Hosting the Presence Every Day by Bill Johnson

About the book:

Johnson wants Christians to encounter God on a daily basis. Though all believers have the Holy Spirit within them, Johnson says there is more that enables Christians to be overflowing with God's presence. He has readers prophets and kings from the Old Testament who were people God communed with and worked through. Johnson encourages readers to pursue God's presence above all else.

Johnson helps readers:

• Pay attention to the Holy Spirit and respond to Him.
• Recognize how the Holy Spirit manifests Himself.
• Encounter biblical figures who were hungry for more of God's Spirit and learned to host Him.
• Read stories about Presence-filled revivalists and personal encounters with the Holy Spirit.

My review:

I really like having a daily encouragement to experience the Holy Spirit on a personal level. The devotions are inspiring. Johnson has included a Scripture reference and a prayer for each day. (The last half of December has no Scripture as these are accounts of recent people and their encounters with the Holy Spirit.)

This is a great devotional for, but not limited to, Charismatic Christians. While Johnson does write about the gifts of the Spirit, he does not make them a particular focal point. I was glad to see he writes about the importance of worship and the value of experience. He writes with a view to seeing Christians transform their world. That takes the direction, power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

I have not read through the entire devotional yet but I am looking forward to doing so in the coming year. The devotionals I have read are very informative and encouraging. They are a good reminder each morning to be aware of the Holy Spirit and rely on His presence to live out the day.

Bill Johnson is a fifth-generation pastor with a rich heritage in the Holy Spirit. Bill and his wife serve a growing number of churches across denominational lines that have partnered for revival. They are the senior pastors of Bethel Church, Redding, California.

Destiny Image, 370 pages.

I received a complimentary galley of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.