Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence (2024)

I think Tim Challies' review sums up my thoughts perfectly: http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/...

I have a friend who knows Sarah Young and confirmed that she does, in fact, hold a high view of the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. Sadly the reader is left with this published book and there is no way one can leave this book believing Young believes in sola scriptura. The introduction is particularly troubling where she writes "I was seeking something deeper" in reference to her desire to get something more from personal experience and "listening to God" than what is plainly revealed in the Word. Surprisingly Young went to Covenant Seminary and L'Abri and still publishes this kind of anthropocentric theology.

This book was disturbing to me and here is why. I am troubled that the author writes her words as if it was Jesus speaking. My fourteen and fifteen year old Sons were also given a book and before I voiced my opinion, they told me they didn't feel comfortable reading something as though it was Jesus' words when those words came from a human being.

I believe that if Jesus had something to say he is more than capable of saying it instead of someone speaking for him.

It just did not sit well with us.

This book is full of subtle error, which is why it is so dangerous. The author claims to have received these messages from Jesus, and she writes as if he is speaking. Yet her jesus twists Scripture, misinterprets it, undermines spiritual disciplines, undermines the sufficiency of Scripture (she wants more), and elevates a form of quiet and meditation that is more akin to eastern religions than Christianity. That in itself should be reason to put this book down and read the Bible which is actually the Word of God. If it is uniquely inspired as the description claims (twice) we must wonder by whom--it is not the Jesus of the Bible.

“I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure! [Psalm 119: 162]” –Anonymous, The Holy Bible: King James Version

1-1-23 ~ 12-31-23
Reread: Another year has passed. I wonder where did the time go? I continue my daily reading in my devotional and my Bible. It is an excellent start to my morning… well, along with a cup of coffee. I recommend it as a quick read and if you miss a day, no worries. Just go on to the next day. It is inspiring as it includes the scripture that coincides with the message. I wish all my friends a Happy New Year and a blessed one, as well.

1-1-22 ~ 12-31-22
Reread: Every morning I turn to the devotional for the day in Young’s ‘Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence.’ After that, I reach for my Bible. It is my goal to read through the Bible even if it takes longer than a year. I still have several books to go but I will complete this in a few months. How could I attempt to enter my day without comfort and guidance from on high? My strength and my fortitude are based on a foundation of rock and not sand. We each have a journey and it ends with the promise of new life. For those who believe in God Most High, that promise is forever. Blessings to all my friends and I wish you a very Happy New Year.

1-1-21 ~ 12-31-21
Reread: I have turned to my Bible and daily devotional for comfort during a difficult year. I am now in mourning as my dear husband of 50 years quietly passed away in August. My God and my Bible have been my strength and comfort through rough days. Blessings during the Holiday Season in the manner in which you celebrate and I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

1-1-20 ~ 12-31-20
Reread: 2020 will live in the memory of every single person on this planet. What a Year!! We continued cancer treatments until hubby went into remission. PTL [Praise-The-Lord]. During the year, other health issues cropped up and I am now a full-time caregiver. My Bible reading increased to include a personal challenge to read through the Bible in addition to my daily devotional. What a blessing it has been to me. As I read my daily devotional… it often felt like God’s Holy Spirit was whispering words of comfort to me. Oh, how I needed that. Blessings to everyone in the New Year.

1-1-19 ~ 12-31-19
Reread: I finally turned the last page of my devotional this morning [12-31-19]. The words and scriptures listed in this book have been a comfort to my soul. We have experienced a year of health issues for my husband. God has been so good and his Word has been a strength unto us both. Isa 31:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Words we live by.

1-1-18 ~ 12-31-18
Reread: It has become second nature to get up, start my coffee, and read my morning devotional. Many times, it has been quite profound as it helped me through an especially difficult time. My husband and I lost five family members in the year 2018. I have appreciated this work by Young… not instead of my Bible, but along with my Bible reading. Blessings to my friends for the New Year.

1-1-17 ~ 12-31-17
Reread: Wishing peace and blessings to all my GR friends and I wish each of you a very Happy New Year.

1-1-16 ~ 12-31-16
Reread: This book has become a staple that I have added to my Bible reading for a daily time of devotion, reflection, and guidance. I like this version best of any of the editions that I have had before. I'm glad GR has adopted a way to show rereads. As I complete this on the last day of this year [2016], I want to wish everyone a blessed Happy New Year and peace to all who want it.

1-1-15 ~ 12-31-15
This has been the best devotional that I have found that comes in several versions. The first one I had was a small book so that I could keep it close while at work. On each day's devotional, it would list the Bible verses that went with the daily reading. When convenient, I could look up the verses and reflect on the devotion. Then, I found a larger book, that I could have at home. In that one, it had the verses written out for each daily reading. I would have it by my bed so I could read it in the morning or before going to bed. For me, this has been a most excellent daily devotional. I know this type of book or style is not for everyone. Blessings to all who choose to read it. I hope you enjoy it.

Title: Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence

Author: Sarah Young

Publisher: Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Year: 2004

ISBN: 978-1-5914-5188-4

This book is a daily devotional, with one page for each day of the year (including February 29). Each page includes a daily reading, written by the author, and related Scripture references.

The themes of the reading include love, thankfulness, prayer, etc. Most of the readings include the message of establishing a relationship with Jesus Christ.

For me it was more important to set aside time for devotion rather than whether I completely agreed with Young’s interpretation. I recommend this book to any Christian as part of their daily time with God.

One of the things that I did not like of the book is that Young often switched Bible versions in her Scripture references.

This book frustrates me. The author's goal seems to be good. Much of what is said is true. Some of it is not. Even though the author denies it, the way in which everything is presented - as the very words of Jesus - completely contradicts and mocks the authority, infallibility and sufficiency of Scripture.
Not recommended.

I felt led to share my thoughts with all of you on a very popular devotional book of our day written by Sarah Young and published by Thomas Nelson.

I did not come easily to the place of receptivity with this book, initially. You see, although I periodically perused it a number of times at the local bookstore, included it on my "wish list" on Amazon and even came close to buying it outright on more than one occasion, I held back... for almost 4 years. Why, would a bookaholic hold back on buying a book, you wonder. Well, I will tell you, dear friend. Prior to my acceptance of the Glorious Lord of All, Jesus Christ, I read a number of new-age writings and quite honestly, as I debated about reading this devotional, I felt my inner alarm mechanism kick into high gear. This "be very careful here" alarm, which has been born from a love of Truth and a healthy skepticism toward anything that might be alluring at first but an impostor in the end. That being said, I am always on the look out for true seekers of The Way, that acknowledge His ultimate authority, yet share their own unique perspective, in turning out a gifted word, that draws others closer to His authenticity, grace and truth. To know Jesus better through the written word is not an easy undertaking.The thought of someone speaking for Him sent chills down my spine. He is after all The Living Word. He is the Author of all Truth and The One who will, after all, hold us accountable for every word we speak. He is the ultimate Judge of Truth. Yet, this God, allows His humble servants, friends, children to be used mightily when they yield themselves to Him. He is willing to meet those who will offer themselves to Him as living sacrifices to pour out Living Water and multiply and strengthen His Kingdom. I believe Sarah Young is this kind of servant. I believe she has done a good thing, for this day, to speak truth to those who are seeking truth amidst a myriad of voices calling out from the bookstore shelves, Internet, television and every corner.

I finally broke down and made the decision to actually buy the book for my Kindle, after listening to K-Love (a local Christian Radio station) and hearing them share a reading from the book. It was a day in June and I was driving - I remember the DJ reading the day's offering and it was based on a scripture in Romans. I am not kidding, I ordered the book that same day! As I began to read Sarah's devotions, I was impressed by the scriptural integrity which was evident throughout her writing. I also was relieved, when I read in her introduction, "The Bible is of course, the only inerrant Word of God; my writings must be consistent with that unchanging standard." Also, after reading more about her own personal perspective and journey, I started to realize that this person might be a valid, authentic, down to earth seeker, who happened to be a gifted writer and why shouldn't the God who created her meet her there, right where she was willing to surrender and listen. I started to feel that Sarah Young might have something valid and I understood this, as it resonated close to home for me, since I have experienced His presence in similar ways, as she has described and desire to live in close communion with Him as opposed to the compartmentalized, fragmented experience I see in the Christian community at times. Of her own writing of this devotional she admits, "I knew these writings were not inspired as Scripture is, but they were helping me grow closer to God." I think for someone who wants to know God and share Him there is nothing better than to know that what you have written(or spoken) has helped another see Him more clearly, drawn them closer to Him, or sparked the flame for them to pursue Him more passionately than before. This is my own heart's desire as I write. And God meets me there, with my own pen in hand and finger tips to keys in this place. I believe He has met Sarah Young there as well and she has been able to have the privilege to touch many more than I am sure she ever imagined with this writing, inspired by His Word, love, grace and truth. I wholeheartedly recommend this book and have already bought a half dozen copies as gifts. One is sitting right by me waiting to be mailed off to a friend for her birthday as I write this review. I was hesitant to put this book into a certain category of favorites due to the popularity and newness of it. But I confess, I put it right by the side of my two faves "My Utmost For His Highest" and "Morning and Evening". Sarah, is in pretty good company with Chambers and Spurgeon. Historical, I'd say. That is my personal opinion and I am sticking to it. Oh, I have also purchased a hard copy that I currently keep in my purse! I just shared a reading with a friend at a school event. I refrained from giving her my copy as I just bought it, recently! However, I probably will eventually give it to the person God prompts at the moment! Additionally, I am considering purchasing the Children's Version for the Sunday School Class I teach as Christmas gifts - since I only have two boys, it is a realistic possibility! I have been stalking that copy and got a peak at it, at the school book fair just last night. I love the lay out, look and readability of it as well. My daughter's classmate was purchasing it and we checked it against the adult copy (remember, the copy in my purse) and I loved the pages, presentation of scripture and prompt to look up "on your own" some of the verses. It IS on my wish list, even as an adult! Perfect for sharing with a class, small group or for bedtime devotions. Have you read Jesus Calling, yet? I think you should- if you have or do, please let me know your thoughts!

*This review was written by my own desire to express my personal opinion and even though I have not received any copies of this particular book(s) from the publisher, I would absolutely graciously accept them although it would not influence what I have written nor what I will write in the future about the book or any other books by the author OR publisher. Thank you. Hope this is clear and fair.

I just got the book Jesus Calling in the mail today. It's a 365 daily devotional book. I normally do not like these books as most of them are very trite and do not make the reader dive deep into Scripture and your own walk with God. They tend to deal with surface issues. Sarah Young has opened up her life to us in this work of hers.

She gives a background of how she came about to write this and I'm absolutely amazed at what the Lord has brought her through. She took time every morning to listen to God and write down what she felt He was saying to her through the Word and just in her listening time. I have only read today's entry, but am totally hooked on it. I was encouraged and rebuked at the same time to get the most out of my quiet time with God every day.

I highly recommend this devotional to anyone who is struggling to figure out how to start their devotions or to add onto what they are already doing. I thought I would read it for a few days and then give it as a gift to someone. No way. I'm keeping this book! I look forward to having the Lord help me listen to Him in my times with Him alone. Go out and buy this book! NOW!

I wish I could give this book 0 stars. I do not recommend it.

Here'a a great breakdown from Tim Challies - http://www.challies.com/articles/10-s...

There are other great reviews that explain the serious problems with this book but Challies is succint.

1 John 2: 27 & John 14:26)This devotional is based on receiving messages from God while in meditation. It is a New Age approach to hearing God's voice. Sarah Young uses Jesus' words as spoken to her as a daily guide for those wanting to hear God's voice. I found this to be a substitute for hearing God's voice through His Word and Holy Spirit through salvation in Christ Jesus . It reads as a horoscope message. It approaches scriptures eisegesis (personal experiences) instead of exogesis (scriptural context) which is always dangerous. I was distracted from hearing God's voice by depending on Sarah Young's comforts which offered a quick fix for spiritual guidance. At times her circ*mstance became mine- "one day she mentions being sick". I became sick that day too. There are many substitutes that come to distract a believer from knowing God's Word and guidance. I believe this is one of those substitutes. I believe the Lord allowed me to experience the consequence of listening to the words of Sarah rather than to His words through the Holy Spirit's discernment. Hearing the voice of God comes through accepting first Jesus Christ as one's personal Savior in response to the gospel message. Sarah Young does not mention having a relationship with Jesus Christ as a pre-requisite for coming into a personal relationship with God and receiving His guidance. She offers guidance by using what she believes was Jesus' words in the 1st person. This is dangerous since what she writes is not what everyone is to hear from God on a given day. Jesus said that His sheep will know His voice and follow (John 10:27). Only the Holy Spirit who is in a believer's heart can speak to the heart and give guidance. Discernment comes from the study of God's Word. Sarah places scripture at the end of her daily devotion, as a footnote to what she says. There is only one mediator and His name is Jesus Christ(1 Timothy 2:5). He is the Word (John 1:1) He speaks to a believer, individually, thru His Holy Spirit. He may speak to a believer thru another believer, but not in the guise of being the exact words of Jesus. God's word says to let His word richly dwell within you, then you can discern whether or not it is God speaking or someone else. I believe Sarah Young's devotional written in the 1st person as Jesus' Words, is in error as it leads readers to believe that He is speaking directly to them in their own circ*mstance on that particular day. A devotional that is based on God's Word will extract scripture using the examples given in the Bible to reveal application but not as Jesus' words but through interpretation. Sarah Young places words she believes have come directly from Jesus speaking as a basis for application to anyone reading her devotional. Only the Holy Spirit can discern the heart of a believer and give personal, individual guidance based on God's Word. Even though she says that the Word is the only authority, she presents her words as coming from Jesus as authoritative. Therefore, it is liken to a daily horoscope. I suffered a great painful disappointment by listening to Sarah's words instead of hearing God's Word for myself. Please pray, read God's Word and ask Him to reveal the truth of this matter to you. It's important that you go to Him yourself, instead of trusting what I say. We receive His guidance through a "personal" relationship with Him through His Word and Holy Spirit,not through a third party on a daily basis through someone else's circ*mstance. It starts with accepting Him as your personal Savior and his death on the cross for the remission of your sins, and belief in His resurrection(Ephesians 2:8) Not everyone will hear His voice, only those who have come into a new birth experience through believing in His forgiveness for their sins. May your eyes be enlightend to the truth, and your ears hear the voice of God through His Word and Holy Spirit in the 1st person of Jesus Christ and not the 3rd person of anyone else. I am praying that God will give believers and non- believers discernment concerning this. He is faithful to reveal His truth when we ask. I recommend reading God's Word on a daily basis so that He can meet your individual personal needs and speak directly to you through the Holy Spirit's discernment. Also, Charles Stanley has an excellent guide based on scripure: How to Listen to God. Also, He has a teaching on his radio message that will help you identify the voice of God: Identifying the Voice of God

Un devocional maravilloso que realmente fue de gran ayuda para encontrar paz . Sin duda alguna me ha ayudado mucho para afrontar mi día a día con fé y mucho más positiva

This book is so beautiful. It transforms my outlook every time.

I return again and again to this book to find comfort and guidance and the love of Jesus.

I absolutely love this book!

——————————————

I, Kim, believe in EPIC miracles,
awe-inspiring miracles.

I believe in life’s everyday miracles.

I believe there is room for science and faith in God.

I believe life on earth is a miracle and exists only due to intelligent design by an intelligent Creator.

I believe God is my Father, Jesus is my savior, and in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

A good friend gave me this book back in the fall of 2011. As I read it, I was unsettled in my spirit. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but it just felt wrong. After awhile, I realized that it was the fact that the author wrote as if Jesus was speaking, and that bothered me. Further research revealed that she contradicts scripture multiple times and bases her technique on occult writings (God Calling). The only reason I bother writing a review for this books is to warn friends who may decide to read this. Hopefully they see my review and reconsider. Please read Warren B. Smith's "Another Jesus Calling" if you have read Sarah young's "Jesus calling", or are considering reading it. See my review on 'Another Jesus Calling'.

I am spending my second year with Sarah Young's insights. I am usually very leery of books that speak in the voice of Jesus, but after receiving this book no fewer than three times as a gift, I decided to give it a chance. I have yet to find a single sentence that bothers me. This little treasure is absolutely grounded in the scriptures! I find just the right tidbit waiting for me to sample every day.

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence by Sarah Young (Thomas Nelson) is a masterpiece! The new deluxe edition is encased in a lovely leather cover, which adds to the appeal of this 365 day devotional. Unlike other devotionals, Young records thoughts she receives from God in a personal format, so each devotional is like a little message from God that aims directly for the heart.

After reading just a few entries of Jesus Calling, I wept. This book massaged my weary heart and panicked spirit into rightful submission to a loving God. What makes this book so wonderful? The simply meditations are daily reminders that God is with us, for us, and above all, He is still God and He is still on His throne. Our lives are filled with worry, depression, disbelief, and unfaithfulness. Jesus Calling fights our human tendencies to stray from God and brings to mind His intent to have a relationship with His creation.

Another thing I love about Jesus Calling is that it is easy to add a reading into daily devotions. But a quick read right after the lunch hour at work or while the children are down for their afternoon naps can also energize a weary believer. Really, this is an any-time book—any time we need to remember who we are in Christ (which for me, is quite often!) I love this book and know it will be a popular gift item for my loved ones in the future.

If you want a devotion that will rip apart your pride and bring you face-to-face with a God who loves you, then Jesus Calling is for you. Actually, it’s a devotional for everyone.

This devotional Journal by Sarah Young, has been a great spiritual experience for me ..
It's written as if Jesus would speak directly to you!!!
Very comforting with lots of Scriptures verses and portions, all of them carefully selected to give you strenght, peace, and comfort!!!

Also you have plenty of room for write your own thoughts and emotions, also prayers..
It will transform to a very personal and unique journey during the year, and increase the fellowship with the Savior..
I must confess that I have indeed been blessed again and again enormously by these readings!!!
So, if you are looking for a devotional Journal for the year 2019, don't hesitate to choose this one..
You also will be blessed, I have no doubt about that!

Dean;)

Nothing I can write about this book can express the impact it has had on my life. It is a devotional, so I read it daily and have not finished it. What I can say is it has been completely on the mark for what I need and when I need it. Sarah Young was in tune with God on this book. I recommend it to everyone who desires more in their walk with God.

This book makes God real to me, to the individual reading it. It shows the loving, merciful, grace giving God that not only has a plan for our lives, but a desire for our closeness to Him.

I very much recommend this book. They are very short, but powerful devotionals with a few accompanying scripture per day. This is not the Bible and does not claim to be, just God speaking through a person willing to be receptive to His words and willing to share them. Must have book for those seeking more of Him.

If you are going to write on behalf of Jesus you had better be sure that you are saying what He would say. This book often contradicts the clear sayings of Jesus to present an American fuzzy Jesus whose always on your side even when you're in sin. It is very shocking that more Christians do not speak out against this sort of fuzzy false teaching. The Bible says that we are to be on guard against such things but sadly we living in a day in which the church in America shoots its watchmen and celebrates its plunderers.

I absolutely adore this devotional. Young created a genuine piece of work. I have read it nearly everyday for the past year, but I still find peace from it even now. Beautiful and comforting.

This is nothing more than automatic handwriting. I am appalled the Church has embraced this book.

what a great find. I have searched and searched for a bible that I identified with! The little devotions by every day people inspire me and bring me peace. They interspersed throughout the bible and at interval that makes sense and relates to each topic as they come.

Reading the bible has never been easy for me, but this little gem of a bible makes it easier, and makes God's word make sense in relation to the world I live in. I have found countless topics to discuss with my child, and my husband, and we have truly found a way to become closer in our walk with God.

I am honored to have this as my copy of the bible and know this time I will be successful in my attempt to get through the bible in it's completion.

In addition I was excited to find the author has a kid's version of a devotional, a cd of songs to go along with this, a journal to side by side with this bible and some additional books that I look very forward to reading.

I recommend this bible, this author, and this inspiration for anyone who seeks to journey closer to God. It hit home with me and I am so glad that I chose it.

For years, I have encountered people who read and loved this book. Yet every time I pick it up, I cannot tolerate it. I think it keeps company with The Shack, another book many Christian's claim that I think is off base.

Just this past month, author Randy Alcorn summarized his problems with Sarah Young's writing, including comparison to Paul Young's "The Shack." I found it interesting how much my hesitations about this book and those that have followed it, coincide with Alcorn. I also found it interesting that in my review of The Shack, I had recommended a book by Alcorn as a Christian fiction alternative.

I have more books I want to read than time to read. Goodreads helps me be selective and record my thoughts on both books I've read and books like this that I am putting on my Decided-not-to-read shelf.

Here's Randy Alcorn's Jul 2018 article:
https://www.epm.org/blog/2018/Jun/18/...

The Shack, Young, 2007
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The message that we need to trust God and enjoy His presence more is an important one, but the way the author used first person to denote God speaking made me too uncomfortable to finish the book. She did point out in the introduction that the book is not inspired in the same way Scripture is, but speaking in first person on behalf of God still seemed presumptuous. The Holy Spirit does speak to those who listen, but human error is almost always present when we receive messages and then restate them. More than once my husband has corrected me when I told someone what I mistakenly thought he'd said out loud; how much more room is there for error when I'm trying to understand and repeat what God is speaking to my heart?

Beautiful daily devotionals that are wonderful for reading first thing in the morning.

This was given to me a couple of years ago - I usually avoid books that are so wildly popular, especially (apparent) Christian ones. I haven't read it all the way through, just a few of the devotions here and there. It bothered me a little that it's written in first-person, from Jesus, but I could overlook that as a gimmick. I didn't read it consistently because it was too feel-good, fluffy, happy-clappy for me. I prefer a devotional that is meatier, more challenging.

Recently I've seen some accusations that there is heresy in this book, the edition I have (newer versions are different), particularly a reference in the intro about how Young was inspired by a new age book, which was written using the practice of channeling. I had not read the intro until now, but it is clearly there. And she says that is how she wrote Jesus Calling, that the messages were directly from Jesus, and she merely wrote them down. This is particularly problematic because not all of her "messages" are biblical. Thus, she is either lying about receiving these messages (I had always thought she just took some of her favorite verses and turned them into a devotional) or she is receiving the messages from someone other than Jesus.

It may feel encouraging to read, but to me it looks like false prophecy.

A dear friend gave me this book during a difficult time in her life, as well as mine. Bless her heart, she remembered how I LOVE leather covers and ribbon markers in books...and gave me that version. This book is unbelievably remarkable because no matter what is pressing down on you, niggling at your heart or just making life seem unbearable...well, THAT day you will read it and it will speak to you as though the Lord truly prepared it just for you...never fails. A short daily meditational reading that EVERYONE has time for. Keep it close by and don't forget to tuck it in your purse or briefcase...you will be glad it is travelling with you wherever you go. There are a lot of daily meditation books...great ones...but buy this one! Simple, straight to your hurts and your hearts words...personally for you, right where you are.

I can't emphasize enough how instrumental this daily devotional book has been in my life over the past few years. I absolutely love the way that it brings my mind back from the places that it goes, such as trying to figure things out and maintain control over my circ*mstances, to where it needs to be: recognizing that God is the only one who can oversee all the varied aspects of my life. My part is simply to stay connected to Him, receiving His guidance, direction, and strength for each day.

12/31/2023 update

After enjoying this for several years in a row. I have finally decided to take the plunge and switch to a different devotional for 2024: the new one by Sarah Young, Jesus Listens!

Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence, by Sarah Young, Thomas Nelson, 2004, 400 Pages, ISBN-13: 978-1591451884, $14.99

Sarah encourages intimacy with Christ when she writes in the voice of Jesus, although some challenge her for doing so. I’m one that doesn’t. Reading Sarah’s devotions affords me an immediacy and intimacy with the Lord I’ve only found…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/cddqxtb

This is the perfect daily devotional for me.. It always seems to relate to things going on in my life & to be exactly the words or wisdom I needed to hear. This is my 2nd time reading this devotional... I love it!❤️ It helps me to be more positive and keeps my heart turning to Jesus in every situation, knowing he is with me always!

If you are looking for a daily devotional, this one is special. I'm a huge fan of Oswald Chambers, but needed a new voice of encouragement. This was the right one for me.