if you’ve been around here for a while, you know I read so many more fiction titles than non-fiction. There are lots of reasons for that, but after awhile I’ll come across one that catches my interest, especially if it is a book expounding on scripture.
Unexpected Love: God’s Heart Revealed through Jesus’ Conversations with Woman by Julie Zine Coleman does just that. She recounts conversations with 9 different woman as recorded in scripture in a narrative story, then she looks at the passage through the lenses of Biblical history and culture, context, word studies, and comparing to scripture to scripture in a format that is very readable for the everyday person. This is my favorite way to study scripture, so I loved her insights! But she doesn’t stop there.
After walking through parts of the story that might prove confusing to the modern reader, she moves to application, exploring how Jesus’ interaction with each woman has consequences for our daily lives. This is followed by questions and journaling suggestions. It is a perfect book for personal study and quiet time or for use as a group. It’s one I imagine I’ll return to at various times when I see myself in those conversations.
I got a chance to visit with Julie recently. We spent a couple of hours encouraging each other, sharing our hearts. I’m so grateful to have met this godly, amazing lady. Check out her book and her website: www.juliecoleman.org. I think you’ll feel the same.
That book sounds wonderful! Thanks for the recommendation!
You are welcome. I think it’s one I’ll go back to again and again.
Thanks for your kind words, Anne. I was blessed by our conversation as well. Looks like we have a mutual fan club!! Thanks for this endorsement.
Yes, I guess we have a mutual fan club, Julie! Loved visiting with you and hope our path cross again one day! 🙂