What do you think?
Rate this book
The Power of a Whisper Participant's Guide: Hearing God, Having the Guts to Respond by Bill Hybels
In excellent condition
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
123 people are currently reading
988 people want to read
About the author
Bill Hybels
396 books220 followersBill Hybels is the founding and senior pastor of Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois, a non-denominational church with eight regional locations in the Chicago area. He is the bestselling author of more than twenty books, including Simplify, Axiom, Holy Discontent, Just Walk Across the Room, The Volunteer Revolution, Courageous Leadership, Too Busy Not to Pray, and Becoming a Contagious Christian.
Hybels launched Willow Creek Community Church in 1975 with his wife, Lynne (Berry), and a group of friends who gathered in rented space in a movie theater with a vision of helping people from any faith background (or no faith at all) become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Utilizing contemporary music, the arts, relevant teaching from the Bible, and a small-groups community focus that has revolutionized how people experience community in the local church, Willow Creek has grown to more than 25,000 attendees, one of the largest churches in North America—and one of the most influential.
In 1992, Hybels launched Willow Creek Association, a not-for-profit organization that equips, inspires, and empowers leaders around the world. In 1995, he convened WCA’s first Global Leadership Summit, an annual two-day event featuring top leaders from all perspectives and areas of expertise—both faith-based and secular (past speakers include Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Bono, Melinda Gates, Andy Stanley, Jim Collins, Ed Catmull, Tyler Perry, Sheryl Sandberg, Nicholas Kristof, David Gergen, and Brené Brown). Telecast live from Willow Creek’s 7,000-seat South Barrington auditorium each August, more than 400,000 pastors and community leaders attend the Summit at hundreds of locations across North America, and around the world at 675+ sites in 130 countries and 60 different languages—making it the largest event of its kind on the planet. “Everyone wins when a leader gets better,” Hybels says.
Hybels holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity College (now Trinity International University) in Deerfield, Illinois. He and his wife, Lynne, have two grown children and two grandsons.
Hybels launched Willow Creek Community Church in 1975 with his wife, Lynne (Berry), and a group of friends who gathered in rented space in a movie theater with a vision of helping people from any faith background (or no faith at all) become fully devoted followers of Jesus. Utilizing contemporary music, the arts, relevant teaching from the Bible, and a small-groups community focus that has revolutionized how people experience community in the local church, Willow Creek has grown to more than 25,000 attendees, one of the largest churches in North America—and one of the most influential.
In 1992, Hybels launched Willow Creek Association, a not-for-profit organization that equips, inspires, and empowers leaders around the world. In 1995, he convened WCA’s first Global Leadership Summit, an annual two-day event featuring top leaders from all perspectives and areas of expertise—both faith-based and secular (past speakers include Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, Bono, Melinda Gates, Andy Stanley, Jim Collins, Ed Catmull, Tyler Perry, Sheryl Sandberg, Nicholas Kristof, David Gergen, and Brené Brown). Telecast live from Willow Creek’s 7,000-seat South Barrington auditorium each August, more than 400,000 pastors and community leaders attend the Summit at hundreds of locations across North America, and around the world at 675+ sites in 130 countries and 60 different languages—making it the largest event of its kind on the planet. “Everyone wins when a leader gets better,” Hybels says.
Hybels holds a bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies and an honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Trinity College (now Trinity International University) in Deerfield, Illinois. He and his wife, Lynne, have two grown children and two grandsons.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
December 1, 2010
I must admit that I started to read this book with a fair amount of prejudice. I had always heard Bill Hybels and Willow Creek referred to in a condescending manner. I was pleasantly surprised. While I'm sure I still disagree with Hybels on a number of things, I found little to actually criticize in this book. I appreciated how Hybels shared the mountains and valleys of his spiritual life, his failures as well as his impressive successes.
The book convinced me that I need to more open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I think Hybels went overboard in classifying all sorts of times when God spoke to people in the Bible as "whispers." I think there are other ways for God to communicate with mankind than through "whispers." But that is not much of a criticism.
Hybels is actually quite helpful when setting down guidelines to help us determine if we're actually hearing from God or not. His guidelines stick close to Scripture and common sense.
I found the chapter full of stories from Willow Creek where people felt God "speaking" to them quite inspiring. God is real, God communicates, and God changes lives. We fill our lives with background noise and busy-work. This book helped me think about how to cut down on the ambient buzz and create a space where I can be attentive to the Spirit.
The book convinced me that I need to more open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. I think Hybels went overboard in classifying all sorts of times when God spoke to people in the Bible as "whispers." I think there are other ways for God to communicate with mankind than through "whispers." But that is not much of a criticism.
Hybels is actually quite helpful when setting down guidelines to help us determine if we're actually hearing from God or not. His guidelines stick close to Scripture and common sense.
I found the chapter full of stories from Willow Creek where people felt God "speaking" to them quite inspiring. God is real, God communicates, and God changes lives. We fill our lives with background noise and busy-work. This book helped me think about how to cut down on the ambient buzz and create a space where I can be attentive to the Spirit.
August 18, 2010
The premise is simple. Read your Bible every single day, pray to hear God's voice, and quiet your world enough to hear Him when He speaks. I really enjoyed the reminders and the encouragement to draw near to God. I liked that Bill Hybels was willing to share his failures in listening to God as well as his times of obedience. I found myself begging to have the ear of Samuel, to hear what ever it was God wants to share with me.
May 1, 2018
The 5 ways to know if you've heard a whisper from God:
Is it Scriptural?
Is it wise?
Is it consistent with who God is?
What do the people you mostvtrust think about it?
Is it in tune with your own character?
Is it Scriptural?
Is it wise?
Is it consistent with who God is?
What do the people you mostvtrust think about it?
Is it in tune with your own character?
October 2, 2020
I found this book to contain a lot of great insight on how to live a Christ-like life, with many examples from other Christian's lives as witnessed by the author as well as from his own. I was disappointed when I did some follow up research on the author, only to find out that in 2018, he retired from the church he founded after being accused of misconduct within that very church. The accusations were found to be credible after an investigation into the matter. None the less, it doesn't take away the fact that this book is still very much an enjoyable read, full of scriptural reference based knowledge to gain.
February 9, 2017
Bill Hybels vertelt hoe 'De stille stem van God’ (Nederlandse titel) je leven drastisch kan veranderen. Voorbeelden uit zijn eigen leven, maar ook van mensen die hij heeft ontmoet, laten zien dat Gods stem geen ingebeeld stemmetje is, maar het werk van de Heilige Geest. God heeft een plan met jouw leven en jij bent degene die daar invulling aan moet geven. Luister naar zijn stem, toets die woorden aan de vijf filters die Hybels beschrijft en kom in actie!
Zoals bij alle boeken van Bill Hybels laat dit boek niet toe stil te blijven zitten. Ook als je misschien nog nooit Gods stem hebt gehoord, kan het lezen van dit boek je leren zijn stem te verstaan/herkennen. Om je bestemming te bereiken is het nodig God te horen en te volgen. Dit boek kan je daarbij helpen, misschien is dit boek zelf wel een stille stem van Hem om jou in actie te laten komen. Ik bid het voor je!
Zoals bij alle boeken van Bill Hybels laat dit boek niet toe stil te blijven zitten. Ook als je misschien nog nooit Gods stem hebt gehoord, kan het lezen van dit boek je leren zijn stem te verstaan/herkennen. Om je bestemming te bereiken is het nodig God te horen en te volgen. Dit boek kan je daarbij helpen, misschien is dit boek zelf wel een stille stem van Hem om jou in actie te laten komen. Ik bid het voor je!
January 28, 2024
I didn’t have any expectations for the book when I found it ‘available now’ as an audiobook on Libby, nor had I heard anything about it beforehand so I dove in at 1.25x speed. The first few chapters felt the most poignant and it was sweet to get to hear stories of people who had shared what they’d heard God whispering to them and whether they acted upon those words or watched as things unfolded. I felt like it ended up being more story-sharing than anything else, and could have been shortened, and as the book progressed I expected more of an ‘oomph’ at the end. 🤷🏼♀️
May 21, 2011
The Power of a Whisper by Bill Hybels
I had to buy this book for two reasons. One, I’ve always liked Hybels. Two, I grew up in churches where “hearing from God” was kind of taboo. Honestly, it’s often used as an excuse to do what we wanted to do anyway. From “God told me we should get married” to “God told me we need to break up,” God is an easy one to blame. Maybe that’s what it means to “take the Lord’s name in vain.” Anyhow, I got a copy and read on through it.
The subtitle is Hearing God. Having the Guts to Respond. I like that.
One of the quotes I like was: “Ps 46:10 ‘Be still and know that I am God. . . ’ Reduce your speed. Stop multitasking. Lower the ambient noise of your life--and then listen for God to speak . . . Jesus wove into the fabric of his everyday life the disciplines of prayer, solitude, reflection, fasting and worship. . . . There is a God who loves you and who would gladly whisper to you words of encouragement or direction, wisdom or well-timed warning if only you would carve out the space to hear from heaven throughout the course of your day.
Hybels lists five filters to know if the voice is from God or not. Here the old Experiencing God workbook was superior I think. Anyway his filters are
1. Is the prompting truly from God? This seems more like and introduction than a true filter to me.
2. Is it Scriptural?
3. Is it wise?
4. Is it in tune with your own character? This one I had some difficulty with. It seems to me that a number of Biblical characters were asked by God to do things specifically outside their character, in order to prove it was God in charge. Moses and his speaking, Gideon the weak going to war, Paul the Jew going to the gentiles, etc.
5. What do the people you most trust think about it?
As a pastor it was interesting to hear Hybels stories about how God’s whispers had helped to set the direction of Willow Creek Church. He has written much about leadership, it was helpful to hear about his surrender in listening.
It got a bit long for this ADD reader, but I liked it enough to plan a future sermon series using the video set for our home bible studies later in the year. Hope you like it too.
I had to buy this book for two reasons. One, I’ve always liked Hybels. Two, I grew up in churches where “hearing from God” was kind of taboo. Honestly, it’s often used as an excuse to do what we wanted to do anyway. From “God told me we should get married” to “God told me we need to break up,” God is an easy one to blame. Maybe that’s what it means to “take the Lord’s name in vain.” Anyhow, I got a copy and read on through it.
The subtitle is Hearing God. Having the Guts to Respond. I like that.
One of the quotes I like was: “Ps 46:10 ‘Be still and know that I am God. . . ’ Reduce your speed. Stop multitasking. Lower the ambient noise of your life--and then listen for God to speak . . . Jesus wove into the fabric of his everyday life the disciplines of prayer, solitude, reflection, fasting and worship. . . . There is a God who loves you and who would gladly whisper to you words of encouragement or direction, wisdom or well-timed warning if only you would carve out the space to hear from heaven throughout the course of your day.
Hybels lists five filters to know if the voice is from God or not. Here the old Experiencing God workbook was superior I think. Anyway his filters are
1. Is the prompting truly from God? This seems more like and introduction than a true filter to me.
2. Is it Scriptural?
3. Is it wise?
4. Is it in tune with your own character? This one I had some difficulty with. It seems to me that a number of Biblical characters were asked by God to do things specifically outside their character, in order to prove it was God in charge. Moses and his speaking, Gideon the weak going to war, Paul the Jew going to the gentiles, etc.
5. What do the people you most trust think about it?
As a pastor it was interesting to hear Hybels stories about how God’s whispers had helped to set the direction of Willow Creek Church. He has written much about leadership, it was helpful to hear about his surrender in listening.
It got a bit long for this ADD reader, but I liked it enough to plan a future sermon series using the video set for our home bible studies later in the year. Hope you like it too.
April 18, 2012
I found Hybels book "Holy Discontent" inpsiring. Unfortunately I found "The Power of a Whisper" to be less so. I am not sure if it was the writing itself, the overkill of personal stories and analogies, or the general simplicity of the message, but I found myself moving all too quickly through the pages waiting for something to take root.
The general idea of this book, which according to Hybels is a book he has waited years to write, is that underneath all of movement of our lives, whether in choice, action, circumstance, lies the very real voice of God. Far from any prototypical charismatic character, I heard him speak to the fact that a message that he would want his readers to understand is that what moves his practical, type A, get things done mentality is a firm belief that every move he's made in his own life must be credited to God's guiding whisper. I get this, and he gives us many personal stories to help this hit home. There is a certain tension between the attempt to travel the line of charisma and still keep his words grounded in logical and grounded sense, but one also must remember that Hybels often speaks to a large secular audience. I think this is why he waited so long to write this book.
While I commend his faithful dedication to his faith and his willingness to write clearly about what truly guides his decision making, I found his words here stayed on the surface and on safe ground. I must recognize though that saying that depends on where someone is at, and I can certainly acknowledge and see that there are many who will undoubtedly find inspiration in these pages despite my personal feelings. The writing is familiar to his style and leanings, and will probably speak to those familiar with it. I just found him more inspiring dealing with topics of leadership and vision.
The general idea of this book, which according to Hybels is a book he has waited years to write, is that underneath all of movement of our lives, whether in choice, action, circumstance, lies the very real voice of God. Far from any prototypical charismatic character, I heard him speak to the fact that a message that he would want his readers to understand is that what moves his practical, type A, get things done mentality is a firm belief that every move he's made in his own life must be credited to God's guiding whisper. I get this, and he gives us many personal stories to help this hit home. There is a certain tension between the attempt to travel the line of charisma and still keep his words grounded in logical and grounded sense, but one also must remember that Hybels often speaks to a large secular audience. I think this is why he waited so long to write this book.
While I commend his faithful dedication to his faith and his willingness to write clearly about what truly guides his decision making, I found his words here stayed on the surface and on safe ground. I must recognize though that saying that depends on where someone is at, and I can certainly acknowledge and see that there are many who will undoubtedly find inspiration in these pages despite my personal feelings. The writing is familiar to his style and leanings, and will probably speak to those familiar with it. I just found him more inspiring dealing with topics of leadership and vision.
June 14, 2011
Short review: This is a good book. It is an action/encouragement book. It is not about gaining knowledge about hearing from God. It is about encouraging you to hear from God, then follow through, or how to spend more time trying to hear from God. Practical, personal, autobiographical and useful. I recommend it.
Full review at http://bookwi.se/the-power-of-a-whisp...
Full review at http://bookwi.se/the-power-of-a-whisp...
October 22, 2010
This is a wonderful book dealing with listening to God and following His personal promptings. There are many examples of what can happen when someone listens to God. There is great encouragement to open up one's life to God's voice.
I highly recommend this book to anyone searching for a better relationship with the Lord.
I highly recommend this book to anyone searching for a better relationship with the Lord.
August 11, 2020
This one entered my book hall that I read every year. Very good! It has to be very big to get down to that point.
"I believe that everyone, at some point in their lives, needs a Nathan (someone sincere who has the courage to inform him that he is on a path of self-destruction), who was used by God to correct King David.
I even had several like this.
A friend once said to me, Bill, I'm worried about your heart. She explained to me that she has noticed a "hardening" in my behavior, due to a "layer" that formed around my heart, formed by the blows I received during the ministry. It made me insensitive to what goes on in other people's hearts. I confess that I didn't know how to solve the problem.
After a while she came to me again: Bill I see that you are moving away from friends, but you are receiving more and more responsibility. I believe that if you don't want to collapse, you have to seek Christian counseling.
She and her family have always been a blessing to my family and ministry, I had no reason to believe that her intentions were bad, so I took the advice.
It cost me dearly, and many hours of counseling, but two weeks ago Willow Creek turned 34, and inside I just had one thought: if it weren't for that advice, I wouldn't be here. "
1 Peter: 5. 5. Likewise you, the younger ones, be subject to the older ones. And gird yourselves all with humility towards one another, because God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
"I believe that everyone, at some point in their lives, needs a Nathan (someone sincere who has the courage to inform him that he is on a path of self-destruction), who was used by God to correct King David.
I even had several like this.
A friend once said to me, Bill, I'm worried about your heart. She explained to me that she has noticed a "hardening" in my behavior, due to a "layer" that formed around my heart, formed by the blows I received during the ministry. It made me insensitive to what goes on in other people's hearts. I confess that I didn't know how to solve the problem.
After a while she came to me again: Bill I see that you are moving away from friends, but you are receiving more and more responsibility. I believe that if you don't want to collapse, you have to seek Christian counseling.
She and her family have always been a blessing to my family and ministry, I had no reason to believe that her intentions were bad, so I took the advice.
It cost me dearly, and many hours of counseling, but two weeks ago Willow Creek turned 34, and inside I just had one thought: if it weren't for that advice, I wouldn't be here. "
1 Peter: 5. 5. Likewise you, the younger ones, be subject to the older ones. And gird yourselves all with humility towards one another, because God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
July 11, 2019
The premise of this book starts off very nicely, but the actual content ends up being something of a disappointment. Hybels has little to offer in the way of specific scriptural commentary and exploration, and instead the book comes across as a shallow "spiritual pep talk" filled with stories of times that God's whispers and leading have led to triumph, with few instances where people have been significantly challenged, disappointed, or struggled to follow through with the words they've received. The challenges that Hybels lays out are good, and so many of the chapters make good fodder for discussion, but the book itself is sorely lacking in depth in a way that was tremendously disappointing.
November 29, 2017
I got a few things out of this book. For example, choose one Bible verse to be your life verse. (I chose Matthew 6:33). I also loved the story about Samuel and how it impacted the author. Overall, I was disappointed. I found this book to be more of a spiritual autobiography with long, off-topic stories rather than the more practical book I was expecting. I think a much better book is "The Best Question Ever" by Andy Stanley.
August 19, 2019
Started out strong with lots of great points presented in a very engaging way.
Towards the end, it went off the rails a little as content became political and Hybels awkwardly threw in some gratuitous social-justice commentary. It felt sermonizing and like I was being lectured.
Not recommended.
Towards the end, it went off the rails a little as content became political and Hybels awkwardly threw in some gratuitous social-justice commentary. It felt sermonizing and like I was being lectured.
Not recommended.
September 22, 2018
This book was both encouraging and challenging. I need time to process and respond. Definitely recommend and would read again.
Read
December 3, 2021For the beginner who wants to understand what it means to listen to the voice of God speaking to you.
May 4, 2020
Very great and encouraging book. Love the idea of listening and being open to God's whispers. IF you're discouraged that you haven't heard God's voice for some time, this book is for you.
June 6, 2011
I picked this book up because the title resonated with me during this season of my life. I felt God whispering to me in a particular way and thought this book would help define that for me. It wasn’t what I expected.
Reminiscent of the God Winks by SQuire Rushnell books (yes, the Q is supposed to be capitalized), The Power of a Whisper shares numerous stories and examples of how God “steered” someone in the right direction. To more effectively and accurately know if you are hearing from God, Hybels gives 5 “tests” to line your whisper up with. And the more in tune you are with the Bible, the more familiar you will be with hearing God’s voice when he speaks to you. The idea of a Godwink is that there are no such things as coincidence– rather opportunities God uses to assure you that you are on the right path. When things seem to line up just right, or a series of events works out just as they should or were meant to be, God is winking at you to encourage you on the path you are on. Hybels is basically making the same point, calling them whispers. Whispers of love, direction, and guidance, if you will.
Though it wasn’t what I expected, it is still a good book that offers guidance and tools for those seeking them. Hybels uses very descriptive language and after a while it sort of seemed like filler to me. (Just this reader’s opinion) In my own life, whispers from God have come up in more way than one lately and after reading this book I’ve found the real-life experiences are richer than any guide can show you. Just open your ears and listen.
3.5/5 stars
http://bookwormz2010.wordpress.com/20...
Reminiscent of the God Winks by SQuire Rushnell books (yes, the Q is supposed to be capitalized), The Power of a Whisper shares numerous stories and examples of how God “steered” someone in the right direction. To more effectively and accurately know if you are hearing from God, Hybels gives 5 “tests” to line your whisper up with. And the more in tune you are with the Bible, the more familiar you will be with hearing God’s voice when he speaks to you. The idea of a Godwink is that there are no such things as coincidence– rather opportunities God uses to assure you that you are on the right path. When things seem to line up just right, or a series of events works out just as they should or were meant to be, God is winking at you to encourage you on the path you are on. Hybels is basically making the same point, calling them whispers. Whispers of love, direction, and guidance, if you will.
Though it wasn’t what I expected, it is still a good book that offers guidance and tools for those seeking them. Hybels uses very descriptive language and after a while it sort of seemed like filler to me. (Just this reader’s opinion) In my own life, whispers from God have come up in more way than one lately and after reading this book I’ve found the real-life experiences are richer than any guide can show you. Just open your ears and listen.
3.5/5 stars
http://bookwormz2010.wordpress.com/20...
November 1, 2010
The Power of a Whisper is about hearing from God. Bill Hybels explains through anecdotal and scriptural evidence that God does indeed talk to His children, not from far away, about things too high for us to understand, but from right beside us, about where we are in life at that moment. He is always near, even when we can’t tell, and if we’re careful to listen for Him and act on what we hear, He can guide us on an amazing journey for our lives.
I really like this book. It’s been years since I read anything from Bill Hybels, so I don’t know if this is always his style of writing, but I found the candid nature of the stories about his life and the lives of those around him and those he’s studied to be really informative and even comforting for this subject. I believe I’ve heard “whispers” from God, some I’ve had the courage to follow, and some I haven’t; this book encourages me to keep trying to stay open to Him in whatever way He chooses to speak and whatever words He chooses to say. One really good point that Hybels makes is that the Bible, being God’s Word in written form, is naturally a first source for hearing God’s whispers. That is a great reminder that I do need read more and pay more attention to what I read in the Bible — God is already trying to speak to me through that. I really recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement in hearing from God and following through on His words.
I really like this book. It’s been years since I read anything from Bill Hybels, so I don’t know if this is always his style of writing, but I found the candid nature of the stories about his life and the lives of those around him and those he’s studied to be really informative and even comforting for this subject. I believe I’ve heard “whispers” from God, some I’ve had the courage to follow, and some I haven’t; this book encourages me to keep trying to stay open to Him in whatever way He chooses to speak and whatever words He chooses to say. One really good point that Hybels makes is that the Bible, being God’s Word in written form, is naturally a first source for hearing God’s whispers. That is a great reminder that I do need read more and pay more attention to what I read in the Bible — God is already trying to speak to me through that. I really recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement in hearing from God and following through on His words.
July 5, 2012
As with most books I read, this one also seemed very timely. I don't know that it provided any new great theological lessons or knowledge for me, but I did learn and was reminded of a few very important lessons and truths from the wisdom of Bill Hybels. More than anything I found that I was blessed by the message. I have been challenged by this book to tune in more to the whisper's of God in my life. Further, to be ready for those whispers to come from a variety of sources, i.e. friends, family, strangers, the Bible, prayer, etc. I was encouraged and challenged by this book.
In regard to the author Bill Hybels, he has become one of my favorites. It is not often that I read a book and truly walk away from it feeling like I just looked into the window of someone's soul, yet every time I hear him or read him I feel that way. I truly appreciate his ability to communicate in such a way that his genuine heart felt passion and wisdom seems to blast through each page. I really believe he is was of the most genuine believable communicators around. The Holy Spirit is very evident in his life, and God has used him to certainly impact my life.
In regard to the author Bill Hybels, he has become one of my favorites. It is not often that I read a book and truly walk away from it feeling like I just looked into the window of someone's soul, yet every time I hear him or read him I feel that way. I truly appreciate his ability to communicate in such a way that his genuine heart felt passion and wisdom seems to blast through each page. I really believe he is was of the most genuine believable communicators around. The Holy Spirit is very evident in his life, and God has used him to certainly impact my life.
November 12, 2010
"The Power of a Whisper: Hearing God, Having the Guts to Respond" by Bill Hybels was very encouraging and inspirational. It's about training your ear to hear whispers from God, whether they are spoken directly to you or through someone else. Hybels relays to his readers through personal stories, personal example and biblical scripture that hearing whispers from God is powerful, and can help us through us life as long as we live. Moreover, the reader is provided with practical points by which to discern if the whisper is really from God, and whether they should take action.
Personally, I enjoyed reader this book. It really helped me in my spiritual walk with God, and I definitely recommend this book to others who are attempting to strengthen their walk as well. Also, another reason that I loved reading this book is because Hybels shows to us, that even through his fame as a pastor and accomplished author, he still gains knowledge and wisdom from the whispers of God.
I give it 5 stars.
Personally, I enjoyed reader this book. It really helped me in my spiritual walk with God, and I definitely recommend this book to others who are attempting to strengthen their walk as well. Also, another reason that I loved reading this book is because Hybels shows to us, that even through his fame as a pastor and accomplished author, he still gains knowledge and wisdom from the whispers of God.
I give it 5 stars.
June 11, 2011
It's a Hybels book. He talks about his experiences, which involve his family and Willow Creek. A lot. I like the fact that he speaks from the heart, from what he knows. It makes the book a bit more personal. But it also gets tiring reading about how everything went well and they did things correctly. Or, they messed up, but things turned out okay in the end.
The message of the book is great, though. As I speculated after reading Sun Stand Still by Furtick, the two books are on the same topic using different words. We should live our lives dependent on God's promptings. To do that, we have to be looking for them and then willing to act on them. In other words, we need to be looking for Whispers, praying Sun Stand Still Prayers, and then acting on the grace that God has given us. If nothing else, this is a refreshing reminder that God does still speak today. If only we would be still and listen for him.
The message of the book is great, though. As I speculated after reading Sun Stand Still by Furtick, the two books are on the same topic using different words. We should live our lives dependent on God's promptings. To do that, we have to be looking for them and then willing to act on them. In other words, we need to be looking for Whispers, praying Sun Stand Still Prayers, and then acting on the grace that God has given us. If nothing else, this is a refreshing reminder that God does still speak today. If only we would be still and listen for him.
June 13, 2013
This book had been mentioned at a conference I attended last month and having previously read 'Too Busy Not To Pray' by Bill Hybels and found it really thought provoking I decided to buy a copy of 'Whisper'. Being from the UK I found the Americanisms rather off-putting and some chapters seemed a little self-indulgent. Having said that I found the explanation of God's whispers to people throughout the Bible really instructive (Chapter 2). Also Chapter 3 contained results of a survey that Bill had conducted with his congregation with personal accounts of their whispers. This was revealing and I began to think that actually I was on to something. There were some very good parts in this book, it helped to fill in some gaps for me, but also some parts I felt I wanted to skip and maybe the book could have been condensed into something smaller. Perhaps it's down to editing! Even so I am glad I read it as the good parts were very helpful.
December 15, 2013
My men's Bible study group just finished this book. I have, sadly enough been in a one way conversation with God for years. I have always wanted the burning bush response from God or at least the loud audible voice telling me what He wants me to do. As a result I haven't been a very good listener. This book was very helpful in that I found that God often speaks to me through others or through the Holy Spirit inside me but it is most often in a whisper.
I am getting better at listening to God and for God but it certainly isn't a light switch that I just turn on. I have to practice and be patient. Be still and know that He is God. I don't often sit in silence praying to God. Too often there is a radio on, a TV on or some other distraction. I need to do a better job creating alone time with my Father.
I am getting better at listening to God and for God but it certainly isn't a light switch that I just turn on. I have to practice and be patient. Be still and know that He is God. I don't often sit in silence praying to God. Too often there is a radio on, a TV on or some other distraction. I need to do a better job creating alone time with my Father.
November 30, 2010
Bill Hybels is not one that approaches ministry in the same way that I do. Yet I find it good to read those who approach things differently. It also helps me to hear and see from such as he what his relationship with God is - in that sense I enjoyed it.
I have a longing to know and hear God better - I think of David's words in Psalm 32 - that we are not to be like a horse or a mule that has to be drug into God's will. Instead to be like a servant that is very attentive to the master. I long to hear God's voice and directions more clealry.
Thus I approached this book longing for help and encouragement in this. Perhaps there was a little, but I don't find myself greatly helped. It was an ok book, not great...but ok.
Still...to hear God more is my desire.
I have a longing to know and hear God better - I think of David's words in Psalm 32 - that we are not to be like a horse or a mule that has to be drug into God's will. Instead to be like a servant that is very attentive to the master. I long to hear God's voice and directions more clealry.
Thus I approached this book longing for help and encouragement in this. Perhaps there was a little, but I don't find myself greatly helped. It was an ok book, not great...but ok.
Still...to hear God more is my desire.
November 18, 2010
Thoroughly helpful and inspiring book by Bill Hybels, filled with many personal examples and circumstances in which God has faithfully spoken to him and those around him. You not only see what happens when he entrusts his life wholly into God's hands, but also the disasters that occur when he doesn't.
Contains a lot of practical, helpful advice on not just how to listen and make yourself available to God's gentle whispers, but also the kinds of whispers He uses and how they can affect our lives. Recommended reading for any Christian who wants to see the power of God flow through their lives.
Contains a lot of practical, helpful advice on not just how to listen and make yourself available to God's gentle whispers, but also the kinds of whispers He uses and how they can affect our lives. Recommended reading for any Christian who wants to see the power of God flow through their lives.
April 7, 2011
This book is the selection for our congregation's Lenten study, 2011. The study group consists of people at a wide variety of points on their journey with and to God. The book is well designed for a group of this nature as Hybels introduces topics that are familiar, yet contain stretching room for spiritual growth.
The early chapters focus on testimonials, which are interesting. The last chapters deal more with the meat and potatoes of living life in a broken world. These chapters are the most valuable. The appendix contains a handy guide for Biblical references regarding various life topics.
A discussion guide accompanies the text.
The early chapters focus on testimonials, which are interesting. The last chapters deal more with the meat and potatoes of living life in a broken world. These chapters are the most valuable. The appendix contains a handy guide for Biblical references regarding various life topics.
A discussion guide accompanies the text.
June 3, 2011
The God of the Bible speaks. While the earth shakes and wind blows, often God speaks through a whisper, a subtle nudge, or words left to resonate in our hearts. These whispers are the focus of Hybels' work here: how to cultivating a listening heart; how to discern what's from God; what to do when God seems silent. While exploring these themes, Hybels weaves countless stories of God's whispers - many from his personal life and ministry at Willow Creek Community Church, as well as from scripture, friends, church members, and more. Overall, Hybels offers inspiring stories and wise counsel, but certainly not a definite study on the subject. B+
July 25, 2011
This is the first book by Bill Hybels thatI've read, though I have heard him preach a lot at Willow as I have family near Barrington. This book came at the right time for me as I've been looking for His direction in my life....I have a few choices to make career wise and I want to make the choice based on His will.
This book has given me the tools to start being a better listener (as I like to tell my 7 year daughter from time to time) to His word. Now it's up to me to take the tools I've been given and to execute changes in my life so that I may have an ear better tuned to His word.
A definite read for any Christian regardless of where they are in thier journey down His path.
This book has given me the tools to start being a better listener (as I like to tell my 7 year daughter from time to time) to His word. Now it's up to me to take the tools I've been given and to execute changes in my life so that I may have an ear better tuned to His word.
A definite read for any Christian regardless of where they are in thier journey down His path.
March 22, 2012
The Power of a Whisper, by Bill Hybels, affirms a God who is relational, near and wanting to speak to us. In fact, He is speaking, but are we listening? Using many personal stories, Hybels pieces together his story to explain how the whispers of God and His response to them charted a course for his life that he could have never foreseen. God has spoken throughout history and still speaks today to anyone who is willing to listen. Listening to the quiet whispers of God is an extraordinary privilege and certainly the most transforming. This book is well-organized, Scripturally based, helpful and inviting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews