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Serving Jesus
Her grandmother has told her so many stunning, miraculous stories. Now it’s her turn to live with that same wonder, to see some miracles of her own.
Bethany Hight has followed her heart toward a dream of her own and away from her mother’s ambitions for her. Instead of bright lights on shiny stages, Bethany aspires to teach music to children. She will have to pursue her own dream without the support of her mother, including working in a diner.
She does, however, have the support of her dad, her friends, her church and her grandma. When that grandmother develops heart trouble late in Bethany’s semester, she must decide whether to skip finals to be at Grandma’s side. But an astonishing visitor assures her that her grandma will be fine as she finishes the school year. And that stranger accompanies her on a fateful visit to Bethany’s favorite relative.
Serving Jesus is the ninth book in the Seeing Jesus series. It tells the story of Bethany, who is Gladys Hight’s granddaughter—Gladys the focus of book two, Hearing Jesus .
Bethany Hight has followed her heart toward a dream of her own and away from her mother’s ambitions for her. Instead of bright lights on shiny stages, Bethany aspires to teach music to children. She will have to pursue her own dream without the support of her mother, including working in a diner.
She does, however, have the support of her dad, her friends, her church and her grandma. When that grandmother develops heart trouble late in Bethany’s semester, she must decide whether to skip finals to be at Grandma’s side. But an astonishing visitor assures her that her grandma will be fine as she finishes the school year. And that stranger accompanies her on a fateful visit to Bethany’s favorite relative.
Serving Jesus is the ninth book in the Seeing Jesus series. It tells the story of Bethany, who is Gladys Hight’s granddaughter—Gladys the focus of book two, Hearing Jesus .
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 26, 2023
60 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
About the author
Jeffrey McClain Jones
53 books136 followersAs a small boy in Lincoln, Nebraska, I listened enrapt to my grandmother reading me children’s stories, such as The Little Engine That Could. I also recall the elementary school librarian who read us Winnie the Pooh, imitating all the voices. And I remember the first summer I was allowed to ride my bike to the library on my own.
Writing started for me in school. Teachers encouraged me to pursue what they perceived as a gift. For me, my imagination was a challenge as much as a gift. I found the real world so much less enthralling.
In my Christian high school, the English teacher supplied me with unassigned novels. I wrote the senior class play and served as editor of both the yearbook and the school newspaper.
At Houghton College, I majored in writing, including coursework in poetry and fiction. But I also majored in biblical studies and was persuaded to take my writing skills in a more “respectable” direction—academia and nonfiction writing. Remember that less enthralling real world?
When all my academic work led to no great employment breakthrough, I hopped from there onto that rapid conveyor known as the tech industry. Starting in the 1990s, I shaped a new career, eventually starting my own computer consulting firm.
During those years, I focused on raising two boys and cherished the role of doing the bedtime reading, including attempting all the voices in The Chronicles of Narnia series. I also composed a few stories from scratch for my attentive little audience, usually around a campfire.
I started writing again in 2006. Following a friend’s suggestion, I meditated on scripture by imaging myself present on a day when Jesus healed an entire multitude. That meditation turned into my first novel, And He Healed Them All. Closing the gap between the sparse descriptions in the Gospels and what must have been a rich miraculous experience enticed me.
A series of unusual events (ask me someday) prodded me to write my second novel, The Reign: Out of Tribulation. I began self-publishing with those first two books. My third novel, Seeing Jesus, expanded into a series when numerous readers begged me for more. As it turns out, that kind of begging is hard to resist.
In all, I have published fifteen books on Amazon, fourteen of them as installments in one of my series. I am constantly working to improve my skills and to better share my message with the reading public.
Anyone tracking my address could guess that I’ve had some setbacks in my life. But God has stayed the same, even as I evolve and have to start over again.
Now I am married and living in Vernon Hills, Illinois, attending a vibrant church and meeting new people. I work part-time on my computer consulting business, and I devote much of the rest of my time to writing and marketing my books, with my wife as my highly motivated marketing director.
Writing started for me in school. Teachers encouraged me to pursue what they perceived as a gift. For me, my imagination was a challenge as much as a gift. I found the real world so much less enthralling.
In my Christian high school, the English teacher supplied me with unassigned novels. I wrote the senior class play and served as editor of both the yearbook and the school newspaper.
At Houghton College, I majored in writing, including coursework in poetry and fiction. But I also majored in biblical studies and was persuaded to take my writing skills in a more “respectable” direction—academia and nonfiction writing. Remember that less enthralling real world?
When all my academic work led to no great employment breakthrough, I hopped from there onto that rapid conveyor known as the tech industry. Starting in the 1990s, I shaped a new career, eventually starting my own computer consulting firm.
During those years, I focused on raising two boys and cherished the role of doing the bedtime reading, including attempting all the voices in The Chronicles of Narnia series. I also composed a few stories from scratch for my attentive little audience, usually around a campfire.
I started writing again in 2006. Following a friend’s suggestion, I meditated on scripture by imaging myself present on a day when Jesus healed an entire multitude. That meditation turned into my first novel, And He Healed Them All. Closing the gap between the sparse descriptions in the Gospels and what must have been a rich miraculous experience enticed me.
A series of unusual events (ask me someday) prodded me to write my second novel, The Reign: Out of Tribulation. I began self-publishing with those first two books. My third novel, Seeing Jesus, expanded into a series when numerous readers begged me for more. As it turns out, that kind of begging is hard to resist.
In all, I have published fifteen books on Amazon, fourteen of them as installments in one of my series. I am constantly working to improve my skills and to better share my message with the reading public.
Anyone tracking my address could guess that I’ve had some setbacks in my life. But God has stayed the same, even as I evolve and have to start over again.
Now I am married and living in Vernon Hills, Illinois, attending a vibrant church and meeting new people. I work part-time on my computer consulting business, and I devote much of the rest of my time to writing and marketing my books, with my wife as my highly motivated marketing director.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
September 8, 2023
When I first bumped into Jeffrey McClain Jones’ Seeing Jesus series you could literally hear my religious bones creaking; thanks for the adjustment, Mr. Jones! I needed to stretch and enjoy meeting Jesus in a whole new way. If you start reading the series, know that it’s like chocolate, chips or cheese: you will devour the whole thing!
I just finished reading book number nine - Serving Jesus. A young college age girl whose grandmother encountered Jesus in an earlier book sees him at the diner she works in and begins her own journey with him. She is a musical prodigy, which plays into the story in a different way than you would expect.
Each book has its own feel and this one is no different. We meet Jesus in the way a young college student might relate to him. I found it refreshing and challenging. There are some things that Bethany faces that are relatable by a wide swath of people and I found the resolve caused me to spend some time talking to Jesus in search of my own redemption. Overall this book was as satisfying as a chocolate binge without the regret and I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book, but do not know the author, nor did I receive any compensation. My opinion is my own and I never prevaricate on reviews. Enjoy!
I just finished reading book number nine - Serving Jesus. A young college age girl whose grandmother encountered Jesus in an earlier book sees him at the diner she works in and begins her own journey with him. She is a musical prodigy, which plays into the story in a different way than you would expect.
Each book has its own feel and this one is no different. We meet Jesus in the way a young college student might relate to him. I found it refreshing and challenging. There are some things that Bethany faces that are relatable by a wide swath of people and I found the resolve caused me to spend some time talking to Jesus in search of my own redemption. Overall this book was as satisfying as a chocolate binge without the regret and I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book, but do not know the author, nor did I receive any compensation. My opinion is my own and I never prevaricate on reviews. Enjoy!
October 21, 2023
Jesus "IS" always with you!!
I have read no less than 20 books by Jeffrey McClain Jones, and my favorite series is the Seeing Jesus series. I have read other series by Jones, but today I will talk about this one. Throughout my Christian life, I have been taught that Jesus is always with us. There were times in my walk that I sensed the presence of the Spirit of God near. But then I became more interested in the truth of God always with me became something I wanted to know and have. Reading this series has made it seem more possible and true. It took me reading all the first 8 books in the series to come to a reason to believe it.
This last book I have read "Serving Jesus" to know that God is truly with you always. It is interesting to me that the person in this book is a 19-20 year old young woman in university. I am 75. The author wrote of things that young people such as "Bethany" would encounter. Throughout the book, I have been seeing how God does stay with us all the time. I am asking Him how to make times a place of learning. I want to learn how being in His presence will cause me to trust Him more.
Go ahead, read this book and see what God does in your own life.
I have read no less than 20 books by Jeffrey McClain Jones, and my favorite series is the Seeing Jesus series. I have read other series by Jones, but today I will talk about this one. Throughout my Christian life, I have been taught that Jesus is always with us. There were times in my walk that I sensed the presence of the Spirit of God near. But then I became more interested in the truth of God always with me became something I wanted to know and have. Reading this series has made it seem more possible and true. It took me reading all the first 8 books in the series to come to a reason to believe it.
This last book I have read "Serving Jesus" to know that God is truly with you always. It is interesting to me that the person in this book is a 19-20 year old young woman in university. I am 75. The author wrote of things that young people such as "Bethany" would encounter. Throughout the book, I have been seeing how God does stay with us all the time. I am asking Him how to make times a place of learning. I want to learn how being in His presence will cause me to trust Him more.
Go ahead, read this book and see what God does in your own life.
September 28, 2023
I loved this book. I do love all of this author’s work, but this one seemed special. I could hardly put it down. The heroine was a college girl and I remember my college days and the thinking of deep thoughts. There was just the right amount of pathos and family drama to feel oh so real. Jesus became so personal to her and loving (and to us), that I really felt envy that this young girl got to meet and get to know the wonder of our lives and the one we live for. There were some tense and almost fearful moments and yet there was always that little assurance that He was watching over her. As He is watching over us all. I will certainly read this heartwarming novel again. (Hint: I have often read Jones’s novels more then once. They bring me such soul comfort.) I highly recommend this book.
September 7, 2023
This book wasn’t just a story but also an experience. Following the struggles, challenges and dreams of Bethany and seeing Jesus through her eyes and encounters, really brought home the “real” Jesus, the touchable, relatable One who is by our side every moment of every day, ready to guide and direct in a loving way only He can and will do. His nearness was felt throughout, His compassion touching my very soul, His desire for that close relationship piercing my spirit. My summation? Inspirational writings from His heart through the pen of the author to the heart of the reader
September 26, 2023
What would it be like to see, touch and hear Jesus on a regular basis? Serving Jesus allows the reader to experience what that would be like. The story reminds you that that can be normal Christian life. It moves you to stop and find Jesus. It starts with a sense he is near. Moves on to thoughts you hear inside of you that did not originate from you. And when pausing to find him becomes more normal he leads you to serve him. Thank you Jeffrey McClain Jones for reminding us how to live once again.
September 26, 2023
How can you learn to serve Jesus when He is the ultimate servant? What a story and oh the little twist or learning, sharing and forgiveness woven into this fantastic writing. I have taken piano lessons. I have served with a caterer. I have (attempted) followed His leading for over 50 years and now I’m encouraged to “want” more time with Jesus, not to teach Him piano or anything else but for Him to teach me to be a more effective servant.
October 11, 2023
A series I never want to end!
I have loved every book that Jeffrey McClain Jones has written, but of all his series, this one is my favourite. The way he describes Jesus, the love and relationship that Jesus has with every character has made me feel insanely jealous and eager to have that kind of relationship with Jesus myself.
Please continue these books, they are a balm for my soul and they encourage me to draw closer to the word myself.
I have loved every book that Jeffrey McClain Jones has written, but of all his series, this one is my favourite. The way he describes Jesus, the love and relationship that Jesus has with every character has made me feel insanely jealous and eager to have that kind of relationship with Jesus myself.
Please continue these books, they are a balm for my soul and they encourage me to draw closer to the word myself.
October 16, 2023
She works because she needs the money - even though her mother could pay for her school. One day she waits on a guy with a ponytail - and seems to know her!!!?? And then he appears beside her walking home - - - - and he tells her who he is!! Seriously this is a great book - — and has great ideas on how we can serve Jesus!!!!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
September 27, 2023
This book is as delightful as the other books were! She is younger and has a different insight into Jesus and is a little surprised to see Him! She gets little surprises and is truly blessed by her encounter!
I was given this to read as an Advanced Reader. I feel so blessed to read all of Jeffrey McClain Jones' books!
I was given this to read as an Advanced Reader. I feel so blessed to read all of Jeffrey McClain Jones' books!
June 24, 2025
another magnificent book
I hope and pray there are many more books coming in the Seeing Jesus series. I’ve read all of them and am now re reading. They make you dream about and think about your own personal relationship with Jesus.
I hope and pray there are many more books coming in the Seeing Jesus series. I’ve read all of them and am now re reading. They make you dream about and think about your own personal relationship with Jesus.
September 16, 2023
Yet another amazing book from Jeffrey McClain Jones! I love this series so much!
September 26, 2023
This story was a fun chance to get to know a character from a previous story better (and to check back in on an old favorite 😊). As always, it was also a thought and emotion provoking encouragement to get to know Jesus better, too!
September 26, 2023
If you have read the series you must continue.This one has a girl with just a little “religion “ and gets it all shook up.
I received this book to review.
I received this book to review.
October 30, 2023
Delightful...that's the best word I have to describe this book. Reading this leaves you with all the good "feels". Thank you, Mr. Jones for another marvelous read.
April 15, 2024
This book 9 dealing with Jesus meeting a young college student on her job. The manifestation of Jesus on her job was an example that Jesus’ presence goes everywhere with us.
September 6, 2024
Wonderful
Even though it's book 9 I still want more . I truly enjoy this series. I can't get over how much I learn about Jesus and myself.
I highly recommend this series.
Even though it's book 9 I still want more . I truly enjoy this series. I can't get over how much I learn about Jesus and myself.
I highly recommend this series.
February 2, 2025
so many good bits !!
There were so many wonderful things to take away from this book! Worth highlighting and putting on a post-it note!
There were so many wonderful things to take away from this book! Worth highlighting and putting on a post-it note!
September 26, 2023
This is the ninth book in the series but can be read on it's own.
It features Bethany who wants to use her musical abilities to teach children. She is studying and working in a restaurant meanwhile.
A mysterious stranger turns up and she quickly realises this is no ordinary man. Through the story their relationship deepens and so does her faith.
Another short book to inspire you which is easy to follow
It features Bethany who wants to use her musical abilities to teach children. She is studying and working in a restaurant meanwhile.
A mysterious stranger turns up and she quickly realises this is no ordinary man. Through the story their relationship deepens and so does her faith.
Another short book to inspire you which is easy to follow
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews