Book review: Unto the Hills by Billy Graham

Much of life is lived in the valley, not on the mountaintop.

With this reality in mind, 25 years ago Billy Graham compiled 365 daily devotionals out of his more than 50 years of Gospel ministry. This volume has been updated for clarity and accuracy and re-released by Thomas Nelson Publishers. Unto the Hills is traditionally structured, with readings for each day of the year along with a scripture passage and suggested prayer.

Graham’s life message is quite simple: The Gospel of Jesus Christ is worth believing, and is sufficient for anything life might bring. That life message is also the message of Unto the Hills: From the valleys, we can still look to the hills, as David did in Psalm 121:1, and be reminded that our help does, indeed, come from the loving hand of God Himself.

Graham compiles some of his best-known anecdotes and quotes in this volume, and for those familiar with his ministry the result is a devotional that feels familiar even if you’ve not previously read it. The focus is not Billy Graham, however. On every page, the reader is pointed to the Word of God, His character, and the sufficiency of Jesus Christ. Like Graham’s ministry, the author is secondary to the Author.  

Unto the Hills avoids the non-essentials of the Christian faith and just reminds readers of the simple yet profound essential truths. It’s a great book to give a new Christian, to build on the foundation Christ has established in his or her life. It’s also a great devotional to refocus on the fundamentals of our faith … the “old, old story” of redemption through the blood of Christ, the message that never grows old.

Book information: http://www.booksneeze.com/blogger/resources/9780849946219

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