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Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives
Start a Year of Deep-Down Change Today!
Change that goes deeper than the surface of our lives happens as we daily remember the truths of the gospel. Every day we need to be reminded that Jesus, God’s own Son, came to this world to save us from sin, sorrow, and death. We need to remember every day how Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return change the way we view ourselves and others. This devotional will be a daily reminder of these life-changing truths. The 366 selections, anchored in Scripture and saturated with the gospel, will help the reader to:
· Learn how God in his Word addresses a host of life situations;
· Focus on how the gospel intersects with life;
· Look beyond circumstances to God’s purposes;
· See how God values relationship and to learn to value it too by persisting, by speaking truth in love, and by not shying away from conflict.
· Grow in wisdom when confronted by life’s changes.
· Learn that God works change that is effective and visible.
Topics covered in the devotional include: love, hope, grace, redemption, faith, contentment, conflict, relationships, prayer, fear, patience, humility, and anger.
Change that goes deeper than the surface of our lives happens as we daily remember the truths of the gospel. Every day we need to be reminded that Jesus, God’s own Son, came to this world to save us from sin, sorrow, and death. We need to remember every day how Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return change the way we view ourselves and others. This devotional will be a daily reminder of these life-changing truths. The 366 selections, anchored in Scripture and saturated with the gospel, will help the reader to:
· Learn how God in his Word addresses a host of life situations;
· Focus on how the gospel intersects with life;
· Look beyond circumstances to God’s purposes;
· See how God values relationship and to learn to value it too by persisting, by speaking truth in love, and by not shying away from conflict.
· Grow in wisdom when confronted by life’s changes.
· Learn that God works change that is effective and visible.
Topics covered in the devotional include: love, hope, grace, redemption, faith, contentment, conflict, relationships, prayer, fear, patience, humility, and anger.
Hardcover
First published October 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 26, 2013
The Overview
This is a year's worth of daily reflections for changing hearts and lives neatly bound together in a small devotional book. From January 1st through December 31st, each day has one short reflection to read which is based off a scripture passage for you to look up and read in your own Bible. It's a compilation of short challenges from various well-known authors like Ed Welch, David Powlison, Paul David Tripp, Timothy S Lane, and others. In the back of the book you can reference things based on Scripture passage or find out what book each day's selection came from if you would like to dig deeper.
The Readability
Heart Of The Matter is one of the best devotionals I have seen. It is very easy to read but contains great depth and "meat" to chew on through out your day. It's written in a way that a teen or adult can learn and grow from using.
The Highlights
My favorite aspect of this devotional is that the scripture passage is listed and you have to open up your own Bible to read it. While this may seem like a downside because it's not as quick or possibly as easy to use, I think it's a great feature because it gets you away from complete dependence on a book and into your own copy of the Word of God. Also the change up of authors each day keeps it interesting and fresh.
The Downside
I personally don't see a downside in this. It is short - but one needs to keep in mind that it's meant as a devotional, not a Bible study.
The Recommendation
This is my current favorite devotional. I'm not a big fan of devotionals because they usually keep you from actually digging into your own Bible. This one, as mentioned above, makes you open your own Bible and gets to the heart of the matter each day. It's not a "feel good about yourself" book, it's a "let's dig into the truth of God's Word" kind of resource that is made for small daily doses. It would work great for a year's worth of daily quiet time or a supplement book for an afternoon pick-me-up or a short evening wind-down. It's a great tool for teen or adult looking to spend time daily with their Savior.
This is a year's worth of daily reflections for changing hearts and lives neatly bound together in a small devotional book. From January 1st through December 31st, each day has one short reflection to read which is based off a scripture passage for you to look up and read in your own Bible. It's a compilation of short challenges from various well-known authors like Ed Welch, David Powlison, Paul David Tripp, Timothy S Lane, and others. In the back of the book you can reference things based on Scripture passage or find out what book each day's selection came from if you would like to dig deeper.
The Readability
Heart Of The Matter is one of the best devotionals I have seen. It is very easy to read but contains great depth and "meat" to chew on through out your day. It's written in a way that a teen or adult can learn and grow from using.
The Highlights
My favorite aspect of this devotional is that the scripture passage is listed and you have to open up your own Bible to read it. While this may seem like a downside because it's not as quick or possibly as easy to use, I think it's a great feature because it gets you away from complete dependence on a book and into your own copy of the Word of God. Also the change up of authors each day keeps it interesting and fresh.
The Downside
I personally don't see a downside in this. It is short - but one needs to keep in mind that it's meant as a devotional, not a Bible study.
The Recommendation
This is my current favorite devotional. I'm not a big fan of devotionals because they usually keep you from actually digging into your own Bible. This one, as mentioned above, makes you open your own Bible and gets to the heart of the matter each day. It's not a "feel good about yourself" book, it's a "let's dig into the truth of God's Word" kind of resource that is made for small daily doses. It would work great for a year's worth of daily quiet time or a supplement book for an afternoon pick-me-up or a short evening wind-down. It's a great tool for teen or adult looking to spend time daily with their Savior.
December 16, 2013
I call myself a “CCEF Junkie.”
I’m “addicted” to the writings of the leaders of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, a kind of “think-tank” for biblical counseling based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
I’m “addicted” because they’ve been so helpful to me! Over the last fifteen years, I’ve learned more about growth in godliness, how people change, and how to help others to change from CCEF than from any other one source.
It started with reading their Journal of Biblical Counseling, then I started attending seminars and reading their books (and blogs). And then, I found out that they offered doctoral-level seminary classes that fit my schedule. How could I pass that up?!
Honestly, I’m an unashamed addict. I read everything that CCEF produces. I think that they have a lot of wisdom to offer the Church today.
So, when I heard that there was a new devotional based upon the writings of the CCEF faculty, I knew in advance that it would be good. Unsurprisingly, Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives is very good.
I had already read all of the books that are quoted within Heart of the Matter, so I didn’t need to read every page to know that the content was going to be valuable. But I also liked the format. It’s a compilation book with multiple authors, divided up into 366 daily readings. You get a “bite-sized” chunk of wisdom for each day of the year. For a junkie like me, I get a daily “fix.”
I recommend getting Heart of the Matter for just about any Christian who likes to read and wants to grow in godliness. It is accessible, readable, and focused on short bursts of wisdom for change. The main theme is "change." Readings cover areas such as love, hope, grace, redemption, faith, contentment, conflict, relationships, prayer, fear, patience, humility, and anger. It would be no substitute for reading one of the works the excerpts come from, but it might be a good introduction to any and all of them.
Of course, by reading Heart of the Matter, you might whet an appetite for more and more CCEF. You have been warned: this stuff is addicting!
I’m “addicted” to the writings of the leaders of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, a kind of “think-tank” for biblical counseling based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
I’m “addicted” because they’ve been so helpful to me! Over the last fifteen years, I’ve learned more about growth in godliness, how people change, and how to help others to change from CCEF than from any other one source.
It started with reading their Journal of Biblical Counseling, then I started attending seminars and reading their books (and blogs). And then, I found out that they offered doctoral-level seminary classes that fit my schedule. How could I pass that up?!
Honestly, I’m an unashamed addict. I read everything that CCEF produces. I think that they have a lot of wisdom to offer the Church today.
So, when I heard that there was a new devotional based upon the writings of the CCEF faculty, I knew in advance that it would be good. Unsurprisingly, Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives is very good.
I had already read all of the books that are quoted within Heart of the Matter, so I didn’t need to read every page to know that the content was going to be valuable. But I also liked the format. It’s a compilation book with multiple authors, divided up into 366 daily readings. You get a “bite-sized” chunk of wisdom for each day of the year. For a junkie like me, I get a daily “fix.”
I recommend getting Heart of the Matter for just about any Christian who likes to read and wants to grow in godliness. It is accessible, readable, and focused on short bursts of wisdom for change. The main theme is "change." Readings cover areas such as love, hope, grace, redemption, faith, contentment, conflict, relationships, prayer, fear, patience, humility, and anger. It would be no substitute for reading one of the works the excerpts come from, but it might be a good introduction to any and all of them.
Of course, by reading Heart of the Matter, you might whet an appetite for more and more CCEF. You have been warned: this stuff is addicting!
December 31, 2015
Loved this devo! My husband and I started most morning reading this before prayer time and felt encourage and challenged to walk closer with Christ. I would encourage anyone to start this next year reading this one. Thank you Lord for your words that always set me free!
December 30, 2014
One of the best devotional books I have ever read - challenging, encouraging and most importantly God centered
November 21, 2021
A truly excellent daily devotional
The insights and inspiration that flow through these brief daily devotional readings are truly excellent for changing hearts and lives! I highlighted so very many devotions completely and found myself pondering them throughout the day, especially the very many devotions that brought out the liberating Gospel message of release from sin, shame, depression, anxiety because of Jesus' sacrifice and love for me! I hope to read more of the source books from these authors! I encourage others to read and ponders these devotions prayerfully!
The insights and inspiration that flow through these brief daily devotional readings are truly excellent for changing hearts and lives! I highlighted so very many devotions completely and found myself pondering them throughout the day, especially the very many devotions that brought out the liberating Gospel message of release from sin, shame, depression, anxiety because of Jesus' sacrifice and love for me! I hope to read more of the source books from these authors! I encourage others to read and ponders these devotions prayerfully!
January 2, 2018
Perhaps the best multi-author daily devotional that I have read to date. There is a nice variety of authors -- some of them speak more directly to me than others. The daily selections are excerpted from larger writings -- all are indexed in the back, which is helpful for pursuing thoughts/authors that are especially helpful. My second time through this helpful book, and I recommend it highly.
December 7, 2018
Collection of daily devotional readings with life change in mind. Most of the authors who are quoted work in the counseling field. Very good thoughts to mull over as you work thru it. A one year devotional.
January 3, 2021
I do recommend this devotional, and CCEF resources are really helpful. I just personally prefer to use my daily prayer guide, “Seeking God’s Face”, and I really like Eric Liddell’s “The Disciplines of the Christian Life” as a more thematic devotional guide.
December 31, 2023
Aptly named, these 365 brief devotions delve into the human heart with Biblical soundness, often speaking in such a way to reveal new truths about our own hearts. Admonishment and encouragement. Regular repentance reminders and grace for the sanctification journey abound.
June 9, 2017
This is the best devotional I have ever read.
January 4, 2018
Powerful daily bible reflections
This daily reflections with bible quote references was helpful for me to focus and learn and grow on a daily basis.
This daily reflections with bible quote references was helpful for me to focus and learn and grow on a daily basis.
December 17, 2012
“Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives”
"Start a Year of Deep-Down Change Today!
Change that goes deeper than the surface of our lives happens as we daily remember the truths of the gospel. Every day we need to be reminded that Jesus, God’s own Son, came to this world to save us from sin, sorrow, and death. We need to remember every day how Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return change the way we view ourselves and others. This devotional will be a daily reminder of these life-changing truths. The 366 selections, anchored in Scripture and saturated with the gospel, will help the reader to:
• Learn how God in his Word addresses a host of life situations;
• Focus on how the gospel intersects with life;
• Look beyond circumstances to God’s purposes;
• See how God values relationship and to learn to value it too by persisting, by speaking truth in love, and by not shying away from conflict.
• Grow in wisdom when confronted by life’s changes.
• Learn that God works change that is effective and visible.
Topics covered in the devotional include: love, hope, grace, redemption, faith, contentment, conflict, relationships, prayer, fear, patience, humility, and anger.” (From the New Growth Press Publishing Company Website)
Author’s Information:
The Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) has been at the forefront of the biblical counseling movement for more than forty years with the mission to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the local church. CCEF teaches people how to explore the wisdom and depth of the Bible and apply its grace-centered message to the problems of daily living through counseling, training, writing, and partnering with churches. For more information and a comprehensive list of publications go to www.ccef.org.
My Thoughts About The Book: The book, “Heart of the Matter” is a devotional that takes us to the “heart of the matter” concerning a different spiritual topic for each day of the year. The devotionals are written by such highly regarded Biblically sound in the faith and practice authors as Edward T. Welch, David Powlison, Paul David Tripp, Timothy S. Lane and others.
From January 1st to December 31st, each day a different author presents good solid and wise counsel along with Scripture to guide and direct our thoughts and affect our behavior for that day. And the range of topics written about in the book is quite diverse covering such life issues as Anger, Depression, Conflict, Change, Relationships, Marriage, Resentment and much more.
As it is said, “there is something for everyone,” in the book. And maybe not every devotional applies but I can assure you there is enough Biblical wisdom and guidance in the book that surely anyone and everyone who knows and loves the Lord and desires to be more like him will receive encouragement and experience edification from it. And the devotionals are as they say, “short, sweet and to the point” so the book is ideal for Christians on the fast pace of go who wants to be in the know when it comes to dealing with life as it happens. So, if you’re a “short, sweet and to the point, “ ”you can handle the truth” sort of Christian who is seeking a daily devotional that will be encouraging, edifying and at times convicting and rebuking then “Heart of the Matter” is the ideal daily devotional for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book at no cost from the New Growth Press for review purposes. 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."
"Start a Year of Deep-Down Change Today!
Change that goes deeper than the surface of our lives happens as we daily remember the truths of the gospel. Every day we need to be reminded that Jesus, God’s own Son, came to this world to save us from sin, sorrow, and death. We need to remember every day how Jesus’ life, death, resurrection, ascension, and promised return change the way we view ourselves and others. This devotional will be a daily reminder of these life-changing truths. The 366 selections, anchored in Scripture and saturated with the gospel, will help the reader to:
• Learn how God in his Word addresses a host of life situations;
• Focus on how the gospel intersects with life;
• Look beyond circumstances to God’s purposes;
• See how God values relationship and to learn to value it too by persisting, by speaking truth in love, and by not shying away from conflict.
• Grow in wisdom when confronted by life’s changes.
• Learn that God works change that is effective and visible.
Topics covered in the devotional include: love, hope, grace, redemption, faith, contentment, conflict, relationships, prayer, fear, patience, humility, and anger.” (From the New Growth Press Publishing Company Website)
Author’s Information:
The Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF) has been at the forefront of the biblical counseling movement for more than forty years with the mission to restore Christ to counseling and counseling to the local church. CCEF teaches people how to explore the wisdom and depth of the Bible and apply its grace-centered message to the problems of daily living through counseling, training, writing, and partnering with churches. For more information and a comprehensive list of publications go to www.ccef.org.
My Thoughts About The Book: The book, “Heart of the Matter” is a devotional that takes us to the “heart of the matter” concerning a different spiritual topic for each day of the year. The devotionals are written by such highly regarded Biblically sound in the faith and practice authors as Edward T. Welch, David Powlison, Paul David Tripp, Timothy S. Lane and others.
From January 1st to December 31st, each day a different author presents good solid and wise counsel along with Scripture to guide and direct our thoughts and affect our behavior for that day. And the range of topics written about in the book is quite diverse covering such life issues as Anger, Depression, Conflict, Change, Relationships, Marriage, Resentment and much more.
As it is said, “there is something for everyone,” in the book. And maybe not every devotional applies but I can assure you there is enough Biblical wisdom and guidance in the book that surely anyone and everyone who knows and loves the Lord and desires to be more like him will receive encouragement and experience edification from it. And the devotionals are as they say, “short, sweet and to the point” so the book is ideal for Christians on the fast pace of go who wants to be in the know when it comes to dealing with life as it happens. So, if you’re a “short, sweet and to the point, “ ”you can handle the truth” sort of Christian who is seeking a daily devotional that will be encouraging, edifying and at times convicting and rebuking then “Heart of the Matter” is the ideal daily devotional for you.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book at no cost from the New Growth Press for review purposes. 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."
January 8, 2022
The Christian Counseling and Education Foundation (CCEF) is a ministry focused on providing biblical counseling materials to the church. Their materials connect the Gospel to all of life and are designed to equip local churches to minister to all of the needs of their congregations. I have previously reviewed some of their books (here and here), and helped teach one of their courses (How People Change). I am constantly impressed by the quality of their work and how practical it is for the real problems people face.
New Growth Press has compiled a collection of excerpts from books written by such CCEF authors as Timothy S. Lane, Paul David Tripp, David Powlison, Edward T. Welch, Michael R. Emlet, William P. Smith, and more. The result is a year-long devotional, "Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives," edited by Nancy B. Winter. This hardcover book includes daily devotional readings for every day of the year. The selections are short and readable, yet thoughtful and weighty. The readings are meant to complement a Scripture text to be read each day.
These devotional nuggets provide a practical out-working of a Gospel-centered perspective on all of life that under-girds the counseling approach of CCEF. The sovereignty of God, the reality of the kingdom, the cross of Christ, and grace-based sanctification are a few of the themes explored in these pages. Included in the back of the book is a listing of the source of each excerpt. Particularly poignant daily readings can be traced back to the book they were excerpted from, allowing the reader to turn to the source for more from the author on that subject. Also helpful is a lengthy index of Scripture passages commented on in the book. This index could be used as a guide for reading through the Bible. As you read passages, you can turn to the index and see if any devotional thoughts are available that intersect with the verses you just read.
If you're looking for a new devotional for 2012, look no further than this volume from CCEF. I'm confident its Gospel-centered, practical application of Scripture to all of life will make a lasting impression on your heart. It can help facilitate real change, by the power of the Holy Spirit-and that is what CCEF is all about.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by New Growth Press. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
New Growth Press has compiled a collection of excerpts from books written by such CCEF authors as Timothy S. Lane, Paul David Tripp, David Powlison, Edward T. Welch, Michael R. Emlet, William P. Smith, and more. The result is a year-long devotional, "Heart of the Matter: Daily Reflections for Changing Hearts and Lives," edited by Nancy B. Winter. This hardcover book includes daily devotional readings for every day of the year. The selections are short and readable, yet thoughtful and weighty. The readings are meant to complement a Scripture text to be read each day.
These devotional nuggets provide a practical out-working of a Gospel-centered perspective on all of life that under-girds the counseling approach of CCEF. The sovereignty of God, the reality of the kingdom, the cross of Christ, and grace-based sanctification are a few of the themes explored in these pages. Included in the back of the book is a listing of the source of each excerpt. Particularly poignant daily readings can be traced back to the book they were excerpted from, allowing the reader to turn to the source for more from the author on that subject. Also helpful is a lengthy index of Scripture passages commented on in the book. This index could be used as a guide for reading through the Bible. As you read passages, you can turn to the index and see if any devotional thoughts are available that intersect with the verses you just read.
If you're looking for a new devotional for 2012, look no further than this volume from CCEF. I'm confident its Gospel-centered, practical application of Scripture to all of life will make a lasting impression on your heart. It can help facilitate real change, by the power of the Holy Spirit-and that is what CCEF is all about.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by New Growth Press. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
January 2, 2016
Heart of the Matter is 365 one page articles edited for CCEF, and excerpted from authors like Ed Welch and Paul Tripp. The insight is great, and the value to read a page each day throughout the year is phenomenal.
One great quote: Deep change is rarely a matter of knowledge. It is a matter of repentance. We have chosen a path apart from God; repentance is the process of turning back. We have chosen a different story, filled with subtle lies about God, questioning his love, care and compassion. Repentance means to renounce our story and believe that there is only one Storyteller. God alone is authorized to interpret our lives.
One great quote: Deep change is rarely a matter of knowledge. It is a matter of repentance. We have chosen a path apart from God; repentance is the process of turning back. We have chosen a different story, filled with subtle lies about God, questioning his love, care and compassion. Repentance means to renounce our story and believe that there is only one Storyteller. God alone is authorized to interpret our lives.
April 4, 2013
As previously stated, the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF) publishes numerous books and helps for counseling and getting to the true heart of issues. This book is a compilation of their many authors (Paul Tripp, Ed Welch, David Powlison, to name a few)and taking excerpts from their writings to remind Christians who we are in Christ and where the hope and ability for change lies--at the cross of Christ. A great daily devotional book.
December 31, 2015
This excellent devotional consists of a daily bible reading together with a short inspirational comment from a variety of authors. I have received great comfort and encouragement from having this as part of my daily devotions in 2015, and would highly recommend it to my fellow Christians - it is of special value to those who are depressed and/or world weary.
January 1, 2014
Excellent daily reminders through Scripture passages and heart-level commentary of the grace available through the Good News of Jesus Christ. A steady diet of this, in addition to the other means of grace, would do any Christian well.
February 6, 2014
Excellent. Not your typical devotional. Thought-provoking without mysticism or sentimentality.
February 10, 2014
Wonderful devotional by a group of very wise pastors and counselors. Succinct-every sentence is packed with wisdom and something on which to reflect or to be challenged.
free-e-bk
December 29, 201412/29/15. Vessel.
Read
January 1, 2015I don't understand how or why this was offered as a free book, but I went to download it, and it says I have to buy it for 4.99. I must be missing something...
December 31, 2015
This was my favorite devotional for the year - it really helped me gain knowledge and grow in my faith. The devotions and Scripture readings were thoughtful and well-researched.
December 8, 2015
Started reading this today on Jan 1st, 2015. Looking forward to read this the rest of the year! 12-08-2015, I finish this book early today. Great book to read and to remind yourself the Gospel.
March 10, 2015
I'm 17 years of age and I love this book. The greatest thing for me about this book is that it's easy to read, I'm so glad I found this.
April 30, 2015
A very good, practical devotional resource. Few is any come as close in their value. Good stuff. Simple but NOT simplistic.
January 1, 2016
Excellent!
Excellent guide for centering your heart, mind, and soul on who you are in Jesus Christ. The words are timely, practical, convicting, and encouraging.
Excellent guide for centering your heart, mind, and soul on who you are in Jesus Christ. The words are timely, practical, convicting, and encouraging.
February 15, 2017
There was a few entries I liked. But for the most part I did not like it.
December 31, 2016
Inspiring devotional
I really appreciated the daily messages and related scripture in this
book that encouraged and challenged me to look at life through God's Word
I really appreciated the daily messages and related scripture in this
book that encouraged and challenged me to look at life through God's Word
March 28, 2017
I read this devotional to accompany a group study I led on 'Relationships: A Mess Worth Making,' then continued using it long after the study was over. While not as direct hermeneutically as the devotional writing of D. A. Carson, it's worth reading to get a sense of the counseling (personal and pastoral) implications of a variety of Bible passages.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews