Christian Book Notes

christianaudio is offering Sarah Young’s Jesus Calling devotional book as the free download in January. To get this free download, simply type in JAN2010 when asked for a coupon code.

I have reviewed this book here and found it a worthwhile devotional.

Here is what christianaudio has to say about Jesus Calling:

Jesus Calling is a devotional filled with uniquely inspired treasures from heaven for every day of the year. After many years of writing in her prayer journal, missionary Sarah Young decided to listen to God with pen in hand, writing down whatever she believed He was saying to her. It was awkward at first, but gradually her journaling changed from monologue to dialogue. She knew her writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but journaling helped her grow closer to God. Others were blessed as she shared her writings, until people all over the world were using her messages. They are written from Jesus’ point of view, thus the title Jesus Calling. It is Sarah’s fervent prayer that our Savior may bless readers with His presence and His peace in ever deeper measure.

Young, Sarah. Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2004. 382 pp. $14.99. Purchase at Amazon.com. Also, you can purchase the audio CD version from Amazon for $16.49.

Introduction

Jesus Calling was written by a young missionary woman seeking to feel the presence of God more. With a simple pen and pad of paper, Sarah began taking down notes. The Lord pressed certain scripture passages on her heart and she would meditate on them. What we have in this book is her meditations from a personal journal made into a daily devotional for men and women seeking to feel the presence of God closer in their lives.

Sarah and her husband have planted in churches in Japan and Australia as well as counseled countless men, women and families. They currently minister to Japanese people living in Perth, Australia.

Content of Jesus Calling

If there is one phrase that best sums up Jesus Calling it would have to be “Come to me.” Those are the first words that appear the most often at the beginning of one of the daily devotions. Each day the reader is called to draw closer to God. This beautifully echoes so many passages found in the book of Hebrews where the writer tells us to draw close to God to find grace and mercy (Heb. 4:16), so that intercession may be made for us (Heb. 7:19), and so that we are made perfect (Heb. 10:1).

Each devotional is written as though God was writing directly to the reader. For example, pronouns like “I” and “me” are used to refer to the writer of the devotion while “you” is used to refer to the reader. It is obvious the “I’s” and the “me’s” are not referring to Sarah, but to God. The reader really does feel as though they are engaging God in a conversation.

At the end of each devotion, there is a listing of scripture passages to read and meditate on. These are carefully selected to further the devotion and point you to the unchanging Word of God.

Recommendation

This devotional is God-centered, Christ-exalting, and soul-refreshing. This one-year, daily devotional would make a great gift for a Christian brother or sister. I am thinking especially of someone who is going through some seriously tough issues, and who ain’t these days, in life. I am thinking of the woman whose husband just left her with 3 kids and a house payment. I am thinking of the man who just lost his job and has no idea where to go next. There are numerous people in my own life that I can think to give this book to and I am sure there are in yours as well. If the book is not available at Amazon (it was not as of the writing of this review), then you can purchase it directly from Thomas Nelson, Inc.