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Comforts from the Cross: Celebrating the Gospel One Day at a Time

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Daily comforts from the gospel of Christ provide busy Christian women with brief but deep reminders of how his truths powerfully connect to their daily lives. Nothing comforts a woman's soul more than a fully understood and embraced gospel. But many women aren't finding solace in their relationship with Christ because they don't see how his life, death, and resurrection connect with soccer practices and swim lessons. Besides, they just don't have time to sit down and read a theology book, no matter how much they might hunger for God's truths. That's where Elyse Fitzpatrick's latest book comes in. Comforts from the Cross provides those well-intentioned women with bite-sized readings to remind them of their place in Christ and of his love and ministry in their busy lives. It also dusts off the facts of the gospel to show how ancient truths such as justification, sanctification, and redemption can free and enliven their souls every day. Even more, these five-minute celebrations of the gospel relieve readers of legalistic condemnation and empower them for joyful obedience by engendering fresh love for the Savior. A perfect choice for gift-giving or personal encouragement, Fitzpatrick's book helps active women grasp the practicality of the gospel message and experience its deep comforts.

152 pages, Paperback

First published March 23, 2009

82 people are currently reading
698 people want to read

About the author

Elyse M. Fitzpatrick

55 books474 followers
Author of 20+ books on the Christian life and the gospel's impact on everyday living, Elyse is a frequent speaker at women's conferences nationally and internationally.

Elyse's ministry is summed up in these simple words: No fluff, No bricks, just the good news of a crucified and risen Christ.

In 1971 she married her sweetheart Phil and together they raised three children and are enjoying six really adorable grandchildren.

Together they attend Valley Center Community Church in the hills of the North County of San Diego where Phil is an elder.

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5 stars
412 (68%)
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144 (23%)
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37 (6%)
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8 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
Profile Image for Ian.
Author 4 books49 followers
April 8, 2015
This is one of the best devotionals, if not the best, that I've worked through. I so love how Ms Fitzpatrick draws the state of our hearts with all its muck and helps us let it go by guiding us with practical teaching to the heart of Jesus.

This is a 31-day devotional meant to be read over the course of a month. I've now read it twice and plan to start it again in May. Each devotional is three to four pages in length so is meatier than the typical one page per day of most other devotionals I've read. She starts with a verse of Scripture that provides the context for her lesson. Many days, not all, conclude with a powerful prayer that enables you to walk away having handed over the contents of your heart to the Lord.

There are so many excellent lessons but Day 29 on prayer is worth the purchase price alone. I found I was highlighting much of the ebook and making notes in my journal. Ms Fitzpatrick brought new life to verses that I've read hundreds of times. For example, the vine, branches and abiding of John 15:4-5 she encourages us to consider that it's not about what we should do rather simply to receive the goodness and godliness that comes from intimacy with Jesus.(Day 20)

The essence of each devotional is to bring us back to Jesus, to see His great love for us, and to enable us to keep looking at Him throughout the day. Focusing on His attributes, what He's done rather than what we do, and allowing ourselves to receive all that He's done.

I can't recommend this enough and is just as valuable for men as women which I believe was Ms Fitzpatrick's intended audience.
Profile Image for Ashley Boyne.
30 reviews4 followers
January 16, 2019
Definitely one of my top three favorite books. God used it to open my eyes to the freedom and rest found in the gospel and to kill the legalistic lies I’d been believing since I was little. Life changer.
54 reviews
December 6, 2024
One of the best devotional books I’ve read! Gospel centered and very encouraging.
Profile Image for Mandy J. Hoffman.
Author 1 book93 followers
October 23, 2010
MY REVIEW:

Comforts From The Cross is beyond excellent!

I don't even know where to begin in writing a review because this book is that good. It is theologically deep, yet ever so easy to understand. It is intensely invigorating, yet overwhelmingly sobering. It is just what everyone needs to read.

Elyse takes you back to the foot of the cross to not only take another look, but to soak in the comfort found there. It is a place of utter suffering, yet a place of amazing love so deep that we must continually reflect upon it.

This book is a 31 day devotional that casts light on many scripture passages we take for granted. In short chapters - easy to consume in a only a matter of minutes - you will dig into the the depths of God's Word to walk away with a better understanding of His overwhelming love for us. This book is a celebration of what we have, yet fail to enjoy.

Comforts From The Cross is a book for the old or new Christian, the zealous or weary saint, the young or the old of age. No matter where you are on your journey through life with Christ you should take 5 minutes for the next 31 days to read this book. You won't regret it.

BOOK OVERVIEW:

Daily comforts from the gospel of Christ provide busy Christian women with brief but deep reminders of how his truths powerfully connect to their daily lives.

Nothing comforts a woman’s soul more than a fully understood and embraced gospel. But many women aren’t finding solace in their relationship with Christ because they don’t see how his life, death, and resurrection connect with soccer practices and swim lessons. Besides, they just don’t have time to sit down and read a theology book, no matter how much they might hunger for God’s truths.

That’s where Elyse Fitzpatrick’s latest book comes in. Comforts from the Cross provides those well-intentioned women with bite-sized readings to remind them of their place in Christ and of his love and ministry in their busy lives. It also dusts off the facts of the gospel to show how ancient truths such as justification, sanctification, and redemption can free and enliven their souls every day. Even more, these five-minute celebrations of the gospel relieve readers of legalistic condemnation and empower them for joyful obedience by engendering fresh love for the Savior.

A perfect choice for gift-giving or personal encouragement, Fitzpatrick’s book helps active women grasp the practicality of the gospel message and experience its deep comforts.
Profile Image for Rachel.
38 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2017
really enjoyed reading this one, especially in the month of December. it timed well with reflecting on the birth of Christ, Emmanuel, God with us. I had hoped to read it in 31 days but it took a little longer and ended up carrying me into the New Year season. still very timely. I was introduced to Elyse Fitzpatrick by my avid reader neighbor and friend and I can't wait to get my hands on more of her titles. this devotional was solid in theology and she has great insights I had never pondered before. would recommend if you are looking for a devotional to help you live more free in grace and understanding of what Christ did for us.
Profile Image for Kristin.
34 reviews2 followers
April 28, 2012
Comforts from the Cross was a great celebration of jesus Christ and the gospel, presented in a month-long devotional. Encouraging and insightful, it really reminds us of the gospel truths and the hope that we have because of Christ.
Profile Image for Anna.
56 reviews11 followers
March 13, 2015
This book is so good! I have been reading it in my devotions time and I highly recommend it to everyone! It is really encouraging!
Profile Image for Cara Smith.
5 reviews
February 1, 2016
Loved this book... And would have given a much higher rating, but there were a couple of times where she talked about prayer in a way in which I don't think the Bible encourages us to.
Profile Image for Claudia Louise.
112 reviews13 followers
June 16, 2016
This devotional gave me a lot of comfort! It's a great 31 day easy read that helped me get my mind in the right place! Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Danette.
2,927 reviews14 followers
September 2, 2022
Although I didn't read this in its intended format (one chapter a day for 31 days), I did benefit from being pointed to the gospel. It is indeed a comfort from the cross to be reminded of the sufficient grace of God.
I would like to read again more quickly to get the full impact.

2022 A book about Christian living

Some quotes:
"What I need isn’t more rules; it’s freedom, because the motive and power to obey is always absent in slaves. Slaves have no hope; they resent their masters, and they will always escape if given the opportunity. On the other hand, adopted children who are freely loved will choose to serve out of astonishment at their father’s generosity and their undeserved liberty. Slaves don’t love; children do."
"Peace begins to fill my soul when I remember the truth of the gospel: I am more sinful and flawed than I ever dared believe, more loved and welcomed than I ever dared hope. I deserve less than nothing but have been given everything."
"Self-improvement isn’t a Christian construct; death and resurrection are. God isn’t interested in self-improvement regimens. He isn’t impressed by our resolutions to do better. He isn’t impressed with us at all. He’s impressed by his Son. He’s impressed with the perfect life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus the Christ, his beloved Son. He’s impressed with his love."
"When he died, he died for us. When he was raised, we were raised with him. We are living in the power of the Spirit that raised him from death. We will not be able to fight victoriously against our sins unless we fight under the banner of the gospel and thereby detach ourselves from our hedonistic plans for self-improvement."
Profile Image for Carol Kuehner.
80 reviews2 followers
March 24, 2019
I have been reading this book slowly because it has so much truth in it and has given me a deeper and fresher hope in Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Having read through it once, I am sure that I'll read it again and again as I seek to apply these truths in my daily life with the help of God. I'm looking forward to reading more books by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick.
Profile Image for Kelli.
1 review3 followers
June 19, 2014
If you are a person needing to maximize every minute of your day, this is a great book for your “still time”. It is written by Elyse Fitzpatrick and each day is packed full with food for thought. Depending on how much my mind wanders, it typically only takes me 5-10 minutes to read, but really makes me think throughout the whole day. Matt and I have had some really good discussion come out of this book as well. It is a 30 day series but is definitely worth going through many times!

My review of this book is obviously coming from my perspective, keep that in mind, because what I gleaned from this book may not be what sticks out most to you.

In the church today, from my experience, it seems we have lost our focus, lost our first love in a sense. We measure ourselves against each other, gauging our own spirituality against the success or failures of those around us. Our spiritual journey is characterized by the highs and lows of our own efforts toward perfection. We have come to obey out of guilt rather than love. In her book, Comforts from the Cross, Elyse strives to return our focus where it should be...on the Cross. She reminds us that what brings balance to our lives is not the straining and toiling we expend to do right but is what Jesus has already done for us on the cross. Even though we know we do not have a “works salvation”, we sometimes let that mindset permeate our actions and end up ruling our lives and stealing our joy. Do we truly understand the freedom we have in Christ and what does that look like in real life? Often times, my life feels anything but “free”.

This book is great for restoring the joy of your salvation. Of giving you back your first love. There is no magic formula but rather she deals with many of our “barriers” and shows us how Christ has overcome them.

Here is one, of many, of my favorite quotes from her book:

“...I tend for focus my thought on my Christianity—how I’m doing, what I’m learning, how my prayers time was today, how I avoided that pesky sin or fell into it again. I think about what I’m supposed to accomplish for Christ, and I interact with others on that same works-oriented ground. But this day isn’t about me at all. It’s about him: his sinless life, death, resurrection, ascension, and reign and the sure promise of his return. It’s the gravity of his life that should attract my thought toward him.”
Profile Image for Jenny Preston.
350 reviews9 followers
January 26, 2019
This is my favorite devotional to date. Fitzpatrick takes bite size chunks - about 3 pages a day - of pure gospel and pours it out on my self sufficient heart with a beautiful balance of gentleness and conviction. This is going on my "to read again" shelf.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
3,078 reviews1 follower
January 21, 2015
Received a price reduction notification of a price drop to 3.99

Is it possible to have comfort from the cross? With a resounding YES, when you have an experienced teacher as Elyse M. Fitzpatrick . Her teaching is foundational as she walks you thru biblical truths that we need to be reminded of constantly. A devotional that is easy to read and rich in content, you will see yourself but more importantly you will see the majesty of God

Many times our focus is on us that we do not realize it. Take for example, guilt. How many times do you feel guilty for not doing what you should not do and guilty for not doing what you should? Guilt and shame do not bring the love of God. It is GRACE. Comfort from the Cross reveals where justice and grace meet!

A healthy conviction of sin is what draws us near to God with the grace to repent and sorrow to be comforted. Our inability to walk worthy is not to focus on ourselves; it is meant for us to drive us to Jesus our righteousness. It is meant to strip us of our pride that we understand that Jesus died for sinners.

You will be blessed to pick this little devotional up. There is wittiness as she shares the Good news that does not take away from the integrity of the Gospel, but that you can say You Too! I am not alone in these struggles.
Profile Image for Jelinas.
173 reviews18 followers
December 3, 2009
Mrs. Fitzpatrick is one of my favorite Christian authors.

She has a clear and casual writing style -- reading one of her books is like having a heart-to-heart with the woman herself. She's personable and sympathetic -- and she's spent a lot of time at the foot of the cross.

Comforts from the Cross is a 31-chapter devotional. It contains a month's worth of reflections on the cross of Christ and how it frees us from the burden of sin and guilt, how it comforts us in times of trouble, and how it bolsters our faith to live for His glory.

Mrs. Fitzpatrick understands that the gospel doesn't stop at "Jesus died for our sins." This book is committed to reminding the reader that, yes, Jesus saved us by His grace -- and He promises to make us holy with that same grace.

It's such a departure from the common American view of the gospel -- that Jesus died for you, so you'd better make it up to Him by being a good person. This is a abominable twisting of the true gospel message, and it greatly saddens me that so many assume that this is what the Bible teaches.

We owe a debt of gratitude to Mrs. Fitzpatrick for reminding us that Jesus died to set us free from that kind of thinking. May we continue to depend on Him, and not on ourselves, for growth in character and faith.
429 reviews
July 21, 2016
Ms. Fitzpatrick provides monthly study devotion for men and women to study the chapter of Romans. This book provides a blueprint in order to help Christians become a study of the Bible. In the course of her study, Ms. Fitzpatrick helps the reader develop a relationship with our God and ourselves. It is also provides assistance on how to live in the work and be of the kingdom of God.
It is a good book and I am glad that she quoted Martin Luther in her book. Martin Luther was very similar to Paul and just wanted to serve God. He never wanted to be thrown out of the church, any more than Paul thought he was doing anything wrong in persecuting Christians. This book helps us to incorporate the truths of the Bible into our hearts so that we can be true servants of God.



I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. This book cover is on my Pinterest board and my blog, Michelle Dragalin’s Journey.
Profile Image for Leslie Christopher.
80 reviews4 followers
March 15, 2016
Wonderful little devotional book. There are 31 short chapters, so I read one every weekday during Lent and ended on Wednesday of Holy Week. Fitzpatrick is an engaging author, grounded in Scripture, with a keen understanding of human nature. This book is aimed at women but anyone would benefit from her insights into the cross and the gospel. The takeaway that has meant the most to me is that Jesus died for my sin, past, present, and future, so that when I confess my seemingly neverending list to Him in prayer, I need to remember that He has already forgiven me, always loves me, and through the Holy Spirit is working to sanctify me. For someone who tends not only toward legalism but also perfectionism (which I can't seem to attain so I am constantly beating myself up) this is extremely good and comforting news!
173 reviews9 followers
May 31, 2012
This is a 31-day devotional whose purpose is, simply, to comfort the reader by reminding them of the Gospel (a daily reminder that is much needed!). It is an easy read--clear and precise--as it is not full of large technical words that academicians are used to.

Unfortunately, I think it is a bit too antinomian. I know for a fact that Fitzpatrick is NOT anti-law (see her book "Counsel from the Cross"). This book just comes across that way at times.

Over all, as my rating suggests, it is a good book.

:-)
Profile Image for Kari Anne.
5 reviews
February 17, 2017
Gospel refreshment

Elyse writes warmly of the truth of the gospel in a way that enlightens those who don't know the gospel, are new to the gospel, or long time believers in the gospel. It was such an encouragement to me in my walk. I don't think you can ever get enough of the gospel in your life so it's great to have fresh reminders like this. Plus ch 21 was providentially timed with my mom's heavenly home-going - such extra comfort from the Lord.
368 reviews
March 3, 2012
Excellent "devotional" style book. Each chapter is a couple of pages long and there are 31 chapters so it's designed as a morning 'Gospel set me up' for the day. Excellent explanations of Jesus' work for us on the cross and how this impacts our everyday lives and ongoing sin problem. Definately comforting. Elyse's easy to read style will suit a lot of readers I think.
Profile Image for Joy.
175 reviews75 followers
May 3, 2012
Excellent, gospel saturated devotional. So much more than the typical devotional book, this book delves into theology, tons of Scripture, lies we believe, and what to do about it on a daily basis. I appreciate the sound teaching that Elyse always brings. This book truly is an invitation to celebrate the Gospel one day at a time. I will be reading it again and again.
Profile Image for Brandon.
393 reviews
August 28, 2017
This is a really great collection of Christ-centered devotionals by Elyse Fitzpatrick. It is organized as to be read in a month, one devotional a day.

They are brief, but biblical, Gospel-focused, and well illustrated from daily life. Some days build upon previous days; this is a nice feature.

Heartily recommended to all.
39 reviews5 followers
September 1, 2010
One of my all time favorite devotional books, written with an ear toward women's struggles specifically. I have been through it at least 4 times, taking about month at a time to go through the whole books short devotional chapters.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
8 reviews16 followers
March 24, 2014
This is a 31 day devotional, although it took me well over 31 days to finish. Each entry is packed with so much gospel centered truth and wisdom, I plan to start back over again. I'm sure I could gain so much by reading it over and over again.
Profile Image for Dawn Long.
35 reviews6 followers
March 29, 2014
Living the Gospel

This is an invaluable resource for those who desire to preach the Gospel to themselves every day. Elise Fitzpatrick opens our eyes to reveal how Christ's finished work should transform every moment, every circumstance of our lives.
Profile Image for Leslie.
388 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2014
Great daily devotional! This is a manageable daily read, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. Although this was written by a woman, I think men would like this just as much. It's a great way to start your day by keeping your eyes fixed on Christ.
40 reviews
September 2, 2015
Elyse Fitzpatrick has a gift of making deep theological truths practical. While the language of this book implies that it was primarily written for a female audience, the reflections and applications are relevant for both genders. This is a great way to spend ten minutes a day for a month!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews

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