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21 Days Closer to Christ
Nestled between the covers of this beautifully illustrated book is an invitation--an invitation to come closer to Christ through a 21-day journey. Each step of the journey introduces a new concept that will help you come to know and recognize the hand of the Lord in your life. With an emphasis on daily scripture study and personal prayer, each chapter concludes with an assignement designed to help you apply and personalize concepts such as humility, gratitude, and listening to the Spirit. In the rush of everyday life, this unique book provides a refreshing pause and the opportunity to focus our efforts on becoming closer to Christ.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published October 10, 2007
77 people are currently reading
944 people want to read
About the author
Emily Belle Freeman
43 books273 followersEmily Freeman and Simon Dewey collaborated on the bestselling book The Ten Virgins. For nearly 20 years, Emily has addressed groups of women as a writer, songwriter, and motivational speaker. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a strong desire to find their application in modern-day life. Emily and her husband, Greg, are the parents of four children and live in Lehi, Utah.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 147 reviews
February 22, 2009
Not a book to rush through. I taught the first chapter for FHE and it went very well. You really want to take time to ponder and absorb each section.
My 21 Days Closer to Christ turned into more like 100, much to the chagrin of my book loaner, but because she was already so Christlike from her reading, she was completely gracious and lovely about me keeping it so long.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. I thought it was significant and thoughtful and habit changing. I hope to re read it every few years to continue my own progress in becoming closer to Christ.
My 21 Days Closer to Christ turned into more like 100, much to the chagrin of my book loaner, but because she was already so Christlike from her reading, she was completely gracious and lovely about me keeping it so long.
I highly recommend this book to everyone. I thought it was significant and thoughtful and habit changing. I hope to re read it every few years to continue my own progress in becoming closer to Christ.
December 19, 2021
I love this author. I listen to her podcast every week. I love that she is genuine and when she is speaking is feels like she is talking to friends.
Now with that said, I will mention the one and only reason this book gets 3 stars and not a full five. It's the constant repetition. She needs some new material. It's always the same three stories in every book and she mentions them often in her podcasts. And they seem to grow with each new telling. I'm not a fan of that. But I do love her insights other than the repurposing. So 3 stars and it kills me I can't give this 5.
Now with that said, I will mention the one and only reason this book gets 3 stars and not a full five. It's the constant repetition. She needs some new material. It's always the same three stories in every book and she mentions them often in her podcasts. And they seem to grow with each new telling. I'm not a fan of that. But I do love her insights other than the repurposing. So 3 stars and it kills me I can't give this 5.
August 10, 2014
I really liked this book! The format is great and lends itself to be a perfect book of daily devotionals(or weekly if preferred).
The chapters are short. Each one focuses on a title or role of the Savior. At the end of each chapter is an invitation to do something such as stand, pray, focus, etc. There is also a scriptural assignment.
Also at the end of the chapter is something called The Journey which is a challenge to apply the things learned in that chapter.
Each chapter also contains scriptural stories as well as the author's personal experiences.
I want to start again this month before Easter and follow the journey ideas.
A friend had asked if I would recommend kindle or the hardcover. For this book I recommend the hardcover. Beautiful book with gorgeous illustrations to add to your collection.
The chapters are short. Each one focuses on a title or role of the Savior. At the end of each chapter is an invitation to do something such as stand, pray, focus, etc. There is also a scriptural assignment.
Also at the end of the chapter is something called The Journey which is a challenge to apply the things learned in that chapter.
Each chapter also contains scriptural stories as well as the author's personal experiences.
I want to start again this month before Easter and follow the journey ideas.
A friend had asked if I would recommend kindle or the hardcover. For this book I recommend the hardcover. Beautiful book with gorgeous illustrations to add to your collection.
January 21, 2019
This was a nice book about coming to know the Savior. There are 21 days worth of study topics and scriptures that focus on different roles the Savior plays in our lives. As we come to appreciate His attributes, and roles, and come to know Him better we will be blessed. I really appreciated these 21 invitations…. come, covenant, keep, search, discover, hope, pray, listen, follow, stand, focus, change, reflect, do your best, be still, develop faith, give all, understand grace, seek, abide, and remember. Here are a few quotes I liked:
"'Come and see' (John 1:46). This simple invitation summarizes the Master's ministry. His was always an invitation: come and see; come follow me; come unto me (p. 6)."
"If we are to reach our full potential, I believe we must create a place for the Savior in our lives (p. 7)."
"Determine what fills your nets... Try to listen for the quiet invitations from the Lord to come and see (p. 9)."
"As was his nature, the Savior connected this unexpected act of service [washing the disciples feet] with a teaching moment: 'To share in this washing, was, as it were, the way to have part in Christ's service of love, to enter into it, and to share it (p. 11).'"
"Just as the washing of the disciples' feet helped them to remember to follow His footsteps daily, the ordinance we participate in each Sunday is intended to remind us of the covenants we have entered into with the Savior. That relationship should be the focus of our everyday life, for the Lord has instructed that 'the members shall manifest before the church, and also before the elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy...walking in holiness before the Lord (p. 12).'"
"Talking the name of Jesus Christ helps each of us to remember Him. As we come to know the Savior through different situations, we might find ourselves remembering Him by different names that endear Him to us (p. 14)."
"Today make it a priority to bear burdens, give comfort, and stand as a witness (p. 14)."
"Find ways that you can bring honor to Christ's name by letting the walk of your life exemplify Him. On this day, try to remember Him always (p. 15)."
"What if you were to keep a journal of your relationship with Jesus Christ? The pages could contain attributes you admire in Him, lessons He has taught you, or moments when you have felt His love. The journal could become a keepsake of your testimony.... 'For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ' (2 Nephi 25:23) (p. 19)."
"Do you have a written copy of your testimony of Christ (p. 20)?"
“‘The cultivation of Christlike qualities is a demanding and relentless task—it is not for the seasonal worker or for those who will not stretch themselves, again and again (Spencer W. Kimball, p. 23).’”
“The scriptures are filled with story after story, telling of man’s ongoing search to find the Lord (p. 23).”
“This woman had come to know the Savior and therefore had enough faith to know that He would heal her…. ‘‘Thy daughter is dead’… The father must have been heartbroken to hear such news, but ‘even these dread tidings of certainty failed to destroy the man’s faith; he seemed to have still looked to the Lord for help’ (James E. Talmage)…. Perhaps what he had thought to be a detour was part of a process he needed to experience before he could exercise the faith required for his own daughter to be made whole. Christ encouraged, ‘Be not afraid, only believe (p. 24).’”
“Both Jairus and the woman who touched Christ’s robe were steadfast in one desire—to become close enough to Christ that they could obtain the miracle they needed…. No matter how long or hard the search, if it brings us close to Christ, it is worth it (p. 26).”
“Think back on a time in your life wen you had to search for the Savior to find strength beyond your own. Try to remember the process you went through in that search. Was it scripture study, more meaningful prayers, or another avenue that led you to Christ? Stretch again (p. 27).”
“‘We need not visit the Holy Land to feel Him close to us. We need not walk by the shores of Galilee or among the Judean hills to walk where Jesus walked. In a very real sense, all can walk where Jesus walked when, with His words on our lips, His spirit in our hearts, and our teachings in our lives, we journey through mortality (Thomas S. Monson, p. 31).’”
“Sometimes when we consider having a relationship with the Savior, we may feel we are inadequate; we might question our worth and worthiness and wonder if the Savior recognizes us for who we really are. But herein lies an important lesson—even though Christ was a Jew, He considered this moment with the Samaritan woman of utmost importance because she was of great worth in His eyes. Before he began teaching her, He made her feel valuable… He gently prodded until she finally allowed room for Him in her heart (p. 32).”
“He knows us…every detail… He will teach us in ways that we can understand (p. 33).”
“Prepare to receive a simple learning moment… Let your search be constant… Discover, ‘in every hour,’ some heavenly blessing that will bring you closer to Christ. A treasure—God’s gold (p. 33).”
“There are so many times I have prayed for the Lord to touch my eyes so I might see. In the darkness of the night I have wept and pled for sight, praying that the Lord will help me see the reason for the trail and what I am supposed to learn. I question how long it will be until the trial will finally be over. Sometimes the light is slow in coming, and I wonder if I have the strength to endure. When the reason for the pain is not forthcoming, I turn to the Savior and instead of pleading for answers, I beg for comfort (p. 36).”
“When the apostles asked Christ why the blind man was blind, He answered that it was for one reason, ‘that the works of God should be made manifest in him’ (John 9:3). Never underestimate the purpose of the trial. The works of Christ will be made manifest in your life. It is through adversity that we experience the sweetest parts of the Atonement. Enduring our trials allows us to experience the healing power of Jesus Christ. This process strengthens our testimony of the reality of Christ and enables us to eventually help lift the hands of another (p. 37).”
“Attempt to analyze through different eyes a situation that has been troubling you. Pray that the Savior will touch your eyes so that you will see what you need to do differently (p. 38).”
“‘Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith’…. Running with patience suggests rhythm, pacing yourself, and being able to endure. Looking unto Jesus helps us understand we weren’t sent to run the race alone (p. 41).”
“In Moroni 7:26 we are taught five simple steps to improve our prayers…. The first step is to ask. We must pause long enough to recognize what we are in of need and then ask…. The next step is to ask…in the name of Christ. We do this because He is our Mediator…our advocate; He pleads our case to the Father, giving us a greater chance at the victory…. The third step is to determine ‘which is good’…. The fourth step is to ask ‘in faith, believing that ye shall receive…. The last step is the best step of all ‘Behold, it shall be done unto you.’ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, ‘Some blessings come soon, some come late,… but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, the come (p. 43).’”
“Constantly and consistently praying will help us experience joy and comfort that comes from knowing that the One who knows the path is helping us to finish the course (p. 45).”
“As you kneel to pray tonight, thank your Heavenly Father for His Son, Jesus Christ (p. 45).”
“The sheep learn to rely on this shepherd who earns their trust because of his watchcare. He leads them to green pastures and finds them still waters to drink from. He anoints their heads to keep insects away. He protects them from danger and offers healing when they are wounded or ill. He is their guardian, their defender and their comforter. He makes sure they want for nothing (p. 49).”
“As the Good Shepherd, He has promised to lead us, protect us, heal us, defend us, and comfort us. He gave His life for us. In return He asks each of us to ‘come, follow me.’ But to follow Him we must know His voice (p. 49).”
“To know the voice of the Shepherd is a privilege and a blessing. Setting aside time to listen to the voice is our responsibility. We show our devotion to the Shepherd when we choose to listen to His voice and come when we are called (p. 50).”
“Think about how you have learned to recognize the voice of the Shepherd. How has His ‘voice’ come to you? Make a list of the moments when you have heard that voice and have heeded the call (p. 51).”
“If we want to know the Savior, we can look to the prophet who holds the keys and who will lead us closer to Christ (p. 55).”
“‘Open your ears that ye may hear’ (Mosiah 2:9). This is an invitation to take the time to listen to the prophet (p. 56).”
“King Benjamin reminds us to open ‘your hearts that he may understand’ (Mosiah 2:9). Sometimes we will hear counsel that we do not understand. We can pray that our hears will be opened to receive new understanding. Then the Spirit can whisper a confirmation that what we have heard is true (p. 56).”
“We need to open our minds ‘that they mysteries of God may be unfolded to [our] view’ (Mosiah 2:9). For me this includes study (p. 56).”
“Remember the words we have been taught… I recommend trying to identify and apply one principle at a time (p. 57).”
“Once we have listened with our ears, come to understand with our hearts, studied it out in our minds, and learned to remember the counsel, we need to apply that direction in our life. The result of doing these things will be to experience a mighty change, which will enable us to come to know Christ more fully (p. 57).”
“What is one way you can apply inspired counsel to your life today (p. 58)?”
“There is a spiritual war being fought in Zion. President Ezra Taft Benson, ‘Never before on the face of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been so well organized… Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle—and how tall we will stand…. We will never have a better opportunity to be valiant in a more crucial cause than in the battle we face today (p. 62).”
“‘We must know Christ better than we know him; we must remember him more often than we remember him; we must serve him more valiantly than we serve him (Howard W. Hunter, p. 63).’”
“People who are ‘captained by Christ will be consumed in Christ… Not only would they die for the Lord, but more importantly they want to live for Him (Ezra Taft Benson, p. 64).’”
“When you see the battle raging, where do you see yourself in the fight?... Do you give some, or do you give all? Find one way that you can strengthen someone today (p. 65).”
“‘Christ’s answer was as it always is every time: ‘Come’ (p. 67).”
“‘While his eyes were fixed upon the Lord, the wind could toss his hair and the spray could drench his robes, but all was well—he was coming to Christ.’ But Peter was quickly distracted. He realized the force of the elements around him; he felt the boisterous wind and saw the turbulent waters and he became afraid and began to sink (p. 68).”
“When Peter cried unto the Lord, Christ was there immediately. Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught him (p. 68).”
“We wonder if the Lord will carry us through our own raging waters, if He will stretch forth His hand and catch us. Peter’s mistake was taking his eyes off the Savior and letting the raging of the world around him become his focus. So often in the process of learning we take our eyes off the Savior. We lose sight of the goal and find ourselves focusing instead on the turmoil that surrounds us, losing faith that He is able to calm the storm (p. 68).”
“An important step in coming closer to Christ is finding time to focus on the Lord daily (p. 69).”
“Nephi gives us three distinct ways we can look to Christ in our homes…. Talk of Christ…. Rejoice in Christ…. Preach of Christ (p. 69).”
“Christ will become more than just a painting hanging in our homes or a porcelain figure displayed on our bookshelves—He will become a friend. When we focus on Him, Christ will become the center of our lives—someone we long to talk to and someone we long to be with (p. 70).”
“Today focus on Christ. Allow Him to become part of your conversations, your celebrations, your teaching moments, and your thoughts. Long to be near Him (p. 71).”
“The Lord had prepared His own message (p. 74).”
“For a leper, becoming clean was an impossible dream, and there was only One who could make it happen, and that was Jesus Christ (p. 76).”
“It was more than celebrating the gift—it was recognizing the Giver (p. 76).”
“Identify a change that you would like to make in your own life… Approach the Lord in prayer and ask for His help (p. 77).”
“‘Let us walk in the light of the Lord (Isaiah 2:5, p. 79).’”
“The best way to move forward through these perilous times is to focus on the teachings of Christ. Through the scriptures and the living prophet we will be guided in the direction of safety (p. 79).”
“One of the greatest struggles Christians through all time have faced is apathy. Going through the motions won’t prevent us from distancing ourselves from the Lord. It is important that we remain focused as to where our commitment and devotion lie (p. 80).”
“To avoid walking in darkness, Isaiah encourages us to trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon our God. It takes a lot of faith to realize that we can’t do everything on our own and then to learn to trust in and be supported by the Lord (p. 81).”
“Write down some ways that you have been able to turn to the Lord for direction and support. Write down some of the ways you have learned to trust Him (p. 81).”
“She knew who she was; she believed in the quality of his work (p. 84).”
“Each day we have the opportunity to give the better part. We too may feel cumbered and troubled about many things, but we can take the opportunity to lift and brighten the lives of others by simply doing that which we do best (p. 85).”
“Discovering what we do best will bring a happiness and contentment that cannot be found any other way (p. 86).”
“You may never know how much good you accomplish (p. 87).”
“Remember who you are. What are you best at? What gift can you offer (p. 88)?”
“Take the time to prioritize what is most important in your life (p. 92).”
“Joseph Smith once said, ‘Seek to know God in your closets.’ Next to the fireplace in the master bedroom of Joseph and Emma’s home in Nauvoo there is a small closet. Inside the closet there is ladder that leads up to a tiny alcove. The secret haven at the top of the ladder is just large enough for one person to sit comfortably, and we are told it was a private place where Joseph could go and ponder. I wonder how many conversations between Joseph and the Lord took place there. It seems that the Prophet knew the importance of having a special place where he could escape to find a quiet moment with the Lord (p. 93).”
“Find your sycamore tree, or the quiet place you can go to focus on the Lord… Make haste and invite the Lord into your home. How will you prepare to receive Him (p. 93)?”
“‘If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth’…. ‘Because you can do anything, have mercy on us (p. 97).’”
“Talk to the Lord. Please our case in prayer. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your weakness and ask for greater faith. Then be still and listen to the promptings that will come (p. 99).”
“Do we willingly give all that we have to serve the Lord (p. 102)?”
“Commit today to give all you have in your service to the Lord (p. 103).”
“Because the brother of Jared was obedient at each step, he was able to receive the next level of knowledge (p. 105).”
“The brother of Jared did not sit and wait for a solution. He immediately went to work. He climbed up a mountain, and not just any mountain but a mountain of exceeding height, to find some stones. And he didn’t take just any old stones, but rather he did ‘molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass’ (Ether 3:1). He did all the work he could do on his own, and then he cried unto the Lord (p. 106).”
“The Lord God causes that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind (p. 107).”
“Have you received a blessing after all you could do? Through the process did you come to know the Lord (p. 108)?”
“If you are searching for your promised land, ‘seek this Jesus’ (Ether 12:41), the One who encourages us to build, to perform great works, to prove ourselves worthy and obedient. Who offers solutions, who encourages us to search for ourselves and find the answers we long for. Seek this Jesus, who will not let you cross the water in darkness, who will prepare the way before you, who knows what you have been through, who knows what is still toe come. The One who allows the trials because He knows the blessings that will follow. The One who will show you the greater things, who will bring the unspeakable gifts The One who leads us to the promise (p. 112).
“After you have done all you can do, place it at the feet of the Lord (p. 112).”
“Come forth from the darkness, despair, and discouragement that surround you, come forth from the sorrow and be healed (p. 115).”
“We do not experience trials just to see if we will make it through. Each of us experience the refiner’s fire for one reason—to come to know the Refiner. We are not just tried; we are proven. Priceless lessons can be learned from the Master during times of adversity. It is in these moments of heartache that we come to know the Savior and more fully appreciate His atoning sacrifice (p. 116).”
“She went seeking the Savior. In her hour of greatest need, in deep despair and longing for answers, she did what she had learned to do—she turned to Christ (p. 117).”
“Mary did not recognize the Savior until He called her name. Then, suddenly, light and understanding came. A new level of knowledge: Christ was risen; He lives; there is life after death. He had triumphed and was victorious. The Savior stood by her in her moment of learning. He waited patiently until she was ready, and then He taught (p. 118).”
“Seek the Lord. Find in Christ the answers you long for. Dare to reach a new level of understanding (p. 119).”
“I would come to know that God would hold me in the palm of His hand (p. 122).”
“Often we walk our own road to Emmaus, so consumed by life’s demands that it is hard for us to open our eyes to the miracles that surround us. If we are able to recognize our spiritual longing, we might be moved to plead: ‘O Savior, stay this night with me; Behold, ‘tis eventide (p. 123).’”
“As we turn to the scriptures and begin to recognize the voice of the Lord, there will be moments when our hearts will burn within us. These moments will teach us to look to Him more often (p. 125).”
“Learn to use the scriptures to receive personal revelation from the Lord (p. 125).”
“These twelve men left a legacy to their families for generations to come of their testimony of the Lord and the great power He has to bless His people (p. 131).”
“Testify how you are coming to know the Healer, the Master, the Son of God, even Jesus Christ. What are the stories you can tell about how He has strengthened, enlightened, comforted, or otherwise blessed you (p. 132)?”
“The journey is the reward (p. 135).”
"'Come and see' (John 1:46). This simple invitation summarizes the Master's ministry. His was always an invitation: come and see; come follow me; come unto me (p. 6)."
"If we are to reach our full potential, I believe we must create a place for the Savior in our lives (p. 7)."
"Determine what fills your nets... Try to listen for the quiet invitations from the Lord to come and see (p. 9)."
"As was his nature, the Savior connected this unexpected act of service [washing the disciples feet] with a teaching moment: 'To share in this washing, was, as it were, the way to have part in Christ's service of love, to enter into it, and to share it (p. 11).'"
"Just as the washing of the disciples' feet helped them to remember to follow His footsteps daily, the ordinance we participate in each Sunday is intended to remind us of the covenants we have entered into with the Savior. That relationship should be the focus of our everyday life, for the Lord has instructed that 'the members shall manifest before the church, and also before the elders, by a godly walk and conversation, that they are worthy...walking in holiness before the Lord (p. 12).'"
"Talking the name of Jesus Christ helps each of us to remember Him. As we come to know the Savior through different situations, we might find ourselves remembering Him by different names that endear Him to us (p. 14)."
"Today make it a priority to bear burdens, give comfort, and stand as a witness (p. 14)."
"Find ways that you can bring honor to Christ's name by letting the walk of your life exemplify Him. On this day, try to remember Him always (p. 15)."
"What if you were to keep a journal of your relationship with Jesus Christ? The pages could contain attributes you admire in Him, lessons He has taught you, or moments when you have felt His love. The journal could become a keepsake of your testimony.... 'For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ' (2 Nephi 25:23) (p. 19)."
"Do you have a written copy of your testimony of Christ (p. 20)?"
“‘The cultivation of Christlike qualities is a demanding and relentless task—it is not for the seasonal worker or for those who will not stretch themselves, again and again (Spencer W. Kimball, p. 23).’”
“The scriptures are filled with story after story, telling of man’s ongoing search to find the Lord (p. 23).”
“This woman had come to know the Savior and therefore had enough faith to know that He would heal her…. ‘‘Thy daughter is dead’… The father must have been heartbroken to hear such news, but ‘even these dread tidings of certainty failed to destroy the man’s faith; he seemed to have still looked to the Lord for help’ (James E. Talmage)…. Perhaps what he had thought to be a detour was part of a process he needed to experience before he could exercise the faith required for his own daughter to be made whole. Christ encouraged, ‘Be not afraid, only believe (p. 24).’”
“Both Jairus and the woman who touched Christ’s robe were steadfast in one desire—to become close enough to Christ that they could obtain the miracle they needed…. No matter how long or hard the search, if it brings us close to Christ, it is worth it (p. 26).”
“Think back on a time in your life wen you had to search for the Savior to find strength beyond your own. Try to remember the process you went through in that search. Was it scripture study, more meaningful prayers, or another avenue that led you to Christ? Stretch again (p. 27).”
“‘We need not visit the Holy Land to feel Him close to us. We need not walk by the shores of Galilee or among the Judean hills to walk where Jesus walked. In a very real sense, all can walk where Jesus walked when, with His words on our lips, His spirit in our hearts, and our teachings in our lives, we journey through mortality (Thomas S. Monson, p. 31).’”
“Sometimes when we consider having a relationship with the Savior, we may feel we are inadequate; we might question our worth and worthiness and wonder if the Savior recognizes us for who we really are. But herein lies an important lesson—even though Christ was a Jew, He considered this moment with the Samaritan woman of utmost importance because she was of great worth in His eyes. Before he began teaching her, He made her feel valuable… He gently prodded until she finally allowed room for Him in her heart (p. 32).”
“He knows us…every detail… He will teach us in ways that we can understand (p. 33).”
“Prepare to receive a simple learning moment… Let your search be constant… Discover, ‘in every hour,’ some heavenly blessing that will bring you closer to Christ. A treasure—God’s gold (p. 33).”
“There are so many times I have prayed for the Lord to touch my eyes so I might see. In the darkness of the night I have wept and pled for sight, praying that the Lord will help me see the reason for the trail and what I am supposed to learn. I question how long it will be until the trial will finally be over. Sometimes the light is slow in coming, and I wonder if I have the strength to endure. When the reason for the pain is not forthcoming, I turn to the Savior and instead of pleading for answers, I beg for comfort (p. 36).”
“When the apostles asked Christ why the blind man was blind, He answered that it was for one reason, ‘that the works of God should be made manifest in him’ (John 9:3). Never underestimate the purpose of the trial. The works of Christ will be made manifest in your life. It is through adversity that we experience the sweetest parts of the Atonement. Enduring our trials allows us to experience the healing power of Jesus Christ. This process strengthens our testimony of the reality of Christ and enables us to eventually help lift the hands of another (p. 37).”
“Attempt to analyze through different eyes a situation that has been troubling you. Pray that the Savior will touch your eyes so that you will see what you need to do differently (p. 38).”
“‘Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith’…. Running with patience suggests rhythm, pacing yourself, and being able to endure. Looking unto Jesus helps us understand we weren’t sent to run the race alone (p. 41).”
“In Moroni 7:26 we are taught five simple steps to improve our prayers…. The first step is to ask. We must pause long enough to recognize what we are in of need and then ask…. The next step is to ask…in the name of Christ. We do this because He is our Mediator…our advocate; He pleads our case to the Father, giving us a greater chance at the victory…. The third step is to determine ‘which is good’…. The fourth step is to ask ‘in faith, believing that ye shall receive…. The last step is the best step of all ‘Behold, it shall be done unto you.’ Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, ‘Some blessings come soon, some come late,… but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, the come (p. 43).’”
“Constantly and consistently praying will help us experience joy and comfort that comes from knowing that the One who knows the path is helping us to finish the course (p. 45).”
“As you kneel to pray tonight, thank your Heavenly Father for His Son, Jesus Christ (p. 45).”
“The sheep learn to rely on this shepherd who earns their trust because of his watchcare. He leads them to green pastures and finds them still waters to drink from. He anoints their heads to keep insects away. He protects them from danger and offers healing when they are wounded or ill. He is their guardian, their defender and their comforter. He makes sure they want for nothing (p. 49).”
“As the Good Shepherd, He has promised to lead us, protect us, heal us, defend us, and comfort us. He gave His life for us. In return He asks each of us to ‘come, follow me.’ But to follow Him we must know His voice (p. 49).”
“To know the voice of the Shepherd is a privilege and a blessing. Setting aside time to listen to the voice is our responsibility. We show our devotion to the Shepherd when we choose to listen to His voice and come when we are called (p. 50).”
“Think about how you have learned to recognize the voice of the Shepherd. How has His ‘voice’ come to you? Make a list of the moments when you have heard that voice and have heeded the call (p. 51).”
“If we want to know the Savior, we can look to the prophet who holds the keys and who will lead us closer to Christ (p. 55).”
“‘Open your ears that ye may hear’ (Mosiah 2:9). This is an invitation to take the time to listen to the prophet (p. 56).”
“King Benjamin reminds us to open ‘your hearts that he may understand’ (Mosiah 2:9). Sometimes we will hear counsel that we do not understand. We can pray that our hears will be opened to receive new understanding. Then the Spirit can whisper a confirmation that what we have heard is true (p. 56).”
“We need to open our minds ‘that they mysteries of God may be unfolded to [our] view’ (Mosiah 2:9). For me this includes study (p. 56).”
“Remember the words we have been taught… I recommend trying to identify and apply one principle at a time (p. 57).”
“Once we have listened with our ears, come to understand with our hearts, studied it out in our minds, and learned to remember the counsel, we need to apply that direction in our life. The result of doing these things will be to experience a mighty change, which will enable us to come to know Christ more fully (p. 57).”
“What is one way you can apply inspired counsel to your life today (p. 58)?”
“There is a spiritual war being fought in Zion. President Ezra Taft Benson, ‘Never before on the face of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been so well organized… Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain—the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle—and how tall we will stand…. We will never have a better opportunity to be valiant in a more crucial cause than in the battle we face today (p. 62).”
“‘We must know Christ better than we know him; we must remember him more often than we remember him; we must serve him more valiantly than we serve him (Howard W. Hunter, p. 63).’”
“People who are ‘captained by Christ will be consumed in Christ… Not only would they die for the Lord, but more importantly they want to live for Him (Ezra Taft Benson, p. 64).’”
“When you see the battle raging, where do you see yourself in the fight?... Do you give some, or do you give all? Find one way that you can strengthen someone today (p. 65).”
“‘Christ’s answer was as it always is every time: ‘Come’ (p. 67).”
“‘While his eyes were fixed upon the Lord, the wind could toss his hair and the spray could drench his robes, but all was well—he was coming to Christ.’ But Peter was quickly distracted. He realized the force of the elements around him; he felt the boisterous wind and saw the turbulent waters and he became afraid and began to sink (p. 68).”
“When Peter cried unto the Lord, Christ was there immediately. Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught him (p. 68).”
“We wonder if the Lord will carry us through our own raging waters, if He will stretch forth His hand and catch us. Peter’s mistake was taking his eyes off the Savior and letting the raging of the world around him become his focus. So often in the process of learning we take our eyes off the Savior. We lose sight of the goal and find ourselves focusing instead on the turmoil that surrounds us, losing faith that He is able to calm the storm (p. 68).”
“An important step in coming closer to Christ is finding time to focus on the Lord daily (p. 69).”
“Nephi gives us three distinct ways we can look to Christ in our homes…. Talk of Christ…. Rejoice in Christ…. Preach of Christ (p. 69).”
“Christ will become more than just a painting hanging in our homes or a porcelain figure displayed on our bookshelves—He will become a friend. When we focus on Him, Christ will become the center of our lives—someone we long to talk to and someone we long to be with (p. 70).”
“Today focus on Christ. Allow Him to become part of your conversations, your celebrations, your teaching moments, and your thoughts. Long to be near Him (p. 71).”
“The Lord had prepared His own message (p. 74).”
“For a leper, becoming clean was an impossible dream, and there was only One who could make it happen, and that was Jesus Christ (p. 76).”
“It was more than celebrating the gift—it was recognizing the Giver (p. 76).”
“Identify a change that you would like to make in your own life… Approach the Lord in prayer and ask for His help (p. 77).”
“‘Let us walk in the light of the Lord (Isaiah 2:5, p. 79).’”
“The best way to move forward through these perilous times is to focus on the teachings of Christ. Through the scriptures and the living prophet we will be guided in the direction of safety (p. 79).”
“One of the greatest struggles Christians through all time have faced is apathy. Going through the motions won’t prevent us from distancing ourselves from the Lord. It is important that we remain focused as to where our commitment and devotion lie (p. 80).”
“To avoid walking in darkness, Isaiah encourages us to trust in the name of the Lord and stay upon our God. It takes a lot of faith to realize that we can’t do everything on our own and then to learn to trust in and be supported by the Lord (p. 81).”
“Write down some ways that you have been able to turn to the Lord for direction and support. Write down some of the ways you have learned to trust Him (p. 81).”
“She knew who she was; she believed in the quality of his work (p. 84).”
“Each day we have the opportunity to give the better part. We too may feel cumbered and troubled about many things, but we can take the opportunity to lift and brighten the lives of others by simply doing that which we do best (p. 85).”
“Discovering what we do best will bring a happiness and contentment that cannot be found any other way (p. 86).”
“You may never know how much good you accomplish (p. 87).”
“Remember who you are. What are you best at? What gift can you offer (p. 88)?”
“Take the time to prioritize what is most important in your life (p. 92).”
“Joseph Smith once said, ‘Seek to know God in your closets.’ Next to the fireplace in the master bedroom of Joseph and Emma’s home in Nauvoo there is a small closet. Inside the closet there is ladder that leads up to a tiny alcove. The secret haven at the top of the ladder is just large enough for one person to sit comfortably, and we are told it was a private place where Joseph could go and ponder. I wonder how many conversations between Joseph and the Lord took place there. It seems that the Prophet knew the importance of having a special place where he could escape to find a quiet moment with the Lord (p. 93).”
“Find your sycamore tree, or the quiet place you can go to focus on the Lord… Make haste and invite the Lord into your home. How will you prepare to receive Him (p. 93)?”
“‘If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth’…. ‘Because you can do anything, have mercy on us (p. 97).’”
“Talk to the Lord. Please our case in prayer. Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your weakness and ask for greater faith. Then be still and listen to the promptings that will come (p. 99).”
“Do we willingly give all that we have to serve the Lord (p. 102)?”
“Commit today to give all you have in your service to the Lord (p. 103).”
“Because the brother of Jared was obedient at each step, he was able to receive the next level of knowledge (p. 105).”
“The brother of Jared did not sit and wait for a solution. He immediately went to work. He climbed up a mountain, and not just any mountain but a mountain of exceeding height, to find some stones. And he didn’t take just any old stones, but rather he did ‘molten out of a rock sixteen small stones; and they were white and clear, even as transparent glass’ (Ether 3:1). He did all the work he could do on his own, and then he cried unto the Lord (p. 106).”
“The Lord God causes that there should be a furious wind blow upon the face of the waters, towards the promised land; and thus they were tossed upon the waves of the sea before the wind (p. 107).”
“Have you received a blessing after all you could do? Through the process did you come to know the Lord (p. 108)?”
“If you are searching for your promised land, ‘seek this Jesus’ (Ether 12:41), the One who encourages us to build, to perform great works, to prove ourselves worthy and obedient. Who offers solutions, who encourages us to search for ourselves and find the answers we long for. Seek this Jesus, who will not let you cross the water in darkness, who will prepare the way before you, who knows what you have been through, who knows what is still toe come. The One who allows the trials because He knows the blessings that will follow. The One who will show you the greater things, who will bring the unspeakable gifts The One who leads us to the promise (p. 112).
“After you have done all you can do, place it at the feet of the Lord (p. 112).”
“Come forth from the darkness, despair, and discouragement that surround you, come forth from the sorrow and be healed (p. 115).”
“We do not experience trials just to see if we will make it through. Each of us experience the refiner’s fire for one reason—to come to know the Refiner. We are not just tried; we are proven. Priceless lessons can be learned from the Master during times of adversity. It is in these moments of heartache that we come to know the Savior and more fully appreciate His atoning sacrifice (p. 116).”
“She went seeking the Savior. In her hour of greatest need, in deep despair and longing for answers, she did what she had learned to do—she turned to Christ (p. 117).”
“Mary did not recognize the Savior until He called her name. Then, suddenly, light and understanding came. A new level of knowledge: Christ was risen; He lives; there is life after death. He had triumphed and was victorious. The Savior stood by her in her moment of learning. He waited patiently until she was ready, and then He taught (p. 118).”
“Seek the Lord. Find in Christ the answers you long for. Dare to reach a new level of understanding (p. 119).”
“I would come to know that God would hold me in the palm of His hand (p. 122).”
“Often we walk our own road to Emmaus, so consumed by life’s demands that it is hard for us to open our eyes to the miracles that surround us. If we are able to recognize our spiritual longing, we might be moved to plead: ‘O Savior, stay this night with me; Behold, ‘tis eventide (p. 123).’”
“As we turn to the scriptures and begin to recognize the voice of the Lord, there will be moments when our hearts will burn within us. These moments will teach us to look to Him more often (p. 125).”
“Learn to use the scriptures to receive personal revelation from the Lord (p. 125).”
“These twelve men left a legacy to their families for generations to come of their testimony of the Lord and the great power He has to bless His people (p. 131).”
“Testify how you are coming to know the Healer, the Master, the Son of God, even Jesus Christ. What are the stories you can tell about how He has strengthened, enlightened, comforted, or otherwise blessed you (p. 132)?”
“The journey is the reward (p. 135).”
September 8, 2020
This is a beautiful and inspiring book. The artwork is gorgeous and depicts many inspirational aspects of Christ's life and the miracles that He performed. The book is written to help the reader make a plan to become closer to Christ over 21 days through a series of inspirational stories, scriptures, insights into Christ's life, and personal exercises/challenges. I borrowed the book from the library so read the book at once. However, I think the 21 days of activities for spiritual development would be very beneficial. I really loved the personal stories and experiences that the author shared regarding her personal journey to listen to Christ and to develop a personal relationship with Him.
January 25, 2012
This was a beautifully written book. The author has a very gentle way of teaching the LDS Gospel. The thing I found most impressive was her interpretation of scripture stories. She has a unique way of looking at, what I thought, were very common scripture stories. Definitely helped my testimony grow and often brought me to tears. I loved it! I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to bring a little more Light into their lives.
March 31, 2014
This beautifully illustrated book is a lovely addition to one's personal journey to get closer to Christ. The sections are short with invitations to personally work on specific characteristics addressed in the book. I appreciated her personal experiences, but even more so, her understanding and interpretation of scripture.
November 18, 2025
I have read and reviewed this book many times. This last time I focused on a chapter a week as opposed to a day. More time to contimplate and ponder what the Savior means to me and his affect on my life.
July 24, 2011
Beautiful book. I love the way the author views the world through the lens of the Gospel. About to start re-reading it.
March 10, 2019
This is an inspirational, spiritual book with experiences from the author’s life to teach short lessons about coming unto Christ a little more each day. There are New Testament passages to look up that go along with each lesson, as well as goals and ideas to help push the reader to live a little better and a little closer to Christ each day. The book goes through different names of the Savior, and explains, expounds on them. It’s not a long book, and each chapter is pretty short, but it took me a long time to read this because I tried to stop after each chapter and apply the teachings I’d just read about and journal about the experiences. It has beautiful paintings of scenes from Christ’s life done by Simon Dewey, so the book is a work of art. A perfect gift to give to someone, or to give to yourself. I want to reread this and explore some of the themes a little more over time. But I highly recommend this one. It’s a touching, uplifting book.
August 26, 2017
I feel like I start off all my reviews of her books with "I love Emily Belle Freeman." But that is how I feel after I read her writing. I am grateful she has chosen to be an author so we can all benefit from her love of the scriptures, her inspiration, and her experiences. This particular book lends itself well to a daily devotional as each chapter focuses on a different role of the Savior. The power of the book is
found in the invitation to ponder and act at the end of each chapter. Since I was already studying a different scriptural subject at the time I read this book, I didn't take the time to act on the individual invitations. I am ready to go back and reread my highlights and start acting on them.
found in the invitation to ponder and act at the end of each chapter. Since I was already studying a different scriptural subject at the time I read this book, I didn't take the time to act on the individual invitations. I am ready to go back and reread my highlights and start acting on them.
September 26, 2017
I really liked the set up of this book with each section having a personal story that related to a principle of coming unto Christ, extra scriptures to read, and a goal to complete with suggestions of how you could do it. I've read a couple books by this author and she has such a knack for seeing something new in scripture stories and finding ways that her personal stories relate. I learn well through stories so that approach was great for me.
December 24, 2020
I really loved reading this book, and am especially grateful that it worked out that I was able to read it in December and finish today, on Christmas Eve. The author shares beautiful thoughts and insights. I love that each chapter has action steps— additional scriptures to read, questions to ponder, or a challenge. The chapters are short and you can skip the extra stuff, or make it as long as you want. Great read.
January 7, 2024
Beautifully written
I love this book! Each day has an invitation and a journey. The thing I like about this book is you can go at your own pace. You can finish in 3 weeks or if you feel you need more time for each journey, you can take 21 weeks. Make sure you have a journal and your scriptures each day. I am so grateful for the experience I had throughout my journey with this book.
I love this book! Each day has an invitation and a journey. The thing I like about this book is you can go at your own pace. You can finish in 3 weeks or if you feel you need more time for each journey, you can take 21 weeks. Make sure you have a journal and your scriptures each day. I am so grateful for the experience I had throughout my journey with this book.
February 25, 2025
Sister Freeman shares lots of personal experiences, some I can relate with, others not so much. I try to imagine how she felt so I can make the connection with the principal she's teaching. I do love how she tells scripture stories in a relatable way. It was more of a memoire than I expected and less of a study guide, there are good suggestions at the end of each section that I followed and it was a pleasant experience.
December 21, 2017
I ended up liking this book. It started out feeling contrived like a lot of books by LDS authors so I was worried, but it became less so as I read and there was a lot of good stuff in it. I do wish I had been in the position to set aside the time to read it the way the author intended, but it was the wrong time of year for me.
June 12, 2025
21 Days Closer to Christ contains simple but powerful invitations to draw us closer to the Savior. Each day’s message was thoughtful and focused, helping me reflect on my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I appreciated how Emily combined scripture, reflection questions, and small daily invitations to act in faith.
December 27, 2017
I loved this book. It was edifying and thought-provoking and it did what it said it would do--it really did bring me closer to Christ in my heart and in my mind as I read from it each day for three weeks. This is a book to study and ponder and come back to again and again. A very worthwhile read.
May 6, 2024
I mean, I guess 3 stars. There's nothing really wrong with it. It just felt rather basic to me. I did take a few notes but mostly meh. Though maybe if I did it every day like it was designed it would have been better.
October 9, 2017
our latest book club choice--think it should be called 21 steps, 21 days seems to be rushing things
March 25, 2019
Emily Belle Freeman is a great writer. I have found each of her books to be amazing. This well-organized book gives many good things to think about.
April 21, 2019
This will be an Easter tradition for me. I loved the insight into the scriptures as well as the moving personal stories.
October 1, 2019
Emily Belle Freeman knows how to write about her personal and sacred experiences in such a relatable way. This was a beautiful and quick read that left me feeling optimistic and hopeful.
October 12, 2019
I enjoyed this thought provoking book. Broken into short chapters, it was easy to read. I did like her personal stories as well.
Learning how to is always easier than being.
Learning how to is always easier than being.
April 22, 2020
I highlighted, made notes, and got to know my scriptures through this book. I will refer back to it over and over.
November 9, 2020
A great book for singles who want to celebrate Easter deeply.
December 17, 2020
Wonderful book. I loved the pictures and the challenges at the end of every chapter.
April 17, 2022
This book is an amazing path to help you learn more about the Savior and how to be closer to him.
May 11, 2022
Beautiful book, but somewhat outdated now.
August 6, 2022
Not just reading involved, there are some challenges.
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