Trust in the Lord: Reflections of Jesus Christ [Hardcover]

Deen Kemsley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 29, 2008

This book is a powerful collection of personal essays about the Savior. Each essay brings anecdotes and intriguing insights that strengthen and encourage all who read them. It conveys a sense of peace and calm that gently envelops its readers. Renowned scholar Deen Kemsley sets out to know Christ and experience his love in this sincere and personal book. Though the story is far from simple, his findings are clear: God is there, he hears your prayers, and he loves you. The book is unique in that prominent leaders from very different Christian denominations have all endorsed the book. For example, Glenn Beck of CNN indicates the book leads readers to the point where "they can almost see his face, and helps them feel the Savior's infinite love for them." Richard L. Bushman describes it as "gripping." Richard Mouw, the president of Fuller Theological Seminary, indicates the book is "impressive and moving." Publisher's Weekly states the book "has a deeply ecumenical tone… it's refreshing and quietly lovely." Rebecca Wire of Roundtable Reviews states, "This was a beautiful read."

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Kemsley, an accounting professor at Tulane University in New Orleans, posits that the journey to know Christ is the journey to know the deepest, best element of ourselves. In this brief book, Kemsley draws on personal experiences and anecdotes to demonstrate how he came to know Christ. His experiences are not miraculous or earth-shattering, but ordinary and real: seeing Christ reflected in a newborn, for example, or an act of service. As a father of nine children, many of these acts of service are unseen and unthanked late-night feedings or diaper changes; though they did not seem significant at the time, Kemsley now realizes that such simple deeds mean everything. Although Kemsley is a Mormon and the book is from an LDS publisher, it has a deeply ecumenical tone. The focus throughout is on knowing and loving Christ, not emphasizing denominational differences. Although it lacks the poetic nature of some other memoirish devotional books of this type, such as The Quantity of a Hazelnut, there is a simple honesty to this volume that makes it refreshing and quietly lovely. (Mar.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Review

Sometimes while reading a book I ask myself, "Will I ever want to read this again?" It is an obvious question for me and one that speaks to the quality of the writing. This question received an easy "yes" while reading Deen Kemsley's TRUST IN THE LORD: REFLECTIONS OF JESUS CHRIST. Kemsley uses stories from his own life to reflect upon the promises of Jesus Christ. Kemsley offers an honest look at how his own experiences have allowed him to look toward Jesus with faith and confidence. Each of the eight chapters is filled with warmth and hope. The chapters can be read as a collection or you might choose the one that best speaks to your current needs. This makes a great choice for a personal devotional. I think it would make a lovely gift for a friend who needs some encouragement. Don't we all need it sometimes? This was a beautiful read. As I place this book upon my shelf of keepers, I look forward to the next time I will find comfort in its pages. --Rebecca Wire, Roundtable Review Staff

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It contains many lessons and insights that I found edifying, thought -provoking, and inspirational. For me, the highlight of this book was its many carefully-selected, personal stories that provide powerful illustrations of God's love for us. The author has done a marvelous job of writing in such a way as to be accessible for persons from a variety of Christian traditions. I look forward to sharing this book with my family and friends. Rick Chamiec-Case, Professor Calvin College, and Former Executive Director of the North American Association of Christians in Social Work

Deen Kemsley has written a brave book, one that reveals things many would have kept to themselves. He turns his own life experiences into metaphors for reaching to the heavens for God s love, showing that the way to succeed is not through striving but through giving up striving. This book qualifies as personal scripture and may well become a classic manual for those seeking Christian redemption in their lives.Dr. Claudia L. Bushman, Historian and Author Columbia University

I love the book! In fact, some of the most stirring, touching words I have ever read are in this book. The chapters are beautiful and meaningful. I truly believe the world needs this book, and that it will bring truth-seekers and peace-seekers closer to the Savior.Richard Rust, Professor of English University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Author

Deen Kemsley is an even better man than author. Yet that fact is exactly what qualifies him to write this simple yet beautiful work. The book is filled with the testimony of Christ. I recommend it to all those who sincerely wish to know how a testimony of Christ shapes the lives of those who live by faith. Through his own experience, as well as the experiences of those whom he introduces in the book, Deen teaches of the absolute comfort, wisdom, and power that fills the hearts of all true believers.David W. Checketts, Owner of the St. Louis Blues and Former CEO of Madison Square Garden and President of the New York Knicks

The concepts in this book are fresh and rich, beautifully illustrated with personal stories and well-executed summaries of Christ s life. It is unique in that it is written for a large Christian audience regardless of denomination. It has a calming effect that will bring tranquility and living water to the parched among us in these turbulent times. I loved the author s stories, and I loved the flow. This is a very important book! Rodney Jay Vessels, Author

Honest, passionate, and enlightening ... Kemsley s Trust in the Lord is a timely collection of insights that uplift and reassure those seeking to understand life s trials. Jeff Benedict, Author

This book is a "must read" for all who may be having trouble keeping their earthly priorities straight. I can t think of anyone who wouldn t benefit from reading Deen Kemsley's words, stories, and reflections on what it means to truly follow the Savior, even Jesus Christ.Rodney A. Hawes Jr., Philanthropist, and Donor for Hawes Hall at Harvard Business School

Using beautiful language, Deen testifies of the strength Christ can provide to us through life's ups and downs. He describes the development of his own faith in the Savior and shows how we too can know that God lives and cares about us. The book will surely inspire every reader. --James H. Quigley, Global CEO of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu

No matter what religion we may follow, we all struggle at one time or another for a glimpse of the Divine. Does a loving God exist? Does he know me? Does he care? In this book, Deen Kemsley draws readers into the presence of the Savior where they can almost see his face, and helps them feel the Savior s infinite love for them. Deen may have the mind of a scholar, but his heart has found the words of a poet. -Glenn Beck, Host of the CNN Glenn Beck Show

In an impressive and moving manner, Deen Kemsley testifies of our need for a Savior who can accomplish for us what we can t do for ourselves: transform us into obedient servants of the Living God! It s the perfect book to open honest dialogue among our different religious denominations regarding the only true source of salvation Jesus Christ and the work of his redemption on the Cross of Calvary.Richard Mouw, President and Professor of Christian Philosophy Fuller Theological Seminary

The book is gripping. I turned to it early one Sunday morning and did not stop until I finished the last page. It is so personal, so heartfelt, so insightful, and so beautifully written. The interweaving of personal experience with a meditation on Christ works wonderfully well. -Richard L. Bushman, Author and Professor of History Columbia University

Deen Kemsley has written an inspiring study of how Christ works in people's lives to bring them to himself, and to guide them throughout their lives, which is based almost entirely on central principles shared with all major branches of Christianity. With riveting personal illustrations punctuating the volume, the book should benefit readers from many different backgrounds, even as they might take issue with a handful of points here or there. I found the work personally uplifting and encouraging!Craig Blomberg, Distinguished Professor of New Testament Denver Seminary

The book is absolutely wonderful! Each page is insightful and inspiring and will undoubtedly strengthen and encourage those who read the book. I have heard Deen Kemsley teach and speak many times and have always felt he may well be the most effective teacher I have ever known. In this book, he applies this remarkable talent to the testimony of Jesus Christ, weaving together personal stories and the Word of God masterfully, bringing Christ s teachings alive. The result is a humble, deeply touching book that will infuse its readers with reverence and love for the Savior and help them feel his presence as they read. I endorse the book with all of my heart. I believe it will make a real difference in the lives of many.Gary L. Crittenden, Chief Financial Officer of CitiGroup

This is an inspiring, uplifting book. I enjoyed it immensely. It caused me to step back from the ambition and hustle of life to ponder upon that which really matters Jesus Christ and his great sacrifice for us. It is written in an ecumenical manner which I believe will appeal to a broad audience, drawing readers closer to God. I could feel the Spirit of the Lord as I read it, and I felt closer to him. The world needs this book! --David Neeleman, Founder of Jet Blue Airways

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Sweetwater Books (February 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599551144
• ISBN-13: 978-1599551142
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,240,134 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Reflecting the Lord, May 10, 2008

By 

Labarum (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Trust in the Lord: Reflections of Jesus Christ (Hardcover)

One of the first things I noticed about Deen Kemsley's Trust in the Lord is that I had initially misread the subtitle. Having mistakenly misread it as "Reflections on Jesus Christ", I was startled to find it actually read "Reflections of Jesus Christ". The distinction is not a minor one. In Kemsley's own spiritual sojourn, Christ is not just an abstract idea to be reflected upon but an active force in our lives that is reflected in the wonder of everyday things. The beauty of nature, the laugh of a child, the kind act of a stranger, all in some way reflect the love of Christ to a fallen world and give light to lead us back to Him.

Meditating upon the joys and disappointments of his own life, Kemsley points to the subtle ways in which God moves in all our lives that are often only noticed in retrospect. While there may not be an empirical demonstration of God's existence that would satisfy the doubts of skeptics, this is less a reason to abandon God than a reason to understand the limitations of our methodologies. God may not answer prayer in a loud roar nor the way we want but He does hear and He does answer. Moreover, He does love us.

The meditations cotained in Trust in the Lord are rich and one may find wisdon in reapeated readings that did not seem apparent at first glance. In this beautifully written and faith-filled little book we do indeed see the love of Christ reflected.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meditations for Reflection, Redemption, and Release, March 9, 2008

By 

Richard R. Blake (Bridgman, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Trust in the Lord: Reflections of Jesus Christ (Hardcover)

Deen Kemsley's writing resonates with uplifting encouragement, inspiring challenge, and amazing insight in is new book "Trust in the Lord." He captures the heart of Christ's own thoughts as he reflects and shares intimate experiences of his own spiritual journey.

Kemsley invites the reader to recognize the Savior at the cross to receive a fresh vision of who Jesus is. He draws from his own experiences and those of others as he speaks about the underlying foundation of the Christian faith as the undeserved, limitless miracle of the love of God demonstrated on the Cross of Calvary. He shows how this love produces joy in circumstances of tribulation, suffering, and persecution. These poignant illustrations draw the reader into an eager search for a fresh encounter with the Lord Jesus.

I experienced a personal call to revival, to recognize my own helplessness without the hope redemption provided through the cross. I am eager to sense the enrichment of God's presence in my life as he works to produce wholeness.

"Trust in the Lord" is for those hungry to contemplate and reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and His great love, to see fullness replace emptiness and harmony replace loneliness. The book offers the readers freshness in purity as motivation for their actions in their search to fulfill their deepest, truest potential.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not What I Expected (Pleasantly Surprised), February 27, 2008

By 

Bob Moore (McKinney, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Trust in the Lord: Reflections of Jesus Christ (Hardcover)

I just finished "Trust in the Lord: Reflections of Jesus Christ". I don't know how to describe it. It elicited in me a quiet reverence--a thoughtfulness and a feeling of profound respect. At first, I read it as one man's simple testimony of Jesus Christ interspersed with personal anecdotes. This would have been enough for me to make it worth the read. But, halfway through the book I realized that the author was using simple prose to string together some incredibly profound, and important, concepts in a way I had not originally guessed. (I had to check the author's credentials at the back to make sure I wasn't reading more into it than was really there. As a professor at Columbia, Yale, and Tulane, it's obvious the author has learned to convey complex concepts in an way that's accesible without losing the nuances of the message.) There are some great statements found in the book, but it's the message that's carried from sentence-to-sentence, page-to-page that makes this book a rare find. I know Jesus Christ better because of this book. This is one book I'll read more than a few times in my life.