idelette

Don’t Judge this Book by its Cover

A few months ago I joined the Thomas Nelson Publishers blogger book review team. What a novel idea. I signed up, agreed to write a review and publish it on my blog as well as one other commercial site. In exchange, I received the book I chose to review in the mail.

I chose “Jesus Calling,” a devotional by Sarah Young.

I was drawn to the content based on a few tweets from others reading the devotional. I grew up in my faith with the Oswald Chambers classic “My Utmost for His Highest.” I love my online devotional time on the Jesuit site sacredspace.ie—one of my favourite experiences on the web. I also love Henri Nouwen’s “Bread for the Journey.”

Now “Jesus Calling” is fast becoming another classic in my life. Sarah Young writes what she hears Jesus speaking to her in her spirit. She has honed her listening through years and years of writing in her journal and being attentive to what the Spirit wants to say to her.

As I have spent time in “Jesus Calling, ”I have heard Jesus speaking to me many times in beautiful, fresh ways. Sometimes I hear Sarah’s personal filter—she is the pen, the messenger, after all—but I also recognize this as the voice of my Shepherd.

Here are a few of my favourite calls:

• “Rest in My Presence, allowing Me to take charge of this day. Do not bolt into the day like a racehorse suddenly released. Instead, walk purposefully with Me, letting Me direct your course one step at a time.”

• “You are on the right path. Listen more to Me, and less to your doubts. I am leading you along the way designed just for you.”

• “You must discipline yourself to live within the boundaries of today. It is in the present moment that I walk close to you, helping you carry your burdens. Keep your focus on My Presence in the present.”

I definitely recommend “Jesus Calling.” My only caveat comes with the actual design. Here’s what I suggest: Please don’t judge this book by its cover. I was surprised when I opened the parcel I received in the mail. I was actually somewhat taken aback. The book came dressed, looking like a dated (and forgive me for this) missionary. You get the picture. I had to force myself to pass through the visual barrier. The size and design also visually placed it in the gift book category, which surprised me. I am in my thirties and have never bought a Christian gift book. For me, the content just didn’t fit the cover design, paper choice and format.

As I dove into the content, however, wanting to keep up my end of the agreement, I was drawn in by the fresh writing. This book has taken me new places with Jesus. There’s a lot of wisdom here, so much Beauty and great Depth.

“Jesus Calling” is worth laying down all your preconceived ideas about where you might receive and delving deeply into this revelation of Jesus.

So, while the design placed this book for me in a different audience; the content of this book crosses generations for those who are open to experiencing Jesus in a fresh way.

If you can pierce through the visual barrier of the book jacket, the content will grab your heart, because it is Jesus speaking though one of his beloved daughters.