We all know about the rut — the one that we who have been Christians for quite some time can get into. The one where our spiritual fervor is depleted and our autopilot kicks on to keep us moving forward.
This is where going through the motions becomes our normal, and we don’t even realize we have slipped into the rut until a book like “Bold Devotion” shakes us and pulls us out.
Linda Condolora. “Bold Devotion.” 21st Century Christian. 2025. 180 pages. $17.99.
Linda Condolora, a member of the Wetzel Road Church of Christ in Liverpool, N.Y., provides practical advice on how to regain that zeal we had when we first arose from the watery grave of baptism!
Her book invites readers to assess their lives and do some house cleaning where necessary. The chapters revolve around topics that will help us to achieve this by using an acrostic of the book’s title.
She begins with our reflection of Jesus and how we need to refocus our lenses on him, not letting worldly distractions blur our vision. Others are sure to detect whether we have been spending time with the Lord, and how we represent Christ to the world is of utmost importance.
Condolora consistently urges us to sacrifice our wants and desires and to dive deeper into the depth of God’s Word — focusing on the meaty morsels and not simply on the milk.
Next, we are called to not be ignorant of God’s expectations clearly laid out by the measuring stick standard — his Holy Writ. By doing so, we gain a greater understanding of who we once were and where God has brought us through the death of his son.
This helps us with our attitudes toward the lost because we realize we were once in the same situation! Our rut can sometimes look like spending all of our time with the church and not seeing the opportunities that God is setting before us to reach souls.
The remainder of the book centers on aligning with God’s will, living inconveniently and whole-heartedly for the Lord, and tying ourselves to truth as we worship and serve him accordingly.
Condolora’s thoughts on being prepared and intentional about how we can influence others to live the abundant life stuck with me as I earnestly jotted down notes and highlighted passages. A final note on the Holy Spirit and prayer wraps up the book’s desire for us to utilize these powerful tools and gifts in our lives.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this book was how the author incorporated personal stories and experiences that gave real world examples to the messages she was trying to paint in the reader’s mind. I can almost feel her passion flowing from the words, and I love that she has embraced the boldness that she encourages others to share in.
While my views may not align exactly with hers on subjects such as social drinking and the Holy Spirit’s specific role in our lives today, this was certainly a book that sparked my interest and awoke me from somewhat of a spiritual slumber. If you find yourself in the rut, pick up this book and remember what it was like to have that fire burning within you. Then go out and live boldly devoted to the Lord!
JENNIFER NICHOLS is a Ladies’ Day speaker, Bible class teacher, and home educator. She worships at the Fayette Church of Christ in Fayette, Ala., with her husband and three children.
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