From the first ring of the alarm clock to the last click of the television remote before we drift off to sleep, our lives are filled with noise.
In the middle of all we hear…what really speaks to our hearts?
Where is the Voice?
Sarah Young decided to find out. A missionary with busy days and multiple health issues, Sarah intentionally began inviting quiet into her life. She sat with the blank pages of a journal and learned again to listen.
Based on Scripture, she began recording the whispers she heard somewhere deep within. They became louder and clearer with time until she knew they were meant for other ears too.
They became a book, Jesus Calling, that has touched almost half a million hearts.
Here's an excerpt…
I may infuse within you a dream that seems far beyond your reach.
You know that in yourself you cannot achieve such a goal. Thus begins your journey of profound reliance on Me.
It is a faith-walk, taken one step at a time, leaning on Me as much as you need.
What has God been speaking into your life? It may be as simple as one word that's staying on your heart, a Scripture that's touched your life, wisdom from a friend, or a thought that keeps coming to mind.
Leave a comment before midnight on Friday letting us know and you can win a copy of Jesus Calling and Jesus Lives (also by Sarah).
Update: Shilo is the winner of this giveaway! Thanks to everyone who entered! You can find these books and many other great titles on Thomas Nelson's new site, Blessing & Truth.
ABOUT HOLLEY GERTH
Holley Gerth is a cofounder of (in)courage, author, counselor, life coach, wife to Mark, follower of Jesus, and friend to YOU. She'd love to have coffee with you. As the next best thing, she hopes...
{ 125 comments… read them below or add one }
love unconditionally
Sounds like a wonderful, touching book! Would love to be encouraged by it!
Responding to life out of fear can only result in sin.
…the book sounds great!
God is speaking amazing words of hope and healing into my life that inspires me to spread Christ’s love across the world.
Trust and obey.
Leaning on Him is the only way to achieve your impossible dreams.
I really, really need to learn to listen to God. It’s so hard for me!
I’ve found that by journaling my thoughts and prayers and dreams, I can give them all to God and He will take care of me, my family, our needs and desires.
God has been speaking quietly to me for awhile but it’s only been recently that I’ve really heard His Call. One of the gifts I’ve realized HE blessed me with is to be an encourager and even though I did it automatically or naturally earlier in life, I became jaded or separated from Him as I allowed the ‘life’ to change me. Recently however, God has blessed me with a reawakening to draw closer to HIM every day, every second by studying His word, by worshiping HIm at an awesome Church and by being His vessel through a daily message of encouragement that I send to many dear friends. It amazes me when they email me and say Thanks, that message was what I needed to hear. My reply, it wasn’t me, it was His Message thru me. Through this daily encouragement, I’ve fallen in love with our Lord once again and I pray that it only grows more every day.
Be still and know….
For me it is have the courage to dream and trust Him that He will empower!
That though I may feel inadequate, he sees me as beautifully and wonderfully made. I may feel like nothing, but even if I was the only person here, he would’ve still sent his son to die for me. Learning God’s truth about my identity…..
God speaking- “by faith, Moses, choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” -Heb 11:25-26
How often are you longing for the pleasures of Egypt instead of basking in my glorious victory and freedom??
I actually already have this book, and just wanted to say that I LOVE it! Sometimes it moves me to tears!
All authority on Heaven and earth has been given me, therefore GO…
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12
The noise around me in my life is deafening and I have no idea how to turn it down. I hope to find out how to be still and quite so that I can hear what the Holy Spirit has to say to me.
Blessings,
Pam
bprowens@bellsouth.net
Be still in this.
Steps of faith, one at a time. I don’t have to have the answers or know what next week brings. But as God brings things to my attention, I need to evaluate my choices, make changes to bring my life into alignment with His Word and step forward in trust and hope. It’s a daily challenge, but so many blessings come through obedience!
Know that I AM with you always.
God is telling me to slow down :)
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the great devo and the opportunity to win the book.
This sounds like just what I need – quiet time…. just to listen for Jesus. I pray that I win this one!!!!
That through God all things are possible, and although I have currently reached what feels impossible, He has the strength to carry me on. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Light and my experiences in this shadowy valley will grow my trust in His Ways, His Truth, and His Light.
The books sound great! I have been in a dry spell lately, so these could be especially helpful.
He has been speaking of forgiveness, understanding, and patience.
Love without strings, without limitations, without expectations, without should-be’s or could-be’s, Love in spite of. I’m learning.
Wow! I’ve been praying and trying to get closer to God, back to where I used be able to hear him so clearly; before I went through the hardest time I’ve ever had in my life.
Journaling is a blessing and a help. I am going to look further into “Jesus is Calling”. Sounds like an awesome book.
Thanks! Blessings!
“Gladly surrender all and then trust Me with all.” There have been so many times in my life when I’ve surrendered more out of what seems necessity than with gladness. For example, my tiny baby was chronically ill, had more than 300 grand maul seizures before he was 3. When his liver started failing, I found myself collapsed in the middle of my kitchen floor with my hands raised, “Okay. OKAY! He’s not mine. He’s Yours. But I love him so much.” He never had another grand maul seizure. Not one!!! He’s a criminal law student at Texas A&M now, perfectly healthy, genius-level SAT scores … this kid that doctors said would be “slow of learning and slow of speech … IF he lives.” How was I to know the name “DANIEL” would be prophetic for him? But sweetest of all, he has the most wonderful, compassionate heart and remarkable conscious for a young man of 20 yrs. That’s just one example of the times I’ve had to surrender things/people closest to my heart. I wish it weren’t such a hard lesson for me to learn. LOL. But God doesn’t fail and those things which are closest to OUR hearts are also closest to HIS. He sure handles things better than we do! And I have no doubt, with my story in HIS hands, He’ll pen my journey with blessed ink. Thank you, Holley! Blessings to you and yours!
JOY. Learning how to choose the good with joy.
Wait.
Argh! Such a quiet, simple word. But SO hard to hear and obey. I feel like a dog being told to sit & stay…all the while you can see it’s body quivering with excitment & anticipation of when it gets to run free again.
Step by step God is with us,prepairing the way walk in it we have need of. Thanks for obeying .
Celie
I believe Jesus is asking me to take that leap and move forward towards God’s plans for me without fear of failure!
The quote is exactly what I’ve needed to read. I’ve always wanted to become a police officer, but God has not granted me the strongest of digestive systems. (Not a good trait for a cop!) This has helped me to see that perhaps God does not intend for me to succomb to my personal crosses to bear.
Thank you!!
After reading this post, these lyrics came to mind.
Lord, this is my prayer….
In the secret – In the quiet place
In the stillness You are there
In the secret – In the quiet hour i wait
Only for You – ‘Cuz i want to know you more
I want to know you – I want to hear your vioce
I want to know you more
I want to touch you – i want to see your face
I want to know you more
…so be it!
Sandy
This book is one that everyone should own. My husband and I have been using it as our nightly devo book along with our Bible. It’s brought us so much closer. Especially at a very difficult time in our lives.
I needed it.
He says…
“I love you.”
Such a great reminder to me today. I’m struggling with several major life decisions and am having a hard time listening to His voice. It’s hard to be still, to be quiet, to listen. I’ll have to look into this book – sounds like a good one!
I am hearing the walls of Jericho fall…actually I am waiting for some walls in my life to be shouted down with a mighty, God-commanded shout. I pray for the word or words to shout, but perhaps if I stopped asking for the words I would find that the command is to open my mouth and let God’s love be my voice. Maybe I am learning when love shouts and when it stays quiet…also lessons from Jericho. Some days I am meant to march on in obedience, even if the only path I see is a circle and the view is obstructed by high stone walls.
I am hearing the walls of Jericho fall…actually I am waiting for some walls in my life to be shouted down with a mighty, God-commanded shout. I pray for the word or words to shout, but perhaps if I stopped asking for the words I would find that the command is to open my mouth and let God’s love be my voice. Maybe I am learning when love shouts and when it stays quiet…also lessons from Jericho. Some days I am meant to march on in obedience, even if the only path I see is a circle and the view is obstructed by high stone walls.
Friends who know His voice and share with you in conversations with Him are a precious gift to be held gently in hands lift in prayer. Thank you, Jesus
Friends who know His voice and share with you in conversations with Him are a precious gift to be held gently in hands lift in prayer. Thank you, Jesus
To be humble and hungry.
To be humble and hungry.
Since our dating days back in 2001, Jesus has called us to adopt…. Happily married in 2004, I wanted “my own” first though… Five years of yearning, tears, grieving has brought us full circle back to Jesus calling.
The joy in our souls, the peace in our hearts, as we eagerly anticipate how Jesus will form our family, His family… who will be joining us soon? We are honored to have been chosen by God to walk down this road that so parallels our beloved Gospel. We are all adopted into God’s family… and soon our family will carry on God’s great tradition:)
Since our dating days back in 2001, Jesus has called us to adopt…. Happily married in 2004, I wanted “my own” first though… Five years of yearning, tears, grieving has brought us full circle back to Jesus calling.
The joy in our souls, the peace in our hearts, as we eagerly anticipate how Jesus will form our family, His family… who will be joining us soon? We are honored to have been chosen by God to walk down this road that so parallels our beloved Gospel. We are all adopted into God’s family… and soon our family will carry on God’s great tradition:)
Some writers call it “writer’s block”, but I call it God’s calling for quiet time. Lately, I have been an empty vessel when I’ve tried to write. Now I am convinced that God is calling me to take time to focus and listen to His calling and His instructions. Thank you for the inspiration of this site.
Some writers call it “writer’s block”, but I call it God’s calling for quiet time. Lately, I have been an empty vessel when I’ve tried to write. Now I am convinced that God is calling me to take time to focus and listen to His calling and His instructions. Thank you for the inspiration of this site.
Shine a light. Much like holding a flashlight so others can see their way out, specifically to mothers of young children that often don’t get much outside contact because they are consumed by meeting the needs of their small children. My children are 5 and 6 so I feel like I’m just coming out of this period of isolation I felt as a stay at home mom of pre-schoolers. When the boys were 2 and 3 we started attending a new church. It had a MOPS group and that made all the difference in my life. Hoping to pass some of that on.
Shine a light. Much like holding a flashlight so others can see their way out, specifically to mothers of young children that often don’t get much outside contact because they are consumed by meeting the needs of their small children. My children are 5 and 6 so I feel like I’m just coming out of this period of isolation I felt as a stay at home mom of pre-schoolers. When the boys were 2 and 3 we started attending a new church. It had a MOPS group and that made all the difference in my life. Hoping to pass some of that on.
I love this book and GOD speaks HIS word to me everyday through this book!~ My grandmother got all the girls this book a few years ago! I read it everyday!! I wrote a post about it a few weeks ago!~
http://frenzy-tracy.blogspot.com/2010/02/wish-i-could-hit-rewind.html
I love this book and GOD speaks HIS word to me everyday through this book!~ My grandmother got all the girls this book a few years ago! I read it everyday!! I wrote a post about it a few weeks ago!~
http://frenzy-tracy.blogspot.com/2010/02/wish-i-could-hit-rewind.html
I’m reading through Genesis again, and I felt God speak to me through the story of Hagar. What a mess, and first, she was running away, God said, “Return and submit.” But when she thought that she and her son would die, he said something like, “What troubles you? Fear not, for God has heard. Up. Hold fast.”
So I use the name she gave Him, “The one who sees me.”
delight. delight in Him and let Him delight in me.
…surrender…
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ~Jeremiah 29:11
I want to be a light to others so they will know the love of Jesus Christ through me.
wait. wait patiently.
wait. wait patiently.
That sounds like such a wonderful book especially for those of us women who have trouble simply sitting still and listening to the Lord!
That sounds like such a wonderful book especially for those of us women who have trouble simply sitting still and listening to the Lord!
God’s trying to teach me to focus on His plans, rather than on my expectations (it’s being a difficult journey).
God’s trying to teach me to focus on His plans, rather than on my expectations (it’s being a difficult journey).
Contentment
Contentment
Mercy.
I need it more than ever and in order to have it I must soften my heart and show mercy daily to everyone…even those who have caused us hurt. Here’s my latest post about it.
http://www.these-are-the-days.com/2010/02/sometimes-hardest-things-and-right.html
Mercy.
I need it more than ever and in order to have it I must soften my heart and show mercy daily to everyone…even those who have caused us hurt. Here’s my latest post about it.
http://www.these-are-the-days.com/2010/02/sometimes-hardest-things-and-right.html
I bought this book after it was recommended to me by a lady that spoke at a Women’s conference that I attended back in September. I can’t even begin to tell you how this book has blessed me. So much so that I have bought and given three of them away. Each person has told me what a blessing it has been for them too!
There are days that I read her devotion and something in that day will happen and I will reflect on what she said (HE) says. It has been a great way to retrain my thought process and really think of Him talking to me. Him calling me. Wooing me to come and walk with Him. Not in front. Not in the back. Hand in Hand. Looking to His face and seeking His strength.
Whoever receives these books will be blessed:)
I bought this book after it was recommended to me by a lady that spoke at a Women’s conference that I attended back in September. I can’t even begin to tell you how this book has blessed me. So much so that I have bought and given three of them away. Each person has told me what a blessing it has been for them too!
There are days that I read her devotion and something in that day will happen and I will reflect on what she said (HE) says. It has been a great way to retrain my thought process and really think of Him talking to me. Him calling me. Wooing me to come and walk with Him. Not in front. Not in the back. Hand in Hand. Looking to His face and seeking His strength.
Whoever receives these books will be blessed:)
When I get oh so upset He says to hold mmy tongue and pray and He will take care of it.
When I get oh so upset He says to hold mmy tongue and pray and He will take care of it.
His heart for the poor.
His heart for the poor.
Oh, how I need to hear, feel and experience these words of encouragement at this time in my life. And how I long to be the encourager in others’ lives as I am filled up to the brim with God’s sweet love.
Janice
I feel like He’s telling me that it’s ok to be who I am. I dont know what that means or what that looks like, but I know that me and Him are going to figure it out together :-)
God constantly tells me my Jesse, my son, gone 29 months now, is with Jesus. That is as far as I can hear and I have come a long way to hear that comfort to my soul.
God Bless you Holley and thaks for your encouraging words and prayers,
lovingly,
Sue
“Trust me – I’ve already thought of that – you don’t need to worry.)
God has been speaking to me…
Abide in me.
Humble yourself.
More of Him. less of me.
Yield.
Bow the knee.
I am a person who needs quiet so I am learning to take advantage when I can. I love to journal to God. sometimes it is pictures, sometimes one word, whatever comes to my heart.
Oh my! How wonderful! this totally speaks to my heart…this feeling of wondering is God talking to me or am I insane, how do I explain it, I read this blog, and the excerpt and felt completely and utterly at peace, God says see you’re not crazy, I do talk to you! I would so love to win a copy of this book! :)
These books do sound lovely and powerful.
I agree with Susan…God has been tugging on my heart to just SLOW down! This books sounds like something I need to read!
“Stop, Look, Listen”….all so very difficult for this type-A personality to do!! would love to have this book!
listen & believe
Jesus is whispering “You are MORE” I’ll believe Him, one day.
I’d love to win these :)
Listen, Be Still and Know that I am God. Simplify, in all areas of life and let Me in. Forgive, Reconcile, Repent.
I love the idea of learning more about a discipline that has already been enriching my life!
My dream is to create and I often feel unworthy. However, God, who designed the universe, included me in that design. So that, by and of itself. means that I was BORN to create. It is enough to rest in that. This blog inspires me every morning before I go off to teach…2 year olds!
To take all of the business and lists out, and spend more time worshiping Him instead.
O Most High, when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. (Ps. 56:3) This is what I cling to as I journey deeper with God. Fear has been such a part of me. Now, I am pushing against those fears and trusting God to lead me beyond them.
Lately I hear God calling me to reach out to others and to be more patient. This book would be a wonderful addition to our early morning devotions.
1 Corinthians 2:9
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.”
God has lead me to lead not one but two bible studies. Something that was completely out of my comfort zone. And, I’d NEVER lead anything before. But by the grace of God I’m doing it. And loving every minute of it! Thank You Jesus! There is no better way to spend your days than being immersed in God’s Word!
God has lead me to lead not one but two bible studies. Something that was completely out of my comfort zone. And, I’d NEVER lead anything before. But by the grace of God I’m doing it. And loving every minute of it! Thank You Jesus! There is no better way to spend your days than being immersed in God’s Word!
trust.
trust.
“…Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart…after the wind there was an earthquake…after the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the wind, earthquake nor in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper… (I Kings 19) and the voice of the Lord was there…
This book sounds to me like a moment to hear the voice of God through a gentle whisper…
“…Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart…after the wind there was an earthquake…after the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the wind, earthquake nor in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper… (I Kings 19) and the voice of the Lord was there…
This book sounds to me like a moment to hear the voice of God through a gentle whisper…
Give me your time child, and I will redeem it with more…
Give me your time child, and I will redeem it with more…
Speak kindly, pray often.
Speak kindly, pray often.
Oh! I’ve been wanting to read this book…so much! Thanks for the giveaway!
Oh! I’ve been wanting to read this book…so much! Thanks for the giveaway!
I got so excited about the giveaway I didn’t answer the question.
God has been telling me to pay attention to the word Redeemer. He has also been telling me to be expectant.
:)
I got so excited about the giveaway I didn’t answer the question.
God has been telling me to pay attention to the word Redeemer. He has also been telling me to be expectant.
:)
I shall live and not die
I shall live and not die
Be confident in the you I created perfectly
Be confident in the you I created perfectly
I need to spend more time alone with Him!
I need to spend more time alone with Him!
I miss you….
I miss you….
Living sacrifice.
Living sacrifice.
Oh I hope I win! I’m a young adult with so many health issues like Sarah, and I, too, have been working to invite the beautiful quiet into my life. I’ve been dwelling on Proverbs 3.5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Hin, and He will direct your paths. What precious promises we find in His quiet.
Oh I hope I win! I’m a young adult with so many health issues like Sarah, and I, too, have been working to invite the beautiful quiet into my life. I’ve been dwelling on Proverbs 3.5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Hin, and He will direct your paths. What precious promises we find in His quiet.
I am sovereign in this.
I am sovereign in this.
I usally have a hard time prayng for people, mainly myself. I wish I had what you desire. I’m always told if I want God to shine through me so people will see the love I have for him, God would be seen through my actions, the way I treat people. I’v been told that if you really have God in your life pepole will look at you and wonder what it is about that person that makes me want what they have. Thats the only thing I can think of to say, and it comes from very good friends with great advice.I’m sorry if this dosen’t help any, I’m pretty new at all this stuff.
May God Bless you in many wonderful ways.
i
I usally have a hard time prayng for people, mainly myself. I wish I had what you desire. I’m always told if I want God to shine through me so people will see the love I have for him, God would be seen through my actions, the way I treat people. I’v been told that if you really have God in your life pepole will look at you and wonder what it is about that person that makes me want what they have. Thats the only thing I can think of to say, and it comes from very good friends with great advice.I’m sorry if this dosen’t help any, I’m pretty new at all this stuff.
May God Bless you in many wonderful ways.
i
I’m sorry, I may not understand how this works, I did comment on the last post by Kathryn, so is it here that I write out my prayer request?
I have a prayer request that would be to long, so I will do the best I can to keep to the main points.
There was a post that is a few before mine, and something was written about wanting to know God. It touched me, but I did take away want and added need.heres what I wrote.
I NEED to know you
I NEED to hear you voice
I NEED to know you more
I NEED to touch you, I
NEED to see your face, I
NEED to know you more.
You see I need to feel his arms around me when I am so often feeling I do not excite. I feel that God could never love me or ever forgive me, because of something very bad happened to me by a family member, the to add to that I was made to have an abortion I was bearly 12yrs. old I grew up in the mormen church and I was put through terrible things by the bishup and the high preisthood. They told me that I commentted the worst sins that God will never love me or forgive me agaian then i was excommuticated. up untill then I had the closest realationship with Jesus. I don’t know how I learned about Jesus, but we were best friends. He was there when I was sad. after I was done getting beat, he was there to hold me and never let go. I somehow new that He would never leave me. when I was told that stuff I believed it. I felt like I lost my best friend, I felt that I lost the only one who loved me.that was along time ago and I still struggle with it. I see a Christain therapist who continues to tell me those men lied to me, its still hard. I have major depression I don’t have anything with my family except my daughter who just turned 18. she worries alot. my health is bad. i just came home from the hosp. for a week. my family dosen’t call i had surgery that i’m not healing the way it should. I could go on but I won’t. I just ask for anyone to pray for me, and may ask God to protect Amber my daughter, let her feel his love for her. She shouldn’t have to go through this health stuff, she shouldn’t have to worry, or get sent home early from work because all she dose is cry and worry. if this is to much to pray for I understand, my daughter could use the prayers. Thank you
I’m sorry, I may not understand how this works, I did comment on the last post by Kathryn, so is it here that I write out my prayer request?
I have a prayer request that would be to long, so I will do the best I can to keep to the main points.
There was a post that is a few before mine, and something was written about wanting to know God. It touched me, but I did take away want and added need.heres what I wrote.
I NEED to know you
I NEED to hear you voice
I NEED to know you more
I NEED to touch you, I
NEED to see your face, I
NEED to know you more.
You see I need to feel his arms around me when I am so often feeling I do not excite. I feel that God could never love me or ever forgive me, because of something very bad happened to me by a family member, the to add to that I was made to have an abortion I was bearly 12yrs. old I grew up in the mormen church and I was put through terrible things by the bishup and the high preisthood. They told me that I commentted the worst sins that God will never love me or forgive me agaian then i was excommuticated. up untill then I had the closest realationship with Jesus. I don’t know how I learned about Jesus, but we were best friends. He was there when I was sad. after I was done getting beat, he was there to hold me and never let go. I somehow new that He would never leave me. when I was told that stuff I believed it. I felt like I lost my best friend, I felt that I lost the only one who loved me.that was along time ago and I still struggle with it. I see a Christain therapist who continues to tell me those men lied to me, its still hard. I have major depression I don’t have anything with my family except my daughter who just turned 18. she worries alot. my health is bad. i just came home from the hosp. for a week. my family dosen’t call i had surgery that i’m not healing the way it should. I could go on but I won’t. I just ask for anyone to pray for me, and may ask God to protect Amber my daughter, let her feel his love for her. She shouldn’t have to go through this health stuff, she shouldn’t have to worry, or get sent home early from work because all she dose is cry and worry. if this is to much to pray for I understand, my daughter could use the prayers. Thank you