This is my first book by Eugene Peterson, and first time I've heard about him. Although I'm an Orthodox, I enjoyed the devotions and the author's point of view.

This small book is a collection of excerpts written by one of the great prose masters of our time, Eugene Peterson. For 31 days you can immerse yourself into the world of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and walk alongside Jesus. Peterson draws you into each story in his own unique way, oftentimes catching you by surprise with his insights to stories you've perhaps read dozens of times in your life.

A few quotes:

"The prodigal was his father’s son but not his brother’s brother. But when he denied brotherhood, he also forfeited sonship."

"A good friend recently made an observation that has intrigued me. He said a lot of Christians have two basic reactions to the world: they are angry at it, or they are afraid of it."

"The gospel is not ruined by our misunderstandings. Jesus takes the reality in our misconceptions, and through the process of the Passion and Crucifixion and Resurrection, he makes a whole gospel out of it."

"Isn’t that good news? That our misunderstandings, no matter how well intentioned or how badly intentioned, do not disqualify us from being part of the movement of people who experience resurrection and who by faith participate in the saving love of Jesus Christ?"

I recommend this devotional when time is short but you want to go deep anyway. Peterson can take you there.

Thanks to Net Galley and Net Galley WaterBrook & Multnomah for the review copy of this book.

I first learned of Eugene Peterson because of his paraphrase of the Bible. Additionally, I have read admiring accounts of him personally, so I've been interested in engaging more of his work.

This text is a collection of his sermons on the Gospels, most broken up over several days, given in digestible sections in his familiar frank words. It's framed as 31 readings that could be read daily throughout a month, but I took far longer.

Some of Peterson's reflections were influenced by a trip he took to Israel, as in his conversation about the importance of walking. Others begin with a focus on the definition of a term (as in repentance: "The word in Hebrew means originally 'to take a deep breath and sigh'"). And some were insights into the familiar Mary and Martha story and what true servanthood is.

I found this a welcome introduction to Peterson's sermons and may soon delve into a biography, so as to learn more about the man who penned these Gospel insights and was led to paraphrase the Bible.

(I received a digital ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.)

Eugene Peterson is always insightful and this 31 day devotional collect has readers take a look at the Gospels.

I have read several of Eugene Peterson's books, and I've never been disappointed. It's like sitting down with a friend who you know loves you, but might also tell you that you need to get your act together.
This book is the most accessible and easily digestible way to have those friendly conversations, Each day has only a few pages to read, with the scripture also built in. If you're looking for a way to grab a devotional guide that you can digest with you on the bus, on your break at work, or in the carpool, this would be a great choice. Living in this collection of the Word and its commentary for 30 days provides a great spiritual formation.

The idea behind this book is unique, and while there are a few chapters that presented a different take or a new (to me) idea, overall it felt disjointed. There were also a couple instances where the content did not match up with what the Scripture (being referenced) actually says in the text.

A Month Of Sundays is a very moving set of sermons, organized into 30 devotionals. I read this book in December and found it very fitting that one of the first devotions invited me to reflect upon the birth of Jesus and ask the question "why is Christmas an important time to you personally?"
The chapters invite the reader to think about his or her life and to reflect upon Jesus and what He came to do. With quotes like this one:
" The gospel of Christ was not, you see, just another addition to man's already full and busy life. It was not just another way of looking at things or a few new commandments or another especially heroic example to admire and perhaps follow. The gospel of Christ was good news, but good news about a new kingdom. And kingdoms by definition are exclusive. You can't have two of them in the same place at the same time." (day 6)
Or this one from day 11:
"We make a good start when we listen to God speak to us. This requires attentiveness and concentration. God does not speak in competition with other speakers, so he does not raise his voice or hire an advertising agency or public relations firm to work out a strategy to get us to listen. Because he speaks in his own voice, not in imitation of voices that we are more used to, many people never hear him. But he speaks all the same".

I greatly enjoyed this rather unusual devotional book. I recommend it!

I received a free reviewer's copy from the publisher via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

31 days, 31 different short messages based on the 4 Gospels. The Gospels are all about Jesus and He is the subject of these messages. Each Gospel is given a week and each message is typically Peterson in the way he interprets the Word in such a uniquely special way.

But each message brings us back to Jesus but challenges us to respond in some way to His message. This is what great preaching is about: challenging the listener/reader to respond to the words of Jesus. I only wish I could have listened to the complete sermon as I presume the brevity of Peterson's words in this book reflects only a portion of the actual sermon.

If you appreciate Peterson's words and perspectives you'll enjoy this short book.

I received a complimentary e-book from Waterbrook via NetGalley with no expectation of a favourable review.

3.5 stars, rounded up
Unlike Peterson’s the Message, the language is not as vibrant in A Month of Sundays. Each day has a short reflection based on verses in the four gospels. As I read more, I found that I was highlighting passages more, meaning that they were significant to me or encouraging.

As a walker/ pilgrim, here is a passage I really liked: “Following Jesus is a physical act… We go someplace with Jesus. We travel. We walk.” Walking isn’t just a means of getting somewhere or cheap transportation. “It is a a particular form of being in which body and mind and will are harmoniously joined. There is a sense of coordinated wholeness in walking.” Lovely synthesis.

Day 21’s devotion reminds us that “God loves the world. What a contrast to what I do. I am alternately fearful of the world, and then I am angry with it. God steadily loves the world” even when we, as the crown of creation mess it up.

At first I wanted to get through the book, to review, but at the end, I found myself wishing it was longer, hoping for a little more of Peterson’s wisdom and insights in faith matters.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this inspiring book in exchange for an honest review.

Eugene Peterson was an excellent teacher and pastor. He was an incredibly gifted man because he could teach the scripture and teach in such a way that the gospel connected emotionally with people.

He had an amazing impact on my Christian growth and development and a deep influence on so many of my Christian friends and leaders. Most of all I am grateful for the way his writing has enriched my own preaching, helping me bring the Gospel to life in everyday life. I think that Eugene Peterson through the grace of God has planted seeds in the lives of people. As someone whose faith has been influenced by his work I am truly grateful for all he has written and for this book.

This is a beautiful book. "A Month of Sundays" is a devotional collection featuring excerpts of Eugene's Sunday sermons. The sermons are drawn from each gospel and there are 31 sermons, one for each day of the month.

His sermons are uplifting, enlightening and empowering. They are also educational. Each sermon connected with me and although I was given an advanced electronic copy, I ordered the paperback before I finished reading the e-copy. I needed to have a copy that I could easily flick through and mark and refer to for my studies and indeed for my own preaching.

But this isn't just a book for those of us in ministry. This set of beautiful sermons is for everyone. There is something here for everyone as long as you have ears to hear.

I will miss Eugene Peterson and his teaching but he has left behind the treasures of practical wisdom, grace and a life well lived. Through his writing and through this book he has left behind gifts for everyone.

Copy provided by publishers via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

A Month of Sundays is a great book for fans of Eugene Peterson. A quick read, it is an accessible introduction to his works.

A Month of Sundays- a Sunday Sermon for every day of the month, inspired from the
four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John.
31 days to read and reflect it on your personal, spiritual side for renewal.
Help you to rehabilitate your soul.

Each sermon is both inspirational and though-provoking!
I would read then reread to reflect on my spirit.

As I was baptized 3 weeks ago,
my baptism was a good start, this book is a good start in my redemptive plan.

I highly recommend this book!

A Month of Sundays

Thirty-One Days of Wrestling with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

by Eugene H. Peterson

WaterBrook & Multnomah

WaterBrook

Christian , Religion & Spirituality

Pub Date 05 Nov 2019

I am reviewing a copy of A Month of Sundays: Thirty-One Days of Wrestling with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John through WaterBrook & Multnomah and Netgalley:

Eugene Peterson was Concerned not only about the way we spoke and what we said, as well as how we lived not only on Sundays but in our everyday life as well from what we say when we are at work or having dinner with our family. This book, A Month Of Sunday’s is a devotional collection including excerpts from Peterson’s thoughtful sermons arranged in a thoughtful order for a months worth of devotional readings, and are drawn from the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

This book allows us to dig deep into Eugene Peterson’s thoughts regarding the selected passages of the four gospels in an easy to understand clear way.

I give A Month Of Sundays five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Superb! Everything ever written by him should be read by every pastor or missionary. Will be passing on as with his other books 😊

Love him or hate him, Eugene Peterson typically evokes one of those two sentiments out of people. His Message Bible has been debated as to if since he knew Greek and Hebrew that it was a translation. We accept the Phillips translation but not the Message?
Regardless Peterson has a way of bringing heaven to earth. He has a way of restating the difficult into a simple and understandable, dare I even say relatable, narrative. This book A Month of Sunday’s is exactly that. Taking a collection of 31 of his sermons from the Gospels this book follows through the Gospels and points us to Jesus and at the same time teaches us more about ourselves and others.
I sat down to read a couple of these and read almost half of the 31 readings in a few hours. Only on one day did it seem like you were reading a sermon that was being addressed to a specific church. These were written and given in such a way that anyone can read them. There is not a Calvinist or Arminian bent to any of these. Simply Jesus, his life, his miracles, and his call to our lives. This would make a great 31-day challenge for a Life Group, Sunday School group, or even an entire church congregation.
Thank you to Waterbrook Multnomah publishing for the free e-book in exchange for my honest review.

I thought this book was very well put together. The author did a great job at keeping my attention and providing fresh insights.

I found this book to be really good and well laid out for the reader to understand. I cant say that this steers for just any religion, based off the fact that I am Catholic and I took a lot in from it. The word of God has now "label". Eugene Peterson did a phenomenal job with the sermons. I would highly recommend, and will still continue to reference back to later in the future.

What a lovely collection of sermons from the gospels by Eugene Peterson. The presentation becomes a short devotional book. Peterson challenges readers to avoid common Christian terms and use words closer to the original text and easier to understand for both those within the church and those without that foundation. He writes with a beautiful command of the language and insight for practical application. This is a genuinely inspiring, thought-provoking book for further reflection. The only negative is that you will want to read more from the author.

I received a copy of the book without obligation. This review is my opinion.

My review of the late Eugene Peterson’s “A Month of Sundays”.


Goals of the Book:
Late last year, the Christian world lost an icon with the passing of pastor Euegene Peterson. Most are familiar with Peterson thanks to the success of the popular (yet controversial in some circles) Message translation. Others may be familiar with him as a prolific writer outside of the Message, including books like Long Discipleship in the Same Direction or Running with Horses. I have been blessed by Peterson’s ministry, even if he and I do have different opinions on how to extrapolate from passages or translate the Bible. It speaks to the strength of his character and wisdom that, despite being a bullish young, restless, reformed Calvinist when I first encountered him, he was able to speak to me regardless.

This book is a blessing in that it contains new material from Peterson, sermons that were collected before his death. These sermons are broken down into more manageable portions, each trying to be suitable for reading in a single sitting. Those familiar with Kingfishers Catch Fire may be accustomed to this sort of sermonic writing, but it may be new for some readers. Regardless, this book exists as a way to continue to release Peterson’s material so that the church can be blessed with more of his insights.

What Does this Book Offer the Church:
The overarching concern of this book is how we talk during the week. This isn’t something like Peterson’s concern that we start swearing, though that may be part of it. Instead, Peterson is concerned that we don’t speak like the Bible throughout the week. We go to church on Sunday, sing hymns and songs, and hear from the Scriptures, and that shapes us a bit, but some of us don’t continue to speak the same way throughout the week. The aim of this book is to transform our regular days of the week, helping us to speak and talk more like the Scriptures do every day, not just Sundays.

The book is also an exploration of the Gospels, which more and more Christians should find themselves willing and interested in reading. By wrestling with the Gospels text, we can learn more about Jesus, how he spoke, and how he acted. One thing I appreciate about Peterson is that he doesn’t shy away from potentially boring parts of the text, like the genealogies, yet uses them as means by which we can learn to speak the Bible’s language.

How Effectively Does This Book Meet its Goals?:
Right off the bat, I should note that these sermons are not exegetical sermons in the way that most readers of this blog would expect. Rather than looking at the text line by line, Peterson offers an extended reflection on the meaning he found in the text and offers general insight and commentary on the text itself. This would suggest that most people who only like, read, or consume one single type of sermon would not benefit greatly from this book, being more distracted by the prose than it’s worth.

That being said, those who are prepared to learn about the Gospel texts from an angle they might not consider personally are in for a treat. I would not have categorized most texts the way Peterson does, but I found a lot of insight and a lot of warmth in his pastoral reflections.

You can find out more information about the book on Multnomah’s website, or you can pre-order the book on Amazon here!

"A Month of Sundays" by Eugene H. Peterson is a month-long devotional from sermons he preached through the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The devotionals are inspiring and have a question to respond to and ponder after each day's reading.

The devotional starts in Matthew and moves along through the themes in each gospel to John. The topics are a study of who Jesus is, what He said, and his actions, which led people back to the Father.

There is real depth here for both new believers just learning about Jesus, and for those who have studied Jesus for decades. Peterson's unique perspective gives readers new insight into ideas about Jesus that will help the Christian grow in their faith.

I received this eBook free of charge from WaterBrook & Multnomah via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I did not receive any fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.