Deeply Loved: 40 Ways in 40 Days to Experience the Heart of Jesus
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Deeply Loved
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.
March 28, 2013
Experience Jesus' Love More Deeply
I finished my 40-day journey through Keri Wyatt KentâÂÂs book, "Deeply Loved," today. After 38 days of ideas for practicing the Presence of God in order to more deeply recognize His love, the book ended on a strong note with, first, a day of looking back to reflect on what IâÂÂd learned from the book, then, second, a day of celebration, joyful worship, and thanking God for all HeâÂÂs done. I enjoyed reading this book and am confident that many of the lessons and practices introduced will stick with me.
On page 186, in the middle of Day 39, Kent says, âÂÂThe goal of the spiritual life is not to become adept at spiritual disciplines or busy with religious activity. It is to become more aware of how deeply loved you are, so much so that you extend that love to others. It is to live a fruitful life.â Yet, practicing the disciplines and activities collected in "Deeply Loved" will certainly help readers to reach this spiritual goal. Experiencing the heart of Jesus and sharing Him with others is exactly what growing Christians strive to open themselves up for every day of life.
I received a complimentary copy of "Deeply Loved" for my honest review. It is a tool IâÂÂll be reading through and studying often. I recommend it to you, too!
March 27, 2013
POWERFUL! MORE THAN JUST A DEVOTIONAL BOOK!
So many devotional books are . . . well rather mundane and dry. When I started this one, I wasnâÂÂt 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 isnâÂÂt 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 didnâÂÂt 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 âÂÂPresence Practiceâ suggested at the end day. These werenâÂÂt 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 âÂÂdevotional bookâ just doesnâÂÂt 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 25, 2013
A Help To Focus Our Mind On The Love Of God For Us
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.
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 25, 2013