This is a good book, but I expected it to be much better. It is touted as the book to read after "The Shack". Well, "The Shack" was one of the most excellent books I have ever read, and I would recommend it to everyone. This one, though it has a good message, just doesn't have the punch that "The Shack" does. That isn't to say this isn't a good book to read too, just a little bit of a let down when I was expecting sort of a sequel to "The Shack".

This is a book that you will want to allow time for! After reading The Shack, I found He Loves Me to be the perfect companion!
I would read a chapter and then take time to ponder the points that Jacobsen makes about this Father God who has no favorites! We are all His favorites and He is so fond of each one of us! For those of us with children, how can you choose which one that you are fond of more? We are conditional but the Lord is not!
So many of us believers have bought into the fact that God is angry and is distant when we "screw up". This book shares of how He longs to hold us and have relationship with us even while we choose to be so unlovable!

Have you ever fallen into a performance trap? Felt like God only loved you if you were performing to His standards? Doubted His love for you during hard times? Wayne Jacobsen has penned He Loves Me! to offer warm, personal encouragement for Christians who feel removed from the love of their Father.

Jacobsen writes strongly, sharing his conviction and personal experience of God's unfailing love. Revisiting familiar parables and scenes from throughout the New Testament as well as the Old Testament, Jacobsen builds a case for God's ongoing desire to enter into relationships with each and every one of us.

He Loves Me! keeps a tight focus on God's love. Jacobsen repeatedly turns the readers eye away from themselves and places their sights upon the Heavenly Father. Rather than exploring the message of salvation, Jacobsen's work is written for those who have already entered into relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but who may not feel confident in His love.

While an excellent resource for new Christians who seek to understand the basis of their new position in Christ, He Loves Me! also offers a healing balm for those wounded by works-based religious belief systems. A theme that occurs repeatedly throughout Jacobsen's works is that Christianity is not a religion, a set of rules that Christians must follow in order to please God. Rather, it is God's invitation to enter into a relationship with Him each day through the death of His son on the cross. It is refreshing to read a work from a man who is so clearly grounded in this truth and who proclaims it loudly.

Jacobsen reassures us that we will never be good enough for God, we will never be able to please Him with our own efforts at righteousness. Our status with Him is dependent entirely upon Jesus' work on the cross. Our position in Christ rests not upon our striving to fulfill the laws' commands, but rather the holiness that knowing Jesus will produce in our lives as we let His love fill us full to overflowing. I went into Jacobsen's body of work with a degree of skepticism, being unfamiliar with his teachings. I wondered if I'd encounter claims of universal salvation, the dismissal of sin or a philosophy of `easy-believism'. Thankfully none of these were present, only a rallying cry to return to the foundations of faith - knowing Jesus and following Him.

However, there are some weak points present in Jacobsen's work. Few scriptures are provided to back up his points, and single verses at times serve as the foundation for suppositions that are widely divergent from those held by the majority of the body of Christ. For instance, he posits that believers no longer need to fear God, but a brief survey of the word `fear' as used throughout the New Testament would display that the matter of fearing God is not as one-sided as presented here. Scripture speaks to the fear of God in a believer's life, as well as fear not being present in perfect love. All instances of the term `fear' need to be taken into account to form a balanced view of God's thoughts on the matter. Jacobsen's beliefs regarding sin should also be closely compared with scripture; it seems that they may ultimately lead to the doctrine of complete sanctification within this life when followed to their logical conclusion. Readers will need to proceed with discernment, eating the meat and spitting out the bones.

If you've been entrenched in a struggle to trust in Christ's work on the cross on your behalf, these teachings regarding God's love may take some time to sink in. Jacobsen acknowledges that tuning in to God's love and experiencing Him daily takes time, patience, and trust. With each chapter Jacobsen provides points for personal application, as well as questions that can be explored in a group discussion setting. Seeking God in prayer that focuses upon the suggestions offered, and discussing these teachings with others will serve to deepen understanding and belief.

For myself, I'm inspired to read through the New Testament once again, seeking to understand the love of God through His word as I seek to draw near to Him. I am confident that He Loves Me! will reach many believers who are seeking to regain an authentic, personal walk with Christ as they emerge from works based expectations.

"He Loves Me! Learning to Live in the Father's Affection" by Wayne Jacobsen is a wonderful book designed to combat "Daisy Petal Christianity." It is filled with practical as well as Biblical reminders that God loves us immeasurably. From the cover that reminds us of the childhood game, "He loves me, he loves me not," to the wonderful quotes that begin each chapter, this is an enlightening and insightful read. I can't wait to sit down and savor this book again. There are plenty of group discussion questions at the end of each chapter. There is also a section containing thoughts to ponder and reflect on, yourself. This would be a super group study!

If you are beginning your journey with God, this book can help. Unfortunately, I found it derivative and repetitious. The Search for Significance is 10 times better.

This is the absolutely BEST book I have ever found on the love of God. It is fresh & refreshing & free from "religiosity". For those who are brand new Christians or those (like me) who have been saved for many years, this book will give you new lenses through which to view God & His love for you. It truly is a blessing.

For anyone who is interested in knowing more about the heart of God, this is the book for you. He Loves Me was a great encouragement to me and invited me to rest at a deeper level in Father's love. It was challenging, insightful, inviting, and revealing. What a loving Father we have and I am thankful for Wayne Jacobsen's writing.

This book has revolutionized my thinking in many ways. I graduated from Bible college and have read many wonderful books on God's love and grace such as "The Ragamuffin Gospel," by Brennan Manning and "What's so amazing about grace," by Phillip Yancey. However, this book is a unique and wonderful new take on what God's love and the cross are really all about. This book will challenge your theology and your heart. It will cause you to ask deep questions of yourself and God. More than anything, it lead me to a deeper love and relationship with the Father. the chapter "What really happened at the cross," was one of the most revolutionary takes on the cross I have ever seen. I will be processing the insights gained from this book for years to come. Go and buy this book now!

This is a "New Age" book with Hindu pagan gods posing as two of the three persons of God (Elousia - Female name for God the Father and Sarayu - Female name for God the Holy Spirit). This is not a biblically supported book. Even the title comes from Indian/Hindu origins. Read below for the exact examples that you can research on your own.

Elousia (the black female representation of God the Father):

If you look up Elousia or Elousea she is always the Virgin Mary,in the form of the Black Madonna, not God The Father. This particular Elousia, The Black Madonna, came from the middle East and is the same Character as The goddess Kali/Surga/Durga. The miraculous image given the title, Our Lady of Vladimir, is known as an Eleousa,the Greek word meaning, Mother of Tenderness. The icon of the Virgin Mary and Christ child is in the Greek, in the Orthodox traditions, called elousia, and that word 'elousia' comes to mean a universal, loving kindness, that reaches out to the entire world.

Sarayu (the female representation of the Holy Spirit):

In Les Saintes Maries de la Mere church in France, the Black Madonna is venerated as the patron saint of the Gypsies. Followers congregate and pay homage to the image they call, Kali Sara. Sara-La-Kali is also known as Kali in the Spirit, where Sara means "spirit". The Sarayu was a river in ancient India, flowing beside the ancient city of Ayodhya, located in the modern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It merged into the larger River Ganga in the southern plains of U.P. and Bihar.It is often considered to be synonymous with the modern Ghaghara river.

Western observers who are familiar with Hindu religious customs have identified this ceremony with the Durga Pooja of India In Romani, Kali Sara means Black Sara and in India, the Goddess Kali is known as Kali/Durga/Sara. Like the Hindus, the Roma practice shaktism, the worship of Goddesses. In other words, the Roma who attend the pilgrimage to Les Saintes Maries in France and in other related ceremonies elsewhere honouring black female divinities, are in fact continuing to worship Kali/Durga/Sara their original Goddess in India.

Where does the Title "The Shack" come from?

Kali is the Supreme Mahavidya, and is the Vedic Goddess Shachi RV.X.159) or Indrani, the female form of Indra the supreme Vedic divinity (RV.VI.30.4),(Indra = male form of Kali)
as the Supreme Goddess.

Is it pure luck that "The Shack" and Shaci sound alike, and that Kali,in the form of Elousia, her daughter Sara-La-Kali (Saryu or Sarayu) and Indra all meet together in the form Shaci like they meet in "The Shack"...

Lord Indra is the king of the cosmic gods, according to our mythology. On the one hand, according to tradition, he is most powerful. On the other hand, because he makes mistakes, he does not remain fixed in his own transcendental height. The so-called modern world is not guided or shaped by Indra.

Quotes from the book vs. the Bible:

Shack: God: "I am neither male nor female, even though both genders are derived from my nature" page 93

Bible: "The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. The LORD is a man of war: the LORD is his name." Exodus 15:2-3

Shack: Mack (main character): "are there any who you are not especially fond of?"...
God: "Nope, I haven't been able to find any. Guess that's jes' the way I is" page 118 and 119

Bible: "Know therefore that the LORD thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations;
And repays them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hate Him, He will repay him to his face. Deuteronomy 7:9-10

Shack: God: "I don't need to punish people for sin. Sin is its own punishment, devouring you from the inside. It's not my purpose to punish it; it's my joy cure it" page 120

Bible: The Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceptions while they feast with you;
Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:..." 2 Peter 2:9-14

This book has helped me appreciate my journey toward God. I have had my conflicts with pleasing others and yet believing that in the end it doesn't matter who is happy with me. The pull to please others is so strong when I lose sight of God. My relationship with God has grown simply by understanding who He is just that much more.

In an age of overwork, programs and performance based assessments (of everything), this is a liberating book which majors on God loves for us, such great love. Jacobsen emphasises our need to know God and to abide in Him. He reassures us that we are loved unconditionally and that our service flows from our security in Christ, not as a method to attain that security. Thanks Wayne.

This book along with it's recommended selections, has literally changed my life. To find, in print, the very things I have wanted to believe about God for so long has been indescribable!

If you view your life in Christ not as a religious thing you do but as a journey, you will want this book in your backpack.

If I had to rate the five most infulential books in my life this one would definitely be on the list. For anyone who is tired of running on the "God is Good...You're Bad...Try Harder treadmill", this book is a source of rest. For anyone who is fatigued at viewing their circumstances through a warped crystal ball that alwasy leaves them wondering if God really cares, this book is a profound journey worth taking. This book had a radical effect on my spiritual journey.

After reading "The Shack", I was looking for something that would help me put my new-found understanding of what relationship with God can look like into practice. This book did it. It is a biblical look at God's love for us and how it is the foundation of trust and true life-changing relationship.

I think this author has been living in my head! He has opened Bible story after Bible story to show me a loving God in a new light. I sense that this amazing relationship is what I have been longing for and looking for in all the wrong places. The problem has not been my church, or a particular style of worship. It has not been my own failures, even though they are many. The problem has been my focus on my persistent personal efforts to earn God's favor, and my lack of understanding that He has loved me all along. May God give me the courage to embrace His acceptance and freedom.

This book is a terrific read, as a standalone, or as a commentary for The Shack. It would make a perfect small group study guide.

This is the best book I have read in a long time! Jacobsen helps believers to discover the freedom of "living loved"! I had often wondered what a life lived in the light of Abba's love would look like and how I could do that. Wayne's treatise of this important subject set me on a path to life abundant!

Wayne Jacobsen came to my attention through his relationship with William P. Young, the author of "The Shack." Wayne has been writing for some time and has had impact in different circles through different ministry roles and previously through an editorial relationship with Leadership magazine.

I'm sorry it has taken this long for him to come to my attention. Through the influence of "The Shack" and another book that Wayne co-wrote, "So You Don't Want to Go to Church Anymore?", Wayne has had a profound influence in my thinking and views toward God and the Church. More importantly, in this book, Wayne does an excellent job of demonstrating the roots of those previous works in Scripture and practical theology in terms of the person of God and how He wants to relate to us.

Christianity is rife with lip service as to the importance of Grace in underlying the foundation of a personal walk with God. In practice however, many Churches and Christians of all ilks and persuasions quickly move past that lip service into forms of legalism and phariseeism that make it clear that if Grace is the foundation of the beginning of a walk with Christ, it certainly has little to do with what comes after. Guilt, shame, manipulation and coercion quickly raise their heads and become the motivator for far too many of us.

William Young, the author of "The Shack" recommends this book on the back cover as the best book he can suggest for those who have read "The Shack" to help everything begin to make sense. I can recommend no better than that myself.

This is a deeply freeing book to read, to grasp but more importantly to begin to live the concepts present.

I highly recommend it and will return to it myself many times.

5 stars.

Bart Breen

I wish I could Stay inside the truths shared in this book! Every Believer has need to read this book!

This is a must read for everyone, believer or non believer...but it is especially good for those who cannot grasp the father's love for them.

I have enjoyed the perspective of this author on several passages of the Bible that have confused me in the past. He takes a fresh look at them and brings clarity and understanding that is helping me to renew my relationship with God as a Father. It is really helping me to approach him openly, honestly and without fear. What a delight! Definitely a worthwhile read.

We've already ordered more for family and friends! This is one book that everyone should read - Christian or Non-Christian...it'll change (for the good) the way you see and think about many things. It is refreshing and inspiring!

It just didn't hit me where I was looking to be hit. I think I need a woman's perspective.

The Father loves us more than anybody else ever will or ever can. This book shows through Scripture how you can KNOW that for sure and then live your life in that love. You can have a real, day-to-day relationship with God and deep, meaningful relationships with people of all kinds. It can be the most freeing revelation you've ever had.

A wonderful, must-read for anyone stuck in old patterns of thinking concerning God. Timely!

This is an excellent book on the personal, imtimate relationship God wants with each of us. If you have read the Shack by William P. Young, this is the perfect followup to that book. This book will open your eyes to a view of God that most of us have never seen and didn't hear about in church. Come see what the God of the God of the Bible is really like and learn to live in His love. He wants a relationship with you based on His love for you.

I have always known that God loved me and it was so very clear when I first came to believe, but after over 20 years of being involved in church and other ministry, I gave up. This book came into my hands and has brought healing and restoration into my life. What I have always known to be true about God is now expressed in simple, easy language that can be understood by anyone. I thank God for Wayne and the struggles he went through that led him to the place that he could write about the Father's great love. I will never again be content with anything apart from the love of God. He Loves Me! Learning to Live In the Father's Affection

This is the perfect book to read after "The Shack". Although I strongly believed everything this book has to say, it was a really good way to reinforce my beliefs.

A must read for Believers.

This book comes highly recommended as a follow up book to The Shack, by Wm P. Young. You will never regret spending the money. Another book to accompany these two is: "So you don't Want to go to Church any More" by Jake Colson. These books speak of where the church as the Body of Christ is stagnanting today and is inspired writing for what it speems to be tan answer.

This is the BEST explanation of the Father's love I have ever read! So much becomes clear as you discover page after page of insights into the eternal. Everyone should read this! Whether you are reacting to the offer of relationship with the Father through rebellion or religion - you need to come home. This book will point the way home.
I have just ordered two more copies - one to replace the one I am leaving behind in Morocco for my daughter and her co-workers and another for my future son-in-law. I expect I will be buying many more and rereading it myself.