Book SummaryUpon Waking, by Jackie Hill Perry

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Upon Waking

The significance of committing daily to the enhancement of one's spiritual existence.

The book stresses the importance of delving beyond surface-level spiritual materials in pursuit of more profound spiritual sustenance.

Devotionals should focus mainly on the teachings of God instead of just improving oneself or pursuing positive feelings.

Perry argues that contemporary devotional literature often lacks depth, serving more as instruments for self-improvement rather than as means to deepen one's relationship with the divine. She firmly believes that efforts to achieve a feeling of sufficiency or to exhibit devoutness miss the fundamental point, which is to enhance our comprehension of the divine.

Perry underscores the significance of placing greater importance on the attributes and instructions from the Bible that pertain to God, rather than our own inclinations and feelings. She suggests that a deliberate shift in our attention can deepen our understanding of the Divine's essence and desires, fostering a relationship with the Divine that is more intimate and fulfilling. She encourages people to delve deeply into holy texts, seeking not just temporary solace or moral guidance, but to profoundly understand and be transformed by the nature of the divine.

Engaging consistently with holy scriptures and maintaining a dialogue of prayer are crucial for nurturing a deep connection with the Divine.

Perry emphasizes the importance of regularly immersing oneself in Scripture and prayer to deepen one's close relationship with the Divine. She employs a food metaphor to clarify the same concept. Jackie Hill Perry argues that, akin to how our physical forms need consistent nourishment to function properly, our inner being similarly necessitates ongoing spiritual nourishment from a divine origin. Engaging with texts that appear to be spiritually enriching in an attempt to elicit fleeting sensations of love or validation from external sources leaves our core being malnourished and in pursuit of more profound fulfillment.

The author suggests perceiving prayer as an essential link to the divine, rather than seeing it as a routine chore or just another task to complete. She inspires people to approach their divine conversations with genuine hearts and transparency, offering their truest...

Upon Waking Summary The need for depth and authenticity in our relationship with God, rather than just religious activities

The author warns against confusing the mere participation in religious rituals with a genuine relationship with the divine.

Perry challenges readers to examine the motivations behind their religious practices. She cautions that mistaking mere rituals of reverence for a deep, authentic connection with the sacred can lead one astray. Our inner selves may remain far from His presence, even if we engage in sacred rituals or strive to seem pious, leading us to the false assumption that we've established a genuine bond with the Divine. Perry underscores the importance of a true dedication that springs from a heart transformed and made compliant by divine grace, as opposed to merely performing religious duties to uphold an appearance of devoutness.

Genuine commitment to personal convictions requires a readiness to be candid, receptive, and to allow oneself to be reshaped by divine direction.

The author advocates for a sincere and transparent pursuit of a deep connection with the divine. She underscores the point that by presenting an image of perfection or denying our imperfections, we only increase the distance between ourselves and the sacred. Perry emphasizes the...

Upon Waking Summary Overcoming doubt, shifting emotions, and a myriad of challenges to establish a more profound bond with the divine.

The book acknowledges the presence of uncertainties, apprehensions, and intense feelings that can hinder our relationship with the divine.

Perry acknowledges that individuals devoted to Christianity often face a spectrum of difficult feelings such as uncertainty, trepidation, and suffering. She urges her audience to recognize that these occurrences are not indicative of diminished spiritual fortitude, but rather a natural consequence of living in an imperfect world. Throughout the book, she portrays these difficulties as shared experiences and provides practical advice on how to tackle them in ways that fortify one's bond with God rather than creating distance.

Readers are urged to openly present their genuine doubts and challenges to the Divine, instead of attempting to conceal them.

Perry encourages a more profound investigation into spiritual issues to develop a more authentic set of beliefs. She contends that often we hesitate to present our genuine inquiries to the Divine, fearing judgment or a loss of esteem. However, she argues that posing inquiries, particularly in times of adversity, is a natural and advantageous element of a person's dialogue with God....

Upon Waking Summary The transformative power of honestly approaching God and allowing Him to change our hearts

The book emphasizes that true change and growth are driven by humility, underscoring the essential need for embracing spiritual guidance at all stages of our existence.

Perry underscores that true transformation takes place when we approach the Divine with humility, acknowledging our reliance on His pivotal contribution to our individual growth. She underscores that genuine growth is not a result of individual efforts, but rather the result of surrendering to the transformative power of the divine. In this journey of sanctification, we participate in a transformative process, working in tandem with the divine efforts to purify our innermost being.

Readers are encouraged to acknowledge their sins and vulnerabilities instead of concealing or disregarding them.

Perry advocates for the nurturing of openness and truthfulness, especially in the presence of God, when it comes to acknowledging sin and one's own fragility. She underscores the impossibility of concealing oneself from God, who perceives the innermost parts of our being. She advocates for openly acknowledging our wrongdoings and turning away from them, understanding that genuine restoration and liberation are...

Upon Waking Summary The pivotal role of the divine nature and historical reliability in upholding our belief.

The book underscores the importance of continuous contemplation regarding the nature and deeds of the Divine throughout history.

Perry emphasizes the importance of anchoring our faith in the unwavering character and dependability of God while navigating the uncertainties of life. She encourages her audience to cultivate a habit of introspection, focusing on the omnipotent force along with the unwavering display of kindness and loyalty as illustrated in the Holy Scriptures and as witnessed in their personal life stories. Jackie Hill Perry contends that actively connecting with the historical dependability of the Divine bolsters belief and ignites hope during challenging periods.

The book advises individuals to base their convictions on the unwavering nature and promises of God rather than their personal circumstances or feelings.

Perry suggests that we shift our focus away from the fluctuating and unpredictable aspects of our personal circumstances and feelings, placing our trust solidly in the unwavering character of God and His dependable promises. She underscores to her audience that God's unwavering constancy is rooted in His immutable character, which remains...

Upon Waking Summary Our spiritual journeys are enriched and supported by the guidance and strength provided by the Divine Counselor.

The book underscores the vital importance of the Holy Spirit in fostering and maintaining our spiritual growth.

Perry underscores the vital importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering believers on their journey of faith. She underscores the necessity of personal endeavor in seeking a connection with the divine, while also recognizing that genuine change and the cultivation of spiritual virtues are contingent upon the internal operations of the Holy Spirit. She frequently highlights the Spirit's capacity to overcome obstacles that seem insurmountable through our individual strength alone.

The narrative underscores the critical importance of relying on the spiritual fortitude provided by the Spirit to overcome sin, resist temptation, and foster the growth of spiritual attributes.

The author underscores the vital importance of the Holy Spirit's guidance in our path toward greater holiness. She emphasizes the vital necessity of spiritual fortitude, because lacking this, we are unable to defeat sin, repel temptation, or develop the qualities that signal the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jackie Hill Perry argues that this reliance shifts our focus from...