Jesus Calling: A Guide to Spiritual Growth and Devotion

Jesus Calling, a daily devotional written by Sarah Young, has become a beloved resource for millions of Christians around the world. First published in 2004, the devotional has since been translated into over 45 languages and has sold over 25 million copies worldwide. At the heart of Jesus Calling is the promise that God is always with us, speaking to us through His Word, and guiding us on our spiritual journey. In this article, we will delve into the key themes and takeaways from Jesus Calling December 15, exploring how this devotional can be a valuable tool for spiritual growth and devotion.

Sarah Young, the author of Jesus Calling, began writing the devotional as a way to communicate with her Savior and encourage others to do the same. She wanted to convey the idea that God is a loving and personal God, who desires a relationship with each of us. "I wanted to convey the idea that God is not just a distant figure, but a loving Father who desires a relationship with each of us," Young said in an interview. "I wanted to show how God's Word is alive and active, and how it can be a source of comfort, guidance, and strength in our daily lives."

Jesus Calling is unique in that it presents Jesus as a loving and personal Savior, who speaks directly to the reader. Each day's reading includes a devotional message from Jesus, followed by scripture references and a prayer. The devotional is designed to be read in a year, with a new message from Jesus each day. The daily readings are accompanied by beautiful artwork and a thoughtful reflection question, encouraging readers to engage deeply with the message.

The Power of Prayer in Jesus Calling

Prayer is a central theme in Jesus Calling, and is often emphasized as a means of connecting with God and seeking His guidance. In Jesus Calling December 15, the devotional highlights the importance of prayer in seeking God's will and understanding His plan for our lives. "When we pray, we open ourselves up to God's presence and power," Young writes. "Prayer is not just about asking for things, but about seeking a deeper relationship with God."

Young encourages readers to approach prayer with an open heart and mind, trusting that God will meet them where they are. "Prayer is not about changing God's mind, but about changing our own hearts and perspectives," she writes. "When we pray, we are not asking God to do something new, but to help us see things as they really are."

In Jesus Calling December 15, the devotional provides a number of examples of how prayer can be used to deepen our relationship with God. Young shares a personal story of how prayer helped her to understand God's plan for her life, and provides a number of practical tips for making prayer a central part of our daily routine.

Practical Tips for Making Prayer a Priority

•

1. Set aside a specific time each day to pray, and stick to it
2. Find a quiet and comfortable place to pray, where you can focus on God
3. Use a prayer journal to record your thoughts and reflections
4. Ask a trusted friend or mentor to hold you accountable in your prayer life

Jesus Calling December 15 also highlights the importance of listening to God's voice through prayer. Young emphasizes that prayer is not just about talking to God, but also about listening for His response. "When we pray, we are not just asking God to do something, but also listening for His guidance and wisdom," she writes.

The Importance of Forgiveness in Spiritual Growth

Forgiveness is another key theme in Jesus Calling, and is often emphasized as a means of releasing ourselves from the burdens of the past and opening ourselves up to God's love and forgiveness. In Jesus Calling December 15, the devotional highlights the importance of forgiving ourselves and others, and provides practical guidance on how to do so.

Young emphasizes that forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential for spiritual growth and freedom. "When we hold onto unforgiveness, we are like a vessel filled with bitter water," she writes. "We may look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside, we are toxic and poisonous."

Jesus Calling December 15 provides a number of examples of how forgiveness can be used to release us from the burdens of the past. Young shares a personal story of how forgiveness helped her to heal from a painful experience, and provides a number of practical tips for practicing forgiveness in our daily lives.

Practical Tips for Practicing Forgiveness

•

1. Identify the areas in your life where you need to forgive yourself or others
2. Seek God's forgiveness and guidance in the process of forgiveness
3. Practice self-compassion and kindness towards yourself as you work through the process of forgiveness
4. Seek the help of a trusted friend or mentor if you need additional support

In conclusion, Jesus Calling December 15 is a powerful devotional that highlights the importance of prayer and forgiveness in spiritual growth and devotion. By following the practical tips and guidance provided in this devotional, readers can deepen their relationship with God, release themselves from the burdens of the past, and find freedom and joy in their daily lives. Whether you are a seasoned Christian or just starting your faith journey, Jesus Calling December 15 is a valuable resource that can help you grow in your relationship with God and find peace and guidance in the midst of life's challenges.