Life of Jesus in 30 Days: CSB Edition, Black Letter, Daily Readings, Prayers, Easy-to-Read Type

30 Days

by Trevin K. Wax, C.S.B. Bibles (Editor)

Jesus—He is the central figure of the New Testament, and his life, death, resurrection, and exaltation is the heart of the gospel. His story is foretold by the Old Testament prophets, anticipated in the psalms, and then explained by the apostles who witnessed his work. But nowhere do we see him more clearly than in the Gospels, the four biographies that reveal his ministry on earth.

In Life of Jesus in 30 Days , author and teacher Trevin Wax has crafted a devotional experience that takes you through the Gospel accounts of Jesus’s life in a “Morning,” “Midday,” and “Evening” pattern, following the Scriptural precedent for praying three times a day. This prayer journey through the life of Jesus features psalms, other songs from Scripture, confessions of faith, and written prayers from faithful Christians who have gone before us. Here is a guide to walking with Jesus each month by lifting our eyes, three times a day, to see and experience the goodness and faithfulness of Christ in the midst of all things.

Life of Jesus in 30 Days features the highly readable, highly reliable text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB stays as literal as possible to the Bible's original meaning without sacrificing clarity, making it easier to engage with Scripture's life-transforming message and to share it with others.
 

Genres: Devotional, Christian

320 pages, Hardcover

Published August 15, 2023

About the author

Trevin Wax is the Bible and Reference Publisher for LifeWay Christian Resources. A former missionary to Romania, Trevin hosts a blog at The Gospel Coalition and regularly contributes to The Washington Post, Religion News Service, World, and Christianity Today, which named him one of thirty-three millennials shaping the next generation of evangelicals. His previous books include Counterfeit Gospels, Clear Winter Nights, and Gospel-Centered Teaching. He and his wife Corina have three children.

Reviews

[Anna Enderle · Rating 5 out of 5]

five stars for Jesus !

[Jeff Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the best liturgical book written by a Southern Baptist I've read.

"Life of Jesus in 30 Days" is a devotional book compiled by Trevin Wax, Vice President of Research and Resource Development of the Southern Baptist Convention's North American Mission Board. He also has followed a similar format with book on Psalms and the Letters of Paul.

Each day is divided into three readings: morning, midday, and evening. The middle section is shorter, and Wax says it could be combined with the evening reading if your schedule does not allow the middle reading, though the midday is the shortest of the three. Each reading is highlighted by a passage from the Gospels (not in order nor exhaustive), but also has other thoughts from Scripture, creeds (the Apostle's Creed is there at least three times), and readings from the Common Prayer Book. Each of the 90 readings also includes the Gloria Patra and the Lord's Prayer.

This is a little more liturgical/high church than I'm used to. But this book and the other two I mentioned are good at helping you have a developed devotional time. I do recommend this collection.

[aiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

How delightful it is to meditate upon the person of my Lord Jesus!

[Paul Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful liturgical guide through the life of Jesus.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you direct your gaze towards God throughout the day? Life of Jesus in 30 Days is a devotional experience to meditate on the life of our Lord.


Morning, Midday, and Evening Prayers

The Morning Prayer section features a verse or two as a call to prayer, a confession of faith from various confessions, a canticle, a morning reading, the gloria, and the Lord’s Prayer. Next comes a portion on intercessions and personal requests, featuring prayer of the church and a blessing from Scripture.

The Midday Prayer section features a call to prayer, a midday reading, gloria, and The Lord’s Prayer, and a blessing.

The Evening Prayer section features a call to prayer, a confession of sin, a canticle, an evening reading, a gloria, and The Lord’s Prayer. A final portion on intercessions and personal requests includes a prayer of the church and a blessing from Scripture.


Redirect and Refresh

The book uses the Christian Standard Bible translation — readable and reliable. This translation makes Christ’s life and words feel fresh. This book takes Gospel stories and teaching in a predominantly chronological order, which gave the 30-day journey a feel of satisfaction.

I most enjoyed reading the various prayers and confessions from church history. Having them ready in one book was easy and enjoyable. What I was most challenged was to discover using this book as a “spiritual workout.” The daily discipline of reading was challenging. But it also redirected my heart towards God in ways that I had not experienced before.

I can see this book used in a variety of ways. As an individual reader, you can keep this book at your bedside as well as take it with you to work or school. Parents can use it as a resource for family worship. Come and read, and redirect and refresh your walk with the Lord.


I received a media copy of Life of Jesus in 30 Days and this is my honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cannot recommend this series enough for daily Bible reading. I read this one to lead me into the lent season to reflect on Christ’s life before diving into his final days. (For a great liturgical lent devotional go check out O Sacred Head, Now Wounded by Jonathan Gibson) This book has shaped my time with God so that after I have finished this book and do not have prescribed afternoon and evening reading I am still carving out those additional times with God. This volume is formative and heavily reliant on scripture. Cannot recommend enough.

[Ruth Dahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This would make a great Lenten or Advent devotional!

[Virginia · Rating 5 out of 5]

love it!!