According to their website, “The Chosen is the first-ever multi-season TV show about the life of Jesus. The Chosen allows us to see Him through the eyes of those who knew Him.” This is actually the theme of “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One.” As I mentioned the other day, each one of these devotionals are written by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks along with the creator of the show Dallas Jenkins. As you may have guessed, Amanda Jenkins is the wife of the creator of The Chosen. She is also a speaker and author who has been encouraging many for quite some time. I will let Kristen Hendricks tell you about her interesting story; I got this from her website: “Way back when, I founded a handbag company, which led to a small non-profit, which led to an anti-trafficking organization in Africa, which ultimately led to me writing for The Chosen TV series.” Then of course Dallas Jenkins also contributes to these books. Because this is mostly a collaboration, many times an individual writer is not specified, so I will simply refer to them as “the authors.”
I do want to share three things from Book One before we dig in, so you can get a feel for what this book’s main focus is. First, each devotional ends with a “Prayer Focus” as well as some questions to help us think deeper still about the topic of the day which they title “Moving Forward.” Second, I point us to the dedication which says: “To Simon Peter, Mary Magdalene, Nicodemus, and Matthew. Before they were heroes of the faith who inspired The Chosen series, they were desperate sinners like us.” Lastly, in his message at the beginning of this book, Mr Jenkins talks about how it can be difficult to relate to the Perfect Son of God, but how he could quickly connect with the Messiah’s flawed followers. He states, “As we wrote episodes and this devotional, we explored the back stories of Simon Peter, Matthew, Mary Magdalene, Nicodemus, and a few of Jesus’ miracle recipients. We couldn’t help but identify with their recklessness, rough past, religious piety, and desperation for life change…and ultimately, their redemption.” (p11) It is as we connect to those real human beings who followed Jesus during His earthly ministry, that we will find ourselves connecting more deeply with the Christ they devoted their lives to. May we follow in their imperfect footsteps, as we also seek to know and display the Perfect Jesus.
2023’s Got A Minute? Book Club
January: The First & Best Book Ever: The Bible
February: Love Is In the Air: “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts” by Gary Chapman
March: Spring Growth: “Secrets of the Vine” by Bruce Wilkinson
April: Living the Resurrected Life: “The Wonderful Spirit Filled Life” by Dr Charles Stanley
May: My Spiritual Mom: “Making Good Habits Breaking Bad Habits” by Joyce Meyer
June: Spiritual Dad: “It’s Not About Me- Rescue from the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy” by Max Lucado
July: Financial Freedom “Complete Guide to Money” by Dave Ramsey
August: Summer’s Soul Restorer “A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23” by W Phillip Keller
September: Covering Our Children: “Prayers for the Prodigals” by James Banks
October: Reformation of Our Hearts: “Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine” by Max Lucado
November: So Thankful To Be Chosen: “The Chosen 40 Days with Jesus Book One, Book Two & Book Three” by Amanda Jenkins, Kristen Hendricks and Dallas Jenkins
<>< Diane, Diane
