I haven’t done a book review in a while, and I couldn’t pass up this opportunity to share this one with you. Have any of you ever been in a season of life when you desperately wanted to be more consistent in your daily time with God, but just found yourself struggling to do so for whatever reason? Yeah, me too. Perhaps, you’ve put such incredibly high expectations on yourself for what that “quiet time” should look like that you find yourself discouraged before you even start. Maybe, like me, you’ve thought things like, “It has to be at least 30 uninterrupted minutes” or “I need to read, pray, and journal every day” or “It needs to be the same every day”. Whatever your struggle in this, you’re not alone. Sometimes, the best thing to do is to start small. Begin to develop an appetite for God’s Word, and over time, watch it grow into something so beautiful.
That’s where “Jesus Calling” comes into play. I came across this little daily devotional some time ago, and it’s such a blessing. Author Sarah Young put together a calendar year daily devotional, each day requiring no more than a few minutes to read, words that are written from God’s perspective and directed towards you. As you read each day, it’s as if God is speaking His Word over you, and it is incredibly refreshing! At the bottom of each page, she lists two or three scripture verses that inspired that day’s devotion. So, in one little devotion, you have prayer and scripture reading provided in such an encouraging way. Aren’t convinced yet that this is something you really could do daily? Let me share with you today’s devotion, word for word out of Jesus Calling. Be encouraged.
“MEET ME in early morning splendor. I eagerly await you here. In the stillness of this holy time with Me, I renew your strength and saturate you with peace. While others turn over for extra sleep or anxiously tune in to the latest news, you commune with the Creator of the universe. I have awakened in your heart strong desire to know Me. This longing originated in Me, though it now burns brightly in you.
When you seek My Face in response to My Love-call, both of us are blessed. This is a deep mystery, designed more for your enjoyment than for your understanding. I am not a dour God who discourages pleasure. I delight in your enjoyment of everything that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable. Think on these things, and My Light in you will shine brighter day by day.” – Sarah Young, Jesus Calling
“…but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
“One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple.” Psalm 27:4
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Philippians 4:8
This is a powerful little book and keeps me on track:)
Jesus Calling was given to me by a dear friend and mentor. I find it encouraging and uplifting and gives me a heart of worship for my Lord. I, too, highly recommend it.
I spend time in this devotional every morning. It draws me right into the presence of the Lord. I would love to be a part of the giveaway but I don’t have a clue how to Twitter ????
This is indeed great adcvie. My husband & I did this 3 years ago thinking it would just be for a month. Now it’s part of our daily reading and devotion every month since then. This book literally changed us both: our way of thinking, praying and dealing in this world. Add a few Psalms and you’ve got a complete breakfast!