Review/Giveaway: Jesus Calling for Teens
by Sally Matheny
This week, we have a review and giveaway of Jesus Calling for Teens: 50 Devotions to Grow in Your Faith by Sarah Young. Perhaps you know someone who would enjoy this hardcover book. If so, make sure you comment at the end of the blog post to get your name in the drawing.
What is it?
Previously, I reviewed on this blog, Jesus Calling: My First Bible Storybook as well as Jesus Today: Devotions for Kids. So, now we’re progressing on to one of Young’s books written for teens.
Jesus Calling for Teens: Grow in Your Faith is part of a three-book series.
True to her writing style, Young writes the devotions as if Jesus is speaking to the reader. Young states in the introduction:
“The Bible is the only perfect Word of God–without errors. I work hard to keep my devotional writings consistent with the unchanging truths of God’s Word.
I have written from the perspective of Jesus speaking, to help readers feel more personally connected with Him…I’ve included Scripture references after each reading. Words from the Scriptures (some paraphrased, some quoted) are indicated in italics.”
Sarah Young. Jesus Calling for Teens:Grow in Your Faith
There are fifty short devotions. Each devotion is followed by one or more scripture references, but the scripture is not printed out for the reader.
However, on the page beside each devotion is a full color page with a scripture verse printed out. This scripture is different than the ones referenced at the bottom of the devotion page, but it correlates to the devotion.
The scriptures used in the book are from the NIV, CEV, ICB, NKJV and the NLT of The Holy Bible.
The devotions are pulled from Young’s original Jesus Calling book. A few devotions have words inserted here and there to pertain to teens. For example, one devotion mentions getting a driver’s license and taking tests.
Who is it for?
The book is advertised for teens age thirteen through eighteen.
Because of the simplicity of the content, I think the majority of the book is best suited for ages 11 – 13.
The content also makes several references to things readers experience in church. That makes the book lean toward a Christian audience or at least an audience that attends church.
While the content applies to everyone, the colors and illustrations have a feminine touch.
by Sarah Young
My Thoughts
Jesus Calling for Teens is an encouraging, uplifting book. It’s focuses on making time to connect with Jesus.
I like that Young continually reminds readers of Jesus’ love for them and how he wants them to trust Him.
However, I am not sure Young’s devotions are meaty enough for teens to “grow in [their] faith” unless the devotions inspire teens to actually dig into God’s Holy Word themselves.
Of course, the pages that show scripture quotes from the Holy Bible contain God’s living word. That always has the power to transform lives!
Personally, I would have liked this book more had it contained more actual scripture instead of Young’s rewording of it. But then, that is her signature writing style. I think teens will need a good bit more spiritual meat to chew on than what’s offered here if they want to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Giveaway
In addition to reading her Bible, this book may offer additional encouragement during a young girl’s quiet time. Do you know someone who might enjoy it?
To get your name in the drawing, leave a comment below. I’d like to hear from you about what things you look for in books to help your teens grow in their faith.
Are there certain things you look for when buying a devotion book or Bible study book for a teen?
I’m also curious to know what books you’ve found to encourage your teens’ spiritual growth.
Comment below and your name will be entered into the drawing. I’ll randomly select a winner for the book on March 30, 2019.
WINNER: Marcie Burch- Congratulations!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher in return for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
9 Comments
Jennifer Reid
I love devotional books that are bright and attractive to look at. It helps draw my daughters in to look further. I have been looking for another devotional book for teen daughter to start this looks wonderful.
Sally Matheny
Beautiful covers attract my attention as well. Thanks for sharing, Jennifer. Your name is in the drawing! 🙂
Rebecca Fountain
I love a book with good meaty scripture references. Although, I am new to this whole ‘buying books for teens’ element. My oldest just turned 13 last month. 🙂 We haven’t really delved into that yet. But when I do buy a Bible study book, I absolutely rely on many different reviews so I can get trusted opinions from others. So, thank you for this detailed review!
Sally Matheny
You’re welcome, Rebecca. Usually, I like to put my hands on a book and thumb through it before buying. But since so many Christian bookstores have closed, I now heavily rely on reading reviews as well.
My kids have read some great devotion books over the years. I’ll try to make a resource list of those and make it available on my resource page soon.
Marcie L BURCH
I love books that help teens with their walk with the Lord.
Sally Matheny
Hi, Marcie! I’ll work on a resource list of devotion books with good spiritual “meat” and share those soon. Thanks for stopping by–your name is in the hat. 🙂
Shannon White
Thank you, Sally, for this thoughtful and detailed review.
My 13-year-old daughter still enjoys and learns from the Discover 4 Yourself Bible Studies for Kids by Kay Arthur. They are targeted for ages 8-12, but that age range depends so much on the individual child. I don’t think my 8-year-old would complete one of these successfully independently. My 13-year-old completed her first one at age 11 1/2 and liked it so much that she wanted more. She has now completed 13 out of the 20 in the series and has started another. The series definitely provides spiritual meat, and I think it would be good for young teens who enjoy reading, word puzzles, and drawing, and who wouldn’t be bothered by the “for Kids” on the cover.
I think that mature, older teens benefit from the same devotionals and Bible studies as adults. I don’t think they necessarily need youth or teen versions.
I think biographies of strong Christians, like The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom and God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew, also challenge teens to grow spiritually.
Sally Matheny
Great feedback, Shannon! Last year, I looked through my nephew’s Kay Arthur Bible study for kids and was impressed with it as well. I’m glad your teen enjoys it so much. Kay Arthur definitely offers solid spiritual meat! 🙂 We have used something similar–the Children’s Inductive Bible Studies. The one we did last year was Know & Grow in 2 Timothy by Janice Southerland. I don’t know if they still publish those but we have loved using them over the years.
Oh, and I love, love, love Christian biographies. I think we have over fifteen YWAM books. We’re reading one on C.S. Lewis now.
Thanks so much taking the time to share with us, Shannon.
Sally Matheny
CONGRATULATIONS Marcie! Your name was drawn from the hat as the winner of this book. I’ll contact you about where I should deliver it. Thanks to all who shared your thoughts with us!