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Can You Hear Me?: Tuning In to the God Who Speaks

Brad Jersak

$10.19 (Paperback)

This book was strongly recommended for a course I signed up for and it looked interesting, so I ordered it from Amazon.com. I know there are so many books out there about hearing God, knowing God, etc. etc., but I have to say I am really impressed with this book, actually excited. I really appreciate that the focus is on God's heart, His desire for intimate conversation with each of us, children & adults, along with some of the many ways God speaks to us. This isn't just a book filled with knowledge of "how to", but you actually walk through exercises that help you hear God. It's the best I've read on the subject so far and I don't say that lightly. Brad Jersak, the author, takes something that can seem so "out there" or mystical, and brings a simplicity to it that's really encouraging. He shares how he was frustrated when reading in scripture, "My sheep hear My voice", when he knew he personally wasn't hearing it, and the journey God has taken him on in the process of learning to. He is coming from the premise that God is always speaking, and that we do hear Him, but don't always recognize it's Him.

The book touches on the blockages and fears that can prevent us from hearing, along with ways of dealing with those blockages. He acknowledges the many voices/thoughts we are bombarded with daily, and how to distinguish which is from God. He does this all in a very "unreligious" way, which is refreshing. His way of relating with God may seem unconventional to some, but to others the norm. Here are two quotes from the book which might give you a better idea if it's one you'd like to read.


"None of my studies, experience, degrees or credentials will open your ears to the voice of God or open your eyes to see his face. They don't establish me as an authority in your life or authorize me as a spokesman for God's heart. I simply come as a witness and ask you to weigh the testimony herein for yourself. I expect that as you do, God himself will begin to speak to you."

"This book is written for anyone who wants to hear God's voice. It is written for disillusioned churchgoers and "prodigals" who are searching for more reality than western church culture generally offers. It is for the stale and the wounded Christian in exile-for those who've left church but haven't left God. It is written for spiritually hungry, "unchurched" people who want to hear God's voice but find the pop gurus unsatisfying (too much self--not enough God). It offers an alternative that appeals to those mystical cravings yet demystifies the process. It introduces a path to inner peace that allows them to keep their feet on the ground. It is written for Christian pastors and leaders who want to equip their people with "ears to hear." They will be prepared to train their congregations to hear God without fear of producing prophetic flakes. Christian leaders will become "watchmen" who open the door to the voice of the Good Shepherd. It is written for Christian lay people who want to hear God for themselves. Those who have depended on church leaders to be God's voice to them will be challenged to tune in to the God who speaks to ordinary people. Their faith will be stirred to encounter and respond to God as he asks, "Can you hear me?"'

Posted by Cindi on Tue, 03/13/2007 - 10:16pm. | Permalink