Seeing Jesus contains a series of short reflections that help the reader see God at work in our daily lives. Though Jesus is an ever-present reality in our lives, we often fail to recognize his presence in the midst of life’s storms and difficulties. Through metaphor and story (both biblical and personal anecdotes), Engelmann reminds us that we are surrounded by, sustained by, and empowered by a God who is intimately present in and through all of life’s experiences. Learning to “see Jesus,” to recognize Jesus’ presence in our lives, is a lifelong process. Seeing Jesus by Expanding Your Context Seeing Jesus in Letting Go of What We Cling To Seeing Jesus in the Unexpected Seeing Jesus When He Seems Far Away Seeing Jesus in the Storms Seeing Jesus in the Acorns and Mustard Seeds Seeing Jesus in When You Are Out on a Limb Seeing Jesus In the Master Fiddler Seeing Jesus in Suffering "The miracles of God are all around us but can we see them? People to help, opportunities to serve, and lessons to learn are all around us, but do we see them? The redemptive activities of Jesus Christ are happening all around us, but do we notice? Do we take them in? Can we really see them with our eyes, our minds, our hearts? Dr. Engelmann encourages us to 'open our eyes' and see the presence of Jesus." ―from the Foreword by James W. Moore
I am supposed to be packing for a trip, yet I am sitting here reading this book! How I found it is it's own long, odd story. I'm not packed. But I am still reading. I will have more to say about this well written work when I've read it all through.
Here is my complete review:
I found this book quite by accident. If I believed in fate I might be inclined to say I was “meant to find it”, but that is not the case. Suffice to say I read every word with fascination, and intrigue. It was like sitting with a good friend, and knowing that something (or, rather, Someone) I had not expected to encounter was waiting to greet me. How perfectly wonderful. How very unexpected!
I think it is important to point out that the author does not preach, or nag, or resort to guilt trips. There is none of the “you are a sinner do you wish to repent” rambling in this book! Rather (and this was startling), the author used her own life experiences to connect with her reader. In an age where putting one’s best face forward is expected, the author’s choice is bold and brave, and powerful.
This is a book I will turn to again and again. It is, and contains, a rare treasure, one I am very glad I have found.