Come Alive: Conversations With Scripture: Matthew

Talbot Davis

My mornings begin at dark o’clock, eastern time, with a steaming cup of coffee and the only silence I will have all day. I learned quickly that if I didn’t steal away early each morning, I would never have time for my devotions and prayers before my seven kids stumble into the kitchen looking for breakfast and my coffee. I have several favorite devotional guides I cycle through, but I also like to add in new readings so that I get new viewpoints and new ideas to chew on. Come Alive: Conversations With Scripture by Talbot Davis arrived from Invite Resources for my review, and I have very much enjoyed how it has augmented my morning time for the past three months.

This edition of Come Alive is a series of 90 readings, all based on consecutive passages through the book of Matthew. At this point in my life, I have read through Matthew more times than the average person, as my work in children’s ministries lands me there frequently. I’ve always enjoyed this Gospel, and reading it with these new lenses has been refreshing. Each day’s reading is accompanied by a short devotional and thoughtful ending phrase to meditate on. It was particularly engaging for me to delve into the author’s discussions of the historical settings and how geography affects the readings. Many details are woven throughout that allow the reader to wonder and evaluate their previous understandings of the readings. 

This resource can be used in many ways. Of course, it is a solid recommendation to anyone who is looking for a shorter term devotional guide. It is a good read for those that are newer on their faith walks, but also for those who are more seasoned. It is also a good choice for families of adults and teens that are looking for something to read together. They can easily discuss the readings over the dinner table, via a text thread, or even in the car running to activities. This could also be a good resource for a small group that is looking to build a devotional practice together, supporting one another as they develop the habit. The reading is accessible and the ending thoughts are good conversation starters. If you have someone on staff that is adept with taking resources and using them to develop short term small group studies, this book is a good option for a semester-long adult faith formation class. This is a resource that provides you with new ways of seeing familiar text, easy introductions to the Gospel of Matthew for those that are starting out, and flexibility in use. Having a copy of this in your resource library will serve many purposes.