40 Days Of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole – Book Review
For dust you are, and to dust you shall return. – Genesis 3:19
Today is Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent – the 40-day season that leads up to Easter. For many Christians, it’s a season of fasting and prayer, a season of self-sacrifice, a season to draw closer to God as we individually and corporately prepare for Easter.
I must confess – as a child, I grew up in a tradition that was steeped in the rites and rituals of this season, but I always had trouble connecting to it.
But, I’m reading an amazing book called 40 Days Of Decrease – A Different Kind Of Hunger, A Different Kind Of Fast by Alicia Britt Chole that’s totally changing my perspective on Lent and helping me to experience this season in a way that I have never felt before.
Alicia opens 40 Days Of Decrease with a Prologue entitled The Grand Reduction that is simply profound. She speaks of a Savior whose fast on earth began not in the Judean desert where he was tempted by Satan, but thirty years earlier when he came to earth and fasted omnipresence – angel worship – and the Voice that birthed planets.
She reminds us that Jesus’ Grand Reduction began when He clothed Himself with flesh – accepted the disregard of man – and submitted to the silence of thirty hidden years.
Alicia reminds us to fast increase, because decrease will purify our souls.
In 40 Days Of Decrease, Alicia provides a rich resource of 40 non-traditional fasts that will prepare you to be awed by the resurrection of Christ by allowing yourself to be daily crucified with Him. Each fast is structured as a study that contains a devotional based upon Jesus’ life, guidance for reflection, daily fasts, inspiring quotes, information about Lent, suggested Scripture readings and journaling space.
Examples of the fasts you’ll find in this book include Regrets – Tidy Faith – Avoidance – Rationalism – Stinginess – Criticism – Comparison – Discontentment – Confidence – and Withholding.
40 Days Of Decrease is a book to meditate upon as you work your way through it and savor the things that God is teaching you on your Lenten journey. You are encouraged to take as much time as you need to complete each fast.
If you have the desire to draw close to God this Lent and are looking for a book to accompany you on your journey, I highly recommend 40 Days Of Decrease to you!
I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
About Alicia Britt Chole
Whether in person or in print, Dr. Alicia Britt Chole’s voice carries an invitation to walk with God anew. A former atheist, her love for God and His Word overflows to bring ancient truth to life.
Alicia is an international speaker, an author of a dozen books and bible studies, a seasoned mentor, and the founding director of Leadership Investment Intensives, Inc, a non-profit devoted to providing personal soul-care to leaders in the marketplace and church. Her book, Anonymous: Jesus’ Hidden Years and Yours, is highly regarded by leaders and learners around the globe.
Alicia and her husband of 25 years joyfully parent their three extraordinary children in a country home off of a dirt road surrounded by loads of laundry, laughter, and love.
Resources
For More Information
- Visit Vicki’s Website.
- Connect with Alicia on Facebook and Twitter.
- 40 Days Of Decrease is available on Amazon.
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Disclosure: I received a copy of this book through Book Look Bloggers for review purposes. However, the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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What a compelling way to “fast” from certain behaviors! I look forward to reading 40 Days Of Decrease and sharing it with friends.
Awesome Deborah – I previewed the book on Amazon and was hooked from the beginning!
I hope you have a fruitful Lenten season! 🙂
Thank you for telling us about this. I am going to see if the library has it right now.
Awesome Ellen – I hope you can find it – I imagine it would be a popular book right about now! 🙂
Just sent this to my Kindle! :O)
Awesome LuAnn – I can’t wait to hear what you think of the book! 🙂
Alicia’s book sounds so intriguing and a different perspective on fast.
Your review gave me cold chills as it is amazing.
Thank you for your reviews, they are inspiring for readers of good books!
Karren
Thank you for sharing at #thursdayfavoritethings. Pinned and tweeted!
I keep looking at this book and thinking: “I need to read it!”
Even though Lent is already upon us, I may just need to dive in.
I really want to read this book! I’m going to pin it for next year’s Lent! I hope I remember! 🙂
Thanks so much for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday!
Tina
This book is really worth ordering Tina – you could actually use it throughout the year!