We don't call them 'daily' devotions for nothing. Devotion to God is a daily discipline, rooted in time and tied to the calendar. In this thoughtful new book, Mark Lanier walks us through the year, a meaningful day at a time, focusing our hearts, minds, and imaginations on the only One who is worthy of our devotion.'
~Michael Card, Author, Songwriter, and Musician
Mark Lanier’s studies from the Gospels for the formation of a 365-day devotional book are remarkable for several reasons. First, the daily readings are personal, historically informative, and theologically insightful and thus do what a devotional should do: that is, move us toward greater love for and service to our Lord. Second, these scriptural reflections make use of the Christian calendar and thus serve as a delightful introduction to the great moments and themes of the Christian year. Readers not accustomed to using the calendar in the annual cycle of worship will find them especially helpful. And third, whether discussing the Christian calendar or explaining the Scriptures for a given day, these Gospel studies are full of historical nuggets. I highly recommend this wonderful addition to our daily devotional literature. It not only reflects Mark Lanier’s wide learning but also accomplishes many things at once, especially in combining theological warmth and historical intelligence.
~Robert B. Sloan, President, Houston Baptist University
In Jesus for Living, Mark Lanier offers readers daily Scriptural reflections based on the church’s calendar. His reflections are as insightful as they are personal and accessible. For anyone wanting to experience Jesus and his love in fresh ways, this book is a gift.
~Jeannine Brown, Professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary
'The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.' G.K. Chesterton's oft-quoted saying recognizes the fact that following Jesus involves more than an idea to be affirmed--it is a life to be lived. Mark Lanier's Jesus for Living gives the reader daily encouragement, wisdom, and perspective to help in this daily life of faith. Exegetically rich and yet eminently approachable, this book offers the kind of daily insight all believers need.
~Ed Stetzer, Professor and Dean, Wheaton College
If you are seeking--or are at least intrigued by the idea of--a thoughtful, practical, evangelical devotional book focused upon the life, ministry, and teaching of Jesus in concert with the liturgical calendar, then Mark Lanier's Jesus for Living is for you. Written with warmth, wisdom, and wit, these patterned, personal, compact reflections, drawn from the canonical Gospels and centered upon the 'Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith,' will encourage and equip you to 'see Jesus more clearly, to love Jesus more dearly, and to follow Jesus more nearly day by day.'
~Todd D. Still, Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean & William M. Hinson Professor of Christian Scriptures, George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University
