Smith is the lead pastor of the City of Church in Seattle, Washington. The City Church is a thriving multisite church noted for its cultural relevance, commitment to biblical integrity and faith, and love for Jesus. Judah is known round the United States and the world for his preaching ministry. His fresh, anointed, humorous messages demystify the Bible and make Christianity real. Judah is also the author of his most recent New York Times bestselling book, Jesus Is _____.
I do not often read devotional texts simply because I get distracted, bogged down, or get really busy every time I start to read one.
However, I was intrigued when I ordered this book to review.
My Thoughts
I made a pact with myself that I would take the book in chunks and read it on the treadmill, the bike, in the doctor's office etc.
The schedule worked for one week.
Why? I did not get bogged down. I got lifted up!
It started in the chapter on idiosyncrasies of which I have several. Anyone who knows me knows that I deal with these special gifts in ways that my blessed spouse finds breathtakingly frustrating.
Bless him.
Judah brings God's love to light in this text and I feel better and more empowered because of reading this book. You have to get a copy for your bible study, your personal study, your teen group, etc.
It is powerful in its simplicity and strong in the message.
"God loves us all even those with idiosyncrasies"
Can you fill in the blank? Seriously, most of you probably said just okay. Some may have said awful. Some may have said groovy.
Judah Smith leads you on an introspective look at how God's love can seem illogical at times but that it is real, whole, and waiting to be showered on you. Yes, you, just as you are.
Book Description
What is life? What are we here for? What will bring us true satisfaction and lasting happiness? In this companion to his highly-anticipated new book, Life Is ___, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Judah Smith takes readers on a forty-day devotional journey through Scripture to find the answers to these and others of our deepest questions. In forty daily readings, Judah helps readers understand that the meaning of life is found in loving and being loved, in enjoying God to the fullest, in trusting Him in every moment, and remaining at peace with God, others, and ourselves. This thought-provoking and inspiring collection of meditations is sure to reveal new and illuminating truths about what God intends for every person's life.
About the Author
Judah Smith is the lead pastor of the City of Church in Seattle, Washington. The City Church is a thriving multisite church noted for its cultural relevance, commitment to biblical integrity and faith, and love for Jesus. Judah is known round the United States and the world for his preaching ministry. His fresh, anointed, humorous messages demystify the Bible and make Christianity real. Judah is also the author of his most recent New York Times bestselling book, Jesus Is _____.
I do not often read devotional texts simply because I get distracted, bogged down, or get really busy every time I start to read one.
However, I was intrigued when I ordered this book to review.
My Thoughts
I made a pact with myself that I would take the book in chunks and read it on the treadmill, the bike, in the doctor's office etc.
The schedule worked for one week.
Why? I did not get bogged down. I got lifted up!
It started in the chapter on idiosyncrasies of which I have several. Anyone who knows me knows that I deal with these special gifts in ways that my blessed spouse finds breathtakingly frustrating.
Bless him.
Judah brings God's love to light in this text and I feel better and more empowered because of reading this book. You have to get a copy for your bible study, your personal study, your teen group, etc.
It is powerful in its simplicity and strong in the message.
"God loves us all even those with idiosyncrasies"
December 20, 2015
This book presented itself as a valuable asset from the very first chapter. It spoke some truths that, as a Christian, I knew to be true. But as a human, I had been denying them. Further than that, using the bounty of God's love as an example, this book hit home by telling me why I had been denying such things. I can read books written by respected theologians all day and agree that yes, God loves his creations. But it took me reading this devotional to admit that hey, even if I'm a sinner, even if I converted to Christianity late in the game, even if I am pulled by temptations and forget to pray sometimes and am selfish--despite all of that and more, God loves me too.
This is all from the first chapter. This book promises to be transformative and honest, and a valuable tool to bring you closer to God, if only you are 100% honest with yourself and keep an open mind.
This book makes a fantastic gift for new and old Christians alike, and I look forward to reading the author's other book, "Jesus is...".
My recommendation: buy the hard copy for yourself, and an extra copy for the beloved Christian in your life.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is all from the first chapter. This book promises to be transformative and honest, and a valuable tool to bring you closer to God, if only you are 100% honest with yourself and keep an open mind.
This book makes a fantastic gift for new and old Christians alike, and I look forward to reading the author's other book, "Jesus is...".
My recommendation: buy the hard copy for yourself, and an extra copy for the beloved Christian in your life.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2016
Life Is _____ Forty-Day Experience A Devotional Journey Through God's Illogical Love By Judah Smith is the companion book to Life Is___.: God's Illogical Love Will Change Your Existence. I see on Amazon that there also is a study guide.
I have done 40 day bible studies before as an entire church and I find them to be very effective in bringing everyone in the church together. When everyone is reading the same book and thinking about the same things, you have a lot to talk about! I think Life Is would be a great study for a church to do together.
The book is divided into four sections:
Section 1: Life Is To Be Loved and to Love
Section 2: Life Is to Trust God in Every Moment
Section 3: Life Is to Be At Peace With God and Yourself
Section 4: Life Is to Enjoy God
Why is there a blank in the title? Because author Judah Smith freely admits that he does not have all the answers. Smith is just here to point us at Jesus. Each day (chapter) has a reading from the bible that you need to look up in your bible, a devotional and questions.
This is an easy to read, insightful devotional that is a great 40 day study.
I have done 40 day bible studies before as an entire church and I find them to be very effective in bringing everyone in the church together. When everyone is reading the same book and thinking about the same things, you have a lot to talk about! I think Life Is would be a great study for a church to do together.
The book is divided into four sections:
Section 1: Life Is To Be Loved and to Love
Section 2: Life Is to Trust God in Every Moment
Section 3: Life Is to Be At Peace With God and Yourself
Section 4: Life Is to Enjoy God
Why is there a blank in the title? Because author Judah Smith freely admits that he does not have all the answers. Smith is just here to point us at Jesus. Each day (chapter) has a reading from the bible that you need to look up in your bible, a devotional and questions.
This is an easy to read, insightful devotional that is a great 40 day study.
April 12, 2018
Worked well as a Lenten 40 day journey.
March 28, 2021
Loved this devotional my Bible study group that discussed it during Lent. His writing resonated with me and I will carry the wisdom gained by reading it with me, hopefully forever!
April 4, 2021
This was a pretty good devotional. Since it was written from a male father perspective some of the anecdotes I didn’t relate to. Would recommend if you’re looking for a journaling devotional.
October 8, 2016
Good devotional
Learned how much I was listening to God or not. Casually written and relatable. You get out what you put in.
Learned how much I was listening to God or not. Casually written and relatable. You get out what you put in.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews