Intimate Moments with the Savior: Learning to Love

by Ken Gire

Intimate Moments with the Savior is a devotional tapestry, richly woven from the threads of Scripture, meditation, and prayer. It captures the intimate moments Jesus spent with individuals and how those moments forever changed their lives. In reliving those life-changing moments, you will walk where Jesus walked. You will travel with him in the sweltering heat to a Samaritan well. You will stand with him on the windswept shores of Galilee. You will ascend with him up the fateful step of Calvary. At those places, you will see the people Jesus saw. Your heart will melt for Peter, ache for the hemorrhaging woman, and break for Judas. You will also see what these people saw in Jesus. You will see the kindness in his face, the forgiveness in his eyes, the power in his hand. With these people, you will reach out to touch the hem of his garment. With them you will weep. With them you will kneel. And moment by intimate moment, you, too, will be changed. Intimate Moments with the Savior is the first book in Ken Gire's award-winning Moments with the Savior series. The second book, Incredible Moments with the Savior, examines the profound meaning of the miracles of Jesus. Instructive Moments with the Savior, the third book is a series of meditations on the parables of Jesus and how they changed the lives of the original hearers. The fourth and last book, Intense Moments with the Savior, takes you inside the mind of Jesus himself.

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

144 pages, Hardcover

First published November 3, 1989

About the author

Ken Gire is the author of more than 20 books, including "The Divine Embrace," "Windows of the Soul," "The Work of His Hands," the Moments with the Savior series, and the Reflective Life series. He has also co-authored "The Birthright" with John Sheasby. Two of his books have been awarded a Gold Medallion. A full-time writer and speaker, Ken is the founder of Reflective Living, a nonprofit ministry devoted to helping people learn how to slow down and live more reflective lives so they can experience life more deeply, especially life with God and other people. Ken is a graduate of Texas Christian University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He has four children and three grandchildren and lives near the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains in Monument, Colorado.

As a bestselling author, Ken speaks primarily on the subjects in the books he has written. In the past, he has spoken at such venues as Bill and Gloria Gaither's Praise Gathering, Billy Graham's Training Center---the Cove, Laity Lodge, Wind River Ranch, Young Life, as well as a variety of denominational and non-denominational churches. He has spoken in the church service itself but has mostly done church retreats. He is available to speak for large, public events as the keynote speaker or for smaller, more private events, such as leadership retreats. In all of his talks, Ken uses a variety of audio-visuals, such as film clips, and so the host would need to have the necessary equipment and someone to operate it. His messages can be anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the venue. Since most of his speaking topics are from the books Ken has written, you can get a greater feel for his talks by first getting the book from Amazon.com, which carries both his in-print and out-of-print books.

Reviews

[Loretta · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exceptional book that brought this reader closer to Jesus. Real “Intimate Moments”, the book gives the reader a Scripture reading and then a meditation and prayer on that Scripture. I read the book during my Holy Hour at Adoration which made my reading experience that much more spiritual. I see a re-read in my future, especially at Holy Hour.

[Kelly Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of the most beautiful and insightful books exploring the likely human emotions behind some of the more pivotal moments in biblical record. My favorite was "An Intimate Moment With Mary," as her reality--that of a young virgin having just given birth to the Messiah--is settling upon her.

It's a precious and provoking collection, and a great gift idea!

[Avel Rudenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devotional book. Includes a scripture, a meditation, and a prayer for every intimate moment. Quick read, although not designed to be read in one sitting. This book is meant to get you closer to your heavenly father. Experience one to two stories or moments with Jesus each day. The author Ken Gire has an incredible insight into the life of Christ. Shines a light on cloudy biblical stories and scriptures, makes them brighter and more memorable in your mind. This bok was a blessing to experience. Highly recommended. Discover Jesus for yourself.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I "won" this book during a White Elephant exchange. I really learned a lot from it. It's short and easy to read. It takes a new look at some Bible stories I was familiar with, but it really makes them come alive. They include Nicodemus, Peter, Mary and Martha, Peter, and Judas. I highly recommend it. (And I can loan it to my friends, since I own it.)

[Pepa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful style of writing! Unlike any other "devotional". For those who want to dig deeper into the life of Jesus for awhile, this book is recommended and there is three other books similar to this one by the same author for the same purpose to dig deeper into Jesus' life. loved every part of it!

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite devotional books I have gone through. The format for each "intimate moment" with Jesus is first the scripture, then an author's descriptive writing of what the characters might have been thinking/feeling and then a meditative prayer on the passage. I really enjoyed it.

[Jeremy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Gire's Reflective Life, but this devotional book was a bit reminiscent of some of the cheesier Lucado books from back in the day that take a small concept and wax eloquent for several pages. I'm sure it's awesome for some, but it's a bit off-putting for me.

[Jarm Boccio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just love Ken Gire's books. . .what a gifted author. He has a way of describing a Biblical character or event like none other. You feel as though you yourself were there, and these precious people who knew The Lord were your best friends!

[Lena Denman · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a refreshing look at your devotional time look no further than this book. This book brought Scriptures to life for me, with the characters becoming not only recognizable but almost touchable. I wouldn't miss Ken Gire's writing!

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Max Lucado, try Ken Gire who has a similar writing style.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this book...It is beautifully written and draws my heart to my GOD!!

[Alicia]

started but haven't finished. very good thus far!

[Deana]

Very motivational. Loved it.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written devotional. Each reading contains a passage from one of the gospel accounts, a reimagined version of the passage, and a thoughtful prayer. The writing style is full of poetically insightful contrasts and comparisons. The story of Judas stood out to me as especially profound.

[Lisha Haase · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listened to this on Hoopla.

[Alesia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the title of several books in a series by Gire. The edition that I am reading is subtitled "Learning to Hear." It ponders the parables that Jesus told in the book of Luke. There are some deeper truths and practical lessons about spiritual things to be learned from taking the time to dissect the parables that Gire chose. It is so thought provoking that it is the book that we discuss in a daytime book club/Bible study here in Illinois. It is a hard to find edition but worth the effort.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful retelling of some of the most moving parts of scripture. I felt drawn closer to the truth behind the Bible reading this book.

[Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Features a collection of moments in the life of Christ. First in scripture, then in an essay, and finally a prayer. Insightful.

[Naomi Woo · Rating 5 out of 5]

These beautiful encounters with Jesus come alive through Gire's ability to bring the reader into the moment. I loved every day of this devotional!

[Linda Layne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to really thank Ken Gire for writing "Intimate Moments with the Savior: Learning to Love." This book is an unbelievable read, a very moving experience.

I suggest when reading this book, the reader should choose a quiet area, no noise, not even any music. That may enable the reader to fully experience the author's ability to make the reader feel as if he or she is actually in the presence of the Savior, looking into His eyes.

Reading this book can be a humbling experience, when looking at each situation from the point of view of the different personalities of each situation. All told, there are 17 such experiences in this work, but I actually read many of them more than once, in order to hopefully get the full effect of each event.

I would definitely recommend this book as both an individual read and as a supplement to class discussions or devotionals.

[Laura-Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I originally read this book when it first came out. Gire takes parts of the Bible where someone encountered Jesus very briefly then enhances the story with his own imagination (speculative fiction) by creating a back-story and surmising how the person's life may have been changed AFTER their encounter with Jesus.
It helped me to realize that Bible stories weren't merely Bible STORIES but involved REAL people. However, I caution anyone reading this (especially someone not very familiar with the Bible) to keep in mind you are dealing with Ken's ideas, thoughts, biases, and perspective which may actually taint the actual events.
Thanks for taking the time to read this review. I hope it helped and didn't hinder.
Truth, with Love,
Always, Laura-Lee

[Bruce Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book, brings you closer emotionally to the special moments Jesus had with those around him. Each moment is separated into 3 sections; Scripture, Meditation, Prayer. I chose to read the Scripture before work, the Meditation during lunch and the prayer after work. This helped me to keep the moment with me throughout the day.

[Amanda Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could rate this higher. This is the most beautiful and precious book I’ve ever read. Stumbling through this review with tears in my eyes over how good our Savior is. How good.

Favorite moments: Nicodemus, Mary&Martha, Mary Magdalene, final moment with Peter.

Make Heaven more real to me than any Earthly thing. You are here, you are in the intimate moments of my day.

[Kayla Daine Burroughs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seriously probably the best devotional I’ve read and dived into. It puts the life and moments of Jesus we have read for years into words that make you look at it completely different as if you were there. SOOOO GOOD.

[Bryan Eberl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Similar to God came near by max Lucado. Lays out scripture, then paraphrases it in a relatable fashion, the reshapes it to be a prayer to focus more on God through the passages. Would be good to keep on the side table for a quick reflection or devotion.

[KatieJane Brashier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly quiet, truly intimate moments. A very lovely read, one that should be taken slowly and savored.

[Natasha Sims · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a beautiful book. Truly some intimate moments with the Savior.

[Megan Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

great devotional read! really enjoyed this.

[Ken Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book to be savoured. I couldn’t bring myself to read more than one chapter in a day with so many beautiful insights to be reflected on... pondered... prayed about... absorbed... savoured. I simply love Ken Gire’s writing style. It’s almost poetic in the allusions and parallelisms he finds. It’s also like he’s painting a picture as much as telling a story as he invites the reader into different scenes from the Gospels (each chapter including a full scripture passage, a meditation, and a prayer). I expect I’ll refer back to this book again from time to time. It felt nourishing, and digging into the selected passages truly made me feel closer to Jesus.

[Donna Mathewson · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite of the series, all of which were inspiring and drew me closer to Jesus!