Jesus Over Everything: Uncomplicating the Daily Struggle to Put Jesus First

by Lisa Whittle

As Christian women, we desire to put Jesus first. We want to prioritize him above all, knowing instinctively that when we do, everything else in our lives will fall into alignment. Yet life feels complicated, and the demands of our daily lives leave our priorities out of order and our hearts longing for more.

Author, speaker, and Bible teacher Lisa Whittle is passionate about helping people pursue Jesus for life, grow deep roots of faith, and walk strong in a world that so often seems to have gone crazy. In Jesus Over Everything, Lisa shares eight statements of choice to help us grow in our understanding of what it means to put Jesus first amid the craziness our days bring, including choices such as


commitment over mood,
steady over hype,
holiness over freedom,
service over spotlight,
and more.
Jesus Over Everything is a practical, compelling picture of what we crave yet struggle to define as we seek to give God his rightful place in our everyday lives.

Genres: Christian, Faith, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Religion, Christian Non Fiction, Christianity

208 pages, Paperback

Published March 24, 2020

About the author

Lisa Whittle is the author of 7 books, and a sought-out Bible teacher for her wit and bold, bottom line approach. A pastor's daughter and long-time ministry leader in issues relevant to the Church, Lisa is the founder of Ministry Strong and the popular Jesus Over Everything podcast. Her love runs deep to see people pursue Jesus for life, grow deep roots of faith, and walk strong in the midst of a world that so often seems to have gone crazy. She has done master's work in Marriage and Family Counseling, been featured on numerous media outlets in print, online, radio, podcast and TV through the years, and advocated for Compassion, International. Lisa and her husband of 24 years live in North Carolina with their 3 mostly-grown children who still (mostly) come home for dinner.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to learn about other Christian believers. How they got their testimony of Christ, what they do to continually nurture their love for their Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I love the insights and different points of view. I could listen to this over and over and gain something different depending on what may be going on in my heart. I felt the author was real. She didn’t make herself out to be perfect. I loved that. I love “real” people. Who tell you their flaws and gifts. I also loved that she is no respecter of Man. She tries to see things through God’s eyes not the worlds. It is refreshing. I loved all the scripture she read.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author Lisa Whittle shows the importance of giving Jesus first place in your life while showing it isn't an easy thing to do using examples from her own life. While many women will gain much from the book, I think women younger than baby boomers (such as myself) would appreciate its writing style more.

[Isabel Hinen · Rating 1 out of 5]

**1/23/2024 Edit:**
Since I didn’t finish the book, you can take my review however you like. This was just my opinion at the time and you don’t have to agree with it (hey, I may not even agree with my review if I chose to re-read the book). But I’m probably not going to re-read it if I’m being honest. I do remember feeling that the title and the content didn’t really corroborate the same message for me. Again you may disagree and that’s fine, I realize my original review was on the harsh side but I have no desire to debate an opinion from two years ago :) I’m happy for y’all if you enjoyed it more than I did! Not every book is for everyone!

Age: 16+
Genre: devotionals
Content: n/a
Language: n/a
Rating: 1 star

Review: I was sorely disappointed with this. I didn't end up finishing it because the author ruined the book for me by throwing in an unnecessary political stance. Besides the fact that a devotional book is NO place for politics, her views (not just political, but as a whole) contradicted logic and even Scripture. The book was barely even relevant to the title "Jesus over Everything", at least not in the true meaning of the phrase. It was not about putting Jesus first, it was about wishy-washy fake Christianity that claims you can be whatever you want to be and nobody can hold you accountable in Christ because that's "judging." Let me take a deep breath and calm down about this. I'll sum it up by saying, this book does NOT advocate the Christianity I know, but instead encourages spinelessness in the face of adversity and ignores the real issues in favor of a politically-correct endorsement thrown in where one was not asked for. I do not recommend this book.

[Debra · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ over 50%
I was really excited to read this book. However, the author is so jaded and bitter. Everything she writes about relates back to the pain of her father losing his megachurch. I understand how pain can cause those feelings, but it didn't resonate with me in a book about Jesus over everything. She is also very wordy,and half the time, I didn't even understand what she was talking about.

[Gina Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is definitely the one we all needed right now! This message is so key in helping us get through these crazy times in which we are living! Lisa starts by taking the reader through the 6 “deadly overs” and then continues the journey of how Jesus is truly over everything. I recommend this book to anyone who is in need of a touch from God. People who are ready to put aside the overs and the excuses and put everything in its rightful place. “He will do a perfect job at managing the imperfect life you haven’t been capable of managing on your own” (pg. 25).

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overall. Her writing style took me a bit to get used to. I didn't agree with everything, but there was a lot that made me think.There were several chapters that were very convicting, especially the one on holiness.
Favorite quotes:
"As God is exalted to the right place in our lives a thousand problems are solved all at once. A. W. Toizer

"If we trust a perfect God we will trust that his version of us is the best version and we will want none of the subtracted version we've become.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4/5 ⭐️

Listened on Libby. Found some parts surface level which honestly would be great if I were a new Christian still exploring. There was a lot I did think was helpful and spiritually helpful. I just didn’t find this book transformative and probably won’t remember it or give it another thought. A nice listen to at work tho!

[Kassie Vittachi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get her point, but to me it felt like the book was more about herself than about Jesus - which seems contradictory given the title. It wasn't speaking to me. Didn't finish it.

[Emily Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshingly real read on how simple God has graciously made living for Him to be!! We are called to resist our flesh and deny our selfishness. Following Jesus is a lifelong commitment we must choose to keep again and again. As believers, we must have the courage to run to Jesus before anything or anyone, and to be ready and willing to be used as a vessel for the Holy Spirit at any given moment. Christ is the solid rock on which we must stand!

[Cindy van Wyk · Rating 3 out of 5]

"When Jesus asks us to put Him first, it's out of His great love for us to let Him do the heavy lifting."

I picked Lisa Whittle's Jesus Over Everything to be my first read of the year to set the tone for 2022. Subtitled 'Uncomplicating the Daily Struggle To Put Jesus First', the book is made up of 10 chapters and deals with topics like 'Real Over Pretty', 'Service Over Spotlight' and 'Wisdom Over Knowledge'.

"Everything in the Kingdom is big because God is big, even if God asks us to do a small task. Any time He asks us to do anything, it's life-altering, even if it alters only ours."

The author unpacks nine ways to put God first in our lives, and makes many great points throughout. It's definitely worth a read, and several quotes will stay with me for a long time.

"Gospel living is not a one and done, but an ongoing, daily commitment and process."

When it comes to Whittle's writing style, though, I can't say I'm a fan. I found myself reading passages over and over to understand them, and the editing could have been a little tighter. In many ways, the book also felt repetitive, and could have been 30 to 50% shorter and packed a greater punch.

"I don't believe in a prosperity gospel. I believe in an obedience gospel."

The author also writes a lot about her pastor father's fall from grace, and while some of the examples involving him made sense, after the third or fourth mention, it became... A lot.

"Jesus does us the biggest favour when He puts a stop to things that are secretly chipping away at us."

Overall, a good read, but I won't be rushing to read the rest of Whittle's work.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my [always] honest review.

2.5 stars / I think I was expecting something a little different based on the subtitle of this book. I’m not really sure why I didn’t enjoy this book as much as others that are similar, and that’s the only thing I can put my finger on. It wasn’t the right book for me right now, but I can appreciate it and the content.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 5 out of 5]

Challenging and encouraging read

Really, really an excellent book. Convicting, and the work it challenges me to do will be hard, but much like exercise, it’s so worth it. As one of my workout tees says, “It doesn’t get easier—you get stronger.”

I’m ready to get stronger in putting Jesus over everything.

[Pug · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually a pretty solid, Biblically-sound book, reminding us to (in a nutshell) put Jesus first... that is, put him over everything else in your life. A wonderful reminder!

But I admit, it didn't really sink in. First of all, I started reading it on a plane heading for vacation. Second, she distracted me with talk of her overflowing closet... you know I love clothes and hoarders and minimizing, so for a minute I thought it was turning into a different book. Lastly, it was a full-size book, which is a big commitment for my over-stimulated brain these days.

Nevertheless, a good book I would recommend and hopefully read again some day when I'm more receptive.

[Melissa Bergstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is the best book I’ve read this year! This is the life I desire. Jesus over everything. Period. Very convicting but not guilt ridden. Written with so much truth, grace and love. Highly recommend

[Abby Cooledge · Rating 5 out of 5]

first book of 2025! as lisa whittle said, life doesn’t have to be so complicated! & i’ll be walking into the year telling myself that!

something about reading from one of your friends moms is just so encouraging and awesome! (hi shae)! an author showing me obedience in a different way than i’ve always viewed it. so much good in here! one of my words for the year so that felt funny & timely of the Lord—i’ll be clinging to this book and it’s words for awhile!

[Gretchen Garrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jesus over everything. A commitment that easy to make initially but sometimes hard to keep. Overall I liked this book. I think that everyone can admit that they struggle with at least one of the areas that she highlights.

Real Over Pretty
Love Over Judgment
Holiness Over Freedom
Service Over Spotlight
Steady Over Hype
Honesty Over Hiding
Wisdom Over Knowledge
Commitment Over Mood

The author did share many personal stories and struggles where she had not been successful at keeping Jesus first. I appreciate it when authors do not try to act like they have conquered the mountain already. But there were times when her tone felt critical to me. I am guessing that some of the times that I felt that way was because I was feeling a bit convicted at some of her challenging words.

The opposing themes were presented well. Honestly the list is something that I could see keeping as a bookmark in my Bible as sort of a "self-check" for those times when I feel like I am struggling. Because I am a writer whose work involves some social media, I could relate to many situations that she shared a little too well.

As for rating, I am giving this one a 4.4 out of 5. Lots of truth but because it edged a bit toward condemnation, I did not quite always feel the love. But maybe that is necessary sometimes for change to occur.
Thank you to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to preview this book. All opinions are my own!

[Sydney · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really wanted to like this book but felt it was repetitive quite often. The first few chapters were good though.

[Tanya Baker · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF fpr me. Just couldn't get through it. So wordy that I couldn't even figure out what the author was trying to say.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little wordy but overall good concepts and a powerful testimony of heartbreak and redemption within the church and the author’s family.

[Ana Castillo · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Some people keep things to themselves, and that doesn’t make them any less real, maybe just more private. But sharing the real stuff is a gift we offer to each other because it is something we need and crave”.

One of the parts I really enjoyed was the section of encouraging the reader to be real. I feel like I’d say I’m a pretty open and “real” person. But I can also be extremely private. It depends on the mood. Some days I’ll give all the details and be so open and vulnerable with the good and bad. And some days, I won’t give you any detail, I’ll tell you that my weekend was good or that I’m fine.

And I feel like I’ve recently been having to relearn knowing when to share. Sometimes I’m excited about something and want to tell my closest friends but I don’t. And sometimes I’m wrestling with someone I want to share with someone but I don’t.

So I appreciated this section of the book.

Really, the first half of the book was more enjoyable than the second half.

Lisa Whittle, a girl from Oklahoma, a list maker, a shopaholic, a pianist, a music lover and someone outspoken.

In a way, I relate. I’m not from Oklahoma but I’m right from the border in Arkansas. I too love lists. I wouldn’t call myself a pianist as I haven’t been consisted with it over the years. And I literally love music.

I’m not much of a self help Christian book reader these days, so I struggled just a little to enjoy it, but the content was good.

I think there were some great concepts about indulgence, being real with people, how to be free in Christ and a reminder that Jesus is our keeper that Whittle hit on that I really enjoyed and appreciated.

I like more theological reads that make my brain hurt rather than repeatedly reading about someone’s shopping problems and their family drama that we never get the full context too.

I think this book is better suited for new believers, or someone in high school or early college, or someone who learns better from people’s stories of the mundane, or are more of a visual learner, and an easy read that isn’t too dense.

[Caitie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Whittle is a prophetic voice in our generation, and I don’t pen those words lightly. As one can discern through listening to her podcast (also titled Jesus Over Everything) or by following her on Instagram, Lisa’s style is characterized by raw honesty, dry wit, and hard-hitting conviction. While her style may seem too straightforward for some, those who are looking for solid, Scriptural truths that haven’t been watered down will be well pleased with Lisa’s newest book, Jesus Over Everything.

In Jesus Over Everything Lisa attempts to “uncomplicate the daily struggle to put Jesus first.” Each chapter focuses on a “deadly over” we may become easily ensnared by in daily life, such as over indulging or over explaining. The 10 chapters focus on 9 simple, daily choices we can make that will help us put Jesus back in his rightful place in our lives- that is to say, over everything else. Some of my favorite chapters included Chapter 5: Service Over Spotlight and Chapter 9: Commitment Over Mood. But chapter 4, “Holiness Over Freedom,” was one of the most convicting pieces of nonfiction I have ever read. I have heard Lisa say that she almost left the chapter out and that it was a last-minute addition to the book; truly, this chapter was nothing short of anointed and I’m so thankful it was included in the final copy.

Lisa’s signature style weaves pragmatic storytelling told by beautiful prose alongside short, hard hitting zingers; you’ll find yourself highlighting the pithy quotes on nearly every page. I took my time with this book and read it over the course of a couple of months in order to really soak in the content and reflect on each chapter. I highly recommend doing the same and while I haven’t completed the corresponding Bible study, I have no doubt that it is excellent.
Lisa’s book is packed with wisdom and perhaps what I appreciate most is the fact that it is clear that to Lisa, Jesus Over Everything isn’t just one of her signature one-liners; it’s a lifestyle, and it’s her life’s mission. This book inspired me to make putting Jesus Over Everything my life’s mission, too. Thank you, Lisa for this wonderful book! 5 shining stars.

[The Film Director's Wife · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This was a fabulous book!

Lisa does a terrific job of practically walking you through the steps of how you truly can put Jesus over everything.

Whether it's social media or things you are struggling to overcome, etc. this book shows you how to approach the task and beautiful gift of being able to put Jesus first in every, single area of your life.

Definitely make sure to check this book out!

***Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the digital ARC of this book. All views and opinions expressed in this review are my own.***

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it took me MONTHS to finish reading it (non fiction spiritual does that to me..) I cannot recommend this book enough!
From the start to the end there wasn't a page that went by that I didn't highlight some nugget of truth and biblical wisdom that I pray will stay in my subconscious for quite a while.
This is a book I will read again and go back to again and again to remind me that while there are many things in this life I need to get over, putting Jesus OVER everything will never be one of them.💜

[Christian VanZant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this! It pointed to truth, challenged me, & had so many great areas of application. I will definitely be revisiting & recommending.

Some of my favorite quotes :
“The Father has great love for us, but He’s not about our comfort; He’s about our transformation.”

“The true success of a person is not in whether she can make her life work; it’s in whether she can die to her life enough for Jesus to work in her.”

[Breyanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has taught me so much. More about things that I never thought I’d put before God. I’m thankful that I got to learn more things and increase my walk with him. This book talks about so much more than just the original things that you know not to put in front of God. This goes into depth about being real, honesty, being like Jesus, how to love, and so much more.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Whittle never fails to write what my heart needs to hear. As when reading her other books, I was encouraged and convicted all at once.

Putting Jesus first is not easy. Our flesh wants to be first. But Lisa doesn’t shy away from giving it to us straight and making it clear that living a flesh-first life will not provide the freedom of Christ.

This entire book is worth several reads. I couldn’t begin to explain all the ways it was meant for me, or even point out my favorite “over,” but just know that I highly recommend picking this one up.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reminder on who runs our lives

I struggle with living a Jesus centered life but Lisa breaks it down into easy to swallow pieces. Thank you for your words and your guidance.

[Christine Main · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good, yet very challenging book. Lisa shares 8 decisions which will help us live a life of putting Christ first.

[Stephanie Hasse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read. Great complement to Jesus over everything Bible study.

[Stacy Myers · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is very well written and a good quiet time companion but for some reason I struggled to connect with it.