Discovering Our Spiritual Identity: Practices for God's Beloved

by Trevor Hudson, Dallas Willard (Foreword)

Each chapter in this workbook by Trevor Hudson is peppered with "holy experiments," simple practices that bring us into God's presence and help us experience life as his beloved. At the end of each chapter is a set of questions which are ideal for discussion with one or two spiritual friends or a small group. This practical and winsome book covers topics such as Wherever you may find yourself along the Way, a real and vital spirituality awaits you in these pages.

Genres: Nonfiction, Devotional, Christian, Spirituality

197 pages, Paperback

First published November 4, 2010

Reviews

[Allison Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read for class but anyone can pick up and read. I was annoyed that we read it chapter by chapter out of order but all in all, a good study workbook!

[Adam Jarvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, compassionate, practical book about daily living the Christian life. The author doesn’t just give practical tips, he gives detailed “holy experiments” for the reader, to help cultivate a deeper, more life-giving journey along the Way.

I appreciate the author’s humility and insight as he presents his thoughts, not as someone who has it all figured out, but as a fellow Christ-follower, who longs for something more than clichés and meaningless repetitions.

This is a perfect book for anyone who may have found themselves in “a rut” spiritually. It is a hopeful book that encourages the reader of the “much more” that is available to them.

The idea of the book is that you, as a Christian, were designed for such a beautiful, joyful, sweet, fulfilling relationship with Jesus, and that is available to you, but like anything, you must be intentional about it.

I especially appreciate the conclusion, where the author specifically states these guidelines that have been presented are not simply a formulaic list to follow to have a happy Christian life, but it is necessary that we “regularly review and revise our regimen in light of our always-changing life experience”. This keeps our walk from becoming rigid and mechanical.

Beautiful book, highly recommend for anyone who longs for more out of their Christian walk, and developing spiritual disciplines without the shaming discouragement of
“try harder”,
“here’s a list of rules,” and
“you’re not and never will be enough”.

[Ashley Higginson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an incredibly profound guide to the areas of Christian life that are often not completely understood. It was written by a South African pastor and has a VERY wide cultural scope, citing resources from Catholic priests to Jewish rabbis, to old fables. I loved the “signposts” where it explicitly states what each section/chapter will guide you through and this is helpful for those who like lists! The formatting is great and ready-to-use for a Bible study group!

Trevor Hudson has a strong voice of faith and an honest voice when sharing his own experiences in life; the beautiful moments, the struggles, and everything in between!

My Christians out there, if you haven’t read it, go find a copy and nibble it all year!

[Tami Boesiger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on foundational practices for believers. It isn't too complicated for new believers or too watered down for people who have known Jesus a long time. I found it full of practical ideas for strengthening and deepening my relationship with God.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven’t read anything by this author before but have heard podcasts and loved what he had to say. This book was gifted to me by a friend and it has sadly sat too long on my bookshelf. Finally I have had a chance to read it and I’m pleased I chose to spend time chewing over each chapter. The author is very relatable, has some very helpful ideas and most importantly has an evident love of Christ and desire to grow in his likeness. In this book he shares what he has found helpful and why it’s important as Christians to grow in areas of discipline and therefore in Christlikeness. He is very clear that we are to do this in Christ’s strength and not our own, that it is all by grace. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to grow in their faith.

[Greg Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply spiritual, yet practical training guide for forming Christ in the heart

I have met Trevor Hudson, and he lives out what his written words, in this book, teach. The formatting of the book, with signposts for guidance at the beginning of each chapter, practical "experiments" to try throughout, and piercing questions to consider and discuss at the conclusion of each chapter make the wisdom of the content immensely accessible. This book is a real gem, I highly recommend it!

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

A dear book written by a dear, authentic man. I am using this with a church class of adults. It is written with incredibly accessible language and illustrations without being the least bit simplistic. The holiness chapter is one of my favorites. Wish there were an audio version narrated by the author!

[Molly Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not my favorite but did the trick for a basic introduction to spiritual practices. Many of the chapters are repetitive and do not provoke a lot of deep thought. I read it for a beginning Spiritual Formation class but did not seem to get a great deal from it. We engaged the text with discussion boards which at least made us try to think more critically about what Hudson had to say.

[Isaac Goodspeed Overton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fantastic introduction to spiritual practices. I wish it offered a little more insight into various traditions, but I recognize that is already difficult as you are writing to a particular group.

I’d recommend this to someone wanting to grow their prayer life and spiritual disciplines.

[Tat Ebihara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazingly insightful work that touches upon our most important relationships and callings. The author has compassion regarding misguided and hurting people from his own experiences, and has practical advice for re-establishing the most important rhythms of our lives.

[Josh Trice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely astounding read. Spirit-filled and Gospel centered, this book is a must read for followers of Christ. The insight within these pages is wise beyond what I can fathom. God has spoken through Trevor Hudson, and the Lord provided a strong and enduring word. READ THIS BOOK!

[Jo Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Having met Trevor Hudson greatly aided me in hearing his tender voice in this workbook. I loved the way this book was laid out for honest reflection and practical resources for our own spiritual transformation. This would be a great small group workbook for churches and individuals.

[Abbi Askew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson brings wisdom and practical practices that we can implement in our daily lives to deepen our relationship with God and others. This encourages a deeper consideration of how we view God, ourselves and others because it greatly impacts our ministry.

[David Grypma · Rating 4 out of 5]

great overview and wisdom of spiritual practices, including mindfulness, centering prayer, interpersonal communication practices, etc.

[Tisha G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tremendously good. Deep but so practical. Challenging and convicting, but gentle. I keep buying copies to give away. And I’ll be rereading it often.

[Go2therock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will read again.

[Shelby Peck · Rating 3 out of 5]

best done in group setting

[Ryan Linkous · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really did not care for this book much and was glad to be done with it (it was assigned for class). Hudson takes theologically beautiful ideas and makes them seem small.
1) I did think he had some good things to say (ex. on good works) and 2) I think I could use this book to counsel someone who had been severely spiritually harmed or abused and seriously struggled to understand their identity in Christ. But there are many better books out there on spiritual disciplines, especially "Celebration of Discipline" by Richard Foster and "The Spirit of the Disciplines" by Dallas Willard. There are also better books on spiritual identity, mainly the New Testament epistles.

[Kaholstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. I studied this with a small group of friends. We did one chapter a week. It speaks to God's practices, gives you exercises and things to incorporate into your daily living. It has notes and references too for further depth. We combined our study with half hour of Psalm meditation. This is a worthwhile book to help you with personal disciplines of growing and acting in Christ.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great guide to whole-life discipleship. Within each section that deals with a different dimension of our spiritual being, there are guided reflection questions and spiritual practices to help reflect and grow in each area. This book is set up to be used for personal retreat or even as a small group.

[Tom Buratovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book you don't necessarily read but rather use as a reference. It's exercises are wonderfully freeing for a personal retreat like a quiet morning boat ride on a foggy morning River.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kind of book I'll want to refer back to. I liked it more when combined with group reflection regarding its teachings.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most helpful Christian books I've ever read. Take the time to do the homework and you'll really benefit from personal examination and the development of personal disciplines that will augment your Christian life and walk. A very very helpful book!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have recommended it to multiple people who have also gained much from working through it.