Book Review of Arms Open Wide by Sherri Gragg

Come near. Stop striving. The Master of the banquet has raised His glass to welcome you as His dear child.

So often Christians view Christ as someone who’s far away and can’t be approached until they have their lives in order. In Arms Open Wide, author Sherri Gragg proves that Christ is a kinder, more tender, more loving Savior than many understand Him to be.

Sherri writes in fictional narrative form while mixing biblical history with scripture, creating a setting that transforms readers back in time and places them right in Jesus’ presence. For thirty-five days readers walk with the Savior to witness miraculous healings and events, and give fresh insight into His power by thinking and feeling with people whose lives became instantly transformed by His love and grace. Readers journey with Jesus and His disciples in the most important time in history.

Hearts will be stirred and lives will be changed as readers draw near and walk with the Savior as never before. 

So much attracted me to this book. First of all, the title ... "arms open wide" has been a visual I have tried to hold in my mind of Christ. "A call to linger" ... is such a beautiful word picture of what God desires for us. Friendship. Fellowship.

Yet, as you know from your own lives, friendship does not grow out of nothing. There is time invested; hearts invested. And so that brings us to Sherri Gragg's wonderful devotional/storybook.

Basically in the simplest terms, Gragg's book is

Diligence - earnest and persistent application to a matter in hand

Diligent - characterized by persevering, painstaking effort.

Recently we had visiting Missionaries from Cuba in our church. They spoke to our congregation challenging us to grow deeper in knowledge and relationship with the Holy Spirit. They inspired us to accept that God has an answer to every concern, worry, challenge or mountain you may be facing. They referred to 2 Kings 2:9 where Elisha asked for a "double portion" of the blessings Elijah had received. The Missionaries challenged us to seek more from God. To push the limits of our imaginations to where God can use us and bless us more than we could ever dream in each situation.

After their message the couple gave a review of Cuba's history and where they are now. And one particular event stood out in my mind so strongly. I know