A Call to Die

by David Nasser

A 40 day journey of fasting from the world and feasting on God. A book of 40 devotions combined with space for a personal journal. This book examines some of the hard teachings of Christ, as well as God's disciplines for believers.

Genres: Christian, Devotional, Christian Living, Christianity, Reference, Theology, Religion

300 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

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Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nasser has created a book that even the non-reader will enjoy reading. He does this by creating forty short chapters (4-5 pages), that always starts with a short scripture passage that lays the foundation. His writing is filled with memorable illustrations, flickers of humor, and a challenge to an area of life that can hinder our devotion to Jesus Christ. When I read as a teen, often I would read a page and take in absolutely nothing as my mind was not focused. Nasser battles this by ending each day’s reading with questions that can only be answered if you internalized what you had just read. These questions not only test your comprehension but also provide a bridge into the personal application. Scripture memory is a part of the plan as well and Nasser creatively and almost subconsciously has you memorize a passage every week. Following that is a one page journaling space that always asks the same three questions to make sure we take it personally. I enjoyed A Call to Die because of the slow pace that it dictates. Too often we are in a rush to read something when what we really need to do is to take our time to read, comprehend, self-evaluate, pray, and hopefully change for Christ’s sake and ours.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most challenging & effective devotional books I've ever read. Each chapter is a manageable length & ends with questions that you are prompted to answer by writing responses in the book. This format results in a more interactive reading experience and makes me feel more accountable - a daunting, but positive thing! The author asks tough questions, but questions that I need to take seriously if I truly seek a close, meaningful relationship with God. There's no better way to start each day, in my opinion!

Interesting anecdote about this book: I learned of this book through a Grace House Guest (Grace House Guests is the name of a homeless families ministry at my church). A single woman lived in our youth pastor's office, for a week, while in shelter. While there, she noticed this book on his bookshelf & began to read it. When it was time for her to move to her next congregation for shelter, she asked me if she could borrow this book. I said, "You can't borrow it - we want you to keep it as our gift!" Amazing how God works, huh?!

[Chris McLain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read devotional books, most of the time I personally find them hollow and superficial, but Nasser's "A Call to Die" was a great journey. It is serious and encouraging, and if you don't want God to rock your boat, I suggest you wait to read it till you do. Speaking as a youth minister, this study has a lot to offer to every believer, no matter what level they are in with their relationship to God. I highly recommend it.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unless you are ready to be changed, do not read this book! It is very thought provoking, convicting, humbling, and challenging. David has done an awesome job not only with the content of this book but also the organization. It's as if each day prepared you for the next. If you can get through Day 14 without being changed, let me know.

[Stephen Weaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

nassar is a stud... did it in 40 days with friends, we became brothers

[Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A co-worker and I were going to do this study together but plans fell thru-so I decided to read it on my own. I actually preferred doing this on my own because there were a lot of personal questions in it. Good study and am glad I decided to go ahead and do it alone.

[Tina · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I enjoyed most about reading this book was it was a little more challenging than a book club since we each gave up something (we really enjoyed) for 40 days. Getting together to discuss not only the book but each of our struggles was really eye opening - depending on what each gave up. The book and more so the discussions really made me realize how blessed or spoiled (however anyone wants to look at it) we Americans are. The one thing that remained with me from this book was "cheap grace".

[Darrell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably should have a different title. It's really about becoming like Jesus on a daily basis, and that's all about living.

Chapters should be longer and more fully developed. Content is near 7th grade reading level. Repetitive questions in each chapter are a little mundane.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing but a challenging book, because it opens your eyes to how selfish your lifestyle is. Highly encourage all followers of Christ to go through this book and see how God makes changes in your life. I am thinking of re-reading this.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is impossible to finish this book as the same person who started it. Even the second time through the book. Deeply provoking, spiritually challenging, cut to the heart bridging the chasm between who you are and who you were created to be. Interesting and applicable to teens as well as adults.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenging 40 day devotional we did in conjunction with our church, during Lent.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing devotional:)

[Joe Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great devotion written about following Jesus before people were writing books like that for students.

[Aaron W. Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pick this book often simply to re-read portions that have enlightened, encouraged, or challenged me. Nasser has written an endearing classic of the Christian faith. Love it!

[Kim Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been one of the most life changing bible studies I have done!

[Keith Feisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best devotionals I have read. Reminds me of Steve Camp or Keith Green... Life-changing if you will let God use this book to speak truth to your heart.

[Jeanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome Food for the spirit man.

[Christopher G · Rating 1 out of 5]

I went through this devotional back in the early 2000s while part of a Christian Cult. This book further programmed me to believe that I have no self worth or meaning without the mission of an invisible god. It is manipulative, takes the bible out of context, and is devoid of love. If we are truly made in the image of god, this book denies that, tells you that your wants and desires aren't valid, and says that you must become a slave to the will of Nasser's idea of god. Do NOT let your children read this book.

[Ross Heinricy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting in that it was intended by the author to really challenge and promote a closer walk with God. The biggest struggle for me was 2 fold, the shallowness of the devotions and the writing style, which seemed to play into the shallowness. he wrote it for what seems to be a younger "hip" audience. Chapters 18 and 26 were good reads, and chapter 3 is a must read for all young people.
Too many questions at the end of every devotion and too redundant as well.

[Riley Byars · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book.!!! I’ll recommend to anyone who is willing to devote 40 days to knowing God more.!!!!!

Truthfully, I’ve never completed a whole devotional from beginning to end. I always get bored or distracted. This one captivated me from page one and has established discipline in me that I desperately needed.

It’s not what you do, but the posture of your heart as you do what you do.

[Victoria Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

As you can see, this is not your ordinary 40 day challenge. Took me 9 months to get through this book. Absolutely, unequivocally, the ministry of Jesus Christ was to glorify the Father. No matter what.

He first loved us.

[Timothy Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Want a fresh walk with the Lord? This is a tool to do such a thing.

[Jaylyn Geist · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed the way I view and live my life. I already want to read it again!

[Sophia Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best Bible study I have even done. Don't read this unless you are ready for life to be radically changed!