Jesus Calling Devotional
reviews and complaints

This app is a waste of $10. Just buy the book if you want the devotional, it's cheaper, you can share it, and it is much nicer to read. There is zero benefit of buying this app now that they've changed it.
This is the first time I have read Jesus Calling. I have heard so many great things about the book and a couple women in my bible study wanted to go through a devotional together this year so we picked this one. I had just finished the Bible In One Year app and absolutely loved having an app on my iPad to use so was excited to try this. The first week of using the Jesus Calling app was so nice. After the update it's always on the wrong date, the font is tiny, I can't highlight anything, it doesn't automatically open to that date, each page looks like a generic note. Plain white background with small basic black font. The old version looked more like a real book and was much nicer looking. This new version looks like a cheap app someone made because they forgot about it and had to turn it in today. So disappointed in having wasted my money on this app, I hope Sara Young's publisher can fix it because it's unfortunate her product is being represented in this way.

Goodness gracious. I came over here to let the developers know the wrong date was showing and began reading the recent reviews. I'm astounded by the negativity and bashing. It's one thing to give your opinion on the new look-- most agree it's not the best-- but, do we really need to start accusing the company of greed in the process. It's a great app with great content and the platform is new so that even more great tools can be added. So it's not great now and has some bugs-- give them some grace and time to correct the issues. Give constructive criticism , yes, but there is absolutely no need to bash them. My goodness people, let's remember the purpose in all this and who we are trying to be more like and why we have the app in the first place. What would Jesus do if he didn't like the new app? I doubt he'd bash it and make accusatory comments like some below. Good heavens. Let's all chill out. They are working on the fixes to the latest issues. I'm sure it will be restored to something new and even better soon. Until then, let's be thankful there are companies and people like Sara that provide edifying content like Jesus Calling. Jesus called, and He said to show some grace!

I have always been a fan of this devotional series and have bought the paper versions multiple times as gifts for new believers, people who are struggling, and the ladies in my small group. I have used this app online for myself and at times to share with others things that I feel are applicable to their struggles. You have completely failed and that aspect with your new in ability to copy and share. Copying and sharing a tidbit is worthless. As a writer myself I understand copyright laws however you could allow for sharing copyright laws do not prohibit that you just have to waive your right so I’m not buying that to me it has now becomeAll about the money which are the popularity of this series is immense so I’m guessing the money is breaking in.To turn off that capability and claim copyright laws after at least 6-7 years of the app being out is extremely skeptical and shows to me your true intent is strictly about the money and greed which is a very ungodly and unchristian attitude.I truly hope you search your hearts and consider the goal of your ministry is it to make money and ministering to others by sharing your gifts and talents with the world. because you are making money but you are no longer doing it for eternal gain.

I bought this app a month ago and loved it. I bought it for 3 friends. We were all very happy. Then they got the bright idea to change it and I can not even read it any more. I have deleted it because the printing is soooooo small and I cannot make it bigger because, once you do, you cannot move to the end of a sentence. It is off the page. So please, don't waste your money like I did, 4 times. Eventually, when they realize how everyone hates this new release, they will revert back to the beautiful and larger font they had before. I cannot imagine what they were thinking when they took a hatchet to this once lovely app. What a shame. They ruined it. I am hoping they will catch their mistake very, very soon. But until then, do NOT waste your money.
Also, since I had only had the app for less than a month when it was ruined, I would like a refund. I won't ask for a refund for my 3 friends. I am embarrassed that I gave them such a beautiful gift and then it was destroyed. But I demand a refund. I will check with the Apple Store, but I imagine you will be the one to give me my refund. I believe that, since I paid for a specific app then you took it away from me, you have voided our contract. I will check with a friend who is a lawyer.

3/15
This is an update--you know what I think. I think you took your money and RAN. I SEE NO EFFORT WHATSOEVER on your part to fix this! Shame on you! You took money from very well intentioned people. No one would have bought this app the way it is now. Just look at your reviews! I don' think you even care. I'm going to delete it from my iPad because it just angers me every time I open it up. Enjoy your "winnings!"

It's been more than a few months since you promised to rethink the entire format of this app. You enlarged the print but it is still nothing like the version I "bought". It's really unfair to accept payment for a beautiful app and then change it to such an inferior version. PLEASE do something. Every time I open it I get upset all over again! It would be nice if you offered refunds.

Why oh why would you "update" this beautiful book to an almost unreadable version?! I loved the app the way it was and this update is terrible. Can I go back to the previous version? If not, I'm going to delete it and get a hard copy. Have you tried to read it yourself? The print is sooo tiny and then there's a huge blank space below it! It doesn't make sense. I'll check back occasionally to see if it's changed to a more readable version. If not, I'm done with it. Please listen to your reviews.

As an older reader I agree that the font size of the new revision is too small. Making that adjustable for an aging population would be a good thing. Fixing the "gift" tab is a very good thing. I can't tell you how many times I tried to get it to work before Christmas & sadly wasn't able. Having the letter from Sarah is a very good thing. If you would make that a shareable feature that would be appreciated as it would be something that I would like to send to a person for whom I am gifting your devotional. Also, as social worker career-changing to be an RN (so now a nursing student) I have learned to look at the app version history. When your last version update was in 2013 that is way too long ago. We're this a nursing app I wouldn't have purchased it. It indicates that you or your technical staff hadn't been including a way to listen to your users. Believe me when I wanted to gift the app for Christmas I tried every way I could think of to connect & didn't even find it on your website. It can be a challenge or overwhelming to receive feedback of things that don't work but, trust me, when things are working better the positive feedback will come. I'm looking forward to better things in the "new platform" you mentioned. Please keep listening to your users. In the end it will help the mission and vision of your publications reach that much further.

Hugh disappointment. I have discontinued usage until remedy. THE WAY IT SHOULD BE LIVING IN DEPENDENCE ON ME is the way to enjoy abundant life. You are learning to appreciate tough times because they amplify your awareness of My Presence. Tasks that you used to dread are becoming rich opportunities to enjoy My closeness. When you feel tired, you remember that I am your Strength; you take pleasure in leaning on Me. I am pleased by your tendency to turn to Me more and more frequently, especially when you are alone. When you are with other people, you often lose sight of My Presence. Your fear of displeasing people puts you in bondage to them, and they become your primary focus. When you realize this has happened, whisper My Name; this tiny act of trust brings Me to the forefront of your consciousness, where I belong. As you bask in the blessing of My nearness, My life can flow through you to others. This is abundant life! I love you, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. —Psalm 18:1–2 Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. —Proverbs 29:25 “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” —John 10:10 nkjv

What on earth were you thinking?
Why, if your going to make improvements, then make it better. What you did instead was make a cold and impersonal devotional.

This WAS, an app, that I intended to purchase as gifts for my 5 daughters and several of my friends but I will not nor could I until the balance of the apps appearance meets that of the messages portrayed.

The messages are the same, but the appearance is very uninviting, giving a cold, hard, distant, appearance. This does not meet with the character of the Lord nor the messages that are being conveyed about Him. He is gentle, warm, inviting, and very personal. The contradiction between the devotional and the over all appearance of this app contradict the messages.

PLEASE FIX.

I have so enjoyed and looked forward to reading this devotional every day, prior to the changes in January , not only for the material and scriptures discussed but also for the personal application Ms. Young applies to encourage ones personal walk with the Lord. I also loved the old version better than this new up date. It was very personal and had a touch of warmth and beauty to the layout which aided in the messages Ms. Young was sharing about our Lord. Now, with the new update it is no longer inviting but appears to be very impersonal, cold, as well as cheaply laid out.

I know I am repeating myself but this is important to me.

Please change back to the version prior to the changes made in January .

Every morning for the last few years, I start my day by reading Jesus Calling. The page in the app was rich and was well-designed. It led the reader into stillness and helped me 'hear' the devotional as Jesus speaking to me.

The new design is stark, with smaller text that is tighter together. It looks 'okay' on an iPhone but is nearly impossible to read on the iPad. (Did anyone actually QA this on an iPad?) At least on the iPhone, the text is an appropriate size and width for the device. On the iPad, it actually looks like someone forgot to apply any design at all.

I use the iPad because the larger format makes it easier to read, but your designers forgot to allow the fonts to enlarge when viewed from a larger device. (This is called responsive design.)

In my opinion, the design went backwards. One of the things I always liked about the app was that it would automatically open to today's' devotional. That is the purpose of the app, after all. I was disappointed this morning when I actually had to swipe to see the devotional. I know, what's one little swipe, right? The goal of user interface design is the minimize the number of steps required for a user to accomplish the goal of any given task. Adding a swipe where there previously was be *for no clear purposemeans that you've also moved backwards in usability.

The design and simplicity of use of the original app allowed me to feel satisfied with the purchase of this app (which is quite expensive for an app). The new design just leaves me feeling like someone wasn't trying very hard.

Please do not reply to my review with the same “Developer Response” provided to anyone who complains that they can no longer share daily reading. Your cut and paste identical-feedback implies the Developer is not attempting to convey this critique for further resolution… apparently this will not be revised. The direction is condescending, as the reviewer will have figured out that the “3-dot share feature” does not allow sharing but merely is a marketing ploy for person with whom I want to share the message - the person has to buy the app to read the finished sentence and passage. The 300 word copyright limitation should not stop us from at least choosing which 300 words we want to share. This app took away the share feature before but allowed me to choose 300 words to share without the link to buy gimmick. Then the app brought back ability to share entire message and now takes it away? Why? The people I share with (my children) either have app or can download by family sharing…. So app paid for numerous times should allow me to cut and paste with other app sharers…for my purpose….I just tried to send my 3 college kids the daily reading as family text (which I often do), and couldn’t even select 300 words …. I have done this for years…. I cannot do now (Not sending them “3-dot”link to app)- negates the purpose of message.
I absolutely love Jesus Calling and just want to be able to share messages with my kids to help keep them Christ-focused…. I’d pay upgrade fee to at least copy and paste my choice of selection! Please change app!

I love the books and I once loved the app also. One of the latest versions erased years’ worth of precious prayers notes. Looks like the app creator was trying to make it harder to copy and paste the text for the purpose of sending direct messages. I would sometimes think of a friend or family member during my devotional and share with them after my prayer time. Thank he app owners have done away with the ability to copy so the the person now has to purchase the app to see it. A user can actually just screen shot and send but it’s the greed behind the change I find frustrating. No one is going to copy and paste on a large scale. This is penny watching.
Most disappointing are my years’ worth of notes that were deleted in the update. I no longer have the reminders of prayers answered and hearts changed. Not the end of the world but a loss nonetheless.
Lastly, the new version is garish and overly bright. I keep switching to dark mode but I have to change it every time. It’s like reading old paper office memos first thing in the morning. No warmth.
I’ll be finding a new app.
Disappointed they ruined it.

UPDATE: I received a response from the owner/app publisher stating that they no longer allow copy and paste because of copyright law. Don’t fall for this cloak. Harper Collins/Sarah Young could easily give blanket permission for this type of use and really it falls under 17 U.S. Code § 107 and could be called fair use while one is using it to comment or teach.
If it were truly against copyright law then HP just admitted to years of contributing to illegal activities.

5/8 Review
Two issues with the latest update. 1) The screen is extremely oversensitive to touch ... simply trying to scroll down shifts the screen to the previous days devotion. Very annoying. 2) release notes state that a swipe will move you to other purchased items like Jesus Always. It does not do this. Swipe Simple moves to previous day. Please update the bug fix and release notes to better describe the new improved method of going between books or maybe a fix of the feature.

Updating my review again. Better but still not right. The main issue is the top and bottom 'banners' overwrite the screen... They go away when I scroll and when I lift my finger they reappear and cover my text. It was better when they remained stationary. Hopefully this will be fixed in the new new new release. I'd be happy with the original.

Updating my review... Unfortunately the app still has issues. Intermittently when you tap the screen to scroll down the page shrinks in on the sides and the scroll function stops. The only fix is to arrow back to the main page and reopen today's reading. Today I had to do this 6 times in order to get to the bottom. Please fix this! I miss the original version!

I'm very disappointed in the update. The font is too small. After opening the app, today's reading is highlighted, but when tapped Jan 1 pops to the top of the screen and you have to scroll down to today's date. The screen is all text and unpleasing to the eye. I haven't
noticed any new features that warranted an 'upgrade'. Please restore the original version.

This was one of my favorite apps. I started my morning reading it to set my day's tone. But this "upgrade" shocked me. I can't believe it passed UAT. It is terrible!

You were a 4 star app, with a heavy heart am downgrading to a 1 star - I can't use it due to the small font. So bummed! As an ex developer, the asterisks (*) below are the reasons why I didn't give it a 5 star to begin with. Here are some suggested fixes/enhancements that can help make this app amazing again.
1) Ability to adjust font size ASAP, 2) Move favorites to bottom of main page from the 2nd page 3) Move store and gifts to the 2nd page (moving functionality users uses like "favorites" to the 2nd page but keeping your store and gifts on the main gives impression you'd rather sell more product than provide a better user experience) 4) A notes tabon main page so we can see our notes in one place, 5) Fix gifts- Have lost $ on two gifts because recipient never got it but I was charged for it so I stopped using it. If fixed, would use it frequently, 6) A "Help / Contact" tabon the 2nd page to communicate privately with staff on upgrade ideas, usability questions, which avoids public messages, like this one which can negatively effect your overall ratings, 7) Ability to share posts(email, text, social media apps, printing, copy and paste, etc.) - this helps spread your beautiful messages to family and friends and attract new business / users to you and 8) a "pie in the sky" enhancement - linkage from bible passages to a major bible applike YouVersion so we can read the full scripture if we want to.

Please fix #1 immediately. I cannot use app in its current font size. Throwing off my whole day. I REALLY miss my time with Jesus;(

I also would volunteer for future UATs. :)

I recently updated my Jesus Calling app, and have encountered a number of bothersome glitches. Despite the fabulous content, it's very difficult for me to look past the technical failures and actually be able to concentrate on the daily readings. As a result, I can't justify a rating of more than 2 stars because I rarely can focus on the actual good content.

First, my reminder notification continues to display, despite my turning off the reminder options, restarting the app, deleting and reinstalling the app, etc. Nothing makes the notification disappear. NOTHING.

Next, the day that is highlighted when I open the app to read is the wrong day. It is off by one day.

Finally, while I'm personally pleased that the old version's screen graphics are no longer present and impeding my ability to view all of the text of the top line on my screen, the alternative that you have selected is the most sterile and athletically displeasing option I believe you could have chosen. I have good vision, and the font is too small to read comfortably. The lack of an option to zoom or increase font size is quite ridiculous, actually, especially given the app development talent that is available today.

Please, please fix these issues and actually release an app update that your customers can call an improvement or even an app update that takes us back to the previous release version. This release was clearly a step in the wrong direction.

Why would you wait so long between app updates only to release this awful version with the promise of a new platform in a few months? Why couldn't you just leave the old, functional one in use for a few more months until the new platform is tested and ready for release?

I get so frustrated when I use the updated app that I am considering removing it from my phone until the new platform is ready or until I can revert to the old app version.

You represent God's Word, which is an honor. Slapping "Christian" on the front of a poor product doesn't make it "good." It makes it a terrible representative of our Creator. We are made in the Creator's image, to create works of beauty like His.

Or at least *try!*

Why on earth would you roll out this hunk of junk with the "promise" of better in the future? You didn't update for years before, why start now? Roll out a finished product of high quality that honors our Creator!

Or roll back a version until then!

This wasn't cheap. Now it isn't even the quality of a free app. Content is worthless if the interface isn't usable by the end user, and usable does include aesthetics.

And yes, I'm a bit bitter about the changes because you have taken away something I had come to rely on. I had chocolate and you replaced it with carob. Carob is good, just don't tell me it's chocolate or going to be like chocolate once I get use to it.

One of the things that really made this app a find for me was the background colors. The bright white, no matter how low I dim my screen assaults my eyes. I'm happy to be blinded by the brilliance of being in the presence of the Lord, but an app that represents His word, not as much.

This is really ugly now.

And I get duplicate reminders, when only one is set, with the text: REMINDERBODY. (Somewhere in that is a tasteless Easter or communion joke).

If better is coming, can you please send out a message and fix that harsh white screen until then?

For future reference, don't hire someone to do your updates because they are "Christian." Hire someone created by God who does beautiful quality work that will represent the Creator in a way that brings honor. Who knows, maybe it will reunite someone with the Farher if they have fallen apart.

Geesh I am steamed about this change! Guess that shows I shouldn't rely on my fellow woman but on God alone.

I am very happy with the app now. I quit reading the messages because I couldn’t read them in landscape view after the latest update. I really enjoy the messages and I’m so thankful to be able to read them again.

My earlier reviews are below.

... Initial Review: I opened the app today and it's totally different and awful! It doesn't automatically open on today's message and the message is not written on an attractive background anymore. Hate it! Please change it back!
... Second Update: The app has finally been changed and it looks better although not as nice as the original. There is a big problem which is that the footer covers up part of the message and there's no way to read the bottom of the message without holding your finger on the screen while reading it. Please fix this glitch! Another problem is that the message sometimes opens on the previous day's message so you have to make sure that you know today's date.
... Third update: The app has been freezing up lately. I have been able to fix it by closing it and reopening it or rebooting my ipad but today that's not working. Now I can only read the portion of the message that comes up and cannot scroll down to read the remainder of the message. I also do not like that I can only copy and paste 300 words at a time. This makes it very difficult for me to save and organize meaningful messages for my own future reference. It looks like the author is more concerned about herself than others.
... Fourth Update: Ever since a recent update, I cannot view the app in landscape view on my ipad so I’m not looking at the messages anymore. My ipad is top heavy and falls out of my keyboard in the upright view. From the very beginning, I’ve been able to view it in landscape view and I’m so frustrated that that view is not available anymore — and I think I paid for this app! Harper Collins said they might address this in the future. I’ve never had more problems with any other app. I was happy with it at the beginning but they keep messing it up!

Current Version:
Repeatedly crashes on opening. This has been a bug for several iterations of your app, and sadly it remains a bug in your most recent release. At launch from the home page of my iPhone 6 running iOS 9.3.3, the splash screen appears, but when I touch it again to open the app, it freezes on the splash screen. I have to exit your app and attempt this opening sequence several times before I can advance beyond the splash screen.
Today, once I did get into the app, rather than show me the devotional for today's date, it displayed the list view beginning with January 1st, and I had to scroll my way down to the correct day and manually select it to begin reading today's devotional page. These few minutes of aggravation are not a pleasant way to start my day with the Lord. Please put both issues on your big list, and fix them soon.

Prior Release
(Left here for reference. These issues have mostly been corrected.)

I have lost count of the number of hardcover Jesus Calling books I've purchased to share with others. So. Very. Many. We are commanded to share these scripture, not to restrict access to God's Word. Sharing is not just caring, it's living out the Great Commission. Stripping this beloved app of so many characteristics that made it come alive in the lives of your readers was a very reckless thing to do.

Your app rating has plummeted, with more than 100 users a day, on average, upset so mightily that they are willing to take time out of their busy days to leave overwhelmingly negative reviews--imploring you to restore the lovely qualities of the former release of this Jesus Calling app.

God knows why this decision was made. The rest of us are left wondering--wounded by the loss of the app we eagerly embraced to start our day--sitting quietly with God's word and your inspired writings.

Faithful followers are watching to see what will happen next. I implore you to listen to the Lord's voice and honor His calling rather than the pleas of your publisher to further monetize this title that has brought hope and healing to millions. Stand firm, and insist the developers reinstate all the thoughtful nuances of this app that have been so sadly stripped away.

May God continue to richly bless you and your family, Sarah, as you move forward with the ministry God has given you.

I purchased Jesus Calling a few years back and loved it so much, I also purchased the enhanced audio, and several other books (in-app). With the purchase of a new phone, I have been unable to restore all my purchases with the exception of the original Jesus Calling and Jesus Always. There was also a problem with all my purchases syncing with with my iPad. This was ongoing and I reported it twice over a two-year period, with an inappropriate response from email support both times and NO FIX. I let that one go and just used my phone. Now it looks like I am out around $50 in purchases. Once again, their email customer service offered a fix for something else entirely. Do they not read and comprehend? They keep sending me canned responses for an audio fix (which doesn’t work, either). Their restore purchases button does NOT work. I have followed all the appropriate protocols for fixing a buggy app and no-go. I am pretty techie and this isn’t my first rodeo. Soft/hard restarts, redownloading, phone on/off, etc. Harper Collins is the point of contact. Sarah’s devotionals are all beautifully written and delivered in such a relational way. Love all her books and they do carry the same theme across the books (for each day) if you read them daily. I enjoyed spending time with each book and loved the daily theme crossing from one book to the next. Also enjoyed reading along with the enhanced audio or just listening when I couldn’t lay eyes on the text. So sad to lose all but two of my purchases from them, but refuse to spend an additional $50 to get them back. Again, the RESTORE PURCHASES button is NOT working in iphone 14 at all. Several of my books and audio are just gone. If they reach out to me and fix this, I will amend my review. But so far, their email support has been useless. I write this after several fails or fixes over a two-year period. Sadly, looking for a daily devotional app that actually works with good support and actual fixes. The devotionals are brilliant, but the app is glitchy and no support. I gave it two stars because the content is beautiful and email support does respond—but they lost three for lacking real support, ongoing issues and no fixes—not to mention $50 in purchases down the drain. I recently contacted them FOUR times in the past month. No fix in sight. I even asked if they had a way to renew my purchases on their end. No response. So disappointed to lose my purchases. PLEASE FIX YOUR APP!

Dec 8, 2016-Wow! God works miracles. Not perfect, but so much improved I won't complain. In time for great holiday gifts. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being open and listening. Please, please put forward any ideas for changes out for feedback first. It's free for you and your users have the best interest in your product. Change yes, but for the sake of change no. Bless you!

6/6 update. Something told me to check my app updates since I turned off auto updates after learning the hard way.

Thought about not risking the update, but decided to chance it since it can't be any worse. I only checked two things.

1)Was it the old app that worked so well prior to 1/16?
2)Did they listen to us and trust us enough to restore the original copy/paste feature?

If you thought they were listening they aren't. Still limits you to 300 character copy and paste. Not the old app either. Go no further. Do not pass Go, Do not collect $200.

Maybe, just maybe, sales will decrease enough that they will layoff all the app software developers and the find someone that puts it back the way it was when we paid for it just before the lights go out.

This is a perfect example of when the DSUD (dream stuff up department) tries to fix something that isn't broken. It's blatantly obvious that they do not care what their customers think because anyone who can read and comprehend English would change it back or at least listen to customers suggestions. (They think they know what's best)

I had hoped and prayed they would come around, but to no avail. Will check again when next update is released, but until then buy the nice bound leather version.

OLD REVIEW BELOW:

Software developers have to change things or they would not have a job. Does that justify what they did? No, but that is their motive.

I use to use the copy feature to send the daily devotional to a friend with whatever comments that I was moved to write and he would do the same. We would not read each other's until ours was written. It was not only amazing, but fun. We could even look back to the same date a year earlier and see how our interpretation had changed. All of that including the historical value was destroyed.

MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL is that we both had paid for app versions. As well as purchasing literally 100's of copies of the written version to hand out to people whose paths we crossed, we would eventually encourage them to purchase the electronic version.

We still use the printed version as a ministry. However, I can not encourage the purchase of the current electronic version.

The 300 character limitation is worse than having the feature turned off.

If the publishers motivation is purely monetary, I would gladly pay $20 for the old version again. Yes, that would be charging twice for something I had already paid for, but this current version is worthless. What we received with the old version is priceless.

Remember, the publishers will stand to answer for their actions to the highest authority.

Selah

I would have given you five stars had you actually done something to change the issue mentioned to you 1 year ago, but it’s still the same. I have agree with Gloliver 7149. That review was written at least a year ago and the disclosed “issue” that was mentioned, STILL exists! Your description of the app makes it sound like we can share a verse or part of the devotion with someone, but that’s not the case at all! Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE the app, but if the issue isn’t resolved soon, I’m thinking, even though I paid a whopping $9.99 for the app, I’ll get rid of it. The reason being is that this is a VERY POPULAR devotional and I don’t believe that you can’t afford to upgrade this app so we can actually share JESUS with people, not your books! Don’t you get enough advertising in on all these other platforms you use?...I just ordered a leather bound devotional for someone I don’t even know but was asked if I would do that and I did. In reality I couldn’t afford it, but how can you put a price on sharing the gift of salvation and helping a person grow in their relationship with Jesus! I mean COME ON, let’s be realistic here! I don’t mean to come across harsh, but if that’s what it takes to wake you people up, then so be it! I’ve bought at least 5 other leather bound editions with full verses written out AND had them engraved with their names, some of them I hardly knew at all, all with not being financially stable but following God’s call to help others. I REALLY hope you take some consideration and make some changes in how your app works or at least be honest about what the “SHARE” button REALLY does! And another thing, you have “AUDIO” listed as an option in the app, that made me believe that I would be able to “LISTEN” to it as well as read it, THAT was a selling point for me as well! But when I downloaded the app and pushed on “AUDIO”, lo and behold, it brought me to a page where I could purchase separately the “audio VERSION” for yet more money! I own an actual book copy of this devotional and since I can’t listen to it OR share anything from it, getting rid of the app is sounding better all the time! I’m sorry for having to write this review but when I noticed that review in regards to not being able to share being 1year ago, and still you haven’t done anything to change it, I just had to voice my opinion! I’m sorry if I’ve hurt anyone’s feelings. That’s not what this is about, it’s about doing something to help others and to make your PAYING customers happy! I would like to think that you CARE about those things! You make it appear as though all you care about is the mighty dollar though! PLEASE, PROVE me wrong by fixing these issues! THEN I will write another review and give you 5+ stars along with a very good review! It’s sad because unfortunately word of mouth spreads faster than anything else and I’m not talking about me, I’m talking about in general, it’s a fact! Just think how many more subscribers you could have if you made some NOTABLE changes! Something to think about...just saying!

I am really frustrated by the new "subscription" demands on my Jesus Calling app that I've had and enjoyed for 8+ years. After buying the app content years ago, now I'm being pushed to pay monthly subscription fees for the content I already paid for/own. I don't want or need any additional content or services, nor should I be forced to pay $5.35/month ($64/year) for book contents I already bought, and that cost $11 on Amazon (hard copy). I just want the same access to the same content I've had since I paid for the app/content.

Before the last update I would give 5 stars. This update looks like a cheap, poorly thought out design. The old version was inviting, with a soothing appearance and text that stood out and was inviting, instead of looking like a resume like it does now. I HATE having to scroll to the next day, especially since I’ve been having a lot of hard times lately and need to see something fast to calm my anxiety. This is just a horrible change and I’m not sure why you guys broke what didn’t need to be fixed. I’ve stopped using it. Now it has no appeal. I’ll be back when you bring back the old version.

Your updated app version is horrible and extremely difficult to use and navigate through ! I was able to share the word of God everyday with others BUT NOW it’s impossible to send the daily Jesus Calling message to others without them having to purchase your app ! You’ve turned it into a money $$$ thing ! I’m not happy at all and will NOT suggest your app to others from here on out unless it’s changed back ! I’m sure there are plenty of other people that use it used your app that feel the same as I do! I’ve been loyal to y’all for over 8 years but now it’s about the $$! I hope GOD sees what your company is doing now !

Please give us back the warm graphics and ease of opening up to each day’s message. It was such a convenient, warm experience to open the app and see the attractive, encouraging message waiting for you.
Being used to the way it was, the cold and unfriendly look now takes away from the message for me. And those messages have been such a help in my spiritual journey.
VERY disappointing.
If this was supposed to be an upgrade, it missed the mark.

(If you’ve taken away the graphics, then your preview shown on the App Store is misleading and should be changed to the way it really looks. Or, better yet, go back to that look.)

I have been enjoying this app with it’s beautiful book like formatting for several years. Suddenly after this new update took effect it’s all stark white, more difficult to read, harder to find the day your in. The font sizes seem all different and what’s with all the asking of information?

I uninstalled and reinstalled it thinking it was a bug in the app like I now see many others have done.

Seriously? This new update is a huge discredit to the author and I am no longer enjoying the reading of it. I think I’ll need to go back to the book version.

Such a shame to ruin what was a great little app!

Restore option back to the old version PLEASE!

Not only has this update seemingly taken some of my books (they won’t download into my library and the restore purchases button won’t work) it has taken away the ability to copy/paste and share on my social media. I’ve shared a Jesus Calling devotional EVERY SINGLE MORNING for the last 5 years or so. I’ve had many many friends who have read them and told me how much they mean to them, or how they needed to read that, etc. And for the record, clicking the share icon and doing it that way does not do anything. Nor does screen shooting and sharing that way. My friends have only read them when I’ve copied/pasted the devotional. Please bring that function back!

I have been repeatedly disappointed over the 6+ years when I’ve done an upgrade to this app. The lack of being able to interact with the text to define words is a recent example. I also miss being able to copy and paste the text to share the Gospel. Everyone isn’t going to purchase the app but as Christians (like Sarah Young), the intention is to draw others to a relationship with Christ by personalizing the message in the Bible. It’s a disappointment that sharing this blessing requires me to pitch a sale for the publisher. I am still blessed by it, but not being able to share takes away a bit of my joy. Please share this feedback with the publisher. Thank you.

I loved this app until the update. Before, the daily pages were beautiful and looked just like the book. It was easy to mark my favorites and review them whenever I wanted. The new pages are BLAND! Everything is in black and white, no picture detail, etc. Now it’s easier to share? Why in the world would anyone want to share it now? It’s awful. I really loved this app because of the look of it and the convenience of having it on my phone and I paid $10 for it! Please consider bringing back the old style. At this point, I’d like a refund of my $10 if this awful update is not addressed. Thank goodness I have the book - too bad someone made the decision to cheapen the look of this once great app☹️

I’ve shared your devotional for 9+ years… every. single. day. And I’ve ALWAYS given YOU credit. I have in my shortened keystrokes jcbs and it pops in as Jesus Calling by Sarah Young so I don’t have to type it daily.

Because of my sharing daily, I know of hundreds of people that have purchased your app and this devotional book for themselves and as gifts. I also purchase 10-20 at a time to gift as I feel directed.

Yesterday I allowed all my apps (which I NEVER do) to update. So… obviously, I will NOT be sharing your devotional anymore until you change the feature of copy and share. I’ve read all the recent reviews and I’m not the only one upset with your update. Why? You had people sharing (and not getting paid to) for your benefit.

I love this app. Truly I do. It’s the first thing I read upon waking in the morning. However, this new update is horrendous. It’s not user friendly and more specifically, the overall look and feel has gone from soothing to harsh. The daily devotional doesn’t even appear right when you open it but you have to click on the one you want, there are no color changes that depict you’re actually reading a devotional (looks like a boring document you have to read for work) and I miss the italicized scriptures. Scripture is so very important and it needs to stand out as such. I’ll continue reading this as the content and correlating versus truly do speak to me on a daily basis but why try to fix something that isn’t broke? Go back to the way it was!

Before the update, I would have given this 5 stars. The layout was beautiful/inviting and I looked forward to opening my app each day. Now with the new update the daily devotions looks like a work e-mail and the app is extremely inconvenient to navigate. I would have never purchased this app if this was the original layout/format. Please bring back the old layout. You have numerous valued customers saying the same thing. There is a consistent theme-please bring back the old version. I miss it and the peace it brought to my morning routine. I unfortunately don’t even use the app anymore and have pulled out my physical book copy instead but miss the convenience of having it on my phone. Please listen to the feedback and bring back the old version prior to the most recent update.

This app cost more than I can buy the actual book on Amazon, yet is missing a lot of functionality. It won't work with Apple Pencil and I have difficulty typing on iPad, so I can’t make notes. It also won't let me copy and paste into my digital journal. I am not trying to copy the whole thing, just a sentence here or there so I can jot down my thoughts. It's an awesome way to start the day, but a huge disappointment that I can not use it digitally to the extent I expected. I should have just stuck with the actual book since I have to copy anything I want in my Bible journal by hand anyway. I wish I could get my money back for the app! Please, at the very least, add a notation in the description that it doesn’t work with Apple Pencil and you can’t copy/paste into digital journals.

4/4/2022 I’m still disappointed I’ve not been reading Jesus I calling for quite some time. I want to be able to copy and share the entire daily devotional not just sections at a time. That’s time consuming so I don’t do it.

I was completely happy with the older version except for a detail the no longer existed and that was the ability to push a button to share on Facebook. With an audience that probably won't go to church. But they looked forward to getting Sarah's Jesus is calling devotional. I tried copy and pasting to Facebook and everybody was happy again. Then on 1/8 that all changed. The font is to small and I can't copy paste and share. Please change it back. Every morning I regret not being able to share. Please please please allow the auto FB share or let us copy and paste. Respectfully Carolyn

I add my comments to the latest reviews I’ve been reading. The old version was much preferred. I appreciated the simplicity of this daily devotional app, and now the updated version is not inviting at all. The font and color are harsh. I also appreciated the fact that previously when I opened it every day it immediately opened to that current day’s devotional, like a bookmark. I didn’t have the whole list in front of me to choose from. It was an extreme shock to open the app, have it ask for my name and take me through a series of prompts, when I was expecting to just open this welcome ebook and pick up where I left off before. Extremely disappointing. Not thinking I’ll be using it anymore. When I want to dig deeper I go to my Bible directly for that, not through a paid app. Not everything needs to be so ‘busy’ with info. Sometimes simple is better.

I wasn’t sure if I was the only one who passionately disliked the new version. I see that there are countless new reviews letting you know how much we detest it. Not one single positive review. This version obviously failed miserably and you need to go back to the drawing board and start over. In the meantime, please give us the prior version back, until you can incorporate your desired new features into the old design. I don’t know what happened here, or how anyone thought this new version was a good design, from its inception, nor can I comprehend how the persons in charge of making the decision to go forward with publishing the new app version could have responsibly approved it. Based on the overwhelming negative reactions to the new app, someone needs to ask some hard questions. Until new developers can be hired, can we please have the old app back?

I agree totally with sparkers.. the app is no longer usable — I had all of my data saved for years, I loved the old app.. the old app was a 5 in my view. I gave the new app a two vs a -1 as I love the messaging from Sarah Young's original book. The old app I could hardly wait to read it. I was able to find my special passages and everything is gone that I saved. Two different people reached out from support - and told me the exact same thing to try and recover my data and I told the second person Exactly what I tried and they sent me the exact same message again. My data is gone! Please bring back the old app, with our data! I am adding to my review — it is now 8/19 and with the latest upgrade tonight I cannot scroll down to August every-time I try to scroll down I get to May and it takes me back to Jan/Febr. This app is awful. Please go back to your old app ..

One of the joys I had with this devotional was that I could copy and paste it into emails to share with friends and family to encourage them. Every now and then as I read a particular day’s devotional, God would bring someone to mind that might find encouragement from that particular day’s scripture. I would copy and paste it into a text message with the title: Jesus Calling plus the date. It was such an easy way for me to minister to that person in a way that was meaningful to them. I have one friend in particular that has suffered multiple brain injuries that loved it when I shared this devotional with her. Now I’m no longer able to without her having to purchase and download the application on her phone. She needs things kept simple and this latest update has made it more complicated to share with her. All that to say, I’m not receiving the enjoyment or benefit that I once experienced with this app. So sad and disappointing. I rarely read it anymore.

I have given probably 200 Jesus Calling books to our wounded warriors, police officers and people that God leads me to that need Jesus. I have purchased apps for people and now with the update, it messes the entire premise of what Jesus calling app is susppose to do. You have gone commercial with the app and that is why you get 2 stars. We need one app for the devotional that we buy and have it come up on the day that we want to read it. I pray for direction on which devotional that I lead my group. Probably over 100 daily readers from our precious military and now I have gotten feedback that the app doesnt work. Please go back and make it non commercial. We know you have all of these books but we dont care. If we are led to buy them then great but dont force us to go through the hoops of a newsletter and daily words that we are not interested in. I want the day9today devotional to come up when I press on the jesus calling app. Blessings to you

I have read Jesus Calling over and over each year since it was first available. I have copied and pasted the devotional and sent to my son for last couple of years.. I always sent it to him in the morning when I read it.. He commented how he looked forward to starting his day with my text.. your update doesn’t allow that for us anymore. Your update has take away something very special between my son and me. I can’t help but think it is an act of greediness on your part…wanting people to purchase that app rather than being thrilled someone is benefiting from the devotional… I paid for it and I should be able to share it.. I have been taken screen shots of it but it takes 2 to get in all in.. just a hassle and not the same…I’m thinking about just cancelling the app and finding a new source to text my son.. this has been very upsetting to me and changed the way I have always felt about Jesus Calling…to be honest I’m sure He isn’t happy you have made this change either…from talking to other people about it I’m not the only one that feels this way!