Closer to Christ

by Emily Belle Freeman

Each of us will experience moments when we find ourselves fervently seeing the healing, the hope, and the grace that only Christ can bring.

Beloved writer and speaker Emily Freeman seeks to help each of us find the peace that comes through the Savior. Sometimes you just need a place to start, a reminder of how near the Lord is—a little bit of hope. Combining her two best-selling books 21 Days Closer to Christ and Becoming His into one engaging new volume, Emily Freeman first invites us on a 21-day journey toward a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. She then outlines a twelve-month path of discipleship divided into individual areas of focus, each containing invitations for personal growth, inspired counsel from prophets and apostles, and suggested scriptures to help us focus our efforts.

As you draw closer to Christ, you'll discover ways that He can refresh you spiritually, strengthen you in the face of adversity, and help you find more joy.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Nonfiction, Lds Non Fiction, Church, Inspirational

338 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 31, 2019

About the author

Emily 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.

Reviews

[Charissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This contains 2 of my favorite books by this author: 21 Days closer to Christ and Becoming His. The first is set up to do something to bring you closer to Christ over 3 weeks. The next is set up by months, to focus on one attribute for a whole month. They have beautiful stories, analogies, insights and scripture that really helped me focus on Christ and see things in new ways. Highly recommend.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is in two parts: "21 Days Closer to Christ" and "Becoming His." It is a wonderfully practical read with a task at the end of each chapter to help the reader improve his or her spirituality and feel a stronger connection to Christ. The stories and suggestions weave together nicely to make for a very touching read.
Emily Belle Freeman, as in her other books, makes her points with clear statements, scriptural stories (mostly from the Bible), and personal stories that feel relatable or clear. She follows each explanation with a practical task, including:
-pray more deeply
-write down some good things that have come from Christ
-find one way to strengthen someone else today
-write down some qualities you have that helps others feel closer to Christ
-learn how the scriptures bring you answers to your prayers
-write down how the scriptures speak to you
-study the Atonement; learn something you didn't know before
-prepare your heart to receive God in your life
-look for evidence of a miracle, tender mercy or holy moment; write it down
-record your relationship with Christ
Many of the suggestions require time and a journal or notebook. I think the tactile and visual aspects make the tasks more meaningful and memorable. There are a lot of tasks so I'm sure I'll be busy for a while. I haven't been doing what she suggests for very long so I can't say as to the effect.
It seems she leaves room for those who are newly religious or those who have been religious for years. The suggestions are adaptable to personal situations and challenges.
The writing style is clear and the ideas very well thought out!

[Heather Preece · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed working my way through this book this year. It contains 2 books- 21 days closer to Christ and becoming his. I read the first book in January and then the second one I read on Sundays each month. I loved the themes for each month and additional reading to build your relationship with Christ. I love having a “Sunday” book and this was a great one!

One of my favorite quotes: “There is one thing nestled deep within my heart that has changed my life completely. No matter what happens, I've already decided on this one thing. It's settled. I believe in Jesus Christ. I just do. I may not know everything about Him. But I want to. There are questions I have that I don't understand right now, but I hope to understand them one day. As Ilook back on pivotal moments in my life, I realize that they have been life-altering purely because they have led me to know one thing for sure— Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Holy One of Israel. I know He lives. I know He loves me. It is one truth of which I am certain.
I have settled it in my heart.”

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book(s)! There are actually 2 books in 1 here. The first one is “21 Days Closer to Christ”. I enjoyed reading a little every day. The second book is “Becoming His”. I took much longer to read this one- a little here and a little there supplementing other things I was reading. Emily Freeman has the gift of taking a familiar scripture story and pointing out a word or a details I had previously missed that opens up a whole new perspective and teaches me something new. She knows her scriptures so well! You will definitely learn something about the Savior from her in this!!

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This took me months to read due to all of the suggested scripture reading that goes with it. And it was time well spent. I highlighted and marked up this book and will refer back to it often I’m sure. And it introduced me to lots of scripture accounts I didn’t know about. So they are highlighted and marked up also. The title is well chosen. It requires effort, but is worth it for sure.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love everything written by Emily Bell Freeman. This book is a treasure. One I will keep close by and re-read. The truths contained within its pages are inspiring and heartfelt. I am better for having read it. It makes me want to be better. More faithful, more valiant, more true to the Savior.
It is a beautiful book.

[Renée | apuzzledbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I’ve read and studied this book over the past many months, it has been a profound journey for me. And it will only continue on. “When our hearts are weary and we are looking for the strength to go on, we will find in Him a true friend, a constant companion and a source of strength beyond our own.”

[Alyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written. The stories and teachings led me to many beautiful moments of inspiration. I appreciate how short the sections are so I could read one each day as part of my scripture study. I cannot recommend this book enough!

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was one I will read again. I loved Emily Belle Freeman's insight and how she apply the scriptures to everyday life.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

So great!!!! If you want to come closer to Christ read it!!!!!

[Michele Hermansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really 2 books. So worth your time.

[Shayla Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so convenient to have a compilation of the two books that are so powerful in helping you come to the Savior!

[Elizabeth Ricks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. There were some wonderful stories.

[Alli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful study guide, seeing the scriptures and the Savior on a different way. I do feel closer to him after reading this book.

[Swhe641200 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libby. The first part the 21 Days closer to Christ that I had already read. The last was a 12 Steps getting closer to Christ. It went deeper. I want to reread.

May 19. Reread and took notes. One of the best books I have read for some time.