What do you think?
Rate this book
Deeply Loved: 40 Ways in 40 Days to Experience the Heart of Jesus
Jesus loves you. That profound fact has been changing lives around the world for centuries. Yet, there are days when you don’t experience this completely in your own life. So, how do you get to the very core of that statement on a deep, personal level? Keri Wyatt Kent wants to help you fully experience the heart of Jesus’ love in Deeply Loved . Using the gospel stories of Jesus, reflection, and personal stories, Kent will guide you through 40 days of how to create space in your life for Jesus to show up and love you. Deeply.
- GenresDevotionalFaith
208 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2012
3 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Keri Wyatt Kent
34 books39 followersKeri Wyatt Kent is the coauthor with Michael Hingson of Live Like a Guide Dog. She is the author of GodSpace: Embracing the Inconvenient Adventure of Intimacy with God, and eleven other books, and the co-author of a dozen other books. She's the founder of A Powerful Story, a writing, editing and publishing company. She and her husband Scot have two grown children. Learn more about Keri at www.keriwyattkent.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 25, 2013
Keri Wyatt Kent in her new book “Deeply Loved” published by Abingdon Press gives us 40 Ways in 40 Days to Experience the Heart of Jesus.
From the back cover: Jesus loves you.
That profound fact has been changing lives around the world for centuries. Yet, there are days when you don’t experience this completely in your own life. So, how do you get to the very core of that statement on a deep, personal level?
Keri Wyatt Kent wants to help you fully experience the heart of Jesus’ love in Deeply Loved. Using the gospel stories of Jesus, reflection, and personal stories, Kent will guide you through 40 days of how to create space in your life for Jesus to show up and love you. Deeply.
Why do we need a new daily devotional? The question for many of us is, does God even look at us? Does God just love us out of obligation or does He love us generally because He loves all people? The answer is, “He loves us as if we were an only child!” For some of us that is a foreign concept, some of us have not experienced the love of good parents: orphans, foster homes, single parent because one parent walked away, can lead a person to believe that he is somehow bad and that no one loves him not even God. Keri Wyatt Kent has written this forty day devotional to help focus our minds on the truth: God intimately loves us. Every day Ms. Wyatt provides us with a new thought. “Deeply Loved” is not a time-consuming read. Each devotional starts with a personal story, followed by a Presence Practice. They are only a few pages in length but they are oh so helpful to properly channel our minds on the love of God for us. If we use these daily devotionals correctly we will all be the better for it.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
From the back cover: Jesus loves you.
That profound fact has been changing lives around the world for centuries. Yet, there are days when you don’t experience this completely in your own life. So, how do you get to the very core of that statement on a deep, personal level?
Keri Wyatt Kent wants to help you fully experience the heart of Jesus’ love in Deeply Loved. Using the gospel stories of Jesus, reflection, and personal stories, Kent will guide you through 40 days of how to create space in your life for Jesus to show up and love you. Deeply.
Why do we need a new daily devotional? The question for many of us is, does God even look at us? Does God just love us out of obligation or does He love us generally because He loves all people? The answer is, “He loves us as if we were an only child!” For some of us that is a foreign concept, some of us have not experienced the love of good parents: orphans, foster homes, single parent because one parent walked away, can lead a person to believe that he is somehow bad and that no one loves him not even God. Keri Wyatt Kent has written this forty day devotional to help focus our minds on the truth: God intimately loves us. Every day Ms. Wyatt provides us with a new thought. “Deeply Loved” is not a time-consuming read. Each devotional starts with a personal story, followed by a Presence Practice. They are only a few pages in length but they are oh so helpful to properly channel our minds on the love of God for us. If we use these daily devotionals correctly we will all be the better for it.
If you would like to listen to interviews with other authors and professionals please go to www.kingdomhighlights.org where they are available On Demand.
To listen to 24 hours non-stop, commercial free Christian music please visit our internet radio station www.kingdomairwaves.org
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
March 26, 2013
Using the gospel stories of Jesus, reflection, personal stories, Keri Kent guides us through forty days of how to create space in our life for Jesus to show up and love us. Much deeper than just a study guide, this book is incredibly significant in helping you allow Jesus to be with you on a day to day basis. To open up and let Him meet with you.
I read alot, and review many books. There are times when a book stands out as being significant, and inspired.. this book is one of those! Deeply Loved is a great tool for baby Christians as well as mature ones. You can benefit from the suggestions for knowing Jesus better, for emptying your time to spend with him in communion, and to see how truly much we are loved. That knows no barriers.
Each of the forty days starts with a scripture written out. Then it follows a theme like; slow down, companion, intercession, distracted, etc. This unfolds either a Bible story or a personal experience the helps us see a way we can see Jesus love more clearly. The next section is on Presence Practice, the practical approach to what you have just read about. Actual action points to be done through out the day with an actual box to check off when you have completed it. This portion of the text is so helpful in getting what we read about on paper, to be an action in our lives. This is a critical part of not just hearing but of doing.
None of the action items are hard, nor time consuming, but they will make you think and they will make the study real for you.
Beyond a 5 star book!!
I read alot, and review many books. There are times when a book stands out as being significant, and inspired.. this book is one of those! Deeply Loved is a great tool for baby Christians as well as mature ones. You can benefit from the suggestions for knowing Jesus better, for emptying your time to spend with him in communion, and to see how truly much we are loved. That knows no barriers.
Each of the forty days starts with a scripture written out. Then it follows a theme like; slow down, companion, intercession, distracted, etc. This unfolds either a Bible story or a personal experience the helps us see a way we can see Jesus love more clearly. The next section is on Presence Practice, the practical approach to what you have just read about. Actual action points to be done through out the day with an actual box to check off when you have completed it. This portion of the text is so helpful in getting what we read about on paper, to be an action in our lives. This is a critical part of not just hearing but of doing.
None of the action items are hard, nor time consuming, but they will make you think and they will make the study real for you.
Beyond a 5 star book!!
January 14, 2019
I'm the author, so I'm just offering a summary to help others discover the book. Deeply Loved is a 40 day devotional, which offers scriptures and reflections around the theme of how much God loves you. God loves each of us as if we were an only child, and this book drives that point home, in a gentle way. A lot of folks use this book during Lent or Advent.
December 30, 2019
Excellent daily devotional. I caught myself loving the sections regarding the Psalms.
March 20, 2013
Deeply Loved: 40 Ways in 40 Days to Experience the Heart of Jesus by Keri Wyatt Kent
This new devotional by Keri Wyatt Kent is a look into the heart of Jesus, through both his teachings and actions. The devotional could also be a great Lenten exercise also, being divided up into 40 short sections with Scripture, commentary, and a call to practice each particular theme or concept. I wasn’t initially sure how I would feel about this book, primarily because the devotionals I’ve seen are either too fluffy are disjointed. Yet, I think this devotional has a lot to offer with both good biblical insights and practical application. Furthermore, the way the devotional is constructed with more attention to larger themes such as self-examination, intercession, and redemption that pushes the reader into the text to witness the mighty grace of God.
One great example of this combination of solid biblical insight and practical application is found in the section entitled ‘Listen.’ Quoting the good shepherd passage in John 10 concerning the voice of the shepherd Keri writes, “When we hear the voice of love, we are drawn irresistibly to it. It resonates in our soul, like a string plucked, a vibrations we both hear and feel” (118). This is certainly true, human beings are draw to the voice of love because they are identified as worthy of love, as being a safe place of feeling encouragement. Words of love have a way of implanting in our hearts in such a way as to provide a reminder of the feeling and connection of love that does not go away. Keri goes onto connect Jesus’ words with Ezekiel 34 concerning God’s chastisement of Israel’s leaders with by writing, “Jesus is anything but boring. By alluding to Ezekiel’s rant against corruption and social injustice, Jesus is making a bold statement – he’s going to push out the fat sheep and bring justice for the skinny sheep” (119). This sound connection between what the original listeners might have heard when Jesus was speaking and how his message speaks right to our hearts is an indication of Keri’s willingness to plumb the depths of Scripture for insight.
Another aspect of this devotional that was a highlight for me was Keri’s insistence that all focal points of theology find their reference point in Jesus Christ. In the section on Creation, Keri writes, “Walk and pray; imagine Jesus walking beside you. Talk to him. Jesus loved being outside, in the world that he had created. Think about the fact that he created this with you in mind - to give you a gift of beauty and delight” (86). We often remember that Jesus was creating the world with the Father and Spirit in the beginning, but we often forget how amazing it is that the creation reflects Jesus’ intention to reflect beauty and delight. Also, the idea that creation is a gift that displays the love of God is a thought that should give us pause to delight and wonder in the intricate way of nature. Furthermore, God accommodates himself in order to be known, through creation, through incarnation in order that he might be known. Keri has a way of drawing together big themes of God’s work in the world with an eye towards the life of an everyday believer engaging the struggles and triumphs of life.
I really enjoyed this devotional. I think it will be a great help to those seeking to study God’s Word alongside some very insightful and engaging comments. Bringing the focus back to Jesus time and again was a powerful way to witness to the Bible’s intent to point to him on every page.
Thanks to Abingdon Press for the review copy of this book in exchange for review.
This new devotional by Keri Wyatt Kent is a look into the heart of Jesus, through both his teachings and actions. The devotional could also be a great Lenten exercise also, being divided up into 40 short sections with Scripture, commentary, and a call to practice each particular theme or concept. I wasn’t initially sure how I would feel about this book, primarily because the devotionals I’ve seen are either too fluffy are disjointed. Yet, I think this devotional has a lot to offer with both good biblical insights and practical application. Furthermore, the way the devotional is constructed with more attention to larger themes such as self-examination, intercession, and redemption that pushes the reader into the text to witness the mighty grace of God.
One great example of this combination of solid biblical insight and practical application is found in the section entitled ‘Listen.’ Quoting the good shepherd passage in John 10 concerning the voice of the shepherd Keri writes, “When we hear the voice of love, we are drawn irresistibly to it. It resonates in our soul, like a string plucked, a vibrations we both hear and feel” (118). This is certainly true, human beings are draw to the voice of love because they are identified as worthy of love, as being a safe place of feeling encouragement. Words of love have a way of implanting in our hearts in such a way as to provide a reminder of the feeling and connection of love that does not go away. Keri goes onto connect Jesus’ words with Ezekiel 34 concerning God’s chastisement of Israel’s leaders with by writing, “Jesus is anything but boring. By alluding to Ezekiel’s rant against corruption and social injustice, Jesus is making a bold statement – he’s going to push out the fat sheep and bring justice for the skinny sheep” (119). This sound connection between what the original listeners might have heard when Jesus was speaking and how his message speaks right to our hearts is an indication of Keri’s willingness to plumb the depths of Scripture for insight.
Another aspect of this devotional that was a highlight for me was Keri’s insistence that all focal points of theology find their reference point in Jesus Christ. In the section on Creation, Keri writes, “Walk and pray; imagine Jesus walking beside you. Talk to him. Jesus loved being outside, in the world that he had created. Think about the fact that he created this with you in mind - to give you a gift of beauty and delight” (86). We often remember that Jesus was creating the world with the Father and Spirit in the beginning, but we often forget how amazing it is that the creation reflects Jesus’ intention to reflect beauty and delight. Also, the idea that creation is a gift that displays the love of God is a thought that should give us pause to delight and wonder in the intricate way of nature. Furthermore, God accommodates himself in order to be known, through creation, through incarnation in order that he might be known. Keri has a way of drawing together big themes of God’s work in the world with an eye towards the life of an everyday believer engaging the struggles and triumphs of life.
I really enjoyed this devotional. I think it will be a great help to those seeking to study God’s Word alongside some very insightful and engaging comments. Bringing the focus back to Jesus time and again was a powerful way to witness to the Bible’s intent to point to him on every page.
Thanks to Abingdon Press for the review copy of this book in exchange for review.
March 31, 2013
In Deeply Loved, Keri Wyatt Kent has written a 40 days devotional type book to encourage readers to get closer to God and to experience His complete never ending love. God loves each of us like we’re an only child. God desires to connect intimately with each one of us and you’re supposed to enjoy being in His Holy presence. Each day contains a scripture verse and a “Presence Practice” to guide readers into studying the love of Christ in more depth.
Keri Wyatt Kent made a great point about setting a part quiet time for God and being intentional about seeking God’s face. Solitude benefits us because you’re more inclined to listen to God so that we can hear the things He’s wanting to convey to us. Some of us are wanting to be closer to God and have a stronger relationship with Him. But building a relationship always requires sacrifice of time on our part. An important quote was, “What advice would you give this spouse, longing to feel the love of her husband? Hopefully it’s obvious: in order to feel more connected, this person needs to spend time with her spouse. It’s that simple. Sit down on the couch and talk about your day. Go for a walk and talk about your dreams. Go golfing or sailing or enjoy some other activity together. Make love. Just be together!” (Page 43). It’s the same way with God, we have to spend time studying His word, praying, and enjoying being in His presence.
Day 28 entitled, “Trust” was very life changing for me and vastly revealed to me the things I worry about. Keri Wyatt Kent shared a personal story about trusting God with all of her worries, fears, and concerns. Her son injured his hand in volleyball practice and he had a sprained finger. Like any parent, her mind was going through all the worst possible outcomes. Her problems began to overwhelm her and she was stressing. Her husband is self-insured and his insurance policy doesn’t cover an orthopedic specialist. She had to trust that God had it all figured out and she didn’t have to worry. Her son’s hand thankfully healed and no trip to the doctor was needed. One important thing Keri did was write down and list what she was worried about. And she replaced her worries with things she had to be graceful for. I decided to do this as well.
Some of my worries are: Losing my parents, never going on a date, never marrying, never having children, not having good friendships that last through the seasons and changes of life, not being good enough, being alone, and never seeing my dreams and desires come true.
Things I am thankful for: Jesus dying on the cross for my sins, my salvation, a place to live, parents that love me and care for me, a family that would always be there for me, pets to love, food to eat, the ability to cook meals, music to listen to, and books to read.
I would recommend this wonderful book to anyone who needs a reminder that God loves you completely. God’s love is unfathomable and on this side, we won’t ever realize how much He truly does love us. This book will help readers to experience a life changing relationship with the person who created you. I immensely love how Keri Wyatt Kent related to the readers and shared personal stories and ways she became confident in the truth of God’s love. The book will reveal to you His caring loving touch in your life. If you’re longing to enhance your relationship with God and take it to a whole another level, then this book will substantially impact your life!
“I received this copy of Deeply Loved for free from Abingdon Press for this review”.
Keri Wyatt Kent made a great point about setting a part quiet time for God and being intentional about seeking God’s face. Solitude benefits us because you’re more inclined to listen to God so that we can hear the things He’s wanting to convey to us. Some of us are wanting to be closer to God and have a stronger relationship with Him. But building a relationship always requires sacrifice of time on our part. An important quote was, “What advice would you give this spouse, longing to feel the love of her husband? Hopefully it’s obvious: in order to feel more connected, this person needs to spend time with her spouse. It’s that simple. Sit down on the couch and talk about your day. Go for a walk and talk about your dreams. Go golfing or sailing or enjoy some other activity together. Make love. Just be together!” (Page 43). It’s the same way with God, we have to spend time studying His word, praying, and enjoying being in His presence.
Day 28 entitled, “Trust” was very life changing for me and vastly revealed to me the things I worry about. Keri Wyatt Kent shared a personal story about trusting God with all of her worries, fears, and concerns. Her son injured his hand in volleyball practice and he had a sprained finger. Like any parent, her mind was going through all the worst possible outcomes. Her problems began to overwhelm her and she was stressing. Her husband is self-insured and his insurance policy doesn’t cover an orthopedic specialist. She had to trust that God had it all figured out and she didn’t have to worry. Her son’s hand thankfully healed and no trip to the doctor was needed. One important thing Keri did was write down and list what she was worried about. And she replaced her worries with things she had to be graceful for. I decided to do this as well.
Some of my worries are: Losing my parents, never going on a date, never marrying, never having children, not having good friendships that last through the seasons and changes of life, not being good enough, being alone, and never seeing my dreams and desires come true.
Things I am thankful for: Jesus dying on the cross for my sins, my salvation, a place to live, parents that love me and care for me, a family that would always be there for me, pets to love, food to eat, the ability to cook meals, music to listen to, and books to read.
I would recommend this wonderful book to anyone who needs a reminder that God loves you completely. God’s love is unfathomable and on this side, we won’t ever realize how much He truly does love us. This book will help readers to experience a life changing relationship with the person who created you. I immensely love how Keri Wyatt Kent related to the readers and shared personal stories and ways she became confident in the truth of God’s love. The book will reveal to you His caring loving touch in your life. If you’re longing to enhance your relationship with God and take it to a whole another level, then this book will substantially impact your life!
“I received this copy of Deeply Loved for free from Abingdon Press for this review”.
March 18, 2013
Honestly, when I first started reading this book, “Deeply Loved” I had no clue who was Keri Wyatt Kent. Therefore, I wasn’t expecting anything in particular. To my grand surprise, I discovered a wonderful writer with such simplicity delivering her message with great profundity.
It is presented to you as a book you can read daily. In the form of one chapter a day, ending with questions reflections on God, Bibles verses to read and at other times soul-searching questions on ourselves. All this in a period of 40 days if you read one chapter a day.
Incidentally, many are now using “Deeply loved” during the period of lent as a tool to help them deepen their relationship and their intimacy with Jesus-Christ along side the Bible. This is in order to experience more profoundly their love of Jesus.
However, as far as I am concerned, I think it would be a shame to limit your self to reading this wonderful book only during this period of the year! As children of God, we so need to be reminded of these wonderful basic truths. They are simple truths that are filled with wisdom. Kent reminds us of the importance of knowing ourselves to be loved by God in our daily lives. By his grace, his goodness, his never-ending love and most of all his work on the cross, we have access to all these benefits in our lives.
“Deeply Loved��� is captivating! It reads easily, with great fluidity and softness. The chapters are not to long, which is much appreciated by the reader, yet very encouraging and enthralling. I appreciate the way Kent pushes us constantly and calls us to question ourselves in our personal walk with Christ. I also like her reflections on God and again, the way she brings us to reflect on ourselves. She does this in a soft manner, without making us feel like we are being moralized in any way. But above all this, what I appreciated most of all is that Kent brings our eyes back constantly on Christ, which of course is essential for us as children of God.
She asks of us authentic questions in a very hectic world that to often does not permit us the luxury or the time to stop and ponder on. I am not talking about introspection style of questioning here, but the kind of questions that should be a priority for our lives as children of God in the world we live in.
Without any hesitation, I highly recommend this book any time of the year.
Ann L Beaulieu
* I have received a free copy of the book “Deeply Loved” by Abingdon Press. However I am under no obligation to write a positive review. These are entirely my own personal opinions and thoughts expressed according to my own discernment.
March 29, 2013
Devotionals are a tool that I find very helpful in my daily Bible study, but once in a while I find a devotional that I recommend to everyone I see, because of the way the author speaks to me through their writing. Keri Wyatt Kent has created such a devotional with "Deeply Loved." Broken down into forty segments it fit perfectly into my daily Lent readings.I found this book to be very well written, and easy to relate to. I particularly liked the fact that each devotion opened with a scripture verse, and while I enjoyed the stories that were shared with each devotion what really stood out for me was the section called "Presence Practice' that was found at the end of each devotion. These daily "practices" were simple and easy to do, but really made a huge impact on my spiritual outlook.
I found myself eagerly anticipating each days reading, and actually read each devotion in the morning, because then I could use the day to put into action the section called "presence practice," which is found at the end of each devotion, that encourages us to pause and reflect but also implement different practices into our daily life that will allow us to have "God"time. As I did the presence practice each day, I found myself becoming more centered, slowing down a bit to allow myself to feel God's presence in my life. There was one particular devotion that really resonated with me and that was "Walking With Jesus." As I christian I know that Jesus is with me wherever I go, but sometimes its easy to forget, or even feel like it's just me against the world, but by doing the presence practice for this particular devotion I felt a sense of calmness and contentment, knowing Jesus was along for the day. I find myself continuing to use several of the "practices" daily.
"Deeply Loved" is a well written, uplifting devotional that allowed me to grow spiritually, but more than that allowed me to slow down and find time for God daily. This book would make a wonderful gift, for anyone who needs to be reminded that God loves each of us.
A complimentary copy of this devotional was provided for review purposes.
I found myself eagerly anticipating each days reading, and actually read each devotion in the morning, because then I could use the day to put into action the section called "presence practice," which is found at the end of each devotion, that encourages us to pause and reflect but also implement different practices into our daily life that will allow us to have "God"time. As I did the presence practice each day, I found myself becoming more centered, slowing down a bit to allow myself to feel God's presence in my life. There was one particular devotion that really resonated with me and that was "Walking With Jesus." As I christian I know that Jesus is with me wherever I go, but sometimes its easy to forget, or even feel like it's just me against the world, but by doing the presence practice for this particular devotion I felt a sense of calmness and contentment, knowing Jesus was along for the day. I find myself continuing to use several of the "practices" daily.
"Deeply Loved" is a well written, uplifting devotional that allowed me to grow spiritually, but more than that allowed me to slow down and find time for God daily. This book would make a wonderful gift, for anyone who needs to be reminded that God loves each of us.
A complimentary copy of this devotional was provided for review purposes.
March 31, 2013
This has been my devotional for the season of Lent (2013). The 40 day format makes it an ideal for Lent, but the themes of this devotional are broader than 'preparing your heart for Easter.' Keri Wyatt Kent describes what it is like to be in relationship with the God who loves you deeply and she suggests "Presence Practices" to help you deepen your spiritual life. I found it fruitful reading this during Lent, but I think that this is a book that could be used as a devotional any time or season.
What I appreciate about this book is Keri Wyatt Kent's graciousness. Kent challenges readers to partake in various spiritual disciplines: scripture meditation, reading, prayer, journaling, Sabbath rest, intercession, service, celebration, etc. Many of her suggestions will be challenging to a lot of people. But you never feel beat up by Kent. Her challenges are warm invitations to partake deeper in the with-God-life.
I also appreciate that Kent shares from her own experience of the spiritual life. Her reflections and "Presence Practices" are not commending a lifestyle left untried. Kent shares her own faith journey and the insights she has gained. There is a rootedness to her reflections.
Lastly I liked that this is a devotional with content. So much that passes for devotional literature is overly positivistic fluff. Kent draws on scripture and a number of writers on the Christian life to produce a devotional with depth. A number of authors I respect are noted in her daily reflections. I respect that!
I received a copy of this book from Abingdon Press and agreed to post a review on Amazon. I also purchased a Kindle copy of this book and read from both copies, depending on where I was when I read it. I liked the physical copy better for this kind of book. There is space to check off your presence practice for the day and I find it easier to track with a physical copy for devotional literature.
What I appreciate about this book is Keri Wyatt Kent's graciousness. Kent challenges readers to partake in various spiritual disciplines: scripture meditation, reading, prayer, journaling, Sabbath rest, intercession, service, celebration, etc. Many of her suggestions will be challenging to a lot of people. But you never feel beat up by Kent. Her challenges are warm invitations to partake deeper in the with-God-life.
I also appreciate that Kent shares from her own experience of the spiritual life. Her reflections and "Presence Practices" are not commending a lifestyle left untried. Kent shares her own faith journey and the insights she has gained. There is a rootedness to her reflections.
Lastly I liked that this is a devotional with content. So much that passes for devotional literature is overly positivistic fluff. Kent draws on scripture and a number of writers on the Christian life to produce a devotional with depth. A number of authors I respect are noted in her daily reflections. I respect that!
I received a copy of this book from Abingdon Press and agreed to post a review on Amazon. I also purchased a Kindle copy of this book and read from both copies, depending on where I was when I read it. I liked the physical copy better for this kind of book. There is space to check off your presence practice for the day and I find it easier to track with a physical copy for devotional literature.
September 3, 2017
I've recently switched over from drinking tea to having mochas in the morning. Quick, delicious, satisfying, and energizing. That's how I think of this book, Deeply Loved. Somehow Keri Kent has a way of taking very deep, complicated subjects and breaking them into bite-sized pieces that make sense, are easy to read, savor, and digest, and yet compel me to action. Deeply Loved has 40 chapters, to be read one a day. Each chapter centers on an approach to experiencing the heart of Jesus, along with one action point called "Presence Practice" (with one little check box next to it). One of my favorite chapters so far was Chapter 5, "Waking," about waking up and making your first thought about Jesus. Keri writes this: "I realized a while ago that an extra sixty seconds or so to simply swim to the surface of consciousness was time well spent. The best way to start your day is to just take a moment to breathe, and to focus, and to give the day to the one who gave it to you: Jesus." Then she tells you how to actually do this. "As you are lying or sitting in your bed, just think about Jesus. If it helps, imagine him perched at the foot of your bed. Remind yourself that he's been by your bedside all night, just waiting for you to awaken and greet him. Say, 'Good morning, Lord.'" I love that. So easy to do, but I need something like Deeply Loved to remind me to do it. Getting closer to God is something most of us crave but there are so many confusing and competing ideas out there that it's paralyzing. This book cuts through the confusion and gives me one thing to think about, and do, each day to experience the Divine. Keri's books are knowledgeable, well-researched, but clear and practical without being simple. Reading one is almost like sitting down with a spiritual mentor or director for a few moments of deep spirituality.
March 25, 2013
So many devotional books are . . . well rather mundane and dry. When I started this one, I wasn’t expecting much more than just a daily essay and a scripture to read. I was blown away! Yes it has devotions and scriptures but it is much more. I have to say it is one of the most powerful devotional books I have read. It isn’t so much the concepts that are covered; I was familiar with many of them. What makes it so unique is HOW Ms. Kent presents them and the wonderful suggestions she shares to apply them to your life!
Shortly after I started reading the book I got very sick for 3 weeks, and didn’t do much but rest. This book was such a blessing! I read, I studied, and even in my depleted state I was able to do the daily “Presence Practice” suggested at the end day. These weren’t only easy to implement, but they influenced my life in a big way.
Each day is written in such a way that the message in it becomes very intimate and personal; as if it was prepared just for me. It lighted a path for me to have an even closer relationship with God and helped me realize where I had drifted away from Him. The personal experiences she shared really helped me connect to the points she was making.
I found this book highly inspirational and motivational in seeking a closer relationship with the Lord. Even after I had finished the daily reading, the scriptures and thoughts I read continued to resonate in my heart and mind. My book is highlighted, underlined and has many notes written in it. I plan to read it many more times. Call it a “devotional book” just doesn’t do it justice! An extraordinary book!
I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Shortly after I started reading the book I got very sick for 3 weeks, and didn’t do much but rest. This book was such a blessing! I read, I studied, and even in my depleted state I was able to do the daily “Presence Practice” suggested at the end day. These weren’t only easy to implement, but they influenced my life in a big way.
Each day is written in such a way that the message in it becomes very intimate and personal; as if it was prepared just for me. It lighted a path for me to have an even closer relationship with God and helped me realize where I had drifted away from Him. The personal experiences she shared really helped me connect to the points she was making.
I found this book highly inspirational and motivational in seeking a closer relationship with the Lord. Even after I had finished the daily reading, the scriptures and thoughts I read continued to resonate in my heart and mind. My book is highlighted, underlined and has many notes written in it. I plan to read it many more times. Call it a “devotional book” just doesn’t do it justice! An extraordinary book!
I received this book free from Abingdon Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
March 24, 2013
Deeply Loved: 40 Ways in 40 Days to Experience the Heart of Jesus is the kind of book we all need during Lent... forty days worth of different ways to connect with Jesus. I enjoy having a quick chapter to read each day. I started this book after Lent was already underway, but I had no trouble reading several chapters in one evening.
I enjoyed reading the daily reflections and anectdotes to illustrate the real-world applications of the spritual practices. Many of the practices I have heard of, but there were some new ideas, too. I appreciated the author's real-world take on some things: for example, she encouraged mothers of young children to find little pockets of true quiet time when they can, by driving without the radio on, or by re-thinking those few quiet moments in the shower. That's something I can really do, as opposed to other books I've read that push for long meditations or retreats.
Each chapter ends with a check-box to mark off after you have tried the day's spiritual exercise described in that chapter. I was a little put off by that, as some of the spiritual practices will appeal to some readers, and some will not. I got more out of the book by reading each day's practices and adapting the ones that fit into my life right now.
Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy of this book from Abingdon Press in return for posting my honest review on my blog.
I enjoyed reading the daily reflections and anectdotes to illustrate the real-world applications of the spritual practices. Many of the practices I have heard of, but there were some new ideas, too. I appreciated the author's real-world take on some things: for example, she encouraged mothers of young children to find little pockets of true quiet time when they can, by driving without the radio on, or by re-thinking those few quiet moments in the shower. That's something I can really do, as opposed to other books I've read that push for long meditations or retreats.
Each chapter ends with a check-box to mark off after you have tried the day's spiritual exercise described in that chapter. I was a little put off by that, as some of the spiritual practices will appeal to some readers, and some will not. I got more out of the book by reading each day's practices and adapting the ones that fit into my life right now.
Disclosure: I was provided with a free copy of this book from Abingdon Press in return for posting my honest review on my blog.
April 1, 2013
I've cited this book almost once a week for the past several weeks. I'd received a challenge to consider blogging through this book during Lent. Since I don't normally observe Lent, I thought I'd at least post something once a week as I read through 'Deeply Loved: 40 Ways in 40 Days to Experience the Heart of Jesus.'
I found this to be a good devotional book. I'm not ecstatic about it because I don't get that way over devotional books. Yet, Kent's book is solid. She provides food for thought each of the forty days. Each daily thought is linked to a passage of scripture, which I enjoy since it helps produce a view toward exposition that is so necessary in the church today.
While anyone can read this book, I do think the author seems to appeal more to women in her writing. I don't know if that's because many personal examples come from her own experience as a mother and wife or not, but that was my experience as a male reading the book. NOTE: this does not make it a women's only book! I benefitted from many of the daily readings.
If you like devotional books, you could add this one to your stack and learn a great deal from it.
(If you want, you can search my blog for other posts about this book: www.aclutteredmind.org)
I found this to be a good devotional book. I'm not ecstatic about it because I don't get that way over devotional books. Yet, Kent's book is solid. She provides food for thought each of the forty days. Each daily thought is linked to a passage of scripture, which I enjoy since it helps produce a view toward exposition that is so necessary in the church today.
While anyone can read this book, I do think the author seems to appeal more to women in her writing. I don't know if that's because many personal examples come from her own experience as a mother and wife or not, but that was my experience as a male reading the book. NOTE: this does not make it a women's only book! I benefitted from many of the daily readings.
If you like devotional books, you could add this one to your stack and learn a great deal from it.
(If you want, you can search my blog for other posts about this book: www.aclutteredmind.org)
March 30, 2013
This is an excellent devotional to help you really experience Jesus' love and remind you that He's always with you. It's meant to be read over forty days; each chapter is only a few pages and has a "Presence Practice" where you take action, such as reading a passage and reflecting, making a list, etc. The topics are simple, such as "slow down," "waking," and "the blues;" some seem like obvious things to do, but some are things I never would have thought of.
I really enjoyed this book! I liked the personal examples, stories, and quotes she incorporated; they kept the reading interesting. The chapters were short enough that it wasn't overwhelming and the actions really help you apply what you just read. I learned a lot and I can see myself returning to this book for a refresher course in the future.
I received this book free from Abingdon Press in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book! I liked the personal examples, stories, and quotes she incorporated; they kept the reading interesting. The chapters were short enough that it wasn't overwhelming and the actions really help you apply what you just read. I learned a lot and I can see myself returning to this book for a refresher course in the future.
I received this book free from Abingdon Press in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2013
The spiritual disciplines that Christians have been using for centuries can be a little overwhelming. This is a good introduction to the subject. Each daily reading is about the discipline and then there is a practical suggestion. She is very honest with her own experiences. Her goal is for readers to experience more of the love of Jesus. This is a good introduction to the disciplines in the form od daily bites. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1ci6eRp.
July 24, 2013
Short chapters, simple exercises to help one connect with Jesus on a daily basis. Great devotional!
January 3, 2014
A 40 day study written by a mature, thoughtful woman. Her intent, to help all of us experience God's love, shines through.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews