Heald's devotional is fairly reminiscent of Jerry Bridge's recent title, I Exalt You, O God, which exhorts Christians to divine adoration, though Heald's work focuses more on inviting Christian followers to richer intimacy with God. Heald's reputation for producing meaty, high-quality Bible studies for women precedes her as she centers on the subject of knowing the God who hungers for a relationship with his children. Heald (Becoming a Woman of Excellence; Becoming a Woman of Faith) opens with a one-page dialogue between "the Father and the child," which ends with God urging the child to continue along the path toward divine companionship. This prayerful dialogue provides a rough structure for the devotionals that follow, as Heald uses familiar Bible verses as the foundation for 28 meditations. She skillfully and compassionately explores topics such as forgiveness, holiness, discipline, comfort, peer pressure and justice. Each devotion includes a pertinent Scripture verse, an illustration, a biblical perspective on applying these life lessons and poignant quotes. The only flaw in these reflective mini-epistles is the simplistic, single-sentence prayers that follow. (One reads merely, "Dear Lord, may You always be my first love. Amen.") Lengthier, more in-depth prayers appended to Heald's messages would have added a better balance to her substantial devotionals. Overall, however, Heald's fans will come away with a fuller understanding of how God relentlessly pursues his people. (Oct.)
