Jesus Calling- Book Review

 

Jesus Calling- Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young

Thomas Nelson Publishers

Jesus Calling is a devotional book written from the thoughts and impressions that Sarah Young has received from God as she meditated on Him.

The practice of listening to God has increased my intimacy with Him more than any other spiritual discipline, so I want to share some of the messages I have received.  In many parts of the world, Christians seem to be searching for a deeper experience of Jesus' Presence and Peace.  The messages, that are included in this devotional, address that felt need.  The Bible is, of course, the only inerrant Word of God; my writings must be consistent with that unchanging standard.  I have written them from Jesus' point of view; i.e., the first person singular (I, Me, Mine) always refers to Christ. "You" refers to you, the reader, so the perspective is that Jesus is speaking to you. (Young, Sarah, Jesus Calling, pg 13)

When I first read the introduction to this book I wasn't certain I would like the format of that the devotionals were written in. I wasn't sure it was something I could learn or grow from. Or anything that would grab me by the heart and head and take me to a deeper understanding of Christ. But, as I began to read I was drawn into the thoughts and emotions of this devotional.  The feelings, struggles, thoughts and yearnings were mine.  It was if Jesus was speaking directly to me.

Seek My face, and you will find not only My Presence but also My Peace. To receive My Peace, you must change your grasping, controlling stance to one of openness and trust.  The only thing you can grasp without damaging your soul is My hand.  Ask My Spirit within you to order your day and control your thoughts, for the mind controlled by the Spirit is Life and Peace.

You can have as much of Me and My Peace as you want, through thousands of correct choices each day.  The most persistent choice you face is whether to trust Me or to worry.  You will never run out of things to worry about, but you can choose to trust Me no matter what.  I am an ever-present help in trouble. Trust Me, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea. (Pg 38)

Each day contains a short devotional such as this, with verses below for further study.  Ms. Young suggests that after you read the devotional each day, you should take time to meditate on what the Lord wants you to learn, do, or not do, for the day. Then take a moment and write any thoughts and impressions down into a notebook/journal.

Jesus Calling is my absolute favorite devotional at this point in time.  My mom has asked to borrow my copy now that I am finished reading it.  However, I just can't part with it yet!  So, I will be buying her her own copy for Christmas!  If your searching for gift ideas for the women in your family, this would make a wonderful gift.  I can't say enough about how amazing this book is.  I know that if you get a chance to read it you won't be disappointed.