Sarah Young - Nearer to Jesus: Dear Jesus & Jesus Calling

Nearer
to Jesus

Sarah Young
AUTHOR OF Jesus Calling

2008 by Sarah Young

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Published in Nashville, Tennessee, by Thomas Nelson.
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Song lyrics: Nearer, My God, to Thee by Sarah F. Adams.
Nearer, Still Nearer by Leila N. Morris.

Portions of this book have been previously published in Jesus Calling 2004 by Sarah Young and Dear Jesus 2007 by Sarah Young.

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations are taken from the New International Version 1984 by the International Bible Society.
Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

Other Scripture quotations are taken from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, and 1977 by the Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. The Amplified Bible (AMP) 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. The New King James Version (NKJV) 1979, 1980, 1982, 1992, Thomas Nelson, Inc. The King James Version (KJV).

ISBN: 978-1-4041-1386-2

Printed in the United States of America

08 09 10 11 12 LB 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Contents

N earer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee! Doesnt this express the cry of our hearts for nearness to Jesus? But this is only the first line of Sarah Adams beloved hymn. Here is the second: Even though it be across that raiseth me... Often it is a cross of suffering that raises us nearer to Jesus. Many of the countless communications Ive received from readers deal with sufferingtheir own and others. Evidently, God is using Jesus Calling and Dear Jesus to strengthen, encourage, and comfort people in the throes of adversity.

Both Jesus Calling and Dear Jesus grew out of my longing to draw closer to my living God. The writings in these books emerged during times of focused concentration on Jesus: waiting in His Presence, listening in my mind for His communications. While listening and writing, I continually asked for the help of the Holy Spirit, who guides my thinking as I listen in Christs Presence. Ive tried to ensure that my writings are consistent with the Bible, the only infallible Word of God.

I wrote the devotions in Jesus Calling from the perspective of Jesus speaking to the reader. The devotions in Dear Jesus are structured in a dialogue format: the first and third sections are written from the perspective of Jesus speaking; the second section consists of prayers to Him.

Nearer to Jesus is a creative compilation of devotions from these two bookscontaining favorite selections of mine. Each weeks readings include one entry from Dear Jesus and seven from Jesus Calling. The prayers in Dear Jesus are meant to open your heart to the JesusCalling devotions that follow.

If we desire to draw nearer to Jesus, we must learn to live in the present momentfor this is where He meets us. As soon as our minds meander into the future or the past, our connection with Him grows weaker. If we linger there, our awareness of His Presence becomes increasingly dim.

The best way Ive found to live more fully in the present is to direct my thoughts toward Jesus. My prayers need not be articulate or lengthy, but they must be genuine. As I honestly face my circumstances here and now, I invite Him to enter into them. I bring Him whatever I am doing, thinking, feeling; and I find Him near mehelpfully involved in my situation.

My hope is that Nearer to Jesus will help you live close to our Saviorin the presentinviting Him into more and more of your moments. I support you with my prayers, praying in-depth each morning for all the readers of my books. I consider this a delightful privilege and responsibility. May you enjoy bountiful blessings as you grow nearer and nearer to Jesus.

Sarah Young

Nearer, Still Nearer
A hymn by Leila N. Morris

Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,
Draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art;
Fold me, O fold me close to Thy breast,
Shelter me safe in that haven of rest,
Shelter me safe in that haven of rest.

Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring,
Naught as an offring to Jesus my King;
Only my sinful, now contrite heart,
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart,
Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.

Nearer, still nearer, Lord, to be Thine,
Sin, with its follies, I gladly resign;
All of its pleasures, pomp and its pride,
Give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified,
Give me but Jesus, My Lord crucified.

Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last,
Till safe in glory my anchor is cast;
Thro endless ages, ever to be,
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee,
Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee.

I, the Lover of your soul, understand you
perfectly and love you eternally.

Dear Jesus,

Im thankful it is my soul You love, rather than my appearance or performance. So often, Im dissatisfied with both of these, especially when I make them my focus. Im grateful for Your perfect understanding, since I sometimes feel misunderstood or simply overlooked. Help me experience more fully Your compassionate, unfailing Love.

B eloved, relax in My loving Presence. Let the Light of My Love soak into your entire being. being. Rest deeply while I massage your thoughts and feelings, helping you change your focus from yourself to Me. Cease strivingand know that I am God. I created you to know Me: to enjoy Me and center your life in Me.

The world abounds with idolsthings you turn to when you want to feel better about yourself: eating, entertainment, exercise, mastery of something or someone. However, none of these things can slake the thirst of your soul, which yearns for Me alone. Idolatrous substitutes may suppress your appetite for Me, mainly by distracting you, but they provide no satisfaction. When you get that gnawing sensation around the edges of your soul, return to Me. Your soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods.

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant
of peace be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.