The Heart of Jesus Paperback – 20 August 2024

This is definitely my book of the year! Clear and easy to read, beautiful and comforting. Each short chapter could be a part of your daily devotions, and the book could be read again and again, as you soak/bathe in its beautiful message.Because of who we are (our natural, sinful pride) we always think of salvation and love as somehow conditioned on what we do. We want to feel loved by Jesus, and so we are always trying to be our best selves, and thinking that we are more attractive and pleasing to him at our best, and so then he'll love us more.That's so backward, and counter-grace, and in the end is not good news.The good news, and Ortlund sets it out so beautifully, is that the Savior's love doesn't change, and that he is actually drawn to love us more and to help and see us through when we stumble in sin. Every chapter will draw you into another aspect of how the Savior sees and loves each of his own, personally.And, another thing that we are prone to think is that God is waiting for us to fail so that he can prove his justice and pounce on us. We think of him as a God who has his finger on the trigger. This is not God! Yes, he's just, but Jesus is the place and the one where that justice has been meted out and satisfied. He does not want to destroy us. He's a tender Father. He is fully of mercy and is ready to cover us in love. This is another part of the beautiful message in this book. Again, his mercy does not depend on our performance.I'll finish with this quote from the book.'"Slow to anger.' He doesn't have his finger on the trigger. It takes a long time to get him angry. Unlike us, who are often emotional dams ready to break, God can put up with a lot. This is why the Old Testament speaks of God being "provoked to anger" by his people dozens of times. But not once are we told that God is "provoked to love" or "provoked to mercy.." His anger requires provocation; his mercy is pent up, ready to gush forth. We tend to think that divine anger is pent up, spring-loaded; while divine mercy is slow to build. But it's just the opposite. Divine mercy is ready to burst forth at the slightest prick."Such a worthwhile read. So life-changing. I'm going to buy a dozen and have them on hand to give to people.

If you, like me, were moved and inspired in your affections and devotion to Jesus even more after reading "Gentle and Lowly", then I think you'll really enjoy this book as well.I've often said to people that I have no doubt that I love Jesus, and I have no doubt that He loves me, but there are days when I wonder if He "likes" me or if He's grown impatient and frustrated with me.In this book, like his other books, Ortlund dives deep into Scripture rather than psychology for his research.I've found his methods to be very reliable which is great considering how uplifting the book is. The trend currently is to put a "softer" image on Jesus to make Him seem nicer by ignoring who He reveals Himself to be in Scripture. Rather than doing that, Ortlund shows the love Jesus has for His children without over-emphasizing one aspect or ignoring others.He does not seek for "balance" he seeks to portray Jesus in whatever way He chose to portray Himself.I am greatly encouraged by this book and I think you will be too. Ortlund is one of a kind and I love his kind heart and commitment to Scripture.

This is a wonderful smaller book that is an easy read with a beautiful message. I like to start my day with bible study, and sometimes it needs to be quick due to life's responsibilities - and this book is perfect for that. Each chapter is just a couple to three pages long, but don't let the length full you - it full of great content. It's a heart warming detail of the love we receive from Jesus with pages of encouragement and confirmation of how he feels. I've never read Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund, but after reading this adaptation I am left yearning to dive into it. This book would make as a great gift for someone who isn't a big reader, or a young reader. The book itself is beautiful and durable - it's small but looks and feels so nice in your hands. There's also reference to Bible passages for a deeper dive - making it great for a bible study companion. I love this book and would absolutely recommend.

I hope it didn’t seem rude to put caps there. I think it very important to be forward about differing versions of the same content. I could not bring myself to take off any more than one star though because ‘Gentle and Lowly’ is one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read. Even taking off that one star makes uncomfy feelings happen oph.This is a shorter lighter read than Gentle and Lowly but enough of the content that a person with less time, less attention span or just a new believer that is at that sponge like state: excellent material.I’m personally glad to have both versions because I can read this when I’m lacking time but desiring it’s encouragements.The book as an item: A slender volume short in stature. A beautiful sage green with gold foil lettering, exactly as depicted in their photos. The paper cover is slippery not grippy nor textured. A giftable, dear little volume.If you’re forgetting who Jesus is or never really knew Him much this packs a powerful punch. We are all forgetful at times of even people we are nearest too, sometimes we need to step a few feet away and really think about who is in front of us. If you want to know Jesus more personally and are not even sure which questions you might ask or whom to ask: this is full of life giving truths that will give you sturdier roots in the marvellous truths of our God. Water for the weary soul or just fresh joy for the more naturally cheerful.From the tear inspiring opening C.S. Lewis quote to the last comedically simple point: “The Christian life boils down to two steps: 1) Go to Jesus 2) See step one!”-What is sandwiched between these 108 pages are pure gems, light for the path.One might come away thinking: Jesus, whoa too good to be true!! But if you really pause and consider Mr. Ortlund’s beautiful efforts here, you’ll know: NO! Jesus really is the greatest good: the way, the truth and the life. Amen, this dear book is a sweet, rich and powerful blessing!There are very few books (besides the Bible itself) that I would even consider reading twice, this book I’d recommend reading twice annually-it is exhilarating and as comforting as a true old pal.I hope my review helps a little with deciding if this would be a good read for someone you love or for yourself! *I wish it had existed when I first was born again, but am very glad for it today. (:

This is not a big book, but it goes deep into the heart of things to explore the love Jesus has for us—not just when we are well and good, but when we are at our worst. Every chapter is concise and accessibly written. I was so encouraged reading this that I immediately passed it on to my husband next, who thinks each of our teens also needs to read it! This is the kind of life changing book that you want to buy in bulk and pass out in church! I was not familiar with the longer version of this book, Gentle and Lowly, but reading this makes me want to check out that one next!