Journey to the Cross: A 40-Day Lenten Devotional

I Am so in love with this book!!! I truly highly recommend this 40 day Lenten devotional to anyone that truly wants a closer relationship with the Lord. It is an excellent exceptional book!!! I read the daily lesson but can’t wait for the next day to read another section. It’s about 3 or 4 pages per day but it’s so beautiful and makes you think about your Relationship with God. I love love love this book and believe me you will Not regret it if you buy it!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Wow! I have always given something up for Lent since I was a kid... yet this way of spending 40 days is wrecking my heart in a good way. By constantly evaluating our behaviors and habits and sin areas makes us ever aware of our blessed daily need for grace and the beauty of confession leading toward real transformation in Christ! Deep, but worth every penny.

Even though I am a life long Nazarene, I have never celebrated Lent, because it was Catholic thing. I have missed out. What a wonderful time this has been to me. I really enjoyed each lesson and I even kept a journal, and answered the three questions at the end of every lesson. I highly recommend doing that, and they were complex questions. I really like Paul David Tripp's work. Nicely done.

Great for owning up, and moving towards a new profound relationship with God. I really like this book, because it tells you what to read from the actual Bible to apply with the lesson that I continuously felt like he was calling me out for.

I’m just through Day 19 of this Lenten devotional, and Iam having a very meaningful experience with the reading and working through the daily questions. Highly recommend!

Tripp has composed a thoughtful, well-written series of considerations worthy of the purpose behind the Lenten season. Even as a non-practitioner of Lent, I found this to be helpful, theologically accurate, and worth my time; maybe on a yearly basis leading up to Easter to prepare my mind to more fully appreciate Resurrection weekend. Recommended.

but this book was is a blessing from GOD! If you are considering getting it, please do, you will be filled with joy after reading it each day. So GOOD!

Paul Tripp is amazing. This book was a great inspiration during this Lenten season. This was my third Paul Tripp book. Planing on adding more of his books to my prayer life. I can only praise this wonderful man for enlightening my faith walk with the Lord.

I’ve read several of Tripp’s books and share his theology. I was at the same reading Lenten devotions taken from the writings of Evelyn Underhill. There’s just no comparison in terms of quality in writing and content. Journey to the Cross had so much repetition in the writing, it often reads like filler and a fulfillment of a book contract.

I chose this book because I wanted something to put my mind on Christ 4 a while before Easter. I found it to be more than helpful! It really enabled me to see my sin and how it devastates my life at times. I've done it twice now. And I think I will read it every couple of months!

I Am so in love with this book!!! I truly highly recommend this 40 day Lenten devotional to anyone that truly wants a closer relationship with the Lord. It is an excellent exceptional book!!! I read the daily lesson but can’t wait for the next day to read another section. It’s about 3 or 4 pages per day but it’s so beautiful and makes you think about your Relationship with God. I love love love this book and believe me you will Not regret it if you buy it!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Wow! I have always given something up for Lent since I was a kid... yet this way of spending 40 days is wrecking my heart in a good way. By constantly evaluating our behaviors and habits and sin areas makes us ever aware of our blessed daily need for grace and the beauty of confession leading toward real transformation in Christ! Deep, but worth every penny.

Even though I am a life long Nazarene, I have never celebrated Lent, because it was Catholic thing. I have missed out. What a wonderful time this has been to me. I really enjoyed each lesson and I even kept a journal, and answered the three questions at the end of every lesson. I highly recommend doing that, and they were complex questions. I really like Paul David Tripp's work. Nicely done.

Great for owning up, and moving towards a new profound relationship with God. I really like this book, because it tells you what to read from the actual Bible to apply with the lesson that I continuously felt like he was calling me out for.

I’m just through Day 19 of this Lenten devotional, and Iam having a very meaningful experience with the reading and working through the daily questions. Highly recommend!

Tripp has composed a thoughtful, well-written series of considerations worthy of the purpose behind the Lenten season. Even as a non-practitioner of Lent, I found this to be helpful, theologically accurate, and worth my time; maybe on a yearly basis leading up to Easter to prepare my mind to more fully appreciate Resurrection weekend. Recommended.

but this book was is a blessing from GOD! If you are considering getting it, please do, you will be filled with joy after reading it each day. So GOOD!

Paul Tripp is amazing. This book was a great inspiration during this Lenten season. This was my third Paul Tripp book. Planing on adding more of his books to my prayer life. I can only praise this wonderful man for enlightening my faith walk with the Lord.

I’ve read several of Tripp’s books and share his theology. I was at the same reading Lenten devotions taken from the writings of Evelyn Underhill. There’s just no comparison in terms of quality in writing and content. Journey to the Cross had so much repetition in the writing, it often reads like filler and a fulfillment of a book contract.

I chose this book because I wanted something to put my mind on Christ 4 a while before Easter. I found it to be more than helpful! It really enabled me to see my sin and how it devastates my life at times. I've done it twice now. And I think I will read it every couple of months!

What an excellent devotional to help prepare our hearts and minds for Easter. As a human, I am prone to forget the many blessings that Christ has given me. It is so easy to focus on what is wrong with the world, or what is not working in my life and I forget to be grateful for what is working, or for what I can count on. Paul Tripp has done a good job of reminding me who God is and who I am so that my heart rejoices each morning just because I am His!

Paul David Tripp, as a writer, expertly peels back the spiritual layers of whatever topic he is writing about so that you gain a perspective you may not have had without his guidance. I often say his books are like gentle gut-punches on every page. This Lenten devotional is no exception. His insight into and application of the Word of God helps deepen my personal foundation of Scripture.

I loved this book - 40 days to draw you near to Jesus. I was blessed every day as I read things that created new thoughts of His love for me.

Such a beautiful devotional. It brings into focus the journey to the cross and the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. I helped me to focus on Christ for 40 days leading to Resurrection Sunday.

Highly recommended, I chose this book for my church in this Lent season to help our members meditate on God’s word. This is really a beautiful, great devotional guide which leads us go through the spiritual journey to the cross of our Lord. In this book you will understand our Lord deeper and know yourself more clearly, and the love to our God in your heart will be kindled again!

This thought-provoking, convicting, yet hope-filled devotional guided me through Jesus' final days here on Earth. It encouraged me to reflect on my sin and turn to God in awe as well as take time to repent.

My church doesn’t practice Lent, but I personally wanted Easter to be more a season, not just a weekend, of reflection about what Jesus did for me at the cross. This book really brought home my need for the cross in ways I hadn’t considered.

Anything Paul Tripp writes is a must read. I have many of his books & have never been disappointed. If you’re looking for “gospel fluff” this is not for you. This is gospel “truth.” Paul has been a blessing in my life!! 🥰

Awesome book and enjoyed reading it everyday. It's a great book to read and understandt Jesus life and to his crucifixion.

This book was so convicting and really prepared my hear for resurrection Sunday! But it could also be a great 40 day reset at any point in our lives because Mr. Tripp points us to Jesus and the work he did on the cross.

Great devotional

The best Lenten devotional I have ever used. It draws you closer to Jesus and prepares your heart to celebrate Good Friday and Easter Sunday with a fuller understanding how Jesus loves us by paying for our sins.

Very much enjoying the devotional and the focus on Christ

Excellent book a broader look at the cross

Excellent devotional to read during Lent. Great questions consideration as you read.

Paul Tripp helps to focus your attention on Jesus during the time before Easter. It was helpful to just reflect and remember the importance of not getting caught up in the world's problems but to focus on the answer who is Jesus.

Paul David Tripp knows how to understand and convey the meaning of Scripture! His teaching and writing in this book are excellent as one explores the depths of the cross during a season of Lent.

Awesome!! What Holy Spirit inspired writing! I will reread this book as a daily devotional, every day, not just this season!! Thank you!

Loved doing this devotional for Lent. Great scriptural reference. Easy to read daily.

This was the best Lenten read that I have read yet.

Liked.

Some special days set aside to commemorate an event, after being observed over and over, become trite or easily ignored. To the Christian church, the time of Easter has special significance theologically and practically. However, its practicality has been lost over the centuries of observance. Tripp, using story and poem, tells the practical purpose of Easter. How does the death of a man two thousand years ago have application to my life today? What is so important about that death and subsequent resurrection that I would want to take time, never mind 40 days, to reflect on aspects of that death? Lent comes in several months, and I will pick up Tripp’s book and read it slowly and carefully again, and may do it next year as well. My delight in the book shows the power of Tripp’s insights. I was challenged to slow down, examine my own life and attitudes, and listen closely to the words and actions of the God-man, Jesus Christ, as He went to the cross to die a sacrificial death for mankind. Tripp’s stories had very personal application. He made it easy to identify with the ideas that he sought to communicate each of the forty days. I’m thankful for the opportunity to journey with him through Lent, twice this year. I appreciate Crossway’s willingness to provide me a copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Lent is meant to bring us closer to Jesus. But how does this happen? In Journey to the Cross, Paul David Tripp takes us on a 40-day devotional Lenten journey as we reflect on our sin and travel through the sorrows, sufferings, and sacrificial joy of Jesus. Sit Under the Shadow of the Cross There are 40 days of devotions in this book, and they all focus on our sin. But they don’t speak on sin in the abstract or theological, but in the everyday and practical implications. Pride, poor attitudes, selfishness, and anger are talked about. And Tripp makes it personal by giving examples from his life and with his family. He writes with sensitivity, but with purpose. This book takes sin seriously, but its purpose is to offer a solution in Jesus. We are told to sit under the shadow of the cross. We are told to persevere in prayer. As is fitting for Lent, we are asked to fast, make personal sacrifices, examine our idols, and put them to death. This book begs you to take your spiritual life seriously, and it reminds us that getting more of Jesus is always worth it. Abundant Grace Each of the 40 devotions opens with short summary sentences, and closes with 3 reflection questions. Interestingly, Bible passages are presented after the devotional read, prompting you with what to look for in the text as well as how to pray. I found this to be an excellent format, as the devotionals serve as introductions to the Biblical text – not meant to replace or supersede God’s Word. Because each devotion is less than 5 pages in length, Tripp does not waste any words. He cuts straight to the heart and asks direct, pointed questions. Following Jesus takes hard work and determination, with faith that is supplied and fortified by abundant and abounding grace. Deeper Joy After the highs of the Christmas season, I often find myself not as excited as I should be for Easter. With this book, Tripp uses the Lenten season to take us low with Jesus on a journey to the cross. By the time Easter arrives, you will find your joy has deepened as your heart is drawn to worship. I received a media copy of Journey to the Cross and this is my honest review.

I did not grow up observing Lent. I vaguely knew it existed, but our family didn't participate. It wasn't until I was much older that I began to understand the importance of taking those 40 days to quiet myself and focus on the sacrifice that Jesus made on my behalf. This devotional is theologically reliable, as is typical of Paul Tripp's books. He begins each devotional with some ideas, then expands on the ideas, then provides some thought-provoking questions and some Scriptural references for further reading. It would make an excellent personal devotional or a family devotional with older (teen+) kids. Each day is 4-5 pages long, but the white space is generous. I read a digital copy, but I plan to purchase a paper copy because I would like to review it yearly. I gratefully received a free ARC digital copy of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion.

Prolific author Paul David Tripp has already proven to be an outstanding daily devotions writer with New Morning Mercies. Here he focuses on the 40 days of Lent, a "journey of the heart." Even if this is not part of your tradition, you can better prepare yourself for Easter by adding this to your quiet time. The devotions are 4-5 pages long, which may seem like a lot of reading, but it really isn't. You can get through in just a few minutes; longer if you deal with the questions for reflection at the end. Some devotionals state the obvious, but not Journey to the Cross. These are inspiring and substantive readings, good for new and seasoned Christians.

Tripp's words usually provoke a response. It's rare to read something of his and not be challenged but also encouraged. This Lenten devotional is no exception. And being 40 days in Lent, Tripp's convicting style is perfect for the season. Lent can be wearisome as one's guilt for regularly missing its purpose can overwhelm us. But that's not it's purpose. Jesus invites us on His journey to the Cross to experience Him, to enter into His gentle rhythms, acknowledging, as a result of our humanity, that we choose our ways instead of His. Tripp encourages us in this regard in this devotional. The 3-4 pages for each day are a great length; much better than the half page ones. He uses passages of Scripture to provoke, challenge and inspire. Every few days in he uses his poetry to lift our spirits (I especially enjoyed these days). Like all Tripp books that I've read, I highly recommend this one. I'm sure this won't be the only Lenten season in which I use it. I received a complimentary early ebook copy from Crossway via NetGalley with no expectations of a favourable review.

My Thoughts: New Morning Mercies is one of the devotionals I read everyday. The spiritual depth of the devotional, and the strong ability to resonate my life to Tripp’s writings is nourishing, applicable, convicting, and uplifting. Paul David Tripp is one of my favorite Christian authors. I also enjoy watching his brief teachings on video via Facebook. When I saw the opportunity to read and review Journey to The Cross I didn’t hesitate. My church denomination background didn’t include Lenten. We had an Easter service but no mention of Lenten. I affiliated the word with Catholicism. Through years of reading and having friends of other background denominations I became familiar with Lenten. The church I am now attending has services for Lenten Sundays. They have services during the Holy Week leading up to Easter. One of the first quotes I love from this book is in the introduction. From the Sermon on the Mount, Christ taught, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5: 4. ESV. “Mourning means you recognize the most important reality in the human existence, sin. Mourning means you have been hit by the weight of what it has done to you and to every one you know. Mourning says you have considered the devastating fact that life right here, right now, is one big spiritual war. Mourning means that you have come to realize, as you get up in the morning, that once again you will be greeted with a catalog of temptations. Mourning means you know that there really are spiritual enemies out there meaning to do you harm. Mourning results when you confess that there are places where your heart still wanders.” I have cried more in the past year over those who don’t know Christ Jesus than at any other time in life. I have cried more in the past year over those who suffer. I have cried more in the past year because of the effect of sin in the world. I believe it is possible that I have developed a deeper understanding (only because of the Holy Spirit) of what sin has done. Easter reminds me sin doesn’t have the final word. Favorite take-aways from Journey To The Cross. In Day 1, Tripp explains when he was a young person he didn’t realize sin’s impact on him and the world. Until that moment, he didn’t understand his sin or the tremendous blessing of Christ’s saving grace. He confessed and prayed for God’s forgiveness. This is the correct posture for all people. To agree, acknowledge, and humbly admit we sin and need Christ Jesus’s redeeming grace. I love Tripp’s honesty about his early struggle. Day 2 examines several points I learned from “the shadow of the cross.” A few examples of these six points: 1. “The shadow of the cross teaches us who we are.” 2. “The shadow of the cross teaches us what we need.” 3. “The shadow of the cross teaches us who God is.” Day 7 told me it is healthy to mourn. I’m so thankful it’s healthy to cry and mourn. Mourning makes us/me “cry out for a restorer.” Christ Jesus is the Restorer. Day 15 teaches about spiritual warfare, stumbling blocks, and idols. Christians can be active in volunteering at church. They can attend every worship service. They can have an understanding of the Bible stories. However, Christians can still worship idols. There is an inner conflict inside all people. “This is where the spiritual war rages. It always rages at the level of the thoughts and desires of your heart. It is always deeper than behavior.” In Day 21, people tend to “excuse,” “deny,” and “minimize,” sin. Instead we are to “confess.” “What is confession? Confession is admitting personal responsibility for your words and actions, without excuse of any kind or shifting the blame to anyone else. Confession is a welcome into a deeper appreciation of the presence, promises, and grace of God.” Chapter 22 has several questions to help reveal the heart. For example, “When do I tend to question God’s love?” Chapter 28 explains Christ “sympathizes” and identifies with my/our struggles and suffering. Jesus responds with perfect tenderness, love, and God’s redeeming grace. “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16-18. ESV. Bible verse links courtesy of Bible Gateway. It is difficult to give the page numbers for the above quotes because it’s an e-book. Source: I received a complimentary e-book copy from Crossway. I am not required to write a positive review.

Looking for the ugly isn't a fun endeavor. But if it serves a good purpose, I'll entertain the idea. That's what Paul David Tripp is inviting us into in his 40-day Lenten devotional, Journey to the Cross. Tripp says, "Mourning does something wonderful to you. The sad realities that cause you to mourn also cause you to cry out for the help, rescue, forgiveness, and deliverance of a Redeemer. Jesus said that if you mourn, you will be comforted." Well, if you put it that way, it sounds good. Who doesn't want help, rescue, forgiveness, and deliverance? Sign me up for comfort. Tripp reminds us again and again of the comforts of God as we walk with him through the season of Lent in this book. Each daily devotional is packed with scriptural truths as well as personal stories and applications. Tripp ends each chapter with reflection questions that we can answer and apply in our own lives. In this season of Lent, we're invited to notice our poverty. And embrace it. Tripp says, "What? How is poverty of any kind a blessing? How is it ever good to have nothing, and to have to admit you have nothing? How is it possible for the impoverished life to be the good life? These are the questions the season of Lent forces us to face and to answer because Lent isn’t for the rich; it is for those who are poor." Reading this book reminds us of our poverty, but also of our rich spiritual inheritance. I highly recommend it. My thanks to Crossway for the review copy of this book.

This is a really nice devotional. I like the layout that has a small portion to read each day with an inspirational statement at the beginning then a detailed description with relatable stories that help you know how to apply the Biblical concept to your daily life. I would recommend.

Typically what you get in a devotional is some scripture followed by a story or writing from an earlier thinker which leads to some application. What Tripp has done here is start with propositional truths, preach on them for a couple of pages, and concludes with some questions and points to some scripture you could almost read as a reading plan. Of these aspects, the questions and reading plan I found more valuable than Tripp's mini-sermons. Everything Tripp writes is true enough but wasn't particularly new or insightful and doesn't include any thoughts pulled in from any other theologians or pastors.

Paul David Tripp has written another gem. In an age where the sharp edges of truth are being blunted, his newest devotional "Journey to the Cross" provides an important guide to rediscovering the weight of our sinfulness and the sheer joy of finding those sins forgiven in the cross of Jesus Christ. I have long been a fan of Tripp's mixture of biblical truth and pastoral care and this book is another example of that necessary blend. Each one of the 40 devotionals wrestles with an important aspect of how the ordinary and sometimes extra-ordinary struggles with our faith are addressed and overcome by the love and grace of God expressed through Christ's death. Tripp dives deep into the human spirit and holy scripture surfacing with hands full of precious pearls of wisdom. Additionally in each daily devotion he provides questions for reflection coupled with realistic calls to action. This will be a resource that I will turn to year after year as I travel through the season of Lent and Easter. For someone looking for something that goes beyond the superficial sentimentality of many devotionals today, I heartily recommend "Journey to the Cross."

I have read many books by Paul Tripp over the years. Some have impacted my walk and strengthened my faith in various ways. Others have not really gripped me as much. But I was intrigued by this new work as Easter approached, and decided to give it a try. Again, perhaps it is personal taste, but his insights in this book have really been helpful and challenging for me in my desire to follow Christ. He has always excelled in his works in pointing out idolatry, human folly, and God's grace, but I found his approaches and illustrations to these concepts much more vivid, powerful, and helpful in this work. Whether or not you believe the observation of Lent is appropriate or not, this is an enormously helpful and soul-enriching book that will point you to the love, mercy and grace of God revealed in the person and work of His Son, Jesus Christ. Highly recommended!