Darlene Zschech may be most well known for her singing voice, but she is also the author of a 365 day devotional titled, Revealing Jesus. The book is organized into characteristics of Jesus (one for each month of the year), such as faithful, friend of sinners, savior... Each section's daily devotions revolve around that month's characteristic. Each daily devotion is one page long consisting of a title, coordinating Bible verse, devotion, & short prayer. You can easily see Darlene Zschech's passion for Jesus in her words, which are simple, true, lovely, reflective, & sometimes reveal her musical heart (she references Psalms, old hymns, etc. on occasion). A small few of the devotions are authored by others, taken from classic devotions penned by some of the great writers of the faith. Revealing Jesus is a yearlong devotional designed to take you into the heart of who Jesus is. It is not intimidating or condemning, but hopeful and challenging.

The book itself is a beautiful hard cover with embossed cover, dark teal type, & the occasional monochromatic-esque photograph/illustration featuring handwritten lyrics that reveal and revere our Savior & King, Jesus.

*I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

This Devotional is designed that each day equals a page and each page begins with a small portion of the Bible. Not more than one or two verses. The idea is not to get as much information as possible, but to thoroughly mull over what you have read. After the Bible verse, Darlene spends a couple paragraphs telling us her thoughts and revelations about that portion of Scripture and finishes with a prayer to start us off in our own conversation with Jesus. Actually, this book's title is a bit of a misnomer because, although Darlene does reveal much about Jesus, what she does most is lead us TO Jesus, where he reveals himself.

Darlene's approach to the Bible is both interesting and unique, (who spends days delving into the book of PHILEMON?!). She demonstrated her extensive knowledge of the Bible by telling the events surrounding the writing of the verse and helped me to consider the feelings of the writer: the one holding the pen and the One inspiring the words.

Although the Daily Devotional format is pretty much what we're used to, I found the content unexpected. Instead of a moment to pause and reflect, Darlene Zschech helped me to rethink my own prejudices about Jesus and be ready to accept him just as he is and for whomever he is. By giving me new things to think about, her words lingered and resurfaced throughout the day (and many times long beyond that). We may put her book down after the daily reading, but the revealing of Jesus continues.

Darlene expresses the majesty and might of Jesus and at the same time his tenderness and availability. Our days that are filled with a million annoyances and sometimes huge painful events can feel like we are walking in a desert. But this devotional is more than a stop at the oasis. Darlene puts us in the same place as the woman at the well. Once THAT woman understood who Jesus was and what he was offering, she never thirsted again. So be prepared, because once Jesus is revealed TO you, it's inevitable that he'll be revealed THROUGH you.

Although cautioned not to judge a book by its cover, the first thing the reader notices is the beautifully designed hardcover of Revealing Jesus. This beautiful book is a companion to the album of music by the same name. It is ideal for Christians looking for inspirational readings on the passion and resurrection of Christ and is perfect for gift-giving.

The book is a 365 day format with uplifting readings for each day. Each daily reading has a Bible verse, a short reflection and a prayer to help apply the topic of the day's message. Written by songwriter-performer Darlene Zschech, each reflection provides revelation, motivation and comfort in the lesson. Revealing Jesus is a book to keep, bookmark, love, and read, year after year for Christians who want to grow closer to their Savior. Revealing Jesus can only bring readers joyfully closer to Him, day by day.

Those who are familiar with Darlene Zschech's songs, including Shout to the Lord, will love this companion book. All readers who wish for a closer relationship with Jesus will love this opportunity to spend a few minutes with Him each day, learning how to know and serve Him better.

I was given a free copy of this book by Bethany House Publishers to read and review. I highly recommend Revealing Jesus to readers of all ages.

If you long for more of God's presence, real rest and peace, and to see Him work in your life, this devotional is for you. This book was birthed on the pages of Darlene Zschech's journals. It is very honest, yet beautifully written. Each month is devoted to a study of a particular character of God.

January ~ Faithful

February ~ Solid Rock

March ~ Shield

April ~ Holy One

May ~ The Gate

June ~ Savior

July ~ Risen One

August ~ Redeemer

September ~ Breath of Life

October ~ Peace

November ~ Friend of Sinners

December ~ Messiah

Darlene Zschech encourages you to "Come, sit at the feet of our Lord, be strengthened in your weakness, embrace His love for you, and breathe in His peace."

I have been on the hunt for a daily devotional of some kind for a few months now, ever since I got all excited about using another one that didn't work out. I have found it. This is a 365 day devotional that devotes 1 page to each day, sometimes they are written by Darlene, sometimes they are pulled from other places. Every day's reading begins with a verse, from any of a number of different translations and personally I like that change up. It's visually appealing as well.

I love this using this book as part of my devotions and scripture reading to kick of my day.

This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Company.