Hearing God Through the Year: A 365-Day Devotional (Through the Year Devotionals)

I just received this devotional today. It’s a little misleading on the face of it. It’s a “365 day devotional” but lumps Saturday and Sunday as 1 devotion. I know this is a minor detail, but I do like to do a devotional everyday.

I've been a Christian for many years and I've read the Bible through several times. But this book offered me new insights and I intend to buy copies for my friends. Dallas Willard was a mentor of mentors. I've heard his name mentioned repeatedly by at least four Christian leaders/authors.

Last year I was given a copy of this devotional guide as a gift by some very good friends who seem to know me very well and I have been using it regularly since then. Dallas Willard's writings are a tremendous inspiration and encouragement to me. They are best read in small bites and chewed thoroughly. Jan Johnson has done a fine job of compiling the main points of Willard's book Hearing God into a devotional format that encourages just this type of reading on a very essential matter for every Christian. Reading a book about how to interact with God is not enough, no matter how good the book. The opportunity to practice is a crucial part of the learning process. Many devotional reading books jump from one one topic to another. This has much more continuity and focus. This format is ideal for the way one ought to approach such a foundational spiritual subject. Of course, it's no substitute for the original book but it's a great help in soaking in that book's ideas. It should be easy for anyone to find the time to do the short readings and exercises in this book. There is a short introduction that is helpful in getting the reader started in doing the kind of prayerful meditation and reflection that is encouraged by the book but people who aren't familiar with these practices might want to read one of Jan Johnson's other books on prayer and meditation as well. For example:  When the Soul Listens: Finding Rest and Direction in Contemplative Prayer . I highly recommend this book and all of Dallas Willard's books.

A well respected Christian author over four decades

I read this in morning. Brings my heart close to God. Allows my day to flow.

This is a wonderful, thought-provoking book. I was interested in the writings of Dallas Willard after hearing about him from Brant Hansen podcast. This seemed like the perfect way to read his writings in easily digestible chunks. I added this book for my devotional time and it’s been perfect! It gives daily short chunks of his writings about how to be in tune to listen to God and discern His voice. I highly recommend.

I am someone who despises fill-in-the-blank Bible studies and pat answers. This little devotional is asking me questions that are making me face issues in my life I haven't considered before. Not many studies/devotionals do that for me. It seems to be getting increasingly relevant and thought-provoking as the book progresses, and I open up to read each day's entry with anticipation. Definitely one of my keepers, along with Valley Of Vision and Near To The Heart of God (Bangley).

This devotional is broken up into four seasons: winter, spring, summer, and fall. It wasn't until I was over half-way through that I really started to see patterns in my life that hinder me from hearing from God. I'm so grateful this was the devotional I choose to go through this year because I am now able to hear His voice more than ever!

I love the depth of this devotional, topics that will really change your heart and get you on the right path in discipleship.

A digestible read of Willard's profound insights into how God reveals himself to those who care to seek. Thoughtful, Inspiring and relevant.

A wonderfully worthwhile devotional book. I recommend it highly.

If you want to daily sit with God and reflect on yourself as a marvelous creature and God The Almighty, you got it.

Brilliant if you want to have your thinking challenged and grow in your relationship with God