Deeper by Dane Ortlund is a thoughtful and Christ-centered book that explores what it means to grow in the Christian life beyond surface-level faith. It focuses on spiritual depth that comes not from striving harder, but from resting more fully in the person and work of Christ.
This book builds on themes of grace, transformation, and ongoing spiritual formation, pointing the reader back again and again to the heart of Jesus.
My Thoughts
This book felt like a gentle but steady invitation to move away from shallow or performance-based faith and into something deeper and more rooted in Christ.
What stood out to me:
The focus on spiritual growth as a work of grace rather than effort
The repeated emphasis on the heart of Christ in transformation
The calm, reflective tone that encourages slowing down and thinking deeply
How it impacted me:
It reminded me that growth in faith is not rushed or forced
It encouraged me to rest in what Christ is doing rather than what I am trying to achieve
It gave me a deeper appreciation for God’s patience in spiritual formation
Writing style / tone:
Reflective and theological but accessible
Calm and steady rather than urgent
Focused on depth rather than surface application
Key Themes
Spiritual growth through grace
The heart of Christ in transformation
Moving beyond surface-level faith
Rest and dependence on God
Who I Would Recommend This To
Believers wanting deeper spiritual maturity
Readers who enjoyed Gentle and Lowly
Those feeling stuck in surface-level faith
Small group or personal study readers
Favorite Quote
“Spiritual growth is not first about trying harder, but about resting deeper in Christ.”
Final Thoughts
Deeper is a steady and thoughtful reminder that true Christian growth is rooted in grace rather than effort. It calls the reader to slow down and consider the depth of Christ’s work in shaping the heart over time.
This is a book I would recommend to anyone who desires a more grounded, reflective, and Christ-centered understanding of spiritual growth.
Gentle and Lowly is a deeply comforting and Christ-centered book that invites readers to see the heart of Jesus in a new and tender way. Dane Ortlund draws from Scripture and historic Christian writings to show the compassion, gentleness, and steady love of Christ toward sinners and sufferers.
This is not a book that rushes you. It is one that slows you down and gently turns your attention back to the heart of Jesus.
My Thoughts
This book met me in a very quiet and personal way. It reminded me that Jesus is not distant or harsh, but gentle, patient, and full of mercy toward those who come to Him honestly.
What stood out most to me was how consistently the book points back to the character of Christ. It is not centered on striving or performance, but on rest and belonging in Him.
The writing is simple but rich, and each chapter feels like an invitation to pause and reflect rather than rush through.
What stood out to me:
The gentle portrayal of Christ’s heart toward sinners and sufferers
The focus on grace instead of performance
The steady, calming tone of the writing
How it impacted me:
It encouraged me to slow down spiritually
It reminded me of the kindness of Jesus
It shifted my focus from striving to resting in Christ
Writing style / tone:
Calm and reflective
Easy to read but deeply meaningful
Devotional in feel without being overly complex
Who I Would Recommend This To
Those who feel spiritually weary or burdened
Anyone struggling with guilt or shame
New believers wanting to understand the heart of Jesus
Small group or Bible study settings
Favorite Quote
“One of the hardest things to grasp in the Christian life is how freely and fully Christ loves His people.”
Final Thoughts
Gentle and Lowly is a book I would return to again. It is steady, comforting, and rooted in Scripture. It gently shifts the reader’s focus away from striving and back to the heart of Christ’s mercy.
I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs to be reminded that Jesus is truly gentle and lowly in heart.
A psalm of brokenness and restoration. May these words be a sanctuary for your heart today.
—
I carry shame for actions, words, and thoughts. The inability to trust You still escapes me.
Though doubts and confusion make me feel so weak, still You call me worthy— more than I can believe.
Even in my most broken state, You still call me daughter. How can You remain so faithful when I continually falter?
I often wonder if I am truly chosen, or destined to a life undone by the world, when trials shake me to my core— when I cannot feel Your Presence, and Your voice seems so distant, the silence pressing in like stone.
You whisper:You are not defined by misery, nor by a life without purpose. The refining fire is painful, even breaking at times, yet beyond the surface a greater work is unfolding.
You stretch the limits of my sight, so I may see through clouded glass, bask in surrender’s light, and drink deeply of living water— drawn into intimacy with You.
The burden I carry, the weight of my heart, is being woven into a tapestry, a work of art.
You are preparing me. In the stillness, You mold and shape me, making room for my story that will propel me forward— not perfection, but mercy, a blessing that lingers in the lives of others.
My testimony will no longer be bound by pain. For when I walk in my calling, a lioness will rise forward to guard the hallowed ground with reverence. Your strength will be my armor. Your power will be my shield.
Not perfection, but grace. And in You, I am made whole.
There are moments when weakness feels louder than faith, yet I have found a deeper truth: even in my frailty, His love calls me His. What seemed like breaking has become shaping, and grace has carried me into wholeness.
Do you hear that same love naming you, even in your own fragile places?
Have you been hoping, praying, wandering in those desert places, waiting for that defining moment when you can boldly declare that you’ve received your healing? Your miracle?
Faithfully waiting for that prayer that you’ve prayed countless times over your healing, healing for a loved one, healing for a friend, healing and restoration or renewal for your marriage, healing for your children, grandchildren, salvation for a prodigal child or family member, your parents health, that circumstance or situation that never seems to be resolved, your financial situation, mending of a broken relationship or friendship? Maybe you’ve been praying for that impossible dream that you fear will never come into fruition or something that seems impossible to overcome.
Whatever it is that you’re asking of the Lord, know that none of this defines you.
Your value isn’t found in your answered or, for that matter, your unanswered prayers.
Your value is found in the person and work of Christ Jesus.
Let me clarify that in better terms to help you understand what I’m trying to convey.
Just because you pray and it seems like your prayers aren’t being answered, it doesn’t mean that your faith is weak or that you need to pray harder.
And just because your prayer does get answered does not mean that your faith is better than anyone else’s.
To further clarify, prayer is key to having a healthy relationship with God. Yes!
And having abiding faith means putting your trust in God and having confidence that He will fulfill His promises. And that we continually receive, believe, and trust that Jesus is everything we need.
However, you are not defined as unloved, forsaken, or forgotten if the answers to your prayers aren’t fulfilled or come to pass.
God loves you no matter what the outcome.
He knows what’s best for you.
Don’t lose heart.
Keep your eyes on Jesus.
And stay persistent and patient in waiting through prayer.
Remember these Scriptures …
Romans 12:12 – “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
Ephesians 6:18 – “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”
James 5:16 – “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.”
1 Thessalonians 5:17 – “Never stop praying.”
Are you still faithfully waiting for that unanswered prayer?
Then you are in good company.
Just remember, your value or worth aren’t determined by anything other than who Christ says that you are.
Remember-what you do here or don’t do here on this side of heaven, as a follower of Christ Jesus; choosing not to witness to your children will have eternal consequences.
Point your children to Christ, if we don’t then the world will point them to destruction.
I know it’s hard, but don’t allow yourself to feel defeated. Keep fighting for your children. Keep seeking help from the Holy Spirit…. Who is … Jesus in You!
As we learn to lean on the Holy Spirit, He will do the work in us to help strengthen us; to help us persevere, fast, pray, and intercede on the behaves of our children.
It can seem like a losing battle, I know!
Keep faith in the Holy Spirit’s power to bring conviction to your children’s hearts, even when you’re tired and can’t see the results of your efforts. Whether saved or unsaved, the Holy Spirit is working in and on their behalf.
It might be exhausting; it might be difficult; it might be heartbreaking to witness their refusal to the truth-the truth that will redeem, cleanse, restore, renew, save, and set them free from the chains of sin and death.
You may not even realize it, but your children are watching. They see you. They hear the words you speak. They are witnesses to your faith, to the reflection you mirror as a follower of Jesus.
Continue to follow and set the example of Jesus in your daily life. Keep witnessing to them. Keep planting those seeds. Your children see your love and devotion for the one who changed you, made you whole, gave you new life, and opened your eyes to the revelation that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.
And, it is my prayer and the cry of this mother’s heart; someday, my children will want to know Him more. They will choose Him as their Lord and Savior.
The Holy Spirit will empower you to be an effective witness for Jesus Christ. The fruit of your labor will not be in vain.
The treasure that you, as a Christian parent, will leave in the hearts and minds of your children will outweigh all earthly treasures.
Leave an inheritance to your children that matters.
Christmas has always been my favorite time of year, but lately it has been hard to celebrate.
I know you’re probably thinking to yourself, “How can you feel that way about Christmas?”
For the past several years it’s become more worrisome than joyful.
And honestly, I have to admit it isn’t the picture I envision for myself or my family, especially when I think about celebrating my savior’s birth.
It’s been hard the last couple of years. With everything we have had to endure as a society and as a nation as a whole. It’s been especially hard for those of us Christian’s who are desperately trying to live by our moral and Biblical standards. It seems, at times, that we are being forced to do things that goes against our will. Things in which goes against our beliefs or that we believe to be just and right in the eyes of God. And it’s getting worse by the day. I know I’m not alone when I say that we all have felt the impact of it all.
It’s Christmastime and instead of feeling excited I’m feeling anxiety, extremely tired, worn out, and looking forward to when Christmas is over.
Christmas has become so commercialized and downright demanding that it can sometimes take the enjoyment out of celebrating.
And on top of that, financial burdens can make it difficult for everyone around the holidays.
Trying to figure out how to purchase gifts for your children at this time of year, when you don’t have the means to do so encompasses a whole lot of unwanted pressure that causes me and I am sure many others to dread this time of year.
It wasn’t always this way.
What happened?
Where did the jubilation go?
When did it become more about the gifts than about Jesus?
When did I allow my heart to become so disheartened?
Christmas is about the birth of Jesus and my heart aches that seldom the celebration is truly wrapped up in Him.
Beyond all decorations, tinsel, Christmas trees, lights, gifts, and the many to do list, where does Jesus fit in?
Has my family made room for Him?
Have I made room for Him?
Have you made room for Him?
After all, Jesus is the reason we celebrate the season, right?
Or have we quickly forgotten?
Have I allowed the pressures of life to dampen my spirit?
Unfortunately, it has, but I don’t have to let it, do I? Do we?
Most certainly not!
Then what do I do about it?
What do we do about it?
How do I (we) combat the feelings of stress, worry, anxiety and the endless amounts of pressures that are brought about during the holidays.
We keep our hearts and minds focused on Jesus.
We never let ourselves lose sight of the significance, joy and the miracle of the birth of Jesus.
When our souls are weary we continue to look to Jesus.
We continue to pray and seek His face above all others.
At Christmastime, and in every season.
May we never forget or need reminding of the extraordinary gift that we have been given.
May we never forget to Thank God, for His precious gift of Jesus. . . .
You know the story!
One Holy night, long long ago, a baby changed everything.
For unto us a Child is born. For unto us a Son is given.
… Born in a stable. … Wrapped in swaddling clothes … Placed in a manger … He was no ordinary baby … He was Immanuel — God with us
His name shall be called Wonderful Jesus
… Our Blessed Hope … Our Blessed Assurance
… The Savior of the whole entire world … The Incarnate God … The Way, the Truth and the Life … The True Vine … The Resurrection and the Life … The Mediator … The Lamb of God … The High Priest … The Good Shepherd … The Deliverer … The Redeemer … The Bread of Life … The Author & Perfecter of Our Faith … The Lord of All … The Great I Am … The Counselor … The Mighty God … The Everlasting Father … The Prince of Peace … The Word of Life … The Word of God … The Holy One … The Light of the World … The King of Kings and Lord of Lords … The One True GOD!
The story of Jesus’ birth doesn’t end there. The story of Jesus’ birth is so much more.
It’s not just a beautiful Christmas story, but the most beautiful Christmas story ever told.
From the birth of Jesus in a manger to the Star of Bethlehem, Christmas is a celebration of God becoming flesh as a gift of love.
The greatest gift of love in whom through and by Him, our Lord, Christ Jesus, would save His people from their sins.
May we be reminded of God’s indescribable gift of love — our beautiful Jesus.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want a Christmas that is,
… hurried … worried … pressured … stressed … boxed … wrapped … packaged … weighed down by life’s demands … stripped of joy by life’s circumstances
I want a Christmas that
… wraps me in His presence … comforts me in His Hope and Love … is devoted solely to Him … exchanges anxiety and stress for joy … is focused on Him … grows closer to Him … is thankful for the gift of Scripture … celebrates the miracle of His birth … is eternally grateful for Gods unspeakable gift
I want a Christmas that rejoices in, Jesus.
I want a Christmas that whispers, His Holy Name.
I want a Christmas that reminds me of just how loved I truly am.
How loved we are all!
I want a Christmas that brings hope of a better tomorrow, through my Lord and Savior.
I want a Christmas that assures me that because of Jesus I can experience true joy even in the midst of trouble.
I want a Christmas in which to marvel in the wondrous power that took place on that Holy night, in order for God to save the entirety of the world.
Lord, there is nothing like Your presence. When my heart is wearied, burdened, sorrowful, broken, or bruised, I can boldly come and sit confidently in your presence.
I know you hear the cries of your children. I know you care and want the very best for each of us. It is You that gives us strength when faced with adversity and it is You who sustains us.
I am comforted by your Word that tells me that I will not be forgotten or forsaken. My heart finds its rest in You, Lord.
I never have to worry when the pressures of this life get too heavy or when apprehension rushes at me like a tidal wave everywhere I turn, You are my hiding place. You stand by my side and grant me quietness of mind, calm, and peace as I run into Your conforming arms.
When fear is crippling and even in my wandering I can be rest assured that everything will be alright because we know that all things work together for good to them that love You, Lord, and to them who are called according to Your divine purpose.
I know with You, I can face whatever may come my way. You are my joy. You are my strength. My sustaining power. My Rock and my refuge. My fortress and My high tower. You are the keeper of my heart. Nothing will ever compare to Your loving embrace.
Thank You, Lord, for enfolding me in Your love and powerful presence. My life is made whole and complete in You. I am forever thankful for your mercy and for your grace.
