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Is That Really You, God?: Hearing the Voice of God
This practical guide to hearing God's voice shows how an ordinary man who committed to hearing God and obeying Him, became the founder of the largest interdenominational missions organization in the world.
Loren Cunningham's dream began with a vision -- waves of young people moving out across the continents announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ to the whole earth. Decades later, Loren's vision has grown into an interdenominational movement of Christians from around the world who are dedicated to presenting the Gospel to this generation.
How did God move Loren's dream from vision to reality? He led Loren and his wife, Darlene, through a series of tough lessons in guidance. The exciting story of Youth With A Mission has much to teach us about the art of listening to God as we seek to be used by Him. Is That Really You, God? is not only a practical guide to hearing God's voice but also an amazing testimony to how following His direction can impact our lives and our world for the glory of God's kingdom.
Loren Cunningham's dream began with a vision -- waves of young people moving out across the continents announcing the Good News of Jesus Christ to the whole earth. Decades later, Loren's vision has grown into an interdenominational movement of Christians from around the world who are dedicated to presenting the Gospel to this generation.
How did God move Loren's dream from vision to reality? He led Loren and his wife, Darlene, through a series of tough lessons in guidance. The exciting story of Youth With A Mission has much to teach us about the art of listening to God as we seek to be used by Him. Is That Really You, God? is not only a practical guide to hearing God's voice but also an amazing testimony to how following His direction can impact our lives and our world for the glory of God's kingdom.
203 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1984
242 people are currently reading
1219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
February 8, 2019
What an incredible testimony of God’s faithfulness when we bow to Him! This was such an inspiring and encouraging read! Some excellent pointers on hearing God’s voice.
July 17, 2014
USEFUL FOR... those who are thinking about going to YWAM.
This book by Loren Cunningham explains the core value, beliefs, and history of YWAM.
YWAM’s foundation is made plain for all to see:
Loren Cunningham (YWAM’s leader and founder) claims to have visions and hear from God.
Cunningham hears God telling him to buy a specific ship to use for medical ministry, and that God will provide for this purpose. Cunningham makes this message from God very public and many people give money to him to buy this specific ship. However, not enough money is raised and so the ship is turned into scrap metal. Cunningham does not admit that his prophesy was false. Instead he adds to his sins by saying that God changed His mind and went against what He said He would do. How did Cunningham know this? He says he saw it in a vision. But this is Open theism, and contradicts what the Bible teaches about God.
At the back of the book are a few Bible references that Cunningham takes out of context to use for his own purposes. If you get a copy of the book I strongly recommend you follow this procedure: (1)make a note of the Bible references (2)read the Bible references in context (3)ask yourself, friends, pastors, commentaries what the Scripture quote means in its context (4)compare this to how Cunningham uses it (5)now read the rest of the book.
So read from Loren Cunningham himself why you should NOT go to YWAM.
This book by Loren Cunningham explains the core value, beliefs, and history of YWAM.
YWAM’s foundation is made plain for all to see:
Loren Cunningham (YWAM’s leader and founder) claims to have visions and hear from God.
Cunningham hears God telling him to buy a specific ship to use for medical ministry, and that God will provide for this purpose. Cunningham makes this message from God very public and many people give money to him to buy this specific ship. However, not enough money is raised and so the ship is turned into scrap metal. Cunningham does not admit that his prophesy was false. Instead he adds to his sins by saying that God changed His mind and went against what He said He would do. How did Cunningham know this? He says he saw it in a vision. But this is Open theism, and contradicts what the Bible teaches about God.
At the back of the book are a few Bible references that Cunningham takes out of context to use for his own purposes. If you get a copy of the book I strongly recommend you follow this procedure: (1)make a note of the Bible references (2)read the Bible references in context (3)ask yourself, friends, pastors, commentaries what the Scripture quote means in its context (4)compare this to how Cunningham uses it (5)now read the rest of the book.
So read from Loren Cunningham himself why you should NOT go to YWAM.
June 15, 2021
This book either fell into my hands at the right time or it really is a great story of one God’s mission. Either way it moves, inspires, gives you joy, tears and hope. A great journey of trusting Jesus with everything you are that eventually, through many troubles, leads one to seeing Lord’s grace and all-embracing hands upon everything one does.
September 25, 2012
I got this book from a friend who has worked with YWAM for 20+ years, and whose life is an inspiration. This book is about the beginnings of YWAM, and how Loren Cunningham learned to hear the voice of God, from the time he was a child. YWAM is a wonderful organization and this is an awesome story! Loren shares from his heart, and is very real about his own failings, and tells how God has been so faithful through the years. I love the guide in the back of the book with practical steps to hearing God's voice. My teenagers and I went through it together this morning. God is real and wants to speak to each of us, if we are submitted and willing to hear.
June 4, 2022
Un muy buen libro. Me encanta ver el corazón de Cunningham siendo transformado por Dios a medida que pasan los años. En definitiva es un libro que, no sólo los jucumeros deberíamos leer, sino todo aquel que desea saber cómo escuchar la voz de Dios.
July 14, 2024
An encouraging story of how God used an ordinary man , who listened for His voice and followed, to start one of the largest mission organizations. I found his principles for discerning the will of God very helpful, and there are many practical examples in the book of God’s guidance.
April 10, 2017
" 'Is That Really You, God?' is first of all a story, the story of a young man with a big dream. But it is also a virtual textbook in the art of hearing.
Perhaps the most undervalued force on earth is the energy of millions of young men and women, still in their teens and early twenties, anxious to see a better world. When Loren Cunningham himself was barely out of his teens, he saw a vision of waves of such people moving out across the continents to announce he good news of the gospel to this rebelling earth. Quite a challenge! Could the dream really be coming from God?
Today Loren's vision has materialized into a worldwide, energetic force, 'Youth With a Mission'. How did God move from vision to reality? By leading Loren, and his bride, Darlene, through a series of tough lessons in guidance. Loren made mistakes. At times he moved too fast, at times too slowly. At times he disobeyed. But he always had his dream.
There is much to glean from Loren Cunningham in the art of listening. As we seek to be used by God we must learn to hear him properly, then obey. That's the hardest part. That's the part that launched Loren and Darlene out into the deep..."
Perhaps the most undervalued force on earth is the energy of millions of young men and women, still in their teens and early twenties, anxious to see a better world. When Loren Cunningham himself was barely out of his teens, he saw a vision of waves of such people moving out across the continents to announce he good news of the gospel to this rebelling earth. Quite a challenge! Could the dream really be coming from God?
Today Loren's vision has materialized into a worldwide, energetic force, 'Youth With a Mission'. How did God move from vision to reality? By leading Loren, and his bride, Darlene, through a series of tough lessons in guidance. Loren made mistakes. At times he moved too fast, at times too slowly. At times he disobeyed. But he always had his dream.
There is much to glean from Loren Cunningham in the art of listening. As we seek to be used by God we must learn to hear him properly, then obey. That's the hardest part. That's the part that launched Loren and Darlene out into the deep..."
October 14, 2011
Amazing insights into listening to the voice of God. I just returned from the 2011 Ford Ironman in Kona and I was privileged to stay at the YWAM base for a week. I heard Darlene Cunningham speak on Monday. She is well into her seventies, yet full of life. Fun. Winsome. She declared that we are living in one of the most dynamic, exciting times for ministry. I hope to have that much vigor and love for the Lord when I reach my seventies.
A key thought she shared was that "Obedience to the Lord leads to great breakthroughs." I couldn't agree with her more. Not that it is our human, self-determined effort, but the simple spiritual truth that God is more interested in using humble, broken vessels that are yielded to Him than stubborn, pride-filled nuts that are hard to crack.
A great book worth reading and sharing...now off to finish it!
A key thought she shared was that "Obedience to the Lord leads to great breakthroughs." I couldn't agree with her more. Not that it is our human, self-determined effort, but the simple spiritual truth that God is more interested in using humble, broken vessels that are yielded to Him than stubborn, pride-filled nuts that are hard to crack.
A great book worth reading and sharing...now off to finish it!
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June 4, 2009What i have learned is to trust God in everything
September 9, 2024
I read this book when I was 18 or 19 and was overwhelmed wiith how Loren's vision of waves (of young people) crashing onto the continents overlapped with a vision I had earlier in my teens.
In my vision I saw myself in a wave, coming ashore, holding hands with others ...
It immediately clicked when I read his words while AT Ywam before I was 20.
Now, re-reading this to my kids, married to the person I met at YWAM, with my parents and oldest son having since done their own DTS...it's just....wild!
Jubilee plans to be the next to do a DTS, Lord willing.
Also, it's wild to think that when I read it the first time, Loren was mid ministry... now, as I read it, Loren is WITH the Lord...resting I'm worship for eternity.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
In my vision I saw myself in a wave, coming ashore, holding hands with others ...
It immediately clicked when I read his words while AT Ywam before I was 20.
Now, re-reading this to my kids, married to the person I met at YWAM, with my parents and oldest son having since done their own DTS...it's just....wild!
Jubilee plans to be the next to do a DTS, Lord willing.
Also, it's wild to think that when I read it the first time, Loren was mid ministry... now, as I read it, Loren is WITH the Lord...resting I'm worship for eternity.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
October 6, 2024
I was reading this book very slowly earlier in the year, but I just read through the whole thing pretty quick for my DTS, a program with YWAM! It is really neat to be participating in the organization that Loren Cunningham started while reading the book about its beginnings. It makes me wonder how many of us have dreams and passions that God has put in our hearts that could grow into something big and beautiful if we choose to step out in faith. Like – if Loren had thought about his vision to send waves of young people out and decided it was too big and unrealistic of a task, YWAM wouldn't be here. But he pursued it and trusted in God, and now I and countless others get to learn and work and grow with this amazing organization and so many grounded and genuine people. I'm super excited to grow closer to Jesus and to practice trusting Him to see what He has in store for my future, too 😊
February 20, 2024
Powerful
This book has deeply moved and challenged me around what it tangibly looks like to be led and directed by God. Loren’s writing style is easy to read and engaging at all times. Often hard to put down. I have spoken to many who know their story and most people indicate this book is a tamed down version of the wild reality behind the beginning of YWAM. One of my favourite books.
This book has deeply moved and challenged me around what it tangibly looks like to be led and directed by God. Loren’s writing style is easy to read and engaging at all times. Often hard to put down. I have spoken to many who know their story and most people indicate this book is a tamed down version of the wild reality behind the beginning of YWAM. One of my favourite books.
February 17, 2025
Wow!! A whole perspective shift on hearing God's voice! He has big plans if only we would listen! I am challenged. Have I ever glorified God's tool or God's work more than I have glorified God himself?
February 28, 2022
A really good book about being so dang in-tune with the Lords voice.
March 31, 2022
Living church history. Reminded me of the book of Acts - God moving through His people and speaking to them to make this earth a better place.
May 28, 2023
I found nothing about this compelling or tangible. I’m a terrible ywamer 🫢
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September 27, 2024Gonna sit on the rating
January 30, 2023
Måtte lese den
February 28, 2022
4.3 stars. book was super good and honestly built a lot of faith in me. the whole book is about how YWAM (youth with a mission) started. there were moments of this book that my jaw legitimately dropped whilst reading. very solid read and also very entertaining.
November 23, 2018
A great story of faith
March 11, 2018
Loren Cunningham founded YWAM (Youth With A Mission), something I've heard of but don't know much about. This book is about hearing the voice of God through Cunningham's personal journey in founding YWAM. The principles he shares in this book are intriguing and the stories are engaging. I liked learning the history of YWAM through a very personal point-of-view.
I would say, though, that if you aren't familiar with or heard of the Spirit-led kind of Christianity - the one that makes people think Christians are crazy - you'd think this book and its author are crazy. But if you're familiar with it or with church history, this is a great read. It can inspire you and help you with your prayer life and with hearing the voice of God. Do take note, however, that he shares one way of hearing the voice of God - the way he's experienced it with his own life - but it's not the only way.
I would say, though, that if you aren't familiar with or heard of the Spirit-led kind of Christianity - the one that makes people think Christians are crazy - you'd think this book and its author are crazy. But if you're familiar with it or with church history, this is a great read. It can inspire you and help you with your prayer life and with hearing the voice of God. Do take note, however, that he shares one way of hearing the voice of God - the way he's experienced it with his own life - but it's not the only way.
October 4, 2010
Wow, this is an amazing book about 1) hearing the voice of God; 2) being obedient to His call; and 3) the start of YWAM! "Is That Really You, God?" also includes many incredible stories of Loren Cunningham's life and how God has been involved in every step. It's sort of like a manual for hearing God's voice, really! This book also stresses "finding your calling" from God...whether that be preaching, teaching, or simply being an intercessor, it's important to find out God's will for your life. Then, you fit perfectly into His great jigsaw of the Body of Christ!
This book, besides being entertaining, is such an inspiration...so is Mr. Loren's life! I had the privilege of hearing Loren Cunningham speak in Denver at YWAM's 50th anniversary celebration recently, where he, again, spoke on the need for *obedient* youth among missions. That's the foundation of Youth With A Mission, after all!! :)
This book, besides being an awesome read for a [future] YWAM-er (like myself), is a great book for all Christians of every walk of life and ESPECIALLY youn people!! Don't miss out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<3†
This book, besides being entertaining, is such an inspiration...so is Mr. Loren's life! I had the privilege of hearing Loren Cunningham speak in Denver at YWAM's 50th anniversary celebration recently, where he, again, spoke on the need for *obedient* youth among missions. That's the foundation of Youth With A Mission, after all!! :)
This book, besides being an awesome read for a [future] YWAM-er (like myself), is a great book for all Christians of every walk of life and ESPECIALLY youn people!! Don't miss out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<3†
October 31, 2018
Fint å lese om menneske som blir leia av Gud, men kjenner på kjensla om at det er fjernt og uoppnåeleg for kven som helst dette her. Boka fortel om historia til YWAM og korleis alt starta, ganske relevant dersom du kunne tenka deg å bli ein del av organisasjonen, men heller lite relevant kanskje for folk flest. Boka fokuserar på det å høyre Gud si stemme ja, men føler kanskje det forsvinn litt i alt fokuset på skipet og den enorme framgangen organisasjonen har. Det er dette som gjer at boka mistar meg litt. I tillegg verkar det som at alt går i hamn til slutt og at alt går bra, det gjer det vel eigentleg ikkje i "verkelegheita"?
Målet deira med å ha ein todelt visjon er særleg inspirerande. Det er utruleg viktig å gå med evangeliet og samstundes elska nesten din som deg sjølv ❤️
Fascinerar med kor raskt denne organisasjonen har vakse og kor mykje dei har klart å utrette på relativt kort tid, det står det respekt av.
Målet deira med å ha ein todelt visjon er særleg inspirerande. Det er utruleg viktig å gå med evangeliet og samstundes elska nesten din som deg sjølv ❤️
Fascinerar med kor raskt denne organisasjonen har vakse og kor mykje dei har klart å utrette på relativt kort tid, det står det respekt av.
February 4, 2013
I've read this book 3 times now, and as a ywamer it's interesting to read about how this organization (Youth With A Mission) came to be. It's interesting to read about the original vision, God's plan for the mission, and even to gauge where I am in it all. The crazy faith stories throughout have not ceased to challenge me, and I think that I balk every time I read each story of God's faithfulness and provision... even though I shouldn't. It still amazes me that miracles like these still happen. The very principle of listening for guidance from God, listening for His voice so we come into greater fellowship with Him, greater relationship with Him, is something that I need to value more than I do. In the end it's all about knowing God and loving Him more than we love ourselves and our own lives. This book is a good reminder of that.
October 10, 2014
This book was captivating. I have been in a state, seeking for more of God towards his calling for me and this came at the right time. I have been reading so much about the power of God but I'm yet to experience it, hence the importance of listening to God.
Loren Cunningham's story is so amazing that one little obedience got more blessing and a little pride got huge consequence. A calling of 10 years, we can see its manifestation today. Yes, God sometimes wants a break to have us all to himself for he is a jealous God but the devil will stop at nothing to see it ruined. Thank God for the lives of Loren and Don and also Kalafi (amazing how God brought him back to where he left off with him, some don't get another opportunity).
Loren Cunningham's story is so amazing that one little obedience got more blessing and a little pride got huge consequence. A calling of 10 years, we can see its manifestation today. Yes, God sometimes wants a break to have us all to himself for he is a jealous God but the devil will stop at nothing to see it ruined. Thank God for the lives of Loren and Don and also Kalafi (amazing how God brought him back to where he left off with him, some don't get another opportunity).
March 20, 2010
This is an inspiring book for twentysomethings who have a vision for ministry. As a young man, Loren Cunningham had a vision to start Youth With a Mission. His denomination wanted him to temper his dream, and align it with their plans. Cunningham could have agreed and taken a cushy bureaucratic job. Instead, he risked alienating his ministry superiors and went on his own to pursue what he thought God had told him. He faced much opposition at first. But YWAM has become the largest youth missions organization in the world. Cunningham frankly describes his doubts and frustrations in seeing the ministry through its early years.
September 19, 2013
I really enjoyed this book from start to finish. Even though it is the story of YWAM (Youth With A Mission), it really is a story about listening to God. The author demonstrates how he truly seeks the Lord in every decision. That may mean waiting for quite some time. I love how he explains his process, how we can truly seek God's guidance and to learn to be confident when we hear from Him. It kept my attention all the way through and was an easy, quick read. By the way, the architect he refers to in the book who built their university in Hawaii, I worked for many years ago. Sort of funny to read about something you know about from another angle.
January 31, 2015
I got this book yesterday morning about 8 am. I finished it about 1 pm. I read for almost 4 hours straight. I couldn't put it down. I loved that they totally believed that thru prayer God would answer them. I struggle with this. I feel that God may or may not answer. Maybe I am not quiet or still long enough or that God is still putting things in position to make big things happen. I know that God is there and he is listening but the boat in the book reminded to keep my focus on God. That if we take our eyes off God we will turn to other things and make it about something other than God. This book was great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2016
This is one of my favorites! The story of Loren Cunningham and the founding of YWAM. It's full of wonderful stories of miracles and of the Lord's mighty works. The stories illustrate principles about hearing God's voice, and these principles are summarized at the end of the book, along with scriptural examples of them. My style of both reading and writing is that I like lots of stories mixed with scriptural truth, so this book fits right in for me. It is also an encouraging read for anybody who has been called by God and didn't have the support of approval of leaders in their movement/denomination.
September 5, 2008
I learned a lot from this book. Not only does it give the fascinating story of how YWAM was started, but it will encourage you to listen for the voice of God in your own life. I found the book especially meaningful because, in the introduction, the editor explains how, although the whole story behind YWAM is full of God's mysterious workings, they only included the miraculous events that were witnessed by over 3 people. And the book was chock full of miracles anyways! This book is a wonderful testimony to the power of God that He still displays today.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews